DO MAN LIVE

SCRIPTURE: John 4:34

VERSE FOR TODAY: Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Here I am to worship"

THROUGHOUT JESUS' MINISTRY, We see a marked difference between his priorities and the concerns of His disciples. The disciple were often preoccupied with how to meet their physical needs (Matthew 14:15-17; John 4:8; Luke 18:38). Jesus repeatedly assured them that the Father knew their needs and would provide (Luke 11:11-13). Jesus stressed that their priority was to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" the necessities of daily life would be provided (Matt.6:33).

When spoke to the woman at well, His disciples had gone into a nearby town to get food. While His disciples were seeking earthly nourishment, Jesus was giving this woman "living water" that would satisfy her soul for eternity. When ther returned, the disciples urged Jesus to eat. . He replied that His "food" was to do the will of His Father. Since their attention was on earthly matters, His disciples misunderstood His reply. Jesus' very life came from obeying His Father. Because of Jesus' obedience that day, the woman received eternal life. In here excitement, she brought many others to Jesus to hear for themselves, and many believed that He was indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world (John4:39-42).1

The apostle Paul understood what Jesus had been teaching His disciples. When Paul wrote to the believer in Rome, he stressed that "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men" (Roman 14:17-18).

When Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus quoted the Scriptures, summarizing the focus of His life and ministry: "know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord" (Deut.8:3).

PARTICIPANTS OR POINTER

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 28: 1-7 

VERSE FOR TODAY: He keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father (Proverb 28:7, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " Trust and Obey"

A boy was asked, " Where did you learn to trust and obey God?  The boy said  he didn't know; but after a moment of reflection he added, "I guess believing in God just runs in my family."

There is a great truth in the boy's words. Trusting and obeying God usually in a believing home. A child learns to obey when parents become participants in matters of obedience, not just pointers. In parenting, it is much easier to say, "Let me tell you what to do" instead of "Let me show you what to do."

Are you a participant with people, or do you point and tell them what to do? God not only told us what to do,but also sent Jesus to participate with us and show us how to live. So Peter points out that we can participate with Him: " He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4, New International Version,).

Choose to participate with someone you love today. Share the good news about how you learned to trust and obey God  Show your children how to live by your Christian example.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, it is too easy to point and tell people what to do. Today we ask for Your strength to be participants in Your divine plan. We pray for heavenly guidance to be good examples. Amen.

UNITED IN PRAISE

SCRIPTURE:133:1-134:3

VERSE FOR TODAY: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity (Psalm 133:1, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY; "Hark the Herald"

If we read only our "verse today," we may get the impression that the primary benefit of our attempts to dwell together in unity is to receive blessings from God for ourselves. While it is true God blesses us when we live in harmony with others, we see only part of the picture here.

When we read on, we note that our primary purpose in life is to offer praise to our heavenly Father. If we, His people, are divided and misunderstanding, God receive very little praise. When we follow his leading and live together with hearts filled with love for each other, our praise to God is magnified. Our adoration will probably also be much more frequent and from sincere hearts. God is truly praised when all His people are together, united in the service and worship.

When we, His people, are united in our praise to God , He is pleased. And the Lord look down from heaven. Because we are in harmony with His spirit and much more aware of the but blessed us . He inhabited the praises of His own people. And miracle happen.. in His presence, in His holy presence the weary can find perfect rest the broken are restored..

PRAYER THOUGHTS: When we think of You, our Father, truly our minds are filled with praise for Your greatness and Your goodness, Your might and Your mercy. Help us today to copy those qualities we praise, so that we may not only please You, but also live in joyful harmony with those about us. We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

TREE OF LIFE

SCRIPTURE: Proverb 3:11-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: She [Wisdom] is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her (Proverb ,3;18).

HYMN FOR TODAY:"Wonderful Words of  Life"

In Shell Silverstein's popular children's  book, The Giving Tree, The Boy/man who loves his tree depends on that tree for food (apples), fun (a swing), travel (a boat), whether (a frame house), and retirement (a stump to rest his tired, old body). In  a sense, the tree is a tree of life to the Boy.

In reality, of course, no single tree can produce all these things. But even if there were such a fabulous tree, it could not keep the Boy from growing into an old man. The fictional tree gave and gave, but it could not ultimately give life. Both the Boy and his tree are facing extinction at the end of the popular children's story book.

Wisdom and understanding are Gid's tree of life. (See verse 18). Not only will such a tree sustain a happy children hood, a peaceful adolescence, and a secure adulthood; it also will give life beyond death. No stumpy remnant for bones at restt life--youthful, zestful life! Fly-about, sing-out-loud life! Everlasting life. For God is life. He is the Tree that will give and give and give. Happy is everyone who takes wisdom from Him, the Tree of Life

PRAYER THOUGHTS: We do lack wisdom, I God if wisdom. So we come to ask it of You. From Your Word and Your Spirit, let wisdom be our tree of life. . .now forever. In the name of Your Son, and our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.

THE WISDOM OF SPIRITUAL CHECKING

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:52 NIV

VERSE FOR TODAY: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Emmanuel"

Redefine Happines

SCRIPTURE: Roman 5:2-4

VERSE FOR TODAY: "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice  in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

HYMN FOR TODAY: "JOY TO THE WORLD"

Moments of peace are precious. When we find them. We hold on tight and pray that they last. But there's a peace that goes beyond our understanding- beyond the pain and fear we face today. If you've been Missing Peace, then ask your shall I offer at this moment as the Lord leads..

SOME PEOPLE ARE NEVER GOING TO BE HAPPY. I'm  not being cynical, because the very folks about whom I'm  speaking would agree. They would be the first to say that they are in a dead-end relationship, that they see no end to be constant irritation of their at there work, that they will never lose those ugly routine watching, go and sleep your best life. to them, seems to be never-ending, take joy as your peace.

Are you this way? Does happines, like s butterfly, almost flutter within reach

 You must define joy and happined. But just when you think you have grapsed it

.. it's gone? But the joy... Sayed it the joy of our Lord is my strrenght or perhaps you feel marriage is okey, and your job is acceptable. Yet you feel as thought something's  missing. Perhap you think this is real happiness.

Well, life is hard. For some, it is downright hard. Unhappiness seems to be here to stay. But it doesn't Havel to be this way because the answer is not to get rid of unhappiness but to find a new definitions for it. We redefine happiness as duty and honor, sacrifice and faithfulness, commitment and service. Happiness is fleeting and elusive, but the joy is an overflow of the perseverance and hope that comes from demonstrating faithful sacrifice and committed service read (Roman 12:1)." 

Lord of joy, will You help me redefine happiness in my life? You promises joy in the midst of our suffering, so please let me know You're Joy today as I persevere in faithful service and as I demonstrate true commitment in your tasks. Give me Your smile, let me feel Your peace dancing in my heart. That for me , will be true joy.

 

FOR THOSE WHO SEARCH

SCRIPTURE: Proverb 25:2

VERSE FOR TODAY: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter."

Mysteries have a way of enticing us at the same time as they frustrate us. Take these paradoxes of Scripture. We have a free wil yet we're predestined. We're positionally perfect but experientially imperfect. We work out own salvation, yet it is God works His will within us. Even Jesus was a paradox-- one hundred percent God and one hundred percent man.

Sometime in us has to make enigmas understandable and puzzles comprehensible. True many things in Scripture we never be able to understand; we accept them by faith. But it is God's nature to hide things.He delights in concealing secret treasure so that we might be drawn to search and enjoy the discovery of finding those treasures. For ",The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14).

To those who draw closest to the Lord, to those who desire His intimate company, Jesus says, "The secret of the kingdom of lolo God has been given to you" (Mark4:11). If you sit at His feet full of awe and wonder, He will draw you into His confidence, unraveling His innermost thoughts and heartfelt hopes, voicing His desires for you and for the rest of those who search.

The Lord Jesus is the treasure you seek, the precious gem you must mine. And Jeremiah 29:13 assured, "You will seek me  and find me when you seek me with all your heart,," You have everything you need to equip you for the search. You have His World, the key to heaven's hieroglyphics. You have been initiated into the fellowship of things above. You have the mind if Christ. Now you must find His heart! This Christmas what offer you can do the King of king and the Lord of Lord.I want to love You, Jesus, with all my heart soul, mind, and strength, for us I do, wi believe You will reveal to Your heart!

TRUST IN YOUR STRENGHT

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 30:15

VERSE FOR TODAY: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."

HYMN FOR TODAY: "HOLY NIGHT"

IT WAS A CHILLY NIGHT BETHLEHEM. People escaped the cold, damp air and crowded into the little inn at end of the street go step outside. They had left their donkeys and camels in the back stable, had shut the door, and we're now laughing and chattering with distance relatives they had not seen in years.

