Stop Fooling Yourself

 
Stop Fooling Yourself
 
Read:  James 1:22-26
Don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. - James 1:22
 
Audio:  James 1
 
Bible in One Year: Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9
 
According to a newspaper report, the police ticketed a New Zealander man 32 times over a 5-year period. Why? For not wearing a seatbelt.
Though his violations were costing him money, he refused to buckle up. So he resorted to deception-fashioning a strap that would hang over his shoulder and make it appear he was wearing a seatbelt. He got away with it for a while, but his deception came to an end when he was involved in an accident that thrust him into the steering wheel and took his life. In his attempt to deceive the law, the man was only fooling himself.
 
James, in the opening chapter of his letter, taught his readers how to avoid the land mine of self-deception. In order to avoid it, he encouraged them to be hearers of God's Word (James 1:22). James understood that when they heard the Word, it had the potential to transform their attitudes and actions. God, through the Scriptures would get to the root of things. He would treat them as they are and not as they pretended them to be.
James also encouraged this congregation to be doers of the Word (James 1:25). According to James, hearing God's Word was good, but it wasn't enough. They had to do what it said.
 
As the mirror of God's Word revealed what was out of place in their lives, they were to align their lives with the truth. To hear God's Word and not practice it led to self-deception. However, to be hearers and doers of it led to blessing.  Hearing and doing what Scripture says reveals what our lives are really like, not what we pretend them to be (James 1:26), and it helps us to avoid deceiving ourselves. Let's practice hearing and doing what the Bible says and experience the joy and blessing that accompanies obedience.
 
 
Jeannette
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

A Powerful Compass

A Powerful Compass

Colossians 3:15

          People who do things they do not have peace about have miserable lives and do not succeed at anything. If you are doing something, like watching television, and you suddenly lose your peace about what you are watching, you have heard from God. He is saying to you, “Turn it off. Go the other way.” If you lose your peace when you say something unkind, God is speaking to you. It will save you a lot of trouble if you will stop talking or apologize right away.

          God leads His people through peace. Any time you lose your peace you are hearing from God. There is nothing more powerful than the compass of peace in your heart. Follow after it. Follow peace!

 

8/24

Pray for Blessing

Luke 6:28

          A Common misconception is that all you have to do if you are wronged is make the decision to forgive and your job is finished. But God also says, “Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them” (Romans 12:14).

          In this context the word bless means “to speak well of.” It is extending mercy to people who do not deserve it. Not only are you to extend forgiveness to those who hurt you, you are to pray for them to be blessed spiritually. You are to ask God to bring truth and revelation so they will be willing to repent and be set free from their sins. Do not just forgive – complete the process by asking God to bless them. He will bless you greatly for your obedience.

         

8/25

The Unseen Foe

Ephesians 6:12…we are not wrestling with flesh and blood

          This verse points out that you war not with other human beings, but against the devil and his demons. Your enemy, Satan, attempts to defeat you with strategy and deceit, through well-laid plans and deliberate deception.

          The devil is a liar. Jesus called him “the father of lies and of all that is false” (John 8:44). He tells you things about yourself, about other people, and about circumstances that are just not true. He begins by bombarding your mind with little nagging doubts and fears. He has studied you for a long time. But remember the greater One lives in you. You cannot be defeated if you trust God to keep you safe.

                  

8/26

Chosen and Adopted

Ephesians 1:4-5

          You understand adoption in the natural sense. You know some children without parents are adopted by people who purposely choose them and raise them as their own. In the same way, you have been chosen and brought into the family of God even though you were previously an outsider unrelated to God in any way. God in His great mercy redeemed you and purchased you with the blood of His own Son, and He has provided an inheritance that is wonderful beyond understanding. God has many good things in His plan for you so start expecting a blessing!

