Most Dangerous U.S. Holidays

Most Dangerous U.S. Holidays <----Click

Good cheer leads many Americans to slip behind the wheel when they shouldn't on Jan. 1. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities that day involve alcohol, the most of any U.S. holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

But New Year's Day isn't the deadliest of the year.

Read which Holiday is:

Here <---Click

God Works for the Good!

firstIMPRESSIONS
Pastor Timothy Satryan

God Works for the Good!


A farmer had one old horse that he used for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer's neighbors heard about it, they sympathized with the old man over his bad luck. "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?" said the farmer.

A week later, the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?" said the farmer.

Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone agreed that this was very bad luck. Not the farmer, who replied, "Bad Luck? Good luck? Who knows?"

Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and forced every able-bodied young man to go fight in a bloody war. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they let him stay. Everyone was very happy at the farmer's good luck.

"Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?"

Life is a lot like that. Sometimes it seems like things are going well, and at other times, things seem to be going badly. And we let those things dictate our feelings and our outlook on life. When things are going well, we're happy and we think God is with us. If they are going badly, we get discouraged and think that God must have abandoned us. We end up being tossed around by our circumstances.

But the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4 that he had learned to be content, even happy, in all circumstances. He was happy when things were bad (he was in jail at the time), and he was happy when things were going good as well. That's the great thing about being part of God's family. We really don't have to worry in our circumstances, because no matter what, we have hope in Christ. "We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 9.42. Live for God, on purpose, regardless of the circumstances that surround you.

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Armor for the Battle

Armor for the Battle

by Marji "Mike" Kruger

"Personal spiritual warfare is anything we do as a conscious effort to live out the kingdom of God and oppose the kingdom of Satan in our particular contexts." (Scott Morreau). The basic secret for overcoming our enemy is simply knowing God in a vital and deepening relationship. Our focus as Christians should be on God, His power, His sovereignty, His holiness and His love.

Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible... the struggle between being godly and being you. The amazing truth is that God has elevated us, spiritually, to the same exalted position Christ enjoys. God "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). As we take our stand in the victory of Christ, Satan is powerless to defeat us.

No one who is wise goes into battle unprepared. Paul tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Immediately after beginning a relationship with Christ, a believer finds himself in a constant struggle. On earth, there are 2 kingdoms in conflict: God's Kingdom and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). It is not a question of which Kingdom is stronger. Jesus is the stronger who has bound Satan (Luke 11:14-22).

Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible. So what's the struggle? Basically it's the struggle between being godly and being you. Paul says, "be strong." The word "strong" means to empower. It comes from the root word "dunamis" which is where we get our word "dynamite". So it is dynamite like power. But, you cannot be strong in yourself. The strength comes from God and His power.

Paul continues to write: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

The verb tense of "put on" means that it is a command to begin at this very moment. Right now, not later! Put on the whole armor or God, not just bits and pieces, but the full armor of God! The phrase, "Take your stand" implies that not everyone does take a stand. Often, the very fact that you are willing to stand while everyone else is falling away, draws the attention of others and makes them seek out your secret. HINT: The secret is your relationship with Jesus Christ.

So, are you STANDING? Are you EVEN in the Battle? Whose strength are you fighting IN? Your own strength or GOD'S? Everything aims at our ability to stand... refuse to yield ground... sometimes all you can do is stand! And you will "win" if you stand! But, expect an active battle as you stand. "You can always measure the weight of your blow by the one you get back." (- from a missionary in New Guinea


Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 9.42. Live for God, on purpose, regardless of the circumstances that surround you.

Miss an issue of
firstIMPRESSIONS? - you can
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The Overcoming Spirit!

The Overcoming Spirit!

"Their weakness was turned to strength." - Hebrews 11:34 NLT

In nature, almost all animals have some form of weakness. Whether that is their size, shape, eyesight, teeth, diet or a whole load of other possibilities, there's always something that can be taken advantage of by a rival or a predator. However, as we can see from watching an animal documentary for more than five seconds, animals have an incredible way of turning these weaknesses into strengths. Being a small, slow animal may seem a disadvantage, but you can fit into holes your predators can't.

We all have weaknesses; some more than others. But as your strengths are God-given, is it not possible that some of your weaknesses may be too? You may be a stubborn so 'n' so but your stubbornness might just be the thing that enables you to kick that habit once and for all. You may have some physical problem that stops you getting out much, but maybe developing and using your mind is how you're going to impact the world. You may get easily bored and frustrated but maybe this could be used as motivation to make things better and get things changed, rather than stirring up negativity?