Family ties were renewed over bowls of hot soup and goblets of wine. People broke bread together, swapping stories about their long journey. Pamdemic inflation bit the coin. Celebration this holiday season. A teenage boy strummed his Lyre, and several father's clapped their hands in time to the music. Enjoy a photo shot in your mobile, go step outside.

While balancing a tray of meat and breads, the innkeeper answers a knock at the door. A man calling himself Joseph stood outside with his cloak pulled tightly around his head. It was late, cold, and he and his young wife who was heavy with a child needed a room. The innkeeper could barely hear Joseph speak with so much background noise, but he managed to explain that there was no room-- only an empty stall or two in the back stable.

The innkeeper quickly apologized and slammed the door shut against Joseph. Outside, Joseph stood and listened to the laughter behind the door. He sighted deeply turned, and quietly led Mary to the stable. While a celebration of music and feasting continued behind the warm walls of the inn, yards away, the Son of God quietly entered History.

Sometimes the most special moments of Christmas happen not during a crowded party but in cool, quiet silence. In the midst of bustling activity, God seeks out the quiet heart. 

What a contrast between the serene stable and the busy in. If only someone had taken the time to peer out a back window, or leave the party to check on his donkey, just think what he would have discovered! We may ask ourself What do I offer to the King! Perhap he would have seen the angels, the shepherd, and yes even the Son of God. Go step outside trust is your strength. Come with receptive heart, and tell someone who didn't about Jesus.

CHARACTER AND STRENGHT

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1-14

VERSE FOR TODAY: You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. . . To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge (Proverb 8:5,9, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "there's a Light"

You can have the Treasure! From the beginning of time there have been people who believe in God. People who trust His ultimate power, authority, goodness, mercy, wisdom, justice, and who trust Him in spite of the wickedness in the world.

Let's follow the guidelines found in Matthew 7 and live a godly and peaceful life.

First, conduct toward others: 

Relieve oneself of judgement of neighbors, Christian brothers, and family members. Let God do the moulding and judging. The goal of each Christian is to build faith in God and to develop the character  and Strength that comes from commitment to Him.

Second, relationship with God: 

Ask. . . Seek. . . Knock. An increasing urgency in the desire to know God and His ways brings peace and confidence to life. Seek Him with the desperation a starving man looks for food. He will open His heart and pour a blessing upon blessing on those who seek His face.

Third, the difficulty of the road: 

The Lord calls us to the straight way. We dare not take the broad way- it leads to destruction. The road is made easy because He lift us up. He is our Guide!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Precious Guide, our heavenly Father, strengthen our desire to follow You today. Give us the wisdom to let You lead the way. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.

GOD IS LIGHT

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 37:1-14

VERSE FOR TODAY: This the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all (1John 1:5, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "YES YOU ARE THE LORD"

No contrast between life and death could be more complete than in the object lesson God place before Ezekiel very dry bones lying in the sun-bleached sand- no sign of life anywhere- desolation-death.

Ezekiel obeyed  the voice of God and began to prophesy. Then, noise-rattling movement- life. A message from God to His people: "I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, . . You will know that I the Lord have spoken" (verse 14, New International Version).

We, like the Israelites, may feel that all hope is gone, men have failed us , and we are cut off from life. We may feel that we live in a world that is like a valley of dry bones- ugly in its 

Wickedness, helpless in its confusion, utterly unable to save itself. However, God does the seemingly impossible. He gives life and hope. We can be assured that He keeps His promises because Christ has come to give life to the souls of all men.

His gospel ia a message of life. It comes to us in our most degraded, desolate, and despairing conditions, and gives to us an opportunity to accept salvation and live in the light.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: O Sovereign Lord, thank You for the assurances of knowing that You keep Your promises. Teach me the wisdom of Hero of faith, wisdom of Ezekiel when he said, "You alone know." I trust my life to You, and know that You are nearer to me than I am sometimes aware. Amen.

PASS IT ON

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 78:1-8

VERSR FOR TODAY: So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children (Psalm78:6, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "I Love To Tell the Story"

WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD You may have played a little game called "Pass it On." If you were standing in line you would hit the child next to you and say, "Pass it on." Then that child would hit the next child, and the next, right in to the end of the line. It was a silly game, but it well illustrates the text for today. Each generation must pass on to the next generation must share it's knowledge and faith with the next.

That needs to be done both formally and informally. Of course, churches, Sunday schools, and youth meetings perform this function. But there is also a need for believers, individually and personally, to share in informal conversation with the young, their own experience with God and their own faith in God. Then it is more than story taught or a lesson passed down. Faith puts on flesh and becomes real. See this Holiday season it was just pass it on because your faith moves God! If you have been blessed by someone in the past who shared their faith with you, thank God for them. Then ask God to open your eyes to your opportunity. It may be your own children or your grandchildren. It may be a child who lives next door or fown the street. All you have to do us tell them what God had done for you; what faith means to you

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Forgive our failures, God Give us new opportunities and the wisdom to use them well. Let's us use our lives wisely for You'. Let others see Jesus in us. We pray in our Savior's name. Amen.

HE WORK IN YOUR LIFE

SCRIPTURE: "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, your love, O Lord, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands." (Psalm 138:8).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Lord my Tower"

GOD ALWAYS FINISH WHAT HE STARTS.

He never begins a project only to leave it half-done. He never writes a run-on sentence. He never walks away from a messy workbench. Unlike us, God never carries over items on His "To Do" list from one eternity to the next. He always completed what He begins. That include you.

He started working on you years ago, long before you became a Christian. Take heart today that the blueprint for your life is still spread before Him. He won't stop working on you until He reaches His goal. By the way, His goal is summed up in Roman 8:29 and His purpose is that you might "be conformed to the likeness of his Son." 

Read Psalm 138 to see how God accomplishes His work in your life. He fulfills His purpose in you with love and faithfulness (v2.). Part of goal is to make you fearless and stouthearted to make brave in heart! (v.3), humble (v.6), and confident in His ability to preserve and protect you (v.7)

For more evidence of God's "finishing what He starts," be encouraged by Philippians1:6. He will never abandon or forsake you. His goal is to make you more like like Jesus, and He won't  stop working on His goal for you until you are complete.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: I am grateful, Lord, that You promise You will fulfill Your purpose for me. Thank You for not abandoning Your work in my life when I am stubborn or disobedient. Today, I want to be willing to co-operate with You. I want to agree with Your purpose in my life. I want to desire the same goals You have for my life. I praise You tga You always finish what You start.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: The angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the  Lord (Luke 2:10,11).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

Think of it! The angels could have gone to the palace, or the synagogues, or the estates of the wealthy and powerful and told them the good news. But of all the people in Israel, it was those closest to the Lord that night who heard from the angelic host, and those alone who witnessed the manger where this miraculous Child lay. So there was that night a great company of heavenly hosts, praising God, bringing s message of peace and joy-- to shepherd's.

When the shepherds heard the good news, they hurried off to Mary and Joseph, and discovered for themselves things were "just as they had been told."

And our Lord grew up to fulfill the angelic promise. He is  our Savior, He is the good news who brings great joy to all those who love Him. He is our Wonderful Counselor, and He is the King of kings. He is the Truth and the Way. He is the Lord of all, and He is the Son of God. He is the Chief Cornerstone and He is the Light of the World.

All people who Him discover He is "just as they had been told." To each of us, He is our Good Shepherd, now and forever more.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dearest Lord! You are Savior, Shepherd, Lamb of God, Mighty God. You are all we need You to be, now and always. Help us always to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ! Amen.

PRAYING AFTER THE HIGH POINTS

SCRIPTURE: Mark 6:46

VERSE FOR TODAY: "And when He had sent then away, He departed to the mountain to pray. (Mark 6:34-44, The New King James Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Above All"

What do you do after a spiritual victory? Where do you go after reaching a high point in your Christian life? Jesus went to pray. Jesus had just fed a multitude with only gives loaves of bread and two fish  if there were ever a time to relax and bask in the glow of God's power, it should have been then. Instead, Jesus climbed a mountain to pray. When Jesus prayed Father clearly revealed His will and His ways to His Son. It eventually dawned on Jesus' disciple that Jesus prepared for every major decision and difficult challenge with a time of prayer (,Luke11:1).

As Jesus prayed on the mountain that day, the Father knew His Son was about to face a fierce storm (Mark ,6:48). The disciple raced headlong into the tempest unprepared, but Jesus entered the storm after communing with His Father in prayer. The Father had prepared Jesus for what was coming, and Jesus met the crisis with all the power of God.

