Christian Reflection and Prayer : blog

D	L	M	M	J	V	S
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

21.08.2008

When We Feel Trapped

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (New Century Version)

7 We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay
jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great
power is from God, not from us.8 We have troubles
all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not
know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of
living.9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.
We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.
10 We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so
that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.11
We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of
death so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies
that die.12 So death is working in us, but life is working in you.

Reflection:

Do you ever feel trapped, I mean really trapped.
I know I do. It seems like sometimes my problems
are surrounding me even to the point that I see no
way out. There are a lot of people who feel that way.
It's like I'm in a trash compactor, and my problems
keep closing in on me, to the point of crushing
me. I feel defeated by all my problems.
This is how it was before I became a Christian. I
was defeated, I was in a constant depression.
I felt so worthless and so afraid of my problems,
I refused to get out of bed. Unfortunately this
happens to a lot of people, and it is a very real
problem in many families. How did I over come
this depression? In my bed I discovered life and
true victory through what Jesus Christ has done for me
by dying on the cross and rising again. That's
right through prayer, study, and meditation, I found
victory in Jesus. Just believe, and He stands
victorious for you!!!!!

Prayer:

Oh God I Believe!

01:16 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

17.08.2008

Watch Out For False Prophets

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV

3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the
serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led
astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus
other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a
different spirit from the one you received, or a different
gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it
easily enough.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

12And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order
to cut the ground from under those who want an
opportunity to be considered equal with us in the
things they boast about. 13For such men are false
apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as
apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan
himself masquerades as an angel of light.
15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade
as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what
their actions deserve.

Reflection:

There is the story of of English robber called Captain
Thunderbolt who escaped the law and moved to the
eastern US in 1818, he began practicing medicine. He
took on the name Dr. John Wilson. Often he wore three
suits of clothes to escape recognition by making himself
look larger and covering up a deformed leg.
Just before the man died, he asked his friends to bury
him without removing his clothes. But to prepare his
body for proper burial, that request could not be honored.
The mortician was surprised to find scars from wounds
and a withered leg. A search of "Dr. Wilson's" house
revealed a stash of watches, jewelry, and diamonds.
The sheriff learned that the doctor was in fact Thunderbolt,
a thief in disguise. They had been fooled.

Well the point is the devil and his followers have there
disguises too. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:15 "Satan's
ministers also transform themselves into ministers of
righteousness." And they are very good at it, you must
always stand guard. They are often very difficult to discover.
They are very deceptive. They look like you and me, they
often appear to be kind and loving, and they too often act like
they care. But they are really false teachers and they have
been around since the time of Paul. One way to tell that they
are false teachers, is that they teach false doctrine. You see
they almost always teach that your good deeds will bring you
rewards and salvation. And we know that this is not true,
because Paul warned us not to be deceived by the devil's
craftiness (v.3). The truth is: "By grace you have been saved
through faith...: it is the gift of God, not of works: *Eph. 2: 8-9);
PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED
Remember= "Satan has many tools, but deception is the
handle that fits them all."

Prayer:

Lord I ask You for the power of the Holy Spirit so I can
recognize false teachers. Give me the strength and the
power to overcome their evil. Thank for Your love and Your
truth's. In Jesus Name Amen

23:00 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

10.08.2008

When We Feel Discouraged

Scripture:

We know that in everything God works for
the good of those who love Him. They
are the people He called because that
was His plan." (Romans 8:28) NLT

Reflection:

One of the most difficult things about
being a Christian is the concept that
when we are in the middle of a
discouraging situation in our lives,
we are to see the good in it. What
in the world is good about the pain of
divorce, or my child's real anger at me,
or the empty feeling you have because
of the total betrayal of trust in adultery.
The answer is... there are times I just don't
know. But there is one thing I know and
I believe, that God is working out His plan
for my good. It's true , I really believe this.
For example: One of my children, when
she was in her teens, became very, very
angry with me. This was a deep seeded
anger, and there was nothing I could do
to help. She wouldn't speak to me for
months, this was tearing both of us apart.
But I knew God had a plan for me and for
her, and through His wonderful grace, we
were able to work it out. Now we are closer
than ever. Praise the Lord! You see I am
a child of God, He takes care of me, God
has a plan for me. How about you, are
you His child!

Prayer:

Oh mighty God come into my heart, I want
to be your child. I want to believe. I know
that you are there for me and you bring the
good out in everything that happens in my.
life. Keep me focused oh God on the fact that
when bad things happen to me, I am a part
of Your plan, and You will show me the good.
In Jesus Name Amen.

17:13 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

03.08.2008

WHY THE HECK GO TO CHURCH!

Scripture: Exodus chapter 40 The Tabernacle Completed
(Read the whole chapter, it's not that long.)

v9. Take the anointing oil and sprinkle it on the Tabernacle
and on all its furnishings to make them holy. v10. Sprinkle
the anointing oil on the alter of burnt offering and its utensils,
sanctifying them. Then the altar will become most holy. v11.
Next anoint the large washbasin and its pedestal to make
them holy.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
Matthew 18:20

Reflection:

You know a lot of people read this chapter, and end up
saying, Who cares? This chapter tells us about the
planning, and makeup and building of the Tabernacle
(the church). You may read this and think it's boring,
but there is some real meaning here for us. You see
this chapter is about worship, and how it should really
matter. Some how we take this beautiful concept that
God is everywhere, and use it as an excuse not to go to
church. We say I can worship God in my own way,
or I am worshiping God in nature, or I can worship
God at home listening to the football game. The truth is
it is important to go to church. You see we are not
a club, we are not a group, we are not even a charity.
We are members of a family! And the glue that holds
our family together is the Holy Spirit. We as a church
are the family of God. We as a family who gathers together
and worships our God. We commune, (have in common),
with each other and our God. What I recognize, is how
wonderful it is to have the honor to share in this divine
fellowship. Through church I never have to be alone, that
at any given time I can turn to Him and my church family
for direction.
" Your Christian community is essential to your
spiritual growth. It's members guide, correct, comfort,
and forgive you. God designed it that way. Think
about your "immediate family" in Christ, those you
worship and fellowship with. Thank God for the
ministry that each individual has in you life."
(Closer Walk).
THANK GOD FOR CHURCH!

