I Love you. (A poem sent to me so please share with others) a lady on facebook


The Poem

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees..
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease......
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear..
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
'Your name I cannot find
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time'
Now do you have the
time to pass it on?

My Life With God
Question: "Is it acceptable to repeatedly pray for the same thing?"

Answer: In Luke 18:1-7, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of persevering in prayer. He tells the story of a widow who came to an unjust judge seeking justice against her adversary. Because of her persistence in prayer, the judge relented. Jesus’ point is that if an unjust judge will grant the petition of someone who perseveres in a request for justice, how much more will the God who loves us—“his chosen ones” (v. 7)—answer our prayer when we keep praying? The parable does not teach, as is mistakenly thought, that if we pray for something over and over, God is obligated to give it to us. Rather, God promises to avenge His own, to vindicate them, right their wrongs, do them justice, and deliver them from their adversaries. He does this because of His justice, His holiness, and His hatred of sin; in answering prayer, He keeps His promises and displays His power.

Jesus gives another illustration of prayer in Luke 11:5-12. Similar to the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus’ message in this passage is that if a man will inconvenience himself to provide for a needy friend, God will provide for our needs far more, since no request is an inconvenience to Him. Here again, the promise is not that we will receive whatever we ask if we just keep asking. God’s promise to His children is a promise to meet our needs, not our wants. And He knows our needs better than we do. The same promise is reiterated in Matthew 7:7-11 and in Luke 11:13, where the “good gift” is further explained to be the Holy Spirit.

Both of these passages encourage us to pray and to keep praying. There is nothing wrong with repeatedly asking for the same thing. As long as what you are praying for is within the will of God (1 John 5:14-15), keep asking until God grants your request or removes the desire from your heart. Sometimes God forces us to wait for an answer to our prayers in order to teach us patience and perseverance. Sometimes we ask for something when granting it is not yet in God's timing for our lives. Sometimes we ask for something that is not God's will for us, and He says “no.” Prayer is not only our presenting requests to God; it is God’s presenting His will to our hearts. Keep on asking, keep on knocking, and keep on seeking until God grants your request or convinces you that your request is not His will for you.

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8

“All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the
Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:2

“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will here when I call to him.” Psalm 4:3

Trust
Obey
Know

Praise the Lord,
Mary on Facebook

Single Mothers who have Children with Autism

Autism Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house
The creatures were stirring... Yes, even the mouse
We tried melatonin and gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters they always distract

The children were finally all nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror ran through my OWN head
Did I get the right gift the right color and style
Would there be a tantrum or even, maybe, a smile?

Our relatives come but they don’t understand
The pleasure he gets just from flapping his hands.
“He needs discipline,” they say “Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent…” and on goes the attack

We smile and nod because we know deep inside
The argument is moot let them all take a side
We know what it’s like to live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs achievements, regressions…

But what they don’t know and what they don’t see
Is the joy that we feel over simplicity
He said “hello” he ate something green!
He told his first lie! He did not cause a scene!

He peed on the potty who cares if he’s ten,
He stopped saying the same thing again and again!
Others don’t realize just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on at the end of our rope

But what they don’t see is the joy we can’t hide
When our children with autism make the tiniest stride
We may look at others without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred or even distaste,

But what they don’t know nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism bring simplicity.
We don’t get excited over expensive things
We jump for joy with the progress work brings

Children with autism try hard every day
That they make us proud more than words can say.
They work even harder than you or I
To achieve something small to reach a star in the sky

So to those who don’t get it or can’t get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes and I’ll assure you
That even 10 minutes into the walk
You’ll look at me with respect, even shock.

You will realize what it is I go through
And the next time you judge I can assure you
That you won’t say a thing
You’ll be quiet and learn, Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned…….

~ Cindy Waeltermann

Soldier On Watch
Christmas Poem

Here I am Soldier, Here I am!! I will never forget you, we are one, Thank You!!!!]
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
Alone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in here this moment, it's freezing out there!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your arm,
you should be at home, this cold could do harm!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"

"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
and now it is my turn and so, here I am.

Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship)

Psalm 37
“Do not fret”
“Trust in the Lord and do good,”
“Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:”
“He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;”
“Do not fret”
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;”
“Do not fret – it leads only to evil.”
“…the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
“…the Lord upholds the righteous.”
“The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever.”
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;”
“Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
“Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land foever.”
“For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faith ones.”
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;”
“He is their stronghold in time of trouble.”
“The Lord helps them and delivers them;”
“He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.”

David compares the wicked to the righteous in this Psalm, and three times he encourages us not to fret. Fret comes from worry and anger and demonstrates a lack of faith to God. When we walk in trust of the Lord, He delights in us, and makes our journey more desirable. Although society teaches us not to trust man, we know through our daily walk God is completely trustworthy. Trust Him first, then trust Him again, then trust Him forever.

Praise the Lord.

Mary

Question: "Why are there times in my life when finding God is so difficult?"

Answer: Some of the most promising and spectacular words ever spoken by God are found in the book of Jeremiah: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you” (Jeremiah 29:13-14). And sometimes, in our quest for finding God, it appears that He wants to remind us of this extraordinary promise to us. We’re deeply troubled, so we fervently pray. We’re distressed, so we cry out to God for relief. But sometimes all we hear in reply is silence—a silence so deafening it drowns out every thought but this: God isn't listening. So we ask, “Has God abandoned me?”

Many believers have experienced these feelings and asked the same question. After C. S. Lewis lost his wife to cancer, he called out to God for comfort but sensed no reply. Confused, he asked, "What can this mean? Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble?"

The Scriptures speak of cries of help, cries of distress, calling for God in times of great need and turmoil: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?” (Psalm 77:7-8).

“O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still” (Psalm 83:1).

At times our spiritual lives are like this. We think we know where God is, where we stand in our relationship to Him and yet, one day, something changes. We lose a job, our spouse wants a divorce. Even good changes, such as a job promotion or the birth of a child can bring about a sense of uncertainty. Some have referred to these unexpected changes in life as “divine interruptions.” As exciting as some of these changes can be, they can interrupt our feelings of well-being, and they can leave us feeling very much alone and forgotten; so we question: “Where is God anyway? Why am I having such a difficult time finding God?”

It’s important to remember that the promises of Jeremiah 29:13-14 are never nullified by subjective feelings. Because we feel that God is far from us doesn’t mean He is. In fact, He has told us that He will never leave us or forsake us, and since He never lies, we have to hold onto what we know about God’s character; therefore, we reject incorrect conclusions about our circumstances when those conclusions contradict what we know about God from His Word.

For the key to “finding” God, we have to go back to Psalm 77. After the psalmist laments that God has rejected him and His love has vanished (vv. 7-8), he comes to his senses and writes verses 11-12, giving us the two-part solution to feeling abandoned by God: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” First, he determines to remember God’s deeds and His miracles. Just remembering how God saved us from a life of futility and an eternity in hell should give us a proper perspective on His love. When we remember the many times He intervened in our lives in the form of answered prayer, we are reminded of His faithfulness. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal of answered prayer which they can refer back to in the “dry” times of doubts and confusion.

Second, the psalmist determines to meditate on God’s works and His deeds. Meditating on God’s Word is the only sure way to come to right conclusions about God. Those who are “blessed” in Psalm 1 are those who mediate on God’s law—the Bible—“day and night.” It delights us (v. 2) and makes us strong, fruitful and able to withstand life’s storms without withering (v. 3). But if we neglect the Word, we neglect the only means of sanctification in our lives and leave ourselves open to the lies of the devil, who would like nothing better than to convince us that God has abandoned us.

Jeremiah promises that when we seek God with all our hearts, God will be found. As the hours turn into days, and the days turn into weeks, dare to be one who’s on a never-ending quest to find God in every single day, to remember and meditate on His mighty words, and to welcome His “divine interruptions.”

Jesus Christ by Global Scope Ministries

Do you read the Bible but never understand what you are reading? Proverbs tells us that "The fear of the LORD" is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, so "The fear of the LORD" is the key to understanding the Word of God. Well what is "The fear of the LORD"? Proverbs 8:13 tells us it is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. You may say to yourself, I do hate those things, but the key is do we hate them in ourselves first?

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

Proverbs 2:1-9 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, (2) So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; (3) Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, (4) If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; (5) Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (7) He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; (8) He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. (9) Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path.

The Pregnant Turkey

One year at Thanksgiving, I went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, I decided to play a trick. I told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, I took the turkey out of the oven. She removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven. When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a look of total shock on her face, I yelled Renee, you've cooked a pregnant bird!' At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs! Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!

Single Mothers who have Children with Autism


IMAGINE if…You had a bee buzzing around your head
And someone asked you to say the alphabet backwards
IMAGINE if…You were in the middle of a really loud rock concert
And someone wanted you to name all your aunts and uncles
IMAGINE if…You were wearing three pairs of gloves.
And someone told you to eat a box of raisins one by one
This is what things are like for me, a lot of the time.
I’m autistic....

Your brain is like the inside of a computer, full of connections and wires. With messages to your body whizzing around telling you what to do. My brain looks the same as yours, except some connections work really well, and some work really differently.
And my brain wires can get crossed really easily.
So, if I’m doing something a bit funny looking… try not to laugh at me. It’s just one of my brain connections clearing itself out.

And if I tell you something over and over… just ask me to stop repeating. It’s just one of my wires plugged into the wrong socket.
And, if I freak out at some sound that you think is really normal… maybe help me get away from the sound. It’s just because my ears have their own unique volume control. And, if you think I’m ignoring you… I’m not. I’m probably just focused on something else, like a tiny spider on the ceiling on the other side of the room.

Autism is a different way of seeing the world. And seeing things the way I see them is awesome, but it makes me really tired sometimes. So, I might not always understand what’s going on.
And, I might need time by myself to think things through. Or, I might crash or jump or swing for a while to straighten myself out. Don’t worry if I don’t always do things the way you do.
Try to imagine what it’s like inside my head, then you’ll see…
I’m not being rude, I’m not being naughty, ...I’m not sick...
I’m autistic......and I’m just being me.

~ Chris Evans

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'
Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:
'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel..'

Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship)
When we were in a horrible pit and our feet ensnared in miry clay, we needed a hand powerful enough to pull us out.

When we were stained by sin that soiled every aspect of our nature, we needed a cleansing agent potent enough to purify us and wash us clean.

When we were lost, without direction, stumbling about in the darkness, and not knowing where to turn, we needed a light for our pathway and a guide to direct our steps.

When we were confused, perplexed, frustrated, anxious, worried, and fearful, we needed to hear the voice of peace, the voice of hope, and the voice of promise saying, “I am the way.”

When we were bound by Satan’s deceit and deception, held captive by his accusations, and oppressed by his evil working, we needed a redeemer who was mighty enough to set us free from the enemy’s enslavement.

When we were dead in our trespasses, without God, under condemnation, and without hope in this world, we needed life—eternal life—entering in to our innermost being to make all things new.

That hand, that purity, that light, that guide, that voice, that redemption, that life is Jesus Christ!

Roy Lessin

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 NKJV

My Life With God · 257,461 like this

A Day in Court..!!

After living a "decent" life,
My time on earth came to an end.
The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defence table.
As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor,"

He was a villainous looking gent who snarled, as he stared at me.
He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked
to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose
appearance seemed very familiar to me. The corner door flew open and there
appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence
as he moved across the room, and I couldn't take my eyes off him. As he took
his seat behind the bench, he said "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said "My name is Satan, and I am here to show you
why this man belongs in hell."
He proceeded to tell of lies that I told,
things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others.
Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life,
and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer,
as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was
equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any
form of defence at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life –
couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I've done.
Satan finished with a fury and said "This man belongs in hell.
He is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who
can prove otherwise. Justice will finally be served this day."

When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench.
The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan and beckoned him
to come forward.
As he got up and started walking I was able to see him now in his full splendour
and majesty.
Now I realized why he seemed so familiar.
This was Jesus representing me; My Lord and my Savoir.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, "Hi Dad,"
and then He turned to address the court.

"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won't deny any of
these allegations. And yes the wages of sins is death and this man deserves
to be punished".
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with
outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this
person might have eternal life, and he has accepted Me as his Savoir, so he
is mine."
My Lord continued with "His name is written in the book of life
and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet, this
man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied,
"There is nothing else that needs to be done, I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down, and the
following words bellowed from His lips -- "This man is free -- the penalty
for him has already been paid in full, case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give
up, I'll win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions
where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"
Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked Me
to represent them has received the same verdict as you,

Paid in Full….!! "

My Life With God

Question: "What is the love of Christ?"

