Search Results for: Faith in Times of Stress

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ Lamentations 3:22-24

 

 

 

 

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God and Human Suffering: Learning to Lament.  Dr. Douglas Groothuis from the Chronic Illness and Christian Faith and The Constructive Curmudgeon. This seminar was given at Fellowship Denver Church. What is lamenting? “The anguished cry of the naked soul before God in times of crushing distress.” Believers should learn to “co-lament” – sit beside a friend who is suffering to bear the burden with them. “If one part [of the body of Christ] suffers, every part suffers with it;” (1 Cor 12: 25 & 26).

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God, Where Are You in My Shaken World? Pastor Ron Moore of The Journey Radio Ministry.com. Where is God when life’s tremors rattle the walls of your world? Does He care? Did He command the earthquake? Does your faith stand or falter? Those are the issues we all battle when pain fractures our heart.

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How to Beat the Blues.  Pastor Bob Beltz of Highline Community Church. Often loved ones believe depression is a lack of faith or just a need for a positive attitude. This message helps people understand that there are basically four types of depression, which do not have the same causes nor should be addressed in the same manner – Bio Chemical, Psychological, Circumstantial and Spiritual.

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Invisible Disabilities. Joni Eareckson Tada of Joni and Friends Radio Program. Joni shares her thoughts about invisible challenges and disabilities. Where Is God Ministries is on Joni’s Invisible Disabilities Resource List as well.

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Invisible Disabilities. Wayne Connell on KLOVE and Air 1 Radio on 634 stations nationwide with Laura Daniels on the “Closer Look” radio program. Aired 3/9/09 – 3/15/09, 9/14/09 – 9/20/09, 12/28/09 – 1/3/10 and 8/30/10 – 9/5/10.

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Living with Chronic Illness. Dr. Boyd and Wayne Connell.  Dr. Jeffrey Boyd and Wayne Connell, Founder and President of Where Is God Ministries were on the Gino Geraci Show, hosted by Bill Honsberger, on KRKS Radio 94.7 out of Denver on April 28, 2006. 1st Hour LISTEN HERE. 2nd Hour LISTEN HERE.

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Living with Chronic Illness Sermon. Dr. Jeffrey Boyd from Faith Baptist Church in Parker, Colorado April 2006.

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Marriage and Chronic Illness. Wayne Connell, Founder of WIGM and his wife, Sherri. Wayne and Sherri talk about the additional struggles of marriage with chronic illness. You Get the Blessing on 850 KOA with hosts Bo Mitchell and Pastor Bob Beltz.

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A Prison Sentence. Audio. Joni Eareckson Tada of Joni and Friends Radio Program. Joni shares her experience with pain and talks about Where Is God Ministries’ book, Not By Sight. told her listeners that it is “a very wonderful little booklet” and calls it a “personal guide to ministering to believers living with pain.” She continued, “This book, a guide to Christians living with pain, will serve as a wonderful teaching tool to you, I know it will! I read it; I love it.”

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Reaching Out to Others Who Are Suffering. Wayne Connell, WIGM Founder and his wife, Sherri. Wayne and Sherri share their challenging childhood, living with chronic illness and Wayne’s passion to help others who live with invisible disabilities. You Get the Blessing on 850 KOA with hosts Bo Mitchell and Pastor Bob Beltz.

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The Soul that Wants for Nothing. Pastor Ken Murphy of Southside Bible Church in Centennial, CO. February 15, 2015. “These valleys are to get you to better places to feast upon the Glory of our god. You will never get there if you spend all of your lives in green pastures.”

God’s Response To Our Concerns:

You say: “It’s impossible”
God Says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: “I’m too tired”
God Says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: “Nobody really loves me”
God Says: I Love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: “I can’t go on”
God Says: My grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: “I can’t figure things out”
God Says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it”
God Says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: “I’m not able”
God Says: I am able (II Cor. 9:8)

You say: “It’s not worth it”
God Says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: “I can’t forgive myself”
God Says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: “I can’t manage”
God Says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I’m afraid”
God Says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated”
God Says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: “I don’t have enough faith”
God Says: I’ve given everyone a measure of FAITH (Romans 12:3)

You say: “I’m not smart enough”
God Says: I give you wisdom (I Cor. 1:30)

You say: “I feel all alone”
God Says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Be encouraged knowing that God is with us always (Matthew 28:20).

— Unknown contributor

Father’s Love Letter:

My Child…

You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb…Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me…John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Emergency Numbers:

When in sorrow – – – – call John 14
When men fail you – – – – call Psalm 27
If you want to be fruitful, – – – – call John 15
When you have sinned – – – – call Psalm 51
When you worry – – – – call Matthew 5:19-34.
When you are in danger – – – – call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away – – – – call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring – – – – call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful – – – – call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical – – – – call 1 Cor. 13.
For Paul’s secret to happiness – – – – call Col. 3:12-17.
For idea of Christianity – – – – call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out – – – – call Romans 8:31-39.
When you want peace and rest – – – – call Matt. 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God – – – – call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance – – – – call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel – – – – call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish – – – – call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity – – – – call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task – – – – call Joshua 1.
How to get along with fellowmen – – – – call Romans 12.
When you think of investments/returns – – – – call Mark 10.
If you are depressed – – – – call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty – – – – call Psalm 37.
If your loosing confidence in people – – – – call 1 Cor. 13.
If people seem unkind – – – – call John 15.
If discouraged about your work – – – – call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small, and yourself great – call Psalm 19.

These Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

— Unknown contributor

Misc. Scripture:

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Scripture Cake:

1st Kings 4:22 – four and a half Cup
Judges 5:25 – One Cup
Jeremiah 6:20 – Two cups
1st Samuel 30:12 – Two cups
Nahum 3:12 – Two cups
Numbers 17:08 – Two cups
1st Samuel 14:25 – Two  Tablespoon
Leviticus 2:13 – One-fourth teaspoon
Judges 4:19 – One-half cup
Amos 4:5 – Two Tablespoon
Jeremiah 17:11 – Six, medium

Wonder if it really makes a cake – have fun looking up the
ingredients……

Faith and Perseverance

March 4 Morning

“If none of God’s saints were poor and tried, we would not know half so well the consolation of divine grace. We may find a wanderer who has no place to lay his head, but who can say, ‘Still will I trust in the Lord.’ We may see a pauper starving on bread and water, but he still glories in Jesus. We may see a bereaved widow overwhelmed in affliction yet still believing in Christ. What honor the reflect on the gospel! God’s grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers. Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good. They believe that out of apparent evils a real blessing will ultimately spring- that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily or most assuredly support them in the trouble. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace. The master-works of God are those men who stand, in the midst of difficulties, steadfast and unmovable. He who would glorify his God must set his account on meeting with many trials. No man can be illustrious before the Lord unless his conflicts are many. If, then, yours is a much-tried path, rejoice in it, because you will better show forth the all-sufficient grace of God. Never dream of His failing you. The God who has been sufficient until now can be trusted to the end.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

God is Unchanging

February 27 Morning

‘Yet’ says Moses, ‘though we are always changing, Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place throughout all generations.’ The Christian knows no change with regard to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow; he may be sickly today and well tomorrow; he may be in happiness today, tomorrow he may be distressed– but there is no change with regard to his relationship to God, If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today. He is my strong habitation whereunto I can continually resort (See Psalm 71:3). I am a pilgrim in the world, but I am at home in my God.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Heavenly Watering

February 24 Morning

“What is your season this morning? Is it the season of drought? then that is the season for showers. Is it a season of great heaviness and depression? Then that is the season for showers. ‘As thy day, so shall they strength be.’ And here is a varied blessing. ‘I will give thee showers of blessing.’ The word is in the plural. God will send all kinds of blessings. All God’s blessings go together, like links in a golden chain. If He gives converting grace, He will also give comforting grace. He will send ‘showers of blessing.’ Look up today parched plant, and open your leaves and flowers for a  heavenly watering.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Never Give Up Hope

“From 2 Corinthians 4:  I found three reasons Paul did not give up hope. He was hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8-9). In all this he did not give up, because God had shined the light of gospel truth in his heart, in his earthen vessel he had the treasure of God’s power and though the outward body was perishing, the inward person was renewed day by day. He looked not at the things which were seen and temporal, but at those that are unseen and eternal and the sufferings of this present time were not worthy to be compared with the eternal glory ahead.

I am counting on you not to lose hope.”

Taken from a personal letter to Sherri from a dear friend.

Put It Into Practice

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is 104 verses filled with encouragement and joy. Paul didn’t write this letter to explain deep theology or to deal with any particular sin. Rather, his purpose was to express love for his friends and to encourage them (and us) to live a joy-filled Christian life.

In Chapter one, Paul encourages us that God’s work in us will continue: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6). In Chapter two, we are encouraged to “do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14).

In Chapter three, Paul inspires us to be forward-looking in our Christian walk: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Finally, in Chapter four, Paul writes some of my personal favorites: “Rejoice in the Lord always,” (Philippians 4:4), and: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

But buried within these wonderful words of encouragement is probably the most valuable and applicable message for our daily journey with Christ.

Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

It’s good and wise for us to study God’s Word. Scripture memory and Bible studies provide us with a better understanding of God’s character. However, His peace will not reside in us until we apply His Word to our daily life.

Let’s begin to live by the truths which God has already revealed. If we understand the need for thankfulness, prayer, forgiveness, repentance, or a Christ centered love for others, let’s begin to “live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Let’s continue to strive to know Him better – but let’s never forget to take what we know and put it into practice.

Have a Great Day!

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

“Our heart shall rejoice in him” (Psalm 33:21).

The fact that Christians can rejoice, even in the deepest distress, is a blessing. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance. They have a buoyancy about them which keeps their head amid the tempest. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God in the trial with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him. The cold, chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to his neck… “Fear not; I am with the; be not dismayed; I am they God” (Isaiah 41:10).

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Promoted to Servant

In the business world, a job title can be extremely important. We often evaluate one another and evaluate our own level of “success” by the significance of our title. Many employees have even been known to trade an increase in pay for a more important title.

The Apostle Paul received his call into the Kingdom of God in a very dramatic fashion. While on his way to Damascus, “a light from Heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3). Jesus spoke directly to Paul and told him exactly who He was. A few days later Jesus said of Paul: “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

With this endorsement, Paul could have chosen any title he wished – maybe “God’s Chosen Instrument” or “Chief Name Bearer of God.” After all, his new boss was the Creator of the Universe.

But once Paul developed a close relationship with Jesus, he saw Him as “being in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6), but at the same time as one who “made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:7). With this understanding of his “boss,”

Paul was proud to receive his new title.

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.”

There is no greater title in God’s Kingdom than: “Servant of Christ Jesus” – no more significant job description than: “Set Apart for the Gospel.” There are many openings in the Kingdom of God, but there is only one available title. Our Heavenly Father is offering us a grand promotion. Let’s put aside our desire to be in charge and proudly be promoted to Servant.