Make a list today of your strengths and weaknesses. Go through this list and ask God, how can I use all these things for you?

From firstIMPRESSIONS Volume 9.42

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Obstacles... What Obstacles?

Obstacles... What Obstacles?

"Forgetting those things which are behind." - Philippians 3:13

It's impossible to reach your God-given destiny without overcoming your past. If you need inspiration to overcome your life's obstacles, look straight to Jesus. His national identity labeled him as part of a hated minority, people who faced prejudice every day. The stubborn religious leaders refused to listen to his message of love. Instead they hounded him as a heretic. One of His closest friends betrayed Him to make himself wads of cash. Ultimately He was classified as "too dangerous to live" and so was sentenced without a fair trial and died like the worst criminal. And what does He say about His suffering, and ours? "But cheer up! I have defeated the world" (John 16:33 CEV).

It seems like the only kind of party some people enjoy being at is a pity-party. And there's only ever one person on the invite list; yourself! Listen, don't waste your time and energy replaying things in the past that can't be changed. The past is over so get over it. That might sound a bit harsh, but maybe today's the day you need to hear it. Make today the day you look forward. Get up and get on! God says, "The plans I have for you... are... good" (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). That means the best is yet to come!

Volume 9.42 of firstIMPRESSIONS

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Prevention or Rescue?

Prevention or Rescue?

by Jim Liebelt

"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress." - Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)

Some years ago, news reports appeared about Aron Ralston, a young man from Colorado who had been hiking somewhere in a remote area of Utah wilderness. During what was intended to be a simple day hike, well within Ralston's capabilities, he accidentally dislodged a massive boulder that pinned his arm and trapped him for five days. Having run out of food and water, and without any reasonable hope of rescue, Ralston amputated his own arm with a pocketknife he had with him. By cutting off his own arm, he saved his life. Various media reports hailed Ralston's courage. Some even called him a hero.

Ralston's courage is undeniable. I don't think many people would have the courage to cut off their own arm. But, it's also undeniable that this young man made a basic wilderness hiking error by not telling anyone where he was going. A simple measure of prevention could have saved him a lot of grief and quite possibly his arm.

This story provides a couple of reminders for our own spiritual journeys. The Bible is quite clear in its instruction: we are to "throw off the sin that so easily entangles us." We are all susceptible to sin. It takes God's transforming work in our lives to beat destructive and sinful habits. Yet, it also takes courage on our part-courage to admit our sin-and courage to repent and change our thoughts and behaviors.

Beyond this, however, we are also to take preventative measures. We are to do our best not to allow ourselves to become enslaved to sin in the first place. Simple, preventative measures like reading God's word, prayer, fellowship with other believers and being accountable to one another are key in our pursuit of living holy lives.

I am always encouraged by stories of fellow Christ-followers who have courageously experienced victories over sin in their lives. Yet, even more heartening to me are the examples of others who take sin prevention seriously and are victorious over the many temptations they face each day.

Today, take up the challenge of using preventative measures against temptation and sin in your life. If you are struggling with a sinful habit, have the courage to act by cutting away whatever it is that holds you back from having a better relationship with Jesus.

as seen in "Today's HomeWord," a daily devotional with Jim Burns. Visit them online at www.homeword.com

"Danger! Do Not Touch!"

The supply clerk at the factory was in a dither. A box had been left on the loading dock with this warning printed on it: "Danger! Do Not Touch!"

Management was called, and we were told to stay clear of the box until it could be analyzed. When the foreman arrived, he donned safety goggles and gloves, and then he carefully opened the box.

Inside were 25 signs that read: Danger! Do Not Touch!

Global Government Rising - Hal Lindsey

The Problem With Self-Sufficiency

Monday, November 16, 2009 Thought of the Day (Courtesy of Our Daily Bread) Click link above for devotional: "The Problem With Self-Sufficiency" We always have enough when God is our supply.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds
Some tiles from GranGran

Humble Valor

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thought of the Day

(Courtesy of Our Daily Bread)
Click link above for devotional:

"Humble Valor"

Faith in Christ can make
extraordinary heroes
out of ordinary people.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds

The Heat Of Our Desire

Monday, November 9, 2009
Thought of the Day

(Courtesy of Our Daily Bread)
Click link above for devotional:

"The Heat Of Our Desire"

Only Jesus, the Living Water,
can satisfy the thirsty soul.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds