No More Condemnation

Condemnation is a common word. We feel condemned when we commit sin. But the Bible clearly gives us a message of freedom from condemnation.

In Romans 8:1 we read, “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. This is a freedom giving verse in the Bible.

Why does it say, “…there is now no condemnation”? On the cross, Jesus dealt with our guilt and condemnation. We don’t need to carry it any more. As soon as we become God’s children, we are freed from guilt and condemnation.

Satan will try to put his condemning thoughts into our minds. He will bring thoughts like “you have done wrong”, “you cannot escape from this sin”, and “God is against you because of this sin and that’s why you are going through this problem”.

But don’t listen to his lies! Once you ask God for forgiveness, you are completely cleansed by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9). Don’t carry guilt in your mind. Don’t keep on asking God for forgiveness. When you repent, God forgives you and He will not keep your sins in His mind!

When you go through problems, condemning thoughts may arise as if these problems are a result of the past sins that you had committed. But it may not be the consequence of your sins. Remember that you are the righteousness of God through Christ!

Holy Spirit will always convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. So the Holy Spirit who resides in you will lead you to repent the moment you commit sin. Remember that the Holy Spirit will never condemn you.

Condemnation may take you to the place of loneliness where you feel that no one loves you and nobody wants you. Don’t give in to such thoughts.

God who loves you more than anyone else is with you even in your imperfections. The Bible notes in Romans 5 that Jesus loved all of us even while we were sinners! God loves everyone through Jesus. He is with you to help you conquer your imperfections. So relax. Cheer up. Repent whenever you err. And stand up with boldness!

He Carried That Cross For Us

When He Prayed In The Garden
It Was Us That He Did See
Knowing That He Had To Die
So We Could Be Set Free

When He Stood Before The People
And They Shouted, “Put Him On The Cross
He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels
But He Knew That We Were Lost

When They Stripped Him Of His Robe
And Beat Him To The Ground
He Could Have Called His Angels
But Choose Not To Make A Sound

For It Was His Love So Great
Yes His Love For Us
That Made Him Stay Right There
For It Knew It Was A Must

As He Walked Up That Road
With Each And Every Step
He Could Have Used His Power
But It Was His Love That Keep

Him Moving Towards That Hill
Where He Knew That He Would Bare
Our Sins Upon His Chest
Oh How Greatly He Does Care

The Nails, They Were Driven
Into His Feet And Hands
For It Was The Only Way
To Complete A Mighty Plan

There In The Middle
Of Two Thieves They Placed His Cross
What Did He See That Day
He Seen How We Were Lost

He Could Have Called His Angels
And They Would Have Come Indeed
But It Was Us That He Knew
Who Would Be In Great Need

Our Sins, There Have Been Many
Yes Many In Our Day
These Sins He Paid In Full
Because He Choose To Stay

Upon That Cross He Won
Our Battle To The End
Upon That Cross He Bearried
All Of The Sins

All The Sins Of Those
Who Are Covered In His Blood
Yes He Carrried That Cross For Us
All Becasue It’s Us He Loves

Fear

Proverbs 3:5 KJV

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." --Eleanor Roosevelt

At times, fear paralyzes my ability to write. I stare at the blank page before me and wonder what will come out of my life that will touch others. What would God have me share today? Nerves wash over me, and I walk away from the page.

God knows the unwritten future, like a blank page, looms before me. What I do today impacts tomorrow. Decisions I make can carry lifetime consequences. What if I make the wrong choice? What if I don't get "it" right?

Fear is one force I face that causes a wall between God and me. I must let go the worries. I have got to lean on Him through my writing and the uncertain times we live in. Yet like a child clutching her worn blanket, I am loathe to let go my fears and would rather wrap myself up inside them.

Like a shadowy figure lurking in the dark recesses of my soul, fear's only purpose is to keep me from the light of God. When the dark veil of fear is removed from my life, when I am able to face straight on those things I have feared, I discover they were nothing but fantasies of my mind. Inventions of my insecurities.

What precious time was lost in worry.
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Lord, help me lean on you!

His name is Bill

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there.

He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down to sit, right on the carpet. Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, this had never happened in this church before! By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. This deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill, to worship with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you might never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget." Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.

The Wisdom of David

The Bible has much to say about King David, both good and not so good. Among the sins of this man, who, the Bible says had a heart after God, was adultery and murder of the husband of the woman he seduced. David was a sinner. Most Christians leaders today would not be able to maintain their leadership role while committing the kind of sins David committed.

