Passion needed

What would life be like without passion?




I once heard an old time saint tell a newly converted person who was all excited about getting saved; “After you have been saved for a while the excitement will wear off, and, before too long and you will be like the rest of us.” That was the worst thing they could have told a new Christian.



This is what you have to look forward to; a hum drum life??







I am here to tell you that, that is not how it has to be !! Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. That’s how it can be; you are the one who makes that choice.



When you make it your aim to “Know” the Lord, every day will be the most exciting time of your life. God has something new for you every minute if you will keep your eyes open looking for it.



As a matter of fact if you will stay “In” Christ He will Keep your feet dancing even when you are older. Passion is what keeps us going with a singing heart. There is something new every day to shout about.



We can shout and praise even in the midst of trouble cause we know that He is bringing us through.



Passion is like a bon fire, if you don’t feed it it will go out; So feed yourself, your passion, the word of God; Feed yourself the promises of God. Look at the lives of the ones who live with a passion. Set your goal to be passionate, God is no respecter of person. He will see that you have the desires of your heart. Without Passion you will eventually be a dying ember, it’s all up to you.



(Blog by Billie)

Assuranc in God

Assurance in God


Do you ever feel like it’s just one thing after another till it seems you can’t go on?

When this happens God has a word for you.

David was a man who it seemed was constantly running for his life; yet God had promised him and anointed him to be King! What in the world was happening ?

Ps.73:26; tells us, David said, “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

David submitted to God as the one in control of his life. ”Nothing can frustrate God’s loving intention for your life..except
 you not submitting.
Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Fathers knowing it. (Mt.10:29) “29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”



How much more are you worth than a sparrow.

Our heavenly Father knows how to take care of His children and will only allow what He deems best. We can rest in His infinite wisdom and goodness. It’s only when we forget that He is with us and will never leave us that we get into trouble.

Dr. DeHaan wrote:

If you are helpless in life’s fray,

God’s mighty power will be your stay:

Your failing strength He can renew,

For He’s a God who cares for you.

being made in His image

2 Corinthians 5:17


17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.



. Every (Act of God) tends to the spiritual good of those that love God; in breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven. When the saints act out of character, corrections will be employed to bring them back again.

We make it a lot harder and make it take a lot longer by fighting against what He brings into our lives, because we don’t see that it is working for our own good.

(Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.



When we can see these things that He brings as loving actions of a loving God, our whole outlook will become a joy instead of a battle.

Power of the Word

God’s Word is Powerful


Jeremiah 23:29 (New King James Version)

29 “ Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD,

“ And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?



Have you ever tried to break a huge rock with a hammer? Sometimes it takes many blows with the hammer before you even see a small crack in the huge stone. Then it seems, all at once the rock falls apart.

Was it the last blow that broke the rock? Of course not; little by little the stone was weakened till it finally gave way to the last blow. The person with the hammer in his hands did not know that this particular blow would be the one that caused the stone to fall apart, but he believed that if he continued to use the hammer that it would give way to the hammer.

Is God telling us a great truth here in this small verse of scripture?
 I think so.

When you are using the Word of God to defeat a huge test in your life, don’t give up when it looks like it’s not working; by faith, continue using the Word, sooner or later you will see the problem give way to the Word. “Is not His word like a hammer that breaks the rock?” (Jer23: 29b)

THE HAMMER HAS TO HAVE SOMEONE USING IT!!

How not to worry

How not to worry


Matthew 6:34

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Most of the stuff we worry about never happens. Worry, like faith is a spiritual force; it is like a magnet it attracts the very things we worry about. Worry clouds our judgment.

Want to overcome worry?

#1 Replace it; Telling someone not to worry doesn’t work The only way to overcome it is to replace it.

Philipians 4:8

8 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. Php4:8



#2 Dissect it; Fear involves torment 1Jn 4:18

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

worry torments you, your imagination gets out of control; you conjure up all kinds of scary scenes. It’s also illogical; when you take it apart, it doesn’t make any sense at all. That’s when it loses it’s power to control you.

Isaiah 40:31

31 But those who wait on 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.

Thou shall not quit

. Scripture doesn’t designate a retirement age for believers. But there is an end product for our service—one unrelated to age. In describing the results of the efforts of “pastors and teachers,” Paul says their purpose is to equip “the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). And that “work of ministry,” which is the job of all believers, can lead to “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (v.13).  Building the body of Christ by what every member (joint) supplies, each one doing their part; (full time) This task should “keep us going” for the rest of our lives.  Ephesians 4:16
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Start where you are in serving the Lord,

Claim His sure promise and trust in His Word;

God simply asks you to do what you can—

He’ll use your efforts to further His plan. —Anon.



Young or old—God can use you if you’re willing

Want Peace?

Psalm 34:12-14 seek peace
12 Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
    Isaiah 26:3Keep peace
3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
     Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
    Colossians 3:15 Peace of Christ
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Hebrews 12:14Pursue peace
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Colossians 3:15
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (NKJV)

God has a better idea

God has a better idea
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. (James 4:15 NIV) "
Have you noticed that things don't always turn out the way you want them to? That sometimes God has a better idea?
The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1, "Don't boast about tomorrow. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring." (ESV)
It's okay to make your plans, but remember that life is unpredictable and God says we shouldn't presume on it. On the other hand, we shouldn't worry about it because God is in control.
James 4 tells us the proper attitude to have: "Now listen you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. ... Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (vv. 13-15, NIV)
James is saying it's OK to make plans, but just realize that ultimately God has the final word.
The right attitude is to always keep your plans submitted to God. Make your plans but say, "God, if this is what You want, this is the direction I'm going to go. I'm doing this with flexible faith."

Proverbs 16:9 says, "We should make our plans counting on God to direct us." How do you do that? By praying. When you get up in the morning and have your quiet time, say, "God, what do You want to do with this day?"
Then when interruptions come, you'll remember God is in control. It will dramatically lower the frustration level in your life as you remember it is not all up to you.
excerpt from
 Rick Warren

Commitment

Commitment


Loyalty; I will never forget my Pastor ministering about this; This is taken from notes that I took during the message. The message changed my view of getting involved.



Without commitment you can’t grow

Making A decision, doesn’t mean being committed



God is committed to you; He has extended His mercies to you, He sent His only Son to die for you so that He could extend His mercies and we could accept them.

The scripture says in Rom.12:1-2, " I beseech you therefore, brethern, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

V-2..."And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."



Three things to hold:

#1, A commitment to Personal growth:

Become a follower and a learner of Jesus Christ. [A disciple]

#2; A commitment to the local body;

Decisions are made every day; What is My priority

#3; A commitment to Ministry;

1st Cor. 12:4-12, "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another



Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them, if Prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.

Or Ministry, let us use it in our ministry, he who teaches, in teaching.

He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence, he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor that which is evil, cling to what is good.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.

Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer."