 

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do
it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the
carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going
to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's
why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and
break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in
case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY
"Keep crying, and I'll give you
something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your
supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back
of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that
spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a
tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've
told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world,
and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your
father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY .
"There are millions of
less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like
you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get
home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get
home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing
your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I
know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't
come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables,
you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your
father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you
think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll
understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have
kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

You're Forgiven

You're Forgiven
 
Read:  Matthew 18:21-35
"In Him we have.the forgiveness of sins."  - Ephesians 1:7
 
Audio:  Matthew 18
 
Bible in One Year: Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4
 
When God forgives you but you refuse to forgive yourself, you're spurning His grace and choosing to be miserable. When you do that: (1) Your loved ones are at risk. It's not just about you. When you wallow in guilt you tend to be more withdrawn and critical, and less open and affectionate. So your spouse, children, parents, coworkers, friends, and even your pets suffer along with you. (2) Your health is at risk. Your mind affects your body.
 
Doctors say bitterness generates chemicals that affect your vital organs. They increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, disrupt your digestion, tense your muscles, dump cholesterol into your bloodstream, and reduce your ability to think clearly. Each time you rehearse the past those bad feelings deliver more corrosive chemicals.  
 
Science is now confirming what God has said; namely, that those who don't forgive themselves, and others, are more prone to heart attacks, depression, hypertension and other serious illnesses. (3) Your future is at risk. The Bible says, "You will again have compassion on us.you will.hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" (Mic 7:19 NIV). Stop dredging up what God has buried. Start looking ahead; otherwise you'll get mired in a bog of your own making.
 
The Bible says, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph 1:7-8 NLT). With God's forgiveness comes the wisdom and understanding to not only survive your past, but grow stronger as a result of it.
 
Jeannette
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Stronger by Faith

8/22

Stronger by Faith

Exodus 15:2

          God does not want to just give you strength; He wants to be your strength. In 1 Samuel 15:29 God is referred to as the Strength of Israel. There was a time when Israel knew God was their strength. But when they forgot it, they always started to fail and their lives began to be filled with destruction.

          How do you receive strength from God? By faith. Hebrews 11:11 says that by faith Sarah received strength to conceive a child when she was well past childbearing age. By faith, you can receive strength to stay in a difficult marriage, raise a difficult child, or prosper in a difficult job. Start receiving God as your strength by faith. It will quicken your body as well as your spirit and soul.

 

 

 

The Scarlet Cord

8/21

The Scarlet Cord

Hebrews 11:31

          Rahab hid the spies whom Joshua had sent in to spy out the land. Because of her, they were kept safe from the King who would have killed them. Before their departure, she asked them to protect her just as she had protected them. These men told her, “Stay under the scarlet cord, and you will be safe. Not only you, but also all those of your family whom you bring in with you. But if anyone gets out from under the protection of the scarlet cord, he will be destroyed” (see Joshua 2). Rehab obeyed their instructions and was saved from destruction (see Joshua 6:25).

          The scarlet cord represents the blood of Jesus – which runs throughout the Bible. Use the blood of Jesus as a marker over you and your family. When God sees it, He will pass over you.

 

 

Comfort for Mourning...Words of Purpose...Choose to Forgive

 

8/17

Comfort for Mourning

Psalm 30:11 …………you have turned my mourning into dancing for me

          I Isaiah 61:2 it was prophesied that the coming Messiah would "comfort all who mourn." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said those who mourn are blessed for they will be comforted (see Matthew 5:4). The comfort of God that is administered by His Holy Spirit is so awesome it is almost worth having a problem just to be able to experience it. It goes far beyond any kind of ordinary human comfort.

          Let God be your source of comfort. In those times when you are hurting, just ask Him to comfort you. Then wait in His presence while He works in your heart and emotions. He will not fail you, if you will only give Him a chance to come to your aid.

 

8/18

Words of Purpose

Isaiah 55:11 …………my word shall not return to me void

          The prophets were mouthpieces for God. They were called to speak God's words to people, situations, cities, dry bones, mountains, or whatever God told them to speak to. To fulfill their God-ordained mission they had to be submitted to the Lord – their mouth had to be His.