David was an adulterer and a murder. David also was a man after the heart of God. In 2 Sam. 16:5-13 we come across a fascinating scene. Open your Bibles and read the account. we see him with his army coming back from a battle. All of a sudden, a Benjamite named Shimei came up to David and began to curse him and throw stones and dirt at him. One of David's generals asked David to allow him to cut the man's head off. David's basic response was: "Leave him alone, maybe God is telling him to curse me. Maybe God will bless me for putting up with this."

How often does God send a Shimei into our life to see what our response will be? Do we respond with the wisdom of David, or do we respond with, "Off with his head!" Take a few moments to reflect on this passage of Scripture and grow. There may be something in David's heart we can glean.

The Black Door

Recently, a friend handed me a short story by Paul J. Meyer called "The Black Door." As I read it, I saw myself in the story's prisoner: fearful of the unknown behind a door.

In the story a spy is captured during a desert war. The wise old warlord, who sentences him to death, gives him the choice to either face a quick death by the firing squad or take his chances by passing through a mysterious black door.

Minutes before the execution, the warlord asks the frightened spy, "What have you chosen: the firing squad or the black door?"

Imagining terrible torture behind the massive black door, the spy tells the warlord that he chooses the firing squad. Moments later, rifle shots signal his death.

The old warlord turns to his aide and says, "You see how it is with people? They will always prefer the known to the unknown. That man went quietly to his death though I gave him a choice."

"What lies beyond the black door?" asks the aide.

"Freedom," replies the warlord, "and I've known very few men brave enough to take it."

I thank God He gives me strength to face the unknown.

Lazarus and the Rich Man

THE DAY OF SORROW

On this day of sorrow, we gather at the foot of the cross to witness God's love for us, personified in His son, Jesus Christ. His brutal crucifixion shows us that He is willing to die the most horrific death ever, to free us all from sin. As our Savior hangs on the cross, we begin to search our hearts for each praise and word of thanks we could ever utter in response to what we are presently viewing. Jesus looks down at us from above with eyes full of love which he imparts so graciously, even while suffering through His final moments.

Drops of blood rain down upon us from His brow as He breathes His last. These droplets of blood start to cleanse our sins even as we stand there in awe of this sorrowful event. Jesus' sacrifice will forever pay, in full, the monumental debt we all owe for our selfish and sinful ways. We drop to our knees in prayer, and praise, to our Savior with hearts full of guilt and shame. We cry out to our Lord and ask for His forgiveness and mercy.

Each of us have our own personal demons we need to cleanse from our lives. As long as we truthfully repent and are willing to turn our hearts and lives over to Him, we will reap the benefits from His many blessings.

The first thing we need to do is believe and trust in Him. We also must love Him just as He showed He loved us, on the cross.

Secondly, we should love one another and follow His Commandments.

If we can achieve those commands, and bring others into the fold as well, we are on that glorious path to righteousness. Living His word will bring us closer to our Savior. Let us not leave this spot of sorrow without first committing ourselves to accomplishing His will for us. If we do depart from here without first making those commitments, then we need to ask, "Was His death in vain?"

I hope we all commit to live for Christ. For if we do, it will turn this day of sorrow into a day of victory, forever. I pray, one day, we all will come to Christ and thus be blessed by His word, through His shed blood at Calvary.

Praise the Lord above, always. AMEN.

The Battle Inside Us

One evening an old man told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old man simply replied, “The one you feed.”

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Which wolf are you feeding now?

Spirit and Love Driven Prayer

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. – (Romans 15:30)

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we pray (Rom. 8:26-27).

The Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts to give us hope and endurance (Rom. 5:5).

So it shouldn’t surprise us that the love we have from the Holy Spirit moves us to pray for others in their struggles.

Praying for others, what is sometimes called intercessory prayer, is a great gift empowered by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Paul wanted this Spirit and love driven prayer to focus on his desire to proclaim Jesus, something we’ve focused on for several days.

However, this Spirit and love driven kind of prayer can be offered for almost anything that another brother or sister in Christ needs.

Let’s remember that the love we feel for others and the prayer we are given by the presence of the Spirit are there to gift us and equip us to pray for others!

Prayer : Today, Father, I want to pray for a number of folks on my heart who face struggles of all kinds. Some are family members … some are friends … some are faithful servants of your Kingdom doing your work in hard places … some are grieving … some face tough times … some are making hard decisions … some have family struggles … some have great opportunities they don’t want to miss .. some are overcoming addictions … and there are many others. Please hear my prayer for them today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How To Receive The Holy Spirit

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? – (Galatians 3:2)

Most of us love lists that we can check off and show we’ve completed our tasks or deserve what we get. The Holy Spirit, however, is a gift given to those who believe in Jesus, trusting that his death, burial, and resurrection saves them and sharing with Jesus in these through baptism (1 Cor. 15:1-5; Rom. 6:3-6).