These are just a few of what we should be committed to;

Loyalty, truthfulness, unbiased, patience…..

Seed of the Word

Good Seed


"Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
(Luke 13:18-19)

This is one word that it is very important that we know exactly what it means and take it literally:

Mk.4:13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word.

This is the first parable ever that God opened up the truth of, to me. (Mk.4) It’s the most important one we will ever understand.

It’s up to us what kind, and how much fruit we produce. What we sow is what we produce; and, how much we sow determines how much we produce.

The seed (word) has to be protected and watered and hoed and fertilized if it is to produce abundantly.

We can dig up our seed over and over by speaking against it negatively. Ie.. we say, “By his stripes I am healed.” Then the next day or sometimes the same day, we say: “I feel so sick I think this sickness is going to kill me.” Doing this guarantees failure.



If you're going to grow in the kingdom of God, you're going to do it just like a seed that's been planted in the ground. How does a seed grow? All at once? No, it grows constantly-- 24 hours a day--a little all the time until it accomplishes what it was created to do.

But to have growth you first have to plant; and, what you plant is very important. Remember the word that was passed around back when computers were first being used by lay people? “garbage in, garbage out.” Watch what you feed yourself! Then, protect and feed it by meditation and prayer.

Look for thw Light

Look for the light


After dinner one night, a tiny brown sparrow flew inside our house through the front door. A chase ensued. Each time my husband got near to it, the little intruder fluttered away in a desperate search for an exit. Before we could escort it safely outside, the bird toured the house so frantically that we could see its chest throbbing from its rapid heartbeat.

The only thing left to do was turn the light off inside, open the door and turn the light on outside



Sometimes we are like that little bird—anxious, frazzled, and afraid of what might happen next. It comforts me to think that “not one [sparrow] falls to the ground” without God knowing about it (Matt. 10:29). He sees and knows everything in our world. He has promised not to allow more to come on us than we can bear; but will, with every trial, make a way of escape. (1cor 10:13)



There are times when God has to turn the light off in our lives so he can show us the way . As long as we have the light to comfort us we will refuse to move, even when we are uncomfortable.

Trusting our eyes to God

Lk6:39-42; 39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.




Why do we find it so much easier to point out the faults of others instead of dealing with our own weaknesses? It’s always the other driver that makes the mistakes and doesn’t know how to drive. Etc..

Luke says it’s because of the plank that is in our own eye!

So what can we do about the plank? We certainly can’t go to the one to which we think has a plank in his eye?

The best thing we can do is not to go on a beam hunting trip, but rather, let God show us how He looks at us. He is the only one that has “Perfect vision”.

Isaiah 49:16 (New King James Version)

16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

Is.44:22, I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
God loves us unconditionally; He never looks at us through a plank as others do. He always wants the best for us; He has nothing to gain except saving our souls, so trust Him. He will not only show you the plank but also the proper way to get rid of it so you too can see clearly to help the other guy. Praise God.

Supernatural ! Us?

Supernatural! Us?


Luke 6:27-38 (NKJV)

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Have you ever stopped to really consider what God is asking us to do? Only a supernatural person could live this way! No one in their natural mind is going to allow themselves to be put on the short end of the stick, intentionally, every time! Yet that is exactly what God is asking us to do; Why? And How?

God wants to be the One working in us, not us by ourselves. He knows that alone we could never live as He asks us to; but with Him working in us by His power we will, and, actually enjoy ourself because we know we are pleasing the Father. When the Father is pleased with us , we walk in His favor; and are blessed coming in and blessed going out. Hallelujah!!!

Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Deuteronomy 28:2-4

2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy livestock, and the flocks of thy sheep.

JUST SEEING YOURSELF DOING THINGS THAT YOU KNOW YOU COULD NEVER DO ALONE IS AN OVER-POWERING FEELING BY ITSELF.

True Beauty

Think not alone of outward form;

Its beauty will depart;
But cultivate the Spirit’s fruits
That grow within the heart. —D. De Haan

Godly character is the best beauty treatment in the world.



Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:24

Faith Walk

We walk by faith, not by sight




Feelings can be misleading; [prov.4:23, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.



For years I lived according to my “feelings” It was like a riding a roller coaster, one day I would feel good, the very next day I was down in the mulligrubs. I thought that what you felt was what you were. I had no knowledge of what the Bible said about it. I was totally controlled by what I thought. When I finally understood the truth I was angry with myself, I kept thinking of all the times that I had been deceived by “thoughts”

It’s easy to fall into believing our feelings more than what God’s word says; That’s the way we were raised,(most of us) and it takes help from the Holy Spirit and constant act of our will to begin thinking differently. But when you do, you will find that life is more enjoyable when your living according to what the Word of God says.



The Bible says, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”(prov 4:23)

(2cor. 10:5, says, Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”

Think this way, “If it doesn’t line up with the word of God, don’t think it!

(2cor. 5:7, says, We walk by faith, not by sight.”

This may come as a surprise to you, but we won’t always “feel” the presence of God!

Just as the Disciples that were on their way to Emmaus, Jesus walked right beside them but they didn’t know who he was.

God is a God of faith, and He works and talks in ways that only faith, not feelings can discern.

The eye of faith

This was in one of my devotionals today; I thought it was one of the best definitions of faith that I had ever seen. Please read it and let me know what you think.

Helen Keller (who was born blind) said, "The only thing that's worse than being blind, is having sight but no vision."
St. Augutine said, "Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe."
God puts vision inside us; It is always more than we can do alone, this is done on purpose so we will have to go to God for strength and ability to do it. God has built you specifically for your vision, so don't be afraid to step out by faith. Remember, this is God's vision for you

Be Watchful

Be Watchful


Mt.25:1-2

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Most of us know this story about the ten virgins and how the foolish ones did not prepare beforehand to keep their lamps ready.

Today as I read this scripture I saw another side to this story.

I saw the craftiness of the devil; These were all virgins, right? So, to the natural man, giving to help others seems like a good thing. So why wouldn’t they give oil to the others who needed it?

This parable is about being watchful; we can’t afford to be side-tracked by anything when it comes to being ready when Jesus calls for us.

Oil represents the Holy Spirit which we have to hold on to.

We can’t afford to release the “oil” no matter how good the temptation to let it go seems.

What kind of lie has the devil been telling you lately to draw you away from the Lord? Share it with us. Who knows, you just might save someone from a fall. God bless, Billie

Live The High Life

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:23,24, NIV).



If we do this, we continue to live in guilt and condemnation, and that affects us in all kinds of ways



Have you ever talked to someone about a specific scripture that promises them something, only to have them say I know that says that, or, that sounds good; but in my case it’s different. Or, I am just a failure. What are they saying? That the scripture doesn’t apply to them?

What makes them not eligible for the promise?

They are like the one in this scripture, they look at the Word but turn and walk off not believing that it means them.