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

“The Difference”

“I got up early one morning, and rushed right into my day;
I had so much to accomplish, that I didn’t take time to pray.

Problems just tumbling about me, and heavier came each task;

“God, why don’t you help me, He replied: ‘You did not ask.’

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me, He said: ‘But you didn’t seek’

I tried to come into God’s presence, I used all my keys on the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided:  ‘My child, you didn’t knock.’

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish, that I had to take time to pray!”

— Grace L. Naessens

Faith that Triumphs in Adversity

November 12 Morning

“The trial of your faith” (1 Peter 1:7). 

“Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith. It is likely to remain stunted as long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers as well as when all things are against her. Tempests are her trainers, and lightnings are her illuminators. When calm reigns on the sea, spread the sails as you will, the ship will not move to its harbor. But let the howling winds rush forth and rock the vessel until her deck is washed with waves and her mast sways under the pressure of the full and swelling sail. It is then that she makes headway toward her desired haven. No faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity. You could not have believed your own weakness had you not been compelled to pass through the rivers. You would never have known God’s strength had you not been supported amid the flood waters. Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity the more it is exercised with tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is precious too.“

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

What is Faith?

To have faith is not to merely believe that God exists. Faith is believing in God, His word and His plan. According to Rojet’s College Thesaurus, descriptions of the word believe are: “confide in, believe in, put one’s trust in; take one’s word for, take at one’s word; pin one’s hope on” (1985).

Many who claim to have faith in God, falsely believe that their faith is some kind of ticket to a healthy, financially prosperous, trouble-free life; so, they measure someone else’s faith by their outward success. Sadly, when they come across someone who is experiencing adversity, they judge that person as not having enough faith. Unfortunately, they are blinded by their desire to avoid personal difficulty and are failing to study the true Word of God.

The Bible is very clear that this earth is full of sin, disease and trials. Yet, many who suffer from chronic illness are told that their illness is a sign that they are lacking faith. Instead of being seen as courageous in the midst of a storm, they are looked upon as failures due to their situation. However, “no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity” (Spurgeon, 1991).

How lovely is a person to our Lord, who is battling an illness, but continues to praise Him and study His word? It is a travesty when our brothers and sisters do not see their faith through the eyes of God; He sees us loving and praising Him, through the pain, loss and tears. What faith is shown during such times of raging storms! After all, how difficult is it to exalt Him when our waters are calm?

Faith is not a magic combination of words, emotions and positive thoughts that grant us our every wish. Faith is not a guarantee that we will sail smoothly throughout our days. Faith cannot be measured by worldly success and fleshly conditions.

Faith is tried as tribulations arise and it is those very trials which make us choose to trust in our Lord and grow closer to Him. Yes, we may mourn our losses and even be hurt or angry. Sometimes, we may even have a tantrum or give God the silent treatment for a while. But, ultimately, we fall on bended knee in reverence.

As our faith grows strong, the road away from God is not even an option. We may still be saddened by a tragedy, but we run to Him for our every comfort, strength to persevere and gift of courage to triumph. It is our faith in God’s purpose, plan and His hand that helps us to get through the storms of this temporary existence. We know that we cannot prevail without God’s hand and we know that He gives us that power.

Society tells us that we must be self-sufficient, independent and to lean on no-one. In its attempt to avoid God, it claims that self-faith is supreme, as it measures our character by our material possessions and physical condition. Is this the rule by which we should evaluate our own faith?

A heartbreaking tragedy occurs when even Christians gauge faith by worldly prosperity! They think their faith must come from their own stature, assertiveness and desire for success. They think their faith is somehow a fruit of their own power, self assuredness and personal accomplishment. They think that people who are suffering are somehow doing so, because they lack willpower and determination.

However, a true, Biblical test of faith does not measure our accomplishments, health and lack of affliction. Faith does not = success. Instead, it is measured when tribulations occur and the person continues to praise and follow God. Faith = perseverance in adversity.

So, how do we get our faith? God wants us to be solely dependent upon Him for our every fortification. He wants our every strength, peace and purpose to come from Him. We must read His word, be in His teachings and pray without ceasing. We must come to God with a humble disposition and void of self in order to be lifted by His hand. Further, we must have an awareness of our unworthiness and be willing to admit our weakness without Him.

The world says the weak shall be devoured in its grip, as it strives to derive its strength from within, only creating selfishness and self-centeredness. God wants us to seek Him in our weakness, devoid of pride, self-exaltation and boast so that He can be the soul provider of our fortitude.

Jesus said, “my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). When we come to Him with no strength of our own, He fills us with His might and our faith is multiplied by His grace. Only then, will we know the true supplier of all our strength is not of ourselves. After all, what better than to be filled with courage, perseverance and confidence in our Lord, rather than leaning on our own self-serving human-ness!

~ Written by Sherri L. Connell © 2000

Grow in Grace, Love, Humility and Knowledge

January 4 Morning

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and 

Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

“Grow in grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, and simplicity. Grow also in love. Ask that your love become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every though, word, and deed. Grow likewise in humility. As you grow in humility seek also to grow nearer to God in prayer and experience more intimate fellowship with Jesus. May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.” He who does not grow in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Blessed Are Those Who Need God

February 12 Morning

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5).