Paul is reminding these folks that no list, not even one given in the law, can bring the Holy Spirit to them.They received the Spirit because they truly believed in Jesus and Jesus poured out this gift upon them (Titus 3:3-7). No wonder Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit as one of God’s greatest gifts (Luke 11:11-13).

The apostle Paul clearly taught that we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. First Corinthians 12:13 declares, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Romans 8:9 tells us that if a person does not possess the Holy Spirit, he or she does not belong to Christ: “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but 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.”

Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation for all those who believe: “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

Prayer: O Father, thank you for the gift of your Son who died for my sins and was raised from the dead to give me the victory over sin and death. I also thank you, dear Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit that is your presence that lives in me. May my life be to your glory O God. In the name of Jesus I offer you my deepest thanks! Amen.

Healing Prayers

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all; touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs, and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever. Amen.

O God who are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant to me such a consciousness of your indwelling and surrounding presence that I may permit you to give me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me, may your life giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.

The baby Jesus was missing

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the nativety when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures.

Immediately he turned and went outside where he saw a little boy with a red wagon and in the wagon was the figure of the infant of Jesus.

So he walked up the the little boy and said, “Well, where’d you get Him, my fine friend?

The little boy replied , “I got him from the church.”

“And why did you take him?”

The little boy replied, “Well about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it.”

An Ant Story

Dedicated to Conrad, You RAWK!

Large, reddish black ants in bathroom again. Lights on- they’d scurry to hide; lights off- they’d come right back in.

Using my Nancy Drew skills, I followed one that seemed to be on the way out. He wandered off his path a bit, and eventually came to a back corner of the window sill.

There was a hole about an eight of an inch in diameter, plenty big enough for several to come and go at the same time. From somewhere outside, they had been able to chew or bore that hole, which hadn’t even been there two weeks before.

Amazing the persistence, and team work, of ants. I have seen tiny ants gather around a crumb, or a dead bug, and drag or lift (!) it to move it. It seems when they have a goal, nothing deters them. They might have an interruption (like the lights coming on), they may get sidetracked or even off-track, but they get right back to it. They keep the focus on the goal, determined. Like our marathon bike touring friends, who were riding in the downpours. They had a goal to meet and raise funds for a worthy cause.

This was a good reminder, and example to me, of a verse that was written in the front of a Bible, given to me many years ago at confirmation. The pastor wrote, next to my name, Phil. 3:14. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The redeeming part of this ant story is that it reminds me to stay focused, to keep first things first, and to persevere, to keep on keepin’ on. Good news is that I (and we) don’t have to do it alone. Thank you, Lord.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

I Took Your Place

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ”That’s my seat! You took my place!” The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!” The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?”

The visitor replied, “I took your place.”

Jesus died for us. He took our place and died for our sins on the calvary.

Live this new life that He gave us, expressing our gratitude to Jesus for taking our place.

Sunday The Visiting Day

How often do you go to church? Just on Sunday, the visiting day?

Story : Sunday The Visiting Day

He was looking forward to this moment all day long, after 6 days of labor and it finally arrived – Visiting Day!

The man with the keys arrived to swing open the large, heavy doors. The cold gray hall springs to life in the warm glow of light. He could hardly control His emotions.

The families began to arrive. He peers from the corner of the room longing for the 1st glimpse of His loved one. He lives for the weekends. He lives for these visits.

As the cars arrive, He watches intently. Then, finally, they arrive, for whom He would do anything. They embrace, eat a light lunch and reminisce how things used to be.

At one point, they break into singing, with interruptions of laughter and applause. But all too soon it is over. A tear comes to His eyes as they depart.

Then the man with the keys closes the heavy doors. He hears the key turn in the lock marking the end of a special day. There He stands, alone again.

He knows that most of His visitors will not contact Him again till next week. As the last car pulls away from the parking lot, Jesus retreats into loneliness as He waits until next Sunday – Visiting Day.

Reflection:

Is the time that we spend with Jesus an everyday thing, or do we just visit Him on Sunday?

Martha And Mary With Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He entered a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the Lord’s feet to listen to his words. Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving and finally she said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving?”. But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her”.