If we will take the word of God as it is, and say, “that means me.” and walk in it, then we will be doers of the word and not hearers only. We will begin to look and talk like winners, not losers

We are secure

We Are Secure


There is no people like the Israel of God. What is here said of the church of Israel is to be applied to the spiritual church (US) , Ps 91:1 Never were people so well seated and sheltered. Those who make God their habitation shall have all the comforts and benefits of a habitation in him, .
{God gave me this scripture after my husband died}Deut.33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms;

Never were people so well supported and borne up. No matter how low the people of God are at any time brought, everlasting arms are underneath them, to keep the spirit from sinking, from fainting, and their faith from failing. Divine grace is sufficient for them, 2Co 12:9. Never were people so well commanded. Thus believers are more than conquerors over their spiritual enemies, through Christ that loved them. Never were people so well secured and protected. Israel shall dwell in safety alone. All who keep close to God, shall be kept safe by him. Never were people so well provided for.

Every true Israelite looks with faith to the better country, the heavenly Canaan, which is filled with better things than corn and wine. Never were people so well helped. If in danger of any harm, or in want of any good, they had an eternal God to go to. Nothing could hurt those whom God helped, nor was it possible the people should perish who were saved by the Lord. Never were people so well armed. Those in whose hearts is the excellency of holiness, are defended by the whole armor of God, Eph 6.

Never were people so well assured of victory over their enemies. Thus shall the God of peace tread Satan under the feet of all believers, and shall do it shortly, Ro 16:20.

May God help us to seek and to set our affections on the things above; and to turn our souls from earthly perishing objects; that we may not have our lot with Israel's foes in the regions of darkness and despair, but with the Israel of God, in the realms of love and eternal happiness.

Psalm 5:11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.

Psalm 107:1-21 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Isaiah 26:33; You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

In Christ

Have we forgot who we are?


Would you believe that the biggest problems with life , the ones which give us the biggest pains, are caused from us forgetting who we are.

If we could get it embedded inside our heart and our head that we are God’s heritage; bought at great cost, by God Himself we could look at things completely different, which would take the sting out of the problem.

The Truth is, “We are in Christ.” How many promises do you think we have because we are “In Christ?” 100's

Ponder about this truth, “I am in Christ!.”

Romans 6:4
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


Colossians 3:1
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1-3
[ Redemption in Christ ] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places  "IN Christ",(Eph1:3)
2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Love sign

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. —John 13:35


Jn.13:33-35

You have to work hard to offend Christians. By nature, Christians are the most forgiving, understanding, and thoughtful group of people I’ve ever dealt with. They never assume the worst. They appreciate the importance of having different perspectives. They’re slow to anger, quick to forgive, and almost never make rash judgments or act in anything less than a spirit of total love. . . . No, wait—I’m thinking of golden retrievers!



I laughed when I read this in an e-mail. But having had experience with goldens—and fellow Christians—I think it’s true that sometimes believers are just too easily offended! “The choir director always gives her the solos.” “The pastor didn’t even look at me when he shook my hand.” “I do a lot around here—people ought to appreciate me a little more.”

Anger. Resentment. Pride. Sure, issues between believers do sometimes need to be addressed. But what if we always tried to treat others the way we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12), weren’t quick to judge others but forgave them (Luke 6:37), and demonstrated a little humility? (Phil. 2:3).

And what if the world could actually recognize that we are followers of Jesus by the love we have “for one another”? (John 13:35)

Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. —Sper

Sometimes the best witness is love.

Don't underestimate your prayers

Don't Underestimate Your Prayers


"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (1 Timothy 2:1-2) It's time we caught hold of that. It's time we realized that if we'd just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there's no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God's purpose for His people.

That verse is clear, The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God's guidance, most of God's people don't do what that verse commands. Why not?

I believe it's because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. "How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt?" we think. "How could my faith affect foreign policy?"
It's time we caught hold of this truth. It's time we realized that if we'd just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there's no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God's purpose for His people.

E-mail and pass this around… keep it going… let the country know that we can’t afford Obama or his CHANGE!!! IF you don't agree, delete it! That is "one" of the few rights we still have left.

Technorati Tags: Winston Churchill once said,"Any nation that thinks they can tax themselves out of debt and into prosperty is like someone standing in a bucket and trying to left themselves out by the bail."

Recognizing His Presence






Recognizing God’s Presence

Matthew 13:54-55,57 (New King James Version)

54 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? 57 So they were offended at Him.



How could Jesus’ own townspeople not see who He was? He had already performed miracles and healings, and taught such insightful things about the law of Moses; how could they not see Who He was?



Matthew 13:58
“Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”

They had such low expectancy that they missed out on the miracles that they could have received had they believed in Him.


“Lord open up my eyes that I may know when you are present; Don’t let me miss the miracles that you want to do. Lord I believe, please help my unbelief.”

Walking By Faith

Walking by faith

Do you feel burdened? Do you feel that you have slipped away from God’s grace? Have you ever felt that God has left you, or don’t care about you anymore?

These are times when you have to exercise your faith. “Faith is the evidence of things not seen! (Heb11:1) At times when we feel that God has left us and is turning a deaf ear to our prayers, we either turn away from God’s grace or begin, by faith, to believe what He has said; “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Heb 13:5)

God wants us to walk by faith, faith in Him and His promises. God has made us with the capacity to live by the principles of His word; so, soak yourself in His word: Make a decision right now to walk by what the Word says and not what you feel, think or see. That’s walking by faith; God loves it and so will you.

“For we walk by faith and not by sight. (2Cor.5:7)

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him

Believe God

Believe God


Gal.3:16-18; Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed, who is Christ.18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.



Have you ever studied about the faith and blessings of Abram?

What kind of faith did Abram have? The Bible says, “he believed God”! What does that mean? he believed God?

Evidently it means more than just knowing that He exists, even though it includes that.

He must have also believed that what God said was true. He stood on God’s promises regardless of what he thought, or what happened, he still believed that what God said was true.

Sounds scary to some of us, doesn’t it? Like stepping out on a limb with nothing to hold the limb except a promise.

God told Abram to leave everything he had and go on a journey and didn’t even tell him where to go!

What did Abram do? He went! No questions recorded.

Is it any wonder that God counted it as righteousness to him.

Even Moses gave God a hard time when He told him to go to Egypt; at least he knew where God wanted him to go, Abraham didn’t even know that!

No wonder God gave Abram so many great promises; i.e.





Gen.12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.

2 I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
4 So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran



God has given us the same promises as He did Abraham; If we believe God as Abraham did.



Gal. 3:26,27,29 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Do you have an attitude?

Do you have an attitude?


Attitudes make the difference in who we are; what we do; how we react to life, and others.

Attitudes cause us to do the things we do; enjoy the things we do and also dislike the things we do.

You know you need to exercise but because of the attitude you have about exercise you make excuses for why you don’t exercise. It is too hard to go to the gym and spend the time and money to exercise. If your attitude was different you would just get up a little earlier and take a good long walk, that’s supposed to be the best exercise you can do.

