You Are Part Of Christ's Body On Earth
1 CORINTHIANS 12 NLT
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up
only one body. So it is with the body of Christ.
17 Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear?
Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you
smell anything?
18 But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each
part just where he wants it.
21 The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The
head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least
important are really the most necessary.
27 Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of
you is a separate and necessary part of it.
Scripture says we are a Body -- not just that we are "like a
body." You ARE connected to everyone who acknowledges Jesus
Christ as Lord -- whether you like them, or think they are
necessary, or not. Whatever happens to ANY member of the Body
does have an affect on EVERY member.
Remember this the next time you are tempted to speak ill of
another believer, or mistreat them. Even if they don't believe
exactly like you, or go to the same church -- they are still
connected to you in Christ. So be nice to your Body!
SAY THIS: I am a member of Christ's Body on earth. Today I will
let Jesus Christ manifest His love and wisdom through me.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
God's Word Is A Seed
Most people expect God's Word to work like a stick of dynamite
-- but Jesus told us God's Word is like a seed.
LUKE 8:11 NKJ
11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also said God's Word is a seed.
1 PETER 1:23 NKJ
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever,
God's Word is alive. Just like a seed -- the Bible is full of
unseen life.
JOHN 6:63 ICB
63 It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the
spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so
they give life.
Jesus said His words are alive. They contain life, so they give
life. The words in your Bible may look lifeless and powerless.
Seeds do, also. But they are not without life or power.
In Mark 4:30-31, Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works
like a seed. So, if we are to understand God's kingdom and how
He operates, we need to understand seeds.
SAY THIS: God's Word is good seed. I will plant it in my life
and it will bring forth a good harvest.
Most people expect God's Word to work like a stick of dynamite
-- but Jesus told us God's Word is like a seed.
LUKE 8:11 NKJ
11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also said God's Word is a seed.
1 PETER 1:23 NKJ
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever,
God's Word is alive. Just like a seed -- the Bible is full of
unseen life.
JOHN 6:63 ICB
63 It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the
spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so
they give life.
Jesus said His words are alive. They contain life, so they give
life. The words in your Bible may look lifeless and powerless.
Seeds do, also. But they are not without life or power.
In Mark 4:30-31, Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works
like a seed. So, if we are to understand God's kingdom and how
He operates, we need to understand seeds.
SAY THIS: God's Word is good seed. I will plant it in my life
and it will bring forth a good harvest.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Spiritual Growth
2 PETER 3:18 NKJ
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
We can gain understanding of spiritual growth by comparing it
to natural growth. There are many similarities.
We do not start out as full-grown adults. It takes time,
nurture, and experience to learn and develop.
In the natural realm, physical food is required. In the
spiritual realm the food required for strength and growth is
the Word of God.
MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God.'"
Spiritual growth is part of the Christian life. God's Word is
our spiritual food. Not only do we need to read it, but also to
speak it and meditate on it.
EPHESIANS 4:15 NKJ
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head -- Christ --
A new-born Christian has the same authority over the devil and
all his forces as any of the Apostles. They also have the same
righteousness -- which is a gift from God. In the natural a
new-born baby has all the same muscles as a professional
athlete, but they cannot accomplish the same things because
they are not as developed. Yet they have the same potential,
which over time can be developed.
1 PETER 2:2 NKJ
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you
may grow thereby,
So keep feeding your spirit on the Word of God and act on what
you learn. Just like a natural child, you will fall down a few
times while learning how to walk. But you must get up and try
again. God will watch over you and protect you as any good
parent should, so you don't have to be afraid.
SAY THIS: God's plan is for me to grow spiritually.
2 PETER 3:18 NKJ
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
We can gain understanding of spiritual growth by comparing it
to natural growth. There are many similarities.
We do not start out as full-grown adults. It takes time,
nurture, and experience to learn and develop.
In the natural realm, physical food is required. In the
spiritual realm the food required for strength and growth is
the Word of God.
MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God.'"
Spiritual growth is part of the Christian life. God's Word is
our spiritual food. Not only do we need to read it, but also to
speak it and meditate on it.