“….When the black clouds gather most, the light is more brightly revealed to us. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by  the consolations of the Spirit….When the barn is full, man can live without God. When the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But take our food away, and we want our God. Cleanse the idols out of our house, and we are compelled to honor Jehovah. ‘Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord’ (Psalm 130:1). There is no cry as good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half as hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, though deep trials and afflictions.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Love the Lord When All Is Well and During Difficulties

December 15 Morning

“Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her” (Ruth 1:14).

“….It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair and quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties. Where do you stand? Is your heart fixed on Jesus? Have you counted the cost, and are you solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master’s sake? Worldy treasures are not to be compared with the glory to be revealed.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

We Toil and Suffer on Earth

January 18 Morning

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).

How different the state of the believer will be in  heaven from what it is here! Here he is born to toil and suffer weariness. In the land of the immortal, fatigue is never known….The harp abides unrusted, the crown unwithered, the eye undimmed, the voice unfaltering, the heart unwavering, and the immortal being is wholly absorbed in infinite delight. It will be a happy day when mortality will be swallowed up!

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Glorify God in All You Say and Do

February 15 Morning

“To Him be glory both now and forever” (Peter 3:18).

“….Will you make it your prayer today? ‘Lord, help me to glorify You. I have talents; help me to extol You by using them for You. I have time; Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve You. I have a head to think; Lord, help me to think of You. You have put me in this world for something. Lord, show me what that is and help me to work our my life-purpose. I cannot do much; but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, I cast my time and eternity, to, into Your treasure. I am all Yours. Take me and enable me to glorify You now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Meditate on God’s Word

October 12 Morning

“I will meditate on thy precepts” (Psalm 119:15).

“There are times when solitude is better than society and silence is wiser than speech. We would be better Christians if we spent more time waiting on God and gathering , through meditation on His Word, spiritual strength for labor in His service. We ought to meditate on the things of God, because we thus get the real nutrition out of them. Truth is something like the cluster of the vine. If we would have wine from it, we must bruise it. We must press and squeeze it many times. So we must, by meditation tread the clusters of truth if we would get the wine of consolation from it. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth. The process which really supplies the muscle, nerve, sinew, and the bone is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life. Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this and then to that and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and learning all require inward digesting to complete their usefulness.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Do Not Try to Cheer Your Brother. Let God Comfort Him

February 20 Morning

“God, that comforteth those that are cast down” (2 Corinthians 7:6)

Often when a person is hurting, we go to them with Scripture in effort to “cheer” them up. We attempt to make their sorrows fall, by telling them how happy they should be. But why doesn’t this work? Why don’t they listen to our wise words?

“Who comforts like Him? Go to some poor, melancholy, distressed child of God. tell him sweet promises, and whisper in his ear choice words of comfort; he is like the deaf adder; he does not listen. He is in despair, and comfort him as you may, it will be only a sigh of resignation that you get from him. You will bring forth no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets. But let God come to His child, let Him lift up His countenance, and the mourner’s eyes glisten with hope. You could not have cheered him, but the Lord has done it” (Spurgeon, 1997).

The Bible says we should come up along side of those who are hurting and cry with them. It does not say that we need to make them forget their trouble, only to hold their hand and mourn with them. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12: 15 & 16).

God is the one we look to in order to comfort them and raise them up in joy. Only our Lord can fill their hearts with song again. When we try to “cheer them up,” we end up minimizing what they are going through and telling them they must not have enough faith.

“Do not go to acquaintances, for you will find them Job’s comforters after all. Go first and foremost to your ‘God, that comforteth those that are cast down’ (2 Corinthians 7:6). You will soon say, ‘In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul’ (Psalm 94:19)” (Spurgeon, 1997).

~ Sherri L. Connell © 2002

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

Gossip is Poisonous

November 29 Morning

“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people….thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him” (Leviticus 19:16-17).

“Tale bearing emits a threefold poison. It injures the teller, the hearer, and the person concerning whom the tale is told. Whether the report is true or false, we are by this precept of God’s Word forbidden to spread it. The reputations of the Lord’s people should be very precious in our sight, and we should be ashamed to help the devil dishonor the Church and the name of the Lord. Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur. Many Glory in pulling down their brethren, as if thereby they raised themselves. We ourselves may one day need forbearance and silence from our brethren, so let us render it cheerfully to those who require it now. Speak evil of no man. The Holy Spirit, however, permits us to censure sin and prescribes the way in which we are to do it. It must be done by rebuking our brother to his face, not be railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly, Christlike, and under God’s blessing. Remember, hundreds have been saved from gross sin by the timely, wise, affectionate warnings of faithful ministers and brethren.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (published with permission, see reference below)

And Then, The End

Ultimately, when we have fought a good fight and finished our course, and even if need be suffered death for the name of Christ, we shall emerge from the great tribulation and suffer no more.

The King of the universe will grant us refuge in the shelter of His throne, where we may see Him and worship Him day and night in His temple, and the lamb turned Shepherd will lead us with the rest of His sheep to fountains of living water, where we make slake our thirst for ever at the eternal springs.

–John R. W. Stott in
What Christ Thinks of the Church

Constantly?

