"waitng is Return of investment to God"

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
                                                            1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

IMPATIENCE IS ONE of the hallmark of life today. The advancement of communication such as e-mail, instant messaging, and texting seem to make our lived busier, and enable ys to carry additional loads. Subsequently, we are mire, or pack more into our ariesbusy schedules.
     For some of us, out impatience cost us dearly, We wantto do the right thing butvend uo doing the wrong thing because we are in a hurry, never considerinh whether guy who couldn't care less about the Christian faith because  we're afraid we may end up single; or we sign on to a business deal that looks lucrative but demand short-cutting integrity.
    Awaiting God's timing lets God settle isdues His way instead of ours. For seven long years David awaited tge fufillment of God's promises that he would be king, and speaking of that experience he said, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways,  when thet carry out their wicked schemed" (pdalm 37:7). Do you know what "fretting is? It means you sweat and stew when your enemies or adversaries seem to get the break and you are left waiting in uncertainty.
   Waiting is not wasted time; it is a simple act of contrite submission to the truth that God had a plan for your life. It is acknowledging that your clevernesd, your ability to make things hapoen, and your charms ate not enough to get you where you think you ought to go, Then God stepd in, and when He does, there is no question as to who is responsible. Then your heart will cry, "To God be the glory, great thingd He has done." ROI the song say, without expense!

"waitng is Return of investment to God"

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
                                                            1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

IMPATIENCE IS ONE of the hallmark of life today. The advancement of communication such as e-mail, instant messaging, and texting seem to make our lived busier, and enable ys to carry additional loads. Subsequently, we are mire, or pack more into our ariesbusy schedules.
     For some of us, out impatience cost us dearly, We wantto do the right thing butvend uo doing the wrong thing because we are in a hurry, never considerinh whether guy who couldn't care less about the Christian faith because  we're afraid we may end up single; or we sign on to a business deal that looks lucrative but demand short-cutting integrity.
    Awaiting God's timing lets God settle isdues His way instead of ours. For seven long years David awaited tge fufillment of God's promises that he would be king, and speaking of that experience he said, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways,  when thet carry out their wicked schemed" (pdalm 37:7). Do you know what "fretting is? It means you sweat and stew when your enemies or adversaries seem to get the break and you are left waiting in uncertainty.
   Waiting is not wasted time; it is a simple act of contrite submission to the truth that God had a plan for your life. It is acknowledging that your clevernesd, your ability to make things hapoen, and your charms ate not enough to get you where you think you ought to go, Then God stepd in, and when He does, there is no question as to who is responsible. Then your heart will cry, "To God be the glory, great thingd He has done." ROI the song say, without expense!

TO LOVE or NOT to Love

"He who pursue righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
                                                                                Proverb 21:21

I  wheeled into the house the other day and had a very biblical experience I felt like Jonah entering the mouth of the whale. The house stank of fish. Mu fisherman husband had caught twenty-two tuna. I glanced into the kitchen and saw my dishes pushed aside to make room for mounds of tuna filets. My heart sank when I noticed tuna blood dripping between the sink and the stove where no sponge can reach.
   I knew what thus meant. tuna noodle casseroles. Fried tuna Grilled, baked, and barbecued tuna. Souffleed and sashimied. Poached and pancaked. And the rest Ken would freeze for later on. My anger began to well.
   That evening Ken barbecue his tuna, fixed his special sauce, cut lemons and parsley, and set my plate before me with a big smile. Even though I hate tuna and was still mad over the less in the kitchen, I decide then and there that love is stronger than the smell of fish. As I forced it down, I realized it is better to please my husband than ti please ly tastebuds.
    Love is lived out that way. Last-minute choiced yhat drcide fir someone else. Quick decisions to lay aside diffferenced and cheer someone on Skin-of-the teeth, under-the-Wire bits of love that say "You means a lot to me." Always love is a choice
     You come up against score of opportunity every day to love or not to lovr. You encounter hundred of small chances to please your friends, delight your Lord, and encourage your family. That's why love and obedience are intimately linked you can' have one without the other.
     I choise to love, Lord I choose to obey. May the small things I do today tell others "Jesus loves you
  

"UNSEEN FORCES"

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principality, against powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in the high places.
                                       EPHESIANS 6:12

We are called upon to bind unseen forces. We have authority over the devil and evil spirits. But we do not have authority over our fellow men or their wills.
    Year ago, a pastor friend of mine accompanied me from Fort Worth to a campmeeting. This man had diabetes and he had to check his urine every morning for sugar content to see how much insulin he would need fir his daily injection.
    As we were leaving california, I said, "You won't register any sugar as long as you're with me." He looked at me as if he didn't believe me, but in almost two weeks he was with me, he never registered any sugar, even though he ate pies and cajes. He later told me he was home for three days before he registered sugar again.
   Why? I took authority over his sickness. I had control over unseen forces, but I didn't have control over his will. As long as he was with me, and this unseen firce was in my presence, I could control it. I tried ti convince him he could do the same thing, but he expected it to come back and it did.
confession: I have authority over all unseen firces in my realm of domain. And I bind them and stop their activity in Jesus' name!

"DYING TO SELF"

"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me."
                                                                              Galatians 2:20 

What does the word self mean? It is conciousness of being with the capacity of decision. it is represented by our free will and what we decide to do with it. Unredeemed self is harsh and uncompassionate towards others. Self is egotistical and centered on "only me," "everything for me," and "me" first. It is irritable, envious, resistant, critical, arrogant, discontented, and anxious.
    The only way to be victorious over self is to be broken. Then we can spill out our perfume before the Lord, just like the woman who broke the alabaster box did. Jesus was pleased that the woman took costly perfume and poured it out in act of love and humility. By her action, she declared that Jesus was worthy if receiving the best of the best.
    As  followers, we can't just put up a front and pretent to be something we're not. When Jesus Christ comed into our heart, He breaks us of self. Then we can show His character in all that we do.
    Andrew Murray said, "Just like water always seek to fill the lowest places, so also the moment that God finds us humble and empty, He fills us with His glory and power." All we have to do is present oursrlves empty and broken befire Him and then let Him fill us and keep us.
     As we die to self these read Galatians 5:22-23 these fruit will be more more evident in our lives.