EPHESIANS 4:15 NKJ
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head -- Christ --
A new-born Christian has the same authority over the devil and
all his forces as any of the Apostles. They also have the same
righteousness -- which is a gift from God. In the natural a
new-born baby has all the same muscles as a professional
athlete, but they cannot accomplish the same things because
they are not as developed. Yet they have the same potential,
which over time can be developed.
1 PETER 2:2 NKJ
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you
may grow thereby,
So keep feeding your spirit on the Word of God and act on what
you learn. Just like a natural child, you will fall down a few
times while learning how to walk. But you must get up and try
again. God will watch over you and protect you as any good
parent should, so you don't have to be afraid.
SAY THIS: God's plan is for me to grow spiritually.
Friday, August 13, 2010
This link directs to a really great article! :-)
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-law-of-the-Spririt-of-life-in-Christ-Jesus
From the www.churchforall.org
Redeemed By His Blood
1 PETER 1:18-19 NKJ
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold . . .
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot.
Some Christians shy away from talking about blood -- but not
the Bible. In fact, the Bible presents blood as an integral and
honored part of Christian teaching.
Blood represents life, and Jesus freely gave His life to redeem
you.
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 NKJ
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Jesus -- representing the giving of His life --
was the payment for your freedom. You should give bold
testimony to the power of the precious Blood of Jesus. It is
what has set you free!
Sin opens the door for the devil. But Jesus' Blood cleanses us
from all sin and closes the door of opportunity to the devil.
1 JOHN 1:9 NKJ
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus' Blood enables us to stand before God as if sin had never
existed. We have no other plea for entrance into God's presence
but the precious Blood of the Lamb.
HEBREWS 10:19 NKJ
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by
the blood of Jesus,
The blood of Jesus represents all that God accomplished for you
in His great redemption.
We should display the token of Jesus' Blood over the boundaries
of our lives -- anywhere the devil might have an opening -- by
releasing our faith in the sufficiency of that precious Blood
through words.
SAY THIS: I am set free by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
1 PETER 1:18-19 NKJ
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold . . .
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot.
Some Christians shy away from talking about blood -- but not
the Bible. In fact, the Bible presents blood as an integral and
honored part of Christian teaching.
Blood represents life, and Jesus freely gave His life to redeem
you.
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 NKJ
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Jesus -- representing the giving of His life --
was the payment for your freedom. You should give bold
testimony to the power of the precious Blood of Jesus. It is
what has set you free!
Sin opens the door for the devil. But Jesus' Blood cleanses us
from all sin and closes the door of opportunity to the devil.
1 JOHN 1:9 NKJ
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus' Blood enables us to stand before God as if sin had never
existed. We have no other plea for entrance into God's presence
but the precious Blood of the Lamb.
HEBREWS 10:19 NKJ
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by
the blood of Jesus,
The blood of Jesus represents all that God accomplished for you
in His great redemption.
We should display the token of Jesus' Blood over the boundaries
of our lives -- anywhere the devil might have an opening -- by
releasing our faith in the sufficiency of that precious Blood
through words.
SAY THIS: I am set free by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Christ Is Our Passover
God gave instructions to the Israelites so they could escape
the judgment coming on the Egyptians.
EXODUS 12:7,13 NKJ
7 `And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two
doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
13 `Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where
you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and
the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the
land of Egypt.
The Egyptians had no protection from the destroyer, but the
people of Israel who put the blood of a lamb on their dwellings
were safe.
The blood represented the Blood of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world -- Jesus Christ (Rev. 13:8). Judgment
was legally avoided because of it.
The blood applied stopped the destroyer. Action was required --
not just passive belief in the blood.
PSALM 105:37 NKJ
37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was
none feeble among His tribes.
Not only were the children of Israel spared from destruction,
but they all left Egypt in good health carrying away the wealth
of Egypt.
Christ is our Passover. Can we not expect Him to provide us as
much protection and deliverance as the lamb provided the
children of Israel in Egypt?