♬♪♩♭♪ "While I'm Waiting"

I'm waiting on you Lord even though its painful & frustrating at times. Waiting could mean one day or many years. Have faith & trust Him. Just trust Him!

Soldier of God

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Scripture is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my need. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching claming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching heaven-bound. Here I Stand! Will you stand with me?

Why did God choose me?

There are many reasons why God shouldn't have called you, but don't worry, you're in good company. Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John and Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had ulcers. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich. Jesus was too poor. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worry-wart. Mary was lazy. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul--well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Dad than our Boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need.

As much as we try, God's gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be ...Wonderful. The adversary says, "You're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what? I AM." The adversary looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn't calculate what you did in '78. It's not even on the record.

Sure, there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't have called us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like. I pray that as Christians, we will step out of our limitations into the illimitable nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to communicate Him will make mince-meat of our limitations.

Like vine branches, we are not continually laden with fruit. That would be unnatural. For a significant portion of its life, a grapevine is nothing but a dry, twisted stick; fruitless, useless for shade, worthless as timber; to all appearances fit only to be ripped from the ground and reduced to ashes. Yet those barren times are as vital in the life of the vine, as the seasons of fruit.

If spring could tip-toe passed nature without stirring it from its winter slumber; if the sun could slip through the sky without dispelling the night; if rain could fall to the ground without bringing life to the desert - only then should you fear dry times, dark times, lean times. Though you feel as useless as a fur coat in a heat-wave, the time will come when your warmth is treasured. For everything there is a season.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind, All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, Just even for awhile,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you, And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne,

He said "This is eternity, And all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past, But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way, There's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven, And now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand, And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

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All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Noah's Ark

 1. Don't miss the boat.
 2. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
 3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
 4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
 5. Don't listen to critics, just get on with what has to be done.
 6. Build your future on high ground.
 7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
 8. Two heads are better than one.
 9. Speed isn't always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
10. When you're stressed, float awhile.
11. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals.
12. Remember that woodpeckers inside are a larger threat than the storm outside.
13. No matter the storm, when you're one with God there's a rainbow waiting.

"Fellowship of the Unashamed."

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Christ Jesus.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future secure.

I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees,
colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough,
my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the fact of sacrifice,
hesitate in the presence of adversity,
negotiate at the table of the enemy,
ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Christ Jesus.
I must give until I drop and preach until all know.
And when my time is up, He will have no problem recognizing me.
My colors will be clear.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…(Romans 1:16).

“God, speak to me.”

The man whispered, “God, speak to me.”
And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled, “God, speak to me!”
Thunder rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, “God, let me see you.”
A star shone brightly. But he noticed it not.
And the man shouted, “God, show me a miracle.”
And a life was born. But the man was unaware.
So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me, God, and let me know that you are here!”
Whereupon God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Moral: Don’t miss out on a blessing because it isn’t packaged the way you expect.

Window Through Which We Look

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman watched her neighbor hanging wash outside.

“That laundry is not very clean,” she said. ”She doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.”

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband,

“Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.I wonder who taught her this.”

The husband said, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”

———————————————–

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others may depend on the purity of the window through which we look.

God’s Love

God’s love through Jesus Christ
Is the rock of my Salvation,
I do not have to be afraid
Even though my enemies are all around me,
For I know He will fight for me.
God’s love cradles me and fine
Tunes my every care!
In moments of weakness and despair,
God’s word reminds me of His love.
When I’m hard pressed by my
Circumstances, and situations…..going
In the wrong direction….His love
Divinely intervenes.
I am forever grateful for God’s love,
Which He so freely bestows upon me
Reminding me of just how frail I am…
I ask Him for His wisdom, and for Him
To enlighten my pathway!
God’s love is so potent I cannot live
Without His love!

”Am I good enough to go to heaven?”

Almost everyone thinks He is a good person… But the question you should be asking is, ”Am I good enough to go to heaven?” How would you know?

 

The way to find out is to ask yourself if you have obeyed the Ten Commandments. Most people say, “Well, I’ve broken one or two, but nothing too serious, like murder, etc.”

So let’s go through them and see how you do…

1. “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Have you always put God first in your life? Jesus said to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength– so much, that your love for your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and even your own life is like hatred compared to your love and devotion for God. Have you ever failed to put Him first in your life?

2. “You shall not make for yourself any idol.”
Who is God to you? Is he only a god of love and mercy who would never judge anyone and never cast anyone into Hell? If that’s your god, then you’re right. Your god couldn’t cast anyone into Hell because he doesn’t exist. He’s a figment of your imagination. You’ve created a god in your own mind that you’re more comfortable with. You may call it your “personal belief,” but God calls it idolatry. It’s the oldest sin in the Book, and the Bible warns that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

3. “You shall not take the name of God in vain.”
Have you ever used God’s name as a curse word? If you have, you’ve taken the holy name of God– who gave you your life, your family, and everything precious to you– and used it as a filthy, four-letter word. Hitler’s name wasn’t even despised enough to be used as a curse word! If you have used God’s holy name in that manner, you are a blasphemer and the Bible says “God will not hold him guiltless who takes the name of the Lord in vain.”

4. “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.”
God commands that we set aside one day in seven. Have you ever been guilty of breaking this Commandment?

5. “Honor your father and your mother.”
Have you always honored your parents in a way that’s pleasing in the sight of God? Ask Him to remind you of the sins of your youth. You may have forgotten them, but God hasn’t.

6. “You shall not murder.”
Jesus warned “Whoever is angry with his brother without cause, is in danger of judgment,” (Matthew 5:22) and the Bible says, “He who hates his brother is a murderer,” (1 John 3:15). God sees hatred in the heart to be as wicked as murder. We can violate His Law by attitude and intent.

7. “You shall not commit adultery.”
Jesus warned,”You have heard…’You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Have you ever looked at another person with lust? The Bible says that adulterers and fornicators (those who have had sex before marriage) will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

8. “You shall not steal.”
Have you ever stolen anything (even if it was something small)? The value of the thing stolen doesn’t matter; petty theft is still theft. Have you ever taken anything that belonged to someone else (from the office, school, parents, etc.)? If you have, that makes you a thief.

9. “You shall not lie.”
Have you ever told a lie? Then you are a liar. How many murders do you have to commit to be a murderer? Just one. If you have told even one lie, that makes you a liar. The Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). You may not think deceitfulness is a serious sin, but God does.

10. “You shall not covet.”
This means we should never desire anything that belongs to another person. Not their house, nor their car, nor their money, nor their wife, nor their lifestyle, nor anything that belongs to our neighbor.

THE TWO THIEVES

As our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ hung between two thieves on the cross at Calvary, He expressed love and forgiveness for all who were crucifying Him. Living out His Father's will by dying that way, He was fulfilling a prophecy. The two thieves who were hanging there beside Him were named: Dismas and Gestas. Both ridiculed Jesus at the beginning asking Him why doesn't He free Himself, and them, from the crosses if He was the Messiah.
Dismas was hanging on Jesus's right side and Gestas was on the left. After awhile, Dismas began to sense Jesus's utter pain and at the same time, noticed a forgiving spirit showing in His face. Something in Jesus's mannerisms worked in the heart of Dismas. He told Jesus to ..remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Instantly, with love and compassion, Jesus turns to him and says, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Dismas was the only human to be ‘canonized'- -meaning that he was promised eternity in heaven by Jesus, Himself. (If you ever notice in the paintings of the crucifixion, Jesus's head is always turned to the right- - favoring Dismas.)As you can tell, Dismas was the good thief, so to speak, while Gestas (which in Greek means Justice) did not soften his heart and follow Jesus.
The two thieves were a prophecy that had to be fulfilled. This shows us that we all have a choice to make -whether we choose to follow God's will for our lives, or turn away and suffer mightily for it in eternity. It has been written that ‘Man can choose his sin, but he can not choose his consequences.'
In the case of the two thieves, they both chose to steal. They did not get to choose their punishment. Our Savior was sinless, yet He was subjected to much more than a thief's punishment. With grace and love, He endured it all. He paid it all! For us, it is never too late to turn and repent of our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us and believe, by faith, in Him. Dismas did just that.
Are we going to be like Dismas? Our God is a forgiving and loving God. Let us all draw closer to Him before it is too late.

Calling All Men Of High Esteem

  

 

I think we should all pray for God to raise up some new "Daniel's" in our day. Our governments sure need some of what he had. Here's what the Queen of Babylon said of him while recommending him to King Belshazzar: "…an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel." (Daniel 5:12)

How badly needed is knowledge and insight right now? With the present world dangers and terrors, couldn't we use someone who can explain enigmas and solve difficult problems? Besides his ample spiritual gifts, Daniel was a man of integrity. That alone would make him worth his weight in gold today.

Daniel lived in an ungodly culture, much like our own, but he didn't let it rub off on him. He was familiar with deception, court intrigue, being stabbed in the back and falsely accused. Rather than become like the culture he served, he purposed to honor God first and remain completely honest and let the chips fall where they may.