I have set the LORD always before me … “The LORD is with you, while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you” … Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually …

Ps.16:8 (KJV); 2Chron.15:2 (RSV); Ps.105:4 (RSV)

~ By Robert Graham www.betterway.org

12 Steps to Sanctification

Step 1

Admit that, by yourself, you are powerless in your attempt to overcome sin. (Romans 7:21-25) (Philippians 4:13)

Step 2

Believe that God, through Jesus Christ, can make you holy. (Romans 8:1-2) (I Thessalonians 2:13)

Step 3

Make a decision to turn your will over to God’s will through Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) (Galatians 5:16-26)

Step 4

Commit yourself to God and desire that He remove patterns of sin from your life. (Psalm 37:5) (I Peter 12:14-16)

Step 5

Humbly ask God to renew your mind so that your sinful patterns can be transformed into patterns of righteousness. (I Thessalonians 4:3-8) (James 4:6-8)

Step 6

On a daily basis, examine your heart and take a fearless moral inventory of yourself, promptly admitting when you are wrong. (II Corinthians 13:5)

Step 7

Confess to God, yourself, and a trusted friend (if possible) the exact nature of your wrongs. (James 5:16) (I John 1:8-10)

Step 8

Make a list of all persons that have hurt you and choose to forgive them. Also, make a list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all. (Psalm 34:14) (Colossians 3:15) (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Step 9

Eliminate needs of the flesh in your life that draw you away from God’s grace and create an impure servant. (Philippians 2:5-8) (Joshua 3:5) (I Corinthians 3:17)

Step 10

Replace the needs of the flesh with needs of the spirit. (II Corinthians 7:1) (James 4:7-8) (Gal. 2:19-20)

Step 11

Seek to know Christ more intimately through prayer and meditation, praying only for the knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. (Colossians 3:1-3) (Jude 1:19) (Matthew 6:21)

Step 12

Attempt to carry the message of Christ’s grace and sanctifying power and practice these principles in every aspect of your life. (Mark 16:15) (Joshua 1:8) (Mark 12:28-31) (John 15:7)

~ Author unknown, Compliments of K-Love Radio www.klove.com 

No Shortcuts

God’s way through the jungle is along a well trodden path designed to keep us moving toward a closer relationship with Himself. “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless.” (Psalm 18:30). However, by God’s sovereign design, we are given the freedom to choose our own way.

Many times we see what appears to be shortcuts through the jungle and we leave the path. These shortcuts are filled with weeds that slowly wrap around our arms and legs and slow us to a crawl. They are a snare, set by the world to entangle our lives and pull us from the path: “But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22).

Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

To remain on God’s path we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. There are many who have the appearance of success but who’s heart is far from God. We must seek Godly counsel and not surround ourselves with those who ridicule God’s path.

Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God: “on His Law  he meditates day and night.” If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will (by default) become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process by which we cling to Christ and love Him with ALL our heart.

As we consume ourselves with God’s Word and truly worship Him as Lord, our lives will develop deep roots – a solid foundation which will not be shaken in the storm and will not be swayed by the winds of temptation. God’s path is perfect and His burden is light – but staying free of the weeds requires perseverance, discipline, and a strong reminder… there are NO shortcuts!

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

*******

Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourself, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in you faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:6-9

********

I asked for Strength………
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom………
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity………
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage………
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love………
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors………
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ……..
I received everything I needed.

–Anon

And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28  KJV

*******

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…
God is waiting with you.

When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…
God is by your side.

When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated…
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing…
GOD KNOWS!

I asked God

 I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy
kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but
deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.

–Matthew:6:9

*******

    “….show thy power by my frailty, so that the more feeble I am, the more fit to be used, for thou dost pitch a tent of grace in my weakness.  Help me to rejoice in my infirmities and give thee praise, to acknowledge my deficiencies before others and not be discouraged by them, that they may see thy glory more  clearly.  Teach me that I must act by a power above my strength, and bear evils beyond my strength, acting for Christ in all, and have his superior power to help me.”

Excerpt from a Puritan Prayer taken from the book, VALLEY OF VISION.

*******

“Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens” (Lamentations 3:41).

“The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very beneficial lesson for such proud beings as we are… The most healthy state of a Christian is to be constantly depending on the Lord for supplies, rich in Jesus, and mighty through God to do great exploits… As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer… An earnest pleader comes out of his prayer closet rejoicing like a strong man to run his race.”

~ Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, © 1997 (see reference below)

*******

Make me to know your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my Salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5
(THe Book of Daily Prayer,R Webber)

*******

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that,
following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*******

Give us a pure heart, That we may see Thee,
A humble heart That we may hear Thee.
.
A heart of Love, That we may serve Thee.
A heart of faith that we may live Thee.

Amen.
( Prayers from the heart)

*******
Jesus, Lord, I love you
More than I can tell
Not from want of heaven
Not from fear of hell
Not for what you give me
Not for what you bring
But for you, All Holy Father,
Just for you I live.

*******

In fear your are my fortress.
In darkness you are my light.
In doubt, you are my hope.
In weakness you are my strength.
In the shelter of your love, I am secure.
I rest my mind, my heart, my soul
upon your care.

*******

I call upon you, O Lord and in the morning you hear me. In the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting. I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day. Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways. I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine. So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall. I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son. He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.

*******

O Child, Child!

“Abide in Me, and I in you … for apart from Me you can do nothing” … Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of our selves; but our sufficiency is of God … Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and ransom from sin … For I know thatin me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not … Jn.15:4,5 (NAS); 2Cor.3:5 (KJV); 1 Cor.1:30 (Beck); Rom.7:18 (KJV)

Whatever I command, O child, of thee thou cannot truly do apart from Me. Self simply does not have sufficiency! God sends by Me all that thou need to be! Child, I’m, in thee, all Wisdom, Righteousness — all Love and Goodness, and all Holiness. Dost dare to look within and true confess that there is no good thing within thy flesh? Child, Romans 7:18 memorize! ‘Twill help thee fend off Satan’s claims and lies — so thou wilt not be taken by surprise when finding Self is neither good nor wise but willing be to turn from Self – let go! -and cleave to Me, thy Lord, Who loves thee so!

Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men … You think as men think, not as God thinks … In my inmost self I delight in the law of God, but I perceive in my bodily members a different law, fighting against the law that my reason approves … I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? … thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ … Matt.16:23 (KJV,NEB); Rom.7:22 (NEB); 7:18 (RSV); 7:24 (KJV); 1 Cor.15:57 (KJV).

~ By Robert Graham

Spurgeon, Charles (1997). Excerpts from Morning & Evening. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House. Copyrighted material printed here with permission from Whitaker House 5/31/2001. You must get permission from Whitaker House to reproduce in any way! Publisher’s note: Morning & Evening is available at Christian Bookstores and many online book sellers!

Poetry:

Food for Thought:

God Said…

I said, “God I hurt.”

And God said, “I know.”

I said, “God, I cry a lot.”

And God said, “That is why I gave you tears.”

I said, “God, I am so depressed.”

And God said, “That is why I gave you sunshine.”

I said, “God, life is so hard.”

And God said, “That is why I gave you loved ones.”

I said, “God, my loved one died.”

And God said, “So did mine.”

I said, “God, it is such a loss.”

And God said, “I saw mine nailed to a cross.”

I said, “God, but your loved one lives.”

And God said, “So does yours.”

I said, “God, where are they now?”

And God said, “Mine is on My right and yours is in the Light.”

I said, “God, it hurts.”

And God said, “I know.”

~ Anonymous

Does Evil Exist?

Does evil exist? The university professor challenged his students with this question.  Did God create everything that exists?

A student bravely replied,  “yes, he did!”

“God created everything?” The professor asked.

“Yes sir,” the student replied.

The professor answered, “If God created everything, then God created evil since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are then God is evil.”

The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor was quite pleased with himself and boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth. Another student raised his hand and said, “May I ask you a question professor?”

“Of course,” replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, “Professor, does cold exist?”

“What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?”  The students snickered at the young man’s question.

The young man replied, “In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat.  Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy.  Absolute zero (- 460 degrees F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature.  Cold does not exist.  We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat. The student continued. “Professor, does darkness exist?”

The professor responded, “Of course it does.”

The student replied, “Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either.  Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness.  In fact we can use Newton’s prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.  You cannot measure darkness.  A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn’t this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present.

Finally the young man asked the professor. “Sir, does evil exist?”

Now uncertain, the professor responded, “Of course as I have already said. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man’s inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.”

To this the student replied, “Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself.  Evil is simply the absence of God.  It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.  God did not create evil.  Evil is not like faith, or love that exists, just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart.  It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.”

The professor sat down.

The young man’s name — Albert Einstein

What If?

What if, GOD couldn’t take the time to bless us today

because we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow

because we didn’t follow Him today?

What if, we never saw another flower bloom

because we grumbled when GOD sent the Rain?

What if GOD didn’t walk with us today

because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow

because we would not read it today?

What if, GOD took away His message

because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if, GOD didn’t send His only begotten Son

because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if, the door of the church was closed

because we did not open the door of our heart?

What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us

because we failed to love and care for others?

What if, GOD would not hear us today

because we would not listen to Him ?

What if, GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if, GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives???

– Unknown Author

Do You Have Time for Me?

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday.

But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear. When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were to busy.

At one point you had to wait, fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I watched patiently all day long.

With all your activities, I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I noticed that before lunch you looked around, May be you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn’t bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn’t.

That’s okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet. You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do.

After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don’t know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn’t talk to me.

Bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That’s okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I’ve got patience, more than you will ever know.

I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart.

It is hard to have a one-sided conversation. Well, you are getting up once again. And once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!

Your friend,

GOD

Good Things To Remember:

1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?

2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.

3. What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.

4. I am God’s melody of life and He sings His song through me.

5. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.

6. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms.

7. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

8. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake.

9. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill.

10. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.

11. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.

12. We set the sail; God makes the wind.

13. Begin to weave and God will give you the thread.

14. Sometimes when God says “no”, it’s because He has something better in store for you.

15. The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.

16. Prayer: don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.

17. It’s my business to do God’s business and it’s His business to take care of my business.

18. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.

19. How come you’re always running around looking for God? He’s not lost.

20. God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things; right now I’m so far behind I will live forever.

— Unknown Author

A Strong Woman:

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape…but a Woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her Soul in shape….

A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything …but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear….

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her…but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman walks sure footedly …but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls….

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face, but a woman of strength wears grace….

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey, but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

….The shortest distance between a problem and a solution can be the distance between your knees and the floor……. in both praise and worship to the Lord God.

~Author Unknown

Side By Side:

They lie on the table side by side.
The Holy Bible and the T.V. Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the T.V.
So they open the book in which they confide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching T.V.
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the T.V.Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on T.V.

A Daily Survival Kit:

Toothpick–to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others (Matthew 7:1).

Rubber band–to remind you to be flexible; things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out (Romans 8:28).

Band Aid–to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s (Colossians 3:12-14).

Pencil–to remind you to list your blessings everyday (Ephesians 1:3).

Eraser–to remind you that everyone makes mistakes and we can forgive them (Genesis 50:15-21).

Chewing gum–to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything (Philippians 4:13).