Answer: The phrase “love of Christ,” as opposed to “love for Christ, refers to the love that He has toward mankind. His love can be briefly stated as His willingness to act in our best interest, especially in meeting our greatest need, even though it cost Him everything and even though we were the least worthy of such love.

Though Christ Jesus, being God in nature, existed from the beginning of time with God the Father (John 1:1) and the Holy Spirit, He willingly left His throne (John 1:1-14) to become a man, that He might pay the penalty for our sin so that we would not have to pay for it for all eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Because mankind’s sin has been paid for by our sinless Savior Jesus Christ, God who is just and holy can now forgive our sins when we accept Christ Jesus’ payment as our own (Romans 3:21-26). Thus, Christ’s love is shown in His leaving His home in heaven, where He was worshipped and honored as He deserved, to come to earth as a man where He would be mocked, betrayed, beaten, and crucified on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin, rising again from the dead on the third day. He considered our need of a Savior from our sin and its penalty as more important than His own comfort and life (Philippians 2:3-8).

Sometimes people may give their lives willingly for ones they deem as worthy—a friend, a relative, other “good” people—but Christ’s love goes beyond that. Christ’s love extends to those most unworthy of it. He willingly took the punishment of those who tortured Him, hated Him, rebelled against Him, and cared nothing about Him, those who were most undeserving of His love (Romans 5:6-8). He gave the most He could give for those who deserved it the least! Sacrifice, then, is the essence of godly love, called agape love. This is God-like love, not man-like love (Matthew 5:43-48).

This love which He demonstrated toward us on the cross is just the beginning. When we place our trust in Him as our Savior, He makes us God’s children, co-heirs with Him! He comes to dwell within us through His Holy Spirit, promising that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). Thus, we have a loving companion for life. And no matter what we go through, He is there, and His love is ever available to us (Romans 8:35). But as He rightfully reigns as a benevolent King in heaven, we need to give Him the position He deserves in our lives as well, that of Master and not merely companion. It is only then that we will experience life as He intended and live in the fullness of His love (John 10:10b).

Single Mothers who have Children with Autism
♥ ~ Before I Go To Sleep ~ ♥

Dear Mommy, don't you cry now and Daddy don't you weep.
I want to whisper in your ear before I go to sleep.
I know that when I came here I seemed perfect in every way.
and you were so proud Daddy when you held me on that day.
And Mommy when you kissed me and wrapped me up so tight,
I felt as if I belonged here, and everything was right.

When things got really scary and I began to slip away
I saw your face dear Mommy as you knelt by me to pray.
And Daddy, I always notice when you wipe away a tear,
or watch the other little boys as they run and laugh and cheer.
I may not be able to tell you how much I love you so,
or even show you how I feel and what I really know.

But when you hold me Mommy at night when all is still
I hear your dear heart beating and I know that all is well.
And Daddy when you take me to the park to run and play
I know that you still love though the words I cannot say.
So Daddy don't you cry now and Mommy don't you weep,
I want to tell you something before I go to sleep.

I may be sort of different, and you may not understand.
I know that I am not that child that you and Daddy planned.
But I love you both so very much and I know you love me too
and one day when this life is done you will feel my love for you.
I know the future is unknown and you will always have to be
the ones that love and listen and take good care of me.

The road we walk is rough sometimes and you cry a lot of tears,
but one day we will turn and laugh as we look back o'er the years.
So Mommy don't you cry now, and Daddy please don't weep...
I want to say,
I LOVE YOU!
before I go to sleep.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Tonight, after the election is over, we can predict (and guarantee) the following results:

1. God will still be on His throne
2. Jesus will still be King of kings and Lord of lords.
3. The Bible will still have all the answers to every problem.
4. The tomb will still be empty.
5. Jesus will still be the only way to heaven.
6. Prayer will still work - it will still make a difference and God will still answer prayer.
7. The cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.
8. There will still be room at the cross.
9. Jesus will still save anyone who places their faith and trust in Him.
10. God will still be with us always - He will never leave us or forsake us.

Source: Linda Leighton

My Life With God



Question: "How can I have my prayers answered by God?"

Answer: Many people believe answered prayer is God granting a prayer request that is offered to Him. If a prayer request is not granted, it is understood as an “unanswered” prayer. However, this is an incorrect understanding of prayer. God answers every prayer that is lifted to Him. Sometimes God answers “no” or “wait.” God only promises to grant our prayers when we ask according to His will. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

What does it mean to pray according to God’s will? Praying according to God’s will is praying for things that honor and glorify God and/or praying for what the Bible clearly reveals God’s will to be. If we pray for something that is not honoring to God or not God’s will for our lives, God will not give what we ask for. How can we know what God’s will is? God promises to give us wisdom when we ask for it. James 1:5 proclaims, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” A good place to start is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24, which outlines many things that are God’s will for us. The better we understand God’s Word, the better we will know what to pray for (John 15:7). The better we know what to pray for, the more often God will answer “yes” to our requests.

Touching Story

---

She jumped up as soon as she
saw
the surgeon come out of the
operating room. She said: "How is
my little boy? Is he going to be all
right? When can I see him?"
The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We
did all we could, but your boy
didn't make it."
Sally said, "Why do little children
get cancer? Doesn't God care any
more? Where were you, God,
when
my son needed you?"
The surgeon asked, "Would you
like
some time alone with your son?
One of the nurses will be out in a
few minutes, before he's
transported to the university."
Sally asked the nurse to stay with
her while she said good bye to
son.
She ran her fingers lovingly
through his thick red curly hair.
"Would you like a lock of his hair?"
the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a
lock of the boy's hair, put it in a
plastic bag and handed it to Sally.
The mother said, "It was Jimmy's
idea to donate his body to the
University for Study. He said it
might help somebody else. "I said
no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I
won't be using it after I die.
Maybe
it will help some other little boy
spend one more day with his
Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy
had a heart of gold. Always
thinking of someone else. Always
wanting to help others if he
could."
Sally walked out of Children's
Mercy Hospital for the last time,
after spending most of the last six
months there. She put the bag
with
Jimmy's belongings on the seat
beside her in the car. The drive
home was difficult. It was even
harder to enter the empty house.
She carried Jimmy's belongings,
and
the plastic bag with the lock of his
hair to her son's room.
She started placing the model cars
and other personal things back in
his room exactly where he had
always kept them. She laid down
across his bed and, hugging his
pillow, cried herself to sleep. It
was around midnight when Sally
awoke. Laying beside her on the
bed was a folded letter. The letter
said:
Dear Mom, I know you're going
to miss me; but don't think that
I will ever forget you, or stop
loving you, just because I'm not
around to say "I Love You" . I
will always love you, Mom, even
more with each day. Someday we
will see each other again. Until
then, if you want to adopt a
little boy so you won't be so
lonely, that's okay with me. He
can have my room and old stuff
to play with. But, if you decide
to get a girl instead, she
probably wouldn't like the same
things us boys do. You'll have to
buy her dolls and stuff girls like,
you know. Don't be sad thinking
about me. This really is a neat
place. Grandma and Grandpa
met me as soon as I got here
and showed me around some,
but it will take a long time to
see everything. The angels are so
cool. I love to watch them fly.
And, you know what? Jesus
doesn't look like any of his
pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I
knew it was Him. Jesus himself
took me to see GOD! And guess
what, Mom? I got to sit on God's
knee and talk to Him, like I was
somebody important. That's
when I told Him that I wanted
to write you a letter, to tell you
good bye and everything. But I
already knew that wasn't
allowed. Well, you know what
Mom? God handed me some
paper and His own personal pen
to write you this letter. I think
Gabriel is the name of the angel
who is going to drop this letter
off to you. God said for me to
give you the answer to one of
the questions you asked him
'Where was he when I needed
him ?', God said. He was in the
same place with me, as when his
son Jesus was on the cross. He
was right there, as he always is
with all his children. Oh, by the
way, Mom, no one else can see
what I've written except you. To
everyone else this is just a blank
piece of paper. Isn't that cool ? I
have to give God His pen back
now. He needs it to write some
more names in the Book of Life.
Tonight I get to sit at the table
with Jesus for supper. I'm sure
the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I
don't hurt anymore. The cancer
is all gone. I'm glad because I
couldn't stand that pain
anymore and God couldn't stand
to see me hurt so much, either.
That's when He sent The Angel
of Mercy to come get me. The
Angel said I was a Special
Delivery ! How about that ?
If you are touched click like and say
this before me "IN GOD AM
SPECIAL" and see what special
things will happen to u today

The Lord is my Shephard I shall not Want -Psalm 23


The world's 1st man who travelled 2 space with fire.....Elijha.

The world's 1st man who travelled in live Submarine........Jonah.

The WORLD'S 1st 3 men's who wear the fire proof jackets........Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego.

The world's 1st man who used the stone as bullet........David.

These were the world's 1st,because they kept God 1st in their life's So if you keep God 1st. HE'll also keep you @ 1st place.

God bless u all !

What shall I give you Lord,
in return for all Your kindness?
Glory to You for Your love.
Glory to You for Your mercy.
Glory to You for Your patience.
Glory to You for forgiving us all our sins.
Glory to You for coming to save our souls.
Glory to You for Your incarnation,
in the virgin's womb.
Glory to You for Your bonds.
Glory to You for receiving the cut of the lash.
Glory to You for accepting mockery.
Glory to You for Your crucifixion.
Glory to You for Your burial.
Glory to You for Your resurrection.
Glory to You who were preached,
to men and women.
Glory to You in whom they believed.
Glory to You who were taken up into heaven.
Glory to You who sit in great glory,
at the Father's right hand.
Glory to You whose will it is that,
the sinner should be saved through,
Your great mercy and compassion.
Ephraem of Syria (ca. 306-373 AD)

Thought for Today with Kim

Being broken can be the greatest opportunity to be used by God. You may feel like a failure, and like you have no value, but God has a different way of evaluating our worthiness than we do. He expects us to fail much more than we do, and he has a plan in place to restore you. First take responsibility for your actions. Ask God to forgive you, and last but not least, FORGIVE yourself...that may be the hardest part for you, but that will be where the healing begins...

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5:3

Be Blessed,

Pastor Kim

GOOD MORNING! October 16, 2012.
YOUR DAILY INSPIRATION

“…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9.

How many times have we done what we know we are not supposed to without even a thought? How many times have we indulged and satisfied our flesh, going against that which we know is not right in God’s eyes?

Joseph asked Himself in Genesis 39 (and you can read the story), “How can I?” You have to have a certain love for God and a close relationship with Him to stop, even when you know with everything in you this is what you want to do, and ask yourself “How can I?” There has to be a heart to heart relationship between you and God for you to want to please Him even more than you want to please yourself. Have you ever wondered what Paul meant when He said “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh?” Galatians 5:16. It simply mean that your spirit is so closely knit with the Spirit of God that His Spirit has total control over all you do. It is you who have to allow Him to have control. You develop complete trust and submission when you begin to know Him and love Him more than anything or anyone else known to you. It is then and only then you can say like Joseph, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.” It is then that you would choose to suffer, be imprisoned, do whatever it takes to please Him.

Gillian Henriques

Wonderfully Made
‎"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago".
Ephesians 2:8-10 (New Living Translation)

So quit beating yourself up for your past mistakes! Grace or (undeserved love) has saved you as you believe! Yes you are loved that much! That God sent His one and only Son that whomsever believe in Him shall have everlasting life! That whomsever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!