When an angel of the Lord appeared to Daniel in response to his fastings and prayers, this is how the angel saluted him: "O Daniel, man of high esteem…" (Daniel 10:11) Now I ask: is there not one or two more upon the earth who can fit that title again? Where are you? Calling all men of high esteem…

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

As you enjoy a healthy life, be aware that an illness is only a diagnosis away. When good luck and fortune are yours, don't forget what debt and despair felt like. When we enjoy the blessings God has bestowed upon us, we then realize He only desires the very best for us.


Through the hardships we must endure, we learn of God's love and mercy. God is our teacher. His lessons are lessons of love and obedience. He will only present us with responsibilities, that in His infinite wisdom, He knows we are able to manage. And with His undying love wrapped around us for security, we are able to accomplish them.


Our Lord is aware what is in our best interest. He has already planned our lives to conform to His will. Let us not be dissuaded, in any way, while attempting to fulfill His provision in our lives.


Often the anguish we have suffered, provided the strength and determination we sorely needed. We somehow embraced the conflicts one-by-one. Unwittingly, I might add. The tendency to dismiss the unseemly landscape of our past will indubitably skew our perception as we forge ahead into the future. In turn, we may thus create the unfavorable recurrence of that explosive mind field of emotions we once meandered through.


Those who do not care to, or refuse to learn from the past are surely destined to repeat it. In remembering from whence you came, you receive the assurance of where you are headed. Learning from the past plants you sturdily on the path of an uncertain, but fulfilling future.


Taking a backward glance, you see where you have trod thus far. Continuing onward, the glimpse you recently afforded yourself will enhance your journey even more. You will find yourself well-equipped to manage life's little disturbances as they present themselves. Foregoing this advice carries with it, self-indignation. No one wants to feel that way.


Remember, hardships are hidden blessings. Count them among yours. Know that Almighty God has provided for us the blueprints for an everlasting blessing unequaled on this planet. Our rich rewards are waiting for us at the conclusion of our discipleship here, on earth.

I love the Lord so very much.

♥ I love the Lord because He has shown Himself to be everything I hoped He would be once I began seeking Him.

♥ I love the Lord because He rescued me – from myself, my life of sin, and my misery.

♥ I love the Lord because He cared enough to stop me from living an unfulfilled life.

♥ I love the Lord because He shows me gently where I still need to grow.

♥ I love the Lord because He loves me enough to empower me with His grace and let me be me.

♥ I love the Lord because He was there waiting for me after years of my turning from Him!

♥ I love the Lord because He gives meaning to life.

♥ I love Him because of who He is: God is Love.

♥ I love Him, I just love Him. Thank you Jesus.

ℓ٥ﻻ ﻉ√٥υ♥

Some with freckles

Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn’t think you had one.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don’t take life too seriously, they travel light.

They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.

They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, but when you choose to see, they are everywhere you look.

So, open you eyes and count all your Angels — for you are truly blessed!

Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ

The seven last words of Jesus Christ on the cross are a collection of seven short phrases Jesus uttered at his crucifixion immediately before he died, gathered from the four Gospels. The sayings were short and there is a reason behind that. Crucifixion causes asphyxia. This makes inhaling air to speak difficult and painful, especially as death approaches.

 

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Almighty God, to whom your crucified Son prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not know what they were doing, grant that we, too, may be included in that prayer. Whether we sin out of ignorance or intention, be merciful to us and grant us your acceptance and peace: in the name of Jesus Christ, our suffering Savior. Amen.

2. “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

O Lord Jesus Christ, who promised to the repentant the joy of paradise, enable us by the Holy Spirit to repent and to receive your grace in this world and in the world to come. Amen.

3. “Woman, behold your son . . . Behold your mother.”

O Blessed Savior, who in your hour of greatest suffering expressed compassion for your mother and made arrangements for her care, grant that we who seek to follow your example may show our concern for the needs of others, reaching out to provide for those who suffer in our human family. Hear this our prayer for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

4. Eli Eli lama sabachthani? (“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”)

O Lord, I call for help by day, and in the night I still must cry. Regard me, listen to my prayer.My soul is troubled, I am weak, cut off as one whom you forsake, forgotten near the pit of death.Your wrath weighs heavy on me here. Your angry waves upon me break. Friends watch in horror from afar.I am shut in without escape. My eyes are dim because I weep. My hands are lifted up to you.

