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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
In God's Hands
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
"Be Still"
"Be Still""Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
As I was studying this verse a little closer, I discovered one of the literal meanings was- "leave off (your own attempts) and know". There are some things about God- His power, character and nature- that we cannot know unless we are "still". Another meaning for the word still was "relax, withdraw, let alone".
There are times we have to step back and move out of the way- be still- in order to "know that I am God". There are times when we have no choice but to be still because there is nothing that we can do about the situation and we know it. Like Moses at the Red Sea. He had no choice but to be still- there was nothing that he could do in his own strength and ability to make the sea move out of the way. But then in the times when there is something that we can do about the situation we have to be willing to step back and take ourselves out of the picture. David spent several years running from King Saul, who was out to destroy him. One day David was in a cave and Saul came into the cave unaware that David was there. While in the cave David crept around and without Saul's detection of him cut off the corner of his robe. David had the opportunity to avenge himself. He had the means and ability to kill his enemy. But he didn't. Instead he "stepped back" and left it to the Lord to take care of Saul.
There are many situations that we cannot handle ourselves. Then there are some that we can, as was the case when God said to Moses, "What is in your hand?" But then there come times when, even though we are able to do something about the situation, God says, "Be still, withdraw yourself and let me handle this one." It's in those times where God "shines" and we see His glory revealed in ways we may have never seen otherwise. It's in those times where He alone can get the credit. It's in those times where we discover a little more about who He is and our faith is increased in the process.
Have a great day. Sometimes the real answer that you need is, "Be still"... And when you do, you will... "know that I am God."
For further reading:
1 Samuel 24
Exodus 4:2; 14:13-16
Hebrews 10:30
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
And is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
Call (601) 833-5278 or
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
"Revolution: From the Inside Out"
I received the following from Momsooky through e-mail from her yahoo group:
Some of you may remember about two years ago We had 2 series about "40 fast from wrong thinking". Now Gregory Dickcow has a new 40 day series
"Revolution: From the inside out". This is the first of 40 posts.
Day 1>
As we launch our all new Fast from Wrong Thinking, 2010, believe in the possibilities of what can happen in your life. Nothing is impossible to the man or woman who conquers their thought life. God is with you. God is for you, and the best news of all: God is working IN you!
Today we're fasting from the thought that says:
"I Can't Change!"
We've all felt at times like we can't change a certain habit, or a characteristic about ourselves. Perhaps you feel like you'll always be easily angered, afraid or worried. Well, that's what this fast from wrong thinking is all about. As we change our thought patterns and mindsets, ANYTHING can change. And changing our mindsets is simply a process of replacing defective thoughts with biblical mindsets. So, if you've felt like you can't change, you CAN...
CHANGE IT TODAY:
1. Believe that the power to change is a GIFT.
2 Timothy 2:25 says God grants `repentance', or `the power to change', as a gift. The ability to experience lasting change in any area of our life is a gift from God.
2. Receive the gift of repentance or "the gift to change", by FAITH. Believe that every good gift comes from the Father (James 1:17).
3. All change begins by believing you are loved by God. Romans 2:4b says, "Don't you realize that it is God's lovingkindness that is trying to lead you to Him and change the way you think and act?" (God's Word Translation).
4. Notice in that verse His love & kindness changes the way we think; THEN it changes the way we act. All lasting change begins by surrendering my thought life to the Word of God (Romans 12:2).
5. Believe in the process that leads to progress. Don't worry if it doesn't happen right away. Jesus touched the blind man once, than touched him again, before he was completely healed (Mark 8:22-26).
6. Re-define yourself ONLY as what God says about you. Disconnect from past definition of your habits, traits and limitations. You are being changed into His image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
THINK IT & SAY IT:
God has given me the gift to change. I can change my habits, emotions and life by changing the way I think. I submit to the process of renewing my mind, and I expect divine progress and supernatural change. I believe the love that God has for me, and that produces change in me. I refuse to accept past definitions and limitations of myself. As I embrace God's view of me through the mirror of His Word, I am being changed into His image, in Jesus' Name.
In His Great Love,
Gregory Dickow
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Be Fruitful
Be Fruitful
June 22, 2010
By William E. Richardson
Before Jesus left the earth, He promised to go prepare a place for His
followers. He said He'd return to get us so we could live with Him forever
(John 14:1-3).