          If you desire the words of your mouth to carry God's power, your mouth must belong to Him. Usually people who have "verbal" gifts also have some glaring weaknesses in the area of their mouth. If you desire to be used by God you need to allow Him to deal with you concerning your mouth and what comes out of it. When you speak His words they will accomplish their purpose and will never return void.

 

8/19

Choose to Forgive

John 20:23

          The greatest deception Satan has perpetuated in the area of forgiveness is the idea that if your feelings have not changed, you have not truly forgiven. Many people believe this lie. They decide to forgive someone who has harmed them, but the devil convinces them that because they still have the same feelings, they have not really forgiven the person.

          You can make the right decision to forgive and not feel any differently. This is where faith is needed to carry you through. You have done your part and now you are waiting on God. His part is to heal your emotions, to make you feel well and whole. Only God has the power to change your feelings toward the person who hurt you.

 

 

 

One Step at a Time

8/16

One Step at a Time

1 Corinthians 13:9-10

          This scripture says that as long as you are on this earth, until Jesus comes, there will never be a time in your life when you can say, “I have every answer for my life right now, I know everything about everything.” God requires us to trust Him and trust requires unanswered questions.

          Like I once did, you may think you know it all! But you know in part, and that is why trust is still needed no matter how long you have walked with God. He leads you. He does not hand you a map and send you on your way without Him. God wants you to keep your eyes on Him, and follow Him one-step at a time.

 

 

A Few Friends

> A New Friend
>
> Read: John 15:1-15
> I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15
>
> Audio John 15
>
> Bible in One Year: Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13
>
> While flying from Europe back to the US, I found myself sitting next to a little girl who never stopped talking from the moment she sat down. She told me the history of her family and all about her puppy, who was in the hold of the plane. She pointed excitedly to everything around us, "Look at this! Look at that!" I couldn't help but think that 8 hours of this could make for a very long flight!
>
> We chatted for a while until she suddenly got quiet. She pulled her blanket up around her, so I thought maybe she was going to doze off. I quickly took advantage of the break and reached for the nearest magazine. But before I could open it, I felt a little elbow in my side. I looked down at her, and she threw out her little hand and said, "Hey, Joe, wanna be friends?" My heart melted. "Sure," I said, "let's be friends."
>
> In the midst of the turmoil of life, when we think all we want is to be left alone, Jesus extends His nail-scarred hand and invites us to be His friends. He says, "I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). We have a choice: to keep to ourselves, or to open our heart to a friendship of unlimited love and guidance. - Joe Stowell
>
> What a Friend we have in Jesus,
> All our sins and griefs to bear!
> What a privilege to carry
> Everything to God in prayer. -Scriven
>
> Jesus longs to be your Friend.
>
> Jeannette
> "People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
> If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
> If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
> The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
> Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
> For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
> It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Submit to suffering

 

8/15

Submit to Suffering

1 Peter 4:1

          It is important to understand the difference between suffering in the flesh and suffering demonic affliction. Giving up the selfish appetites of our flesh does not mean we are to suffer from sickness, disease, and poverty. Jesus died to deliver you from the curse of sin. But unless you are willing to suffer in the flesh you will never walk in the will of God.

          When you get up in the morning, set your thoughts on walking in God's will all day long. You might even say to yourself, "Even if I need to suffer in order to do God's will today, I am setting my mind for obedience." Face tomorrow with determination to please God no matter the cost.

 

 

Something Good

8/14

Something Good

Psalm 48:9

          David wrote often about the wonderful works of God. When he was feeling depressed he wrote in Psalm 143:4-5. "Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doing; I ponder the work of Your hands." David's response to his feelings of depression and gloom was to choose to remember the good times of past days- pondering the doings of God and the works of His hands. In other words, he thought on something good, and it helped him overcome depression.

          When the enemy comes against you with depression or discouragement, choose to remember the times God has blessed and delivered you in the past. Hope will rise in your heart and your troubles will seem small.