Mint–to remind you that you are worth a mint (John 3:16-17).

Candy kiss–to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug every day (1 John 4:7).

Tea bag–to remind you to relax daily and go over that list of blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

~Author unknown.

What If God Had An Answering Machine?

Imagine praying and hearing this:

“Thank you for calling My Father’s House. Please select one
of the following four options:”

* Press 1 for requests.

* Press 2 for thanksgiving.

* Press 3 for complaints.

* For all other inquiries, Press 4.

What if God used the familiar excuse:

“All of the angels are helping other customers right now.
Please stay on the line. Your call will be answered in the
order it was received.”

Can you imagine getting these kinds of responses as you call
on God in prayer?

* If you’d like to speak with Gabriel, press 1.

* For Michael, press 2.

* For any other angel, press 3.

* If you want King David to sing you a psalm, press 6.

* To find out if your relative is here, enter his/her date
of death and listen for the list that follows.

* For reservations at My Father’s House, simply press the
letters J-O-H-N on the keypad, followed by the number 3-1-6.

* For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age
of the earth and where Noah’s ark is, wait until you get
here!

* Our computers show that you have called once today
already. Please hang up immediately.

* This office is closed for the weekend. Please call again

Monday. End of message.

Thank God, you can’t call Him too often !!! You only need to
ring once and God hears you. Because of Jesus, you never get
a busy signal. God takes each call and knows each caller
personally. When you call and the Lord will answer; you will
cry for help and He will say: “Here am I!”

— Unknown author

Memo From God:

Today I will be handling all of your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you
cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.

Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do)
box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on
to it or remove it. Holding on or removal will delay
the resolution of your problem.

If it is a situation that you think you are capable of
handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that
it is the proper resolution.

Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber,
there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my
child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer
away.

— Author Unknown

His Will, Will:

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

—unknown

I Love You Daddy, Hold Me:

When a young child wants to be held, they simply reach up with outstretched arms and say: “Hold me Daddy!” As he looks down, no loving father evaluates the child to determine if they deserve to be held – no loving father sends the child away to earn affection. A loving father picks up the child and holds them with no words even being required. When asked, a loving father will say moments like this are his greatest joy!

Matthew 18:3

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Our Heavenly Father loves us so very much – He wants us to come to Him with outstretched arms – He wants to pick us up and hold us tight. Moments like this are His greatest joy! And yet, we spend our days trying to make ourselves acceptable – trying to earn our Father’s affection. What can we really bring Him but our love?

We are all as little children in God’s eyes – we have the understanding of a child and the abilities of a child. We pour our hearts into projects thinking they are vitally important to God’s work and say, “Daddy, look what I made you!” However, our best efforts are as grade school pencil holders, candy dishes, and disfigured flower pots.

Our Father takes these gifts, places them on the shelf, smiles, and shakes His head wishing we would understand. There’s much work that needs to be accomplished for the Kingdom of God, but none more important than spending time just loving and being loved by Daddy.

Yes, we must clean our room, take out the trash, and treat others nice on the playground – but at the end of the day, we must all come before Him with empty arms and say: I love You Daddy – hold me!

~ By Steve Troxel – God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

A Garden:

Plant three rows of peas:

Peace of mind

Peace of heart

Peace of soul.

Plant four rows of squash:

Squash gossip

Squash indifference

Squash grumbling

Squash selfishness.

Plant four rows of lettuce:

Lettuce be faithful

Lettuce be kind

Lettuce be happy

Lettuce really love one another.

No garden should be without turnips:

Turnip for service when needed

Turnip to help one another

Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love.

There is much fruit in your garden.

Because you reap what you sow.

To conclude our garden

We must have thyme:

Thyme for God

Thyme for fun

Thyme for rest

Thyme for ourselves.

Pretty nice garden, don’t you think?

Plant one yourself!!!

– Unknown Author

Is God Real?

The little child whispered, “God, speak to me.” And a meadowlark sang. But the child did not hear.

So the child yelled, “God, speak to me!” And the thunder rolled across the sky. But the child did not listen.

The child looked around and said, “God let me see you.” And a star shone brightly. But the child did not notice.

And the child shouted, “God show me a miracle!” And a life was born. But the child did not know.

So the child cried out in despair, “Touch me God and let me know you are here!” Whereupon God reached down and touched the child. But the child brushed the butterfly away. And walked away unknowingly.

– Unknown Author

“Often times, the things we seek are right underneath our noses. Don’t miss out on your blessing because it isn’t packaged the way that you expect.”

– Charles, Kingdom Online Ministries

You Are Valuable

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the  room of 200, he asked, “Who would like  this $20 bill?” Hands started going  up. He said, “I am going to give this  $20 to one of you but first, let me do  this. He proceeded to crumple up the  $20 dollar bill. He then asked, “Who  still wants it?” Still the hands were  up in the air.

Well, he replied, “What  if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the  floor with his shoe. He picked it up,  now crumpled and dirty.”Now, who still  wants it?” Still the hands went into  the air.

My friends, we have all  learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our  way. We feel as though we are  worthless.

But no matter what has  happened or what will happen, you will  never lose your value.

Dirty or clean,  crumpled or finely creased, you are  still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE  ARE.

You are special- Don’t EVER forget  it.”

Count your  blessings, not your problems. And  remember: amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic. If  God brings you to it – He will bring you through it.

Unknown Author

Boxes

I have in my hands two boxes Which God gave me to hold. He said, “Put all your sorrows in the black, And all your joys in the gold.”