T.D. Jakes Ministries
WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 6

In making important decisions, you must realize that bad choices can cause you to face a setback! You can’t afford this, so make every move count because they affect your POSITION. This requires several things…
• Research—gathering information and collecting data
• Roadwork—removing obstacles and clearing the path
• Rewards—listing choices and imagining their consequences or benefits
• Revelation—narrowing my options and making my selection
• Rearview—looking back and adjusting as necessary to stay on course.
Following these guidelines helps me move confidently into the future with no regrets. What’s your next move? Keep pecking…

Gr8 ppl , Gr8 thoughts

Conversation with God
Me : God, can I ask You a
question?
God : Sure
Me : Promise You won't get
mad…..
God : I promise
Me : Why did You let so much
stuff happen to me today?
God : What do you mean?
Me : Well, I woke up late
God : Yes
Me : My car took forever to start
God : Okay
Me : at lunch they made my
sandwich wrong and I had to
wait
God : Hmmmmm
Me : On the way home, my
phone went dead, just as I
picked up a call
God : All right
Me : And on top of it all off,
when I got home ~I just want to
soak my feet in my new foot
massager and relax. But it
would not work!!! Nothing went
right today! Why did You do
that?
God : Let me see, the death
angel was at your bed this
morning and I had to send one
of my angels to battle him for
your life. I let you sleep through
that
Me (humbled) : OH
God : I did not let your car start
because there was a drunk
driver on your route that would
have hit you if you were on the
road.
Me : (ashamed)
God : The first person who
made your sandwich today was
sick and I did not want you to
catch what they have, I knew
you could not afford to miss
work.
Me (embarrassed) : Okay
God : Your phone went dead
because the person that was
calling was going to give false
witness about what you said on
that call, I did not even let you
talk to them so you would be
covered.
Me (softly) : I see God
God : Oh and that foot
massager, it had a shortage that
was going to throw out all of the
power in your house tonight. I
did not think you wanted to be
in the dark.
Me : I'm Sorry God
God : Don't be sorry, just learn
to trust Me.... in All things , the
Good and the bad.
Me : I will trust You.
God : And don't doubt that My
plan for your day is always
better than your plan.
Me : I won't God. And let me
just tell you God, Thank You for
Everything today.
God : You're welcome child. It
was just another day being your
God and I love looking after my
children...
Comment "God is Great" and see what miracle will happen to you today

Hope For The Broken Hearted

Good Morning Friends! Here is today's prayer...


Dear Heavenly Father,

As I looked at this photo this morning, I couldn't help but think of heaven. We are so full of anticipation and curiosity, wondering what it will look like. There are so many amazing things of beauty here on earth and we know that what we have here, is nothing compared to what awaits. Thank you Lord, that we have the promise of eternal life. Thank you Lord, that one day we will be through with all the hurt and pain and sorrow and death. Thank you that we will have no more health problems or injuries...thank you that we will be free from fear and anxiety and depression. Thank you that we will finally know true and lasting peace and love and contentment and joy. Our greatest moments of joy here on earth, will pale in comparison to what awaits. May our hearts swell within us, as we think about your goodness and greatness Father!

Father, we know that prophecies are being fulfilled every day. No man knows the hour or day of your return, but we know that we are closer than we've ever been as things are being fulfilled right before our eyes. Lord, despite our pain and worries and cares, help us to be concerned for the well-being of the lost. May we have a strong desire to share your love and your truth and the gospel with those we know that don't know you. May we care more about lost souls... help us to love people so much that we are willing to risk rejection from them, so we know they've had the opportunity to hear the salvation message. May we have a sense of urgency and not put off what we can do today, to bring others to your kingdom.

Lord, your word says we're not to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good... but we also need to weigh everything in light of eternity. Help us keep our worries in proper perspective. Help us re-evaluate our priorities. Help us not to become so fixated on our struggles that we lose sight of how fleeting this life is. Help us to overcome. Help us to grow strong in you. Help us to not get stuck or bogged down where we are at...held captive by pain unable to go backwards or to move forward. Help us keep moving forward and pressing toward the mark of the high calling we've been given. Lord, we thank you that greater are you, than he that is in the world. Our hope is built on you Lord! Please go before us this week.We trust you will meet every need and we know that you see every tear and hear the feeblest of cries that are sent out to you. We give you all that we have Lord and trust everything to your hands. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen

Hope you have a blessed week!
Much love,
Debbie

Single Mothers who have Children with Autism

I am Bryce and Aden to their Moms Joni and Jennifer:

You may not understand me, or the way I feel today.
You may not understand my reasoning for things I do or say.
The reasons why I'm so loud and say things over & over again,
Why I run so differently or lose my homework every now & then.
I write my letters backwards and sometimes numbers too,
and when in a conversation, I'll say "Guess what" 100 times to you.
Too much noise, light, or excitement can set me in a spin.
I don't like the way these pants feel rubbing against my skin.
I try to be good, but sometimes it's hard to control,
I have to do it, it's an impulse, I don't always do what I'm told.
Ketchup, Ranch and BBQ sauce on everything I eat,
sometimes I have days that I just can't sit still in my seat.
I like to talk a lot even when it's out of turn,
my mind plays tricks on me and interrupts what I'm trying to learn.
Sit up straight, wipe my face, and play ever so soft,
some of these things I have trouble with and I usually lose my train of thought.
I didn't mean to spill the milk mom, or slam the door so hard,
everyone else is done with their homework, I don't know where to start?
My heart's as big as gold, my feelings get hurt too,
I get sad, cry and have bad days just like you.
My brain works differently than other girls and boys,
but one thing always holds true, I can give your life so much joy.
I get frustrated so easily and my hand won't work that way,
I don't understand why those other kids won't let me come over and play.
Please don't think of me any differently or love of me any less,
I'm just like other kids and trying to do my best.
I am very special in my own unique way, and every moment with me you'll never have a dull day.

Wonderfully Made

‎"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:19 (New International Version)

Its time to get down to business! We are going to deal with soul ties that have been created by sin in relationships! We are going to deal with yokes and bondages that have been created by sins! If you are dealing with issues that are draining you emotionally and Spiritually i need you to channel all those emotions and start believing this verse! Jesus says here that He has given His desciples the keys to the Kingdom and that what we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven! Channel all those feelings (emotions) and start declaring out of your mouth! "With all Authority given unto me by the Blood of Jesus that was shed for me i bind all weapons formed against me in the name of Jesus! SATAN YOU NO LONGER HAVE DOMINION OVER ME AND YOU MUST LEAVE!

Declare this over yourselves, over your families, over your friends, whoever you need to in Jesus's Mighty name!

NIV Bible

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

From Facebook Grieving Mothers Poem by Nettie Wilson


I lost my child today
People came to weep and cry
as I just sat and stared, dry eyed
They struggled to find words to say
to try and make the pain go away
I walked the floor in disbelief
I lost my child today.

I lost my child last month
Most of the people went away
Some still call and some still stay
I wait to wake up from this dream
This can't be real, I want to scream
Yet everything is locked inside
God, help me, I want to die
I lost my child last month.

I lost my child last year
Now people who had came, have gone
I sit and struggle all day long
to bear the pain so deep inside
And now my friends just question Why?
Why does this mother not move on?
Just sits and sings the same old song
Good heavens, it has been so long
I lost my child last year.

Time has not moved on for me
The numbness it has disappeared
My eyes have now cried many tears
I see the look upon your face
"She must move on and leave this place"
Yet I am trapped right here in time
The song’s the same, as is the rhyme
I lost my child.........today --Netta Wilson

The Lord is my Shephard I shall not Want -Psalm23:1


Awesome post...Must read till the End...

Once there was a young girl who decided to take a short cut home from school.
The fastest way to her house was to cut through an alley
(alley iz the way behind buildings ).
The girl approached the alley way.
She saw a man standing like he was waiting for some1.
She said a prayer:
"Dear God please lead me through this alley way, safe & unharmed. Amen."
The girl walked through the alley & past the man.
Later on, at night the girl decided to watch the news.
She saw that a man had raped & murdered a young girl.
The police said,
"the man told them that another girl had passed through the alley 10mins before."
They asked him why he didn't attack the first girl.
He said "there was another man walking beside her."
NOTE:
God walks with us. We deny His presences but He is always there.
Don't forget that you are a Child of God…
He ( GOD) is always there to help you , just remember Him amen

Wonderfully Made

‎"If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."-James 1:5-8

(The Message)

Get the message? Dont doubt! Know that God will make a way when there seems to be know way! That He will heal when the doctors are saying different! That He will bring you prosperity when everything seems to be falling apart! That He will provide when you seem to feel alone! Know that you are victorious in Jesus Name!

(#3557351) New virus found in Missouri; ticks suspected
Posted by PattyMac on 30 Aug 2012 at 9:23PM
It started with fever, fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

But for two farmers in northwestern Missouri, the severe illness that followed a tick bite led epidemiologists on a journey to a new viral discovery.

"It's brand new to the world," said William Nicholson with the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's unique in that it's never been found elsewhere and it is the first phlebovirus found to cause illness in humans in the Western Hemisphere. At this point we don't know how widespread it may be, or whether it's found in other states. We don't know how many people in Missouri may have had this virus, as the finding of a completely new virus was a surprise to us."

Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship)
‎"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

The world tells us to be strong, do it our way, just do it, make your own way, etc... as if we really do anything on our own. Do we not understand and believe that everything good comes from God? If we do then we realize that nothing we do good is on our own. He is the one who gives us strength, courage, motivation, insight, determination, and drive to do anything.

Father I am nothing without You. I praise You my Lord for You are great and I am small. I adore You precious Father. I am weak Lord and am unable to do a thing without You. I need You in every part of my life. Help me Father to be the woman You made me to be. I have no shame in needing Your help, because there is no shame in being Yours. Thank You Lord for being my strong and all powerful Father. You truly are my ever present help in my time of need and I need you at all times. Bless You Lord. I pray to You in Jesus' precious holy name. Amen. ♥ ♥ ♥ Debbie

I love God.
Prospering in Adversity
You have heard it said "if you're going through hell don't stop" or “if you’re going to catch hell don’t hold it”, but Jesus learned obedience by the things HE suffered(Hebrews 5:8) and HE is the only one who went into hell and came out with more than what HE went in with, HE came out with captivity captive, HE prospered when HE went through hell and so should we, what are we to learn and grow in through the things we suffer? Look at Jesus for what we are being taught and not complain and want the easy way out, be a warrior, stand and fight through in faith.

Ephesians 4:7-16 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended
up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

God's Minute

Now this is the confidence that we have
in Him, that if we ask anything according
to His will, He hears us. And if we know
that He hears us, whatever we ask, we
know that we have the petitions that we
have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

We often find ourselves to busy to stop and say a prayer
when we have a rough day. In this life everything seems like
it has to be accomplished A.S.A.P. So we often forget to
speak to God in prayer about it before we react.

Therefore one must remember that; The effective,
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
( JAMES 5:16 *) More powerful and more
effective than anything else on this Earth, even when we
must react As Soon As Possible.

Now, have you ever wondered about the
abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms
of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we
think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will
begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days
along the way...

So when.......
There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

All My Love & Prayers,
Pastor Allen

osted by smiler5 on 1 Aug 2012 at 7:27AM
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats..
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food..
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair..
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts..
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap.



GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground...
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy..

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.


SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . . . Not piddling in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 17 success is . . Having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is .. . ... ..having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money....
At age 70 success is . .. . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . ... . Having friends.
At age 80 success is . . .. Not piddling in your pants.


Take the time to live!
Life is too short.

(#3534605) Julie Andrews Turns 70
Posted by smiler5 on 2 Aug 2012 at 6:31PM

To commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a
special appearance at Manhattan Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.
One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from
the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'.
Here are the lyrics she used:

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > >

(Sing It!) - If you sing it, it's especially hysterical!!!


Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillac's and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things...

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >> >

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd
that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.

Luke 6:27-31 But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. Do for others just what you want them to do for you. (GNT)

Romans 8: 37-39 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love - not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. (CEV)

I am going to write a book my book will be called 50 shades of gravy it will be very saucy.

Jesus Christ by Global Scope Ministries

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV

Jesus Christ by Global Scope Ministries

(Marilyn Memorize some of these and say them at night when fear creesps in and you have to stay
up all night, remember my God is thee always and I am never alone) to me to get better
each day


Prayer and Anxiety

On this page we pray for each other as part of our mission. One of the most frequent prayer requests is for relief from anxiety. We want to pray for each individual need, but below are some key scriptures related to anxiety and God's love. Blessings! Lawrence ~ Global Scope Ministries

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself, Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Psalm 30:5b: Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuse and strength, a very pleasant help in trouble.

Isaiah 40:31: But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint,

Matthew 11:30: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

John 16:20 (ESV) Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

Wonderfully Made

“God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.” ~1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (New International Version)

Being equipped is what getting into the Word is all about, that prepares us to represent God, and understand God.

My prayers are for you today... I pray you are encouraged by others greatly, but mostly by how you use God's gifts to encourage others too.