THOUGHTFUL PRAISEDi

I remember the days of old; I mediate on all your works; I muse on the work of your hands.
                                                                                    Psalm 143:5

Most of us long to praise God more joyfully we do. One common hindrance is that no matter how hard we try, we often don't feel like praising Him.
     Bible teacher Sellwyn Hughes says that God has placed within us three main functions: the will, the feelings, and the thoughts. Our will, he says, has little or no power over our feelings, You can't say, "I am going to feel different," and then accomplish it by sheer willpower. What the feeling do respond to are the thoughts. Qouting another source. Hughes says: "Our feeling follow our thoughts like baby ducks follow their mother." So how can we make our thoughts the leader of our feeling?
    King David showed us the way in Psalm143. Feeling overwhelmed and distressed (v.4). he took time to think about the Lord (v.5). He remembered God's lovingkindness, trustworthiness, and guidance (v.8): His protection and goodness (vv.9-10). His righteousness and mercy (vv.11-12). Once David got going, his feeling began to follow his thoughts
    Name your own blessings daily; contemplate them thoroughtly; speak about them to God and to others. Gradually your concern about feelings will diminish and you'll be  praising God with joy
   Take control of my heart todays, 
keep in filled with joy and praise 
And gratitude for every good
You bestow on all my days.

Liberated to be Rich part 1

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

 Luke 12:34

FOR THE INDIVIDUAL who believe that his giving was a strictly private matter between God and himself only a lot of what Jesus said when He was on Earth must have been rather disturbing. Fifteen percent of what Jesus said had to do with your possessions and what you do with them. Repeatedly, He urged people to give to the poor and needy.
    Jesus taught that there was a connection between giving away what you have and treasure in heaven. To the man identified as a rich young ruler He said, "One thing you lack Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven"(Mark 10:21).
   Or what of the time Jesus observed the poor widow who put two small copper coins in the temple offering box? "Truly I tell you," He said, this poor widow has put in more than all of them." By " referred to the steady flow of individual who contributed, expecting praise for their generosity.
   On another occasion Jesus talked about a man apparently a good businessman who tore down barns to build bigger ones, and spoke of him as a fool. This man, spiritually improverished,  did not realize that what he accrued would stay on Earth when died
   Shrouds have pockets and heares have no trailers behind them. Your attitude  toward money tellds a great  deal about your true wealth not the stock and bonds you have or the bottom line of Financial statement; but whether or not you are free to give sacrificially and generously so that you may be rich in God's kingdom.

"Oaks of Righteousness"

"He is like tree planted by stream of water, which, yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does propers."
                                                                                      Psalm 1:3

The leaves on almost all the tree have fallen now, Just a few hardy types are still dangling on the branches, but even these are withering fast, That's why at this time of year Psalm 1 comes alive as we are reminded that, as Christian, our leaf does not wither.
     God had a great idea when He chose a tree as a symbol for growing Christians. Just consider: It's a fact that the branches of growing trees not only reach higher, but theirs roots grow deeper. It's impossible for a a strong tree to have high branches without having deep roots. It's would become too-heavy and tople over the wind. The same is true with Christians. It's impossible to grow in the Lord without entwining our roots around His Word and deepening our life in His commands.
    Other parallels? A growing tree will always provide shade and  comfort for  others. A growing tree takes in light and processes it for food. Such a tree is always able to reproduce itself. Sometimes, the best trees give their life for others as branches are lopped off for firewood or lumber.
    "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor" (Isaiah 61:3).
God employs symbols to point us to truth about Himself and about us. People of faith in Scripture are symbolized as sheep, building, fishermen, grain, children, and trees. Study each of these symbols and learn God's lessons.
May my roots grow deep in your Word, Lord, and may my branches grow high. when winds of adverdity come, I then will remain strong. greater is He thats in me than in the World.

"THE ULTIMATE FRIEND

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord.
                                                                                  Psalm 145:21

We all need a friend someone we can turn to, talk to, and even cling to if necesssary. Sometimes friends are family members, Sometimes they're co-workers, or schoolmates, or neighbors. When you have a friend, you know you are loved, and the days seem brighter. But not everyone has a friend. Many people go through life with sinking feeling that no one really cares in a special way for them. It is a lonely, haunting feeling.
    To anyone like that and actually to all of us let me suggest the ultimate Friend. He is the Lord God, the One who, far more than our deepest companionship needs.
     When we consider all that God does for us, it's obvious that He is our greatest Friend. In Psalm 145, we read that God upholds all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down (v.14). He gives food in due seadon and satisfies the desire of every living thing (vv.15-16). God is righteous in all His ways and gracious in all His works (v.17). The Father is near to all who call on Him in truth (v.18). He fulfills the desire, heard the cry and saved those who fear Him (v.19). And He preserves all who love Him (v.20),
    God is the ultimate Friend. Depend on Him.
We have a Friend who'll never leave, 
Who closer than a brother;
He's there to meet our deepest needs, 
To comfort like no other. 

RECONCILED by the BLOOD

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.
                                                                         Colossian1:19-22

who was in most need--- the slave girl or the man who bought her? The slave girl, of course. In the same way, God did not need to be reconciled to man; man needed to be reconciled to God. While it was God's desire to continue in love and fellowship with man, sin has compelled Him to become an opponent. Although the love of God toward man  remains unchanged, sin made it impossible for Him to admit man into fellowship with Himself.
     Andrew Murray brings incredible insight to this subject in his book The power of the Blood.
Sin has had a twofold effect. It has had an effect on God as well as on man. But the effect it has exercise on God is more terrible and serious! It is because of its effect on God that sin has its power over us. God, as Lord of all, could not overlook sin it it His unalterable law that sin must bring forth sorrow and death ;[Roman 6:23]
   In the old covenant, God instructed His people to offer sacrifice. These slain animals symbolically bore the punishment for sin that the people deserved. But the sacrifice had to be made over and over against
The old covenant was the shadow (Heb. 10:1). The new covenant brought the reality. Christ died "once for all," atoning for our sins and bringing us back into fellowship with God (Heb. 10:10). Righteousness demanded it; love offered it. Read 2Cor.5:18-19). In the time of Christ, gentiles were excluded from the family of God because they were not part if the old covenant. They were known as "aliens from the commonwealth if Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Eph.2:12).
   But through "the blood of His cross" these two groups--the Jews and the gentiles were made one, and He "has broken down the middle wall of separation" so "that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Eph. 2:13-14,16). He made tge gentiles "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19).
   Removing the walls of hostility between people and between God and people is a part of Christ's great work as mediator of the new covenant. That's a topic we will continue. 

