Daily Bread

[HeavenBesideYou]

As most of you know my company participated in the Home Builders Blitz for Habitat For Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/) last week and it was very successful and an enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved. The family we built for included a single mother and her two children whom were abandoned by their dead beat dad some time ago and struggling just to stay afloat in this world. I was recently speaking of last weeks events to some people I know when I was literally attacked by a couple of them claiming,”The poor bring on their own situation and giving them free labor and a cheap home isn’t going to do anything but hurt them more…”, and things like, “Working for free and donating your time doesn’t pay the bills Dave…”

I wish the world would wake up and realize that if we all helped each other just a little each day our race would be better off for it, and blessed more as one. The pure ignorance of some just baffles me. It makes me wonder who taught them this, how have they survived this long with this attitude, and what does the Bible have to say about the less fortunate population among us?

June 13th

"God blesses the poor and those who help them."

Why do we look for ways to shame the poor and destitute? Of course, there are a few who are poor because they choose nothing better for their lives, but they are a distinct minority. All too often, poor people are made out to be lazy, evil, and greedy, when nothing could be further from the truth. The poor are our brothers and sisters, and they are worthy of our help, just because Christ said so. God blesses the poor and those who help them. Take hold of your blessing. Help someone in need.

O let the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Psalm 74:21

All your children deserve dignity and respect.

Unknown

Lack of money is the root of all evil.

George Bernard Shaw

Heaven

:pimp:

[Rocketqueen]

June 12th

"Despair bearing down on you?"

Whatever your worries are today, they probably do not top the 600 Egyptian war chariots bearing down on the children of Israel! Trapped between the mountains and the sea, the people forgot the God who had delivered them from the Pharaoh's hand, and they cried out in despair. But Moses, who focused on the promise of God, stood firm in his hope. When we face our "chariots," it is quite normal to feel anxiety and fear. But when we remember God's faithfulness and his ability to bring good out of any situation, we find our fears calmed and our confidence renewed.

The Lord continued to strengthen Pharaoh's resolve, and he chased after the people of Israel who had escaped so defiantely. All the forces of Pharaoh's army; all his horses, chariots, and charioteers were used in the chase.…

As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the Lord for help.

Then they turned against Moses and complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was better than dying out here in the wilderness!"

But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"

Exodus 14:8-14

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

T.S. Eliot

Heaven

:pimp:
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounc:bounce:

[Rocketqueen]

As most of you know my company participated in the Home Builders Blitz for Habitat For Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/) last week and it was very successful and an enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved. The family we built for included a single mother and her two children whom were abandoned by their dead beat dad some time ago and struggling just to stay afloat in this world. I was recently speaking of last weeks events to some people I know when I was literally attacked by a couple of them claiming,”The poor bring on their own situation and giving them free labor and a cheap home isn’t going to do anything but hurt them more…”, and things like, “Working for free and donating your time doesn’t pay the bills Dave…”

I wish the world would wake up and realize that if we all helped each other just a little each day our race would be better off for it, and blessed more as one. The pure ignorance of some just baffles me. It makes me wonder who taught them this, how have they survived this long with this attitude, and what does the Bible have to say about the less fortunate population among us?

June 13th

"God blesses the poor and those who help them."

Why do we look for ways to shame the poor and destitute? Of course, there are a few who are poor because they choose nothing better for their lives, but they are a distinct minority. All too often, poor people are made out to be lazy, evil, and greedy, when nothing could be further from the truth. The poor are our brothers and sisters, and they are worthy of our help, just because Christ said so. God blesses the poor and those who help them. Take hold of your blessing. Help someone in need.

O let the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Psalm 74:21

All your children deserve dignity and respect.

Unknown

Lack of money is the root of all evil.

George Bernard Shaw

Heaven

:pimp: AMEN, HEV And For Those Others Who Spoke Things AND THE BLESSINGS OF GOD AS HE BLESSES POOR AND NEEDY, THE LORD THY GOD IS THEIR JUDGE, And Shall Deal With Their Kind IN THE WAYS HE DEALT WITH EYGYPT AMEN , And AMEN :hugs:

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 14th

"Unlimited passport."

No matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim you and no flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia, the Christian refugee in Africa, or the Bedouin brother in Egypt, or the high-rise business person in Hong Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, or the Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, than you do your next door neighbor if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

Jesus

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 15th

"Flying solo?"

Bad idea... We were created to live with and for one another. When we think the universe revolves around us, we upset god's intended order. Our goal in life should be to reach out to a s many of God's children as we possibly can. When we learn to walk with others, we have learned to walk with God.

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

Psalm 76:5

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Norman Macewan

Heaven

:pimp:

[Rocketqueen]

June 14th

"Unlimited passport."

No matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim you and no flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia, the Christian refugee in Africa, or the Bedouin brother in Egypt, or the high-rise business person in Hong Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, or the Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, than you do your next door neighbor if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

Jesus

Heaven

:pimp: :bounce: :bounce:

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 16th

"Waiting with hope."

Mary and Martha had sent their friend Jesus a message about the critical condition of their brother, Lazarus, and their urgent need for his help: "Lord, the one you love is very sick" (John 11:3). But instead of rushing off to Bethany, Jesus stayed where he was for two days before responding to Mary and Martha's plea. When he did arrive, he raised Lazarus from the dead in a magnificent display of his power.

Just as Mary and Martha struggled when Jesus answered their prayers for Lazarus in a time and way different from what they had expected, we get frustrated when the Lord delays in coming to us and answering our prayers.

As it did for the grieving sisters, two days (or two months or two years) of waiting can seem like an eternity to us. But in the midst of the "delay," God is not inactive. He is teaching us patience, perseverance, and faith and is planning to glorify himself in our circumstances. While we are waiting, he wants to cleanse our hearts and refocus us on Jesus. The Spirit always knows what will glorify God, and we can trust him when we're in the waiting room.

Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them. Finally, after two days, he said to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea again."

John 11:5-7

God often delays His response out of love, as He works all things together for good.

Jeanne Zornes

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 17th

"He is to be praised as a God of mercy and tender compassion."

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brothers said: "Pure religion, undefiled before God the Father is this: keep oneself undefiled and care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus showed clearly this was the Father's heart in his ministry.

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord -- and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalm 68:4-5

None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered.

Matthew Henry

Heaven

:pimp:

[Rocketqueen]

June 16th

"Waiting with hope."

Mary and Martha had sent their friend Jesus a message about the critical condition of their brother, Lazarus, and their urgent need for his help: "Lord, the one you love is very sick" (John 11:3). But instead of rushing off to Bethany, Jesus stayed where he was for two days before responding to Mary and Martha's plea. When he did arrive, he raised Lazarus from the dead in a magnificent display of his power.

Just as Mary and Martha struggled when Jesus answered their prayers for Lazarus in a time and way different from what they had expected, we get frustrated when the Lord delays in coming to us and answering our prayers.

As it did for the grieving sisters, two days (or two months or two years) of waiting can seem like an eternity to us. But in the midst of the "delay," God is not inactive. He is teaching us patience, perseverance, and faith and is planning to glorify himself in our circumstances. While we are waiting, he wants to cleanse our hearts and refocus us on Jesus. The Spirit always knows what will glorify God, and we can trust him when we're in the waiting room.

Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them. Finally, after two days, he said to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea again."

John 11:5-7

God often delays His response out of love, as He works all things together for good.

Jeanne Zornes

Heaven

:pimp: AMEN AND AMEN , HE HAS PLACED UPON A ROCK WHERE WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED AMEN, Great Message HEV, We Cant Seen To Find Enough Of Theme OF THE PRECIOUS POWER OF WATING ON THE LORD THY GOD, I WAITED Patiently For The Lord And He Inclined And Heared My Cry He brought me up Also Out Of An Horrbile Pit Out Of The Miry Clay And Set My Feet Upon A Rock AND ESTABLISHED MY GOINGS Thats Wonderfull MANY O LORD MY GOD ARE YOUR WORKS WHICH THOU HAS DONE AND THY THOGHTS WHICH TO ARE TO US~WARD THEY CANNOT BE RECKONED UP IN ORDER UNTO THEE IF I WOULD DECLARE AND SPEAK OF THEME THEY ARE MORE THAN CAN BE NUMBERED Psalm 40.1.5

[Rocketqueen]

June 17th

"He is to be praised as a God of mercy and tender compassion."

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brothers said: "Pure religion, undefiled before God the Father is this: keep oneself undefiled and care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus showed clearly this was the Father's heart in his ministry.

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord -- and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalm 68:4-5

None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered.

Matthew Henry

Heaven

:pimp:
:bounce: :bounce: AMEN THE GOD OF GLORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I WILL PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD WITH A SONG THAT WILL MAGINFIY HIM WITH THANKSGIVING THE HUMBLE SHALL THIS AND BE GLAD AND YOUR HEART SHALL LIVE THAT SEEK GOD FOR THE LORD HEARETH THE POOR AND DESPISETH NOT HIS PRISONERS LET THE HEAVEN AND EARTH PRAISE HIM AND THE SEAS AND EVERYTHING THAT MOVES THERIN Psalm 69, 30.34

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 18th (Happy Father's Day!)

"Sing a new song."

Every day we cross paths with someone who needs to hear the good news that the Lord saves. We can never fully plumb the depths of God's character and attributes, but with every day and every experience we can discover new facets about God, new songs to sing to him. To "publish" means to share and that refers not only to writing books and delivering sermons about God but also to sharing what the Lord has done in our own lives so that others might be drawn to him. Each of us can purpose to do that. The most powerful evangelism doesn't take place within the four walls of a church building (I've been preaching this for years! lol). It occurs when we share with others in our neighborhood and workplace the good news of what God has done for us individually and for the whole world in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ask God to bring people across your path today who need to hear the news that God saves and that he loves them.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

Psalm 96:1-3

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!

Charles Wesley

Heaven

:pimp:

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 19th

"Too much responsibility?"

I watched Bruce Almighty (Jim Carrey) last night and thought about this...

Perhaps we give God too much credit for being active in our lives. There are some things He wants us to handle on our own. Christ works inside of us to make us Kingdom people, but we have to make choices on our own. We need to take the things Christ teaches and use them in our relationships, our actions, our lives. God is with us to comfort us when we fail and to celebrate with us when we triumph, but He still allows us to make our own choices. It's not always what we want, but our God is the God of freedom of will. He will not make the world work our way just because we think He should.

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?

Psalm 77:9

Bruce: How do you make so many people love you without affecting Free Will?

God: [snorts] Heh, welcome to my world, son. If you come up with an answer to that one, let me know.

Rent this if you get the chance,

Heaven

:pimp:

[Rocketqueen]

June 19th

"Too much responsibility?"

I watched Bruce Almighty (Jim Carrey) last night and thought about this...

Perhaps we give God too much credit for being active in our lives. There are some things He wants us to handle on our own. Christ works inside of us to make us Kingdom people, but we have to make choices on our own. We need to take the things Christ teaches and use them in our relationships, our actions, our lives. God is with us to comfort us when we fail and to celebrate with us when we triumph, but He still allows us to make our own choices. It's not always what we want, but our God is the God of freedom of will. He will not make the world work our way just because we think He should.

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?

Psalm 77:9

Bruce: How do you make so many people love you without affecting Free Will?

God: [snorts] Heh, welcome to my world, son. If you come up with an answer to that one, let me know.

Rent this if you get the chance,

Heaven

:pimp:
:laugh: i never miss a jim C. Movie

[Rocketqueen]

June 18th (Happy Father's Day!)

"Sing a new song."

Every day we cross paths with someone who needs to hear the good news that the Lord saves. We can never fully plumb the depths of God's character and attributes, but with every day and every experience we can discover new facets about God, new songs to sing to him. To "publish" means to share and that refers not only to writing books and delivering sermons about God but also to sharing what the Lord has done in our own lives so that others might be drawn to him. Each of us can purpose to do that. The most powerful evangelism doesn't take place within the four walls of a church building (I've been preaching this for years! lol). It occurs when we share with others in our neighborhood and workplace the good news of what God has done for us individually and for the whole world in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ask God to bring people across your path today who need to hear the news that God saves and that he loves them.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

Psalm 96:1-3

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!

Charles Wesley

Heaven

:pimp: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 20th

"I Love to Tell the Story."

Kate Hankey, the daughter of a prosperous London banker, grew up in a stylish London suburb. She started a Bible class for girls in her neighborhood, and then, when she was only eighteen, Hankey went to London to teach a Bible class of "factory girls." In her twenties, she started other Bible classes for factory girls.

When she was in her early thirties, Kate Hankey became seriously ill. Doctors said she needed a year of bed rest. She was forbidden to teach her Bible classes for twelve months. During her long, slow recovery, she wrote two lengthy poems. The first, at the beginning of her convalescence, later became the hymn "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." The second, written ten months later, became "I Love to Tell the Story."

After ten months she felt strong enough to leave her bed. She soon returned to her Bible classes in London and continued teaching for many years. When she became too old to teach the factory girls regularly, she started a prison ministry in London—even then she continued to tell the story of Jesus.

But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love; I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true, It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story! Twill be my theme in glory—To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Arabella Catherine Hankey ( 1834-1911 )

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

:bounce: :bounce: That Was GREAT STORY HEV, AND WITH A WONDERFUL MESSAGE, FOR EVER O LORD THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THY FAITHFULNESS IS UNTO ALL GENERRATIONS >>>>> THOU HAST ESTABLISHED THE EARTH AND IT ABIDETH THEY CONTINUE THIS DAY ACORDING TO THY ORDINANCES FOR ALL THY SERVANTS UNLESS THE LAW HAD BEEN MY DELIGHTS I SHOULD THEN HAVE PERISHED IN MINE ALFICTION :bounce: I WILL NEVER FORGET THY PRECEPTS FOR WITH THEME THOU HAS QUICKEND ME , i,am thine save me for i have sought thy precepts the Wicked Have Waited For Me To Destroy BUT OH JEHOVHA GOD SWEET HOSASANNA HOW WILL CONSIDER THY TESTIMONIES , Psalm 119 89,95

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 21st

"Close to You."

How good it is to be as close to God as his shadow and share in the comfort of his shelter. He is not far if our hearts choose to draw near him.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid.

The Message

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 22nd

"Trusting God."

The chosen people were afraid. They had to cross a barren wasteland, a desert, with no provisions and not definite sense of where they would end up. The scorching sun frightened them. The dark, cold nights frightened them. They were a people afraid. But the Lord saw their fear, and He sent a cloud to block the scorching sun, and He placed a bright fireball in the sky at night to light their way. The people of God came through the desert safe and sound.

God brings us through the wastelands of our live sin the same way. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and endurance. Trust in God's mercy and love, and He will bring you through any situation.

In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

Psalm 78:14

The Will of God will never lead me where the Grace of God can't protect me.

Unknown

Heaven

:pimp:

[Rocketqueen]

June 22nd

"Trusting God."

The chosen people were afraid. They had to cross a barren wasteland, a desert, with no provisions and not definite sense of where they would end up. The scorching sun frightened them. The dark, cold nights frightened them. They were a people afraid. But the Lord saw their fear, and He sent a cloud to block the scorching sun, and He placed a bright fireball in the sky at night to light their way. The people of God came through the desert safe and sound.

God brings us through the wastelands of our live sin the same way. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and endurance. Trust in God's mercy and love, and He will bring you through any situation.

In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

Psalm 78:14

The Will of God will never lead me where the Grace of God can't protect me.

Unknown

Heaven

:pimp: AMEN :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Rocketqueen]

June 21st

"Close to You."

How good it is to be as close to God as his shadow and share in the comfort of his shelter. He is not far if our hearts choose to draw near him.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid.

The Message

Heaven

:pimp: PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY, Know ye not that ye are the temple Of God and that the spirt of God Dwells In You, AND IS STRONGER THAN ANYTHING THAT DEFILES IT, Let NO MAN DECIVE HIMSELF If Any Man Among You Seem To Be Wise IN THIS WORLD Let Him Become A Fool That He May Be Wise FOR THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD IS FOOLISHNESS With GOD For It Is Written HE TAKETH THE WISE IN THEIR Own Craftiness AND AGAIN THE LORD Knoweth The Thoughts Of The Wise, And Again The Lord Knoweth the thoughts Of The Wise That They Are Vain THERFORE LET NO MAN GLORY IN MEN For All THINGS ARE YOURS Whether Paul Or Apollos Or Cephas Or The World Or Life Or Things To Come All Are Yours And Ye Are Christs And Christs IS GODS, 1 COR 3, 16.23

[HeavenBesideYou]

June 23rd

"Millions."