We are all on the same journey through life, we can’t control what happens to us, but you can decide how we will respond to it.

Choosing to look at problems as opportunities will put you in an entirely different frame of mind, you will start looking for the opportunities instead of the way out.

Just knowing that the promises of God are all positive and true is just the beginning; you have change your attitude and fill your mind with the scriptures, meditate on them until they take root and grow within you. When you do this the word becomes a part of you and can guide and direct you in all your attitudes. You will begin to look up instead of down when things happens to you.

Don't lose heart

Don’t lose heart


Psalm 94:14-15

14 “ For the LORD will not cast off His people,

Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

15 But judgment will return to righteousness,

And all the upright in heart will follow it.”

Sometimes it seems like we are dragged down by life so low, that we can’t see any way out.

When we get to this place the way out is always through the Word of God.

During my lifetime I have been in this pit more times than I can remember; yet always, and, every time, being reminded that God will get us out, through His word has always been the way out.

Why is it that we try every conceivable way we can think of before we turn to God and His word?

I guess it’s because we have an inate desire inside us to do it our self.

So, today, I am reminding anyone who is in the pits to turn to the word and save yourself some sorrow.

Knowing God's voice

Knowing God’s voice


We all know that God tells us that obedience to His word is more important than sacrifice, or, even the word itself; The word of God says, “Not everyone who hears the word will enter the Kingdom of God, but the ones who DO it.



21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven



1 Corinthians 14:10 ) “There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.”

God’s language is spiritual, so we must hear it with our spirits.

When Abraham heard God tell him to leave his family and land, He didn’t even tell him where he would be going.(Gen 12) Abraham didn’t have anyone to council him about this; It was crucial that he know that it was God speaking and not just his own thoughts.

Relationship is the key:!

Have you ever had the phone to ring and when you picked up the receiver it was someone from miles and miles away, but you knew immediately who it was? You had such a relationship with the person that no one could have fooled you.

That’s how our relationship must be with God.

Abraham had this kind of relationship with God. He knew immediately that it was God; and also; that he could “trust” the voice enough to obey it without question.

This kind of relationship doesn’t come in a day, it is developed over a long time of communication.
We develope this relationship by spending time every day with Him.

Worship

Worship


Ever since time and creation began, human beings have searched for something or someone to worship.

Why?

Because when God created us He created us with a need in our heart to worship.

People have made their own gods to worship, such as; money, drugs, alcohol, sex; none of these can satisfy the longing that is in us., because the need is spiritual.

Rich men commit suicide; drugs cause addiction that destroys them; so does alcohol. Illicit sex causes diseases that ravage our bodies, or a feeling of guilt that holds us in bondage.

So how do we fulfill the need for worship?

There is a God in heaven who has the answer.

Sometimes it’s hard to fathom that He would go to the extreme for us by coming to earth to show Himself.

How blessed we are that we have a God who yearns to have relationship with His creation.

You see we are made in His image, made for fellowship with Him. He wants an intimate relationship with us. He has made it possible for man to have His (Gods) spirit living with him 24-7.

A song says, “Only Jesus can satisfy the soul.” The soul is the center of our being; it’s where the longing and need for worship come from, .

God has a plan for us,(Jeremiah 29:11) says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Some people have said that “God will get you, if you do this or that.” God is not out to get you; He wants only your good.

Some people think that God wants to stop you from having fun; Again that’s not true. Any time God says “thou shall not” it is to keep us from doing something that He knows in the future will bring hurt to us.

So, why not Worship the only one who loves us enough to die for us; He alone can fill the longing in our soul for Worship.

staying focused #3of 3

There’s a story about a couple who decided to build a farm. Then they began to argue. The wife wanted to build the house first. The husband wanted to build the barn first to house the animals. They went back and forth until finally the man said, “Look, we have to build the barn first - because the barn will enable us to build the house, the garage, the silo, the kids’ swing set, and everything else!” When you focus on putting first things first, everything else is more likely to fall into place.




Anthony Campolo says, “What you commit yourself to, will change what you are and make you into a completely different person. The future conditions you, not the past.

What you commit yourself to become, determines what you are - more than anything that ever happened to you yesterday.



Therefore, I ask you, ‘What are your commitments? Where are you going? What are you going to be?

Show me somebody who hasn’t decided, and I’ll show you somebody who has no identity, no personality, no direction.’”



Focusing on weaknesses instead of strengths is like having a handful of coins, a few made of gold, the rest of tarnished copper, and setting aside the gold coins to spend your time shining the copper ones in hopes of making them more valuable. No matter how long you spend, they’ll never be worth what the gold ones are. So, stay focused on your God-given strengths!

HAVING A STEADFAST PURPOSe
When your life has a steadfast purpose you can bear almost anything. Without it, nothing is bearable.
Isaiah complained, (Is.49:4) “I have labored to no purpose, I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.”(niv)
    Dr. Bernie Siegel found that he could predict which of his cancer patients were most likely to survive; by asking them, “do you want to live to be 100 years old?” Those with a deep sense of purpose who answered “YES” were the ones most likely to survive.

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat“. Mark 6:31 (NLT)
   Jesus experienced enormous stress and pressure, yet it didn’t seem to disturb his peace of mind. In spite of opposition, constant demands, and little privacy, his life reflected a calm sense of balance.
What was his secret?
Identification – Know who you are (John 8:12) “I m the light of the world.”
Eighteen times Jesus publicly defined himself. There was no doubt in his mind as to who he was. If you are unsure of your identity, you’ll allow others to pressure you into their molds. Trying to be someone you’re not causes stress!
 Know who you want to please (John 5:30)
  You can’t please everyone. Even God can’t! Just about the time you get “Crowd A” happy, then “Crowd B” will be upset with you.

Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission.
Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.”   (Luke 4:42-44) He had purpose, "I must preach the gospel."

You can’t chase two rabbits at the same time! Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal.
We get tense when we feel it all depends on us. Jesus enlisted twelve disciples. Don’t allow perfectionism, or the fear that others may do a better job, to keep you from involving others in the task.
Make a habit of prayer (Mark 1:35)
No matter how busy Jesus got, he found time to get alone to pray everyday. A daily quiet time is a great stress decompression chamber. Use this time to talk to God about your pressures and problems, evaluate your priorities, and discover the rules for successful living by reading the Bible.
Take time to enjoy life (Mark 6:30-31)
Balance is the key to stress management. Work must be balanced with fun and worship.