1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 NKJ
7 . . . For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
HEBREWS 8:6 NKJ
6 . . . He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
LUKE 22:20 NKJ
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
New Covenant believers have the right to draw a faith Blood
line the devil cannot cross. By speaking words of faith we
apply the Blood over the "doorposts" of our lives -- the outer
edges of all that belongs to us.
With blood on the door of the Israelites in Egypt, no evil
dared enter their dwelling. Likewise, we are kept safe through
the protection of the divine Blood of Jesus.
Wherever we have authority we should apply the Blood -- and
never leave the protection the Blood of Jesus provides.
SAY THIS: Jesus Christ is my Passover who protects and delivers
me and my family.
God gave instructions to the Israelites so they could escape
the judgment coming on the Egyptians.
EXODUS 12:7,13 NKJ
7 `And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two
doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
13 `Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where
you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and
the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the
land of Egypt.
The Egyptians had no protection from the destroyer, but the
people of Israel who put the blood of a lamb on their dwellings
were safe.
The blood represented the Blood of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world -- Jesus Christ (Rev. 13:8). Judgment
was legally avoided because of it.
The blood applied stopped the destroyer. Action was required --
not just passive belief in the blood.
PSALM 105:37 NKJ
37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was
none feeble among His tribes.
Not only were the children of Israel spared from destruction,
but they all left Egypt in good health carrying away the wealth
of Egypt.
Christ is our Passover. Can we not expect Him to provide us as
much protection and deliverance as the lamb provided the
children of Israel in Egypt?
1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 NKJ
7 . . . For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
HEBREWS 8:6 NKJ
6 . . . He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
LUKE 22:20 NKJ
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
New Covenant believers have the right to draw a faith Blood
line the devil cannot cross. By speaking words of faith we
apply the Blood over the "doorposts" of our lives -- the outer
edges of all that belongs to us.
With blood on the door of the Israelites in Egypt, no evil
dared enter their dwelling. Likewise, we are kept safe through
the protection of the divine Blood of Jesus.
Wherever we have authority we should apply the Blood -- and
never leave the protection the Blood of Jesus provides.
SAY THIS: Jesus Christ is my Passover who protects and delivers
me and my family.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Isaiah 61 (NIV)
Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
A few scriptures and a few comments
Matthew 8:16-17 (King James Version)
16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
1 Peter 2:22-24 (King James Version)
22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 (King James Version)
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Romans 15:19 (King James Version)
19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (King James Version)
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
John 14:13 (King James Version)
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Psalm 138:2 (King James Version)
2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalm 103:2-3 (King James Version)
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psalm 103
Colossians 2:9 (King James Version)
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
In Christ dwells the fullness of God and Christ dwells in us.
God is love - His ways are the ways of love. His life is in the light of purified conscience for full boldness for every good thing.
16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
1 Peter 2:22-24 (King James Version)
22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 (King James Version)
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Romans 15:19 (King James Version)
19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (King James Version)
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
John 14:13 (King James Version)
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Psalm 138:2 (King James Version)
2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalm 103:2-3 (King James Version)
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psalm 103
Colossians 2:9 (King James Version)
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
In Christ dwells the fullness of God and Christ dwells in us.
God is love - His ways are the ways of love. His life is in the light of purified conscience for full boldness for every good thing.
A Christian
Remember what it is to be a christian: II Corinthians 13:5
You are redeemed, and made holy by the sacrifice of Christ (Jesaja 53)
1 Peter 2:22-24
There is only one thing you need to give to be a christian - and that is everything!
God has poured out His life for you that you may pour out your life for him. (Galatians 3:20 - Matthew 25:40)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
You consider yourself dead to sin and alive to righteousness. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2) .
In a christian there is to be the very Spirit of God - he cannot live in man who is bound by sin and is unholy that is why there is the redemption (Romans 8:11).
A Christian is a free person. Free to be as Christ. Free to lay down his life to live.
All is perishing - the old will vanish and the new will become. God is love so He gives you the opportunity to die to self, to die to the world (all unloving systems of governance and being) and to live by Him, with Him and for Him.
As you are a Christian, it is Christ who lives in you carrying on His ministry of reconciliation on this earth.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed"
THAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION! Until He comes!