The British film Millions tells the engaging story of two brothers who find a bag full of money with no apparent owner. The younger boy wants to use it to help the poor, while the older sibling sees it as his ticket to popularity and the good life. What unfolds is a story that vividly contrasts the freedom of a generous spirit with the frustration of a grasping hand.

The words of our Lord may sound so radical that we find it difficult to figure out how to put them into practice. But if we honestly seek His guidance, He will guide our steps and guard our hearts from worry. I suspect that the generous boy in that movie had open hands long before millions fell into them.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:32-34

There is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist.

Unknown

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 24th

"Conditions."

There always seem to be conditions on everything. Little strings attached. How wonderful it is when we find relationships with no strings attached. Our relationship with God is like that: no conditions, no strings. He loves us even when we are unlovable. We can misbehave, and we can be bad, but God welcomes us back whenever we return to Him. He doesn't ever withhold His favor from those who reach out to Him.

How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!

Psalm 78:40

Faith and doubt both are needed - not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.

Lillian Smith

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 25th

"God Bless America."

President Bush and other politicians often end their public appearances by saying, "God bless America." But what does that mean to us as individuals and as a nation?

Blessings have to do with both giving and receiving. It was a vital part of life in Bible times. To bless someone meant many things…to praise them, pray for them, and commit them to God's care. It also meant to dedicate and challenge them to live forever committed to God, to keep hold of spiritual things. It was a call for abundance and prosperity for another. And it was also a way of officially passing on the family inheritance to the oldest son. Wishes for a rich and abundant life were inherent in a blessing, although not always in a material sense. God was recognized as the ultimate source of the blessing. The person blessed would walk with the Lord and receive his benefits.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.

Psalm 1:1

God bless thee! and put meekness in thy mind, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty.

William Shakespeare

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 26th

"Spread the good news!"

The Samaritan woman was so amazed by Jesus and his revelations about who he was and about the secrets of her heart and life that she forgot her water jar—the very reason she'd come to the well—and rushed back to the village to tell others about the "man" she had met. Up and down the streets she shared the good news about Jesus, for she had seen the Lord, the Messiah! Having received the living water, a perpetual spring within her that gave her eternal life, she wanted others to know him too. So the people began streaming from the village to see him, eager to meet this incredible man who told people the secrets of their hearts.

Sharing with others what Jesus has done in us and for us stirs up interest in those who don't know him. His revelation in our lives draws to him people who desire to have him work in their lives as he does in ours. With whom could you share the good news today? Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to his working in the lives of others, and be ready to share the hope that's within you.

The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone, "Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

John 4:28-30

How many people have you made homesick for God?

Oswald Chambers

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 27th

"We are Christ's ambassadors"

...and therefore his messengers. Too often we think that the message we preach reflects our faith. However, on a much deeper level it is the message of our everyday words and actions that are influential. We are the letter from God that people read. We become unreliable messengers when we speak crudely, gossip about a neighbor, or act dishonestly.

Our words and actions reflect God, who lives inside us, to people who never open a Bible or enter a church. Never forget that you are an ambassador for Christ and a messenger of hope. Ask his Spirit to empower you to deliver the Good News with your life and words.

An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.

Proverbs 13:17

A credible message needs a credible messenger because charisma without character is catastrophe.

Peter Kuzmic

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 28th

"Crying ones."

The story of Lazarus's death and resurrection ( John 11:1-44 ) contains a profound teaching about sorrow. When Jesus arrived and was taken to the graveside, he wept openly. Onlookers were impressed with the power of his grief and immediately recognized it as an indication of his great love: "See how much he loved him," they said.

The tears Jesus shed that day forever validate the experience of human sorrow and grief. Even though we have the hope of resurrection and we know that for the believer physical death is not the final word, our tears and sorrow are appropriate and good. How comforting to know that God himself is willing to walk the way of sorrow with us! Is there any sorrow that you have been unable to express fully? You can share it with the Lord, for he understands your grief fully.

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.

Isaiah 53:3-6

You that are called born of God, and Christians, if you be not criers, there is no spiritual life in you; if you be born of God, you are crying ones; as soon as He raised you out of the dark dungeon of sin, you cannot but cry to God.

John Bunyan

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 29th

"God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives."

The greatest thing we can do is to find that purpose and live it out. We can trust his purpose in us because it is based on his wisdom and love. As long as we seek his will, we're not going to do anything that can ultimately spoil his purpose in us. Yes, we may at times stray from the perfect channel he wants us to travel, but we never get totally out of the main channel. As long he does not abandon us, (and he promised he never would forsake us he will use us) for his purposes.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever -- do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8

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 questioned 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 most troublesome 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."

Mary Stevenson

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

June 30th

"Are you regular?"

In 1 Samuel 15 the Bible tells how King Saul disobeyed the Lord's command to completely destroy the enemies and their livestock. When Samuel asked the king why he heard the bleating of sheep and the lowing of cattle, Saul basically replied, "Oh, right, thanks for reminding me. We're saving those to offer to the Lord later!"

Samuel recognized a lie when he heard one and replied, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." ( 1 Samuel 15:22 ). God wants the same from us, not some great annual recommitment that we soon break. He wants consistency. Regularity. Faithfulness. He wants our obedience.

But Samuel replied [to Saul], "What is more pleasing to the Lord, your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebelling is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols.

1 Samuel 15:22-23

If you love me, obey my commandments.… You are my friends if you obey me.

John 14:15; 15:14

The life that intends to be wholly obedient, wholly submissive, wholly listening, is astonishing in its completeness. Its joys are ravishing, its peace profound, its humility the deepest, its power world-shaking, its love enveloping.

Thomas Kelly

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 1st

"Religious cults."

Thousands of people turn to cults and sects, hoping to find something Christianity can't give them. Usually, they don't want to take the responsibility Christ gives to live a holy and upright life. It is easier to run away to somewhere where the self doesn't matter so much, then to face the problems right in front of us. Sadly, there is no place to run. Jesus is the only true answer to a life that is empty and void. Strange gods come and go. They have no staying power. They may be attractive for awhile, but only God endures forever.

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Psalm 81:9

Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.

Andre Gide

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 3rd

"God will guard you from evil."

In order to be effective on the battlefield a soldier must be both well trained and properly equipped. The warrior must be alert for surprise attacks. So it is in our spiritual battle with Satan. Determined to destroy our faith by leading us into sin and discouragement, Satan attacks with blatant temptation and deceptive lies. The Bible teaches that the best weapons for this warfare are the Word of God and prayer.

The faith of the Thessalonian believers was being tried by persecution. Undoubtedly some of them were wavering, even failing, as the surrounding evil put them to the test. This was an important time for Paul to remind them that, no matter what happened, God's faithfulness would prevail over evil and strengthen them so that they could endure.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be saved from wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes in the Lord. But the Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.… May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Always do the things you fear the most. Courage is an acquired taste, like caviar.

Erica Jong

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 4th 2006

"Independence Day!"

For Americans, July 4 has special meaning as we celebrate Independence Day. There will be parades and picnics and fireworks. It is a day to celebrate freedom and to recognize God as the true source of freedom and blessing for any nation.

So much of our freedom today seems bound up in a world driven by material possessions, yet those who died for the liberty we enjoy often did so to obtain or preserve freedoms of conscience—speech, religion, assembly, among others. And much of the blessing we enjoy today began with the promise God made to Abraham.

"I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, regulations, and laws."

Genesis 26:4-5

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen for his own.

Psalm 33:12

We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances—to choose one's own way.

Victor Frankl

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July my friends...

Peace,

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 5th

"Facing evil?"

In 1887, Ernest Shurtleff was about to graduate from Andover Seminary. Ernest wrote a hymn for the entire graduating class to sing. He told his fellow seminarians, "We've been spending days of preparation here at seminary. Now the day of march has come, and we must go out to follow the leadership of the King of kings, to conquer the world under His banner."

Thus, "Lead On, O King Eternal" was written for a seminary graduating class. The commencements today are not always so dramatic, but there is no reason our eternal King cannot open a new door for us today. We can step out and march under His banner, "not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning where'er [His] face appears."

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was seated on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings.…In a great chorus they sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!"

Isaiah 6:1-4

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin's fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords' loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums,
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Ernest Warburton Shurtleff

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 6th

"Protection for the soul."

Psalm 121 is one of a collection of "songs of ascent" sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of Israel's great feasts. Basically it is hymn of trust that God will watch over his people as they journey along potentially dangerous roads, up through the hills of Judea to the Holy City.

Does God say that his people will never encounter trouble? No. The awful truth is that even Christians get robbed and mugged, raped and murdered. Statistics indicate that more followers of Jesus were martyred for their faith in the twentieth century than in the previous nineteen centures combined. You will not find any biblical evidence to suggest that believers are exempt from the ugly violence of a fallen world.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!

He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you and will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Psalm 121

As Jesus said in Matthew 10:28: At worst, evil people "can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul."

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 7th

"Not the real thing."

Wickedness, when you examine it, turns out to be the pursuit of some good in the wrong way. You can be good for the mere sake of goodness; you cannot be bad for the mere sake of badness. You can do a kind action when you are not feeling kind and when it gives you no pleasure, simply because kindness is right; but no one ever did a cruel action simply because cruelty was wrong—only because cruelty was pleasant or useful to him. In other words, badness cannot succeed even in being bad in the same way in which goodness is good. Goodness is, so to speak, itself; badness is only spoiled goodness.…Evil is a parasite, not an original thing.

C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

1 Peter 5:8-9

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.

James 4:7-8

Heaven

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July 8th

"Tricking Houdini."

During his life, Harry Houdini had a standing challenge that he could escape from any jail cell within an hour. A small town in the British Isles had just constructed a new jail cell they thought was escape-proof, and they wanted to put it to the test. Houdini entered the cell and immediately went to work. After two grueling hours—an hour past his deadline—Houdini finally withdrew his file from the lock and leaned against the door in exhaustion. To his amazement, the cell door swung open. The jailors had tricked the great magician by closing the jail door but never bolting the lock. He was free all along, he just didn't know it.

Satan has the same strategy, doesn't he? His greatest weapon is to make us think that we are trapped, when in reality the cell door is always open. Satan can't bind us, so he tricks us into making us believe the cell door is locked.

Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:10-12

Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.

Arthur Shopenhauer

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 9th

""I will never let you down."

That is faithfulness. Husbands and wives vow on their wedding day to be faithful to one another, devoted and committed to one another in all area of marriage. It is a vow to be with one's mate, to stay with one's mate, and to build up one's mate. Again and again throughout the Bible, God holds faithfulness up as one of his foundational qualities and a foundation quality he expects from his people. There is nothing like the faithfulness of a mate, friends and family, and God to build our sense of security.

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9

The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments.

Psalm 103:17-18

The Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 10th

"Morning prayer too?"

What a way to start the day! The verses in Psalm 92 represent one of the first prayers on the priests' lips on the Sabbath day: "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!"

What if before you read your morning paper, before you head out the door, before you start the countless tasks you have to do for each day, you determine that you're going to start your day with praise for how God has "thrilled" you? Right now, you have the chance to start afresh. A new day is before you. Why not start things off right with a regimen of praise instead of the old routine? In prayer today, proclaim his unfailing love, and tonight, before going to bed, praise him again for his faithfulness.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the harp and lute and the harmony of the lyre. You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

Psalm 92:1-4

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 11th

"Gratefulness."

Astonishing gratefulness:

Insurance agent Thomas O. Chisholm certainly had his share of disappointments in life. His health had been fragile, forcing him to resign as a Methodist minister after only one year of service. But he enjoyed writing and submitted his poetry to various Christian magazines. Sometimes he got rejection slips, sometimes acceptances, but he seldom received any money. He earned his meager living selling life insurance.

When he was seventy-five, he wrote, "My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulenss."

The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!…Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Thomas Obadiah Chisholm

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 12th

"Forgive my weakness."

It is hard to be good when we are so weak. Even the great apostle, Paul, spoke of doing things he knew he should not do. No one ever rises completely above sin. God wants people who will try and who will strive to do better, even when they know they can't be perfect. God will judge us on the intentions of our hearts. We cannot separate ourselves from God's love as long as we desire in our hearts to be reconciled to Him. He loves us that much.

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am a man that hath no strength: Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in thy grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from they hand.

Psalm 88:4,5

We assume that God views injustice and sin the way we do. But He doesn't, and aren't we blessed by that fact?

Bruce Toews

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 13th

"Don't cast aside another of God's children."

We do terrible things to some people in our society. People who suffer greatly need our compassion and love, but instead they receive our judgment and condemnation. Christ does not ask us to accept sin, or the results of sin, but He commands us to love the one who sins. One thing we may never do is cast aside another of God's children. We do not have that right. The Lord loves all His children, and we need to learn to love all our sisters and brothers. No one need ever be alone, if we will extend our hands in love to the sick, the lonely, the poor.

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Psalm 88:8

Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy.

Izaak Walton

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 14th

"A pearl of great price."

The man fell in love with the painting. Its beauty was beyond words. He would give anything to own the painting; to possess its beauty for himself. He bought the painting and took it home with him. Immediately, he began to worry that it might get damaged. He packed the painting in a crate and locked it in an airtight vault, away from seeking eyes, where no one could benefit from its loveliness.

We have received a treasure of great value: Jesus Christ. Should we hold Him in our hearts, never letting Him be seen, or should we expose Him to the view of all who would look? We are to be the city on the hill, the light shining in the darkness, the salt of the earth. No one has the option to call himself a Christian and then keep it selfishly inside. Our faith is intensely personal, but it is never private. We possess a pearl of great price. Be proud of it and let the whole world see it.

Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? And they righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Psalm 88:12

The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.

Oscar Wilde

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 15th

"Why should I help the poor?"

To be poor means that something is lacking from our life.

The Bible focuses primarily on two kinds of poverty—people who are in need of basic necessities (like food and clothing) and people who are in need of God (for they lack the Holy Spirit's presence in their life). We are called—commanded—to help both of these kinds of people as much as we possibly can.

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in times of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort.

Psalm 41:1-3

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him, he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will save them from oppression and from violence, for their lives are precious to him.

Psalm 72:12-14

A greedy person tries to get rich quick, but it only leads to poverty. Greed causes fighting; trusting in the Lord leads toprosperity. Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty.

Proverbs 28:22,25,27

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July 16th

"God lives here!"

If you had known Jesus' address in Nazareth along about A.D. 20, you could have gone to that house and said, "God lives here!" The doctrine of Jesus as fully God and fully man, fully God and yet having emptied himself of all of his divine privilege, is nearly impossible to fully understand, but is the awesome reality of Grace. God chose to be like us because we could not be like him. So in Jesus, God came to us so we could be given his fullness.

In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Colossians 2:9-10

They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.

Emily Dickinson

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July 17th

"Magic!"

No matter where the children were, they heard it. It called them from their homework, their play, their naps, their chores. In an instant, heads came up, slightly cocked, in order to hear the delicate chimes. The ice cream man! No greater sound could be found. From every corner of the neighborhood, children with beaming faces were drawn magically to the little wine cart, with its row of silver bells.

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalm 89:15

When the voice of the Lord calls out to us, may we respond to it with the same childlike glee that our youngsters demonstrate at the approach of the ice cream man. May the name of the Lord bring joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces.

Phil Ware

Heaven

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July 18th

"The dangers of greed."

Greed is never satisfied because self is at the center of its world, and the self is forever taking, grasping after whatever is beneficial to "me." A person secure in the love of God approaches life with quite a different attitude: Because I am sure that God will take care of me and provide all that I need, I no longer have to be greedy, desperately looking out for myself and grabbing everything in sight.

Ultimately, greed is a sign of emptiness. If you find yourself grasping after things in life, worried that you won't get what you want, what you need, or what you deserve, you have put your trust in the wrong place. Greed will use you up without giving anything in return. God's great love offers us a fuller, more satisfying life.

The desires of lazy people will be their ruin, for their hands refuse to work. They are always greedy for more, while the godly love to give!

Proverbs 21:25-26

It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25

Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 19th

"One week to live."