Prayer:

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you
all" (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

04:13 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (1) | Envoyer cette note

When is the Best Time to Pray

We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever
we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we
know he is listening when we make our requests,
we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
1 John 5:14-15

I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers.
Because he bends down and listens, I will pray
as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:1-2

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis

Seize any time

And talking of sleepiness, I entirely agree with you
that no one in his senses, if he has any power of
ordering his own day, would reserve his chief prayers
for bedtime—obviously the worst possible hour for
any action which needs concentration. The trouble
is that thousands of unfortunate people can hardly
find any other. Even for us, who are the lucky ones,
it is not always easy. My own plan, when hard-pressed,
is to seize any time and place, however unsuitable,
in preference to the last waking moment. On a day
of traveling—with, perhaps, some ghastly meeting
at the end of it—I'd rather pray sitting in a crowded
train than put it off till midnight when one reaches
a hotel bedroom with aching head and dry throat
and one's mind partly in a stupor and partly in a
whirl. On other, and slightly less crowded, days
a bench in a park or a back street where one can
pace up and down will do.
C. S. Lewis in Letters to Malcolm
Quoted in The Quotable Lewis edited by Wayne
Martindale and Jerry Root (Tyndale House) p 493)

Reflection:

Do you really believe that God listens to you?
Do you really believe that He bends down and
listens? I believe it! That is a very important part
of my faith.....to believe God listens to me. Why
would I have any faith in any kind of God that does
not listen to me. Because of my belief that my
Lord is listening to me, I pray often to God. One
thing that I do is anytime there is an accomplishment
made in my work, I thank God. Because I believe
God is listening I often ask him for help. When I am
faced with a problem I actually ask God "What
do you want me to do". And the most amazing thing is,
one way or another, He answers me. God makes
His presence known to me, my God is there for me
and always is listening. I try to never put off prayer,
I don't say God I'll talk to You later. No matter
what I'm doing or where I'm at, I'm mindful of Gods
presence. I've learned, in my Christian walk, that
the best time to talk with God IS NOW!

Prayer:

Lord I want to praise You and thank You for always
being there for me. You are a wonderful God. You
are compassionate, loving, and merciful, and I thank
You for loving me. Lord I don't need to prove that you
exist, because I know you exist because you are
always there for me. I just wanted to take time to
say......THANK YOU GOD........
I pray this Lord in the name
of Jesus Christ, Your Son, the Savior of the world.
Amen

02:22 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

27.07.2008

When is the best time to pray

22:45 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

19.07.2008

Someone is There That Loves You

Scripture:

42.Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom." 43. Jesus answered him,
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:42,43) NIV

Reflection:

You know I understand what it's like to suffer for
past sins. I have done some things in my life that
I'm ashamed of and in some cases still bother me.
I have certainly not led a perfect life.
I used to let these past sins run my life. The very
way I used to be and things I did, made me
depressed, and left me with a feeling of guilt and
worthlessness. I felt lonely and very much unloved.

There are many things that happened when I opened
my heart, my spirit, my whole life to Jesus Christ.
But these two verses gave, and still give me hope.
(I have tears as I right these words) Here was a
man who believed. Who turned to this man called
Jesus, this man, who like him, was being executed
AND HE BELIEVED! HE BELIEVED! Earlier we
saw that this criminal, this sinner, knew that Jesus
was more than a man, and that Jesus had done
nothing to deserve this cruel death. He deserved
his punishment, but Jesus did not. And what did
this man do? He asked Christ to simply remember
him when he went to heaven. And how did Christ
respond? He told him that today he was going to
heaven with Him. The only person in the Scripture
that he promised heaven was this criminal, who was
considered the lowest of lows, this wretched man
was that very day going with Jesus to heaven.

Now I would like to tell you something that comes
from my heart. If Jesus Christ could love and forgive
and reward this man, who did so many terrible sins
....with eternal life. And He can love and forgive and
reward me, a terrible sinner.....with eternal life.
Then Jesus Christ loves and forgives you, and
rewards you with eternal life. ALL YOU HAVE TO
DO IS BELIEVE. JUST BELIEVE. Remember He
loves you and me no matter what we've done.
Just open your heart, your mind, your very soul
to Christ. BELIEVE

And to you brothers and sisters who already
believe, but maybe have troubles right now.
Remember these two verses and renew
yourselves in the very fact that Jesus loves you,
and forgives you and promises you eternal life.
HE IS THERE FOR YOU.

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God- the Savior of the
world. Today, as best I know how, I receive You
and renew You into my heart by faith, asking You
to forgive my sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all. And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I

17:59 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

03.07.2008

FOURTH OF JULY PRAYER

Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience
this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for
me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are
free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those
who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example
of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both
physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember
that my freedom was purchases with a very high price.
My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue
to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty
meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord.
Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's
life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others
into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.

Amen

19:23 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

28.06.2008

In a world filled with strife there is peace.