Be free and be well,
Finnur
You are redeemed, and made holy by the sacrifice of Christ (Jesaja 53)
1 Peter 2:22-24
There is only one thing you need to give to be a christian - and that is everything!
God has poured out His life for you that you may pour out your life for him. (Galatians 3:20 - Matthew 25:40)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
You consider yourself dead to sin and alive to righteousness. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2) .
In a christian there is to be the very Spirit of God - he cannot live in man who is bound by sin and is unholy that is why there is the redemption (Romans 8:11).
A Christian is a free person. Free to be as Christ. Free to lay down his life to live.
All is perishing - the old will vanish and the new will become. God is love so He gives you the opportunity to die to self, to die to the world (all unloving systems of governance and being) and to live by Him, with Him and for Him.
As you are a Christian, it is Christ who lives in you carrying on His ministry of reconciliation on this earth.
Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed"
THAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION! Until He comes!
Be free and be well,
Finnur
From the www.churchforall.org
Balance In Life
MARK 6:31 NIV
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to achieve balance in my life.
MARK 6:31 NIV
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to achieve balance in my life.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
All Things Are Possible
MARK 9:23 NKJ
23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are
possible to him who believes."
From our early years we are educated in what is impossible.
But progress continues to be made by people who attempt the
impossible and achieve it.
Some have said that mankind's only real obstacle is between our
two ears.
We ARE limited by what we believe, according to Jesus.
So, how can we change what we believe? Only by getting new
evidence, which is available from the Word of God.
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
A conventional approach will not achieve the "impossible." It
will require being different from the crowd, who probably won't
understand you or support you. Speaking to things and telling
them to move, as Jesus taught, is certainly not conventional.
Acting differently than everyone else can be scary. It's like
getting out of the boat to walk on water. But do you want
conventional results?
As you read the Bible and see the instructions God gave us, you
will usually find them unconventional. But the person who acts
on God's Word will be blessed.
SAY THIS: All things are possible!
MARK 9:23 NKJ
23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are
possible to him who believes."
From our early years we are educated in what is impossible.
But progress continues to be made by people who attempt the
impossible and achieve it.
Some have said that mankind's only real obstacle is between our
two ears.
We ARE limited by what we believe, according to Jesus.
So, how can we change what we believe? Only by getting new
evidence, which is available from the Word of God.
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
A conventional approach will not achieve the "impossible." It
will require being different from the crowd, who probably won't
understand you or support you. Speaking to things and telling
them to move, as Jesus taught, is certainly not conventional.
Acting differently than everyone else can be scary. It's like
getting out of the boat to walk on water. But do you want
conventional results?
As you read the Bible and see the instructions God gave us, you
will usually find them unconventional. But the person who acts
on God's Word will be blessed.
SAY THIS: All things are possible!
Friday, August 6, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Be Thankful For What You Have
COLOSSIANS 3:15 CEV
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were
chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes
from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people
who would trade places with you. They envy you and would be
very grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.
So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your
beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or
less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.
Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what
He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a
gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content
with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave
you; never will I forsake you."
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always take
care of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left
facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)
A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on
being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB
15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For
real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
SAY THIS: I will be thankful.
COLOSSIANS 3:15 CEV
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were
chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes
from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people
who would trade places with you. They envy you and would be
very grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.
So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your
beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or
less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.
Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what
He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a
gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content
with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave
you; never will I forsake you."
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always take
care of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left
facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)
A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on
being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB
15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For
real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
SAY THIS: I will be thankful.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
from www.gfa.org
http://www.gfa.org/send/lord-is-my-heart-tender-part-two/?cm_mmc=GFA-_-Email-_-377991-_-100803-digest-17
5 minutes with K.P. Yohannan
Lord, Is My Heart Tender? Part Two
Several leaders from a mission field I was visiting approached me with the urgent request to help them make peace between two co-workers. I agreed to talk with both men. The interesting thing was that neither one was willing to give in and admit any wrong. I realized that, technically, the brother who was the leader was absolutely right in what he had said and done. If he took his case to a court of law anywhere in the world, he would be vindicated as innocent. But if he was so right, why was the other brother so hurt? Why did he continue to insist he had been wronged?