What would you change about your routine if you only had one week to live?

God wants us to value the time we have on earth. We take time for granted, acting as though our earthly life will go on forever. Time on earth is too short to waste. Number your days, and God will fill you with a special wisdom.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Heaven

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July 20th

"My wife's works."

Sheryl loves her artwork. She can express so many things with a canvas and paint that she can't express any other way. She showes the depths of her soul. All her work has a spiritual sense to it. It comes from a deep and beautiful place inside her own soul. Sheryl feels that the image of God in her is best displayed through the works of her hands and heart.

Within each of us is a wellspring of beauty that comes from God above. How we express it varies from person to person, but it is there, nonetheless. Reach deep into your soul and share the wealth of beauty buried there. To do so is to share God.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Psalm 90:17

Heaven

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July 21st

"Prayer, defined."

The most universally practiced yet least understood of human experiences, prayer is one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Its simplest definition is communication with God. Yet so often we approach prayer like a one-way telephone conversation, forgetting that God also wants to speak to us. Prayer appears nearly on every page of the Bible as the very essence of a faith relationship with the living God.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

Psalm 145:17-19

Then Saul said, "Let's chase the Philistines all night and destroy every last one of them." His men replied, "We'll do whatever you think is best." But the priest said, "Let's ask God first."

1 Samuel 14:36

The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.

Mark 1:35

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

prayer
n.

1.a. A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship.

1.b. The act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship.

2. An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving: One evening a week, the family would join together in prayer.

3. A specially worded form used to address God, a god, or another object of worship.

4. prayers A religious observance in which praying predominates: morning prayers.

Heaven

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July 22nd

"Guardian angels."

Who's to say where God's angels are? Perhaps we each have an angel who watches us and guides us. God, in His love for us, has set the angels over us. They are His ambassadors of goodwill in this world. Though angels have been shoved aside to the category of myth by many, we know that there is another realm where everything doesn't always make sense to us. Rest secure. The angels are watching.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalm 91:11

An angel is a spiritual creature created by God without a body for the service of Christendom and the church.

Martin Luther

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July 23rd

"What can we learn from Nehemiah?"

With little time to think, Nehemiah prayed to God. Eight times in this book we read that he offered a spontaneous prayer. Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking with others. He knew that God is always present, always in charge, always listening, and always ready to answer.

Nehemiah could confidently pray to God throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with him during times of extended prayer. If we want to be confident about our brief prayers, we need to take time to cultivate a strong relationship with God through times of in-depth prayer.

When I heard [how things were going in Jerusalem], I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.

Nehemiah 1:4-6

The king asked, "Well, how can I help you?" With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, "If it please Your majesty and if you are pleased with me, send me to Judah to rebuild the city when my ancestors are buried."

Nehemiah 2:4-5

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July 24th

"Generosity."

Generosity is love expressed in practical ways with joy. Generosity and justice needed in our selfish world. They come from a heart touched by grace.

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Psalm 112:5

You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.

Winston Churchill

Heaven

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July 25th

"The commander who cannot fail."

The commander stood a head above the rest of the soldiers. He was dressed in finest battle attire, head aloft and proud, sword drawn. To see the man was to be filled with the confidence that everything would work out. He exuded the sense of triumph and victory. Everything about him claimed victory before the battle was even begun.

Our Lord is like that. He is the source of all power and might. His wisdom is matched by none. As we fight our daily battles, it is good for us to keep in mind that the Lord is on our side and He leads the charge. There is no retreat for God. He is with us every step of the way. Trust in Him, for He is the commander who cannot fail.

The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.

Psalm 93:1

Heaven

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July 26th

"Heating up in the Middle East..."

While the road ahead of us may be filled with questions and concerns, we can look back and see the many ways God has acted in our behalf to get us to the places we need to be. We see his work through history and we can take assurance that his promises are true and his victory in us is assured.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 27th

"Getting ahead in the great race..."

It's hard not to sin. Not just our blatant sins, but the willingness to dabble in things that are not holy, to flirt with things that are spiritually dangerous, and to expose ourselves to things that leave a residue of Satan's world. Like the great heroes of the Bible, both big and small, we can do God's work with confidence. But to boldly go where he wants us to go, we must first be willing to let go of the sin that entangles our lives, distorts our vision, and robs us of spiritual vitality and stamina.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Holy Father, forgive me for my sin. Give me strength to say no to the things that distract me from you and to embrace with passion those things that make me more like you. Through Jesus our Lord I pray. Amen.

Heaven

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July 28th

"Walk this way."

The way to walk a tightrope is to keep one's sight on the goal, not on the ground or what is behind. The way to walk with Jesus is to keep our eyes on the goal, his victory waiting for us when he returns, not on the ground (our failures) and not what is behind (our accomplishments). The goal of the Christian walk is to keep walking toward Jesus until we walk with him in heaven.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else.

Lewis Carroll

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July 29th

"What appears bad may be God's plan for good."

Homespun wisdom says, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Although you won't find it put just that way in the Bible, you will find many stories of both effective and poor planning. The Bible teaches that God is a God of both purpose and planning. His purpose is to draw all humanity to himself in order to forgive and redeem. His plan—from Creation, to the Law, to the Prophets, to Jesus and the church—is what we are seeing when we read and study the Bible. Planning is part of all of our lives. The only question is if, in all our planning, we ever consult his perfect and eternal plan.

"I am Joseph!" he said to his brothers. "Is my father still alive?" But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. "Come over here," he said. So they came closer. And he said again, "I am Joseph, your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. These two years of famine will grow to seven, during which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God has sent me here to keep you and your families alive so that you will become a great nation. Yes, it was God who sent me here, not you! And he has made me a counselor to Pharaoh—manager of his entire household and ruler over all Egypt."

Genesis 45:3-8

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 30th

"Know it all?"

If you think you know it all, you probably know less than you think. If, in humility, you recognize how much help and counsel you need, you will likely seek it and get it. No one wants to waste time counseling a fool, because the fool doesn't want counsel. We all enjoy sharing wisdom with the wise, and when we do, we discover new wisdom for our own needs. Proverbs 14:7 tells us that we should stay away from fools if we are looking for wise counsel.

The degree to which people will listen is determined by the degree to which we have wise counsel for them. If you want people to listen to you, you yourself must listen to the right adviser. Like Samuel, listen to the Lord's counsel—read his Word and hear what he says. There is no wiser counselor than he who knows every moment of every tomorrow and knows how you will fit into those moments.

My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.

Proverbs 2:1-7

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

July 31st

"A step at a time."

Wouldn't you like to know now what is in store for you a year from now? God leads us a day a time, a step at a time. No need to worry about distant events. The Welsh hymn writer William Williams compared the Christian life to the Israelite's trek through the wilderness. We may not know the route by which God is leading us, but we humbly count on His guidance.

As a college student, Williams prepared for a career in medicine. But one Sunday morning he heard a man preaching in a Welsh churchyard. Williams responded in faith, and his life was radically changed. For forty-three years he preached and sang throughout Wales. "He sang Wales into piety," said one writer. He was the poet laureate of the Welsh revival. Soon, all of Wales was singing their way to the coal mines and soccer matches. And their favorite hymn was this marching song by one of their own: Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah...

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till I want no more.

William Williams

The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too.

Isaiah 58:11

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 1st

"God speaks to us."

As our Good Shepherd, Jesus promises that we can hear and know His voice. This does not, however, have to be some mysterious, mystical process. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that God speaks to you quite often. I would venture to say He has spoken to you lately and may be speaking to you right now in some way.

God speaks to us through His Word. God will never lead us contrary to His written Word. It is our litmus test, our bedrock, our absolute.

God speaks to us through circumstances. Those circumstances can include failure. Jonah certainly heard God through his mistake. God may even speak to us through tragedy or hardship. C. S. Lewis wrote that, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to arouse a deaf world."

God speaks to us through His peace. When we live in God.

"My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish."

John 10:27-28

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 2nd

"A call for different..."

Being different is difficult. To say no to wrong-doing and evil can be excruciatingly hard. Yet, our Lord calls us to be different; to stand apart from the crowd. If we will continue to say no to evil, while saying yes to God, He will preserve and strengthen us. We are never truly alone if we will only love the Lord.

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97:10

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 3rd

"Long hard day..."

Yeah, one of those... Sorry for posting Daily so late, but even the simple routine can be shaken up every now and then.

If this world of noise and confusion, where can we find a place of peace and tranquillity? If Christ is the Lord of our hearts, then we can turn inward. Christ is the giver of peace. He transforms our hearts into refuges, where the clamor of the outside world cannot enter in. Call upon the Lord, and He will surely grant you peace.

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalm 98:7

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 4th

"Almighty!"

In a universe of billions of stars, think of the power of the God who made them and knows each of their names. Think of all he knows that we don't. Think of all he has seen that is not in a history book. Think of all he has done and can do. Add to this that he invites us to speak to him about the things of our heart.

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it -- the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:2-3

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 5th

"The worst sin."

What would you consider the worst sin you could commit? Adultery? Stealing? Murder? You might be surprised by the answer the Bible gives.

The worst sin—and the one with the most far-reaching consequences—is this: to refuse to believe in Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit convicts guilty men and women of sin "because they do not believe in Me." ( John 16:9 ) On that final day, it will not so much be the sin question as it will be the Son question. All sins can be dealt with and forgiven if we believe in Jesus.

And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

John 16:8

We must not forget that knowledge brings responsibility. It is a grave thing to shake off the conviction of the Spirit.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 6th

"Should you feel guilty?"

In the beginning of this passage, the psalmist speaks of the perfect law of God and the way it protects us, makes us wise, and gives us joy and light. God's Word is sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb, warning us, and giving success to those who obey.

Recognizing the power, sweetness, and beauty of God's Word, however, brings us face to face with the darkness of the sins lurking in our heart—some that we are all too familiar with and others that we have committed unknowingly. Confession shines the bright light of God's forgiveness into these dark corners of the heart, exposes them, and cleanses them. This cleansing forgiveness in turn brings freedom from guilt.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commandments of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

Psalm 19:7-13

Once forgiven, we have no reason to feel guility anymore.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 7th

"Judgment."

When we think about God being our judge, we normally think of falling into judgment. Isaiah reminds us that God being our judge means that he will be there to judge us based on his will, his rule and his grace. He is on our side and is looking to save, not condemn. Using the New Testament idiom, when we stand before our Judge we see instead our Father.

The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.

Isaiah 33:22

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 8th

"Bad day?"

The dawn of a new day will one day come for all of God's people. Evil will have no place in the Kingdom of God. It will be wiped away; dissipated like a storm cloud after it is spent. When we live in the storm, we find it hard to see the future, which will be brighter. Trust God. His light conquers the blackest clouds, and once conquered they will never come again.

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

Psalm 101:8

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day

Daniel Powter

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 9th

"The battle from within."

There will be times in our lives when we find ourselves unable to function normally because of our emotional upheaval. When we are sensitive to what is right and good, we instinctively rebel at wrong and evil. The Psalms are full of David's own struggles with times when he felt alone and wretched. Those times were necessary for David to grow and mature. He learned to accept guilt and go on, knowing that God's love for him endured and that His forgiveness was without bounds.

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

Psalm 102:4

God loves us just as much. He suffers when we suffer, and He stands with us, even in our darkest hours.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 10th

"My Rock, My Hope, and My Protector."

Where can we go when all the walls fall and all the armies crumble and all hope is lost? To the eternal God, who is our Father. He preserved Israel through the most difficult of times, protected the Bible from those who would eradicate it, and has led his Church through troubles and triumphs through the centuries. He will do the same with us until he brings us home to himself.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Heaven

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[metalchris25]

check your pm's. Thanks for your posts.

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 11th

"Prayer brings us to His presence."

Psalm 118 pictures a victorious yet battle-weary king at the helm of a throng of grateful people entering the gates of the temple to thank God for saving them. During those times, the temple represented God's presence, the place where followers would go to pray to the Lord. Today, we enter into God's presence in a car, at work, or in the aisles of a grocery store, wherever we take time to pray to him. We can be sure God hears our prayers and answers each one wherever and whenever they are uttered. And by doing so, he gives us even more reasons to pray.

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter; and I will go in and thank the Lord. Those gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me!

Psalm 118:19-21

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.

Psalm 145:18

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome.

Ephesians 3:12

Just like the victorious king in this psalm, we should enter God's presence by thanking him for answering prayers. What answers to prayer are you thankful for today?

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

My friend Shun at CC wrote: "Soo...all I need to do...to nail that Law...is to be GLAD...about every person...be hospitable...given to hospitality...make room for that Other...there was no room for him in the inn...Rahab was alternately an innkeeper or harlot, depending...make room...make room for daddy....and carve out a niche for oneself..."

August 12th

"I go to prepare a place for you....so he said."

God puts up with an awful lot from his creation. We turn ungrateful hands toward the Lord, always expecting more. We often insult him by the way we regard His world and all the wonderful things in it. Thankfully, He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, for we test Him constantly. We can learn from God's long-suffering patience with His children, and in turn we can share the same compassion and caring with those around us.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalm 103:8

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 13th

"Does your mind run wild with worries and fears?"

God deals with His children with love and forgiveness. Often, we are much harder on ourselves than God will ever be. Many times we feel alone in our trials because we need to think of what is wrong with what we do. Our sins can be a great ground of learning, and though God waits willingly to forgive us, He wants us to benefit from our errors as much as we can. God will deal with us, not according to what we have done wrong, but according to our desire to make things right through repentance.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 103:10

The Message translation:

God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
not easily angered, he's rich in love.
He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
Men and women don't live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God's love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 14th

"Answer the door!"

It has always fascinated me that this verse has often been cited by those calling others to conversion when clearly in its context it's written to lukewarm Christians needing to rekindle their love relationship to the Lord. As believers, we need to ask the Lord Jesus into our hearts, our home, and lives. It's not that he's not there, it's just that he awaits our invitation, he will not barge in. He only inhabits hearts into which he has been invited!

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

Revelation 3:14,20

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 15th

"We are given each day as a gift."

Once a day is gone, it can never be recaptured. Too often we live our lives as if they are going to go on forever just as they are. Lives change, and we need to be ready to change with them. God helps us to accept where we are and to grow to new levels of maturity. Before this day passes and is gone, call upon the Lord to help you make the most of it. Then, when the new day dawns, be ready for the challenges it brings.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalm 103:15

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 16th

"Make no mistake..."

Some people can't understand how the raging, harsh God of the Old Testament can be the same God of love in the New Testament. Has God really changed? Of course not. God is the same in all times and in all places. What has changed is men and women's views of God. It is difficult to make sense of all that God does, and we all must do our best to understand Him. From the beginning of time until this day, God is the same. The righteousness He held forth for the children of Israel is the same righteousness He holds forth for us today. In a world where all else changes so quickly, we can find great security in knowing that our Lord never changes.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.

Psalm 103:17

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 17th

"Sunset."

Watching the sunset yesterday, I noticed that the sky was painted with a hundred different colors and hues. Pinks, reds, oranges, blues, lavenders, and golds blended into a canvas of glory and light.

Awesome!!!

Time and again God offers us signs of His power and wonder. If we will just keep our eyes open, the truth of God's existence will present itself over and over. God gives graciously to His children. Relax and enjoy the show that God puts on. It is nothing less than perfection.

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with hounour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.

Psalm 104:1, 2

Heaven

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[metalchris25]

don't know if you got that link, It is in my sig.

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 18th

"Simple and sweet."

The truth is often as simple as it is sweet... If Jesus is our life, then our life has no end.

To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 19th

"Use us to help others come to life in the Son!"

Father of all nations, resurrect in your people a desire to spread your grace to every language, tribe, nation, and people. Empower us with your Spirit so we will speak the Gospel of Jesus with boldness and respect to a world that does not know him. Amen...

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:12

This statement is both a reminder of God's glorious grace and also of our need to share that grace with others.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 20th

"Which way do we go?"

Sometimes we're faced with several options, and we don't know which way to go. In Psalm 25, David asked God for guidance. Perhaps he remembered when, as a shepherd boy, he had to show the right path to his sheep who were wandering away. Just as he knew which path would lead to safety for his sheep, God knew the path that would lead to everlasting life. Just as those sheep that looked to him for direction were in the least danger, so David knew he needed to look to God for direction.