Do you work wonders for the dead? Can graves tell out your mighty deeds? There, who can know that you can save?Lord, do not hide your face from me. You have afflicted me from youth. Your anger is destroying me.Your flood of anger closes in. The darkness is my closest friend—shunned and forsaken, all alone. (PsH 88:1-7)

5. “I thirst”

O blessed Savior, whose lips were dry and whose throat was parched, grant us the water of life that we who thirst after righteousness may find it quenched by your love and mercy, leading us to bring this same relief to others. Amen.

6. “It is finished”

O Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work that you were sent to do, enable us by your Holy Spirit to be faithful to our call. Grant us strength to bear our crosses and endure our sufferings, even unto death. Enable us to live and love so faithfully that we also become good news to the world, joining your witness, O Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Father, into whose hands your Son Jesus Christ commended his spirit, grant that we, too, following his example, may in all of life and at the moment of our death entrust our lives into your faithful hands of love. In the name of Jesus who gave his life for us all. Amen.

These precious last seven words of Christ on the Cross must remain in our minds forever. Amen.

 

♬♪♩♭♪ Nothing Compares 2 U

They Sound AMAZINGLY beautiful.....beautiful ladies with magnificent voices!!

Lukewarm

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15)

Suppose you show up on a hot summer day to a picnic about two hours late. All the food has been sitting on the tables. The lettuce is soft and wilted; grease has hardened around the grilled burgers but the flies don't mind; the potato salad has turned all watery and the mayo is curdled; the corn on the cob is shriveled and cold. Nothing that is supposed to be hot is hot anymore; nothing that is supposed to be cold is cold anymore. It's all lukewarm. Nauseating! Worthy to be spit out.

That's how Jesus felt about one of the churches as he looked down after his return to heaven. He was talking about the Laodicean Church at the time but lukewarm churches have existed down through the centuries and there are plenty of them around today. These are churches that still give lip service to God but they feel entirely self-sufficient to carry on God's plan - without God. They don't really need him thank you very much.

Lest we stick down our noses at such horrible congregations we need to remember that lukewarm churches are made up of lukewarm people. It all starts with us. If I am lukewarm I contribute to making a lukewarm church. It's amazing to realize that the Lord would actually rather we be cold - which means hostile to his kingdom - than lukewarm.

Maybe it is time we each take our own temperature. If we have cooled down in our ardor for God and his kingdom, let's ask to be put back on the heat. I don't know about you but I don't ever want to be spit out of his mouth!

♬♪♩♭♪ "Glorious"

Yes Lord, you are GLORIOUS, there is none like you...

Christian Testimonies: The Stories of Our Lives

Christian testimonies are the stories told by believers about what God has done and is doing in their lives. Today, we often think of the word "testimonial" in which people offer their personal experiences with a product. In this case, the encounter being described is with a person-the person of God in Jesus Christ.

Why do Christian stories and testimony matter? Your experience with God as a believer is exactly that-your experience with God! Surely your life has been enhanced by the advice or true life story of another person. We are unique, but we have the common bond of being created by the same God. Therefore, even if we've stuffed different programs in along the way, we all have basically the same operating system! We are all bodies made by God.

My experience with God happens within my lifetime. It happens only once, to me. God has put me here, in this place and time, in order to tell others about what He has done and is doing in my life. As a Christian, do you really grasp this? Whatever you're going through, whether it's joyful or painful, is allowed into your life by a loving God, whose goal for you is to become like His Son, Jesus Christ.

Because God wants to transform you, He allowed your life to follow the path it did before you became
a believer in order that you would recognize His work at some point along the way. Now, seeing it,
you are responsible to tell others what He has done. That is your Christian testimony! Maybe you've been a Christian for an hour, a day, or for years. What is He doing in your life now? That is your Christian testimony. You are an eyewitness to the works of Jesus Christ in your life.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Then Jesus told them this parable:
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.
Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:3-7

Things I hate about you , Diabetes

I hate the way you make me feel,

and the way you jump around.

I hate the way you break my bank,

I hate that you keep me insulin bound.

I hate your big dumb equipment

and the way you distract my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,

it even makes me rhyme.

I hate that you’re always not always right,

I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,

even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it that you’re always around,

and the fact that you leave your marks.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you,

not even close…

not even a little bit…

not even at all.

Okay, well, maybe a little.

What kind of a man was Peter?

Peter was Jesus' right-hand man, the disciple he could rely on to pull the others into line when needed.

Peter was a born leader - energetic, confident, ready for whatever came his way. But careful too of the men around him, and loyal to the man he loved most, Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus saw Peter's worth. Saw all the faults as well, and accepted Peter as he was, knowing his heart was good.