It is tempting to relax after a spiritual victory, but a crisis could follow at any time. You must stand guard over your high points. It is at any time when you experience God mightily that you should immediately get alone to pray. Then you will not be caught unprepared when trial come. Have you experienced a spiritual victory? Follow your Lord's example and go immediately to a place of prayer so the Father can prepare you for what is coming.

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: POST BLIZZARD PROMISE

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: POST BLIZZARD PROMISE: Scripture: "He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass fro...

POST BLIZZARD PROMISE

Scripture: "He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth."

Hymn: "Yes and Amen"

ROARING WINDS, the spray of sleet and snow, dangerous and slippery ice, Remember those storms when you were a child?  I sure do. I'd shiver under my quilt, listening to the creaking branches outside my bedroom window, Would the house survive?  Would I?

Moaning winds made me feel lonesome. I hoped sleep would let me escape the night, but every time I'd  nod off, rattling windows would shake me awake. I watched the twisted shadows of branches jerk madly across the bedroom wall. Would morning ever come? 

Yes, but with it, a different picture. I awoke to soft rays of sun warning my bed covers. The howling had ceased and only an occasional gust would swirl powdery snow off the still. Quiet called me out of bed and to the window where I gasped at the dazzling white landscape. It was...beautiful

There are days when  my soul feels windblown, raw and exposed--times when I'm  tossed in a blustery tempest with everything breaking loose. But the God who brings beauty out of blizzards promises to bring peace after the storm. And when the beauty drawns, I hardly remember the fright of that stormy trial.

If you sense storm warning, hold on to a couple of "winter watch" verse from Scripture. Recall how near and present the Lord really is. Cling to His promises of peace. Remember the joy comes in the morning. Let Him cover you your fear with His love, like a blanket of snow, soft and gentle.

PRAYER: You the Lord who calmed the storms and brought peace to  fearful hearts. Praise You for being the light of morning of sunrise. Thank You for being the brightness after rain.

THE CHILD IMMANUEL

SCRIPTURE: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'--- which means, 'God with us."'

Matthew 1:23

I hated school when others kids created trouble. Do you remember the feeling?  You'd be false accused of calling someone a name. Or other kids wrote nasty notes about your hair or clothes. Or the bully towered over you, ready to punch your lights out. For those moments, the world might as well have ended. You couldn't imagine how life could go on.

I imagine that Joseph felt like that when he heard of Mary's  pregnancy. His engagement was not going according to classroom rules. People started talking. Whispering. Giggling Sneering. And who knows, perhaps Mary had an older brother who would have beaten the life out of Joseph.

But notice what the angel tells Joseph: "'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'--- which means, "God with us'" (Matthew1:23).

God with us. What wonderedful words Joseph heard. It made all the difference.

Remember those tough days at school? What a relief even this holiday season doing online God is with us!  The song said. When God speak nothin remain the same whenever He revealed His plan all things happen it was so it was good the result is good! 

When the teacher showed up at just the right moment to make things right. 

What does Hebrews 12:15 mean?

SEE TO IT THAT NO ONE FAILS TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF GOD; THAT NO "root of bitterness" springs up and caused trouble, and by it many become defiled. 

(HEBREW 12:15 ESV)

This verse continues to give practical steps Christians ought to take in response to persecution and hardship. Earlier, the writer encouraged believers to "hold fast" (Hebrew 3:6; 10:23) in the face of struggles. Most of the suffering we endures as Christian is not as heavy as it could be (Hebrew 12:4). And, God intends those experience for our good to train us into a more mature faith ( Hebrew 12:11).

While we grow individually, we also need to be careful of how we interact with other believers. The prior verse mentioned the need to live in peace, as well as the importance of pursuing holiness.

The reference to those who "[fail] to obtain the grace of God" could mean those who are false believers. That would harmonize with other New Testament warnings about those who claim to be godly, but are not (Matthew 7:15, Jude1:12). Upcoming verses tie into the example of Essay, who was careless towards his own birthright, also seen as a sign of one without real faith in God. While that's possible, the context seems mostly to focus on else: a command regarding those within the church who are defiant towards God and His holiness.

Prior verses mentioned the importance of holiness (Hebrew 12:14). And other New  Testament verses mention the importance of not tolerating brazen sin among those who claim the name of Christ (1Corinthians 5:11). Earlier, a warning in this same letter was given  to those who believe, but fail to obey and are judged accordingly (Hebrews 10:26-31). The "root of bitterness" mentioned here re-established a metaphor used in Deuteronomy 29:18-19. There, the people of Israel were warned about those who assumed they'd be blessed and protected by God, despite their willful rebellion.

It seems, then, that the writer's point is about those who are disobedient toward God. Old Testament Hebrew uses the word "bitter" as a reference to poison. Here, the"bitter roots" are said to cause trouble and defilement. Whether those person are outright false Christians, or merely rebellious believers, thei influence is the same. They cause controversy and lead others into sin . Such person cannot be allowed to remain in the body of believers (1Corinthians 5:13).

LOVE IN ACTION

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3:11-24

VERSE FOR TODAY: My little children, let us love  not in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1John 3:18).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Make Me a blessing"

I was driving down the main street in our community with my six- year old granddaughter and we passed a lady pushing a grocery cart filled to overflowing. "What's that lady got in that cart?" Heather asked. Everything she owns," I explained. "She doesn't have anywhere to live." Heather was confused, "Where does she eat? Where does she go to the bathroom? What about when it gets cold?" "There are a lot of people like that here," I told her. "Some are families with children. They lose their jobs and houses and some live in their cars or under the bridge," Tears filled her eyes. "Grandma," her voice quivered. "Why don't the people who love Jesus do something to help them?" I had no answer.

Later I shared this story with a grotesquely misshapen young man at a writers' seminar. Though his mind was sharp and he expressed himself well, he told me how several churches had turned him away because of his appearance. 

When I told him what Heather had said about the people who love Jesus, he replied sadly, "Tell her that the people who love Jesus don't always love other people."

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, let it be said of our family members, " Behold, how they love one another," as, through Your love, we reach out to those around us who need Your help the most. Show us what we can do to share the blessings You have given us. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

The Love of Christ Contrains Me

THEREFORE WE MAKE IT OUR AIM, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body. according to what he has done, whether good or bad 11 knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.12 for we do not  comment ourselves to you, but  give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.14 For the Love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselve, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthian5:9-25 (NKJV).

Days has gone past In a nutshell that is the Christian walk. Not to experience of Salvation, but the fruit of it.That the direction of every true convert to Christianity, and is essential to maintain victory over the sin that once held as captive.

Ask yourself this question: Does this passage describe the effect that Jesus has had on you? 

A profession of faith is not enough to save us. It's not enough to be convinced that Jesus was a historical figure. Something must happen inside us so that we become a confession of Christ to a world that is already condemned.

How does that happen? How are we to live our lives as a confession of Christ? From our main text, I believe that there were two main factors that guided and motivate Paul along his race. One is found in verse 11: " knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord.." you will not find that kind of motivation preached about in the most churches. That word for "terror" is Greek word Phobos in a native tongue "pulbos." Its where we get this word. Phobia.

He'll is real. And it is meant for the sinner. The problem for mankind is that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." God's glory is perfection. His justice demand that He can only associate Himself with that which is holy. But praise God that mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy doesn't dissolve judgment or take it away, in the sense of eradicating it entirely from the core of who God is. God is still just. Read (Gen. 19:27-29). But mercy is the way by which we can become holy, because it's through Christ's holiness that we are brought near to God. Jesus' sacrifice was a holy sacrifice. Ephesians2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Let us read again. Did you contrain Him prayer? How would you contrain the Lord. Read Luke 24: 13, 27, 25, 32. In verse 29 But they contrained him, saying, abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. But they didn't know Him the event happen in Jerusalem. 

There is a balance found in true Christianity that include both His justice and His mercy. But the grace message of today will you that the sacrifice of Jesus neutralised the justice side of God. So, the terror of the Lord was one key component to Paul's confessional Christianity.

The next thing he mentions is equally as important.  In verse 14 "For the Love of Christ constrain us" The core of this word is to hedge or hem in. To be overtaken by somehing that you have a choice but to move with it and its current. You are at its mercy. "Constraineth" is used only 12 times in the bible, but it is used in a variety of situations. It is often used when  talking about people being overcome with diverse diseases. Their bodies had no choice but to respond in certain ways to the infection controlling their body. They were constrain by disease.