Today, God still leads us by his truth, his written Word and his Spirit, which helps us to understand it. Are you not sure which path to take? Pray as David did and read what God has already said in his written Word. He will show the right road to follow.

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Psalm 25:4-5

Pay attention and grow wise, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching.

Proverbs 4:1-2

I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run.

Proverbs 4:11-12

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 21st

"Glorify Him."

Do we spend much time glorying in all that the Lord has done for us, or do we lament over what has yet to occur? So often we can find ourselves blaming God when things don't go right. The Hebrew people did it. The kings did it. Even early Christians did it. We should be careful to learn from their mistakes and fill our hearts and mouths with the praise that God surely deserves.

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.

Psalm 105: 5

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 22nd

"The high cost of removing our guilt."

Jesus paid a high price, his life, in order to remove our guilt before a holy God. While Jesus paid the price only he could pay, freedom from guilt is costly for us in other ways. The high price for us is the difficult task of admitting to God (and often others) that we were wrong and that we need forgiveness. This is called confession. As costly as confession is, the rewards are even greater: peace with ourselves and others, restored relationships, the removal of sin, and a renewed relationship with God.

"Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord, your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to follow me. I, the Lord, have spoken!"

Jeremiah 3:13

Heaven

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[RalphyS]

August 22nd

"The high cost of removing our guilt."

Jesus paid a high price, his life, in order to remove our guilt before a holy God. While Jesus paid the price only he could pay, freedom from guilt is costly for us in other ways. The high price for us is the difficult task of admitting to God (and often others) that we were wrong and that we need forgiveness. This is called confession. As costly as confession is, the rewards are even greater: peace with ourselves and others, restored relationships, the removal of sin, and a renewed relationship with God.

"Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord, your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to follow me. I, the Lord, have spoken!"

Jeremiah 3:13

Heaven

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The Christian resolution to find the world ugly and bad has made the world ugly and bad.
Friedrich Nietzsche

Jesus died to save men--a small thing for an immortal to do, & didn't save many, anyway
Mark Twain

[SecretWeapon]

The Christian resolution to find the world ugly and bad has made the world ugly and bad.
Friedrich Nietzsche

If he thinks that Christinas did that on their own, then this man is obviously ignorant of any ancient literature. Or any ancient anything for that matter.


Jesus died to save men--a small thing for an immortal to do, & didn't save many, anyway
Mark Twain

Sadly true, not many are saved, but I'm dissapointed in Twain- anyone can imagine how much pain and humiliation would have been involed, especially if the Biblical account is accurate. That is NOT a small thing for ANYONE to do.

[RalphyS]

Yes, Nietsche, generally recognized as one of the greatest philosophers ever, was probably a literal ignoramus :rolleyes:

Hey Jesus is God, isn't he? So doesn't he have the superpowers, that go along with that, if you can rise from the dead, what's a little pain? So I tend to agree with Twain. You always hear that HE died for us, where I come from the dead stay dead, what did he really sacrifice? He used to be in heaven, he came to earth, lived, died and now lives again in heaven, what especially was his sacrifice?

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 23rd

"Greed..."

Greed causes so many problems. We only want a little bit more, but each time we take a little, we leave less for others. God gives great things to His people, but when they continually look for ways to get more, then He is not so free to give. There are too many people who will appreciate what the Lord has to give. God will bring low those who try to take more than their share. His love is freely given, but it is given to be shared, not taken advantage of.

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Psalm 106:43

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Greed AMEN God Will Even Chastise Is Elite For Being Greedy We Must Know To ALWAYS BE HUMBLE BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD And To Teach Others His Ways OF STRENGETH That Same IRON THAT WALKS WITH US THROUGH FIRE WHERE ANGELS Wont Tread BUT WE MUST NEVER FORGET WHO ARE KNESS WAS CREATED TO FALL TOO AMEN AND AMEN

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 24th

"Trials: Why we need them..."

Often we need to have a terrible trial in order to remember what it means to be truly thankful. Our praise is from the heart when we have been in danger or discomfort. Bad situations help us to appreciate how good our lives can be. Even in trial, God reaches through to help us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Praise the Lord for all the good things He has given, and know that He will rescue you from all perils.

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name , and to triumph in thy praise.

Psalm 107:2,3

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

AMEN Brother you said it PRAISE YOU MY PRECIOUS GOD The Face Of The Precious Morning Sun His Smiles Reigns upon his Children When you face trials there ye will face me also ....and the trials are as to smoke and fire locked so tight in a room and your soul is gasbing for breathe KEEP ON A GASBING SAITH THE LORD I Will Be There One Of The Most Endless Precious Things ABOUT GOD PRAISE YES MY GOD WHO CAN KNOW How Many Praises We Are Worth Of SINGING UNTO YOU, when the trees cry for you And The Eygypt Sunsets Calss Your Name To Look Upon Their Beauty You Pull Us Through AMAZING MOST MAJESTY Sometimes we think we our strong but you know are streneth and make it cease To Give Us More That We Need You Know Our weakness AMEN AND AMEN AND AMEN YOU MAKES US Who We Are In You My GOD to countiue in your precious will Psalm 28

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 25th

"What we cannot do for ourselves."

This is the gospel in a nutshell: God knows we are guilty and knows we cannot save ourselves. He has done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sin. When we trust in him, the consequence of our sin is fully removed.

No one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight, not by obeying the law by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus.

Romans 3:20-26

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

AMEN BROTHER AMEN AND AMEN , we all have a right to it amen THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN ARE ORDERD AGAIN THATS ORDERD BY THE LORD HIS GOD AND HE DIRECTS ALL PATHS THOUG HE FALL HE SHALL NOT BE UTTERLY CAST DOWN THOUGH WE ALL FALL, We Are Carriers Of The Cross And He Fell And GOD Desended HIS POWER To Give HIM POWER TO GET BACK UP AMEN AND AMEN WE OUR NO BETTER , i have been young and now i,am old yet HAVE I NOT SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORSAKEN NOR HIS SEED BEGGING FOR BREAD HE IS EVER MERCIFUL AND LENDETH AND HIS SEED OH HIS PPRECIOUS SEED IS BLESSED FOREVER :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: psalm, 37, 32, 26

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 26th

"Communicating with God."

How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible.

When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know.

But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people!

Hebrews 8:10

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.

2 Peter 1:20-21

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 27th

"The testimony of presidents..."

The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:

It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.

George Washington

The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.

Herbert Hoover

In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.

Abraham Lincoln

Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.

Ulysses S. Grant

Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey your law because of this.

Psalm 119:54-55

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

:) and he changeth the times and the seasons :) he removes kings and sets up kings he gives wisdom unto the wise and knowlege to theme that know understanding he revealeth the deep and secret things he knoweth whats it in darkness and the light dwells in him This be my GOD and he is worthy to be praise without cease Dan 2 21 22

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 28th

"Riding the waves."

Our lives are like tempest-tossed boat rides sometimes. We climb to breathtaking heights and fall to desperate lows, and there are times when we feel as though we just can't go on. The Lord understands these feelings. He was exalted on Sunday and nailed to a cross just five days later. He has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and He, too, felt Himself melt in the face of distress. It is well to remember that the Lord is with us, and He can truly be of help to us because He has walked our path before us. When the storms of life toss us the hardest, that is when we can count on the Lord to be closest.

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths : their soul is melted because of trouble.

Psalm 107:26

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

You Love This God He sure does know Excalty How It Feels My Brother And To The Rest Of The Gang I loves Ya All We Make All Of Our Ways All Of Our Suplications BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD The God That Know Man Understands AMEN AND AMEN He Reaches Us Under The Shadows Of His Wings And Gives Us THE POWER OF A SOUND MIND as we understand each other and Countiue To Put All Your Trust And Soul Before Him , IT SHALL BE HEALTH TO To Thy Navel And Marrow To Thy Bones Trust In The Lord With All Thine Heart And Lean Not On Our Understanding Proverbs 3 7 8

[HeavenBesideYou]

August 29th

"One."

Wouldn't it be great if we could tear down all the walls that divide us? Racial, social, and gender... The apostle Paul spent his entire life trying to do just that, to tear down the walls that divided people by bringing them to Jesus and the cross. There are no positions of superiority or inferiority at the foot of the cross, only those who discover God's might displayed in sacrifice and God's love displayed in the face of human cruelty. While the forces of culture and human selfishness are always finding ways to divide us, we must remember that in Jesus, and only in Jesus, we can be one.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 30th

"Fears."

God allows us to do valiantly. Things we never thought possible become almost commonplace. God will enable us to do things we never even dreamed of. Rely upon the Lord, and He will help you conquer the enemies of your heart and mind that threaten to make you less than He wants you to be.

Through Christ, all things really are possible. Miracles can still happen to you!

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 108:13

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

August 31st

"Clarification."

Worship is more than our heart, soul, and words offered to God. It's our posture. When we understand the grace he has given us to be called his children, what else can we do but bow down. We come to him as a conquering ruler in full submission, and he chooses to treat us tenderly, like a loving shepherd.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Psalm 95:6-7

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Bro You Said It, I Give You My Life I Give You My GOD EVERYTHING I,am AND I STILL FALL SHORT OF WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME, PRECIOUS Is You Precious Your Words Precious Is Your Time Precious IS YOUR WISDOM GRACE AND DIVINTIY AND YOUR WORDS BE SOOTHING AND I TAKE COMFORT IN THE HEART OF MY GOD WHOS HEART IS OF WISDOM AND IN TRUTH , Psalm 21 At All Times We Should Praise Him Without Cease,

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 1st

"Mean S.O.B.!"

Have you ever met someone that you just can't please? No matter how hard you try to inspire with positive, they just have a response that shuts it down?

People who live by selfish emotions find themselves empty and alone most of the time. Their bitterness causes them to curse their life, their friends, their God. Finally, they find it nearly impossible to utter any kind words at all. Those people will not find blessing in their own lives, because they refuse to bring it to others' lives. It is a fact that the blessing we share is the blessing that comes back to us. Likewise, the curse we impart comes back on us, to make us unhappy and guilty.

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Psalm 109:17

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 2nd

"Pardoned."

The essential act of mercy was to pardon; and pardon in its very essence involves the recognition of guilt and ill-desert in the recipient. If crime is only a disease which needs cure, not sin which deserves punishment, it cannot be pardoned. How can you pardon a man for having a gum boil or a club foot? But the Humanitarian theory wants simply to abolish Justice and substitute Mercy for it. This means that you start being "kind" to people before you have considered their rights, and then force upon them suppposed kindnesses which no one but you will recognize as kindnesses and which the recipient will feel as abominable cruelties. You have overshot the mark. Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful. That is the important paradox. As there are plants which will flourish only in mountain soil, so it appears that Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety.

C. S. Lewis in God in the Dock

Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.

Psalm 103:1-4

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[Rocketqueen]

September 1st

"Mean S.O.B.!"

Have you ever met someone that you just can't please? No matter how hard you try to inspire with positive, they just have a response that shuts it down?

People who live by selfish emotions find themselves empty and alone most of the time. Their bitterness causes them to curse their life, their friends, their God. Finally, they find it nearly impossible to utter any kind words at all. Those people will not find blessing in their own lives, because they refuse to bring it to others' lives. It is a fact that the blessing we share is the blessing that comes back to us. Likewise, the curse we impart comes back on us, to make us unhappy and guilty.

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Psalm 109:17

Heaven

:pimp: AMEN BRO I sure Have But As We Rise In War With Our Foes People Or Even Loved Ones You Can Never Give up Or Lower Your Denfense But Fight With Spitrual Weapons, God Wants The Glory For All Souls He Never Gives Up On the Wicked But He Wants To Make Theme Realize They Are Wicked And Bow Before Him And See Their Own Reflection Of Evil And We Can Never Give In To Evil When We Reconize It Because Its Our Battle To Fight It Belongs Us IF WE BELONG TO GOD Pslam 37 11 But The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth And Shall Delight Themeselvs IN THE ABDUNACE OF PEACE HIS PEACE GOD IS A WARRIOR FOR JUSTICE AND HIS PEACE IS GLORFIED In And Out Of War GLORY GLORY U SEE ONE MAN WALKING WHO IS HE, HE ANWSERED AND SAID LO I SEE FOUR MEN LOOSE WALKING IN THE MIDST OF FIRE GLORY GLORY GLORY :bounce: :bounce: AND BEHOLD THEY HAVE NO HURT DAN 3 25

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 3rd

"Clothed in mercy."

It happened during the darkest days of Europe's history. Hitler was sweeping across the land promoting his contempt for Jews and his plan to exterminate them from the planet. Many countries were easily conned by his propaganda.

But Denmark had a king that wasn't so easily taken in. He received Hitler's edict concerning the armbands that Jews would be required to wear... So he went out on the balcony of his palace and began reading the edict line by line... Then when finished, he tucked the note away and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small yellow armband. The king slipped it onto his coat sleeve. Over the weeks to come, thousands of Danes found ways to acquire these yellow armbands and wore them whenever they went out in public, just as the Jews were forced to do. As a result, Hitler's men found themselves in a constant struggle to separate the Jews from the non-Jews in Denmark...

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Compassion is a trait within us that is very near the heart of God.

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 4th

"Show mercy."

Christians have sometimes been accused of shooting their own wounded. In our zeal for God, we can sometimes become impatient and judgmental with those who struggle with sin and doubt. Instead of rejecting them, Jude says, we should have mercy on them just as Christ had mercy on us when he forgave our many sins. While we must not tolerate or accept sin, we are to love and accept others with kindness and mercy. If you know someone who has fallen away from God, your kindness may be just what is needed to lead them back to God.

But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.

Jude 1:20-23

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[Rocketqueen]

:) i had to long of a reply so i could,nt post bro, but his message shall over come faith it shall over come wrath fear strong holds doubt and the rights and the wrongs of these things... His Love, Love Believes All Things Hopes All Things And ENDURES ALL THINGS AMEN, PRAISE GOD FOR BEING GOD, Who Can Show Forth ALL Of His Praise AMEN AND AMEN We Cant Because We Dont Praise Him Enough Amen, Peace... Hev I really Loved Reading that b/c it taught me some history ...and i dont Listien to everybody speaches abot relgion and world and history i find yours so peacefull and pleasent..man i dont like missing your post at the Daily Bread...

[HeavenBesideYou]

Thanks!!!

:banana:

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 5th

"Procrastination."

When we feel we have all the time in the world, there is no urgency to make decisions right now. Yet, if we put off our decision for Christ, we hurt no one but ourselves. We should be willing to follow Christ today, not sometime in the future. We miss so much when we are not in fellowship with other believers.

Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today!!

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Psalm 110:3

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 6th

"Personal faith testimonies."

The power of the stories of people's lives is immense. We are walking through this life together. Others share our experiences and pains and joys, but most of the time we are totally unaware of them. Proclaim your faith and the power of Jesus Christ in your life. Share your story. Praise the Lord with your whole heart in the assembly of the upright. You will find new unity through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

Psalm 111:1

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Thanks!!!

:banana:

Heaven

:pimp: no need, :)

[Rocketqueen]

NEVER STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PROCLAMING THAT HE IS KING OF KINGS AND HE IS LORD OF LORDS THERE IS POWER IN HIS TESTIMONY :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 7th

"Metamorphosis"

I used to be afraid of death
which hovered with its potent sting.
I used to think of my last breath
with dread, for terror was its king.
I used to be afraid of life,
its meaning, such a mystery,
its varied roads of twists and strife
seemed only tragic history.
I used to be afraid of "men",
rejection seemed my enemy,
until I saw that all have sin
and all are groaning to be free.
I used to be afraid of Love,
afraid that Love could not love me
‘til Jesus reached from high above
enfolding me in liberty.
I used to be afraid of fear,
afraid that fear might swallow me
until my heart could clearly hear
that Christ has won the victory!

Anne Bryant-Hamon

God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:5-6

God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16

Human frailty is another thing that gets between God’s words of assurance and our own words and thoughts. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be nonexistent. But remember God’s assurance to us... "I will never forsake you."

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 8th

"The will of God."

We want the Spirit to be at work in us to make us like Jesus. For this to happen, we must open our heart to the will of God. There are no greater words God wants to hear than "teach me to do your will." That is what it means for him to be God, to have control over our life and our will.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalm 143:10

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

I loved reading that, :) HEV For It Was Written MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT FROM EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding, in ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEGE HIM and He Will direct all thy paths , Pro, 3 5 6

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 9th

"Finish the race!"