RECONCILED by the BLOOD

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.
                                                                         Colossian1:19-22

who was in most need--- the slave girl or the man who bought her? The slave girl, of course. In the same way, God did not need to be reconciled to man; man needed to be reconciled to God. While it was God's desire to continue in love and fellowship with man, sin has compelled Him to become an opponent. Although the love of God toward man  remains unchanged, sin made it impossible for Him to admit man into fellowship with Himself.
     Andrew Murray brings incredible insight to this subject in his book The power of the Blood.
Sin has had a twofold effect. It has had an effect on God as well as on man. But the effect it has exercise on God is more terrible and serious! It is because of its effect on God that sin has its power over us. God, as Lord of all, could not overlook sin it it His unalterable law that sin must bring forth sorrow and death ;[Roman 6:23]
   In the old covenant, God instructed His people to offer sacrifice. These slain animals symbolically bore the punishment for sin that the people deserved. But the sacrifice had to be made over and over against
The old covenant was the shadow (Heb. 10:1). The new covenant brought the reality. Christ died "once for all," atoning for our sins and bringing us back into fellowship with God (Heb. 10:10). Righteousness demanded it; love offered it. Read 2Cor.5:18-19). In the time of Christ, gentiles were excluded from the family of God because they were not part if the old covenant. They were known as "aliens from the commonwealth if Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Eph.2:12).
   But through "the blood of His cross" these two groups--the Jews and the gentiles were made one, and He "has broken down the middle wall of separation" so "that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Eph. 2:13-14,16). He made tge gentiles "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19).
   Removing the walls of hostility between people and between God and people is a part of Christ's great work as mediator of the new covenant. That's a topic we will continue. 

Contending with your culture

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.                               DEUTERONOMY 4:9

HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF what promps a housewife to become. leader in a cultural battle? What makes some strong enough to lead the fight while others who are far better equipped and prepared, give up? If you want to belong to the former rather than thr latter group, here are way how you can do it:
     First, you must believe in the rightness of a cause. What is moral becomes a driving passion. Take for example, the powerful story of William Wilberforce who battled to abolish slavery in the Bristish Empire. Wilberforce's convictions were based upon the Word of God which he considered infallible. He was convinced that God had.made all nations of one blood (Acts 17:26) and that all men were created in His image 
     Second, you must be willing to pay the price. That price includes ridicule, being the target if lies and slander, isolation, loneliness, and at times, financial loss and pain.
      Third, you must not give up but continually do battles for what you believe us right. Never think that you fob't count, that you are so insignificant and small that you can do nothing.
      Fourth, you must put your cause in the hands of God who is sovereign and never tolerates wrongdoing. Do not be intimidated by strong individuals.
Never underestimate the fact that God can still take you, and the small spark you ignite, to make a difference. Oneplus God is still take you, and the small spark you ignite, to nake s difference. One plus. God is still the majority. God will never hold you responsible for what you cannot do, but He will hold you accountable for what you can. 

Contending with your culture

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 
                               DEUTERONOMY 4:9

HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF what promps a housewife to become. leader in a cultural battle? What makes some strong enough to lead the fight while others who are far better equipped and prepared, give up? If you want to belong to the former rather than thr latter group, here are way how you can do it:
     First, you must believe in the rightness of a cause. What is moral becomes a driving passion. Take for example, the powerful story of William Wilberforce who battled to abolish slavery in the Bristish Empire. Wilberforce's convictions were based upon the Word of God which he considered infallible. He was convinced that God had.made all nations of one blood (Acts 17:26) and that all men were created in His image 
     Second, you must be willing to pay the price. That price includes ridicule, being the target if lies and slander, isolation, loneliness, and at times, financial loss and pain.
      Third, you must not give up but continually do battles for what you believe us right. Never think that you fob't count, that you are so insignificant and small that you can do nothing.
      Fourth, you must put your cause in the hands of God who is sovereign and never tolerates wrongdoing. Do not be intimidated by strong individuals.
Never underestimate the fact that God can still take you, and the small spark you ignite, to make a difference. Oneplus God is still take you, and the small spark you ignite, to nake s difference. One plus. God is still the majority. God will never hold you responsible for what you cannot do, but He will hold you accountable for what you can. 

What Christ Did for Me :The Cross

"For a child is born to us, a son isvgiven to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His every expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and jzstice from the thronebof his ancestor David. The passionat committment of thr Lord Almighy will  guarrantee this!"
                                                                                 Isaiah 9: 6-7

If we don't understand the purpose for which God sent His Son, we will miss the whole point if Christianity. Religion show us the historical Christ, from the baby in the manger to the crucified man on the cross. But much of religion stops there with a suffering, pathetic, pierced, impotent, defeated Christ hanging on a cross. True Christianity, however, recognizes that Christ fid indeed die on a cross, but knows that that act had supernatural significance that is the very crux of belief.
      As Christian, our understanding of the cross is much mire than a historical acknowledgement of its occurrence. We view it with eyes of faith, grasping it eternal significance. As 2 Corinthians 5:6 says "So we have stopped evaluating otgers by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as thought he were merely a human being. How differently I think him now!"
      
      If all you can see is the fact that Jesus died on the cross, you are missing 99 percent of the picture! Everything that comes after the cross is crucial to your walk as a child of God. You've got to understand what He acquired for you vy His death. You've got to know that He  ruined the devil forever and made you a new creation, with a new life and a new nature, That is the purpose of God's having sent His Son into the World.
     When Jesus was born, He interrupted time with an act of unbelievable humility. God became flesh un the person of Jesus. He burst into iur world in a human form so that you and I could see Him touch Him. When Jesus walked upon this earth, people literally touched Him, and in so doing, they touched God. God, who is spirit, came to give testimony to our five natural senses so that we could understand that God is real and would thus no excuse for nit folkowing Him.
     Some people say, "How I would have llked to meet Jesus in person!" Thought that of course, would be wonderful, you and I can still know Him because He us with us and His presence is real. We can enjoy Him, honor Him, and speak with Him because He lives inside if us 24 hours a day. We are not limited by His physical absence from the earth.
      Whatever problem you have there us one place and only one place where you can find the provision of God and the solution for your problem. That place is the cross of Calvary! Because of what Jesus attained by His death on the cross, every provision of God spiritual, material, physical, or eternal is available to you.