A good illustration of this is toothpaste. As pressure is applied to the tube, it Contrains the toothpaste to exit the only way it can.their bodies had no choice for the toothpaste. It has to come out through that hole at the top. Did you contrain Him in prayer? Two or three you are in our midst. Believe what you speak He want to listen to us.

Paul tells us here in verse 14 what it was that gave him no Choice, what forced him to act the way he did in the Narrow Road. And notice how it is stated. It is the Love of Christ,  not his for Christ that has the constraining power over his life.

Osward Chambers wrote, ""(Paul) was overpowered, subdued, and held as in a vise by 'the love of Christ.' We tend so often to be controlled simply by our own experience. One thing that gripped and held Paul, to the exclusion of everything else, was the love of Christ."

This is what will combat the extremely dangerous false grace teaching tha is pervasive in our day. We need to be reminded that the grace of God is not a license to sin. If anything, the grace of God has given us license to perform righteous works for Him! It gives us license to say no to sin! But yes to Jesus. To live soberly and godly in this present age!  We are able now to be to righteousness instead of slaves to sin! Hallelujah

This is extremely important in our day and age. It's not enough to have a profession, as we already mentioned. And it's not enough to do thing in the name of Jesus. Jesus Himself said that there would be many in the last day who had done many mighty miracle in His name, and yet, He never knew them. There was no intimacy with Him. They had no love relationship with Him. They were claiming to do things in His name as if they were married to Him. But Jesus tells them that their actions weren't founded on love. 'There was no , "we love Him, because He first loved us." That element of their Christ walk was not there. The love of Christ did not constrain them. I was blessed when my Pastor preached this.. she said contrain Him in your prayer.

 

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: Gold and Silver

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: Gold and Silver: What does 1 Peter 1:18 mean? In verse 17, Peter had revealed that our loving Father God judges the actions of His save's children. This ...

Gold and Silver

What does 1 Peter 1:18 mean?

In verse 17, Peter had revealed that our loving Father God judges the actions of His save's children. This is not to decide our eternal fate, but to weigh whether our choices are those of a holy, set-apart people. Peter writes that we should live out our lives on earth as foreigners and with "fear," meaning "reverence."

Why fear? In part, the idea is that we should carry solemn awareness of the great worth God has placed on our lives. We should appreciates the great expectation He has to make use of us, as His children, for His plans and for His glory (Philippians 2:12-13). That awareness should motivate us to be cautions about making worthless choices.

Peter demonstrates the value God has placed on us by showing the price He paid for us. He didn't pay mere cash: "silver or gold." He didn't pay temporary currency for an eternal transaction, verse 19 will reveal that He paid us with blood on His own Son, a currency of limitless value

 We cannot overestimate our worth in our Father's eyes.

And what did He redeem us from? Worthlessness. He didn't just save us from hell; he bought us out of the futility of human existence that we had inherited from our ancestors. He bought us out of an empty, meaningless waste of time all that the world can truly offer us. Peter's point in all of this may be that our choices now, after that transaction, truly matter. As people of great value to God holy people we should be terrified that we will squander our days continuing to invest ourselves in worthless things.

MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:8

VERSE FOR TODAY: Finally brethren whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are good report,  if there is any virtue and if there is anythings praiseworthy meditate on these things. (New King James Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "You Deserve the Highest Praise"

What you think about in your unguarded moments reflects what your mind dwells upon. What you speak about when your guard is down is a good gauge of what is in your heart (Matt.12:34). Your mind needs exercise just as your physical body does. To keep your body healthy, you must contemplate things that are noble and truths that stretch your mind.

Some Christ allows the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything. Some remain satisfied with thinking of the mundane. Others fail to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning. Others, however, choose to expose their minds to the of God to that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good.

The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will be inevitably  be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If youfill you mind thoughts of Christ you will become Christlike.

What you fill your mind with a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magificent truths of God, and they will cteate in you a noble character that brings glory God

FAITHFUL IN A LITTLE

SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:10

VERSE FOR TODAY: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:3, The New Kung James Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Love You Much"

God reward those who are faithful. Throughout your life God will seek to grow you in your faith. He will continually bring you to times when you must trust Him. He will lead you into situation that require a "little" faith. and if you are faithful, He will then take you into situation require even greater trust in Him. Each time you are able to trust God at a higher level, God will reveal more of Himself to you. Your faith and experiencing God directly linked.

The best way to tell if you are prepared for a greater revelation of God is to see how faithful you have been with what God has given you. This is foundational principle in God's  relatioships with us. If you have been faithful with the little He has given you, you are ready to be entrusted with more. If you failed to trust God with the little He gave you. He will not trust with more. God will not lead you beyond your present level of trust and obedience to Him. He will return to you your area of unfaithfulness until you are prepared to trust Him. The children of Israel were unwilling to trust God to lead them into the promise Land, and their generation never again was able to move forward with Him.

You stand at an exciting new door of opportunity to know God more intimately every time you believe Him. Every step of faith leads you to s deeper relationship of faith with Him. It is an open invitation to know God more intimately.

THE UNTHINKABLE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:18

VERSE FOR TODAY:Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." (Mark 16:22 The New King James Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY " The Cross"

Surely I would never betray the Lord! Each disciple earnestly pled his loyalty to Christ. As they reclined together in the comfort and security of the upper room, in the presence of their Lord, the disciple could not imagine themselves ever wavering in their loyalty to Christ. Yet Jesus looked at them and said, "One of you who eats with Me will betray Me!" How was possible to share such an intimate and profound moment with the Savior and then rush so quickly toward betrayal and spiritual failure?

During the intense pressures of Gethsemane and the cross, the disciples did things they never thought they would do. They had no idea how cruel andAs grateful the world around them would be to their Lord. Jesus had cautioned them that the world would hate them because it hated Him (John 15:18-22; 16:33). But only Jesus knew the full extent of the temptation they would face. In the pressure of the moment the heart does surprising things. Scripture had predicted Judas would betray Jesus, despite having walked with Him for over three years. But Peter, too, would deny Him, and all would forsake Him.

How quickly the surrounding of your life can shift from the security and tranquility of an upper room to the harsh reality of Gethsemane and the cross. Guard your heart. Listen now to the Lord's  gently warning: the failure that was possible with His first disciple is also possible with you. You, too, are capable of forsaking Jesus, just as the first disciple did. If Jesus is warning you of an area in your life in which you could fail Him, herd His words today!

GODS INFINITE TREASURE

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:7

VERSE FOR TODAY: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God not of us.

HYMN: "Knowing God"

Knowing God and having Him reside within you is a treasure of infinite value. Jesus likened this value to that of a perfect pearl. The collector would readily sell everything he had in order to possess this one matchless pearl (Matt.13:45-46). Your relationship with God places an immeasurable value on your life. The treasure of God's  wisdom and knowledge are available to you through Christ (Col.2:-3). His love Noe fills you. His incomprehensive peace surrounds your heart and mine (Phil.4:7). When Jesus dwells in your life, everything available to Christ dwells within you (Eph. 3:19).

Paul was comparing our lives with the clay pots commonly used in his day. Then content of the earthen vessels, not the containers themselves, were of great value. The jars would become chipped and broken and would deteriorate overtimes, but nobody thought of the jar they were interested in its contents

Paul noted that our great possession is that which God has placed within us. When people focus on us they see a frail, imperfect, and deteriorating vessel. Nothing that comes from our flesh is worthy of praise. Our bodies are aging and losing strength (2Cor.4:16). Only as we allow God to fill us and renew our inner self will people see a treasure of immeasrable worth .

Don't focus on outward appearance and physical strengh, for these deteriorate. Rather, allow the Holy Spiirit to convince you of the infinite treasure that is within you because of God's presence.

FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3-4

VERSE FOR TODAY: That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us,; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

HYMN FOR TODAY: "In His Presence"

John the apostle never ceased to marvel at life-changing relationship he enjoyed with his Lord. It overwhelmed him to know that, at a particular time in history, the God of the universe chose to have fellowship with him, a simple fisherman. John was so overjoyed that he earnestly wanted to share his joy with others so they, too, might experience the same joy. A special fellowship or "bonding" developed between those who had personally encountered Christ as they rejoice together at God's goodness to them.

Those around you desperately need to be ecouraged by your latest encounter with Christ. Some have lost hope that they can experience the reality of God's presence in lives. They don't need your philophies or theological speculations. They don't  need to hear your opinion on what they should do. They need to hear from someone who has just come from a personal, life changing encounter with the living Christ. When you have had such an experience you will be like the apostle John, hardly able to contain yourself as you rush out to tell others of your amazing encounter with God. Your responsiblity will not be to convince others of the reality of God, but simply to bear witness to what your Lord has said and done to you. The change in your life will be your greatest testimony of your relationship to Christ. There is nothing more appealing or convincing to a watching world than to hear the testimony of someone who has just been with Jesus.