 

 

Fellowship with the Father

 

8/10

Fellowship with the Father

Ephesians 2:5

          Fellowship ministers life to you. You are renewed by it. It charges your batteries, so to speak. You are made strong through union and fellowship with God – strong enough to withstand the attack of the enemy of your soul, who is Satan (see Ephesians 6:10-11).

          When you are fellowshipping with God, you are in a secret place where you are protected from the enemy. Psalm 91 talks of this secret place, and the first verse says that those who dwell there will defeat every foe: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]" (Psalm 91:1). This secret place is God's presence. When you are in His presence, you experience His peace. Tonight, as you pray and fellowship with God, enter the holy of holies and rest in the secret place of His Presence.

 

8/11

An Eternal Perspective

2 Peter 3:10-12, 14….the day of the Lord will come like a thief…………

          This passage of Scripture should invoke reverential fear and awe within you. It is a waste of time trying to impress people- what matters is what God thinks of you. You must keep an eternal perspective. The world as we know it will one day vanish and Jesus will return. We should spend our time in this world preparing ourselves to enjoy eternity in God's Presence.

 

8/12

At Home in Your Heart

Ephesians 3:17

          If you are born again Jesus dwells on the inside of you. Your inner life - your attitudes, thoughts, and emotions – is holy ground where the Spirit of God wants to make His home. This inner life is of more serious interest to God than your outer life.

          If you want to be a comfortable home for God, you must give up grumbling and faultfinding. The Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (see Psalm 22:3). He is comfortable in the midst of your praises. You need to wake up every morning and say, "Oh, Good morning Jesus. I want You to be comfortable in me today." And you need to go to bed every night and say, "Thank You for all the good things You've done today and will be doing tomorrow". Before you do anything else, invite Jesus to make Himself at home in your heart. Then go forward confidently, enjoying the God-kind of life.

 

8/13

Heirs with Christ

Galatians 4:7

          As a Christian, you believe Jesus died for your sins and that when you die you will go to heaven because you believe in Him. But there is more to our redemption than that. There is a life of victory God wants for you now.

          It is impossible to live victoriously in this earth without understanding your rightful authority and dominion over the devil and all his works. Your position "in Christ" is one of being seated at the right hand of the Lord God Omnipotent.

          God wants to restore you to the place of authority that is yours. He has already made all the arrangements; you might say He has "sealed the deal." The purchase price has been paid in full. You have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus. Therefore, I encourage you to go forth with confidence and enjoy the life Jesus has provided for you.

Something Good

 

 

Subject: SYDR

 

8/14

Something Good

Psalm 48:9

          David wrote often about the wonderful works of God. When he was feeling depressed he wrote in Psalm 143:4-5. "Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doing; I ponder the work of Your hands." David's response to his feelings of depression and gloom was to choose to remember the good times of past days- pondering the doings of God and the works of His hands. In other words, he thought on something good, and it helped him overcome depression.

          When the enemy comes against you with depression or discouragement, choose to remember the times God has blessed and delivered you in the past. Hope will rise in your heart and your troubles will seem small.

 

 

Fwd: FW:

>
> August 14, 2012
>
> Guidance
>
> Read: Matthew 7:7-12
> You will find him if you search after him with all your heart and soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29
>
> Audio: Deuteronomy 4
>
> God in the midst of me is wisdom and intelligence.
>
> In today's world of high-speed technology, I can quickly obtain information on any subject with the click of a button. Yet often, I am looking for more than information. I'm seeking guidance to know which decision will lead me to my highest good. Thankfully, I have access to divine wisdom, which is far more reliable than an Internet search engine. Within me lies a great storehouse of knowledge.
>
> It is the wisdom of the Universe. It is the wisdom of God. When I get quiet and listen, God fills my mind with divine ideas, informs my thoughts, leads me to right action, and encourages me on my life's journey. Through prayer and meditation, I tap into the wisdom of God and find the answers I seek.
>
>
> Jeannette
> "People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
> If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
> If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
> The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
> Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
> For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
> It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The Path of Forgiveness...Ask for Help

The Path of Forgiveness

Mark 11:25…………forgive him and let it drop, in order that your Father may forgive your own failings

          “Why me, God” was the cry of my heart for many years. Because of my wounded emotions from a lifetime of suffering, I lived in a wilderness of self-pity and unforgiveness. It was a huge problem that kept me from fulfilling the plan of God for my life.