Finally I spoke to the leader.
"I understand what you said to this brother," I told him. "But tell me, in what spirit did you speak those words?"
There was dead silence. Then he responded: "I understand what you mean."
Even truth can divide and destroy if it is not soaked and covered in love, grace and mercy-and presented with a tender heart.
If that tenderness of heart is missing in our relationships with our brothers and sisters, God's work is greatly hindered. For Jesus said, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). With these words the Lord clearly identified the foundation of prayer: oneness in relationship with each other.
Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed His incredible prayer on our behalf recorded in the Gospel of John. His main petition was ". . . that they all may be one" (John 17:21).
But how is this oneness possible? Will it happen if we all think the same thoughts and, as a result, respond to one another with great kindness, love and understanding? And can we achieve these same thoughts by some deeper-level education that eliminates all differences between us and causes us to live above such things?
You already know the answer.
Humanly speaking, it is impossible. Even in a small local fellowship, the believers come from different family backgrounds and upbringings. All have different personalities, behavior patterns, levels of education and spiritual understanding.
However, one key to love, unity and following the Lord is my willingness to take responsibility for my sin. When my heart is tender before God, I will no longer accuse my brother or sister for my failure.
Instead, I will say, like the prodigal son, "Father, I have sinned." And that attitude will open the way for God to unite us as His people and fulfill His promises. Blaming others became part of our human nature with the fall of man. Imagine this: While Adam and Eve were sinless, they daily walked hand in hand with the Almighty, who dwells in light no man can approach.
But when they sinned, everything changed. God came to Adam and asked, "What on earth have you done?" and Adam answered, "Me? I didn't do it. If You want to know the real problem, it's this woman You gave me."
And when God questioned Eve, she responded, "Well, what can I say? The serpent beguiled me." There will never be unity-and never will rivers of living water begin to flow through our lives-until we come to a place where we take responsibility for our sin.
The thief on the cross experienced this truth in the last minutes of his life when he said, "I deserve this punishment for what I have done." And Jesus immediately responded, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Unity only happens when we yield our rights and admit our failures. If we desire the oneness with our brothers and sisters for which Jesus prayed, then keeping a tender heart is not simply an option-it must be our highest priority.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
5 minutes with K.P. Yohannan
Lord, Is My Heart Tender? Part Two
Several leaders from a mission field I was visiting approached me with the urgent request to help them make peace between two co-workers. I agreed to talk with both men. The interesting thing was that neither one was willing to give in and admit any wrong. I realized that, technically, the brother who was the leader was absolutely right in what he had said and done. If he took his case to a court of law anywhere in the world, he would be vindicated as innocent. But if he was so right, why was the other brother so hurt? Why did he continue to insist he had been wronged?
Finally I spoke to the leader.
"I understand what you said to this brother," I told him. "But tell me, in what spirit did you speak those words?"
There was dead silence. Then he responded: "I understand what you mean."
Even truth can divide and destroy if it is not soaked and covered in love, grace and mercy-and presented with a tender heart.
If that tenderness of heart is missing in our relationships with our brothers and sisters, God's work is greatly hindered. For Jesus said, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). With these words the Lord clearly identified the foundation of prayer: oneness in relationship with each other.
Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed His incredible prayer on our behalf recorded in the Gospel of John. His main petition was ". . . that they all may be one" (John 17:21).
But how is this oneness possible? Will it happen if we all think the same thoughts and, as a result, respond to one another with great kindness, love and understanding? And can we achieve these same thoughts by some deeper-level education that eliminates all differences between us and causes us to live above such things?
You already know the answer.
Humanly speaking, it is impossible. Even in a small local fellowship, the believers come from different family backgrounds and upbringings. All have different personalities, behavior patterns, levels of education and spiritual understanding.
However, one key to love, unity and following the Lord is my willingness to take responsibility for my sin. When my heart is tender before God, I will no longer accuse my brother or sister for my failure.
Instead, I will say, like the prodigal son, "Father, I have sinned." And that attitude will open the way for God to unite us as His people and fulfill His promises. Blaming others became part of our human nature with the fall of man. Imagine this: While Adam and Eve were sinless, they daily walked hand in hand with the Almighty, who dwells in light no man can approach.
But when they sinned, everything changed. God came to Adam and asked, "What on earth have you done?" and Adam answered, "Me? I didn't do it. If You want to know the real problem, it's this woman You gave me."
And when God questioned Eve, she responded, "Well, what can I say? The serpent beguiled me." There will never be unity-and never will rivers of living water begin to flow through our lives-until we come to a place where we take responsibility for our sin.
The thief on the cross experienced this truth in the last minutes of his life when he said, "I deserve this punishment for what I have done." And Jesus immediately responded, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Unity only happens when we yield our rights and admit our failures. If we desire the oneness with our brothers and sisters for which Jesus prayed, then keeping a tender heart is not simply an option-it must be our highest priority.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
From the www.churchforall.org
Selfishness
The only thing necessary to change heaven into hell -- if God
were to allow it -- is selfishness.
Selfishness is mankind's fundamental defect. Selfish means:
self-centered, self-serving, self-important.
At the root of every problem is selfishness.
JAMES 3:16 TEV
16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also
disorder and every kind of evil.
Every selfish person is potentially your enemy.
All sin is selfish. No one ever sins for someone else -- we do
it for selfish reasons.
Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the
opposite of acting selfishly.
We are products of a corrupt culture that teaches selfishness,
so it's not unusual for us to think it's not so bad.
But you must die to selfishness -- or self-destruct. However,
you're unable to change by yourself. You can't change the fruit
without changing the root. That's why you must be born again!
Only by receiving Jesus Christ and letting Him change you
inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person.
No other "religion" teaches putting others first even to the
point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches you can
be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There
is no cure apart from Jesus!
SAY THIS: Jesus, please cure me of being selfish.
The only thing necessary to change heaven into hell -- if God
were to allow it -- is selfishness.
Selfishness is mankind's fundamental defect. Selfish means:
self-centered, self-serving, self-important.
At the root of every problem is selfishness.
JAMES 3:16 TEV
16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also
disorder and every kind of evil.
Every selfish person is potentially your enemy.
All sin is selfish. No one ever sins for someone else -- we do
it for selfish reasons.
Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the
opposite of acting selfishly.
We are products of a corrupt culture that teaches selfishness,
so it's not unusual for us to think it's not so bad.
But you must die to selfishness -- or self-destruct. However,
you're unable to change by yourself. You can't change the fruit
without changing the root. That's why you must be born again!
Only by receiving Jesus Christ and letting Him change you
inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person.
No other "religion" teaches putting others first even to the
point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches you can
be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There
is no cure apart from Jesus!
SAY THIS: Jesus, please cure me of being selfish.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Basics
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/the-true-test-for-knowing-if-you-are-in-christ-jesus-33581.html
Sunday, August 1, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
God So Loved You
JOHN 3:16 ESV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
God so loved me, (insert your name here), that He gave...
What did God give me?
He gave me His only Son. (John 3:16)
What did God give me?
He gave me the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5:17)
What did God give me?
He gave me eternal life through Jesus my Lord. (Romans 6:23)
What did God give me?
With Jesus He freely gave me all things. (Romans 8:32)
What did God give me?
He gave me victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus
Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
What did God give me?
He gave me all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2
Peter 1:3)
So I trust in the living God who gives. He gives me richly all
things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)
SAY THIS: God truly loves me, right now.
JOHN 3:16 ESV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
God so loved me, (insert your name here), that He gave...
What did God give me?
He gave me His only Son. (John 3:16)
What did God give me?
He gave me the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5:17)
What did God give me?
He gave me eternal life through Jesus my Lord. (Romans 6:23)
What did God give me?
With Jesus He freely gave me all things. (Romans 8:32)
What did God give me?
He gave me victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus
Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
What did God give me?
He gave me all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2
Peter 1:3)
So I trust in the living God who gives. He gives me richly all
things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)
SAY THIS: God truly loves me, right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)