Scripture:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him." (Romans 15:14)

Reflection:

Well its that time again. Its time to pick your
candidate. I have always been astounded at
the quality of political speech making that goes on
now.. Like the word peace. Never do I hear that
word use so much as I hear it from our political
candidates. The problem is of course political
peace is certainly elusive and fragile. However
we should be very aware that there is a spiritual
peace that comes from knowing and loving God.
The peace that has and is between God and
humanity is sealed by Jesus Christ. Martin
Luther explains what that peace means in our
daily lives.
" Those who rejoice in God are satisfied with
their peace in Him. They bravely endure
tribulation and do not desire the peace which
reason calls for: removal of the evil. They stand
firm and await internal strength through faith.
Neither do they think and worry what the end will be but
always place that matter in the hands of God.
They are not fretting to know when, how, or where
their trouble will be ended. This is why God, in turn,
grants them grace and prepares for an end for their
evil- and end which shows benefits so great as to
exceed all expectations and desires.
Behold, this is the peace of the Cross, the peace of
God, the peace of conscience, CHRISTIAN PEACE.
Reason connot comprehend how we can have peace
in th midst of strife. Nor can reason accomplish
this. It is the work of God that is known only to
the person who has experienced it." (Martin Luther)

You see as a person of faith, a Christian, Christ
Himself is my peace. " He came and preached
peace to you who were far away and peace to
those who were near" (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17)
Isn't it really time for you to learn what peace is
all about?

Prayer:

Thank you God that in Your embrace I find
my salvation and my peace.

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence,it can
only be attained through understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

23:32 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

19.06.2008

Sacrifice

Scripture:

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21: 13

Reflection:

One of the greatest and most well known missionary was
Dr. David Livingstone. He was especially admired for his
sacrifice for his savior. Listen to what he said about
sacrifice.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so
much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice
which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to
God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which
brings its own reward in healthful activity, the consciousness
of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a
glorious destiny? It is emphatically no sacrifice. Rather
it is a privilege. (Later on he said) I never made a sacrifice.
Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great
sacrifice which he made who left His Father's throne on
high to Himself for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will
not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

You know Jesus Christ did not consider it to be to
big of a sacrifice to die on the cross for all of us.
He did it because He loves us. Why should I
think it to big of a sacrifice to spread God's love
right now, today. You really don't have to be a
missionary like the apostle Paul or Dr. Livingstone.
You don't need to be sent to some remote mission
field. Your mission field may be your neighbor,
your co worker, a family member. You see we all
need to hear that our Father God had only one
Son, and He gave that one Son to us, so that we
are forgiven, yes you and I and our neighbor are
forgiven. We are a forgiven people, our sins are
forgiven, all our sins are forgiven. And we have
eternal life. We have to do only one thing, and
that is to believe this and to believe in the love of
God. This is indeed a privilege

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God- the Savior of the
world. Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all. And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

03:00 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

14.06.2008

A Tribute to Fathers

"None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child
of SUCH a Father who has not his equal in this world-so
great, so good, so faultless. Try, all of you, to follow in
his footsteps and don't be discouraged, for to be really
in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be.
Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will
have acquired a great deal." -- Victoria, Queen of England

A father loves his children, just as they are.
He cares enough to give the very best---himself.
When they're in trouble, he's there to help.
When they need wisdom, he offers counsel.
When they have successes, he rejoices with
Them.
When they make mistakes, he forgives.
He recognizes his strength comes not from human
sources, but from Heaven's grace.

Scripture:

"As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him"
(NIV)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL FATHERS!!!

MAY OUR GOD LIGHT YOU PATHWAY ALWAYS

02:31 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

07.06.2008

Who Cares

Scripture:

"While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made
a united attack on Paul.....But Gallio showed no
concern whatsoever."
Acts 18: 12,17

Reflection:

Here we see a shinning example of apathy. If
you read Acts chapter 18, Gallio had a perfect
chance to hear and learn about Jesus Christ, he
had a chance to stand up for something, instead
he just didn't care enough, he was apathetic.
Gallio's brother Seneca, the philosopher, once
said about Gallio, "Few men are so agreeable
about anything as my brother Gallio is about
everything."
I firmly believe that apathy is the work of the
devil and the curse of mankind. I think it's so
very true that evil does not seek out those who
love or those who hate, but only those who don't
care. Unfortunately thats the majority of people
including Christians. I know this is a harsh statement
but true.
Let me ask you something? How would you respond
if someone told you that your house was on fire and
your family was inside. Would you give a big yawn,
shug your shoulders, and say "Oh gee sorry to hear
that". I don't think so, I mean life threatening situations
demand life saving steps, only quick action can stop
certain danger. Think about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ as this kind of call to action. Jesus Christ
is calling you because your life is in danger, this demands
your prompt response. Please don't be apathetic, care
about your life, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior let
Him into your heart, the need is now!

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God- the Savior of the
world. Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all. And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can
only be attained through understanding.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

16:10 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

01.06.2008

Who is really poor?

Scripture:

And God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you
need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

Reflection:

Plow Work

Dr. Roy L. Laurin tells of a Christian businessman
who was traveling in Korea. In a field by the side
of the road was a young man pulling a crude plow
while an old man held the handles. The businessman
was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.
"That is curious! I suppose these people are very poor,"
he said to the missionary who was interpreter and
guide to the party. "Yes," was the quiet reply, "these
two men happen to be Christians. When their church
was being built, they were so eager to give something
toward it, but they had no money. So they decided to
sell their one and only ox and give the proceeds to
the church. This spring they are pulling the plow
themselves." The businessman was silent for some
moments. Then he said, "That must have been a real
sacrifice." "They did not call it that," said the missionary.
"They thought themselves fortunate that they had an
ox to sell!"
When the businessman reached home, he took
the picture to his pastor and told him about it.
Then he added, "I want to double my giving to the
church and do some plow work. Up until now I
have never given God anything that involved real sacrifice."