          Many people are hurting terribly and are crying out for help, but they are not willing to receive the help God has to offer. It is amazing how often we want things our way. When someone hurts you, you may feel they owe you something, yet Jesus wants you to let it go. No matter how much you may want His help, you will receive only when you become willing to do things God’s way.

 

Ask for Help

2 Chronicles 20:15…………the battle is not yours, but God’s

          The twentieth chapter of 2 Chronicles describes a time of crisis in the life of the people of Judah. They were faced with a huge army that was out to destroy them. In verse 12, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, offered a wise prayer to God: “O Lord our God, will You not exercise judgment upon them? For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

          Often we spin our wheels trying to do something we are not capable of doing. It is much easier to just say, “I don’t know what to do, and even if I did, I couldn’t do it without Your help. Holy Spirit, help me!” If you ask for help, God will take care of the battle.

 

Develop Your Potential

8/8

 Develop Your Potential

Ecclesiastes 9:10……………do it with all your might

 

          Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines potential as “existing in possibility, not in act.” Potential cannot manifest without form. Like concrete it must have something to be poured into, something to give it shape and make it useful. To develop potential properly you must have a plan and pray over that plan, you must have a purpose, and you must be doing something.

          Many people are unhappy because they are not doing anything to develop their potential. In fact, many of them never develop their potential because they do not do anything except complain that they are not doing anything!

          If you want to see your potential developed to its fullness, do not wait until everything is perfect. Do something now. Start laying your hand to whatever is in front of you. You cannot start at the finish line. You must start at the beginning like everybody else.

 

Quick to Love, slow to Judge

Quick to Love, slow to Judge

Ephesians 5:2

          You are instructed to walk in love. To esteem and delight yourself in others, you have to first get to know others, which is an act of love. It takes time and effort to look beyond the surface of any human being. Too often, we are tempted to judge hastily, but the Word says, “Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances): but judge fairly and righteously” (John 7:24).

          Before you judge an individual, you must take time to get to know the real person. Everyone has their little quirks, oddball actions, behaviors, and imperfections. God Himself does not judge by appearance - He looks on the heart. You should follow His example. As the saying goes, “never judge a book by its cover”!E

 

Answers

>> Answers
>>
>> Read: Luke 10: 25-37
>> He said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." - Luke 10:28
>>
>> Bible in One Year: Psalms 54-56; Romans 3
>>
>> Audio: Luke 10
>>
>> Whatever the question, love is my answer.
>> From time to time, I may encounter difficulty in my relationships. If I consider another person a problem in my life, I have the opportunity to change that perception. Love is the law and the fulfillment of law. God is love, and love is the answer to all discord and disappointment. I put aside any doubts, fears or judgments about others.
>>
>> Even if the choice feels difficult, I choose love. God always meets me more than halfway, giving me the courage and strength to live with an open heart. Whenever there is a call for love, I answer with loving-kindness. As love flows from me, the energy of love surrounds me and others. I am filled with abundant life and joy when I love unconditionally.
>>
>>
>> Jeannette
>> "People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
>> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
>> If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
>> If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
>> The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
>> Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
>> For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
>> It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
>> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Focus on God Instead of Your Fear

Focus on God Instead of Your Fear

Isaiah 41:10, 13…...fear not, for I am with you

          Notice this passage tells you not to look around you in terror and be dismayed. When you look at your circumstances until you become afraid it is always a mistake - yet that is just what many people do.