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes Both my joys and sorrows I stored. But though the gold became heavier each day The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black I wanted to find out why. And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud, “I wonder where my sorrows could be.” He smiled a gentle smile at me.” “My child, they’re all here with me.”

I asked, “God, why give me the boxes, Why the gold, and the black with the hole?” “My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go.”

– Unknown Author

“Things Aren’t Always What They May Seem.”

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the
home of a wealthy family.  The family was rude and
refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room.
Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel
saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.  When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied… “Things aren’t always what they seem”.

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel “how could you have let this happen!?  The first man had everything, yet you helped him,”  she accused. “The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die.” “Things aren’t always what they seem,” the older angel replied.

“When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there
was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so
obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune,
I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it.

Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. “Things aren’t always what they seem.”

Sometimes this is exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way they should.  If you have faith in God, just trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not realize it until much later.

— Unknown author

Is Jesus Your Defender?

After living a “decent” life my time on earth came to an end. The
first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed
to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I
saw the “prosecutor,” he was a villainous looking gent who  snarled as
he stared at me, he definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and
gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room and I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him.   As He took His seat behind the bench He  said “Let us begin.”

The prosecutor rose and said “My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in Hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others.
Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank.  I was so
embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset that my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life -couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’ve done. Satan finished with a fury and said “This man belongs in Hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise. Justice will finally be served this day.”

When it was my turn, my lawyer first asked if He might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.  As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him now in His full splendor and majesty.  Now I realized why He seemed so familiar, this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge “Hi Dad” and then He turned to address the court.

“Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And yes the wages of sins is death and this man deserves to be punished”.  Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with out-stretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is mine.”  My Lord continued with “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me.  Satan still does not understand yet, this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy.”

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and replied “There is nothing else that needs to be done, I’ve done it all”. The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down and the following words bellowed from his lips-“This man is free – the penalty for him has already been paid in full, case dismissed.”

As my Lord led me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving “I won’t give up, I’ll win the next one.”

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said “Everyone who has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, Paid in Full.” Christ also said “I stand at the door of each heart, knocking that they may invite Me in and receive eternal life, goodness and mercy. It is My will that no one should perish” Friend, by choosing Jesus, you have chosen life instead of death!

— Unknown author

Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  If not, talk to Jesus
today!  Tomorrow may be too late.

— Kat Tilley

Kisses!

The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old
daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was
tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a
box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, “This is for you Daddy,” He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty. He yelled at her, “Don’t you know that when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside it?”

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said,
“Oh, Daddy, it is not empty. I blew kisses into the box! All for
you, Daddy!” The father was crushed. He put his arms around
his little girl and he begged for her forgiveness.

It is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for years and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

— Unknown author

Heart Surgery

Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart…”

“You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open,” he
continued, “to see how much damage has been done…”

“But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in there.”

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll sew your heart and chest back up and I’ll plan what to do next.”

“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there.
The hymns all say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”

The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”

“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives there.”

The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, “…damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: pain killers and bed rest.
Prognosis:, ” here he paused, “death within one year.”
He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said.
“Why?” he asked aloud. “Why did You do this?
You’ve put him here; You’ve put him in this pain; and You’ve cursed him to an early death.
Why?”

The Lord answered and said, “The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.”

The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”

The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”

The surgeon wept.
The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him.

The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?”

“Yes,” said the surgeon.

“What did you find?” asked the boy.

“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.

~ Author Unknown

The Most Caring Child

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

Winner:

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.  Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there.  When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.”

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What It Means to Be Adopted:

Teacher Debbie Moon’s first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the other family members. One child suggested that he was adopted and a little girl said, “I know all about adoptions because I was adopted.”
“What does it mean to be adopted?” asked another child. “It means,” said the girl, “that you grew in your mommy’s heart instead of her tummy.”

************
Barney:

A four year old was at the pediatrician for a check up.  As the doctor looked down her ears with an otoscope, he asked, “Do you think I’ll find Big Bird in here?” The little girl stayed silent. Next, the doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat.  He asked, “Do you think I’ll find the Cookie Monster down there?”  Again, the little girl was silent. Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest.  As he listened to her heart beat, he asked, “Do you think I’ll hear Barney in there?”

“Oh, no!” the little girl replied.  “Jesus is in my heart.   Barney’s on my
underpants.”

***********
Discouraged?

As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League  baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. “We’re behind 14 to nothing,” he answered with a smile. “Really,” I said. “I have to say you don’t look very discouraged.” “Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. “Why should we be discouraged?   We haven’t been up to bat yet.”

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Roles And How We Play Them:

Whenever I’m disappointed with my spot in my life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.  Jamie was trying out for a part in a school play. His mother told me that he’d set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. “Guess what, Mom,” he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me: “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer.”

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A Lesson In Heart:

A lesson in “heart” is my little, 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.  She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in “field day” – that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down – but before I could get a word out, she said “Daddy, I won two of the races!”  I couldn’t believe it!  And then Sarah said, “I had an advantage.”  Ah. I knew it.  I thought she   must have been given a head start…some kind of physical advantage.  But again, before I could say anything, she said, “Daddy, I didn’t get a head start. My advantage was I had to try harder!”

************
An Eye Witness Account from New York City:

On a cold day in December… (wishfully, this is the kind of thing that would happen frequently, everywhere…). A little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, “My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?” “I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,” was the boys reply. The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy’s feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, “No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?” As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears his eyes, answered the question with these words: “Are you God’s Wife?”

— Unknown contributor

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