Do I really believe that God does provide? You know it
is so very true that if I really believe that my God will give me
everything that I need, then I certainly have plenty left
over to give to others. That is what real faith is,
having so much trust in God that He will take care of me,
in everything I need. If I believe this, then I can really give,
I can really sacrifice, I mean really sacrifice, for my church,
for my brothers and sisters who are in desperate need,
for the guy that needs a place to sleep, or that neighbor
who is ill and needs comfort, or visiting someone at the
hospital, maybe even someone I don't even know. Maybe
it means the sacrifice of loving someone who, all those around
me, hate. Maybe it means to stand up for my belief in what
is right in the eyes of my God, and suffer ridicule for it. MAYBE
IT MEANS GIVING UP MY OX AND PULLING THE PLOW
MYSELF!

Prayer:

Thank you God for Your sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ
for me.

Quote:

Emily Greene Balch
Leader of The Women's International League for Peace and
Freedom, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
(1867-1961)

"We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road,
the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping, we
may find one another's hands in the dark

21:37 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

26.05.2008

A Memorial Day Prayer

Gracious Lord, heavenly Father, on this day the
minds of men are turned in memory to those who
have laid down their lives in defense of our country.
We indeed owe a debt of gratitude to them who
gave their all that we as a nation may continue
our way of life.. Grant that we worthily carry on
where they have left off that our country may
enjoy for generation to come peace and
freedom. May we honor them by bringing the
tribute of a ready heart, an obedient life, a
worthy citizenship, to our country. Guide the
counsels of government. Strengthen the bonds
of true loyalty. Let the ideals of liberty and
peace prevail. Above all, grant that we, Thy
children by faith in Christ, find a field of service
in which we, as a salt and leaven, uphold
righteousness, order, and peace, In Jesus'
name I ask it. Amen!
(Taken from Lutheran Book of Prayer)

At the Outbreak of War

O lord God Almighty, who from Thy throne dost
behold all the nations of the earth, look down with
pity upon our country and those nations who are
now at war. I confess that, because of our sins,
we have deserved Thy chastening; and I pray
Thy forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
I entreat Thee, O God of our salvation, make
war to cease, and give peace in our time, that
we and all Thy children everywhere may serve
Thee with a quiet mind, through Christ Jesus,
our Lord. Grant, heavenly Father, that hourly
the nation's leaders strive to bring bloodshed
to a conclusion. Hold Thy hand over women
and children. Check the hatred and cruelty
of mankind. Direct the counsels of neighbor
nations to overtures of peace. Instill in us all
a horror of war and grant us a mighty spirit
of prayer to intercede with Thee against all
bloodshed and destruction. O lord, Thou art
Master of the world, put an end to these
horrors. Bring peace to the people of the
earth, and use us to that end. I ask it for
Jesus' sake. Amen
(Taken from Lutheran Book of Prayer)

AMEN..................AMEN!

Quote:
"I think that people want peace so much that
one of these days government had better
get out of their way and let them have it."
(Dwight D. Eisenhower)

17:53 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

19.05.2008

Christ's Teachings "Resist Not Evil"

Scripture:

"But I say to you, do not resist him who is
evil: but whoever slaps you on your right
cheek, turn to him the other also"
(Matthew 5:39)

"Jesus said: Ye have heard, it was said of
old, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say unto you RESIST NOT EVIL. But
if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn
him the other also; and if one will go to law
thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy
cloak also." (Matthew 5:38-40 KJV)

Reflection:

These two verses are my favorite two verses
in the whole of Scriptures. They are also
the most difficult to live by. Turning the other
cheek is very, very, hard to do. Your not only to
turn the other cheek, your supposed to give him
the other one. Give....Me....A....Break! Who in
the world can do that? Well apparently we can.
I think we need to remember a few things here.
Evil will win some battles, but it will not win the
war. You know why? Because our faith in
Jesus Christ tells us not to resist evil but to
be better than evil.Thats right! EVIL CANNOT
SURVIVE GOD;S GOODNESS. and God's
goodness is in us. Also remember that when
you violently resist evil, often you become like
evil. Evil often time lies in the violence. Goodness
cannot become evil, then evil does win. I know
how hard it is, but we must keep turning the other
cheek. The more we turn the other cheek, the
more God's goodness shines. Do me a favor will
you? The next time we hear rumors of a war, let's
remember these two verses. And let's remember
one more thing, Jesus tells us to take care of
the logs in our own eyes before we look for the
specks in others.

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

03:10 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

11.05.2008

Boy am I different

Scripture:

" As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us
everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us
to receive His own glory and goodness! And by that same
mighty power, He has given us all of His rich and wonderful
promises. He has promised that you will escape the
decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that
you will share in His divine nature. NLT (II Peter 1:3,4)

Reflection:

What a powerful statement this is. God has called us to
receive His own glory and goodness. Man what a gift.
You know I look around me and I see some unbelievably
terrible things. "This world is going to hell in a hand basket".
Armed with His glory and goodness, I don't have to be a part
of all the sin that surrounds me. I can fight that sin, it does
not have to overpower me. You see because of God I am an
individual, I am not a part of that sin. Thats a great feeling,
I don't have to judge others, I can be me, because of God's
glory and goodness. I am good because God is good. An
unfortunately, in the world today, that makes me different.
I am different, I love to be different, I want to be different,
because of God I live in that difference. God thank You
for that difference, I look forward to sharing with You in Your
divine nature.

Prayer:

Thank you God for making me different!