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” ~Romans 12:4-6 (New International Version)

The Lord is my Shephard I shall not Want -Psalm23:1

‎5 TRUTHS TO SHARE:
1. Prayer prevents panic.
2. Count your blessings to forget your problems.
3. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
4. There is no "Key" to happiness. The Door is already open.
5. Fear God who saves your Soul, not those who can harm your Body.
GOD BLESS US ALL TODAY ♥ ♥ ♥

Jesus Christ by Global Scope Ministries
Saved by Grace; Walk in the Spirit

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galations 5:16-21)

Hope For The Broken Hearted
Hello! Here is the prayer for today...
Here is the link for mobile users: http://wp.me/pQyzQ-c5

Dear Lord,

As we start this new week, I think we should focus on You and who You are. I think of that saying "don't tell God how big your problems are, tell your problems about how big your God is". So Lord, today we thank you that you are and we thank you that you are bigger than anything we will ever face. Help us to remember that you are...

The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. Through you and by you everything came into being. There is no one greater than you Lord.

You are the Bread of Life... you came down from heaven to be our sustenance, so we should never hunger or thirst.

You are the Light of The World... with you we need never lose our way. You are the light in the darkness, always leading and guiding us.

You are The Lamb that was slain...the Holy One that died to save us from a debt we could never pay. You are The One that conquered sin and death...there is no one mightier than You our Lord and Savior.

You are The Great Physician, you alone can heal our broken hearts, bind our wounds, heal our infirmities and heal us from the inside out.

You are Our Strength, Our Shield, Our Fortress, Our Deliverer, Our Very Present Help in times of trouble...what can man do to us Lord, for surely we our safe and secure and protected in your care....

Oh, Lord, there is so much more that You are...We could be here all day, just praising you as we think of all of Your names...But as we meditate on all that You are, we truly realize You are the Prince of Peace...our peace of mind comes from You. Our sense of peace in the storms comes from You...the peace that You give is not as this world gives, it passes all understanding.

May we carry all that You are in our hearts today, Lord. May every trial, every pain, every need pale in comparison and shrink in size, when we think on you today, Lord. We know we are loved, safe, provided for and empowered by you. We thank you Lord for all these things and for all You are. Amen

May you feel His peace today!
Much love in Him,

The Teachings of Jesus Christ


God is like ~ Bayer Aspirin ~ He works miracles !
God is like ~ A Ford ~ He's got a better idea !
God is like ~ Coca cola ~ He's the real thing !
God is like ~ Hallmark Cards ~ He cares enough to send His very best !
God is like ~ Tide ~ He gets the stains out others leave behind !
God is like ~ General Electric ~ He brings good things to life !
God is like Wal-mart ~ He has everything !
God is like Alka-Seltzer ~ Try Him, you'll like Him !
God is like ~ Scotch Tape ~ You can't see Him, but you know He's there !
God is like ~ Delta ~ He's ready when you are !
God is like ~ Allstate ~ You're in good hands with Him !
God is like ~ VO5 hair spray ~ He holds through all kinds of weather !
God is like ~ Dial Soap ~ Aren't you glad you have Him-Don't you wish everyone did?
God is like- the U.S.Post Office, ~ Neither rain, sleet, snow or ice will keep Him from His destination !
God is like ~ Chevrolet ~ The heart of America !
God is like ~ Maxwell House ~ Good til the very last drop !
God is like ~ Bounty ~ He is the Quicker picker upper-He can handle the tough jobs- He won't fall apart on you !
God is like ~ The Energizer Bunny ~ He keeps going, going, going, and going.
Blessings from my house to your house,
Peace, Love, and Prosperity to All!

IT'S SO HOT

.....the birds have to use potholders to pull the worms out of the ground.
.....the trees are whistling for the dogs.
.....the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance
.....hot water comes from both taps.
.....you can make sun tea instantly.
.....you learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
.....the temperature drops below 90 F and you feel a little chilly.
.....you discover that in July it only takes two fingers to steer your car.
.....you discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
.....you actually burn your hand opening the car door.
.....you break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 A.M.
.....your biggest motorcycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and
end up lying on the pavement and cook to death"?
.....the potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter.
.....the cows are giving evaporated milk.
.....farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

My Life With God (Facebook Site)


Question: "What is the Christian's hope?



Answer: Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1, 7). Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous (Proverbs 23:18). Without hope, life loses its meaning (Lamentations 3:18; Job 7:6) and in death there is no hope (Isaiah 38:18; Job 17:15). The righteous who trust or put their hope in God will be helped (Psalm 28:7), and they will not be confounded, put to shame, or disappointed (Isaiah 49:23). The righteous, who have this trustful hope in God, have a general confidence in God's protection and help (Jeremiah 29:11) and are free from fear and anxiety (Psalm 46:2-3).

The New Testament idea of hope is the recognition that in Christ is found the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Matthew 12:21, 1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is rooted in faith in the divine salvation in Christ (Galatians 5:5). Hope of Christians is brought into being through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Romans 8:24-25). It is the future hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), the promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7), the redemption of the body and of the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25), eternal glory (Colossians 1:27), eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7), the return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14), transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3), the salvation of God (1 Timothy 4:10) or simply Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1).

The certainty of this blessed future is guaranteed through the indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:23-25), Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), and the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:26). Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Romans 5:2-5) and is the inspiration behind endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:11). Those who hope in Christ will see Christ exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). Trustworthy promises from God give us hope (Hebrews 6:18-19), and we may boast in this hope (Hebrews 3:6) and exhibit great boldness in our faith (2 Corinthians 3:12). By contrast, those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5). Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13). Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory (Titus 1:1-2). Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3).

(#3514533) Blueberries
Posted by PattyMac on 7 Jul 2012 at 1:53PM
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries fight free radical damage and keep you younger longer. Research has found that blueberries can also reverse age related declines in motor function, balance, and coordination. There’s more: a single serving of blueberries gives you 25 percent of your daily quota of vitamin C.

Of course blueberries taste divine baked with muffins, crumbled into cobblers and just on their own, but here are some simple ideas to help you create magic with these beautiful berries:

Melt some dark chocolate over blueberries. Dark chocolate has been found to improve memory and concentration!

Dot your salad with blueberries. Instant color + taste + health boost!

Give them a whirl in the blender with vanilla-flavored yogurt.

Pop some blueberries on your breakfast cereal. More power!

Try blueberry salsa. Jalapeno, lime juice, salt, basil leaves and blueberries. Yummy!

Tuck some blueberries into your French toast.

Add a few blueberries to a glass of fresh fruit juice or cocktail.

Dish up a delicious chilled blueberry soup—boil them with orange juice, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cool and blend until smooth. Add half-and-half, and enjoy chilled.

-- Reply

Club News: To Your Health
7/6/2012 posted by PattyMac on 6 Jul 2012 at 11:11AM


Have you ever picked one grocery item over another because of the health claims on the label? You may have been duped. That’s because terms like fat free or all natural are often slapped on a food item that may not be healthy at all.

Frustrated? You’re not alone. Nearly 59% of consumers have a hard time understanding nutrition labels, according to a Nielsen survey.

Here's our list of the 16 most common—and most misleading phrases—manufacturers use on food, with advice on how to look past the hype to make smarter supermarket choices.

All natural
Don’t be fooled, all natural doesn’t mean all that much. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t define it, although food makers won’t get in trouble as long as so-labeled food doesn’t contain added colors, artificial flavors, or “synthetic substances.”

That means there’s room for interpretation.

So a food labeled natural may contain preservatives or be injected with sodium, in the case of raw chicken. “Some natural products will have high fructose corn syrup and companies will argue that since it comes from corn, it’s healthy,” says Stephan Gardner, director of litigation at the Center of Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). “Well, that isn’t true.”

Multigrain
When shopping for healthy bread and crackers, look for the words whole grain or 100% whole wheat. It’s not enough if it says multigrain or made with whole grain.

Whole grains, (which include popcorn, brown rice, and oatmeal), have more fiber and other nutrients than those that have been refined, a process that strips away the healthiest portions of the grain.

And don’t go by color alone: Some darker breads or crackers have caramel coloring and are no healthier than highly refined white breads.

No sugar added
If you’re concerned about calories and carbs (maybe because you have diabetes or are trying to prevent it), you may toss no sugar added products in your grocery cart.

But foods, including fruit, milk, cereals, and vegetables naturally contain sugar. So although these products may not have added sugar they still may contain natural sugars. And no sugar added products still may contain added ingredients like maltodextrin, a carbohydrate.

Carbohydrates—which can be simple sugars or more complex starches—raise blood sugar, and no sugar added doesn’t mean a product is calorie- or carbohydrate-free.

Sugar free
Sugar free doesn’t mean a product has fewer calories than the regular version; it may have more. (Although food makers are supposed to tell you if a product isn’t low-cal). Sugar-free products have less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving, but they still contain calories and carbohydrates from other sources.

These products often contain sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories (roughly 2 calories per gram, compared to 4 per gram for sugar), but compare labels to see if the sugar-free version is any better than the regular version. (Common sugar alcohols are mannitol, xylitol, or sorbitol).

Caution: Sugar alcohols can cause diarrhea so don’t consume a lot in one sitting.

Zero trans fat
Trans fat is bad for your heart, and the ideal intake is zero. But products that say no trans fat can actually contain less than 0.5 grams per serving.

“If a product says 0 trans fat on it, it isn’t actually at zero,” says Gardner. “If the consumer were to have two servings, then you would get a good amount added to your diet.”

Check for words on the ingredient list such as hydrogenated oils and shortening, which mean trans fat is still present.

Immunity boosters
Companies can use words like immunity blend or supports the immune system if a product contains certain vitamins, but such words are sometimes used to give an aura of health to a product that may or may not deserve it.

In general, companies must walk a fine line here. If they make medical claims, it can trigger intense scrutiny from the FDA and the federal trade commission.

In 2008, the company that makes the vitamin product Airborne agreed to settle a $23.3 million class-action lawsuit. The product's label said it could "boost the immune system" and was marketed as a way to prevent colds without sufficient evidence that it worked.

Free range
Although a food label may say free range chicken, don’t assume your bird was scampering around outside Farmer Brown’s barn.

Although the US Department of Agriculture does define the words free range, there are no requirements for the amount, duration, and quality of outdoor access.

“What it’s supposed to mean is that they are out running in a field,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, nutrition expert and author of Read It, Before You Eat It. “But what it really means is they just have exposure to the outdoors.”

Fat free
This is a notoriously misleading label. When the dangers of saturated and trans fat became clear, the market was flooded with products that touted their fat-free status. The problem? They sometimes contained nearly as many calories as full-fat versions.

“Just because it says it’s fat-free, doesn’t mean you get a free ride,” says Taub-Dix. “Packages could say it’s fat free, but be loaded with sugar, and sugar-free products could be loaded with fat.”

Check the label for calorie content, and compare it to the full-fat version.

Light
A food label may say a product, such as olive oil, is light, but manufacturers have been known to use the term to refer to the flavor rather than the ingredients.

“The flavor might be lighter, but you aren’t saving one calorie,” says Taub-Dix. “The wording on light products can be confusing for consumers, but it is important to read the nutritional facts.”

To be considered a light product, the fat content has to be 50% less than the amount found in comparable products.

Gluten free
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat or rye and it can wreak havoc on the health of those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Gluten-free products are becoming easier to find, which is great for those with gluten intolerance. For everyone else though, there’s no advantage to buying them. In fact, gluten-free whole grains may have less fiber than the regular version.

“Unless you have metabolic problems, gluten-free products don’t help you lose weight and are not necessarily good for you,” says Taub-Dix. “But because it’s a buzz word, it’s put on packages.”

Made with real fruit
Products that claim to be made with real fruit may not contain very much at all, or none of the type pictured on the box.

While companies must list the amount of nutrients they contain, such as fat and cholesterol, they do not have to disclose the percentage of ingredients, such as fruits and whole grain, according to CSPI.

In 2012, a California woman filed a class-action lawsuit over Fruit Roll-Ups, which contain "pears from concentrate" and no strawberries (in the case of the strawberry flavor).

Lightly sweetened
Although the FDA has definitions for terms like reduced sugar, no added sugar, and sugar free, companies sometimes come up with marketing lingo that is, well, just made up.

One of those terms is lightly sweetened, which isn’t defined by the FDA.

“Whether Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Bite Size is “lightly sweetened” should be determined by federal rules, not the marketing executives of a manufacturer,” according to a CSPI report from 2010.