THE PROMISE KEEPER

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 6:1-9

VERSE FOR TODAY: "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I AM the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptian"' (Exodus 6:60 New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR FOR TODAY: "A Charge to Keep I Have"

"His word is as good as gold." The phrase was sometimes used to characterize the trustworthiness of a promise without a written contact. A handshake and a word of commitment sealed the deal.

Nowadays a person's  word mean little. Promises are broken when 'o longer convenient to keep. But God always keeps His Word. When we believe it we reap wonderful benefits. When we ignore it. . . harmful consequences.

Adam Eve brought death to life when they did not believe God's warning and they ate from the forbidden tree. In spite of their impatience, Abraham and Sara were blessed with their own child which God had promised. The Israelites experienced the long awaited release from their bondage in Egypt by the powerful hand of the Lord. God's prophetic promises were fulfilled during Jesus's life here on earth and by His death and resurrection.

Because of these and many more assurances we can certainly trust our God when He said that Jesus came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29), and whoever believes in Him and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16).

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for keeping Your promises. In a world where it is difficult to depend on anyone, it is reassuring to know that You can be trusted unquestionably. We thank You for keeping Your promises to us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3:13-22

VERSE FOR TODAY: Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, " The God of your father's has sent me to you,'  and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them? God said to Moses," . . . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I Am has sent me to you"' (Exodus 3:13,14, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "I Sing the Mighty Power of God"

Many voices claim authority over our lives. Sometimes we yield to authority that is wielded from position of power or intimidation. At other times we yield to authority out f respect or reverence.

"I want to pack my lunch Mom, I don't want to buy it anymore, my seventh grade daughter announced when she came home from school. She told me how that day in the lunch line abig girl had bullied her into giving up her lunch money. She willingly submitted to the demands but determined that she would not be the target for this kind of intimidation again.

As a professor, my husband has established classroom rules, one of which prohibits male students from wearing hats in his classes. It is a matter of courtesy and lends to a certain decorum in the college classroom. Because of their respect for him and the institution, the students comply with his request.

We each bend to the authority of others out of fear or respect, but our ultimate source of truth and authority comes from the Almighty God. Let us be certain that when we submit to authority it is indeed His voice that we hear.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: O God, Your truth always call to us above the world's chatter and makes mute it's inconsequential bid for authority. Help us to listen to the voice of Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.

RELEASED FROM THE RUBBLE

SCRIPTURE: Roman 7:15-25

VERSE FOR TODAY: Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Roman 7:24, New Kung James Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " At the Cross"

Television has brought the horrors of war famine, and natural and man-made disasters into homesl. We have watched as babies were found alive beneath the rubbles of a hospital which collapsed during an earthquake in Mexico City. We watched as rescuers painstakingly removed a man from his crushed car after the San Francisco earthcquake. We watched in anguish as rescuers searched mostly in vain for survivors of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

To be trapped beneath tons of rubbles is a nightmare we don't want to think about. Paul compared his nature to sin as a "body of death" like living with the weight of a corpse on him. He looked for the One who could rescue him from his predicament and concluded, "through Jesus Christ, our Lord." Can you imagine the joy and gratitude you would experience as you looked into the eyes of your rescuer if you were buried in rubbles otr crushed by a weight brought about by an earthquake? That's how Paul felt about the One who rescued him from the weight of his sinful nature.

Do we experience that kind of joy and gratitude when we look into the eyes of Christ, our rescue?  Or do we not face the weight of sin as seriously asPaul did?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we often grow discouraged over our inability to follow in the footsteps of our Savior. We feel weighted down by guilt and frustration. Help us see out Rescuer and know the joy of deliverance through Him. Amen.

A WORLD OF BUGS

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3:20-24

VERSE FOR TODAY:Therefore, the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken (Genesis 3:23, New Long Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "For the Beauty of the Earth"

When my children were reluctantly preparing for a move from San Francisco to another part of the country, they tried to prepare my young grandson for the culture shock.

"Will they have a science museum?" "No"

"A Japanese tea garden?" "No"

"A Golden Gate Bridge?"    "No

"Well, what will they have there?" "Bugs."

"Just bugs?" "Just bugs!"

We're not in the garden of Eden any more. Our world is full of bugs, literally and figuratively. But it isn't full of just bugs.

In spite of the consequences of the sins of our ancestors, it is still our Father's world.

"Marred?" "Yes." It certainly is not what He intended it to be. We have brought "bugs" into it. It is an imperfect world full of imperfect people whom God continues to love. The consequences of sin bring hardship, but God does not desert us completely no more than He deserted Adam. The amazing thing is that He came to live among us and die for us in our world of bugs.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we thank You for the world You made for us. Forgive us for marring it with our sins, especially our greed. Above all, we thank You for dwelling with us in our imperfect world and helping us to make the best of it. Thank You Jesus in whom we pray. Amen.

A PRAYER HOUSE FOR EVERYBODY

SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:12-19

VERSE FOR TODAY: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"

It is rare that we encounter The anger of Jesus in the Scripture. However, Mark and the other gospel writers record His fiery action against the money changers in the temple. He accused the temple keepers of turning the temple into a house of thieves; He insisted that it was to be a house of prayer for all peoes and nations

The temple was the dwelling place of God, as our bodies today are temple of God's holy presence. Christ was arguing that the temple was to be a place of prayer, as we are to be people of prayer. Yes, we can pray in a temple; we can pray in a church building; we can pray in a garden; we can pray at work; we can pray in the classroom. No one can stop us from praying, for it can be done in total secret as we pray to a God who sees us in secret.

Christ was advocating also that the temple was to be a place for all peoples and nations. The holy presence of God was not for the Jew only. God's presence today and forever is for Jew and Gentileor male and female,for black and brown, for poor and rich,for old and young, if they want His presence. Living on this side of the cross, we know that Christ Jesus came to and for all people everywhere.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways. Cause us to be unfailing input devotion to You, O God. Open our hearts to all people everywhere. May our prayers to You be constant. Bless our service in Jesus name. Amen.

Do Not Forget

"Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: 'I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.'"

Exodus 15:1-2

THAT A SONG OF PRAISE! The entire chapter lf Exodus 15 is a glorious praise song to the Lord after He opened a path through the Red sea. You can imagine the Israelites amazement when they saw the water parted like giant glass skyscrapers. Little wonder they sang on for twentt-one verses in music and melody.

But a few verses later, their joy turned to sour. Their song gave out. After three days of traveling in the desert without finding water, they grumbled, saying, "What are we to drink?" The songs faded all too quickly when they ran into trouble. The irony is, they grumbled about water! Didn't they remember God's miracle with water? They had just watched Him part a whole sea of it.

Our own songs of praise fade all all too quickly when we forget how God protects and provides for us. We need to take the advice God gave the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9, "Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not for get the things your eyes have seen."

THE NEXT TIME YOU'RE TEMPTED to grumble or complain, think lf yiur favorite praise song and then sing it. It will be God's way of helping yiu not to forget His protection and provision in your life. Lord forgive me for having such a short memory of all the marvelous ways You're protected and provided for me. I thank You for all that You're done in the past and all You'll do in the future. I'm grateful to You. 

A SHOUT OF PRAISE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:1-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: Blessed be he who enters in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord (Psalm128:26, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Hallelu, Hallelu Hallelu, Hallelujah!"

Now we come to Jerusalem, the site of climatic act in the drama of Christ. This is the act the climaxes in the death and victory of our Lord and Savior. He entered into the city, and the crowds gave him "the royal treatment " However, they were totally unaware that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem to die.

Jesus entered into th ecity of Jerusalem on a donkey. We might not think such an entrance fit for a king. The President of the United States recently came to our city; he rode through the streets in a big black limousine. The Popecame to our city; he was driven through the streets in a big white limousine. The Queen of England rides through the street of London during official events in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage reminiscent of the famous Cinderella story. But Jesus came into the holy city humbly, in a manner that would not even befit you and me as we travel to worship in our best clothing.

The crowd's praised Him for who He was. He was coming to them as the great physicians, the Messiah, the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He was the Christ, the Don of the living God

 They loved Him; they adored Him; they praised Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God, Creator of Heaven and earth, we bow before You as our  King, seeking always to fulfill Your will in our lives. May we praise You this day by living for You. In Jesus name, Amen.

PRAISE HIM PRAISE HIM!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 9:1-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; declare among the people's His deeds (Psalm 9:11, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FIR TODAY: "Praise Him! Praise Him!"