22:56 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

03.05.2008

Late But Never To Late

Prayer for Yom HaShoah
(Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Lord, remember not only the men of good will, but also
those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering
they have inflicted upon us. Remember rather the fruits
we have brought, thanks to this suffering: our comradeship,
our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity,
the greatness of heart that has grown out of this.
And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits
we have bourne be their forgiveness.
Appropriate for many faiths
source: Found on a scrap of paper at the liberation
of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Germany

"Father forgive them for they know not what they have
done" Amen

23:18 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

02.05.2008

Where You Go I Will Go

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-16

Reflection:

Today I began yet another study of one
of my favorite books of the Bible, the
book of Ruth. This book is a true love
story, it is a book that shows true
dedication and love. Ruth, the
foreigner; Ruth, the poor widow who
had nothing, ended up marrying a
wonderful Israelite. In doing so, she
became an ancestor of King David and
of Jesus the Messiah. But it all began
with a commitment: "Where you go I will
go......Your people will be my people and
your God my God" (v.16). This is a story
of real honest commitment, to Ruth's
mother-in-law and to God. Whenever
I loose my way in life, whenever I feel a
real need to fill a void in my life, I read
this short book in the Old Testament, the
book of Ruth. Because of Ruth, I have
experienced and learned the meaning of
commitment. Have you made a real
commitment to God? Please renew that
commitment today, right now. Strengthen
your ties to the Lord. I know that He desires
to do much good through you. Blessings so
wonderful that you cannot imagine, await you.
But it all starts with commitment: "Lord, take
control of all of my life, I give myself to you.
Have you done this? If not will you do it
today, right now. PLEASE MAKE THAT
COMMITMENT!!!

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father I commit my life to You.
Give me the strength to live for You daily. May
what I do honor You and bring glory to You. And
may I never forget Your love for me and my
commitment to You. In Jesus Name Amen.

(excerpts taken from the devotional "Still Gods
Man by Don M. Aycock & Mark Sutton) in
connection with my own thoughts and prayers.

02:03 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

26.04.2008

God's Answer

I asked God, "How do I get the best out of life?"
God said...........Face your past without regrets
Handle your present with confidence...Prepare
for the future without fear........AND KNOW THAT
I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember that will you, God is with you Always.
Keep Him in your heart, keep Him in your soul,
keep God in you life, He is there for you.
GOD LOVES YOU!

04:18 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

13.04.2008

Solid as a Rock

Scripture:

"Anyone who listens to my teachings and obeys me
is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid
rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood
waters rise and the winds beat against that house,
it won't collapses because it is built on a rock. But
anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is
foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
When the rain floods come and the winds beat
against the house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
(Matthew 7:24-27) NLT

Reflection:

You know everytime I hear the expression
"Solid as a Rock", I think of these four verses in
chapter 7 of Matthew. I was looking at this
verse this past week, thinking about Christ's
teachings and how important it is to me not
only to listen to his teachings but obey them.
So many of Christ's specific teachings are
centered around four very important themes,
Faith,Love, Peace, and Service to God and to Man.
If you focus your life on these four themes, you will
hear and obey His teachings. I would like you to
try something for me and specifically for you. This
week when you wake up in the morning, pray and
think about these themes and how you will incorperate
them in your life that day. How are you going to draw
upon your faith and show your faith to others. Try
loving that person, that is so very hard for you to even like
let alone love. Who knows you might get up enough
courage to tell them you love them. How are you going
to remain at peace when all else is in turmoil. And finally
see if you can think of something specific you can do to
serve someone else. It doesn't have to be anything big,
just do some small thing to help someone else. Guess
what, I just defined "Christian". That's what it means to
be a follower of Jesus Christ. No arguments, no gossip,
no attitude, no anger, no apathy, Just Plain Love. Please
try it, I think you'll like it. That's where my house is, right
there built on solid rock, JESUS CHRIST!

Prayer:

CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND ALL OTHER IS
SINKING SAND, ALL OTHER NOW IS SINKING SAND!
Thank you God for that solid rock foundation. In Jesus
Name Amen!

Quote:

Emily Greene Balch
Leader of The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom,
Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1867-1961)

"We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road,
the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping,
we may find one another's hands in the dark."

22:05 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

04.04.2008

Where's the Fruit?

Scripture:

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance"...."What
should we do then? the crowd asked John."
(Luke 3: 8, 10)

Reflection:

The verse today is what I call a "thinker verse".
It really makes me think. I find myself often
asking for God's forgiveness and repenting
my sins to my Lord. But I've learned something,
these many years of being a Christian, God wants
some proof of my repentance. Like they say,
"It is far easier to say than to do." Mark 1:15
tells us, "Repent and believe the Good News".
It seems to me repentance means changing
your mind about sin......seeing it as God sees
it.....and turning from it, (the proof). A
"straight" life is evidence of a mind and heart
"straightened out" about sin. Anything less
than that is not what Jesus or John preached.
You know really when it comes right down to it
righteousness is really proof of true rependance.
If that is true I would like to ask you this question:
If you had to convince a jury that you were serious
about repentance, would there be enough evidence
in your life to do it? Please think about will you?

Prayer:

Lord, let me keep in my heart and mind that
true repentance produces fruit.THANK YOU GOD
FOR BEING MY GOD!

St. Catherine of Siena
Political and Religious Peacemaker
(1347-1380)

"In mercy you have seen fit today to show me,
poor as I am, how we can in no way pass judgment
on other people's intentions. Indeed, by sending
people in an endless variety of paths, you give
an example for myself, and for this I thank you."

22:07 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

29.03.2008

Ok I'll pray, how do you do it?