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Staying Focused #2

Henry David Thoreau asked, “Do you ever hear of a man who had striven all his life faithfully and singly toward an object, and in no measure obtained it? {NEVER} If a man constantly aspires, is he not elevated?” Just by striving to become better than you are, you become elevated - even if you don’t accomplish what you desire, and even if others don’t step aside for you. By trusting God and aiming higher, you move to a higher level. When it comes to staying focused, keep in mind: (#1) Focused people always look for a better way. What got you where you are, won’t necessarily get you where you need to be. STORY A family who moved into a new neighborhood got a late start one morning. As a result their 6 year-old missed her school bus. Though it would make him late for work her father agreed to take her to school if she gave him directions. After 20 minutes of going in circles they finally arrived at the school, which turned out to be only a few blocks away from where they lived. Steaming, her dad asked why she drove him all over the place when the school was so close to home. “We went the way the school bus does,” she said. “That’s the only way I know.” (#2) Focused people concentrate a little harder and a little longer. Hall of Fame baseball player Hank Aaron says, “What separates a superstar from the average ballplayer is that he concentrates just a little bit longer.” Focused thinking is the ability to remove distractions and mental clutter so that you can concentrate with clarity. (#3) Focused people make commitments, not excuses. A sign on the desk of an officer at the Pentagon read: “The secrecy of my job does not permit me to know what I’m doing.” It’s a cute joke, but not so cute when it’s true. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you become frustrated and end up failing. That’s why praying and getting direction from God, Is critical for your life. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Notice: (1) Focused people don’t live in the past. Too many of us yearn for the past and get stuck in it. Instead we should learn from the past and let go of it. Elbert Hubbard wrote, “Being able to remember may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is a token of greatness. Successful people forget They’re running a race. They can’t afford to look behind. Their eye is on the finish line. They’re too big to let little things disturb them. If anyone does them wrong, they consider the source and keep cool. It’s only the small people who cherish revenge. Be a good forgetter….success demands it.” (#2) Focused people don’t think about the difficulties, but the rewards. If you dwell on the difficulties too long you’ll start to develop self-pity instead of self-discipline. As a result you’ll accomplish less and less. By focusing on results you’ll stay encouraged. Make Christ your example. “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterwards” (Heb 12:2 TLB). (#3) Focused people choose their friends carefully. Always hang around people who will sharpen you, such as people who can teach you something; People who push you to do better, not settle for the mediocre. People who are striving to be the best. My mother used to tell me; “You are known by the company you keep.” People who sharpen you, and people who strengthen you are the ones you want to fellowship with. (e) Rejecters and doubters , people who don’t understand you or what God’s called you to do are the ones to stay away from. So, remain focused and you’ll stay grounded; the praise of others is less likely to go to your head, and the negative impact of your critics will be minimized. Paul told Timothy to focus on his strengths. “That special gift….you were given…keep that dusted off and in use.” Focused people don’t hide their weaknesses or excuse them; instead they focused on their strengths!

Staying Focused

This is a three or four page study that I did a couple of years ago; I am going to break it up into three or four segments to share with my FB friends. I will put them on seperatly, on different days. Stay Focused [] You become effective by being selective. It’s human nature to get distracted. We’re like gyroscopes, spinning around at a frantic pace but not getting anywhere. Without a clear purpose you keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, etc., hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, “This time it will be different,” but it doesn’t solve your real problem -(which is) lack of focus. There is an old proverb that says, “jack of all trades but master of none.” That pretty well sums up a person who is not focused. The power of focusing can be seen in light. With a magnifying glass the rays of the sun can set paper on fire. But when light is focused even more as a laser beam, it can cut through steel. Nothing is as potent as a focused life. The men and women who make the greatest difference in life are the most focused. For instance the Apostle Paul said, “I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing” (Php 3:13 TLB). Paul’s obsession was to make Christ known. So if you want your life to have impact, “focus it!” Stop dabbling. Stop trying to do it all. Do less. Turn away from even good activities and do only that which matters most. Never confuse activity with productivity. Poet William Matthews wrote, “One well-cultivated talent, deepened and enlarged is worth a hundred shallow faculties. [abilities that we were born with] The first law of success in this day when so many things are clamoring for attention is concentration - to bend our energies to one point, and to go directly to that point, looking neither to the right nor to the left.” Does focus come easily or naturally? No, it’s a discipline that must be practiced every day. Focus does 3 things for you: (#1) It keeps you on target. We find ourselves pulled in a dozen different directions, spending much of our time and energy on things we don’t really care about. Author Don Marquis put it this way: “Ours is a world where people don’t know what they want, and are willing to go through hell to get it.” The Bible says: “Let your eyes look straight ahead….Do not swerve to the right or the left” (Pr 4:25-27 NIV). (#2) (focusing) Increases your energy. Attempting everything, like attempting nothing, will suck the life out of you. Focus gives you energy. Admiral Richard Byrd, the Polar explorer, said, “Few men come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.” One of the reasons those wells go untapped is lack of focus. The mind doesn’t reach toward achievement until it has clear objectives. (#3) (focusing) lifts you. It’s been said that “the world stands aside to let anyone pass, who knows where he or she is going.” In a sea of mediocrity, (average- ness) just knowing what you want to do and making an effort to pursue it, distinguishes you from almost everybody else. PART #2 TOMORROW

showing lov

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (mt.9:13) This is what God says, and it has far reaching meanings and purposes. One of the hardest things to do is show mercy to someone who not only Doesn’t deserve it, but also, seemingly, don’t want it. We must have the “love of God” in us to be able to lay our feelings aside And live only by the love of God.. The scripture above says God desires mercy, not sacrifice, yet, to show Mercy as He does we have to do both, love and sacrifice. “Lord Jesus, shine your light into my heart so I can shine it on others.. May my life become an example of the love and compassion of my Lord.”

Are You Thirsty

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Ps. 42:1). Have you ever been so thirsty for water that you thought, "if I don't get some water I will die?" If you find a cup of coffee or a glass of kool-ade you will try to quench your thirst with that. When we are thirsty we will try to settle our thirst with just about anything. Have you ever felt a thirst like this for the Lord? Alot of us are trying to settle our thirst with all kinds of things in place of God. The truth is, we are created with an inward thirst that only God can fill When we are thirsty like this, we should fall on our face and stay there till God pours out His Spirit upon us. Then we can just drink (saturate ourselves in)the love of God till our thirst is quenched. Do you long for something this world can’t provide? This is a thirst of the soul for God. “He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Ps. 107:9). My hunger for the truth He satisfies; Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed: No parching thirst I know, because His grace, A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. —Sanders Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy the thirsty soul.

Give the Word time

Be patient. Give the Word time to do its work. Jesus once said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). The Word of God feeds the spirit man just as bread feeds the body. Food has to be built into your body. The vitamins and minerals it contains have a cumulative effect on it, don't they? In fact, almost anything that affects your body instantaneously is considered dangerous. Much the same thing is true with the Word of God. It has a cumulative effect. Yes, at times God will act instantly and perform a miracle, but only to get things back on track. What He really intends is for you to feed on His Word to grow in strength and in faith and to bear fruit in due season. So don't get in such an all-fired hurry. Stay in the Word. Be patient. The results will come! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture Study: Deuteronomy 7:11-23

Windows Live Hotmail

Windows Live Hotmail: "So often we think only of money when the Bible calls us to give willingly and bountifully, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Giving others a chance and offering hospitality to those who hurt is generosity that makes winners of everyone involved. —David McCasland

The gifts that we may give,
The deeds that we may do,
Most truly honor Christ
When self is given too. —D. De Haan
The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself."