What Christ Did for Me :The Cross

"For a child is born to us, a son isvgiven to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His every expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and jzstice from the thronebof his ancestor David. The passionat committment of thr Lord Almighy will  guarrantee this!"
                                                                                 Isaiah 9: 6-7

If we don't understand the purpose for which God sent His Son, we will miss the whole point if Christianity. Religion show us the historical Christ, from the baby in the manger to the crucified man on the cross. But much of religion stops there with a suffering, pathetic, pierced, impotent, defeated Christ hanging on a cross. True Christianity, however, recognizes that Christ fid indeed die on a cross, but knows that that act had supernatural significance that is the very crux of belief.
      As Christian, our understanding of the cross is much mire than a historical acknowledgement of its occurrence. We view it with eyes of faith, grasping it eternal significance. As 2 Corinthians 5:6 says "So we have stopped evaluating otgers by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as thought he were merely a human being. How differently I think him now!"
      
      If all you can see is the fact that Jesus died on the cross, you are missing 99 percent of the picture! Everything that comes after the cross is crucial to your walk as a child of God. You've got to understand what He acquired for you vy His death. You've got to know that He  ruined the devil forever and made you a new creation, with a new life and a new nature, That is the purpose of God's having sent His Son into the World.
     When Jesus was born, He interrupted time with an act of unbelievable humility. God became flesh un the person of Jesus. He burst into iur world in a human form so that you and I could see Him touch Him. When Jesus walked upon this earth, people literally touched Him, and in so doing, they touched God. God, who is spirit, came to give testimony to our five natural senses so that we could understand that God is real and would thus no excuse for nit folkowing Him.
     Some people say, "How I would have llked to meet Jesus in person!" Thought that of course, would be wonderful, you and I can still know Him because He us with us and His presence is real. We can enjoy Him, honor Him, and speak with Him because He lives inside if us 24 hours a day. We are not limited by His physical absence from the earth.
      Whatever problem you have there us one place and only one place where you can find the provision of God and the solution for your problem. That place is the cross of Calvary! Because of what Jesus attained by His death on the cross, every provision of God spiritual, material, physical, or eternal is available to you.

Stocks - Quotes and Charts | Interactive Chart

Stocks - Quotes and Charts | Interactive Chart

CRAZY MOMENTS

"Your eye will see the king in his beauty and view a roleland that stretches afar. In your thought you will ponder the former terror."
  Isaiah 33: 17-18

It's easy to lose sight of God. You get home late, you put on casserole, but the phone rings and you forget about turning off the oven. Exasperated, you dump the casserole in the garbage. So you whip up something quickly only to have three out of five around the dinner table turn it down. And for dessert? How about refereeing a fight over who gets the last of the chocolate-chip ice cream?
     God barely gets noticed during times like that. If we're thinking, we may quickly fire off a prayer for help. But we need more than that. We need to be driven to our knees by the overwhelming conviction that we have absolutely nowhere else to turn.
     It takes crazy moments, times when almost border on mental collapse, to force you to your knees to seek Jesus. Maybe you sing hymn as tears spatter on the hymnal pages. Maybe you pray the Twenty-third Psalm over and over until your nerves quit jangling. Then, oh, the delicious calm that sweeps over you when all you see is the King in his beauty and uncult landscape of peace. When your focus is fixed so on the Lord, those crazy moments fade into the background, just as today's reading assures.
     Ah, but what about that late dinner and the failed casserole and the fight that spilled over into the evening? hasn't changed. But your focus has. Be driven to your knees by the overwhelming conviction that you have absolute nowhere else to go.
You are the Lord of my moments, and I thank You, God for allowing those nerve-wacking times. when they when happen, its's Yout way of teminding me to look to You my King. 

CRAZY MOMENTS

"Your eye will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar. In your thought you will ponder the former terror."
                                                                             Isaiah 33: 17-18

It's easy to lose sight of God. You get home late, you put on casserole, but the phone rings and you forget about turning off the oven. Exasperated, you dump the casserole in the garbage. So you whip up something quickly only to have three out of five around the dinner table turn it down. And for dessert? How about refereeing a fight over who gets the last of the chocolate-chip ice cream?
     God barely gets noticed during times like that. If we're thinking, we may quickly fire off a prayer for help. But we need more than that. We need to be driven to our knees by the overwhelming conviction that we have absolutely nowhere else to turn.
     It takes crazy moments, times when almost border on mental collapse, to force you to your knees to seek Jesus. Maybe you sing hymn as tears spatter on the hymnal pages. Maybe you pray the Twenty-third Psalm over and over until your nerves quit jangling. Then, oh, the delicious calm that sweeps over you when all you see is the King in his beauty and uncult landscape of peace. When your focus is fixed so on the Lord, those crazy moments fade into the background, just as today's reading assures.
     Ah, but what about that late dinner and the failed casserole and the fight that spilled over into the evening? hasn't changed. But your focus has. Be driven to your knees by the overwhelming conviction that you have absolute nowhere else to go.
You are the Lord of my moments, and I thank You, God for allowing those nerve-wacking times. when they when happen, its's Yout way of teminding me to look to You my King. 

Self-image and Self-esteem Part 1

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink,' he says to you, but his heart is not with you."
                                                                               Proverbs 23: 7

Self-image could be defined as the image that you of yourself; it is how you see yourself before others. A healthy self-imge is the foundation for the development of the individual as a person and as a member of the community. Generally, most people have a poor concept of themselves, and this faulty self-image often stems from failure in infancy to receive one of four basic needs:
•.  LOVE---the desire to love and be loved and to receive tangible expression of love
•.  ACCEPTANCE---the desire to be accepted, not for what you have or do, but for who you are
•.  Proctection---the need to feel safe and secure under the care if a father and a mother
•.  Forgiveness---the need to receive forgiveness and to be able to forgive.
     When these four badic needs have not been met, a bad image and low self-esteem tesult, producing two negative reactions:
•.  Timidity
•.  Rebellion
A poor self-image robs you of fufilling your potential. It becomes a barrier in your life, an impediment to realizing your dreams. It isolates you and causes your interpersonal relationship to suffer. When a poor self-image is motivating you, you are always searching for acceptance and begging for love in an attitude of false humility. In addition, you feel useless, and your values seem worthless.
God, however, created you to have a perfect self-image. This is achieved by acknowledging and accepting three key points:
•. God created you perfect in His image and in His likeness (Job 10).
•.  You are of such value to God that He sent Jesus to die for you (Rom.8).
•.  You are an important piece in the "jigsaw puzzle" of God. If you didn't exist, the puzzle wouldn't be complete.
   The most important thing isn't what everyone else thinks about you, but what you think abiut yourself. An example of soleone in the Bible with healthy self-esteem is Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob. Although he lived through great adversity, he never let himself be intimidated by it. He became the best whenever he was. 