Praise is an expression not only of our appreciation, but of our understanding of the worth of the person being praised. Therefore it is imperative that praise be genuine and not hollow. In many years of working with children, I have learned to look for the things they are doing well, so that when I give praise they will recognize their worth. I don't want to look into the eyes of a child and see a lack of trust because I have given superficial praise. Hollow praise is detrimental, but genuine praise is valued.

Our praise to God must show those around us that we recognize His worth. It is hollow to praise God on Sunday, but live in such a way that our friends and co-workers never see our faith. A part of genuine praise is with sing to others of God's love and grace. When we do this often, our own vision of the greatness of God expands and our faith deepens.

Psalm 9 is one of Thanksgiving by David for God's  justice,  probably written after a victory over the Philistines, the heathen enemies that often troubled Israel. It affirms that God never ignores our cries for help it urged us to appreciate His worth and praise Him before men.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we praise You for Your power, grace, and love. May our praise to You abound not only in formal worship and prayer, but also in our witnessing to others. Thank You for Your Word and the many examples it provides to aid us along the path of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

SAVE THROUGH GRACE

SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:6-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: We believe that we are save through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are (Acts15:11, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"

Imagine you are a member of an organization in your community. You believe in the Organization's and you have met all of the requirements for membership

 But problems begin to arise with other members. Some insist you must meet additional requirements. They do not want to fellowship with you in social situations or the Organization's rituals, because they think you are inferior. That is essentially what was happening to the Antioch Gentile Christian's.

Some Jewish Christians, retaining the legalistic principles of the Mosaic law refused to fellowship with the Gentile Christians. These Gentile were perceived as lesser Christian's" Representatives of the Antioch Church were sent to meet with the apostles and sliders in Jerusalem. They deliberated the matter, and Peter spoke out clearly in defense of Christian freedom and grace. He had witnessed the conversion of Cornelius and God's acceptance of the Gentile on the basis of the gospel alone.

Let us remember that we are all saved through grace in the same way, and then practice unity in faith, liberty in opinions, and love in all things.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for Your saving grace. Forgive us when we develop attitudes that are unbecoming to Your children. Help us to be understanding of others and give us a flexibility that will allow for a diversity of opinions in the fellowship of believers. In JESUS' name, Amen

THE GREAT BLESSING

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 19:18-25

VERSE FOR TODAY: In that day Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth (Isaiah 19:24, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Make. Me a Blessing"

Israel lay between Egypt and invaded Assyria. They had been captives of Egypt and invaded by Assyria. Now Isaiah was prophesying that Egypt and Assyria, two warring nations, would Unite with Israel as the third party, and be a blessing in the midst of the earth. Even more puzzling to the Israelites, this union would be based on their worshiping together the God of Israel. According to Matthew Henry, noted eighteenth century scholar, the fulfillment of this prophecy likely occurred with the conversion of Egypt to Christianity, probably through the preaching of Mark.

The significant element in this prophecy is that Gentiles and Jews will worship together, and all will be blessed by the Lord of the three nation, Israel was the privileged one because this great blessing came through Jesus of Nazareth. Unfortunately, the majority of the Jew made the disasteous mistake of never believing the Jesus was the Messiah But God kept His promise. The church began in Jerusalem with Jews and open its doors to Gentiles. For almost two thousand years, it's has been a blessing in the midst of the earth.

Today, Christian continue the mission of keeping this blessing alive.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, throughout the ages You have remained steadfast, caring for Your people in prosperity and adversity. Thank You for Your love and care. Help us to be more committed to our.Christian responsiblity. In Jesus name. Amen.

THE GREAT DELIVERANCE

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:10-21

VERSE FOR TODAY: See, I am doing a new thing! Now it spring up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Out of My Bondage"

One of the notable threads of thought running throughout the Old Testament is that Jehovah, the God of Israel, will one day become God of all nations. As the prophets detail the history of the Hebrew nation, they weave for us a tapestry of the life of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, and the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

Isaiah, in this Scripture, speaks God's pride of doing something new. For the Israelites this prophesied a return from Babylonian captivity, an event as magnificent as the exodus from Egypt. God would provide water in the desert, meet their physical needs and conduct them safety home. In return He asked only for their faith and praise and obedience.

For us, this Scripture depicts God making a way for Gentiles in the scope of His master plan. We were running as wolf animals in the desert of sin when God said this my Son to pull us from the wasteland. Then He opened up the rivers and streams and invited us to drink as his chosen people. If we choose partake,. He will conduct us safely home. In return He asks only for our faith and praise and obedience. Are we ready to give what He asks?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for being the God of all nations and providing theway for all people to be part of Your divine kingdom. Thank You for sending Your Sin to Dave us from the wasteland of sin. Make us a grateful people. In Jesus name, Amen

JESUS GLORIFIED

SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:2-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" (Mark 9:7, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

The events recorded in today's Scripture occurred about a week after Peter's confession near Caesarea Philippi. Peter James, and John, stilled shattered by Jesus' prophecy of His suffering and death, now saw His glory.

The transfiguration confirmed Jesus" decision to face the cross. Being both human and divine, Jesus struggled with the decision He had made. The meeting with Moses, the great law-giver of Israel, and Elijah, the great prophet, said to Jesus, "You are the fulfillment of the law and the prophets," Here was His assurance. Then came the voice of God giving the final, climactic confirmation.

From the apostless' perspective, this event gave them the fortitude to face the future. During Old Testament times, the presence of God was sometimes accompanied by a cloud. To the Jewish minds of the apostles, the descent of the cloud confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Anointed One.

The transfiguration is shrouded in mystery, but it message is clear. Perhaps we, like the apostles, should bow in reverence and hold it precious in our hearts to strenghten us when our faith falters.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we are astonished by the many ways You have presented Christ to us. When our faith falters, we have only to look to Your Word for Strength and reassurance. Help us in those times to turn our eyes upon Jesus and see Him in all His glory. In His name we pray,  Amen.

TAKE UP YOUR. CROSS

SCRIPTURE: Mark 8:34-9:1

VERSE FOR TODAY: And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Mark8:34, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me"

Throughout history men and women have risen to challenge of a high calling proffered by a great leader. Abraham Lincoln called upon the people of the North and South to "bond up the nation's wounds." Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Winston Churchill told the people of England, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil,tears, and sweat."

We admire a great leader who never asks his followers to go where he himself is not willing to go or do what he idnot prepared to do. When Jesus the greatest of all leaders, ask us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him,He does not promise an easy life; but we know Hehas experienced every temptation we face and remained sinless.

As Christians, do we practice self-denial and cross-bearing? Do our daily careers and earthly pleasures prevent us from visiting the sick and lonely, providing food, shelter, and clothing for the needy,and counseling those with problem? If we are to serve God, we must serve humanity. By losing our lives in service we save them for eternity. Jesus never promisedcrosd,-bearer an easy life, but He did promise us eternal glory.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father for the example we have in Your Don, Jesus Christ. Thank You that He experienced temptation and yet remained sinless. Help us to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow His example in our lives. Save us in glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 8:27-33

VERSE FOR TODAY: But when he had turned out and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter saying,  Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men (Mark 8:33).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today"

The area of Caesarea Philippi was once a center of Baal worship, and later a center of worship for the Greek god pan. Still later, a marble temple was built there in honor of Caesar of Augustus. There Peter said to Jesus, "Thou Art the Christ."

Our world Christ comes from Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means Anointed. For centuries the Jewish people dreamed of a king who would destroy their enemies, gather scattered Jews to the homeland, and about an eternal age of peace. Now the Anointed One had come!

In response to Peter's declaration, Jesus said He must suffer, be rejected and killed. That was horrifying to the to the disciples. Jesus was their Messiah! Impetuous Peter began to protest that such a fate would never come to the Christ. Then Jesus, though he loved Peter deeply rebuked him as a tempter.

There is lesson here for all of us. Sometimes those who love us most try to save us pain by advising us to abandon a course we know to be right. Like Jesus, we must be able to resist those voices and listen to God's voice in our lives.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father, thank You for Jesus and His example. May we listen to Your voice in our lives. Help us to evaluate all that we do in light of Your Word, even if it brings pain. Then help us to exemplify that same principle as we advise others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

STRENGHTHED IN THE INNER MAN

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:14-21

VERSE FOR TODAY: You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature not by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (Roman 8:9, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " Higher Ground"

This Scripture challanges us to higher and loftier dimension in the Christian life. We are to be moved from mere profession to genuine Christian commitment. We are further challenged to experience some of the deeper truths of Christianity and to share in its vast riches. God has provided the means to achieve these worthy goals.