Jesus didn't say He'd prepare a place for all the "good" people in the world
or for all those who attended church most Sundays. Jesus didn't say the
future eternal residence would be for all who are devoted to a set of
religious traditions.
He did clearly state the importance of living a life devoted to Him (John
14:6).
Plenty of people believe Jesus walked the earth and died on a cross. Still,
they don�t practice a seven-day-a-week relationship with Jesus. James
reminds us it takes more than hearing a sermon week after week to get to
heaven. He said if we hear the Word preached but don�t do it, we deceive
ourselves (James 1:22).
To reap spiritual rewards, you must first bear spiritual fruit. True, the
thief on the cross trusted Jesus shortly before his death. Others have made
deathbed confessions in Christ as Savior. But even those testimonies have
impacted other people for the gospel. Jesus said He "appointed" His
followers to bear fruit (John 15:16, NKJV).
Many who sit in a pew or a folding chair on Sunday morning go home to change
their clothes and the direction of their thoughts for the day. What about
the seeds God plants in our hearts during the sermon and the rest of the
service? If we take time to water and nourish those seeds by praying about
them and acting on them, the seeds can grow into fruit for God.
Anyone who treats Christianity like a hobby will become the fruitless
branches Jesus warned about (John 15:2). Bear fruit! Wrap your Christian
identity, your life-changing relationship with Jesus, around every part of
your life. Let it flow through your every action. Not only will you be
changed, but you will help others discover the difference the Savior can
make in their lives as well.
William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God and
author of the "God�s Billboards" newsletter.
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Islam in America: The June 27 Pentecostal Evangel helps readers deepen their
understanding of Muslims and how they can reach them with the love of
Christ.
Be sure to read this week's PE staff blogs at pe.agblogger.org.
---------------------------------------- --------------------
The Evangel is only a click away.
Check out the magazine's latest issue, audio files and blog entries at
view link
Copyright � 2010 Gospel Publishing House
Free to Fulfill an Extraordinary Purpose
Free to Fulfill an Extraordinary Purpose
Today's Truth
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45 NIV).
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45 NIV).
Friend To Friend
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was certainly an extraordinary woman. All through the gospels we see her playing leading roles in God's redemptive plan. In the book of Acts, we see Mary one last time. After Jesus' resurrection, he addressed the disciples one final time before his ascent to take his seat at the right hand of the Father. He instructed them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, reassured them that he would return again, and commissioned them to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, and the group headed to Jerusalem to wait.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was certainly an extraordinary woman. All through the gospels we see her playing leading roles in God's redemptive plan. In the book of Acts, we see Mary one last time. After Jesus' resurrection, he addressed the disciples one final time before his ascent to take his seat at the right hand of the Father. He instructed them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, reassured them that he would return again, and commissioned them to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, and the group headed to Jerusalem to wait.
So who was among this commissioned group of disciples? Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew James Simon, Judas son of James, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Hold everything! The women? Yes, the women. Mary? Yes, Mary. For centuries, the religious leaders had been an all boys club. But now, a fresh wind blew in to change the scenery of the new order called "the church." Jesus' parting words commissioned both men and women to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Mary, the mother of Jesus was among the disciples. She was a disciple, a learner, a follower. She was commissioned with the rest to spread the gospel "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." And while we don't meet up with this incredible woman again, we can be sure that she did just that.
Mary was among the collective prophesy of Joel: "'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy'" (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-32 emphasis added).
We have to be careful not to worship Mary. Jesus didn't. When someone from a crowd yelled, "Blessed is the mother who gave birth and nursed you;" Jesus answered, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:27, 28).
Perhaps the most remarkable character trait of Mary, the one we can grasp with both hands and soar with her to great heights, is her radical obedience. From the very beginning, Mary's response to God's call on her life rings through the ages: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). When that is our response to God's call on our lives, we will indeed lead extraordinary lives filled with great exploits for the kingdom.
Yes, God chose Mary. Yes, God chose you. He has freed us from insignificance, and the key to access that freedom lies in Jesus' words: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." That is where our significance lies.
That type of obedience flows from a relationship of trust. It is not a burden or a "have to" but a joy and a "want to." It is not obedience simply because the Bible says so, but an adventure because we link arms with Jesus and follow him into great purpose. This is a place where our simple water is transformed into the robust wine of life.
God has great plans for all of us. "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). As Mary has shown us, God sets the offer before us, but He will not force His plan on anyone. We have to choose and say "yes" to Him. "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45). That, my friend, is the key to experiencing the abundant life!