Self-image and Self-esteem Part 1

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink,' he says to you, but his heart is not with you."
                                                                               Proverbs 23: 7

Self-image could be defined as the image that you of yourself; it is how you see yourself before others. A healthy self-imge is the foundation for the development of the individual as a person and as a member of the community. Generally, most people have a poor concept of themselves, and this faulty self-image often stems from failure in infancy to receive one of four basic needs:
•.  LOVE---the desire to love and be loved and to receive tangible expression of love
•.  ACCEPTANCE---the desire to be accepted, not for what you have or do, but for who you are
•.  Proctection---the need to feel safe and secure under the care if a father and a mother
•.  Forgiveness---the need to receive forgiveness and to be able to forgive.
     When these four basic needs have not been met, a bad image and low self-esteem result producing two negative reactions:
•.  Timidity
•.  Rebellion
A poor self-image robs you of fufilling your potential. It becomes a barrier in your life, an impediment to realizing your dreams. It isolates you and causes your interpersonal relationship to suffer. When a poor self-image is motivating you, you are always searching for acceptance and begging for love in an attitude of false humility. In addition, you feel useless, and your values seem worthless.
God, however, created you to have a perfect self-image. This is achieved by acknowledging and accepting three key points:
•. God created you perfect in His image and in His likeness (Job 10).
•.  You are of such value to God that He sent Jesus to die for you (Rom.8).
•.  You are an important piece in the "jigsaw puzzle" of God. If you didn't exist, the puzzle wouldn't be complete.
   The most important thing isn't what everyone else thinks about you, but what you think about yourself. An example of someone in the Bible with healthy self-esteem is Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob. Although he lived through great adversity, he never let himself be intimidated by it. He became the best whenever he so he was. 

"EMOTIONAL HEALING"

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is."
                                                                             ROMANS 12:2

     God wants to enlarge His work on this earth. He wants to use us in His service, but many times we are limited by unresolved issues if the past. Too many unhealed wounds, as well as present worries, cause us to live in a state of crisis, controlled by emotional hurts.
     God wants to put His vision and dreams inside us, but He can't do it because there are obstacles in our way of thinking. We have two options regarding the way we think:
(1) We can accept the thoughts of God and believe what He says in His Word: "For just as the heavens are higher the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought higher than your thoughts,"
(2) We can refuse God's thoughts and continue living with our way of thinking, which leads to doubt and unbelief. If we want to carry out God's vision, however, there really is no choice. We will choise to accept His thoughts and ways and will let Him renew our mind according to His Word.
     No one can carry out the vision of God unless he first believes in what God can do through him. In others words, to be effective in vision, first we must conquer ourselves. As those who are at the forefront of the vision, we must deal with those areas in our lives that are limiting God's use of us. We should be teachable, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and quick to repent, ptoviding an example fir those under us.
    The sins of those in leadership are probably not the obvious ones, such as fornication, drug addiction, or alcoholism, but they are usually hidden sins, such as doubts, fear, envy, condemnation, competition, complaining, and gossiping. (keep in mind that not only he who speaks gossip but also he who listens to gossip is guilty of sin.) These "little foxes" are easily hidden in a leader heart. Nevertheless, these things are still sin, and that's why we need repentance and healing.
     Although it is especially important for those in leadership ti repent of hidden sin, pride often stops us. When offended we become bitter and even use Bible verse to justify ourselves. As we continuevon this path. we lose sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. At this point, we start to do everything mechanically, having lost iur joy. We find ourselves thinking, "There is no one to help me. No one can counsel me." This causes us to pretend, to lie, and to live cautiously so that no one will know our sins and secret. We think that if we ask fir help we will lose iur image ir our anointing. But the real truth is that if we don't recognize the need fir someone to help us, we wilk remain alone, captive in our sin.
    Taking care if souls us the greatest profession on earth, and it is the professional of all of the leaders. However, we can give to others only what we have. We cannot give that which we have not received. In just usn't possible, and we have to allow God to work inbour hearts to make us into able leader. Abraham, Moses, David, Gideon, and a host of others all of them let God have His way in their hearts and were transformed into men if gentle humility. That is what must happen in our hearts, too.
    The problem isn't on the outside of us, but rather on the inside. it is deep within where we find the past that gets in the way of our present and our future. That past builds internal barriers that destroy all that we desire to do for the kingdom of God. To this problem there is but one solution and it is the "healing of the hearts"  The alternative is to simply continue hiding the wounds in our heart and, as a result, continue experience failure in all that we undertake.
     Right now, if you want your heart to be healed, honest, open up your heart to God, and reveals the wounds that are there. Remember: He came to heal the brokenhearted.
    

"EMOTIONAL HEALING"

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is."

ROMANS 12:2

  God wants to enlarge His work on this earth. He wants to use us in His service, but many times we are limited by unresolved issues of the past. Too many unhealed wounds, as well as present worries, cause us to live in a state of crisis, controlled by emotional hurts.
  God wants to put His vision and dreams inside us, but He can't do it because there are obstacles in our way of thinking. We have two options regarding the way we think:
(1) We can accept the thoughts of God and believe what He says in His Word: "For just as the heavens are higher the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought higher than your thoughts,"
(2) We can refuse God's thoughts and continue living with our way of thinking, which leads to doubt and unbelief. If we want to carry out God's vision, however, there really is no choice. We will choise to accept His thoughts and ways and will let Him renew our mind according to His Word.
  No one can carry out the vision of God unless he first believes in what God can do through him. In others words, to be effective in vision, first we must conquer ourselves. As those who are at the forefront of the vision, we must deal with those areas in our lives that are limiting God's use of us. We should be teachable, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and quick to repent, ptoviding an example fir those under us.
  The sins of those in leadership are probably not the obvious ones, such as fornication, drug addiction, or alcoholism, but they are usually hidden sins, such as doubts, fear, envy, condemnation, competition, complaining, and gossiping. (keep in mind that not only he who speaks gossip but also he who listens to gossip is guilty of sin.) These "little foxes" are easily hidden in a leader heart. Nevertheless, these things are still sin, and that's why we need repentance and healing.
  Although it is especially important for those in leadership ti repent of hidden sin, pride often stops us. When offended we become bitter and even use Bible verse to justify ourselves. As we continue on this path. we lose sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. At this point, we start to do everything mechanically, having lost our joy. We find ourselves thinking, "There is no one to help me. No one can counsel me." This causes us to pretend, to lie, and to live cautiously so that no one will know our sins and secret. We think that if we ask for help we will lose our image or our anointing. But the real truth is that if we don't recognize the need for someone to help us, we will remain alone, captive in our sin.
  Taking care of our souls us the greatest profession on earth, and it is the professional of all of the leaders. However, we can give to others only what we have. We cannot give that which we have not received. In just isn't possible, and we have to allow God to work in our hearts to make us into able leader. Abraham, Moses, David, Gideon, and a host of others all of them let God have His way in their hearts and were transformed into men of gentle humility. That is what must happen in our hearts, too.  