You are Unique

You Are Unique Yesterday, as I was doing my devotions I ran across a statement that really caught my eye; “Lord, You created me to love you as no one else can.” Wow! There is absolutely no one else in the whole world that can love God exactly as I can! Jer. 1:5 says; “…before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you.. We are the only created being that is created to have relationship with God almighty! According to Jer 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. We have been given our own personal plans from God; personalities, gifts. Talents, abilities, etc.. One other thing we have been given too; We make the choice to use what we are given either for ourselves or for God. Don’t forget; No One else can do it exactly as you can!

Renewed Hope

This item was in my SS teachers lesson last Sunday, and I wanted to share it; there is so much encouragement here. A poem taken from Ruth Graham's book, "Sitting by my laughing fire" >She waited for the call that never came; searched every mail for a letter, or a note, or a card that bore his name; on her knees at night and on her feet all day; she stormed heavens gate on his behalf; she pled for him in heavens high court; "Be still and wait." was the word He gave. and so she knew He would do in, and for, and with him, that which she never could. Doubts ignored she went about her chores with joy; knowing, though spurned, His word was true. The prodigal had not returned but God was God, and there was work to do. As you wait in a deferred hope period..... a-Don't give up! continue to remember your child in prayer. b-Listen for God's instruction. c-Have full confidence in God that He has control of your situation, God knows your need better than you do. d-Cast negative thoughts away! Claim scripture promises! Go about your daily chores with joy, knowing that God's word is true. e- Wait patiently and do the work God had for you to do. Your Hope Can Be Renewed!

We are one

Romans 12:5 (New King James Version) 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Have you ever wondered why we feel touched with such deep compassion when we hear about a brother or sister who is going through a tough time, or facing a bad situation? The Bible tells us that we are all one body; When we stub our toe or break an arm what happens with the rest of the body? The whole body reacts and runs to give aid to the hurting part. This is why God likens us to a body. We would not be acting normal if we didn’t rush to help a hurting member. Also, we need to be more careful about our hurting someone with our tongue or actions. Let’s all try to live in harmony with one another. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. (niv) This is a new day God has given us to enjoy, let us rejoice and be glad in it. God bless, Billie

Religion vs Righteousness

Religion vs. Righteousness Mt.5:20; “ For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” What on earth was Jesus talking about? I thought the Scribes and Pharisees were the most religious people there was! Isaiah 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; Is there any hope for us?? He is not pleased with religious people that’s plain to see; then, He tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags!! So what can we do? 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This is the answer! We are made the righteousness, but only IN HIM! So, everything depends on Him and His Righteousness; That’s simple, we just lean on Him and His righteousness; Hallelujah!

Windows Live Hotmail

Windows Live Hotmail: "There is help nearby, a Friend much stronger than you and I—one whose hand can hold us (Ps. 139:10). The psalmist also says of Him, “You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand” (89:13). You can call out to God: “Give me a hand!” and He will rush to your side. —David Roper
Fear not, I am with thee—O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand. —Anon.
When adversity strikes us, God is ready to strengthen us."

2 Timothy Paul’s testimony 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. We all know about Paul and how he was a great worker for the Lord. How he gave everything and considered it dung so that he could win Christ. But are we all called to give as Paul did? As you read the scriptures you can see that he was “destined” for suffering and giving his life. Acts9:15 But the Lord said to him, (Ananias)“Go, for he (Paul) is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” God calls us all to give our life; some can give a lot, some not so much. God doesn’t require us to give what we don’t have. Some are called to be faithful mother who teaches her children to love God. Look at the poor widow ; she gave of what she had. Mk12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, [a] which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Jesus said that the widow gave more than all the others. Can you see what He was looking at in the givers? 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, This is the key, “freely willing.” I have had God to tell me to give a certain amount and my first thought was, I can’t afford that; If God tells you to, then you really can. Any way I refused to listen to my mind and just “gave it” Later I found that my money stretched beyond anything it ever had before. Mal. 3 God says, “10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food ,in My house, ” And try Me now in this Says the LORD of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Facebook | Billie King

Facebook | Billie King: "allenfoster.net"

The most important

The most important Matthew 22:37-39 (New King James Version) 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ’[a] 38 This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. The diligence we use in putting God first, not only will assure our home with Him, but; also, our victory, peace and joy while we are on our journey. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Remember; "God First" Always. Exodus 34:14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), Listen carefully to what the Lord says in His word today; He wants your undivided attention. He will not tolerate us running around after other gods. Other gods can be anything that takes most of your attention, leaving God outside. In the first scripture above He says, “Love God with your whole heart” That means, “with everything in you” I have one deep supreme desire, That I may be like Jesus. To this I fervently aspire, That I may be like Jesus. —Chisholm To make the most of your life, make God’s goals your goals. This is what God wants of us.

The Word of God

Have you ever wondered why so many people say that "the Word of God is the most important habit you can develop?" Have you thought, “Why do they think that?” The Psalmist David said this; Psalm 138:2 "I will worship toward Your holy temple,And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name." Now we all know how important the name of the Lord is, so why would He magnify His word above His name? Because, without the Word we would not know about that name, or anything associated with that Name! All the promises of God are “Yes and Amen” How do we know that? The word of God says so. Another thing that is great about the Word of God is in (1 Peter 1:25) 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. Do you want to know the "truth" about a situation? Look in the Word, there you will find the answers to everything; if you will receive it. Look at Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (NKJV) John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. The Word is "ALIVE" Acts 12:2"But the word of God grew and multiplied." The only thing that grows is something that is alive. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; John 1 (The Eternal Word) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend[a] it. Jn1:14, says, "The word was made flesh (Jesus)and dwelt among us."

Jesus left a command to us to share the “Good News”Not, the news that if you don’t come to Jesus you will go to hell! That is not “good news”. But that God was in Christ making a way for us to come back to Him, which Adam lost in the Paradise of God, when he gave to satan his own authority."God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."(2 Corinthians 5:19)God didn’t say ,”when you get everything right then I will hear you; Look at Romans 5:10 and you'll see what I mean. It says that "when we were still enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son." God so loved the world, “us” that He gave His own Son, that whoever believes in Him, ”the Son” Will have eternal (everlasting) life.God loves the sinner just as much as the righteous man Now that’s Good News!