          The more you focus your eyes and your mouth on the problem, the more fearful you become. Instead, you should focus on God who is able to handle anything you will ever have to face. He has promised to strengthen you and to harden you to difficulties.

          No matter how great and important or small and insignificant your fears may be, God is saying to you. “Fear not; I will help you!”

         

 

worry less and pray more

 
Worry-Free
 
Read:  Luke 12:22-25
Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? - Luke 12:25
 
Audio:  Luke 12
 
Bible in One Year: Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40
 
Life works better when I worry less and pray more.
 
One of the quickest ways to sap my vitality is to keep fretting over a prickly situation. Hanging my head in despair will not solve anything; it just leaves me feeling more stressed.  Life works better when I choose to worry less and pray more. I don't pretend a challenge doesn't exist - I simply stay open to possible solutions.
 
When I pray, I redirect my focus from the difficulty to the possibility. I turn to my inner wisdom for a divine solution.  I embrace the Truth that I am wise, capable, spiritually equipped and divinely supported at all times. With this prayer-soaked consciousness, I experience results that unfold perfectly for me and all concerned.
 
 
 
Jeannette
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Trust God, Not Yourself

Trust God, Not Yourself

Proverbs 3:5………… do not rely on your own insight or understanding

          When you face times of crisis in life, you need direction. All of your human reasoning will not provide the answer – it will only add to your confusion. But God will give you direction if you trust Him.

          This truth is sometimes difficult for you to deal with because your human nature wants to understand everything. You want things to make sense, but the Holy Spirit can cause you to have peace about things that make no sense at all to your natural mind.

          If you are hurting because of a crisis in your life, you must not become angry with God. He is the only one who can help you. Only He can bring the lasting comfort and healing you need. So continue to believe in the goodness of God and lean on, trust in, and be confident in Him.

 

7/21

Give It Up!

Psalm 25:1……..unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life

          This is a very short but powerful verse. In fact it gives you the answer for your whole life: give it to the Lord.

          This doesn’t mean you should bring Him just your worries and problems. It means bringing Him your entire existence and everything it entails. Grasping that truth will set you free from weariness and a feeling of wanting to give up.

          I used to get worn out preparing for my meetings. I would get so intense about it and work so hard at making sure everything was right that I worked myself into exhaustion. Then I learned that all I have to do is give Him my life and everything in it. As we yield to Him, His peace fills us.

          As you pray tonight, give your entire life to God, and experience the freedom of knowing that whatever you face – good or bad – He has it under control.

 

7/22

Enjoy Everyday Life

Nehemiah 8:10….be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength

          I spent a lot of time in years gone by learning to enjoy my life. The key phrase is my life. I learned not to covet someone else’s life, but to enjoy mine. It has not been easy and I am still learning. But one thing I do know is that it is God’s will for you to enjoy the life He has provided. The joy of the Lord is your strength. You must make a decision to enjoy everyday life.

          Enjoying life does not mean you have something exciting going on all the time; it simply means you enjoy simple, everyday things. Most of life is rather ordinary, but you are supernaturally equipped with the power of God to live ordinary everyday life in an extraordinary way.

          Live life to the fullest and be a witness to the power of God that is available to everyone.

 

Changing Enemies Into Friends

Changing Enemies Into Friends

Read: Matthew 5:43-48
But I say to you, love your enemies . . . do good to those who hate you.  - Matthew 5:44
 
Audio:  Matthew 5
 
Bible in One Year: Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26
 
During the US Civil War, hatred became entrenched between the North and South. In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, "I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends."  Lincoln's comment is insightful. In many ways it reflects Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: "I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:44-45).
 
We will encounter difficult people in our lives - some on whom we will need to set limits. But to give in to the temptation to undermine or hurt them in any way is not God's way. Instead, we should pray for them, show consideration, look out for their best interests, and emphasize the positive. This may result in changing an enemy into a friend.  Not everyone will respond positively to us, but we can pray and plan for a more harmonious relationship. What difficult person can you start befriending?  - Dennis Fisher
 
Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You showed
love to me even when I was Your enemy. Please direct
me into ways to love with Your power and grace.
 