  The problem isn't on the outside of us, but rather on the inside. it is deep within where we find the past that gets in the way of our present and our future. That past builds internal barriers that destroy all that we desire to do for the kingdom of God. To this problem there is but one solution and it is the "healing of the hearts"  The alternative is to simply continue hiding the wounds in our heart and, as a result, continue experience failure in all that we undertake.
  Right now, if you want your heart to be healed, honest, open up your heart to God, and reveals the wounds that are there. Remember: He came to heal the brokenhearted.
    

HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS

"On hearing it, many of his disciple said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, 'Does this offend you?"
                                                                    John 6:60-61

Gentle Jesus, meek and milf, never harming, always charming. Is that so? Perhaps it's the picture occasionally painted in a child's Friday school lesson, but it's not the historic Christ.
     Jesus threw so many hard teaching at the disciples, it's little wonder they got miffed. The Lord announced: Reality is wrapped up in me. Truth can only be found in me. If you try to save your life, it'll slip through your fingers. If you gave it away, you'll find it. I'l feny you before the Father if you turn back. If anything is keeping you from me, whatever it is, thtow it away. If it's your eye, pull it out. Your hand, cut it off. Your dins, all if them are wiped out I can do that! I am rebirth. I am life. Eat me. Drink me. And finally, do not be afraid for I have overvome the whole universe!
      Jesus cale not to bring peace but sword. The razor-sharp sword of His Word that divides your soul and spirit, that says, "Does this offend you? He encroaches, invades, and infringes on your comfort zones. He tears aside the curtains of your conscience and throw open the locked doors of your bad habits. He will brashly call your sin and He challenges you to leave it behind.
      Praise God for the hard sayings of Jesus. He's not uncaring or unfeeling about your life. He's not uninvolved. God has a way of offending His holy Name that He does.
Thank You, Lord, for caring enough to offend me. Don't let me ever get comfortable in my sin. Press me up against Your hard teaching until I see the offense as. . . . a blessing.
  

Getting Inside His Mind

Your attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
                                      PHILIPPIANS 2:5

NO ACTOR OR ACTRESS can successfully play the part of another individual without finding out who that person really is and trying to think as the other thought. When Mel Gibson asked Jim Caviezel to play the role of Jesus in The Passion of Christ, Jim, a Roman Catholic thought he already knew Jesus.
     Yet playing the role of Jesus changed his life, No, it wasn't because he had to learn Aramaic it had to endure hardships while playing the part. It was because he gained a deeper understanding of Jesus and why He had to die.
      That kind of understanding was exactly what Paul said every child of God should have. Paul wrote, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5 NKJV )
      Getting inside the mind of Christ will affect your perspective, Jesus saw the end from the beginning, He knew God had the power to raise Him up from death. He said confidently, "No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again" (John 10:18). 
     Getting inside His mind will change your attitudes. Focus on just one area at a time. Did Jesus worry about what was on the horizon? No, he laid aside uh the obstacles and walked resolutely toward Jerusalem.
     Getting inside His mind will change your values. Your time and money will be spent differently. Relationships will take on new importance. What you invest for God and eternity will become urgent priorities.
     When you get inside the mind of Christ, and begin to think as Jesus did, you will be a different person. Seek the mind of Christ. It will change your life. Today! 

GARDENING TIPS

These are the ones sown on good ground, those whi hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit.
                                                                                   MARK 4:20

I picked ip a gardening book the other day and got some good advice: "Take care of the soil, and don't worry about the plants. If the soil is good, the seed will take root and grow."
    In the parable of the sower in Mark4, Jesus spoke of the importance of "good ground" (or good soil). He defined good soil as referring to those who "hear" God's Word, "accept it," and bear fruit" (v.20). If we keep our heart soft and receptive, God!s Word will take root, grow, and produce fruit. In gardening, life is in the seed. Under the right vonditions, it will grow untilbit reaches maturity and produces fruit. Similarly, if the seed of the Word is planted in the good soil of a receptive heart, it will grow until the chsracter of Jesus is seen.
    For the Christian, the power of the spiritual life comes from the dwelling Holy Spirit. As we open our heart to the Word with an eagerness to obey it, Spirit causes us to grow and bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
    We can't make ourselves grow, any more than we can force growth from the seeds in our gardens. But we can tend the soil, keeping our hearts soff, receptive, and obedient to God's Word. Then we will yield the fruit of righteousness.
     What kind of soil are you?
      Lord, I xould be soil in which You can plant
      Your Word with it promise of ftuit;
      I want to be open to You every day, 
      So what You have planted takes root.

Culture Battled

With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away the city is punished."
                                                                              GENESIS 19;15

THE BATTLE OVER CULTURE began in the garden when a husband and wife had to decide whether they listened to the voice of God or chose to turn their back on Him and do what they pleased
     Today, however, when you are confronted with a choice, people say, "Go ahead and do it; everybody else is." And often our natural impulses join that chorus, saying, "Why not?"
      In contrast, did Noah listen to the scorn of his day as people laughed at the thought of a flood, or did he quiety obey God and set out to build an ark that would save his family? Did Abram ponder the difficulty of the journey when God said it was time to leave for the Promised Land, or did he simply obey? And then could not Lot living in Sodom, have rationalized the moral behavior of fellow citizens and ignored the pleading of the angelic messengers who said God was about to destroy the wicked city?
      As soon as God gave deliverance to the three million descendants of Abraham who found themselves slaves in Egypt, the Isrealites began to say, "It would have been better to stay in Egypt than to come out here and die." This attitude proves how pervasive the influence of culture can be.
      Are you battling the influences of culture today? Most of the time the challenges come in seemingly insignificant decisions, and we are often prone to say, "Well, this doesn't really matter," but the small compromises then form the foundation for the major ones. It is better by far to walk the lonely path with integrity and a clear conscience, than to embrace the good life that leaves empty and shallow and spiritually bankrupt.