Cholesterol free
Cholesterol free doesn’t mean, literally, no cholesterol. Cholesterol-free products must contain less than 2 mg per serving while low-cholesterol products contain 20 mg or less per serving. Foods that say reduced or less cholesterol need to have at least 25% less than comparable products.

Cholesterol is made by the liver, so only animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and butter can contain it. If a plant-based product (such as corn oil) touts its cholesterol-free status, there’s no benefit compared to other vegetable oils, which also don’t contain it.

(The American Heart Association recommends people consume less than 300 mg of cholesterol daily.)

Organic
While organic was once a bit like the term all natural—open to interpretation—that’s no longer true. If a product has a USDA label that says organic, 95% or more of the ingredients must have been grown or processed without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides (among other standards).

A label that says made with organic ingredients must have a minimum of 70% all ingredients that meet the standard.

Keep in mid that organic is not synonymous with healthy. In fact, it may be anything but. Organic food can still be packed in fat, calories, and sugar. “Companies like to add magnetic words on products to make you think it’s healthy,” says Taub-Dix.

Two percent milk
Two percent milk sounds great—it’s such a low number! What most people don’t realize is that whole milk contains only 3.25% fat.

So 2% milk contain less fat than regular milk, but not that much. It isn’t technically considered low fat; only 1% milk and fat free (also called skim milk, which has less than 0.5% fat) meet that standard.

Two percent milk may say reduced fat however, because it has at least 25% less fat than regular milk. But the American Heart Association and other health experts recommend that adults choose 1% or fat free over other types of milk.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids come in three main types: Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and a type called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which doesn’t have the proven benefit for the heart as EPA and DHA.

Some foods are higher in ALA, such as flax seeds, than EPA and DHA. Eggs may contain omega-3 if chickens are fed flax seed or fish oil, but are not considered to have a heart health benefit because of their cholesterol and saturated fat content.

“If you are looking for a good helping of omega-3, stick to fish and seaweed products,” says Gardner. “Products will sprinkle flax on their food just to slap the omega-3 label on the front.”

Serving size
Food manufacturers can be tricky with serving sizes. To make a product look low in fat or calories, they may list information based on a tiny, unrealistic serving size.

And FDA recommendations on serving size, the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) index, tend to be outdated, based on eating habits of decades past. For example, the RACC for ice cream is a half-cup, or one scoop—a lot less than what most people now eat in one sitting. For example, a pint of ice cream would be considered to have four half-cup servings, a buzz kill for those of us who could eat the whole thing in one sitting.

If you are a two-or-more scoop kind of person, double, triple, or quadruple the label’s calorie and fat information as needed

Are you saved? If you feel the Holy Spirit drawing you, read the scriptures, say the prayer at the end. And welcome to the Kingdom of God Brothers and Sisters.

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

1John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-ness."
1John 1:10 "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Romans 10:8 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;"
Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Say this prayer: Jesus, come into my heart and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Forgive me of all my sins. I renounce all the works of satan in my life and render him powerless from this day on. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior for all eternity. And I surrender my life to Him now. Thank You Father God for hearing this prayer. Thank You Jesus for saving me and being my Lord. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and Peace that surpasses all understanding now. Anoint my live and give me the Power to live for You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Journey Through The Bible · 244,378 like this
about an hour ago ·
Psalm 119:121-144

121 I have done what is fair and right.
Don't leave me to those who wrong me.
122 Promise that you will help me, your servant.
Don't let proud people wrong me.
123 My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation
and for your good promise.
124 Show your love to me, your servant,
and teach me your demands.
125 I am your servant. Give me wisdom
so I can understand your rules.
126 Lord, it is time for you to do something,
because people have disobeyed your teachings.
127 I love your commands
more than the purest gold.
128 I respect all your orders,
so I hate lying ways.

129 Your rules are wonderful.
That is why I keep them.
130 Learning your words gives wisdom
and understanding for the foolish.
131 I am nearly out of breath.
I really want to learn your commands.
132 Look at me and have mercy on me
as you do for those who love you.
133 Guide my steps as you promised;
don't let any sin control me.
134 Save me from harmful people
so I can obey your orders.
135 Show your kindness to me, your servant.
Teach me your demands.
136 Tears stream from my eyes,
because people do not obey your teachings.

137 Lord, you do what is right,
and your laws are fair.
138 The rules you commanded are right
and completely trustworthy.
139 I am so upset I am worn out,
because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your promises are proven,
so I, your servant, love them.
141 I am unimportant and hated,
but I have not forgotten your orders.
142 Your goodness continues forever,
and your teachings are true.
143 I have had troubles and misery,
but I love your commands.
144 Your rules are always good.
Help me understand so I can live.

New Century Version (NCV)

Chapter Contents

The general scope and design of this psalm is to magnify the Divine law, and make it honourable. There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from him: 1. God's law; this is enacted by him as our Sovereign. 2. His way; this is the rule of his providence. 3. His testimonies; they are solemnly declared to the world. 4. His commandments; given with authority. 5. His precepts; not left as indifferent matters to us. 6. His word, or saying; it is the declaration of his mind. 7. His judgments; framed in infinite wisdom. 8. His righteousness; it is the rule and standard of what is right. 9. His statutes; they are always binding. 10. His truth or faithfulness; it is eternal truth, it shall endure for ever.

Commentary on Psalm 119:121-128

Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.

Commentary on Psalm 119:129-136

The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.

Commentary on Psalm 119:137-144

God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.

---

Please post your thoughts and reflections in the comments below, it will be wonderful to learn from each other as we journey together!!

Can we pass the point of forgiveness?

The NIV Quest Study Bible provides these insights in reference to Nahum 3.

Nahum's intent in this passage was not to say how far God can be pushed before punishment becomes certain. Sin is sin; we cannot think in terms of minor or major sins. Yet the Bible does indicate that persistent, willful refusal to obey God will bring punishment.

When people continue to rebel, they become numb to God's Spirit. At some point, God declares, "Enough!" Persistent, repeat offenders in that type of situation cannot escape the consequences of their rebellion against God. When judgment comes to such sinners, it is too little, too late for them to beg of mercy. God is gracious, but he cannot be mocked (see Galatians 6:7).

Nevertheless, we can be confident that when it comes to our eternal destiny, God desires to forgive our sins when we turn to him in repentance. Only those who persist in their rebellion against God will faith to find forgiveness.

Praying People (by Revd Mark Brown)


It is Well With my Soul..."

Fear not. for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, i will help you; I will uphold you with my Righteous right hand. Behold all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced... "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you,, Fear not, I will help you."
(Isaiah 41:10-11a, 13 NJKV)

It Is Well With My Soul * Hymn by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873. He wrote this song after losing a fortune in the Chicago Fire and losing his children in a sinking ship in the Atlantic. (Verses 1, 3, 6)

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

"My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

"And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul."

THE "OUR FATHER" PRAYER Who Art In Heaven Prayer


Do I Really Mean What I Pray?

Examine how well you live what you pray as you meditate on the
following: I cannot say OUR if I keep my faith only to myself and
never share it with others.

I cannot say FATHER if I do not trust in His loving and complete
concern for me, forgetting that He always answers prayers how and when
He knows is best.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am so attached to the ways of
this world that I neglect to seek God first in everything.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am unwilling to let His
holiness penetrate my life and help me grow in my own holiness.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not using my life to bring His
love into the world.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I live by my own ideas of morality
or choose to follow the world's standards.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I am not devoting my life
to serving Him here on earth.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am not willing to
be generous with whatever God gives me.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I don't want to put forth
enough effort to change.

I cannot say AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I still
hold a grudge, if I'm still angry, or if I still insist that other
people change.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately or
knowingly place myself in a position to be tempted.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I'm not actively fighting
against evil through deeds of love and service for everyone in my
life, especially those who cause problems.

God Loves You More Than You Love Yourself

ROMANS 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God has proven His love for you. So don't doubt it.

What proves that God loves you more than you love yourself? He
died in your place -- suffering the punishment for sin that you
deserved, so you could go free. God was more willing to suffer
Himself than to see you suffer.

Of course, the devil constantly tries to get you to doubt that
God loves you. That's why you must rely on what the Bible says
-- not what your feelings or circumstances may tell you.

You may think you don't love yourself -- maybe you think you
hate yourself. Even if you don't think too highly of what you
have done, you still love yourself in the sense that you desire
the best for yourself. You don't desire pain or loss.

So it is with God -- He desires good for you -- even more than
you do. And He demonstrated at Calvary that He would put your
interest before His own.

1 JOHN 4:16
16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God
in him.

There are at least two reasons why God loves you so much.
First, it is His nature to love. The Bible says that God is
love. Love is the word that best describes God's nature.

Second, you are His creation. God loves you just as good
earthly parents love their offspring. People may not seem very
special to others, but to their mother and father they are
always special. This should help you understand how God could
really like you -- even though you may not like yourself very
much.

Also, God sees you as you can be and will become -- not just as
you are now. God has faith in you and in His ability to make
you someone special.

SAY THIS: I choose to believe what the Bible says: God loves
me.

ROMANS 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God has proven His love for you. So don't doubt it.

What proves that God loves you more than you love yourself? He
died in your place -- suffering the punishment for sin that you
deserved, so you could go free. God was more willing to suffer
Himself than to see you suffer.

Of course, the devil constantly tries to get you to doubt that
God loves you. That's why you must rely on what the Bible says
-- not what your feelings or circumstances may tell you.

You may think you don't love yourself -- maybe you think you
hate yourself. Even if you don't think too highly of what you
have done, you still love yourself in the sense that you desire
the best for yourself. You don't desire pain or loss.

So it is with God -- He desires good for you -- even more than
you do. And He demonstrated at Calvary that He would put your
interest before His own.

1 JOHN 4:16
16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God
in him.

There are at least two reasons why God loves you so much.
First, it is His nature to love. The Bible says that God is
love. Love is the word that best describes God's nature.

Second, you are His creation. God loves you just as good
earthly parents love their offspring. People may not seem very
special to others, but to their mother and father they are
always special. This should help you understand how God could
really like you -- even though you may not like yourself very
much.

Also, God sees you as you can be and will become -- not just as
you are now. God has faith in you and in His ability to make
you someone special.

SAY THIS: I choose to believe what the Bible says: God loves
me.

Praying for America


O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country lov'd,
And mercy more than life.
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Father's Love Letter

My Child
You may not know me, but I know everything about you Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Angela Doty I had a prayer diary once that made this suggestion: Read through 5X, try to say it (only looking as needed) 5x, quote it without looking 5x. If you add only one verse a day, and rehearse it before each meal and before bed, you should be ready to add the next verse in the chapter the next day, always remembering to spend time reviewing often. Try to say the verse to yourself when walking, driving, showering, waiting, etc. Carry it on index cards as Dawn suggested above if necessary. The best way to memorize is in whole chapters and eventually in whole books of the Bible. In this way, you will keep the context, and will find many "meals" to "chew on" that would have been otherwise missed! P.S. Don't forget to pray that God will prosper you in your efforts to memorize His Word, and don't despise meager beginnings! (Zechariah 4:10) If you work at it for a few minutes several times a day, by God's grace you will experience the great success!

It is often claimed by Muslims and other Skeptics that in Mark 10:17-22 Jesus denies His divinity by rejecting the notion that He is good. It reads as follows:

“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good – except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ‘Teacher,’ he declared, ‘all these I have kept since I was a boy.’ Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

From this passage the idea is sometimes taken that Jesus is denying his own goodness, and therefore, throwing out any chance of being recognized as part of the Godhead.Is Jesus here rebuking the man for calling Him good and thereby denying His deity? No. Rather, He is using a penetrating question to push the man to think through the implications of his own words, to understand the concept of Jesus’ goodness and, most especially, the man’s lack of goodness. The young ruler “went away sad” (Mark 10:22) because he realized that although he had devoted himself to keeping the commandments, he had failed to keep the greatest of the commandments—love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Matthew 22:37-38). The man’s riches were of more worth to him than God, and thus he was not “good” in the eyes of God.

Jesus is essentially saying to the ruler, “Do you know what you are implying? You say I am good; but only God is good; therefore, you realize that you are identifying me with God?” [Brooks, commentary on Mark, 162] In Jewish thought, God was pre-eminently good, so that the ruler was indeed offering Jesus a compliment usually reserved for God. Since it is quite unlikely that the ruler truly believed that Jesus was identifiable as God the Son, this looks more like an effort by Jesus to make the man think about what he is saying before he blurts it out or engages in indiscriminate flattery.