Chicken Pasta salad with grapes

This is my most favorite recipe that I have got off the internet. It is another complete meal in one, and can be doubled. 1 box suddenly salad -classic salad mix; 1/2 cup refrigerated poppy seed dressing; 1&1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken; 3/4 cup halved red seedless grapes; 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery. Empty pasta mix into 3 quart sauce pan 2/3 full of water. Boil gently 12 minutes, stir occasionally.Drain pasta, rinse with cold water, shake to drain well.In large bowl stir together the seasoning from box of salad mix, and poppy seed dressing add pasta and remaining ingredients, toss to combine. (Dried cherries may be used in place of the grapes.) Eat at once or refrigerate.

Never Say Never

Never Say “Never” READ: Acts 9:1-22 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. —Acts 9:20 While a friend and I walked along the path of the former Berlin Wall, he told me, “This is one of those ‘never say never’ places in my life.” He explained that during the years when the Wall divided the city, he had made a dozen trips through Checkpoint Charlie to encourage members of the church living under continuing surveillance and opposition in East Germany. More than once, he had been detained, questioned, and harassed by the border guards. In 1988, he took his teenage children to West Berlin and told them, “Take a good look at this wall, because someday when you bring your children here, this wall will still be standing.” A year later it was gone. When Saul of Tarsus began to attack the followers of Jesus, no one could have imagined that he would ever become a disciple of Christ. “Never. Not a chance.” Yet Acts 9:1-9 records the story of Saul’s blinding encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Within a few days of that life-changing event, Saul was preaching in the synagogues of Damascus that Jesus was the Son of God, to the astonishment of all who heard him (vv.20-21). When it comes to God’s work in the most difficult people we know, we should never say “never.” —David McCasland God’s power cannot be confined To what you think is possible; So when it comes to changing lives— Imagine the impossible. —Sper Never say never when it comes to what God can do. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recipe's

Crunchy Chicken Salad;
This recipe is a full meal in itself, we all love it and so do our friends and family that visit with us.

3-tablespoon butter or margarine.
1-package (3ounces) Oriental-flavor ramen noodle soup mix
2 tablespoonn sesame seed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2-cups cut-up cooked chicken
4-medium green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
Melt butter in 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Stir in seasoning packet from the noodles. Break the noodles into bite size pieces, (I put them in a plastic zip bag, and use a meat tenderizer or mallet) to break the noodles.
stir the noodles into the butter mixture. Cook at low temperature for 2-3 min.stirring constantly, stir in sesame seed. Cook about two more minutes.stirring constantly till noodles are golden brown (these burn easily so keep the temperature low and watch them closely)) In large bowl mix sugar,vinegar,, oil and pepper add all remaining ingredients except noodles; toss to mix.(I like to serve the noodles in a seperate dish to be used by choice, and they stay crisper longer)

Government (our responsibility)

1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

It’s always easy to complain ,and say that government’s unfair.
But God’s word says we should give thanks, and lift our leaders up in prayer.
If we pray more for our government, we will be more thankful for our government.

Prayer is the only thing that will bring our government back to Godly principles.
Complaining never changed anything; critizing never changed anything.
Prayer is the most powerful thing there is.



Romans 13

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

(NKJV)

Matthew 22:19-22 (New King James Version)
19 Show Me the tax money.”  So they brought Him a denarius.
20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”  21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

Chastening needed

Hebrews 12:6-11


6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.

7 you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they(our earthly fathers) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He(God) for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.. .





Romans 8:38-39

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



Rev

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Windows Live Hotmail

Windows Live Hotmail

Bondservant

Bondservant


Acts 1:14-15

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, [a] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples[b] (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty),

According to the scripture in 1Cor15:6; we know that there were at least five hundred that could have been with Jesus when he told them to go tarry, but this scripture says that there were only one hundred twenty that were in the upper room. Only 120 who were filled in that first outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49

49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem [a] until you are endued with power from on high.



I want to comment about being a servant. Most people hear the word servant they immediately turn you off; but I want to talk about a different kind of servant than the one that usually comes to our minds.

Bond servant; the Greek word is Doulos, and it means being servant because you want to to serve the one that you love above all others. It’s being committed and dedicated to the one who is above all others, Jesus Christ.

I found this explanation of a bond servant while doing this study and it is so good I decided to share it with others



A Bondservant of Jesus by Oswald Chambers

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . . —Galatians 2:20

These words mean the breaking and collapse of my independence brought about by my own hands, and the surrendering of my life to the supremacy of the Lord Jesus. No one can do this for me, I must do it myself. God may bring me up to this point three hundred and sixty-five times a year, but He cannot push me through it. It means breaking the hard outer layer of my individual independence from God, and the liberating of myself and my nature into oneness with Him; not following my own ideas, but choosing absolute loyalty to Jesus. Once I am at that point, there is no possibility of misunderstanding. Very few of us know anything about loyalty to Christ or understand what He meant when He said, ". . . for My sake" ( Matthew 5:11 ). That is what makes a strong saint.



Joel 2:29
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Acts 2:1

And on My menservants and on My maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days;

And they shall prophesy.

{Those who were in the upper room were bondservants. (my interpretation)}

Romans 1:1

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

Paul called himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and he was a great example of this.

New King James Version (NKJV)

I can testify to this truth; when you are a bondservant there is no more worry and anxiety over anything. You “know” that the one you are servant to “will” take care of everything there is concerning you.

Choose Right

He who sows to his flesh, will reap corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will reap everlasting life__Gal.6:8.
Are you facing temptation today? Run!! The scripture says flee, (2Tim2:22) that means run like a scared turkey! LOL
Never exchange fellowship with "Him" for anything. It's always a poor trade-off.
David traded his reputation for a night of pleasure;(2Sam.11)
Ananias and Saphira traded their lif for a little extra money, (Acts5)
No matter what the trade off  in the end, it never pays, it always robs you.
In the heat of temptation, don't lose your cool.

Hope

Job 11:18


18 And you would be secure, because there is hope;

Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.

Romans 8:24-25

24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

[Dictionary] Hope is confident desire: a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen

Hope is the strongest emotion inside us. When we have hope we will keep on keeping on as long as there is hope.

Lose hope, and you will cease to even try. The word of God has a lot to say about hope; without hope you can have no faith, that’s pretty strong medicine don’t you think?



Here are just a few scriptures:

2 Corinthians 3:12

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.

Lamentations 3:26
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

1 John 3:3
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

With hope we can do anything; to keep your hope alive, stay in the word and prayer. God bless!

Keep the Word

Keep the Word


Romans 8:1 ( nkjv)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.[Romans 8:1]

Romans 8:28,37-39

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose





37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



Isn’t it wonderful to be reminded of these things? This is why it’s so important to get in the word everyday; to keep the promises of God before our eyes.

When we fail to look into the word it gives the devil an opportunity to put his stuff before us and that can be destructive to our walk with the Lord.



Proverbs 4:20-23 (New King James Version)

20 My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;

Keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 For they are life to those who find them,

And health to all their flesh.