Scripture:

"This then is how you pray: Our Father Who art in Heaven."
(Matthew 6:9) (Lords Prayer)

Reflection:

Do you pray a lot? I really hope so, believe me it helps.
I often pray and I always begin my prayers with the Lord's
Prayer. Mainly because this is how He taught us to pray.
I keep the following in mind when I pray, I use the Lord's
Prayer as my guide and example:

1- The OBJECT of my prayer (Our Father in Heaven)
My Father God is always the object of my prayer,
no one else.

2- The PRIVILEGE of my prayer (Hallowed be Your
Name). It is my privilege to be talking with my
God.

3- The POWER of my prayer (Your Kingdom come)
There is no greater power than God's Kingdom.

4- The PROVISION of my prayer (Give us this day
our daily bread) My God does provide.

5- The PROJECT of my prayer ( Deliver us from evil)
My God is there for me always to deliver me from
the evil one.

I really attempt to keep these things in mine when
I pray. They help me to remember that God is there
for me, loving and caring for me. You see prayer, to
me, is not only an act of communication with God,
it is an act of worship. Now there is only one thing
left to do, PRAY.

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 sins as we forgive those who
sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil
For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the
Glory forever and ever. Amen

AND THEY ALL SAID AMEN, AMEN

20:59 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

22.03.2008

Meaning of Easter

As Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth, Easter is celebrating Jesus' victory
over death and mankind's hope for eternal life.
The highlights behind the Easter story include Jesus' execution, His burial
and, most importantly, His rising from death.
The account of Jesus' rising from death was recorded in the most authoritative
historical records, the Gospel books: Three days after His death, a few women
first found His tomb empty. Then Jesus appeared in front of these women and His
disciples, talking and eating with them. Out of doubts still, one disciple did not believe
Jesus was alive again until he actually touched Jesus' fatal wounds. In the following
forty days, hundreds of people witnessed this Jesus who had returned from death
until He ascended to Heaven.
Before His death, Jesus had promised eternal life to those who followed Him.
If the story ended at His death, Jesus would have been no more than a religious
figure with a finite life span. But the fact the Jesus rose from death demonstrated
He has the power over death, and only through Him can people have hope for
eternal life. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and
only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
JESUSCENTRAL.COM

23:38 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

21.03.2008

It Is Finished!”

It Is Finished!”
This Friday of Holy Week is the day that is called “Good Friday". It was a bad Friday
for Jesus, since He suffered unbearable pain and anguish on that day. But it was a
good Friday for us, since all of our sins were atoned for by His suffering and death.
On Good Friday He hung suspended on the cross for 6 hours, including those dark
afternoon hours. About 3:00 PM Jesus said in a loud voice, “It is finished!” (Jn 19: 30).

Shortly thereafter “He bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” He died.
Jesus said, “It is finished!” What was finished? His life? His sufferings? Yes,
but even more than that….His mission was accomplished. All that He had come
to do for us and for our salvation was accomplished. “It is finished!” With that
He is telling us, “Be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven!” “It is finished!” is the guarantee
of the peace of mind that we can have in knowing that our sins are fully paid for and we
are thus reconciled to God. “It is finished!” is His assurance to us that the way has been
cleared for us to someday enter eternal life in heaven.
On this Good Friday we will again be standing beneath the cross of Christ. We could
say we were there when they crucified our Lord. We were there, because our sins
were there. God laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Our sins were there and they were
fully atoned for by Him. That’s why this is a Good Friday for us and why we take
great comfort in Jesus’ words, “It is finished!”
RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

01:29 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

17.03.2008

St. Patrick on Hope

Scripture:

"They will come and bind themselves to the Lord
in an everlasting covenant" (Jeremiah 50: 5) NIV

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead.
His eye to wach. His might to stay.
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach.
His hand to guide. His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech.
His heavenly host to be my guard.

I bind unto myself the name.
The strong name of the Trinity.
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and one in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation;
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word;
Praise to the Lord of my salvation.
Salvation is of CHRIST the LORD.

Patrick, Apostle of Ireland

21:05 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

16.03.2008

PALM SUNDAY

PALM SUNDAY

Scripture:

The next day the great that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was
coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out
to meet him, shouting,

"Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-
the King of Israel!"

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:
"Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.
Look, your King is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt"

His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus
was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been
written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that been
with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from
the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he
had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him.
'The Pharisees then said to one another. "You see, you can do
nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!

What Does Palm Sunday Mean?

"Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey a colt. There is no doubt it
was a deliberate symbol. Was it to poke fun at the pretentions of the powerful?
Would they be expecting the Messiah to ride a white horse into the city?

But it is the donkey that speaks most powerfully of the ministry of Jesus.
He always seemed to choose the weak and the lowly as the symbols of his calling.
The lamb and the sheep, the dove and the donkey are all weak and powerless creatures.

By his action, Jesus was saying something about power and powerlessness.
The humility of his action stands in contrast to the crowd's expectation of him
as a conqueror. In the entry to Jerusalem, God is identified with the poor rather
than the rich, with the humble against the proud, with those who love against those
who hate, with peace against war. All the virtues which we tend to see as weak are
the ones which he claims to be strong. He gives up power and in his powerlessness
shows the greater strength.

In many Bible commentaries, this event is described as "the triumphal entry".
This statement is a complete misnomer. It arose in medieval times when the church
was obsessed with temporal power.

The truth is lost if we associate this event with triumphalism. Jesus entered Jerusalem
with all the symbols of simple humility. His actions were a mockery of the things
the world associates with power.

But it is in his humility that real strength resides. In his weakness is our strength."

Ron O'Grady
Aotearoa/New Zealand
From: The Bible Through Asian Eyes

13:50 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

15.03.2008

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Maundy Thursday Meditation....