On October 20, 1968, a dramatic moment took place at the Mexico City Olympics. A few thousand spectators remained in the almost-dark Olympic Stadium awaiting one last runner.

Finally the wail of police sirens ripped the air. As all eyes turned to the gate, a lone runner wearing the colors of Tanzania staggered into the stadium. John Stephen Akhwari was the last contestant to finish the 26-mile contest. He had injured his leg in a fall and entered the track bloodied and crudely bandaged. While he hobbled the final, lonely lap, spectators rose and applauded him as if he had won.

After the race, someone asked him why he had refused to quit. "My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race," he replied simply. "They sent me 7,000 miles to finish it."

To help us achieve a strong finish in our race of faith, Jesus Christ promised that "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God."

Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.

Mark 16:15

"'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Matthew 22:37-38

You too can finish the race well by eagerly confessing Christ before others.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 10th

"The light bulb comes on!"

At various times in our lives, the reality of Christ will come crashing through the ordinariness of our days. From those times we face life anew; changed at the very core of our being. We move forward in a new, deeper, strengthened relationship with the Lord.

Blessed by the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

Psalm 113:2

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Amen, Bro THIS WORLD WILL HAVE TO PASS ME RIGHT ON BY , Because IM HAPPY WITH THE LORD :

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 11th

"Rejoice over laws?"

Psalm 119 is a long prayer that celebrates God's law. Why would anyone rejoice over laws? Most of us find laws restricting. They tell us what we can't do. But the psalmist praised God's laws. He even committed himself to memorizing them and reciting them aloud. Why was he so eager to learn God's ways? Because he had discovered that in these laws there is life! Sin separates us from God and from the fullness of life God offers. Those who reject God's law are on a path that leads to self-destruction and death. Knowing what God's law says can keep us from sinning against him.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your principles. I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us. I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

Psalm 119:11-15

Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands... such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances... They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

Psalm 112:1, 6-8

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 12th

"I merely serve Christ when I serve others."

Selfless acts of kindness are the true signs of a Spirit-filled life. We can call ourselves Christians, but our actions must verify the claim. Mary and Joseph begged for help once in Bethlehem. How would we have responded if they had come to us to beg? How we treat people who are in need is Christ's criterion for judging how much we love Him. In all ways, we should strive to serve the poor and needy.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.

Psalm 113:7

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 13th

"God is the one who needs to be honored."

It is difficult to set aside our own ego in order to serve God freely. When all is said and done, however, all that we are able to do is made possible by God's grace. Our triumphs are God's triumphs. We should feel privileged that God has chosen to work with and through us.

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Psalm 115:1

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

TO GOD ALONE BELONGS THE GLORY, BEFORE THE WORLD WAS BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS BEGUN, THERE WAS HIS WISDOM HIS GRACE AND HIS SWEET DIVINTY HIS PURPOSE HIS REGIN, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HE SET KINDGDOM UP AND WHATCHED THEME FALL HE WOULD MAKE KINGS BOW AND KINGS RISE AND HIS VOICE MAKES THE FLOWERS GROW WHEN HE SAYS BUD THEY FLOURISH WHEN HE SAYS DIE THEY WITHER AND WE SAYS FLOURISH THEY FLOURISH WITHOUT RAIN NOR SUNSHINE, Who Can Sing All His Praises AND ALL THE MIGHTY ACTS OF JEHOVHA GOD , :bounce:

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 14th

"Leaving things to Him."

Jeremiah knew that he had been faithful to God's call to warn the people to repent—a message God's people didn't want to hear. They persecuted Jeremiah. The prophet could have defended himself, but he chose not to. He simply obeyed and waited for God to take whatever action he chose. This is the sort of behavior Paul was talking about when he said, "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone… Leave that to God. For it is written, 'I will take vengeance, I will repay those who deserve it,' says the Lord." ( Romans 12:17,19 ).

When you face opposition regarding something that God has called you to do, don't take matters into your own hands. Simply continue to be faithful and trust God to handle things as he sees fit.

Lord, I have not abandoned my job as a shepherd for your people. I have not urged you to send disaster. It is your message I have given them, not my own. Lord, do not desert me now! You alone are my hope in the day of disaster. Bring shame and terror on all who persecute me, but give me peace. Yes, bring double destruction upon them!

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.

Psalm 119:9

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 15th

"How do you know God is at home in your heart?"

You know when you are doing loving things to bless the lives of others! Just as we trust and rely on God's constant love for us, our brothers and sisters in Christ need love expressed to them, too!

We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

There is Nothing Like, taking others burdens, and UPLIFTING THAT FELLOW , Long Suffering Soul, IT PLEASES GOD, for his children to uplift his children and confirm his words, and bro the best words of all IS GODS ENDURING LONG SUFFERING LOVE, We must steadfast with others IN LOVE When See their Strife but not in Reasons BUT IN LOVE, AS WE UP LIFT HIM, HIM PRAISE WITHOUT CEASE, When We PRASING THERE IS PROTECTION IN PRAISE BECAUSE AS WE PRASING WE DONT HAVE TIME TO DOUBT AND WORRY, AMEN WHEN WE STOP PRASING IS WHEN WE START DOUBTING, AND WE PRASING WE AINT GOT TIME TO QUESTION WHY,? BECAUSE AINT NO ROOM FOR THAT WE PRASING THE LORD, PRECIOUS IS JEHOVHA GOD, ONLY YOU MY GOD ONLY YOU LORD, ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THIS WORLD SEEM RIGHT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THE DARKNESS BRIGHTY ONLY YOU AND YOU ALONE, CAN THRILL LIKE YOU DO AND FILL MY HEART WITH LOVE FOR ONLY YOU ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THIS CHANGE IN ME, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IN FOR ITS TRUE YOU ARE MY DESTINY WHEN YOU HOLD MY HAND I UNDERSTANDDDDDDD THE MAGIC THAT YOU DO YOU,RE MY DREAM COME TRUE MY ONE AND ONLY YOU, WHEN NO ONE ELSE CAN UNDERSTAND ME :wtf: WHEN EVERYTHING I DO IS WRONGGGGG SOME HOW LORD WE SEE EYE TO EYE AND YOU GIVE ME STRENETH TO CARRY ON ANDDDDDDDDD YOUR ALWAYS THERE TO LEND YOUR HAND EVEN WHEN YOU DONT REALLY NEED TO BE OH THATS THE WONDER OF YOU THE WONDER OF YOU WHEN YOU SMILE THE WORLD IS BRIGHTER, SO HOW YOU MAKE IT GO AWAY, THE GOD OF THE TRUE LIVING VICTORY THE GOD OF THE TRUE LIVING GLORY,

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 16th

"Christian growth."

Many Christians have made the commitment to be more like Jesus but where do you start? The apostle Paul told the Philippian believers, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ( Philippians 2:5 ). And that's just where the hymn "May the Mind of Christ My Savior" begins. But does the mind of Christ become part of us? Kate Wilkinson directs us to Colossians 3:16 for the answer: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." In the third stanza Wilkinson returns to Philippians for this promise: "And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds" ( Philippians 4:7 ). And so the song builds.

Christian growth is not instantaneous but gradual. It flows naturally from obeying God's Word. Thomas a Kempis, who wrote the Christian classic The Imitation of Christ, said, "One thing that draws back many from spiritual progress is the fear of the difficulty of the labor of the combat." Don't give up what you have started.

May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day.
By His love and power controlling all I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour.
So that all may see I triumph only through His pow'r.

May the peace of God my Father rule my life in ev'rything.
That I may be calm to comfort, sick and sorrowing.

Kate B. Wilkinson ( 1859-1928 )

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 17th

"Real joy."

Is joy, or happiness, a passing emotion or a permanent state? The Bible says it can be both. There is happiness that reacts to happenings (which is temporary and volatile), and there is happiness that overrules happenings (which is strong and lasting). Happiness based on happenings is part of life, but if that is all we can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those who know the joy that comes from God don't need happenings to keep them happy. They learn how to develop inner joy because they know no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise.

On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all our fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."

Zephaniah 3:16-17

I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!

Psalm 16:8-9

Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.

Psalm 119:2

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[Rocketqueen]

JOY JOY JOY, MY GOD MY GOD IS WHERE THAT JOY COMES FROM , others would say what could be so funny right not HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA i dont know, ITS THE REASURANCE OF GODS LOVE AND TRUTH AND HIS PROTECTION, AND THAT ONE OF KIND QUICKEN OF THE SPIRT, TO GOD ALONE BELONGS THE GLORY,

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 18th

"It's not my day to watch him..."

Do you remember one of the earliest questions in the Bible? "Where is your brother Abel?" To which Cain responded: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Paul's answer is a clear and undeniable yes! We must look to the interest of others and not just our own.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 19th

"Everyone likes a sure thing."

We all look for that person or thing that will give us an edge and make us unstoppable. God is that someone. Nothing can compare with the power of God. When He is on our side, we have absolutely nothing to fear. In this lifetime, many unfortunate things might occur, but through the grace of God, we will conquer them all.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Psalm 118:6

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 20th

“Sin makes us stupid.”

I have often thought of that statement, and I continue to affirm the wisdom of those words. How else can you explain the actions of King David, the man after God’s own heart turned adulterer and murderer? Or the reckless choices of Samson? Or the public denials of Christ by Peter, the most public of Jesus’ disciples? We are flawed people who are vulnerable to temptation and to the foolishness of mind that can rationalize and justify almost any course of action if we try hard enough.

If we are to have a measure of victory over the power of sin, it will come only as we lean on the strength and wisdom of Christ ( Rom. 7:24-25 ). As His grace strengthens our hearts and minds, we can overcome our own worst inclination to make foolish choices.

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.

Hebrews 12:1

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

For God Has Not GIVEN US THE SPIRT OF FEAR But Of Love And Of A Sound Mind ....and as to everything we come before him has we our and works and he moves that power of love and mind and makes it living proof in your life and the choices you make by trusting and reaching out to him, PRAISE GOD FOR BEING GOD, FOR THE WORD Of GOD Is quick and powerfull EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD HE WILL BACK IT, and sharper than any twoedged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirt and of his joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart neither is there any creature that IS NOT MANIFEST In His Sight BUT things Are Naked and opend unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb, 4 12 13

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 21st

"The capstone."

When Jesus walked upon the earth, it was not the common people, but those who should have known better, that rejected Him. The learned men of the day, who had studied long and hard, knew that Messiah was to come, but they were unwilling to accept the carpenter's son from Galilee as the Chosen One. They rejected Him and masterminded His death on a cross, but that was not enough to thwart the holy plans of God. Christ was, is, and always shall be the one true Son of God. Those who reject Him build their faith with faulty materials. Only Christ is the true cornerstone of faith. Upon that stone alone can true faith be built.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Psalm 118:22

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 22nd

"It's a gully washer!"

We're getting storms again... Storms are loved by mystery fanatics (I love watching the lightning and feeling the power of the thunder).Rainy days are loved by farmers. Snowy days are loved by children who can stay home from school. Gray days are loved by romantics. Sunny days are loved by picnickers. Warm days are loved by beach goers (My wife's favorites). Cool days are loved by those who stroll. All days have their purposes under heaven. Enjoy the day that the Lord has made. He has many more to share.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

September 21st

"The capstone."

When Jesus walked upon the earth, it was not the common people, but those who should have known better, that rejected Him. The learned men of the day, who had studied long and hard, knew that Messiah was to come, but they were unwilling to accept the carpenter's son from Galilee as the Chosen One. They rejected Him and masterminded His death on a cross, but that was not enough to thwart the holy plans of God. Christ was, is, and always shall be the one true Son of God. Those who reject Him build their faith with faulty materials. Only Christ is the true cornerstone of faith. Upon that stone alone can true faith be built.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Psalm 118:22

Heaven

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AMEN HEV, I Got A Message On That Sunday if you wish to stop by my friend it will be in the holding on to God Thread Title The Corner Stone Has Been Moved , AMEN AND AMEN

[Rocketqueen]

AMEN Its Good To Be In The House Of The Lord, And Im Happy In This One, LETS PRAISE THE LORD WHOOOOOOOOOO FOR HE WORTH YTO BE PRAISED IN The Storms...and the daze that be confused and not yet tallied up and counted We Wait Up On THE LORD OUR GOD To Pull Us Out Of The Murky Water, BUT SOMETIMES WE CANT WAIT, AMEN sometimes we dont want to why should we who CAN DELIVER US EXCEPT JEHOVHA GOD, And when it gets to much stop and think of the one promise that has compass, HE THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON BUT DELIVERED HIM UP, FOR US ALL HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS WHO SHALL LAY ANYTHING TO THE CHARGE OF GODS ELECT IT IS GOD THAT JUSTIFYS WHO IS HE THAT COMMANDETH CHRIST THAT DIED YEA RATHER THAT IS RISEN AGAIN WHO IS EVEN stilllllllll HAA HIS RIGHT HAND MAN, WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST SHALL TRIBULATION OR DISTRESS OE PERSUCUTION OR FAMINE OR NAKEDNESS OR PERIL OR SWORD, NAY IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US FOR i,AM PERSUADED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE NOR ANGELS NOR PRINCEIPALITIES NOR POWERS NOR THINGS PRESENT NOR THINGS PASSED NOR THINGS TO COME NOR HEIGHT NOR DEPTH OR ANY OTHER CREATURE SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST, Rom 8 32.39 COR 13, 8 AMEN AND AMEN CHARITY NEVER FAILS BUT WHETHER THERE BE PROPHECIES THEY SHALL FAIL WHETHER THEY BE TOUNGES THEY SHALL CEASE WHETHER THERE SHALL BE KNOWLEGE IT SHALL VANISH AWAY, WE PRAISE GOD HALALULLA GLORY BE TO HIS MAJESTY THAT IS HE IS THE AUTHER AND FINSHIER OF THESE THINGS, PRAISE WITHOUT CEASE, AMEN AND AMEN,

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 23rd

"Faith."

Faith will not do more for a person than that person allows it to. We will benefit from our faith in proportion to how much we are willing to put in. God is waiting to spend time with us, to help us develop our faith. Seek Him with your whole heart, and He will richly bless you.

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Psalm 119:2

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 24th

"The ultimate detox."

God is the great purifier. He will remove all that is impure in our lives and fill us with good things. We no longer need earthly crutches, because we have found total healing in the Lord. All that is required is a willingness to change. The Lord will help us do the rest.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Psalm 119:9

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 25th

"Meditation. Not for Eastern faiths alone..."

Meditation sets our whole mind and spirit in a proper mood for encountering God. We are made ready for hearing the Word of God in our hearts. It also makes it easier to spend time with God. Meditation opens doors to God that we might have missed before. Take time to quietly contemplate the glories of the Lord.

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Psalm 119:15

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Hev i love that one thanks for posting it this morning it is truly one of my golden scriptures that i hold close by me ...Medaitation with God and being quiet is like a weapon and what we know we may not need it that day BUT WHEN WE DO FROM DEEP MEDITATION WE KNOW IT WAS FROM GOD AMEN He capatavaties Our Hearts Body Mind And Soul ..And Will Bring All Things TO REMEMBERANCE OUT OF YOU AND HIS MEDITATION AMEN Just Like The Holy Spirt, Wow***Hev i like what you said about the East, thats right GOD IS FOR EVERYBODY thats right that is willing to commit thy heart thy mind and thy soul and thy body before him AMEN, and from meditation from a while go...a good while A go ***we were talking about the bible and there is so much about Israel and all these countries and everytime a person thats new in God Or taking his or her first steps It sorta puts one mind in the east and what was going on in thise days Hev BUT MY GOD PROCLAMIED IM NOT ONLY THE GOD OF ISRAEL BUT IM THE GOD OF YOU *** AND THE GOD OF MY PEOPLE

[HeavenBesideYou]

September 26th

"God hates injustice, unfairness, brutality and abuse."

In a world where the greedy, the murderous, the thieves, the rapists, the muggers get away with their shameless and despicable behavior, God is the ultimate assurance that justice will be done and the wicked will not triumph. While those who love and expect Jesus' return do so with anticipation and joy, those who are evil and vile will find out what a dreadful thing it is to fall into God's hands.

We know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:30-31

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 27th

"What you need and what you want."

Seek... Pursue relentlessly, God's Lordship over your life and the righteousness it demands in your daily life. What you pursue is all temporary; only God and his Kingdom remain. In the process, you will find that the God who gives you his Kingdom and righteousness also will bless you with the things that you need in this life.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 28th

"The Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit is God's abiding gift, God's seal and promise. The Spirit is our assurance that what he began with Jesus' sacrificial death and our participation in it through faith and baptism, he will bring to completion. But the world cannot understand this great promise, just like it cannot understand much of Scripture, because without the Spirit, their eyes see only what they can touch with their fingers and not what is true in God's heart.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14

As I am filled with the Spirit, O Lord, so fill me more until my will and my life more nearly reflect your desires.

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 29th

"Holding back."

The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of their money; they were free to choose whether or not to sell the land and how much to give. Their sin was lying to God and God's people by saying they gave the whole amount while they were holding some back for themselves, trying to make themselves appear more generous than they really were. This act was judged harshly because dishonesty and covetousness are destructive in a church, preventing the Holy Spirit from working effectively.

"There was also a man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, but he claimed it was the full amount. His wife had agreed to this deception.

Then Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God."

As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what happened. Peter asked her, "Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?"

"Yes," she replied, "that was the price."

And Peter said, "How could the two of you even think of doing a thing like this—conspiring together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Just outside that door are the young men who buried your husband, and they will carry you out, too."

Acts 5:1-9

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

September 30th

"Good, better, and best."

I don't know about you, but my most difficult decisions are not about choosing between good and bad. I usually know what is good and what is bad, especially when bad involves evil. My toughest choices are when I have to choose between good, better, and best. My love for God usually overcomes my weakness and I choose good over bad. But unless I've placed myself before God's word and surrendered my heart to him in prayer, I have a very tough time choosing between good and best. Yet I'm convinced that much of what God would love to do through us today does not happen because we've settled for good when he longs to lead us to best!

This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

AMEN Lean on him At All Times AND TRUST NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING at anytime, i,ve been so busy latley i have read but not replied Hev There Is Powers In The Word And Life In The Bread, :banana: your daily touches are faithful and uplifting AND I ALWAYS SAY WE SERVE A EVERYDAY GOD Daily is always before me , And The Word SUSTAINS US, My Armour And Fortress, IM SO LONG WINDED I cant help it BUT GOD IS BEEN MOVING Me Too Weekley Long Winded Speaches And Ones A Cooking HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA PRAISE THE LORD FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED AT ALL TIMES

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 1st

"Strengthen me in Your will."

There is always someone who will find fault with us, no matter what we do. Some people just aren't happy unless they criticize. In times when we feel the most persecution, God waits for us with open arms. He understands well what it is like to be mistreated for no good reason. He went to the cross in just that way. When times get rough, turn to the one who understands best. God will comfort you and give you the strength you need to persevere.

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in they precepts.

Psalm 119:78

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 2nd

"Book smarts vs. Street smarts."

Jesus amazed the learned men in the temple when He was just twelve years old. He had never received professional schooling in the history and law of the Hebrew people, and yet He displayed an incredible insight into even the most complex meanings of Holy Scripture. His understanding far surpassed that of many of the elders present.

True knowledge is not found in books. God has granted us each a measure of common sense and logic. He is willing and able to instruct us in all His ways, if we will take time to contemplate His mysteries. We, too, can amaze the learned of our age by speaking forth the truth of God, which surpasses even the most complex knowledge. Like Christ, we can know more than we ought, through the guidance and counsel of God Himself.

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Psalm 119:99

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

October 2nd

"Book smarts vs. Street smarts."

Jesus amazed the learned men in the temple when He was just twelve years old. He had never received professional schooling in the history and law of the Hebrew people, and yet He displayed an incredible insight into even the most complex meanings of Holy Scripture. His understanding far surpassed that of many of the elders present.

True knowledge is not found in books. God has granted us each a measure of common sense and logic. He is willing and able to instruct us in all His ways, if we will take time to contemplate His mysteries. We, too, can amaze the learned of our age by speaking forth the truth of God, which surpasses even the most complex knowledge. Like Christ, we can know more than we ought, through the guidance and counsel of God Himself.

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Psalm 119:99

Heaven

:pimp: PRAISE GOD, FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED IN THE HOURS OF DARKNESS AND IN THE HOURS OF LIGHT UNTO HIM MY FRIENDS THE DARKNESS SHINES AS BRIGHT THE DAY, :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: STAND BY THE LORD YOUR GOD, IF THE MOON IS THE ONLY LIGHT YOU WILL SEE AND IF THE MOUNTAINS IN YOUR LIFE ARE CRUMBLING INTO A SEA, OF YOUR SWEAT AND BLOOD AND TEARS, STAND BY HIM HEAR HIM WHISPER ACROSS THE SKY FEAR NOT FOR I,AM WITH THEE, PRAISE WITHOUT CEASE,

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 3rd

"Face the music."

"The expression "face the music" originated in Japan. One man in the imperial orchestra couldn't play a note, but as a person of great influence and wealth, he demanded to be given a seat; he wanted the emporer to see him "perform." The conductor agreed to let the man sit in the second row. He was handed a flute, and when a concert began, he'd raise his instrument, pucker his lips, and move his fingers. He went through all the motions of playing but never made a sound. His deception continued for two years.

Then a new conductor took over. He told the orchestra that he would audition each player personally. One by one the musicians performed in his presence. At last came this flutist's turn. Frantic with worry, he pretended to be sick but his lies caught up with him. The doctor who examined him declared him perfectly fine. Finally the pretender had to admit he was fake. He couldn't face the music.

Ready or not, all of us will one day face the music. We will all appear before the Lord, without masks and without deception.

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves.

Romans 1:18

The Lord hates those who don't keep their word, but he delights in those who do.

Proverbs 12:22

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 4th

"Don't you have your hands already full today?"

Don't you find yourself distracted from the urgent and important things of today by worrying about the problems of tomorrow and fantasizing about all the possibilities down the road? Isn't it a waste of time to be anxious about those things you have no influence over? So why...?

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 5th

"Light my way."

Darkness can close in around us quickly in this world today. It seems to be getting darker all the time. However, we are recipients of the light that cannot be put out and will never fade away. The Word of God will guide us through even the darkest times, and He will be close by to comfort us in time of trouble. Rely upon the light of the Lord.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 6th

"Rely on Him."

Doing what is right is not all that easy. When we dedicate ourselves to justice, we must be ready to face the wrath of all those who don't see things the same way we do. God loves justice and righteousness, and we need to remember that He is ever on the side of what is right. He will be with us when we face persecution for righteousness' sake.

I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

Psalm 119:121

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 7th

"The inexcusable bit."

If you had a perfect excuse you would not need forgiveness; if the whole of your action needs forgiveness then there was no excuse for it. But the trouble is that what we call "asking God's forgiveness" very often really consists in asking God to accept our excuses. What leads us into this mistake is the fact that there usually is some amount of excuse, some "extenuating circumstances." We are so very anxious to point these out to God (and to ourselves) that we are apt to forget the really important thing; that is, the bit left over, the bit which the excuses don't cover, the bit which is inexcusable but not, thank God, unforgivable.

…What we have got to take to him is the inexcusable bit, the sin. We are only wasting time by talking about all the parts which can (we think) be excused. When you go to a doctor you show him the bit that is wrong, say a broken arm, it would be a mere waste of time to keep on explaining that your legs and eyes and throat are all right. You may be mistaken in thinking so; and anyway, if they are really all right, the doctor will know that.

C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

I, yes I alone, am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Isaiah 43:25

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

1 John 1:8-10

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

WE SERVE A FAITHFULL LOVING GOD, AMEN BUT HE IS ALSO A WISE GOD AND HE IS OUR GOD, Patients IN THE LORD THY GOD, AND LEANING ON HIS STRENETH TRUTH AND MERCY YE, WILL KNOW THAT HE IS A WISE GOD, AND EXCERCISES WISDOM FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, :bounce: :bounce: MY ROCK MY FORTRESS MY HIGH TOWER,

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 8th

"I wander off sometimes..."

The shepherd will go looking for a lost sheep, no matter where it might have wandered. Regardless of ravine, cavern, raging river, steep cliff, the shepherd will endeavor to save even the scrawniest, mangiest sheep. His devotion to his flock is total and absolute.

God's devotion to us is even greater. We can never be separated from the love and care of God. No matter how far we might stray from Him, He is continually on the lookout for us, and He will rescue us from whatever our peril might be. Rest sure and secure in the love of God. He will never give you up for lost.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek they servant; for I do not forget they commandments.

Psalm 119:176

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 9th

"Beyond the four walls."

So many people want us to follow their lead and obey their voice. But God has proved himself faithful and loving through the ages. In his might he is to be revered. But rather than seeing reverence as a "church thing," we are reminded by Moses it is a "life thing." We are to obey and keep his commandments, and we are to serve him and depend upon him in our daily lives. Rather than silence in the assembly, reverence is action to his glory!

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 13:4

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 10th

"Where does our help come from?"

It comes from the Lord God, who created, who sustains, and who will redeem.

We wait in this life, not sure of what is coming next. The options don't look promising, but we can rejoice in the fact that our Lord is coming to set all things right. His banner is ever out before Him, and as we look unto the hills of the new age to come, we cannot help but notice that God is there waiting for us.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalm 121:1

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 11th

"Welcome relief in an unjust world."

It isn't fair that we should suffer for our father's or grandfather's sins, or that innocent people be crippled by drunk drivers, that children be subjected to pediphiles in places of authority, or that millions starve because of corrupt governments. But all these things are realities in a world ruined by sin.

What can we do? We can recognize unfairness and injustice as facts of life which by the way is not the same as calling them acceptable! We can also determine to live in a way that is just and fair; with God's help, we can rise above the corruption. The abused need not become abusers, and the impoverished need not live in moral poverty. Unbelieving parents need not inflict their despair and hard hearts upon their children, and the circle of sin must be broken!

Ask God to show you how to be a light and a welcome relief in an unjust world.

You are loving and kind to thousands, though children suffer for their parents' sins. You are the great and powerful God, the Lord Almighty.

Jeremiah 32:18

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:9

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 12th

"Hidden sin."

It is so hard to share the secrets of our hearts with anyone. We want to keep our secret failings, embarrassments, and sins hidden, fearing others would reject us and we would shame ourselves. But hidden sin is only hidden from us, not from our Father. Hidden sin festers in our hearts and drives a wedge between us and the God who would forgive us and empower us to triumph over it if only we would pour out our hearts to him, because he is our refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalms 62:8

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

Hev Its hard to do some times TO POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIS MAJESTY GLORY TO GOD AFTER HE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR US, BUT THE WORD WILL QUICKEN YOU FOR HE IS ARE ONLY HELP, O COME Let Us Sing Unto THE LORD Let Us Make A Joyful Noise TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION LET US COME BEFORE HIS PRSENCE WITH THANKSGIVING AND UPLIFT HIM IN JOY FOR THE LORD IS A GREAT GOD AND ABOVE ALL GODS , IN HIS HANDS ARE THE DEEP PLACES OF THE EARTHTHE STRENETH OF THE HILL BELONGS TO MY GOD THE SEA IS HIS AND HE MADE IT AND FORMED US A DRY LAND O COME LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN AND KNEEL BEFORE HIM FOR HE IS OUR GOD AND WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE AND THE SHEEP OF HIS HAND IF YE HEAR HIS VOICE CLEAR HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART AS THE PROVACATION AND AS OF THE DAY IN THE TEMPATATION IN THE WILDERNESS WHEN YOUR FATHERS TEMPTED ME PROVED ME AND SAW MY WORKS FORTY YEARS LONG WAS GRIEVED WITH THIS GENARATION AND SAID IT IS A PEOPLE THAT DO ERR IN THEIR HEART AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN MY WAYS UNTO WHOM I SWARE IN MY WRATH THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER INTO MY REST, Psalm 95.1 11

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 13th

"Cruel to be kind."

When Israel lay devastated in the face of a ruthless enemy that would rob all glory and strip bare the very soul of God's people, God issued his promise. While the destruction visited upon them was in response to their rebellion and sin, God's punishment wasn't punitive alone, but redemptive. In their destruction, God promised prosperity, hope, and a future. Just as a doctor must cause pain when he sets a broken bone so it may heal, God's discipline is not capricious but curative and ultimately life-giving.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 14th

"Don't be molded by the world."

Wow, isn't that a tough one to obey? It's a reminder that what we think is one of the places of greatest spiritual warfare. Sloppy thinking is more than sloppy, it's dangerous because we are fed messages constantly that distort God's truth and holy values. But rather than being incensed by the world acting like the world, let's be transformed by renewing our minds and doing what Paul said he did; take every thought, every word, captive for Christ. We often think a tithe is giving ten percent of our money, but an even more vital tithe is giving ten percent of our thought time totally to the things of God!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 15th

"Peacemaker."

Christ came to unite all God's children, brothers, and sisters in the faith. He works in the home to call us to a deep love that is consecrated in blood. If we strive for peace within the walls, then we are one step closer to peace between our nations. God will heal all wounds, if we will only welcome Him in. We are lost without a peacemaker; one who knows our hearts and can pave the way to reconciliation.

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

Psalm 122:7

Heaven

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[Rocketqueen]

AMEN, HEV Within His Path Of Turmoil And Yet Many Reasons PEACE IS WHAT HE FIGHTS FOR, PEACE AND TRUTH AND JOY AND TOTAL FEELING OF BEING WHOLE AND COMPLETE, BLESS THE LORD MY SOUL O LORD MY GOD THO ART VERY GREAT THOU ART CLOTHED WITH SUCH HOUNOUR AND MAJESTY, Whos Eyes Are As Crystal As The Jasper Water Fall Within Thy Walls, WHO COVEREST THYSELF WITH LIGHT WITH A GARMENT WHO STRECHEST OUT THE HEAVENS LIKE A CURTIAN AS TO A HALO OVER US WHO LAYETH THE BEAMS OF HIS CHAMBERS IN THE WATERS WHO MAKES THE CLOUDS HIS CHARRIOT WHO WALKS UPON THE WINGS OF THE WIND, Psalm 104, 2,3,

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 16th

"Readiness plan?"

As we wait upon the Lord, we should think about what is expected of us and how well we are doing what we should. We know what is expected of us, and we know what might befall us in our disobedience. We look expectantly to God, and it is right that we should, but we should also look at ourselves to see that we are doing all we know we ought to be.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy up on us.

Psalm 123:2

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 17th

"Where does true deliverance come from?"

Only from God. Salvation is found in God through deep reverential respect for his holiness and might, through living in covenant relationship with him, and through maintaining our focus on him. Any other roads to salvation and deliverance are false and ultimately prove themselves to be a snare.

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Psalm 25:14-15

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 18th

"Humility."

Humility is not effacing oneself. It is not destroying one's sense of self-worth. It is honest recognition of our own worth, our worth as God sees us.

Pride elevated us above others, and often above God himself. But to destroy one's sense of self-worth is also unacceptable, for it denies the value God placed upon us when he created us in his image and when he sent his Son to die for us.

Christ did not die for worms but for people he loves very much, and those people have great worth or value in God's eyes.

To see ourselves as God sees us, that is our goal.

You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.

Psalm 18:27

The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts."

Isaiah 57:15

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 19th

"May I know you as much as is possible..."

Rather than seeing this as a way to get our wish list granted, let's see it for what it really is... An invitation to seek a love relationship with God above all other things. In finding him, we will find our priorities properly aligned and our hearts tuned to know what is really valuable and what is not. Then we will see that what we have in him is our heart's greatest desire.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 20th

"The lesson of two prayers."

The Pharisee barely acknowledges God at all. He used his time in the Temple as an opportunity to justify himself. In the guise of thanking God, he cut down others and congratulated himself. There was no humility in him.

The tax collector, on the other hand, was rightfully aware of his sin before the most holy God. He made no claims for himself. He didn't try to justify his action. He only admitted he was a sinner.

Jesus declared that it was the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, whom God was willing to justify. May God give us the courage to admit our true condition before him.

The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: "I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income."

But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner."

Luke 18:11-13

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 21st

"Give me spiritual discernment to know your will and spiritual courage to do it today."

Too many of us are paranoid about the word law and find it hard to hear a scripture like this. But we must recognize that the goal of the New Covenant of grace and Spirit is that God's law is written on our hearts, not on tablets of stone. Jeremiah prophesied of such a day. The focus, desiring to do God's will; a passion to love the things our Father loves and despise the things he despises.