Thus it is appropriate that Jesus parry the compliment in a way that does not specifically deny his membership in the Godhead.In short, there isn’t anything here that has Jesus denying goodness, or membership in the Godhead — just teaching an overenthusiast and/or challenger a lesson. Such an interpretation is substantiated by passages such as John 10:11 wherein Jesus declares Himself to be “the good shepherd.” Similarly in John 8:46, Jesus asks, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” Of course the answer is “no.” Jesus was “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26), the only One who “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The logic can thus be summarized as follows:

1: Jesus claims only God is good.

2: Jesus claims to be good.

3: Therefore, Jesus claims to be God.

So in conclusion Jesus’ question to the man is not to deny His deity, but rather to draw the man to recognize Christ’s divine identity.

Sources :Extracts from tektonics.org,gotquestions.org

The Holy Spirit Will Help You

JOHN 14:16
16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another
Helper, that He may abide with you forever,

If you allow Him to, the Holy Spirit will guide you in every
area of life; from the words you should speak, to the spouse
you should marry, to the investments you should make.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity of God. It
is difficult for humans to understand how there can be only one
God, as the Scriptures teach, yet He can reveal Himself as
three persons. So do not let it be an obstacle for you, or be
drawn into fighting about it.

The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force. He should be
treated with the utmost respect and gratitude.

I have personally found the Holy Spirit to be a wonderful,
wonderful Helper -- in so many ways. Even in simple, practical
things, like reminding me of things, or helping me to find
misplaced items. The Holy Spirit is truly interested in
everything that affects you, and desires to help you -- if you
will allow Him to.

No doubt, the Holy Spirit has been helping you, too. You just
may not have recognized it. You may have called it "a hunch" or
"it just came to me" or "I just had an idea." Start giving
thanks to the real source of your help -- the Holy Spirit of
God.

The Bible mentions several ways the Holy Spirit helps: teaching
you all things, bringing the Word to your remembrance, telling
you of things to come, revealing to you the things of God,
comforting you, encouraging you, empowering you to be a
witness, and bringing life and healing to you.

You are not facing life all alone -- as an orphan would. The
Holy Spirit is with you continually -- living with you. When
you need help He is never far away, but always right with you,
waiting for you to call on Him for His help.

SAY THIS: Holy Spirit, I appreciate your help. Thank you for
guiding me in life and helping me in every way.

"O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly." Psalm 6

Physical pain is the body's cue to modify or change a behavior/action. We feel our skin burning we move away from the fire. We get stung by the bee we instinctively swat at it. Our reaction to emotional pain is somewhat similar. As we grow older we develop patterns of coping/dealing with emotional pain. Some people move away from what is causing the pain. Some people seek revenge or "swat" back in anger.

Let us learn from David's pleas how to go to God with our pain. He is the prescription that heals all wounds. Instead of just moving away from the offender let us move closer to God. Instead of swatting back in anger let us lift our hands to Him. David showed us in Psalm 6 that when we go to God with our pain we can be renewed and refreshed in His promises that our God is for us and will deliver us from our pain!!!

Thought for the Day: “Feeling like you’re being overwhelmed? Your ability to weather life’s storms rests on your ability to go through them with God. You may be in rough water but He won’t let you drown. You need to keep moving forward and trust that during this time He is working to bring about a brighter future for you. We may not know the day that future might arrive, but stay strong and have confidence that it is coming.” I hope you have a great day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8 NIV)

The Footprints Prayer


One night I had a dream...
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the worst times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.

My Life With God

To Control the Tongue


Dear Heavenly Father, I commit to turn from idle words and foolishly talking things that are contrary to my true desire for myself and toward others. Your Word says that the tongue defiles, that it sets on fire the course of nature, that it is set on fire of hell.

In the name of Jesus, I am determined to take control of my tongue.

I am determined that hell will not set my tongue on fire. I renounce, reject and repent of every word that has ever proceeded out of my mouth against You, Lord, and Your operation. I cancel its power and dedicate my mouth to speak excellent things and right things. My mouth shall utter truth.

Dear Father, I attend to Your words; I consent and submit to Your sayings. I will not let them depart from my sight; I keep them in the center of my heart, for they are life to me and to those to whom I speak—healing and health to all our flesh. I keep and guard my heart with all vigilance and above all that I guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. I put away from me false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk I put far from me. My eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and my gaze is straight before me. I guard my mouth and my heart with all diligence. I refuse to give Satan any place in me.

Dear Father, Your words are top priority to me. They are spirit and life. I let Your Word dwell in me richly in all wisdom. Your ability is released within me by the words of my mouth; therefore, I speak forth Your words. They are alive and working in me because You are alive and working in me. So I can boldly say that my words are words of faith, words of power, words of love and words of life. They produce good things in my life and in the lives of others. Because I choose Your words for my lips, I choose Your will for my life, and I go forth in the power of those words to perform them in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Praying People (by Revd Mark Brown)
AND IN THAT DAY…..

“Righteousness will be His belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den. The young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.

“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” {Isaiah 11:5-9 NIV)

AMAZING STORY

"A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's... limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her, "Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed. I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name? "

The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, "Mr. William Grey........."

The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay."
- Anonymous -

Some of these are corny, some are cute and many make quite a bit of sense:

If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?

Practice makes perfect...but if nobody's perfect, why practice?

Do you ever get the feeling that your stuff has strutted without you?

Before you open your mouth to speak, make sure it's an improvement upon the silence.

A word to the wise isn't necessary. It's the stupid ones who need the advice.

Are the "good things that come to those who wait" really just leftovers from people who got there first?

Excuse me for driving so closely in front of you.

Pardon me for talking while you are interupting.

No sense being pessimistic, it probably wouldn't work anyway.

You know you're getting older when happy hour is a nap.

Most of us can keep a secret. It's the people we tell it to who can't.

Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

If a deaf person swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

I couldn't decide which of two physicians to see. It was a paradox.

I used to work in a blanket factory, but it folded.

Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

There are no exceptions to the rule that everybody likes to be an exception to the rule.

A pessimist's blood type is always b-negative.

If people listened to themselves more often, they would talk less.

When all men think alike, no one thinks very much.

Some Amazing Facts of Almond .... check this out !


'Cholesterol Regulation is one of the most known benefits of Almonds'.
Ninety percent of the fat in almonds is unsaturated fat, and frequent consumption, as a result, could help lower blood cholesterol levels.

You can eat almonds directly, preferably eat it empty stomach to ensure absorption of their nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight and eat in the morning. You can also garnish various dishes with crushed almonds.

Almonds are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, Copper, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and they regulate blood pressure.

Total Benefits :

- Growth of Brain : Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children.

- Good for heart: Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases.

- Skin care
- Regulates blood pressure
- Prevention of cancer
-Protection against diabetes
- Good in pregnancy:
- Weight loss
- Prevention of constipation
- Boosts energy

When we lean on the world for our significance we often end up feeling alone, uncared for, unloved, unworthy, small, forgotten, and insignificant. Each of us is significant to God as evidenced by His word. In Matthew 10:30 we are told "Indeed, even the hairs on your head have all been counted!" God sees all of us in our entirety and still loves us. In fact, ""For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.

Be as a flower and
turn your face towards the Son
there you will thrive
as His will is done.

His nurturing glow
will fill your heart
then you will know
you were loved from the start ♥ ♥ ♥

The power of the Gospel is found, not only in Jesus’ words, but in Jesus’ life. The Gospel is revealed both in what He said and what He did. In the Gospel we see that Jesus not only came to give us His teaching, He came to give us Himself; He not only came to give us the kingdom, He came to give us the King; He not only came to give us salvation, He came to give us the Savior.

If we, as believers in the Gospel, tried to follow Jesus’ teaching without Jesus’ life we would be attempting the impossible. If we tried to live in the kingdom without the King we would be powerless. If we sought salvation without the Savior we would still be in our sins.

Jesus told us to obey His word, but He also said, “Follow Me.” We cannot follow His word without following Him. The Gospel means that Jesus is everything to us.

Where would we be without Him? We would be…

Without every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
Without salvation (Ephesians 2:5-8)
Without His working in us (Ephesians 2:10)
Without intimacy with God (Ephesians 2:13)
Without peace (Ephesians 2:14)
Without encouragement (Philippians 2:1)
Without consolation (Philippians 2:1)
Without light (Colossians 1:13)
Without His kingdom (Colossians 1:3)
Without redemption (Colossians 1:14)
Without forgiveness (Colossians 1:14)
Without fullness (Colossians 1:19)
Without reconciliation (Colossians 1:20)
Without holiness (Colossians 1:22)
Without hope (Colossians 1:27)
Without all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)
Without a spiritual walk (Colossians 2:6)
Without edification (Colossians 2:7)
Without completion (Colossians 2:10)
Without spiritual life (Colossians 2:13)
Without purpose (Ephesians 1:11)
Without love (Ephesians 3:19)

Thankfully, He lives and all things are yours when you are in Him! There is nothing you lack when He is your all.
Roy Lessin

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE

Our Birth is our Opening Balance!
Our Death is our Closing Balance!
Our Prejudiced Views are our Liabilities
Our Creative Ideas are our Assets

Heart is our Current Asset
Soul is our Fixed Asset
Brain is our Fixed Deposit
Thinking is our Current Account

Achievements are our Capital
Character & Morals, our Stock-in-Trade
Friends are our General Reserves
Values & Behaviour are our Goodwill

Patience is our Interest Earned
Love is our Dividend
Children are our Bonus Issues
Education is Brands / Patents

Knowledge is our Investment
Experience is our Premium Account
The Aim is to Tally the Balance Sheet Accurately.
The Goal is to get the Best Presented Accounts Award.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Some very Good and Very bad things ..
The most destructive habit....... ........ ......Worry
The greatest Joy......... ......... ......... ....Giving
The greatest loss..................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work......... ........Helping others
The ugliest personality trait....... ….......Selfishness
The most endangered species..... ....Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource.... ......... ......Our youth

The greatest 'shot in the arm'........ .Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome.... ......... ...Fear
The most effective sleeping pill....... Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease...... .......Excuses

The most powerful force in life........ ........... Love
The most dangerous act...... ………….A gossip
The world's most incredible computer.... ....The brain
The worst thing to be without..... ......... ..... Hope

The deadliest weapon...... ........ .........The tongue
The two most power-filled words....... .... 'I Can'
The greatest asset....... .......... ......... ...........Faith
The most worthless emotion.... .......... ....Self- pity

The most beautiful attire...... ......... .........SMILE!
The most prized possession.. ........ ….....Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication. ..Prayer
The most contagious spirit...... ......... ......Enthusiasm

Life ends; when you stop Dreaming,
Hope ends; when you stop Believing,
Love ends; when you stop Caring,
And Friendship ends; when you stop Sharing...!!!

"Ugly"

---

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was.
Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this
world: fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent
outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one
eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot has
appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

His tail has long age been lost, leaving only the smallest stub,
which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. "That's one UGLY cat!!"

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw
rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around feet in forgiveness.

Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing
frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for
their love. If ever someone picked him up he would immediately
begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor's huskies. They
did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my
apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his
aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent
Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted
grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur
that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry
him home I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. I must be hurting him terribly I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear.

Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying
to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the
palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving
creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or
scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and
held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one
scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about
what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally
and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply.

To give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be
richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me, I
will always try to be Ugly.
-- Author Unknown

There are times in our lives,
When everything around us is falling apart,
When all the things that we have worked so hard for,
perish before our own eyes...
When everything that we try and do seems so hopeless,
When all our efforts make no difference at all
When we feel so drained and exhausted from trying so hard to deal with all the chaos that has happened to us...
When we feel so small and insignificant..so helpless...

That's the time that we need to kneel down and pray...
We need to pour out our hearts to Our Loving God,
The Heavenly Father...
We need to open up all our sufferings and pains,
all struggles and frustrations, all our disappointments Before Him..

All things are possible to Our Heavenly Father,
We need to put all our Faith, Trust and Hope in Him..
He will deal with all our problems and struggles and lift us out of the pit..
He will raise us up, restore our lives and help us prosper..

Dear Heavenly Father..You know our troubles that we are facing,
The troubles that have driven us down into the pit...
Dear Dad we seek Your Loving Grace and Mercy in this our hour of suffering..
This I seek and pray for in Jesus mighty name..Amen.

Thought for the Day: “No situation is hopeless. There may be times when things seem quite bleak and we tire of struggling - but once we lose hope – all is lost. Trust in God to lift you up and guide your path. Never let your trust in Him be overtaken by hopelessness and a loss of faith in His ways.” I hope you have a wonderful day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-21 NIV)

Now, before I run to play,
Let me not forget to pray
To God who kept me through the night
And waked me with the morning light.
Help me, Lord, to love thee more
Than I ever loved before,
Amen

‎1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.
2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time, and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.
4. Save money when you're young because you'll need it some day.
5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.
8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.
10. Take pride in your appearance.
11. Be strong and tender at the same time.
12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
17. Be patriotic.
18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.
By: Tami Johnson Vanover

My Life With God


God is so faithful!!
He strengthens us when we are tired...
He encourages us when we think of quitting...
He guides us when things seem confusing...
He inspires us when hindrances are along the way...
And most of all, He loves us even when we feel nobody cares...
Indeed, God is great!!

Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms: racing heartbeat, faintness, dizzyness, numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers, chills, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of loss or control. There are several treatments for panic attacks.

by The Power and Presence Ministry ·
When her husband died, a poor widow was left in a frightening situation withtwo children to support. Unable to meet her obligations, she was threatened bycreditors.This woman was desperate and she appealed to Elisha: "Now the wife of one ofthe sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, andyou know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take mytwo children to be his slaves'" (2 Kings 4:1, ESV).The fact is, God uses our dilemmas to glorify His name. For that reason, ourown God-story may be formed through pain or delay. One in ten Americans isunemployed and others have had to take a reduction in pay. In some homes bothspouses work two jobs to keep from losing everything they own.Perhaps you have reasoned in your own dilemma, "If I don't have a breakthroughsoon, it's over. I need a miracle just to survive." I picture this widow havingthose very thoughts.Elisha asked her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in yourhouse?" (4:2, NKJV). He was not asking her to sell her valuables for cash;actually, she didn't have any valuables left. Elisha was saying, in essence,"God can meet you just as you are. If you have faith, He can multiply even thesmallest thing you have."The widow answered, "All I have is one jar of oil." We know from Scripture thatoil represents God's blessing and provision. At this point Elisha gave her astrange instruction: "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars.Don't ask for just a few" (4:3, NIV).She did as the prophet instructed. Then Elisha said, "Then go inside and shutthe door behind you. . . . Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled,put it to one side" (4:4, NIV). Once more she followed Elisha's word. As shepoured oil from her own jar, it filled a borrowed jar. The same thing happenedagain as the next borrowed jar was also filled. It happened again with thenext. And the next. There was an endless supply of oil!Here is the point: When God tells us He has our needed supply, it is not just ameager amount. God has everything we need. His ability to meet our situation isendless.
Gary Wilkerson

I exchange my weariness for His strength,
I exchange my weakness for His power,
I exchange my darkness for His light,
I exchange my problems for His solutions,
I exchange my burdens for His freedom,
I exchange my frustrations for His peace,
I exchange my turmoil for His calm,
I exchange my hopes for His promises,
I exchange my afflictions for His balm of comfort,
I exchange my questions for His answers,
I exchange my confusion for His knowledge,
I exchange my doubt for His assurance,
I exchange my nothingness for His awesomeness,
I exchange the temporal for the eternal,
I exchange the impossible for the possible,
I exchange my fear for His love

To flowers in His Garden you will know when you read --God is speaking to His own.....
by The Power and Presence Ministry on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 1:45pm ·

You are, a dear one, always walking close to Me. I hold you close and comfort you always as you face difficulties along the way. You are My flower even on the days when you do not think you could be a flower at all. There is a sweet fragrance that I have applied to your life, having never left you nor forsaken you at any time. You have My fragrance. I am with you always.

The fragrance in your life is “Love”. I am beginning to release more into your life, more revelation, more strength, more power, and more love. Arise and Shine! There is One that will bring to pass every desire of your heart. It is I, the Lord, who cares for you.It is I, the Lord, who has watched over you and planted you in My garden. You have become a beautiful fragrance.I have heard your prayers.I have seen your tears.Behold, I will heal you and every prayer thathas come up to Me I have heard and will answer in due season. Not one tear was wasted, not one prayer has been misplaced.

So many questions. The Lord says, “No, My dearest child, I have not forgotten you, neither have I forsaken you. You are Mine. I will give you the desires of your heart as you seek Me. The perseverance through these years has been given to you to press on moment by moment and day by day”. All is not lost, just another beginning. My time and My ways are not as yours. There was not one I did not choose to heal in My word. I will heal you and I will make you whole once again.

There was a time healing came to you. There was the manifestation of healing. As it happens, the enemy brings doubt. The enemy brings weariness and discouragement. No, not one of My children have I forgotten. I have called you and I have saved you. I have kept you for such a time as this. Believe Me! “All things are possible to him who believes”. Doubt has no place in you.

My precious one, you who have been hidden away for a time, will once again stand strong. You will have a voice for Me. Rejoice in all that I have done for you! Though your journey has been long and your trial has been long, I am about to give you double, a double portion of anointing and a double portion of fragrance. Your life has been and will be a fragrance to many, an inspiration as you "Arise and Shine”. I will use your trials and troubles to show others the way of encouragement.

Many have been down this same path but, there is not one that has more authority than has been promised to you. Continue on and allow Me to work in you and to mold you as the potter molds the clay. Out of your trials and troubles will come healing for many, as you receive from Me.

The Garden I have placed you in is the Garden of Healing. Many on that path need encouragement. You know with your own heart the difficulty of this. Be a voice for My people and see many healed. You are My child, whom many have not taken seriously. I, the Lord, am about to scatter everything that is not of Me and release My children from the bondages of the flesh. Precious one, raise your voice. Rejoice! I am the Great Physician. Would I not hear My childrens’ cry? I am Father as well as Physician. Open yourself up to hear My voice as I speak with you and you will rejoice at what you hear in your ear. Look for My voice in the night season. Even as you sleep I will be speaking to you.

Amen and Amen

Written by Gail Manizak, Inspired of the Lord Jesus
All Gods children are such beautiful flowers, each one individually created for Him, each one totally beautiful to Him,

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
Proverbs 16:31, NLT
The Hebrews believed that a long life was a sign of God's blessing; therefore, gray hair and old age were good. While young people glory in their strength, old people can rejoice in their years of experience and practical wisdom. Gray hair is not a sign of disgrace to be covered over; it is a crown of splendor.
As you deal with older people, treat them with respect. Joselyn

John 15:1-17
The Vine and the Branches
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts
off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
Father~ ♥ we would be afraid to surrender to the pruning knife of anyone else but You. Thank You for the pruning that draws us closer to You, and helps us become more like Your Son... Amen..

Ephesians 6:14-18 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (KJV)

Welcome to the One Hundred First-Day of the reading the Bible challenge! If you would like others to join you on this amazing journey through the Bible head to the page: http://www.facebook.com/Jesus.page

Romans 6:1-23
1 What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? 2 Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? 3 For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. 4 By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.5 For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. 6 And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. 7 For when we die, we are set free from the power of sin. 8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again—death will no longer rule over him. 10 And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God. 11 In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus.12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. 13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. 14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace. Slaves of Righteousness15 What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! 16 Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey—either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God. 17But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received. 18 You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness. 19 (I use everyday language because of the weakness of your natural selves.) At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes.20 When you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of the result of those things is death! 22 But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. 23 For sin pays its wage—death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. (Good News Translation)

http://biblesearch.americanbible.org/GNT/Rom/6/1
11Like · · Share

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Revelations 3:5-9, NIV

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10). Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). While the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding (Psalms 111:10).

There is freedom in Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:1), However this doesn't mean we are absolutely free to do everything as we please, like God (Psalms 135:6). Jesus freed us from the bondage of sin, not from everything. We are still bound to God; we are His servants even ever since he created us. Whether we obey out of love, obedience in its true essence still means; dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority, and that is God. The meaning of obedience and our motivation to obey are two different things. Obedience has only one meaning and it never changes, while our motivation in abiding whether it be to God or someone else may vary. Some obey out of love some out of duty, but when you obey you still have to admit that you are lesser or a subordinate of the one you are obeying, in the case of Christians that is God or Jesus Christ, our Lord. If anyone thinks that in Jesus we are not to fear the Lord must think twice about what they believe. Because it is written we are to workout our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread (Isaiah8:13, NIV). For The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding (Psalms 111:10). If we fear anything other than God, we are deceived. God is the only thing in the universe worthy of fear. Satan, of course, would disagree and has made an industry out generating bogus fear. His weapons are horror movies, anxieties, worries, nightmares, phobias, panic attacks, demons, etc. Satan wants the fear due God. To be sure, Satan is truly a terrifying master to those under his care, but those "in Christ" have been purchased from his mastery and need not fear him any longer. Whenever it is in our power, we should cut off any access Satan has to our minds or hearts to plant bogus fear. Fear of the Lord is an important element of faith. If you do not fear or believe that God could put punish you with death due to your sin (Romans 6:23a) then you won’t have reason to accept His Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior (John 3:16).

Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship)

• I am loved with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
• I am the apple of His eye. (Proverbs 7:2)
• My name is engraved in the palm of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16)
• I am carried through every storm. (Mark 4:35-41)
• I am wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
• I am watched over day and night. (Psalm 121:1-8)
• I am forgiven. (1 John 1:9)
• I am rejoiced over with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

My life is more than half full. It overflows. I just have to be willing to see, and enjoy, who God is and the beautiful things He's given me.
LeAnn Rice~~~~Jennifer

The Teachings of Jesus Christ


Obedience is defined as “dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority. Obedience in other words means submission, subservience, deference. Using this definition, we see the elements of biblical obedience. “Dutifully” means it is our obligation to obey God, just as Jesus fulfilled His duty to the Father by dying on the cross for our sin (Romans 5:8). “Commands, orders or instructions” speaks to the Scriptures in which God has clearly outlined His commandments and His will. It is also useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “One in authority” is God Himself whose authority is total and unequivocal. For the Christian, obedience means complying with everything God has commanded because it is our duty to do so. And if we truly love God, we will obey His commands (John 14:15).

Man was created to be a winner. The Bible tells us so. We read in Genesis, for example, that man was originally put on this earth as a dominating lord. God gave him dominion over the earth and everything that crept, flew, crawled, and breathed there. Man didn't even know what losing was until he separated himself from God through disobedience in the Garden of Eden. When that happened, he ran headlong into defeat. He was forced to accept failure as his lot in life, lowering himself to a subordinate position--a position he was never meant to occupy. It's a sad story. But if you're a born again child of God, your story has a happy ending. Through faith in Christ Jesus, you've been made a winner once again! In fact, God has guaranteed your success. Let me show you what I mean. Imagine you're about to tackle a really tough job, and before you even get started on it, God speaks to you right out loud and says, "I just want you to know, I'm going to personally see to it that this project you're working on succeeds." Well, let me tell you something. You do have God's promise that you'll succeed. He said in His Word that you're an over comer! In Him you can overcome any problem the world throws your way (1 John 5:1-5). It doesn't matter how much you feel like a loser. It doesn't matter how many times you've failed in the past. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, then you've become more than a conqueror in Him (Rom. 8:37). Does that mean you won't have any more trouble? No. It simply means you can go through that trouble and emerge triumphant. If you've been feeling like a failure lately, renew your mind to the Word of God that says you're a success. Every time a challenge comes up, respond by saying, "Well, praise God, I can beat this thing because I'm an overcomer in Jesus!" Let that Word from God abide in your heart. It will make a winner out of you.

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.

---

Deuteronomy 32:11(King James Version)

Dearest Abba, Father, great are your works! Your greatness no one can fathom. You are most worthy of our praises. Marvelous are Your ways and means by which You lead us. Sometimes You let troubles to come in our life so as to teach us to trust You and to depend on You. You test us in the crucible of our life to make us pure as gold. Since You are overseeing the troubles and tribulations in our life, they never can hurt us. They will make our faith in You to become stronger. How sweet is Your love! How immeasurable is Your wisdom in ordaining each situations in our life! You never let anything happen in our life which is unbearable to us. You are everything to me. Help me learn from You always. Lord Jesus, I lay myself at Your feet. Cover me with the dust of Your feet. In everything I do, I want Your thoughts to be on my mind so that I can be a success and my life can be an abundant blessing. Let the lamp of active faith burn ever so brightly in my life. Abba, put Your words in my mouth and cover me with the shadow of Your hand. Through Jesus Christ, through whom everything came into existence and through whom I live, I pray. Amen.