He gathered around the table for a festive meal with his friends. Suddenly without warning,
he got up from the table, wrapped a towel around his waist, took a basin of water and
assumed the role of a servant washing the guest's dusty feet. His friends could barely
stand it and protested loudly. Could it be that the man with wet hands and a damp towel
did not understand the meaning of the Passover meal? Or could it be that he understood
better than anyone else? Could it have been that he was telling them he would empty
himself and take on the role of a servant even unto death for them, for us? Could it be
that he was announcing that this meal, the water and the wine, would all too soon become
a symbol of salvation, celebration, and call to servant ministry in his name?

From 'Table Talk'

19:35 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

11.03.2008

You Hypocrite!

Scripture:

"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and
then you see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
(Matthew 7:5)

Have you ever noticed this: If you ask a question, or if someone asks
you a question to describe someone else, you almost always begin
with negative characteristics about that person. It really uncanny how
often that happens. It happened to me not long ago. I was asked to write
a recommendation for someone I knew. This as a personal recommendation
specifically asking about this persons characteristics. I noticed, as I
was writing, I was beginning, right off, to speak negative about this person.
This Matthew 7:5 verse immediately flashed in my mind. I thought, "Kim
you hypocrite, do you honestly think with all the logs in your eyes, you
need to show the few specks in his eyes!" It was time to take a second
look at what I was doing. My question is this: Don't you think it's time
to take a second look at your relationships and the logs in your own eyes?

Prayer:

Oh Lord help me to take care of the logs in my own eyes, there are
many. God help me to always leave judgment to you. THANK YOU GOD
FOR BEING GOD.

Quote:

The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity”

02:20 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

06.03.2008

This will touch your heart.....

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the
dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would
empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.

As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as
they were dropped into the jar . They landed with a merry jingle when
the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull
thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper
and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun
poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would
sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the
bank.

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production . Stacked
neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and
me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me
hopefully.

'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son.
You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to
hold you back.'

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the
counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly 'These are
for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life
like me.'

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream
cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When
the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show
me the few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home, we'll start
filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into
the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we
grinned at each other. 'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels,
dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to
that.'

No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop
his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from
the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a
single dime was taken from the jar.

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup
over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined
than ever to make a way out for me. 'When you finish college, Son,'
he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again -
unless you want to.'

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town.
Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and
noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and
had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser
where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and
never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and
faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.

When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the
lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it
defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the
holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each
other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica
began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She
probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my
parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living
room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.

She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into
the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on
the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never
been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with
coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and
pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I
dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad,
carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked,
and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us
could speak. This truly touched my heart. I know it has yours as
well. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to
count our blessings.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture
you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for Good in others.
The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must
be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller

- Happy moments, praise God.
- Difficult moments, seek God.
- Quiet moments, worship God.
- Painful moments, trust God.
- Every moment, thank God.

03:15 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

02.03.2008

Psalm 8

A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise [b]
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

14:19 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

28.02.2008

Jacob fights with God Do You!

Scripture: (Genesis 32: 22-32)

Reflection:

Here we see Jacob wrestling with God and in the
process is crippled. Now that must have been
quite an experience, fighting with God. Now wait
just a minute, I think its about time to ask myself
a question. Do I fight with God? You know I really
don't think I'm going to like the answer here. An
even more important question is, do you fight with
God? Will you like your answer? I must admit
here I have found myself limping a bit because of some of
my past decisions and attitudes towards God. I
sometimes struggle with God in making decisions. But
finally I discovered something, if I call off the match and
declare God as the winner and join my Lord and Savior in
His work, my life is much better off. How about you are
you willing to call off the fight and join God in His work
for your life. I sure hope so, because if you have you
have discovered the one true gift from God "belief".

Prayer:

Thank You God for always being willing to fight for
me. Thank You God for always being willing to fight
against me to make me stronger. Thank You God
for my belief in that struggle. THANK YOU GOD FOR
BEING GOD! IN JESUS NAME. AMEN

Quote:

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also
dream; not only plan, but also believe

03:05 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

24.02.2008

Is There Any Hope! Is There Any Hope!

Scripture:
"Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty.
I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome
for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a
small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small
child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in
the Lord, now and always." (Psalm 131) NLT

Reflection:

I have to admit, I find myself being concerned about matters
that are to great or awesome for me. Sometimes I
worry about everything. About my children, their children,
my friends and neighbors, my marriage, my work, the
world, evil, you name it and I worry about. Thats why
Psalm 131 becomes so important to me. I have to still
and quiet myself, I have to slow down, I need to pray
and meditate with my God. My soul is like a small
child within me, and just like a child my soul can be
disrupted. When my soul is in turmoil I find relief
in putting all my hope in the Lord, now and always.
Without my hope in the Lord, without my faith and
love of Jesus Christ, my life is a life of turmoil, suffering,
and unhappiness. What is your life like, where is your
hope!
Prayer:
Thank You God that my hope is build upon nothing
less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
Father God keep me stilled and quieted, and keep
my soul like a small child within me. Thank you
God that you give me hope. Thank you GOD FOR
BEING GOD! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Quote:
All great things are simple, and many can be expressed
in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope
Sir Winston Churchill

02:25 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

16.02.2008

Prayer for Peace

Heal my wounded heart.
Grant me the courage to change my heart.
Let Peace live in my heart.

Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.
Help me care for those in war.
Help me bring Peace to those in war.

Help me stop wars.
Help soldiers stop wars.
Help leaders stop wars.

Fill me with Peace and Justice.
Help me to work for Peace with Justice.
Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.
source: World Conference of Religions for Peace

20:07 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

10.02.2008

There is Wonderful Joy Ahead!