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 40:8

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 22nd

"I want to be a blessing to the broken and discouraged."

I feel so burdened myself, that sometimes I can't even see others' burdens. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like him, I will be a burden carrier. This is why he came, why he died, and why his resurrection is so important; to lift from us the burdens of sin, death, and depravity.

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

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GLORY TO GOD, HEAVEY IS THE BURDEN OF WORD OF GOD, AMEN, But His Yoke IS EASY And His Burden Is LIGHT, HE CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD UPON HIS SHOULDERS, Has We Carry Others Burdens But The Word BURNS UPON OUR HEARTS AMEN AND AMEN AND THE MORE IT BURNS THE LIGHTER IT BECOMES, sometimes my friend when we get so troubled with our own burdens wh have not forgotten the others but we are also feeling their burdens as well, GLORY TO GOD OUT OF THE DFEPTHS HAVE I CRIED UNTOTHEE O LORD HEAR MY VOICE LET THINE EARS BE ATTENTIVE TO THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATIONS IF THOU SHOULD MARK MY WRONGS OH LORD WHO SHALL STAND BUT THERE IS FORGIVNESS WITH THEE THAT THOU MAYEST BE FEARED I WAIT FOR THE LORD MY SOUL Doth WAIT AND IN HIS WORD DO I HOPE MY SOUL WAITS UPON THE LORD MORE THAN THEY THAT WATCH FOR MORNING I SAY MORE THAN THEY THAT WHATCH FOR MORNING, Psalm 130,1,5

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 23rd

"Words of direction."

Knowing the right word at the right time is a great gift. But even the best of speakers has to admit that the best of his or her words are not nearly as good as those the Spirit gives. Nevertheless, we must not excuse ourselves of insensitive speech, unkindness, or even missed opportunities because we were not paying attention to what was said, were not spiritually in tune with the needs of our companions, or simply did not know Scripture well enough to bless others with gracious speech at the appropriate time.

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 24th

"Aurelious Augustinius."

Better known as St. Augustine, who was converted in the year 387 and later became Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. One of his memorable sayings was this; "For those who would learn God's ways, humility is the first thing, humility is the second, and humility is the third." That may at first sound like an unwarranted exaggeration, but it is surely an echo of these words in the Old Testament; "[God] has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." ( Micah 6:8 )

But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply to go and wash and be cured!" So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his flesh became as healthy as a young child's, and he was healed!

2 Kings 5:13-15

And all of you, serve each other in humility, for "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.

1 Peter 5:5-6

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[HeavensOnFire]

Awsome post david, i would like to take a momeant all thoug im in a hurry this morning Glory To God, And Reply to your post, THE, GREAT COMMANDMENT with so many directions and as the darkness turns into day and we wait upon The Lord Our GOD, and we do wait upon him and AS WE GROW, we are left in the dark sometimes But We Must Depend On God Always In Fears And In Time Of Trouble, FOR JESUS SPOKE THESE WORDS, Has He Did To All The Prophets And Himself Around that time i believe Matt,23 verse 40 ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS HANG ALLL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS, Verse 37, and 38, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART AND WITH ALL THY SOUL AND MIND THIS IS THE FIRST GREATEST COMANDMENT, he shall sustain life and direct all thy paths

[HeavenBesideYou]

October 26th

"How do you feel about your job?"

Many people find no satisfaction in the work they do. Their lives lack purpose and meaning. Christians have an alternative source of meaning in their lives. If a Christian does a job, no matter how large or small, to God's glory, then that person will find satisfaction. God doesn't much care what we do, but He is always interested in how we do our jobs. If we do our work without grumbling and with a joyful heart, then we are witnessing to His power in our lives and we are pleasing to Him.

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shall eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Psalm 128: 1,2

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 27th

"Lift me up."

The Lord gives us all the ability to rise above the things that limit us. If we will only lean upon Him, He will give us the will and drive to succeed in every situation. His power can be our power when we call upon His holy name.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.

Psalm 129:2

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 28th

"Give me a sense of my place before you as I seek your will in your Word."

As the seasons change, the leaves fall, and the grass dies, we are reminded once again of how short our lives are. Despite the rapid advancements of technology, our deepest needs are addressed only by the eternal and proven will of God in Scripture.

All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

1 Peter 1:24-25

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 29th

"Soul and spirit."

How often do you let God do major surgery on your spirit as his Spirit uses the Word to encourage, judge, motivate, convict, instruct, and inspire? With such a great tool so readily at hand for most of us, let's not let a day go by that we don't let God use his word on hearts.

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

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[HeavenBesideYou]

October 30th

"Don't you love gifts!"

When they're truly given, with no strings attached, all we have to do is receive them. The greatest gift we've ever received has nothing to do with our efforts. It is a gift from God. We didn't earn it, deserve it, or purchase it. God gave it through his sacrificial gift so our salvation would not be our boast, but his kindness.

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

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[HeavenBesideYou]

Halloween 2006

"Satan is real."

He and his power are intended to harm. But rather than spending our time worrying about him, let's resist him when we are tempted and focus on Jesus. He's the one who won the big showdown at Calvary, triumphing over Satan. He took Satan's greatest tool and disarmed it. Now we can resist and Satan will flee.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Boo!

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 1st

"Thinking of the steward parable some more..."

The central message of Christianity, that all have sinned and are lost apart from Christ, is offensive to most people. After all, we humans are proud, and we don't like to consider that we are ever in the wrong.

As believers, we must ask God for the courage to speak the truth and the grace to endure any unjust treatment that may result. When we consider the impact of Stephen's death, the eventual conversion of the young man Saul ( later called Paul ) and the spread of the gospel ( Acts 8:4 ), we see that even terrible persecution, in God's hands, can lead to great glory.

You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5

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[HeavensOnFire]

AMEN, Although We Suffer To Be Perfect And The Harder We Strife The Less Perfect Sometimes We Become, There Is No Such thing As Complete Perfection But The Perfection IS IN GODS STRIFE TO GET US THERE, And Unto Him Strife Is Better Than Perfection, AMEN, Thats when i fall before My God, And Knowing IN OUR WEAKEST TIMES WE ARE AT OUR STRONGEST, THE LORD THY GOD REGINS LET THE PEOPLE TREMBLE HE SITTETH BETWEEN THE CHERUBIMS LET THE EARTH BE MOVED THE LORD IS GREAT AND PLENTIFUL TO FUFILL HE IS SO HIGH ABOVE ALL PEOPLE LET THEME PRAISE THY GREAT AND TERRIBLE NAME FOR IT IS HOLY THE KINGS STRENGTH ALSO LOVES JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALT YE THE LORD OUR GOD AND WORSHIP AT HIS FOOTSTOOL FOR HE IS HOLY MOSES AND AARON AMONG HIS PRIESTS AND SAMUEL AMONG THEME THAT CALLED UPON THE LORD AND HE ANWSERED THEME HE SPAKE UNTO THEME IN THE CLOUDY PILLAR THEY KEPT HIS TESTIMONIES AND THE ORDIANCE HE GAVE THEME THOU DID ANSWEREDST THEME O LORD OUR GOD THOU WAST A GOD THAT FORGAVE THEME THOUGH THOU TOOKEST VENGEANCE OF THEIR INVENTIONS EXALT THE LORD OUR GOD AND WORSHIP AT HIS HOLY HILL FOR THE LORD OUR GOD IS HOLY, Psalm 99,1,9

[HeavenBesideYou]

November 2nd

"Who's on first..."

We've been picked to be on God's team, and we were picked first! We have an important role to play in the unfolding of the world's history. We're here to declare God's praises to those who don't know him so they can find his marvelous light and leave their world of darkness.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 3rd

"Pray each night."

When days become hectic and full, it is easy to allow God to be pushed aside. We need to protect our time with the Lord and give it top priority. If we will keep the Lord close to us, he will sustain us and give us strength in tough times. Without Him, we can never hope to be our best.

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find a place for the Lord, and habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.

Psalm 132:4,5

When other things demand my time, remind me that I gave myself to You first.

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 12th

"God is near."

Sometimes we try to "ride out the storms" in our lives doing this the best we can. We think, If I can just hang on and be strong, I can get through this. David knew he couldn't make it on his own. In the past, he had found help in the Lord God. And in this prayer, David again sought the Lord's protection: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge". He rejoiced in the guidance and assistance the Lord had given him. Though his enemies were trying to shake and topple him, David stood firm because God was "right beside" him.

In prayer today, acknowledge that God is right beside you, upholding and guiding you. Thank him that he helps you and does not leave you to struggle on your own.

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Psalm 16:7-8

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

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November 13th

"Into the heart of Africa."

Peter Cameron Scott was born in Glasgow in 1867 and became the founder of the Africa Inland Mission. But his beginnings in Africa were anything but auspicious. His first trip to Africa ended in a severe attack of malaria that sent him home. He resolved to return after recuperation. His return was especially gratifying to Scott, because this time his brother John joined him. But before long John was struck down by fever. All alone, Peter buried his brother, and in the agony of those days recommitted himself to preaching the gospel in Africa. Yet again his health gave way and he had to return to England.

How would he ever pull out of the desolation and depression of those days? He had pledged himself to God. But where could he find the strength to go back again to Africa? With man it was impossible! He found the strength in Westminster Abbey. David Livingstone's tomb is there. Scott enterer quietly, found the tomb, and knelt in front of it to pray. The inscription read;

"OTHER SHEEP I HAVE
WHICH ARE NOT OF THIS FOLD;
THEM I ALSO MUST BRING."

He arose from his knees with a new hope. He returned to Africa. And the mission he founded is a vibrant, growing force for the gospel today in Africa.

But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and cried out humbly to the God of his ancestors.

2 Chronicles 33:12

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November 14th

"Neglecting someone?"

If we forget our Lord, we will find ourselves steeped in shame when we stand before Him. To call Him Lord, master, Guardian, Friend requires commitment on our part. We cannot take continually without giving something back. Remember the Lord, and speak forth with joy in His presence, for you have known Him, and indeed He knows you.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Psalm 137:6

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November 15th

"Doesn't God care?"

A friend of mine indicated to me his frustrations with mankind the other day. "Why do evil people get away with all the things they do?", he asked... This question is asked almost every day somewhere I know. This is what I told him;

Evil seems to be having its way all the time. Don't worry. God sees everything, and He will not forget what evil people have done. Our God, though a God of love, is a God of justice. He will reward those who honor Him, and he will punish those who have rejected Him and His ways. We are responsible for the way God will deal with us. If we choose to ignore Him, we cannot hope for good things, but if we pursue God with all our hearts, we will experience blessing and joy beyond measure.

I also suggested he pray for the patience to accept what seems unfair now.

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou served us.

Psalm 137:8

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[HeavensOnFire]

One Of The Many REASONS for Evil And the wicked living so long IS B/C GOD IS GREATER IN MERCY THAN HE IS ANGER, AMEN and it really has nothing to do with us but GOD AND THE REDEMPTION Or THE GLORY FALLEN SHORT OF THE WICKED, GOD SAID LEAVE VENAGENES UNTO ME, AND JUSTICE SHALL PREVAIL, And In Us We Have Living Testimoni IF WE HAVE SHOWED ARE ENEMIES, Forgiveness And Mercy And Still Feel Love For Theme Are Hearts , GOD IS STILL MOVING, i,ve said so many times GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, And Shall Surley Bring All Medatations To Your Rememberance Shall Bring All Things In The Dark Unto the light HOW IS PROTECTED US FROM ALL EVIL AND THE PLANS Of The Wicked, PRAISE YE THE LORD BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT FEARS THE LORD, I SAY WOW UNTO THOSE WHO TRY TO DECIVE THE LORD THEIR GOD, !!!!! BLESSED IS HE I SAY BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DELIGHT IN THE LORD THY GOD COMMANDMENTS no matter how are they are or even if we dont do theme AMEN But We LOVE, His Ways HIS SEED SHALL BE MIGHTYYYYYYYY UPON THE EARTH THE GENARATION OF THE UPRIGHT SHALL BE BLESSED AND LONG LIVES HIS PRAISE, IN A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH FOREVER SHALL MY GENRATION AND MY SEEDS SHALL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD HOST, AMEN AND AMEN, HIS SEED AND HIS TRUTH SHALL INDEED PROSPER WEALETH AND RICHES SHALL BE IN HOUSE , UNTO THE UPRIGHT THERE ARISETH LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS HE IS GRACIOUS AND INDEED FULL OF COMPASSION, SING UNTO THE HOSANNA HOSANNA BLESSED ARE THOSE AND BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO CAME IN HIS NAME AND IN GENRATIONS COME BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD,

[HeavensOnFire]

A Good Man SHOWS FAVOR AND LENDS HE WILL GUIDE HIS AFFAIRS With Discretion and wisdom And Call Unto The Angels For Back Up When The Proud And The Lofty Will Try To Rise Their Own Glory With Long Never Ending Speaches AND BEAUTIFUL Syngouges ;) SURLEY HE SHALL NOT BE MOVED FOREVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!! THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE EVERLASTING REMEMBERED, amen and amen and AMEN I SAY AMEN AND AMEN AND AMEN, HE SHALL IN NO WISE BE AFRAID OF EVIL HIS HEART IS SURLEY FIXED !!!! TRUSTING IN THE LORD THY GOD, And Will Acknowlege Of All His Ways :bounce: :bounce: HIS HEART IS ESTABLISHED FOREVER MORE HE SHALL NOT BE AFRAID, UNTILL HE SEE HIS DESIRE, UPON HIS ENEMIES, HE HATH DISPERSED HE HATH GIVIEN TO THE POOR AND given UNTO The POOR IN SPIRT, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURESE FORVER HIS HORN SHALL BE EXALTED WITH HONOUR THE WICKED SHALL SEE IT AND BE GRIVED HE SHALL GNASH WITH HIS TEETH AND MELT AWAY THE DESIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE OF THE WICKED SHALL INDEED PERISH, Psalm 112, 1,10,

[HeavenBesideYou]

November 16th

"Righteous!"

From our perspective of grace, having been liberated from law-keeping as a means of justification and righteousness, this is a very simple psalm. We can look around our world and see the anarchy and brutality when there is no principle of law undergirding the soul of a society. God's law provided so many wonderful blessings, and can still bless us today if we will let it. But the greatest blessing of the O.T. Law is Jesus, in whom all of God's promises find their fulfillment.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:18

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 17th

"God's Word misused?"

The negative; More than you think actually... It has a destructive component when used by the wrong people for the wrong reasons, but that is no reason to reject it. When people take it and twist it for personal agendas it's no good to anyone. What God intends for his Word and what people do with it are two completely different things.

The positive; God does reveal Himself through His Word, and it is nearly impossible to come to a deep understanding of Him apart from the Holy Scriptures. God has magnified Himself through His Word, and enables us to know Him when we read it in a spirit of openness, with no personal agenda, and a desire for the truth.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Psalm 138:2

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[HeavenBesideYou]

Sorry about missing Daily yesterday... I was camped out with my sons to get the new Nintendo Wii!

November 19th

"The Second Thanksgiving..."

The year was 1623. The Pilgrims had been in the New World for two and half years. The first Thanksgiving of 1621 was only a memory by this time because this summer's drought was jeopardizing everything. Not even the Indians could remember anything like it. The settlers had planted more corn than before, but without any rainfall, there would be no harvest. Daily they had prayed that God would send rain, but he hadn't answered. As the psalmist did in Psalm 141:1, they were begging God to hurry.

Finally, the settlers set aside an entire day for prayer and worship. As they went for worship, the "heavens were as clear and the drought as like to continue as it ever was," yet when they left the meeting, "the weather was overcast, the clouds gathered on all sides." For the next 14 days there were "moderate showers of rain," according to Edward Winslow, one of the Pilgrims.

The Indians watched and were amazed at how the God of the new settlers had answered their prayers, and that year, after the harvest, a second Thanksgiving was celebrated with the Indians joining in as well.

"Hurry up, Lord," we often prod, wondering why the Almighty doesn't seem to be in as much of a rush as we are. Sometimes we need to set our watches to his clock.

O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

Psalm 141:1-2

Have a great Thanksgiving week my friends... And try to take things in stride during this wonderful holiday season!

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 20th

"Background check."