The Teachings of Jesus Christ

We live in a fallen world due to sin. Not only that we all live like zombies (living dead) in our former state (Ephesians 2:1), a life apart from God due to our sins (Romans 3:23) we were all dead because of our connection to Adam (1 Corinthians 15:22). But Jesus came to earth as the Messiah (John 3:16) and those who believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. We gain salvation by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and in Christ there is no more condemnation (Romans 8:1) Nothing here on earth and beyond can ever separate us from God's love through His, Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39). However this does not mean life will be easy for us, Christians. For we will suffer persecution as Christ and the Prophets did (Matthew 24:9), the world will hate us (John 15:18-21; 16:1-4, 17:14-18) Following Christ is also like engaging in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). But never loose heart brothers and sisters for God will never abandon us (Matthew 28:20), keep abiding in God and never lean on ones own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Never be anxious, instead pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). For in Christ we are considered God's children, heir of Christ's kingdom (Romans 8:17).

The Teachings of Jesus Christ
The secret to finding and experiencing true joy is; first to acknowledge that God is sovereign above all (Psalms 115:3) everything is owned by God even our lives, besides that God loves us (John 3:16), He loves us so much, that he lets His Son die for us, while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). Be contented with what you have, like apostle Paul (Philippians 4:10-13). Through contentment, we will be ab...le to appreciate everything we have no matter how little we have especially our salvation. Lastly have fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25) and extend that fellowship to non-believers by reaching out to then for Christ, since it's our great commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This way our joy which come from our salvation will increase and will make us more confident not only on ourselves but more on God. Jesus came into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Him should stay in darkness (John 12:46). Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). According to Jesus the one who believes in Him has eternal life (John 6:47).

The Teachings of Jesus Christ

Christian living, means walking in the Spirit, in God's ways, in love and in truth. As we live our lives for Christ, our goal should always be to progress and to develop to be increasingly like Jesus Christ. In scripture this is called sanctification. To progress in our lives with Jesus Christ, there are three things we need to consider, so that we could ensure that we are moving forward and not backward.

These three elements are obedience, wisdom, and confidence. Obedience is a very important element in our Christian living. It shows that we love God (John 14:15) and it shows that we have genuine faith (James 2:17). Obedience starts in putting our faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16), Studying, meditating on His Word and living it out (2 Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8), a regular communication with our Father in Heaven (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) fulfilling our greatest commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Obedience helps us gain wisdom from God, especially if we ask it of Him, through prayer (Hebrews 4:16) and be lead by His Holy Spirit (John 16:13; Romans 8:26). As we gain wisdom from God, we become more confident in fulfilling His will, more confident in His promises, and more confident in Him (Philippians 4:13).

As we become more confident in God, we tend to trust Him more and truly obey Him in-spite of our inhibitions (Proverbs 3:5-6). If you want to truly progress in your walk with Christ, start with obedience.

Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship Group)


Faith is not necessary when you know how things are going to work out, - that's knowledge. It's in the time of unknowing that having faith is what sees you through to the other side. Faith is what gives you strength. Faith is that light in your heart that keeps on shining even when it's all darkness outside. Now is the time to keep that faith alive!Joselyn

"If Jesus Came to My House."

"If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two / If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do. / Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest, / And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best, / And you'd keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there / That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.

"But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door / With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor? / Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? / Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been? / Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard? / And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

"Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? / Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? / And I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you, / Would you go right on doing the things you always do? / Would you go right on saying the things you always say? / Would life for you continue as it does from day to day? / Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace? / And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace? / Would you sing the songs you always sing, / and read the books you read, / And
let him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed? / Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go? / Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

"Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends? / Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends? / Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? / Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? / It might be interesting to know the things that you would do? / If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you."

It would be very interesting if Jesus did come in person to your house and mine.

Prayer: "Gracious Loving Father in Heaven, please help me to so live that should Jesus turn up in my house in person, there would be nothing that I would be embarrassed or shamed about. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Today is St. Patrick's Day and my father's Birthday.. He was born in 1914 and would be
98 if still here. But I know where he is.. He is in Heaven with my mother and his mother
and all the other family and friends that have gone to heaven. I praise
God that we have a life beyond death, and that the grave isn't the final resting place.

All we have to do is beleive in God and that he was sent from above, and he knew why.. to
die on the cross for our sins. Sins that were handed down from Adam and Eve in the
garden, when they did what God told them not to.. So all we have to do is ask God to
come into our Hearts and forgive us for all of our sins.. We need to follow through, by
finding a church that believes that God did this too.. We should get baptized and start
reading our Bible and listening to a good Preacher/ Teacher.. I find Creflo Dollar on
tv is no only a Preacher.. He teaches. I have learned so much listening to him.

He teaches his congregation.. he doesn't shout and yell and do the old fire and
brimstone message as they used to, to scare you into heaven. He teaches you about
everything and the questions we might want to ask, he hits on those.. I feel like
I know I have learned something in just that 1/2 hour I listen to him. If he was
here and my health was better, his church is the one I would go to and take my
grandchldren too.

Everyone have a very good day today and think of something nice to do to a person in
your family or even a stranger at a store.. Put there cart up, if they dont have those
pennies in line, give them to them.. Let them know you care in a simple way. God bless you.

The Holy Spirit Will Help You

JOHN 14:16
16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another
Helper, that He may abide with you forever,
...
If you allow Him to, the Holy Spirit will guide you in every
area of life; from the words you should speak, to the spouse
you should marry, to the investments you should make.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity of God. It
is difficult for humans to understand how there can be only one
God, as the Scriptures teach, yet He can reveal Himself as
three persons. So do not let it be an obstacle for you, or be
drawn into fighting about it.

The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force. He should be
treated with the utmost respect and gratitude.

I have personally found the Holy Spirit to be a wonderful,
wonderful Helper -- in so many ways. Even in simple, practical
things, like reminding me of things, or helping me to find
misplaced items. The Holy Spirit is truly interested in
everything that affects you, and desires to help you -- if you
will allow Him to.

No doubt, the Holy Spirit has been helping you, too. You just
may not have recognized it. You may have called it "a hunch" or
"it just came to me" or "I just had an idea." Start giving
thanks to the real source of your help -- the Holy Spirit of
God.

The Bible mentions several ways the Holy Spirit helps: teaching
you all things, bringing the Word to your remembrance, telling
you of things to come, revealing to you the things of God,
comforting you, encouraging you, empowering you to be a
witness, and bringing life and healing to you.

You are not facing life all alone -- as an orphan would. The
Holy Spirit is with you continually -- living with you. When
you need help He is never far away, but always right with you,
waiting for you to call on Him for His help.

SAY THIS: Holy Spirit, I appreciate your help. Thank you for
guiding me in life and helping me in every way

My name is Marilyn and I use the name BahamaMama on Goldtoken and Pogo. I live in Arkansas and I am 56 yrs old. I have 2 daughters. The oldest is Joni and she will be 30 in Nov. The youngest is
Jennifer, she prefers Jen, and she is 28, will be 29 in Jan. of 2012.

I have 5 and 1/2 grandchildren.. lol. Joni has 3 children, Bryce almost 10, Wyatt 6 and Jewelia 4. Jennnifer has Kaley 6, Aden 18 months and is 7 months pregnant with a baby girl that she is suppose to have by c-section around Oct. 19th. She is going to name her Alexis Renae, I couldn't talk her into Kaitlyn Renae, lol.

After having seen the voting for the blogs, I thought hey thats awesome. I had no idea that people were even doing blogs on here. I want to do this one on the Bible if that is ok with everyone. I wouldn like to put Bible verses that I really like, or that I find in the Bible that really mean something deep about the Lord to me. I also want to put poems on here or maybe words to a song.

I was born and raised in Wenatchee, Wa. Mom started taking me to church when I was 3 years old, due to my sitting out on my swing that my dad had made for me on mom's clothes line, and I would say mama come out and listen to the pretty music, so my mom always told me. We lived at a 4 cornor 2 way stop and on the one cornor closest to my swing I heard the singing all the time. Well mom had been saved and baptized when she was living in Arkansas and just had not started going to church when they moved to Washington. So she felt sad about me not being in church hearing the music.

She calle a friend of hers and asked where she was going and she told her they were meeting in someone's home at that time, and growing and saving money to build a church. Well I ended up going to Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church until I was 18. I went up in church at 12 and gave my life to the Lord Jesus. Even before that time you couldn't keep me out of church, I loved it so, and began to love it even more after accepting Jesus as my Saviour, praise God he forgives us for our sins.

I was at church on Sunday morings and nights, Wednesday nights and as I grew older went and visited people on Thursday nights with the other people and teens my age. Mom told me I was so excited on what would be my 16th birthday.. not because I woulld get my drivers license or a car, but because then I would be old enough to be in the adult choir and wear the robes that the choir wore. I was also in the youth choir, and taught in Bible school in the summer. I loved camp and I think I went to Mt. Baker in Washington about ever year from the age of 9 to 14 or so.

Jesus means the world to me. He has brought me through so much in my life. I did walk away from him for many years and when I look back I sure wish I hadn't and I feel I really wasted my life during those years by not going to church and reading my bible as I had done so many years before that. I still prayed but not always. Usually they were the prayers you say those prayers when something is really upsetting you or a friend is hurting or a death. The kind of prayers that so many of us wait and pray during the hard times.

I began having severe panic attacks when I was 23 years old and they lasted until I was 50.. that is 27 years to be exact. I had 7 good years during that time when I could work and drive and be the ole Marilyn. But then the antidepresent would quit working and I would crash for a week or two until the dr. found another for me. That is why I wish I had stayed in church, I feel like if I had of I would of kept learnng so much more of the bible that I would of known how to fight the devil and he would have never put that much fear in me. I have learned now how to fight that devil from so many pastors on tv and from books I have read, besides the bible.

All the years I has the panic attacks, my mom would ask the people at her church to pray for me and she prayed for me for years. My mom never really could understand what was wrong with me. She said no one in either side of the family had ever had those. Well it turned out about 5 ppl past and present did have nerve problems and low seritonum in their brains like I did.

I kept praying that I would be healed. Finally one night when I was 48, I was in my bedroom watching TBN on tv. I know that I had really loved the message that was preached and always did love the singing. When the preacher was done and said if you know you need forgivenss of your sins and the Lord in your life or you know you need to rededicate your life to the Lord please say this prayer. I felt like I did when I was that 12 year old girl when I had the feeling to run up the aisle, but since their wasn't an aisle in my room, I just said the prayer with the precher.. I asked Jesus to forgive me and I was so sorry I had been away from him for so long and would he forgive me for all my sins that I had committed through all those years and and to help me to never ever leave his side again. I felt so much better, and started reading the bible again and reading alot of great Christian books that I just loved. I finally read the Bible through for the first time.

I was living with one of my daughters and her husband and 2 of their kids and they decided it was time for them to move out on there own away from me. I went to the other daughters for a year and I decided it was time for me to move. I found and apartment in town and rented it. This would be the first time I had lived alone since I was 23. The first night I had to walk to my daugthers just across the street and stay all night, but after that I just really prayed harder and was able to stay alone and still do today 6 years later thanks to a gracious and mighty God. Only because of God do I have the strength to be alone now and let my kids not have to be there with me all the time.

If you know the Lord as your Saviour, please never walk away from him like I did. There is not a thing in the world that is worth being away from God for even one day. All that wasted time, that I could of been knowing him better and having a deeper realtionship with him saddens me, but I know I have learned so much more now ever since that night in my room when I rededicated my life to Jesus. I love the Lord and I am not ashamed to tell anyone that. He is my saviour, my rock, my redeemer my love and my life.

If you ever need someone to pray for you please must go to my box on here and let me know. It will be just between you and I and the Lord. All of us have things happen in life when we need a friend to pray for us and I want to be that friend to any of you. God bless you all and please come baaback to my blog again and I will try to start putting up scriptures and other things. God bless you all and remember everyone to live your life with God, pray for everyone especially your family and friends and people you dont even know in all parts of our world. Always remember that have one friend that will never leave you or forsake you. All you have to do is call out his name the name Jesus. Jesus who is in Heaven preparing a mansion for you to have when you leave this world someday. Aslo remember to live, laugh and love. Thank you for reading this. God bless you all.