Scripture:

"All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for it is by His boundless mercy that God has given us the
privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful
expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His
children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled,
beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in His
mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation,
because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last
day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful
joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many
trials for a while." NLT (I Peter 1:3-6)

Reflection:

You know whenever I'm feeling really down, when I let so many
things get to me, whenever things seem to be closing in on me,
I think about these three versus from Peter. When I gave my
life to Jesus Christ, I began to realize that I have a joyful future.
I've been Saved! You see I don't have to live a life of depression,
or die in deep despair. I don't need to go through life thinking
that all the problems, the trials, and the evilness that I have
seen and experienced is going to be the sum total of my life.
First of all there is joy in life now, I have discovered by helping
and serving others because of the teachings and love that I
experience through my savior Jesus Christ brings me real
joy yes real joy. And to absolutely know there is real joy
ahead being reserved as a priceless inheritance for me
through my savior Jesus Christ that I am going to live
forever with my savior not only brings me joy if gives me
a future. I have an eternal future because I love Jesus Christ
You know you can have the same kind of future and you
can have the same kind of joy. Really it's simple "Just
Believe", look to God and tell Him I want to have a future,
I want to know real joy in my life, I'm tired of all the mess in
and around my life, I want to know there is an answer. And
let that answer be Jesus Christ. LET CHRIST IN.

Prayer:
Oh God thank You for Your Grace, I love you, Thank
You for being there for me always. I do believe and will
always believe. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!

Quote

St. Claire of Assisi
Spiritual Teacher and Guide, Political and Religious Peacemaker
(1193-1223)
"Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road.
Go forth without fear, for He that created you has sanctified
you, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother."

03:03 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

05.02.2008

What is Sin

Scripture:

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do
and then not do it." James 5: 17 (NLT)

Reflection:

Boy that verse sure makes you think. Doesn't it.
This definition of sin is one we seem to forget.
We sometimes find ourselves walking around
making all kinds of judgment about what sin is.
You see our definition of sin is usually centered
around knowing when something is wrong and doing it.
But it is also a sin to know when something is right
and not do it. For example Jesus teaches to love
our neighbors, to love our enemies. We know that
is what we ought to do, do we do it? As a country
do we love our neighbors, do we love our enemies?
As a person do I love the people at work? Do I treat
them with respect and kindness, no matter how they
treat me? You see we know what we ought to do,
we just don't do it! How can we look at people who
are suffering, who are hurting, who feel real pain, people
who are angry, who are depressed, people who are in
desperate need of love, knowing what we ought to do
and not do it. THAT IS SIN!
Brothers and sisters, this is our sin, why don't we see
it, others do. People look at us, who call ourselves
Christian, and all they see is so called righteous people,
who sit in judgment. You know we are righteous people,
in other words we know what is right we just don't do anything
about it. Remember the opposite of love is not hate, it's
apathy. How do you make Christians care, how do you make
Christians get off their butts and do something. I don't know!
I do know I love Jesus Christ with all my heart, with all my soul,
with all my mine. Jesus taught me not to judge others but to
serve others. Jesus taught me to turn the other cheek not swing
the other fist. Jesus taught me a faith of action, not of apathy.
Jesus taught me what needed to be done and to do it. When,
as Christians, are we going to understand, that knowing what
ought to be done and sitting back on our butts and not doing it,
is a sin. AMEN!

Quote:

Emily Greene Balch
Leader of The Women's International League for Peace
and Freedom, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1867-1961)

"We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road,
the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping,
we may find one another's hands in the dark."

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

02:35 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

01.02.2008

What Ever Happened to Respect?

Scripture:
Be submissive to those who are older. All of you, cloth
yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes
the proud but gives grace to the humble."
-- 1 Peter 5:5

Reflection:

In my ministry I discovered that I loved to do one very
special thing. I loved to work with our senior citizens.
What an honor and privilage it was for me to be able
not only to give but to receive so much. These folks
were what I called my warm fuzzies of my ministry.
They were amazing people. They were my source
of wisdom. Whenever I had a problem or a need within
the church I always consulted the older and wiser
members of my congregation. If I ever needed a friend
I could always count on the older members to be there
for me. There is no way I could ever give as much as
I received from them. There is a reason that in todays
verse there is a discussion of submission to the older
and grace to the humble. You see that is where I learned
real humility, I learned to be humble from my senior friends,
and family.

Thought:
The word "submissive" is often positive or negative based on its
relationship to us personally. It's nice having someone serve us
submissively, but serving someone else submissively is hard work.
Unfortunately, we are selfish way too much of the time. But God is
at work in direct opposition to anyone who is full of pride and
unwilling to serve others, especially if those "others" are older
believers! Whether it's easy to wear the clothes our Father demands
or not, we are to intentionally clothe ourselves with humility!

Prayer:

Lord please keep me humble. Give me the strength to serve and
to do it with a good heart. Thank You for the wisdom of seniors
and the love that I may share with them. THANK YOU GOD FOR
BEING GOD. In Jesus name amen.

Quote:

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Pacifist Abolitionist, Feminist, Poet (1825-1911)

"I ask no monument, proud and high, to arrest the
gaze of passersby. All that my yearning spirit craves,
is bury me not in a land of slaves."

19:47 Publié dans Blog | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0) | Envoyer cette note

27.01.2008

Who are You!

Scripture:

"Then He asked them, " Who do you say I am?
Simon Peter answered, ' You are the Messiah (Christ),
the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16: 15,16) NLT

Reflection:

That is quit an answer to an obviously important question.
The power that this Christ has had for over 2,000 years
is unbelievable. The belief in Jesus has withstood
that same question all this time. And we still ask the

Christian Reflection and Prayer