He will strengthen us with power through His Spirit. Our lives are to be energized and motivated. He wants us to move from inertia to active Christian involvement. His Spirit dwelling in us will bring this about if we submissive to the divine will.

Christ is to dwell in our hearts through faith. Christ dwelling in us is at the center of our being, so that He exerts His influence upon our thoughts, word, and actions. When Christ is in control of our lives, they will be lived as He directs our lived will be to His glory.

We are established in love, our lives show stability, steadfastness, and perseverance. Love for God and our fellowman will move us to consistent Christian living and service.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we have failed and disappointed You. Help us to be submissive to Your will for our lives. May our goal always be to bring glory and honor to Your name. In JESUS' name, Amen.

JESUS-----A MIGHTY PROPHET

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-27

VERSE FIR TODAY: After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared tothem over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Christ Arose"

The entire ministry of Jesus Christ was Characterized by power. At the beginning and closing of His ministry, His might and power are emphasized. "He taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He "was a prophet mighty deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19). By His word He stilled the tempest, cast out demons, and restored life to the widow's son of Bain, to Jairus' daughter, and to Lazarus who had been dead for four days.

His deeds were powerful. Here is a classic summary statement: "The blind see, lame walk, the lepers are cleaned, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and to the poor the gospel is preached" (Luke 7:22). The ultimate deed of power was His ressurection. The grave clothes, the massive stone, the Roman guard, and death itself could not keep Jesus in the tomb. He arose! What a manifestation of power! The apostle Paul wrote of the mighty power that God exerted when He raised Christ from the dead, (Ephesians 1:19, 20). The resuurection is a glorious demonstration of power and victory.

Prophet is a title for the Messiah. Jesus' mighty words and deeds are God's confirmation of  Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your indescribable gift in Christ Jesus. Thank You for His ministry. his death, burial and resurrection. Thank You for the eternal life that is ours in Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

MY GRACE iS SUFFICIENT

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "God will Take Care of You"

The verse for today is superb for teaching the power and sufficiency of God's grace. Second Corinthians 12:2-4 seems to mean that Paul himself was taken up to Paradise, whether he heard innexpressible things. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, some physical weakness or disease, to keep him from being conceited. His thrice-offered prayer that this thorn be removed was not granted, but he was promised, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my stremgth is made perfect in weakness." In order to see how God's grace furnished power for Paul's life, read 2 Corinthians 11:22-29. Paul life was a mighty witness to the energizing and sustaining power of God's grace.

We need this power in our lives today, and it is available to us. We need this power to mobilize, energize, and sustain us in the service of Christian living. This power is neede to make our lives better examples of Christ. We need the power to face the many disappointments,frustrationns, and heartaches in life. This power will make us overcomes.

The secret for having this power is to get rid of pride in our own ability and rely solely upon God. May this power be ours.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God help us to do our best,but to put our counfidence in Your ability rather than our own. Give us the grace to be completely reliant upon You. Make us effective Christian's. In JESUS' name Amen.

BE VICTORIOUS

SCRIPTURE: Luke 10: 16-24

VERSE FOR TODAY: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (John 4:4, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus"

Jesus Christ calls us to active duty, and He gives us assurance of success and victory.

Luke 10:1-16 record that Jesus sent seventy disciples to teach and to do miracles as He had been doing. They were successful in many skrmishes with the enemy. Today's Scripture days they were happy that demons submitted to them in JESUS' name. For this they received a mild rebuked from Jesus. The real reason for rejoicing was that "your name are written in Heaven.

The allusion to Satan's falling from Heaven may mean that Satan was soundly defeated by the work of seventy; or it may be a part of JESUS' warning against pride. Satan fell from Heaven centuries ago because his pride led him to rebel against God. JESUS' followers must not let that happen to them, though their success in future conflicts was assured. Jesus gave them authority "over all the power of the enemy."

Christian's today are to be victorious. In Christ there is an inexhaustible source of power. He has equipped us so that we can confront and defeat the enemy. He has not called us to suffer defeat, but to have victory.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, may we be actively involved in the service of Christ. Help us to stand for truth and righteousness. Give us strength and determination not to retreat before the enemy. In JESUS' name, Amen.

GOD CHOSE WEAK AND FOOLISH THINGS

SCRIPTURE:1 Corinthians 1:26-31

VEERSE FOR TODAY: For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " My Faith has found a Resting Place"

The gospel, God's power unto salvation, is for everyone who believes: for the Jew 

and for the Greek. The message of good news is that Christ dierdf for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

When the apostle Paul proclaimed the gospel in Corinth, his hearers were Jew and Gentiles. To some Jews the gospel a stumbling block, and to some Greeks the message foolishness. Why these responses to the message? The Jewish people thought of their diliverer as a temporal king. He would sit on David's throne. There was no place in their thinking for a crucified king. Such a thought was repulsive. Do the Need stumbled.

To the Greeks the gospel message was foolishness. They thought it was ridiculous to believe that by one man's death and resurrection we can be saved.Hiw can anyone be saved through another person's death? So the Greeks considered the message to be foolishness.

"God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe," The message is still God's power for the Jew for the Greek.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace, which have made possible our salvation.Thank You for the power of the gospel, available to all who will believe. In Jesus' name Amen

JESUS' S POWER OVER DEATH

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:35-43

VERSE FOR TODAY: Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Low in the Grave He Lay"

Man's extremity is God oppurtunity. This truth is vividly illustrated in the account of Jairus. Jairus had a position of respect and authority. He was one of the leader of the synagogue and the community. He was highly respected among people.

When his daughter became critically ill, he did not allow his status to be a barrier in seeking help of Jesus of Nazareth Jairus presented his plea to Jesus, and Jesus consented to go with him, so that he might heal his daughter.

Then some men came with very distressing news: "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any more?" Jesus was not stopped by that message. He said to Jairus, Don't be afraid; just believe."

When they arrived at the home, Jesus took the parents of the child and three of His disciples into the room of the deceases child. These were to be the only witnesses of the daughter's return to life. Jesus took the daughter's hand and spoke the words that a parentxoyld use when awaking a child from a night's sleep, "Talitha, cumi," meaning, "Girlie get up." Life was restored. Jesus demonstrate His power over death.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, may our faith sustain us in the crucial periods of life. When we experience frustration and disappointment, pain and loss, may our faith in Your care for us be a sustaining power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

JESUS EXERCISES POWER OVER DISEASES

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:32-34

VERSE FOR TODAY: Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know (Acts 2:22, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Great Physicians"

This woman's healing is a powerful testimony to the divine power of Jesus Christ. The facts in her case are very persuasive. She had suffered from hermorrhages for twelves years. She had gone to many physicians seeking a cure for her illness, but no one was able to help her. She has spent all that she had, and her condition grew worse. What an unfortunate dilemma!

Mark's narrative tells us that she heard about Jesus. She possessed the faith that if she could get to Jesus and could touch His garments, she would be healed. Her faith was rewarded. She was able to work her way through the crowd that was surrounding Jesus until she stood directly behind Him. When she touched His clothes, her bleeding stopped. She could feel difference. She knew she was well.

But this was not  the end of the matter. Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" The woman fell at Jesus feet and in great fear told Him the truth. He said to her "Your faith has made you well.Go in peace and be free from your trouble," The healing was complete. What a testimony to the divine power of Jesus!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, You have given us many evidences that Jesus of Nazareth is Your Son. May we fully l convince of His divine power and lordship. May He truly be Lord of our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD

SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:22-36

VERSE FOR TODAY: Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear (Acts 2:33, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY "Crown Him With Many Crowns"

Many men and women have taken on roles of leadership in this world. Those have operated from different motives, led through different tactics, and succeeded at different levels. By the world's  standards one of the most successful leaders was Julius Caesar. With relatively little, he was able to accomplish a tremendous amount. Many of his countrymen even placed him among the gods. However, as today's date reminds us he was just a man. He fell victim to the plot of a group of jealous politician, and reign ended.

Jesus, on the hand, did not have the same kind of earthly victories that Caesar did. He didn't conquer the known world of His time. But when He fell victim to the plot of a group of jealous politicians, His reign didn't end. He triumphed over death; and because of His death and resurrection,  His reign continues to grow even now as He sits at the right hand of God

Many forces in this world compete for our attention. Doesn't it make sense to line up with one whose power and authority go far beyond the boundaries of this life and prepare us for eternity? What rulers need to be removed from your life do that the true king lay sit alone in the throne?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord, forgive us when we allow other influences to weaken our loyalty to You. May we be completely committed to Your rule in our lives now, so that we may reign with You for eternity. Amen.