HEARTS LIFTED UP

As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.
                                                                            2Chronicle 26:5

It's tragic to witness someone starting out well in life and then finishing poorly. That's the life story of Uzziah. He had been appointed king at the tender age of 16. Despite being so young, we read that "he did what was right in the sight of the Lord. . . . He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made prosper" (2Chronicles 26:4-5).
Uzziah's fame spread and his army grew stronger (v.8). He had 2,600 chief officers and 307,500 soldiers who helped him defeat his enemies (vv.13-13).
Sadly, we then read, "When he was strong in his heart was lifted up, to his destruction" (v.16). Uzziah  had failed to remember the One who give him success and those whi had given godly counsel.  He sinned against the Lord when he burned incense in the temple, and God struck him with leprosy (vv.16-19). He remained a leper until the day of hid death." (v.21).
To finish well, we need to avoid having a heart that is "lifted up." Let's remind ourselves often of the warning in Proverb 16:18, "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." And let's keep seeking the Lord, obeying Him, and thanking Him for all He has done.

"Lifestyles Choices"

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but in the eyes of men.                                                                   2Corinthians 8:21

TODAY TWO LIFESTYLES stand in sharp contrast to each other; one labeled "integrity" and the other labeled "expedience" or "moral relativism." How are they different? Let the following story illustrate how.
   A nurse was hired to work in the operating room of a well-known hospital. Her employment, however was subject to the approval of the surgeon she would work with. At the beginning of the procedure the doctor told her, "I want you to keep track of the number of sponges that are used and count them to make sure that every one is removed from the body cavity of the patient."
  When the nurse's back was turned, the doctor removed one of them, dropped it on the floor and stepped on it. At the end of the Surgery he asked, "Have we removed all of the sponges?"
   "You've only removed 11 sponges, doctor, she told the surgeons, adding, "We used 12."
   "I removed them all," the doctor declared. "we'll close the incision now."
   "No," objected nurse. "We used 12 sponges."
   "I'll take the responsibility," the surgeon said grimly "Suture!"
   "You can't do that!" blazed the nurse, "Think of the patient."
    Then the surgeon smiled, lifted his foot, and showed the nurse the twelfth sponge. "You'll do," he said." That's integrity.
      In the end, you choose which side you come down on, and with your choice there are far-reaching consequences.
     The very fiber of your life is the result of your moral choices.

"Lifestyles Choices"

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but in the eyes of men.

                                                                         2 Corinthians 8:21

TODAY TWO LIFESTYLES stand in sharp contrast to each other; one labeled "integrity" and the other labeled "expedience" or "moral relativism." How are they different? Let the following story illustrate how.
   A nurse was hired to work in the operating room of a well-known hospital. Her employment, however was subject to the approval of the surgeon she would work with. At the beginning of the procedure the doctor told her, "I want you to keep track of the number of sponges that are used and count them to make sure that every one is removed from the body cavity of the patient."
  When the nurse's back was turned, the doctor removed one of them, dropped it on the floor and stepped on it. At the end of the Surgery he asked, "Have we removed all of the sponges?"
   "You've only removed 11 sponges, doctor, she told the surgeons, adding, "We used 12."
   "I temoved them all," the doctor declared. "we'll close the incision now."
   "No," objected nurse. "We used 12 sponges."
   "I'll take the responsibility," the surgeon said grimly "Suture!"
   "You can't do that!" blazed the nurse, "Think of the patient."
    Then the surgeon smiled, lifted his foot, and showed the nurse the twelfth sponge. "You'll do," he said." That's integrity.
      In the end, you choose which side you come down on, and with your choice there are far-reaching consequences.
     The very fiber of your life is the result of your moral choices.

"A BETTER CITY AWAITS"

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
                                                                          Hebrew 11:15-16

If you read or reread the Christian literary classic by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, you will be struck by pathos with which Mr. Bunyan illustrated the christian life. It is said of Bunyan that he, as much as anyone, understood the Christian experience. With every turn of the page in his masterwork, you are captivated by peerless way in which Bunyan depicted our soul's quest for God. We find ourselves walking in the footsteps of Pilgrim and identifying with the characters, obstacles, and adventures he encounters. We vicariously receive encouragement through the words of Evangelist.We easily recall moments when Giant Despair seemingly had us trapped in his dungeons of doubts. And we recognize those times when friends Faithful and Hope remind us that we do not pass through this Christian life alone.
    The genius of Bunyan's story is that he reminds us that, as redeemed people, we are on a journey. We are moving from the city of man to the city of God, from the city of Destruction to the Celestial City. We realize that the city of man is the city of our birth. It us the place of depravity. where men and women have constructed fortresses and strongholds against the knowledge of God (2Corinthians10:4-6). It is the place of furtility. There is much activity but the end is destruction. It is from here that we, like Pilgrim, flee with haste.
    Like Pilgrim, having been given a glimpse of a greater city ( Rev.21:10ff), we have embarked on a journey. Guided by the Book that we hold dear, we have been see on the straight road that leads to a narrow gate (Matt.7:13-14). The gate opens to a city beautiful, adorned in majesty and brilliance, the place of our redemption. It is where grace flows like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. Here we find rest for our weary souls. It is the city of God the Celestial City set on a hill It is the hope of our journey, the longing of our quest.
    Beloved, as Christian we are living and longing.We are living a journey while longing for a city. We live with the city of man at our backs and the city of God before our face. And though the enticements of the city behind us can be alluring, we are assured that which is behind us is no comparison to the splendor that lies before us. Therefore, while we, like Pilgrim, may fall into Sloughs of Despond, and Worldly-Wisemen may seeks to divert us from the straight path, we nonetheless endeavor to maintain our faithful course. For we do not dwell upon the city from which we come, lest like Pliable we take opportunity to return. But we desire a better city that is a Celestial City. Wherefore, God is not ashamed to be called our God. for He has prepared such a city for us.

Standard Equipment?