Peter was an ordinary fisherman in Galilee, leading an ordinary life, but something quite out of the ordinary happened to him. He met a charismatic preacher called Jesus of Nazareth, and it changed everything.

His parents had named him Simon or Simeon, but Jesus gave him a new name, a sort of nickname - Peter, which means 'rock'. His nickname was not too far from the modern name 'Rocky', and it sent the same sort of message: Peter was a solid no-nonsense man, a man you could trust.

From the start, he seems to have been the spokesman for the other disciples, the man who stood out from the group. In any list of disciples, Peter is always mentioned first, which seems to show he was Jesus' right-hand man.

Peter's denial did not destroy Jesus' trust in him. On the morning of the Resurrection, Peter was the first 'MAN' Jesus appeared to.

Peter seems to have left Jerusalem and traveled to Rome. There is nothing written in Acts about his residence in Rome, but there is a tradition that he died there, martyred by Nero on an inverted cross when he protested that he was not worthy to die in the way that Jesus had.

The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him..
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

♬♪♩♭♪ Hallelujah

"I absolutely LOVE this version of this song. Bon Jovi does it awesomely."
"Love the Violin"

♬♪♩♭♪ Amazing Grace

" This is by far the BEST version I have ever heard this song done. Bravo!"

The Dream Of The Crosses

I had a dream the other night,
I was entering a room,
I stood upon its threshold,
It was quiet as a tomb.

It was large and filled with crosses,
Like the one, on which Christ died;
Some stood alone, erect and tall,
Others stacked or tilted on a side.

They seemed to be in different sizes,
Shorter, taller, broader, too,
Each was decorated,
A few with different hues.

Some crosses, wreathed in garlands,
Others, hand carved in solid Teak,
Some, cast in almost pure gold,
Each cross ... a cross unique.

I looked around, as I stood in awe,
And inhaled a strange perfume,
I saw a sea of crosses,
In this most amazing room.

I had brought my own cross with me,
It was small and unadorned,
Its plainness was wearisome and dull,
It was old and toil-worn.

So I laid it down upon the floor,
Other crosses made me curious,
I spotted one with bold design,
Intriguing and mysterious.

With its promise of adventure,
It was enticing and inviting,
I carried it a mere two steps,
But found it too exciting.

I had to put it back in place,
I became entangled and confused,
Too much for me to handle,
Not right for me to use.

Then I saw a cross with jewels,
Almost too dazzling to see,
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, Oh,
that's the cross for me.

It smelled of means and money,
And represented countless wealth,
I'd feel so fine, if it were mine,
I picked it up and held it to myself.

But I staggered underneath its load,
It near crushed me with its weight,
No, this cross I could not carry,
It was a burden far too great.

Next, in my dream, I saw a cross,
Of such beauty I'd not known,
I'd never seen so many roses,
So red ... so lush ... full-blown.

Glorious! Awesome! It stole my breath,
I rushed to grab it with both hands,
But, in horror, I jumped back,
I bled ... I did not understand.

I did not know beneath those blossoms,
Lurked sharp and piercing thorns;
How could I manage such a cross,
So deceptively adorned?

I wiped the blood from my poor hands,
Tears were misting in my eyes,
Then I spied my cross still on the floor,
Where I had dropped it from my side.

So small ... so unpretentious, so plain,
and dull, and worn,
It was just my size ... a perfect fit,
it was comfortable and warm.

I gently picked it up, and pressed
it to my breast,
This cross was mine
I knew it well, and I could bear
this cross the best.

I awakened then ... my dream was done,
my day was ready for its start,
The morning sun crept through my window,
Peace and acceptance filled my heart.

♬♪♩♭♪ Something's Got a Hold On Me

Now That's Dancing with the Holy Spirit!

You know those chills you get when you see someone perform and you know that it's nothing like you could ever feel before? Yeah, Christina does that for me. No matter the song, the genre, anything. Christina is a triple threat, a great actress, incredible dancer, and an inspiring singer. I grew up to Christina and every time I hear her, it's an incredible sensation.

♬♪♩♭♪ Hold you in my Arms

Huge!!! beautiful, I want this completion so bad, I think the more I want something the more the God challenges me...to hold on to something greater within MY self...

" When you kissed my lips with my mouth so full of questions, My worried mind that you quiet. Place your hands on my face Close my eyes and say That love is a poor man's food don't prophesize "

I'm waiting all my life for someone like that. I'm not sure anymore if I can find it but I'll keep waiting. One day... Who knows...