THE FINAL WORD

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" Matthew 28:18, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "A Charge to Keep I Have"

Sometimes the last words spoken by a person before he or she dies can be very important. There are challenging statements such as, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country." However, there are also those who realize too late that the things they have based their lives on have been meaningless.

The final words that Matthew records from Jesus are important for many reasons. First, they are important for what they are responding to: both to worship and to doubt. What can possibly be appropriate for both of those? Jesus's words are. Also, His last words are important because they represent the culmination of all that He said and did during His time on earth. He spoke consistently about who He is and what He was sent to do, and now He made clear that both has reached their completed form.

Perhaps most importantly for us, His last words important because they give purpose to the lives of people throughout all time since that day. We have a task to accomplish for Him, and He has the authority to assign it to us. Do you recognize His authority? Have you accepted His mission?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Reigning King, we yield all of ourselves fully to you, knowing that You have authority over every aspect of our lives and our world. Help us to bring others to the same commitment to Your will. Amen

SURFACE OR SIGNIFICANCE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:23-3:6

VERSE FOR TODAY: "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Search Me O God"

I grew up in a rural area in borderline Appalachia, so it's not surprising that I am offended when TV portrays country people as foolish because they are unsophisticated My disgust for that practice is motivated, not by my fear that people will think I am that way, but my realization that the makers of those TV shows have missed the point. They have looked at surface actions and not the true significance of a way of life.

That perspective is the opposite of the one with which I  was brought up, and it's the opposite of the one Jesus wants His followers to have. He was frustrated by the fact that the religious leaders of His time would get so caught up in what constituted work and when it could be done that they forgot to do anything that was really important. They even tried to stop those who were doing important things, including Jesus.

If we are honest with ourselves, we may realize that there have been times in our lives when we have focused more on unimportant details of how something was done than on the true character of what was being done.Christ calls us to examine those times from His perspective, not our own.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Gather, You look at things for their true purpose without any of this world's confusing distractions. Help me to do the same. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR YOU

SCRIPTURE: John 17:1-1

VERSE FOR TODAY: "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me" (John 17:8, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "My Jesus, I Love Thee"

The work of ambassadors is to build relatioships between the ones who send them and those to whom they are sent. An ambassador's success is measured in the quality of the relationship built and in the length of time the relationship continues. Jesus was God's ambassador to this world, sent to build relationship between God and man, and made possible an eternal relationship. He prayed that the relationship would continue, despite those who would try to disrupt it.

We also are God's ambassadors to this world. Would our evaluation of the completion of our task here be the same as Christ's Have we pointed each person we've met to the One who gave us our mission?

Today take your job as an ambassador seriously, aw Jesus did. Think of at least one person you know who us missing out on a relationship with God, and do what you can to start building that relationship.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God, Your Son completely sacrificed Himself so that we might have a relationship with You. Let us be so moved by gratitude that we sacrifice ourselves so that others may know You. Amen.

SENTENCED TO LIFE

SCRIPTURE: John 5:19-29

VERSE FOR TODAY: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believe him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " I'll  Live for Him who died for Me"

The story is told of a militar leader and preacher who became friends during a time when their country was ruled by an anti-Christian government. Eventually the military leader was ordered to execute all those who would not forsaked their  Christian beliefs. He went to his friend and begged him to simply say that no longer believed. His frustration grew as the preacher continued to refuse. Finally he shouted, "Don't you realize that I have your life and death in my hands?"

The preacher answered quietly, "No; you may have power to sentence me to death, but you are asking me to give up the only one with the power to grant me life."

Our world is full of people who claim the right to judge others and to tell them how to live. That judgmental spirit is present inside and outside the church. Jesus is the one who has truly been given the authority to judge, but His emphasis is not on condemnation; it is on the promise of life in Him. In the same way, God wants our focus to be on proclaiming life, not death. People you will encounter today are facing death and hopelessness. What can you do to proclaim the giver of the most abundant life imaginable?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord what a marvelous thing it us that, in spite of all we have done to deserve death, You seek to bring us life! Help us to glory in that life and to take it to others. Amen.

DRINKING AT THE SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 17:5-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him (Jeremiah 17:7, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Springs of Living Water"

Just about all of us have a tendency toward being conservative in some ways. We have a measure of comfort in things as they have always been. "It may not be do great, but I know this place. I know how to do these things. I know what to expect." People who live in a house that is about to fall down are often slow to accept the opportunity to live in a place that is sound and clean and safe. We may not want to try next old, or new machines. "These computers! I could never use one of them."

It's bad enough to miss out on the opportunities if life for better health and higher productibility, but it is far worse to allow in sin and to starve spiritually. A hard head and a hard heart trust the dirt and the death and won't drink the clean water. Dr.David Grubbs once knew a Zimbabwean who kept drinking from a filthy pond because "well water doesn't have any flavor."

But happy is the one who trust in the Lord! Our strength is renewed, our lives are strong, and we produce fruit that blesses a lot of other people. If that's new to you, try it. You'll like it very much

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Lord, for Your readiness to open our eyes so we cançc see the old for what it is and the new for  the possibilities there. When it comes to New things You bring, help us be accepting. Amen.

CREDIT TO WHOM CREDIT IS DUE

SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:8-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughput all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20, 21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "To God Be the Glory!"

Another miracle. This time it was Paul who found a man in need of healing cripple from birth. This man, weak physically but strong in faith, obeyed when Paul told to get up.

The crowd was amazed! Who were these men? They must be god's! Blindly they began all out worship.

You'd have to admit, humanly speaking, the attention would be great. One minute you're a nobody and the next minute you're a God. People are adoring you,  bringing you gifts, even sacrificing to you.

When God uses you in a special way, how easy it would' be to let that go to your head. "Yes, I must be a special person sent from God." How quickly How guickly we can deluded into thinking that we are special! How easily we can lose sight of who the great physician really is.

The roar of the fan club did not tantalize Paul and Barnabas.

They pointed the people to God and gave credit to Him.

We need to do the same. If we follow Jesus Christ, we will get attention (good otherwise). We may witness and even participating in exciting situations. Are we willing to say, "He must increase but I must decrease"?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Almigty Father, may there be less of me and more of You in all I say and all I do. To You alone belong glory and praise. Amen.

ARE YOU SICK

SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:13-22

VERSE FOR TODAY: ON hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place"

A friend of mine once told me about a project that he had been preparing at work. He was just about to take it to present to the board of directors, and he could hardly wait to hear their response. When I saw him again after the meeting, he was a very different person. The board had voted down his proposal with only minimal consideration. I asked him if he tried to convince them, but he said, "How could I? They just didn't get it."

It can certainly be said that many people who were alive during Jesus's time on earth "just didn't get it." But I am impressed by the fact that Jesus didn't give up on them or on sinner of other types. He went out of His way to make His message and purpose clear. Some people realized their need for Him and others didn't, but He offered salvation to all.

Is there anyone in your life that you've written off as hopeless? Maybe you even feel that way about yourself. Read today's  verse again, and this time put your name and the name of the "hopeless" person you know in place of the word sinners. Does that make clearer why Jesus came? Does it make clearer the message we should give others?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father, thank You for caring so much for us, even while we were sinners, that You sent Your Son to the world with the purpose of calling us to You. Help us to live our lives in thankfulness, making the same call to those around us. Amen.

FINALLY HOME

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22:1-7

VERSE FOR TODAY: "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed us he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book' (Revevation 22:7, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " When We All Get Heaven'

It was a long, hard journey. There were patches of sunlight along the way, but much of the road was dark. There were pitfalls, and soon there were bruises and scars. Almost crippled now the traveler trudged on. And with the last faltering step he crossed the threshold and uttered words on whispered joy: "Home. . .home

 . . .I'm finally home!"

Joy flooded over his bruised body, bringing healing and overwhelming peace. All of the struggles, all of the pain had vanished in the joy of the moment. He was finally home.

Do you sometimes feel like this weary traveler? The goal of Heaven is before us, but the way becomes cloudy. Sometimes we get so confused that we even wonder if we're  on the right path. That's when we need to reach up and take the hand of our Savior, because He will lead us home.

No more pain! No more suffering! No more death! No more night! When we get to our heavenly home, our joy will be unspeakable. The praise will never end. Healing will take place, and the wounds will be no more.

Jesus, who was wounded for our sins, will stand before us and welcome us home. Then we can shout in joyful praise, "Home! I'm finally home!"

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Jesus, we can hardly wait to see Your face.plesse, help us not to keep this promise of Joy to ourselves,but to share it boldly. Thank You for Your gift of Salvation and hope of eternity with You. Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Amen.