Let us not become conceited. . . . evnying one another.
                                            Galatians 5:26 

An intriguing 3-page automobile ad in the Wall Street Journal reminded me how the secular world capitalizes on our tendency to envy. Page 1 show a 1960 Mark II Jaguar. The caption teafs: "Just as this was the envy of the automotive world. . . " Then on pages 2 and 3 is a picture of a brand-new Jaguar, and the caption continues, "Once again envy will be standard equipment."
    Now, I know it's not a sin to want a Jaguar. But if I become discontented and resentful toward my neighbor because he owns one and I don't, I have a serious envy problem.
     In Galatians 5: 19-32, Paul ranked envy with the sins of adultery, murder, and drunkenness. This mzh surprise us until we consider the destructive power of this si
ful attitude. Envy drove Joseph's brother to sell him into Egypt (Acts7:9). Envy fueled paul's opponent in Thessalonica to start a riot to thwart the gospel (17:5). Envy motivated the chief priest to hand over Jesus to be crucified ( Mark 15:10). Even when it doesn't lead to such cruel actions, envy takes the place of love and hurtd relationships (1Corinthians13:4).
     We need the Lord to help us recognize envy and remove it from our hearts. We don't want it to become standard equipment in our lives 

SET AGAINST SICKNESS

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospelti every creature, And these sign shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongue; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall revover.
                                                                         MARK 16:17,18

Let's stop and analyze something here: Just which of the sick did Jesus say we were to lay hands on?
Jesus just said "the sick"---period.
Then, if God were the author of sickness---if God did put sickness and disease on people--- if it were the will of God for some to be sick--- this statement would be confusing. Because in it, Jesus authorized us to lay hands on All sick.
If God weren't in the healing business, Jesus would have had to say something like, "Lay your hands on those that it is the will of God to heal, and they shall recover. And those it isn't--- they won't recover."
But no! God set the Church against sickness period!
God is in the healing business. God is not in the sickness business. God is in delivering business. Godbis not in the bondage business. I refuse to allow the enemy to try to get me to accept sickness or bondage as being  from God. Satan is the author of sickness God has set me against sickness!

You must Go To Church

Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.
                                                                         Hebrew 10: 24-25

In a letter to the editor of a British newspaper, a man complained that  he saw no sense in going to  church every Sunday. "I have been attending service quite regularly for the past 30 years." he wrote, "and during that time I  have listened to no less than 3,000 sermons. But to my constemstion, I discover I cannot remember a singleb one of them. I wonder if a minister's time might be more profitably spent on something else."
    That letter sparked many responses. One, however, was the clincher: "I have been married for 30 years. During that time I have eaten 32,850 meals mostly of my wife's cooking . Suddenly I have discoverd that I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet, I received nourishment from every one of them. I have the distinct impression that without them I would have starved to death long ago."
    The Bible assumes the importance of going to church, and the only admonition to do so appears in the context of the danger of forsaking the practice (Hebrews 10:25). We need help to keep our faith and hope from wavering (v23). and to love and do good works (v24). Just as physical food keeps us alive and strong, so also the spiritual nourishment of teaching and fellowship are necesssary for our survival.

    

WATCH HOW I DO IT

Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
                                      Matthew 11:29-30

Some people will do everything they can to complicate the life of faith. They'll try to strangle you with rules and trip you up with regulations. And they'll appoint themselves as watch dogs of your faith if you let them.
Steer clear of those people if you don't, they'll strip the beauty and freedom out if your heart as quickly as I pour it in. The best way to learn to travel the faith journey is to walk with Me. The surest way to figure out how it works is to work with Me.
 There is a freedom that you'll learn to put on every day-a freedom tailor-made for you. There's a dance of grace so joyful it makes you feel like you're flying. 
    If you find that Christianity exhausts you, draining you of your energy, then you are practicing religion rather than enjoying a relationship. Jesus said that a relationship with Him would bring rest to your soul. Your walk with the Lord will not make you weary; it will invigovate you, restore your strength, and energize your life.
    Hard work or lack of sleep can make you tired. Thus fatigue can usually be remedied by a good rest. But there is a deeper fatigue that goes beyond  physical tiredness. There is an emotional exhaustion that comes from experiencing heavy burdens and draining crises. There is a tiredness deep within your soul that comes from carrying the weight if the needs of others. You can go on a vacation, but your soul will not be restored. This condition can only be rectified by finding rest in Christ. Are you weary? Go to Jesus and let Him give you His rest. His rest will restore your soul as nothing else can. Watch and follow Me.

ON MY SIDE

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear
Psalm 118:6

After Olympic gymnast Gabby Doughlas captured two gold medals in the2012 London Games, she made this proclamation: "God will never fail you. He's always on your side."
    Sometimes this kind of  statement by an athlete can misunderstood. It can be taken to mean that if i'm competing against you in a sports contest and i have God's help, there is no way i can lose. But if we turn to Psalm 118:5-6 we get the true picture of what this line. The psalm wrote, "I called in the Lord in distress. the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side: I will not fear."
     Another version translates  verse 6 as "the LORD is with me" (NIV). It's the idea that when trouble comes into our lives, God, who is full of mercy and love (which "endured forever" v.4) will always be attentive to us and provide the protection we need.
     We can learn from this heroic Olympic champion. When  the economy falters and our finances can't keep up. "God will never fail you." when a relationship we cherished falls apart; indeed no matter what our situation, as Christ followers we know where to find help. "The Lord is on my side

"We get to tell them"

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Isaiah 9:2 (KJV) 

  I read classic devotion book it was like this I was driving through the mountain of western Maryland on a cold December night. As I topped a ridge near Rocky Gap State Park, a brilliant sea light caught my attention. What in the world is that? I wondered as the exit road flashed past. It so aroused my curiosity that 5 miles down the interstate I turned around and dove back to see what it was a local community's celebrate in lights during the Christmas season. At noon, I wouldn't have notice anything. But at night, the dazzling display couldn't be ignored.
  Strange, isn't it, that we complain about the moral and spiritual darkness of our world, yet it is the perfect setting for the radiance of the Lord Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we often read these prophetic words: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light had shined 

(Isaiah 9:2).
  Jesus said to Himself: I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), and to His disciple, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). In a dark world, people don't see a great light without wondering, why it's there and what it means. we get to tell them. His said yes and Amen!
  Finally, brethen, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any vitue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8). We get to tell them! 

NAMES OF GOD

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
                                                                 1Chronicle 16:8, 10-11

When God invites us to call on His names,  we. should never be at loss as to which name to use. I call the Lord my Shepherd and Friend during those times when God's tenderness melts my heart and I cry to think how rich and full His love is.
     Then there are times when I'm battling pride or wasting hours in daydteals. That's when God's word slices through my sinfulness. It stings. His hand seems heavy. That's when I call the Lord my Refiner, my Purifier.
      There ate times when  I feel helpless and frightenef, when no one,  not even my friend, seems to understand. I hide under the shelter of His wings. I snuggle safely in the cleft if the Rock. These are times when I call God my Tower, my High Fortress,
     When it comes to God, one name just isn't enough. And because Scripture is full of different names for Him, we can always know
exactly how to related to our Lord, whether we fall to our knees in awesome respect, or climb up in His lap to be held in His Arms.
     "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverb 18:10).