23 Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

A Vessel of Honor

Vessels unto honor

Holiness and Sanctification BOTH OF THESE ARE FROM THE SAME ROOT WORD/ HAGIOS



THEY ARE USED BOTH AS A NOUN AND VERB AND ADVERB



Have you ever heard someone say; “Well you know the Word says 2tim.2 20; In a large house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes, and others are made for ordinary jobs.”

So I guess I am just an old vessel for dishonor.



That is entirely up to you; His word also says

2 Timothy 2:21

Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.



2Cor.7:1; "Therefore, having these promises, beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."



1Thess.4:3; "For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you should abstain from sexual immorality."



Century version says it this way.

2Tim2:.21 All who make themselves clean from evil will be used for special purposes. They will be made holy, useful to the Master, ready to do any good work.

So let us make the decision today to be a vessel of gold, for honor, it’s up to us.

Yielded and Willing

Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Romans 9:21
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?

Romans 9:20-22 Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:6
O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me, after thy will,
 While I am waiting , humbly and still.

Tug Test

Scripture: Proverbs 11:13

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" NIV
The dictionary describes a gossip as a person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors.
 From personal experience --- counseling people who are motivated to gossip --- I can add --- gossip does way more harm than good.
One day Bobby met his best friend Dan and said, "Do you know what I just heard about Tommy?" "Hold on a minute," Dan replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass the TUG Filter Test."
"TUG Filter Test?" "That's right," Dan continued. "Before you talk to me about our friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the TUG Filter Test

The first of the TUG Filters is TRUTH:
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" No," Bobby said, "actually I just heard about it from Susie and ---" "All right," said Dan. "So you don't know if it's true!"

The Second of the TUG Filters is USEFULNESS:
Bobby, "Is what you want to tell me about Tommy going to be useful to me?" "Well, no, not really!" "Well," concluded Dan, "If what you want to tell me is not useful maybe you should better evaluate your intent."
The last of the TUG Filters in GOODNESS:
"Is what you are about to tell me about our friend something good?" "No, to the contrary ---" "So," Dan continued, "If what you want to tell me about Tommy is not true --- not good --- and not even useful --- why tell me at all?"

So when confronted with a gossip situation --- combat it with TUG. Conversation that is truthful, useful and good.

Eph 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt conversation proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the use of edifying."
I have noticed that most of the time when two or more people get together, they "will" talk negative about someone; almost seems that they don't have anything to talk about that is positive.
 It sure makes a difference in how you feel when you leave someone who has good stuff to share with you.
Let's practice saying only good stuff and watch the reactions of the one-s we talk to.

Awesome God

Isaiah 40:26

26 Lift up your eyes on high,  And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;  He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might  And the strength of His power;  Not one is missing.  (NKJV)

The world is not lacking in Wonders, but in people having a sense of wonder.
Scientists who have sought out the wonders of creation are awed by the Wonder of it all. Creation itself is so vast and wonderful that no one who thinks rationally could possibly think of it as "the big bang"
How about you? does the very thought that that the God you serve is the one who created all this make you want to fall at His feet in worship. Does our sense of wonder cause us to be proud of knowing Him. I mean, "He is our Father!"

Psalm 104:24-33
24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions— 25 This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things,  Living things both small and great.
26 There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan  Which You have made to play there.

27 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.
28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; May the LORD rejoice in His works.
32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Cheer Up

Psalms17:22, says; “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”(nlt)


If you are always looking at the bad side of life you are on dangerous ground; not only spiritually, but also, physically.Ecc.3:14 says,”There is a time to laugh,” The way we look at life is up to us, not those around us. I have actually heard some people say, “I can’t live right as long as I am around that person.” That is entirely up to you, not the other person. Ps 124:1-3 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion which cannot be shaken.” When we can serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing.” (Ps100:2 nkjv) It takes our mind off negative stuff.

You can always find something to rejoice about when you remember “Who” is on your side. “A cheerful heart is like medicine,”

Doctors have confirmed that “laughter de-stresses us and strengthens our immune system.” So come on, changing your mind is your decision, do it and live a long fruitful, enjoyable life!

Eternity

Eternity! Is there any other word that constitutes such vast unbelievable images to us? Our minds cannot grasp the reality of the existence of eternity!  That's because time doesn't exist in eternity. In Jn.17:3 it says, "This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."So it would seem that eternal life has to do with our relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
John 14:6





Jn. 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Acts 4:12
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
How could Jesus make these statements and expect people to believe them? Because He defeated death by rising from the dead. In this way, He also defeated time! time as we understand it with our finite minds.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Eternity, Eternity, to some a blessed thought ;

To others, seperation from the one they had not sought.___Peterson

The one who lives for this life only, will have eternity to regret it. (copied from daily bread)

Peace, God's peace

Love. Peace, Joy;
These are the things that the whole world is looking for; They go after these things using all sorts of things, Jobs, drugs, people, etc. Some think if I can just get my body in shape, or get stronger than everybody else, then I will be happy, joyful, and at peace. However, the worlds peace and joy is temporary; It only lasts till things go wrong, then it takes flight.
In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The peace that comes from Jesus will not leave us when things get tough in our life. Just as the Love that God gives is an everlasting love. When He said “Love your enemies.” He wasn’t telling us to do something that we couldn’t do. The love of God that He gives to us is just like His love He has for us; It never ceases.

Isaiah 55:12
12 “ For you shall go out with joy,  And be led out with peace;  The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,  And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

The world offers a feeling of peace that operates only when things are going well;

When everything seems to be going wrong in your life and still you remain calm; that’s the peace of God that “transcends” goes beyond understanding.



How do I get this peace?



1pet5:6-7; Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.


Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus."

The Potter and the clay

Dear Family and Friends,


The arrangements for Bob's funeral are as follows -

Visitation will be on Monday from 3-9 at Hauss Funeral Home (47477 Romeo Plank Rd--north of 21 Mile Road. ). The funeral service will be on Tuesday at Bethany Baptist Church (19700 15 Mile Rd -- at the corner of Beaconsfield) at 11 a.m. with a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. preceding the service.

The service will be followed by a luncheon in Bethany's Fellowship Hall.

you can go to www.haussfamilyfuneralhomes.com for more details

I added a Daily Bread reading that Bob's aunt Billie in Tennessee had sent to us. I liked it a lot and thought you might too.

Thanks all,
Love, Chris

April 16, 2010

The Treasure And The Pots
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-11

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. —2 Corinthians 4:7It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents.

Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul’s illustration of the life of Jesus in every believer. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Our bodies, like amphorae, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In our modern world that highly values outward beauty, we would be wise to remember that our greatest treasure is the life of Jesus within us. By God’s grace and power, may we live so that others can see Christ in us.

We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us. —David McCasland

Although my outward shell decays,

I’m inwardly renewed each day,

Because the life and power of Christ

Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper

Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background.