God freed Mary from an ordinary life and freed her to fulfill an extraordinary purpose. He called an ordinary girl named Mary center stage, and she willingly walked forward to take her place. I'm so glad she did.
Let's Pray
Dear God, I want to be radically obedient like Mary. Help me to be a woman who says "yes" when You call. I know that You have a great plan for my life. My prayer is that others will say about me..."Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
Dear God, I want to be radically obedient like Mary. Help me to be a woman who says "yes" when You call. I know that You have a great plan for my life. My prayer is that others will say about me..."Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Amen
Now It's Your Turn
If you are ready to experience the abundant life that God has planned for you all along, then write out this verse and fill in the blank with your name.
If you are ready to experience the abundant life that God has planned for you all along, then write out this verse and fill in the blank with your name.
"I, ________________, am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38).
I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion. Let's chat. You can share your comments at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes. And if you haven't signed up to get regular posts, just click the "like" button and join the group!
More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours. To order this life-changing book, visit www.sharonjaynes.com. You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Christian Background
Christian Backgrounds <---Click
I hope you will join so you can start using them in your posts. They are not themes for your sites or groups..they are backgrounds for your posts..and usually all you have to do is copy and paste.
God Bless You!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
"Rejoicing Faith"
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Did you notice that in this verse there is no provision made to do anything other than rejoice each day? There isn't a footnote tagged on it, there wasn't a "with the exception of" clause added to it, there wasn't allowance or room made to do otherwise. The verse doesn't tell us to rejoice as long as everything is going well; or as long as things are going the way we planned or hoped; as long as nothing bad happens today; as long as no problems arise. It just says, "I will rejoice and be glad".
Is the verse telling us that we won't experience bad things, difficulties, pain or grief? Does it mean that we won't get bad reports, or find ourselves in battles under the attack of the enemy? No, it doesn't. Because the scriptures teach us otherwise. They teach that bad things and tribulations come to the just and unjust and the righteous face afflictions. Why then didn't the verse make allowances to be sad, downcast and complaining during the bad times? Simply because-- the just shall live by faith.
We walk by faith not by sight. What we see, what we hear and what we feel isn't the "final authority". I may lose my job, for example, but am I going to stop rejoicing and get worried, sad, depressed and fearful? No. Why? Because that wasn't a bad thing that happened to me? No, but because the just live by faith. Faith in God who is my provider. Faith that He will meet and supply all my need. Faith that if God feeds the sparrows and clothes the lilies daily, He will certainly take care of me because I am of much more value to Him than a sparrow. I live by faith, which means that I know that somehow, some way, the Lord will work all things together for my good. I live by faith which means I have the confident assurance that He will never leave me nor forsake me but will be with me always- He is not a "fair weather" friend who leaves me when the going gets tough.
There was no provision made in the verse above because there has already been a provision made that will keep your head up and joy in your heart when things aren't always "well". That provision is faith. Absolute trust, confidence and dependency on God. The situations that we face don't change God. He is still the same loving, caring Heavenly Father and provider that He has always been. Therefore, I can rejoice in that unchanging knowledge even in changing situations.
Have a great day. There is no provision made for us to be cast down when bad times come because we live by faith all the time.
For further reading:
Psalm 34:19
Matthew 5:45; 6:25-29
Habakkuk 2:4
Romans 1:17; 8:28
Galatians 3:11
Hebrews 10:38; 13:5
Philippians 4:19
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Visit us on the web: /www.mastersbusiness.org/">http://www.mastersbusiness.org/">www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
God are you Listening? Joke
God, Are You Listening?A man was walking through a forest pondering life.
He walked, pondered, walked, and pondered.
He felt very close to nature and even close to God.
He felt so close to God that he felt if he spoke God would listen.
So he asked, "God, are you listening?"
And God replied, "Yes my son, I am here."
The man stopped and pondered some more.
He looked towards the sky and said, "God, what is a million years to you?"
God replied, "Well my son, a second to me is like a million years to you."
So the man continued to walk and to ponder... walk and ponder...
Then he looked to the sky again and said, "God, what is a million dollars to you?"
And God replied, "My son, my son...a penny to me is like a million dollars to you.
It means almost nothing to me.
It does not even have a value it is so little."
The man looked down, pondered a bit and then looked up to the sky and said, "God, can I have a million dollars?"
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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