It's hard to hate someone when you're doing something good for him.
 
Jeannette
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
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: Language of the Heart

>> July 30, 2012
>>
>> Language Of The Heart
>>
>> Read: Luke 6:43-49
>> What you say flows from what is in your heart. - Luke 6:45
>>
>> Audio: Luke 6
>>
>> Bible in One Year: Psalms 51-53; Romans 2
>>
>> I'm more impressed by works than by words, which I often gloss over as nothing more than hot air. I've said, "Talk is cheap!" and "Don't talk the talk if you won't walk the walk." According to the apostle James we're right to value works over mere words. He reminds us that it does no good to tell a poor brother, "Stay warm and eat well" if we "don't give that person any food or clothing" (James 2:16).
>>
>> But my prejudice against words left me unprepared for the words of Jesus. He told His disciples that you can tell a tree by its fruit, for just as fig trees grow figs and grape vines sprout grapes, so "a good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart." I assumed Jesus was speaking about works-did my actions show that I was a good or an evil tree? But Jesus' next sentence indicated that the fruit He had in mind was my words, for "what you say flows from what is in your heart" (Luke 6:45).
>>
>> Words form the bridge from our heart to our works. What we do (works) arises from what we think (words), which is prompted by who we are (heart). If you want to know what's going on deep inside, pay attention to your words. Do your words contain a hard edge of anger or cynicism? Are they inflated with pride or deflated with pessimism? Is your style so sarcastic that even friends can't tell whether you're joking or not? Do you delight in dirty words, the hushed tones of gossip or the shady words of "rumor"? Study your words to diagnose your heart. Ask God to heal your hurts before your words-then your works will not hurt others. - Mike Wittmer
>>
>> Jeannette
>> "People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
>> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
>> If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
>> If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
>> The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
>> Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
>> For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
>> It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa
>> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Sleep in peace

Sleep in Peace

Psalm 4:8…………You, Lord alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust

          In the quiet of the evening after a long day, it is not unusual to think about and evaluate the events of the day. But thoughts can be disturbing, especially if you faced problems that remain unsolved.

          Sometimes these thoughts are not easy to turn off and can threaten to rob you of a peaceful night's sleep. But staying awake and worrying will not change or improve the situation at all.

          This is a good time to share your concerns with God and ask for His help. He tells us in His Word to cast our cares on Him, so give your thoughts to Him and trust Him to provide a solution. Then lie down and sleep in peace.

Fwd: SYDR

8/1

An Ant's Life

1 Corinthians 9:27

          Paul is speaking here about self-control, self-denial, restraining the appetite, and subduing the flesh. Self-discipline is keeping yourself going in the right direction without someone making you do so. The problem is that somehow people have gotten the wrong idea that everything in life is supposed to be easy.

          Proverbs 6:6-8 talks about the ant, "which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest." You need to be like the ant. You need to be a person who is self-motivated and self-disciplined; who does what is right because it is right, not because someone may be looking or because someone is making you do it.

Be a friend of God

8/2

Be a Friend of God

James 2:23

          It is obvious some people are closer to God than others. These "close friends" of God speak of talking to Him as if they know Him personally. Their faces shine with enthusiasm as they testify, "And God told me….." while skeptical acquaintances grumble to themselves", Well, God doesn't talk to me like that!"

          Why is that? Does God have favorites? No, Scripture teaches that each person determines his or her own level of intimacy with God, depending on their willingness to seek Him and put time into developing a relationship with Him. Everyone has been extended the same open invitation to "fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16). At this moment, you are as close to God as you choose to be.

 

When I am afraid...

I thought you might enjoy this verse.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust.
Psalm 56:3-4

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A Bible Inspiration For You: Matthew 8:13

Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed in that hour.
Matthew 8:13

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