Our Lord holds the complete file on each and every one of us. He knows us much better than we even know ourselves. Yet, that is nothing to be alarmed about. In His infinite love, He has forgiven us for all that we have done wrong, and he is able to help us in our deepest need.

Only someone who knows you as the Lord does could possible understand what you go through and what you need...

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Psalm 139:1

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 21st

"A tug-of-war with God."

The rebel rejects the expectations, rules, and power of the organization or individual holding authority.

Rebellion can be good, as when we rebel against unjust or sinful societal pressure.

Rebellion is like a great tug-of-war; the authority figure holds one end of the rope while the rebel pulls on the other. The picture changes dramatically if we imagine the rebel's feet being mired in quicksand. Such is rebellion against God. God pulls on the rope, not to ruin our lives, but to lead us toward safe footing.

"My wayward children," says the Lord, "come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts."

Jeremiah 3:22

When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and you stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Psalm 32:3-5

Create in me a new heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.… Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Psalm 41:10,12

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 22nd

"The elephant in the room."

It is bad to be in trouble. It is worse to be in trouble and on the outs with God. According to this passage, penned by King David, if we are harboring sinful attitudes in our hearts or willfully indulging in sinful activities, we should not expect God to respond to our prayers.

This is not because God doesn't love us. He does more than we realize. It's not because God doesn't want to help us. He longs to deliver us. It's simply that a holy God cannot wink at sin or look the other way. Intimacy with God requires honesty, humility, purity.

For us to attempt to approach God without first addressing the ways in which we have knowingly offended and wronged him is an exercise in futility. Sin is the "elephant in the room" that must be acknowledged and dealt with. Once we do that, we again enjoy sweet fellowship with God. Clean and forgiven, we can be sure he hears our pleas for help.

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.

Psalm 66:18-19

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[HeavensOnFire]

Was Sin Indeed Then Came THE FIRSTLOVE, The Cornerstone, WE MUST ACKNOWLEGE FIRST LOVE FIRST On Indeed Daily Asked Our Hearts To Be Seached And Purged And Dealt With Before We Enter The Courts Of The Lord Our God, THERE IS A WRONG AND THERE IS RIGHT, For His Words Was Not The Auther Of Confusion BUT THE AUTHER Of Redemptions He Paid All Prices!!! To Give Us A Wrong And A Right, O LORD, MY GOD IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST SAVE ME FROM THOSE WHO TEAR AT MY SOUL AND DELIVER ME, Least He Tear My Soul Like A Lion And Rending It To Pieces WHILE THERE IS NONE TO DELIVER O LORD MY GOD IF I HAVE DONE THIS, IF THERE BE ANY INIQUITY IN MY HANDS, If I Have Rewarded Evil Unto Him That Was At Peace, with me Yea I Have Delivered Him Without Cause Is Mine Enemy, let the enemy perscute my soul and take it yea let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust SELAH ARISEEE OH LORD IN THINE ANGER, LIFT UP THYSELF B/c Of Thy Rage Of Mine Enemies And Awake For Of Mine To The Judgement That Thou Has Commanded, , Psalm 7, 1,17 As We Walk We Acknowlege We Have Sin Our Lifes, And Sometimes Judging Our Enmies We Sometimes Foucus On Our SINS And Of Course The Elphant Grave Yard !!! SIN IS DEAD, And Under His Forgiveness And Death And Blood SHALL INDEED CANT RISE NOR CAN IT LIVE, In A Soul That Begs For Mecy And Forgivness FOR THE LORD THY GOD ONLY DESPISES THAT WHICH YOU DESPISE, Our Enmies And THE DESTROYER SHALL Lead Us In Times Of Weakness Back To Sin and sin shall ask for mercy forgived is those sins BUT LIFE, NO LONGER!!!! those who beg constant mercy and have all love and understanding for even his enmies shall see his desire upon theme, Of course their is many opions ON THE TRUE JUDGE, 1 kings,18, 21 AND ELIJAH CAME UNTO ALL, THE PEOPLE AND SAID HOW LONG HALT YE BETWEEN TWO OPIONS ? IF THE LORD BE GOD FOLLOW HIM AND KNOW HIS WAYS BUT IF BAAL THEN FOLLOW HIM AND LET GOD BE GOD, And They Awnswered Him Not A Word, verse 24 AND CALL YE ON THE NAME OF YOUR GODS, And Sugar Coat HIS DEEDS AND HIS MERCY AND THEN TELL ME IF YOU SEE A MIRCALE OR AN IMPROVEMENT OR COULD THIS BE THE WRATH OF GOD, AND AGAIN I WILL CALL UPON HIM THE LORD MY GOD AGAIN AND AGAIN AND THE GOD THAT ANSWERETH BY FIRE LET HIM BE GOD The Lord Thy God Sent His Son To Protect Us And Forgive us of all our sins, which is dead let it be dead still which is filthy let him be filthy, WHICH Is Alive LET IN US THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD LET IT LIVE,

[HeavenBesideYou]

November 23rd

"Discerning cultural trends."

C. S. Lewis was born on this day in 1898, and 40-plus years after his death it is startlingly clear that he was not only a keen apologist but also a true prophet for our postmodern age. Lewis wrote his book Miracles in 1947, before most Christians were aware of the emerging philosophy of naturalism, which says that there is a naturalistic explanation for everything in the universe.

Naturalism undercuts any objective morality, opening a door to tyranny. In The Abolition of Man, Lewis warned that naturalism turns human beings into objects to be controlled and turns values into "mere natural phenomena" that can be selected and inculcated into a passive population by powerful Conditioners. He predicted a time when those who want to remold human nature "will be armed with the powers of an omnicompetent state and an irresistible scientific technique."

Why was Lewis so uncannily prophetic?

One reason is that Lewis was a professor with a specialty in medieval literature. This gave him a mental framework shaped by the whole scope of intellectual history and Christian thought.

We Christians need to liberate ourselves from the prison of our own narrow worldview and immerse ourselves in Christian ideas "down the ages." The best way to celebrate Lewis' birthday is to be at our posts, as he liked to say, with renewed spirits and with probing and informed minds.

We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.

Colossians 1:9

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 24th

"Embarrasing God."

Do you think God ever feels that way with his children? Imagine how he must feel when we become so earthly minded that we run through life, ignoring his voice and oblivious to his warning, grabbing things as we go (like an unruly child in a grocery store) and holding them tightly. Do you think God doesn't get embarrassed by the way his children act?

Remember... Our life is a reflection of his authority. And when we disobey, he is the One the world scoffs at.

Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.

Titus 1:16

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 25th

"Good news."

The phrase "good news" has spiritual connotations. It's the original meaning of the word gospel, which comes from the Old English godspell or good spell, meaning "a good story" or "good news." For Christians, the good "spell", the great story, the wonderful news is that Christ's death and resurrection have saved us from the bad "spell" of sin and death: Those who believe in Jesus are free and forgiven and will spend eternity with God. That's the gospel.

Telling people they're messed up and are on the losing side is not good news, no matter how you spin it. It may be true, but it's not helpful if you don't tell the important parts of the story, too: that the forces of darkness are not going to have the last word, that the rightful King has returned, that the Kingdom will be restored. Then the hearers can wrestle on their own with whether or not they'll choose the winning side, the side of the King.

Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom.

Matthew 4:23

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 26th

"He knows our name, our nature..."

"Usually, when someone says, "God has been speaking to me lately," some get a little suspicious. Many who say God speaks to them are far too often described as a few clowns short of a circus.

Yet as our Good Shepherd, Jesus promises that we can hear and know His voice. This does not, however, need to be some mysterious, mystical process. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that God speaks to you quite often.

You see, the Good Shepherd knows not only your name ( John 10:3 ), but your nature.

Yes, God speaks... But we do not always like what He says. Have you sensed the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you were in a relationship or a place you did not belong? At times, God's Holy Spirit whispers in the stillness of your heart, "What are you doing here?" How else can we know when God is speaking to us?

God speaks to us through His word. ( Psalm 119:105 )

God speaks to us through circumstances ( Psalm 119:67 )

God speaks to through His peace ( Colossians 3:15 )

And once we have heard God's voice, what should we do? We must follow. Jesus calls, we responds. He whispers, we move.

We follow and then we keep on listening!

My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 27th

"Trying to hard?"

If we wait until we're perfect before we move out into the world to share our talents, we won't ever get too far. Even more important, we should be very thankful that our acceptance by God is not conditional on how close to being perfect we are. God knows that we have a long way to go, but He is willing to accept us anyway. Our names are written in the book of life the minute we turn our lives over to Christ, not when we become perfect.

Rejoice! The Lord loves you just as you are.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:16

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 28th

"Walk with me through the dark times."

Our Lord goes with us into the dark times of our lives. He holds us by the hand and lets us know that we have nothing to fear. Darkness and light are the same to the Lord. He will lead us through our times of fear and bring us back into the light every time.

Walk with me through the dark times. Fill me with your courage. Teach me to walk in Your light always.

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Psalm 139:12

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 29th

"To reject Gods call is to rebel."

The word rebel conjures up images of motorcycles, black leather jackets, tattoos, and arrogant, angry attitudes. Sometimes rebellion against God does manifest itself in such dramatic forms, but rebellion can be much more subtle. A failure to worship God leads to a failure to listen to his commands. Such disrespect is rebellion against God, whether we wear black leather or suits and ties.

What subtle forms of rebellion tend to creep into your life?

Now if you will fear and worship the Lord and listen to his voice, and if you do not rebel against the Lord's commands, and if you and your king follow the Lord your God, then all will be well. But if you rebel against the Lord's commands and refuse to listen to him, then his hand will be as heavy upon you as it was upon your ancestors.

1 Samuel 12:14-15

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!" This place was known as Meribah, because it was where the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and where he demonstrated his holiness among them.

Numbers 20:12-13

O universal strength, I know it well
It is but froth of folly to rebel
For thou art Lord and hast the keys of Hell.

C.S. Lewis

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

November 30th

"Grow."

To grow means to be willing to change. God has great things in mind for us, but we must be able to accept criticism and guidance. The Lord can only do with us what we allow Him to. Examine yourself daily in the light of Christ, willing to see the flaws and weaknesses, and ask God to help you change. The results may surprise you.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23, 24

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 1st

"Guide the words I speak, Lord."

The words of our mouth are powerful weapons. We can do great good by a few well-placed words, or we can wreak total destruction. The words of an evil person spread like a cancer. However, the words spoken by righteous men and women can be our greatest source of healing. Be careful how you speak, for you hold great power and responsibility within your words.

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall bunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Psalm 140:11

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 2nd

"UUGGHH!!!"

Maybe last month it was a relational disaster or an occupational trial. This week it might be a financial setback. Next week could bring a health crisis. After a while the unrelenting stream of tough times takes its toll.

"What's the use?" we cry. "I try to do right and for what? Life keeps beating me up! I can't get ahead! I'm not sure it pays to try to live a godly life. I struggle as much or more than my neighbors who couldn't care less about God!"

Troubles certainly have a way of wearing us down. And if we're not careful, they can erode even our bedrock convictions. The promise in Psalm 37 is a good reminder of why we must be vigilant about not taking moral or ethical shortcuts.

Those who maintain their integrity, those who continue to do right even when everything and everyone else is wrong will one day receive the ultimate reward.

Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever.

Psalm 37:18

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 3rd

"Almost Home."

It may seem at times as if our work for Christ is going unnoticed. Faith doesn't bring a lot of praise on this earth. But that's only because our trip is not yet over.

Our day will come, you can be sure. And when it does, the ceremony will last for an eternity.

…we who are still alive and remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 4th

"Would you know my name?"

Most of us find it very difficult to want "Heaven" at all, except in so far as "Heaven" means meeting again our friends and loved ones who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained: Our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world. Another reason is that when the real want for Heaven is present in us, we not recognise it. Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.

How happy are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!

Psalm 128:1-2 NLT

Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

He died for us so that we can live with him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of his return.

1 Thessalonians 5:10

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 5th

"Paul's prayer for the Ephesians."

While the believers in Ephesus enjoyed the luxuries and wealth of a cosmopolitan city located on major trade routes, Paul was confined to a small room in Rome, under the constant watch of a Roman guard. But who would ever guess from Paul's prayer that he was deprived of anything?

Paul's confident description of God's power does not betray a hint of hopelessness. Instead, Paul speaks of the rich inheritance and wonderful future he would have in heaven. Paul's future on earth was in the hands of Caesar. Yet Paul's ultimate hopes weren't set on this world; his hopes were set on heaven and eternity.

In your prayers, place your hopes on your eternal inheritance in heaven, just as Paul did. Pray that God might help you understand how powerful he is.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him.

Ephesians 1:18-19

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 6th

"Kindness is the sign of a loving heart."

...One of the greatest of all virtues. A kind person is pleasant, good, gracious and always appreciated. There's a lot of talk these days about "random acts of kindness." Maybe this is because we live in a society starved for good deeds. God is our model for kindness. The kindest act ever committed was God's sending his own Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we might live forever in heaven. God also showers us with kindness each day, sending sunshine and rain, food and friends, comfort and encouragement, boundless love and wisdom.

Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked! You must be compassionate, just as the Father is compassionate.

Luke 6:35-36

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 7th

"Death will never claim me."

This is the most important question you will ever answer. Do you really believe this? Do you believe that when you died with Christ in baptism through faith, that you died the most significant death and that your physical death will not separate you from Jesus? All of life, even all of eternity for you, hangs on this one question.

[Jesus said,] "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

John 11:25

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 8th

“WWJD”

I have had some interesting arguments with “Fundies” on the validity and commercialism of the WWJD merchandise that we have all grown use to but it wasn’t until this morning when I read this story that my beliefs were acknowledged and theirs discredited…

"Have you seen kids wearing bracelets with the initials WWJD "What Would Jesus Do?" The story behind those bracelets begins a century ago, when a minister named Charles Sheldon wrote a novel titled In His Steps. One Sunday morning at First Church, Pastor Henry Maxwell is preaching a sermon about how to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love.

The service is suddenly interrupted when a tramp stands up. He's been out of work for a year, he says, yet not one person in town has helped him find another job. Twisting his shabby hat in his hands, the tramps says, "I was wondering if what you call following Jesus is the same thing as what he taught.…I get puzzled when I see so many Christians living in luxury and remember how my wife died in a tenement.…what would Jesus do?" At that point, to the congregation's horror, the tramp collapses and dies.

The following Sunday, the minister makes a stunning proposal: He's looking for volunteers willing to pledge themselves for an entire year to do nothing without first asking, "What would Jesus do?" Some fifty people make the pledge, and a remarkable series of events begins.

Some of these people pay a high price for their obedience. But they also learn the joy of following faithfully in his footsteps.

A few years ago, a Holland, Michigan, youth leader was so inspired by this classic story that she had bracelets made bearing the letters WWJD and gave them to the kids in her church. The idea caught fire, and today millions wear them.

I hate to admit it but I feel better knowing the fundies were wrong on this one… :D

Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 9th

"People are just going to have to understand..."

Life is not a bed of roses, and most people are too happy to let you know that. That's what we tell ourselves when we want to appease our guilt on those dark and dreary days. I'm not the only one who's had a bad day, we think. People are just going to have to understand.

Maybe they do, but how does Jesus feel about it? Kindness should flow out of the life of a Christian. The world has an excuse to be angry, but we don't. Redeemed people should act like they're happy to be redeemed.

This is what separates believers from those who haven't discovered the goodness of Christ. We have a reason to rejoice. We have a standard to uphold. We have a Savior to pattern our life after.

…you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 10th

"Déjà Vu."

How often have you noticed that soon after you receive comfort for some troubling situation, you encounter someone else facing a similar situation? It is God who leads us to these people, for the comfort we provide for them seems more credible because they know we have "been there." Paul praises the Lord in his letter to the Corinthian church that God "comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others" with "the same comfort God has given us."

In what ways has God comforted you in the trials you have had to go through? Pray that God may use you to comfort others.

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 11th

"In spite of it all..."

On that ghastly Friday morning, which ironically has become known as "Good Friday," Jesus was a swollen, bloody mess. Most of his friends had hightailed it hours before, leaving him alone to face the physical agony of crucifixion, the emotional anguish of a jeering crowd, and the spiritual horror of separation from God the Father.

Yet during this entire nightmare, Christ responded, well, strangely. On the way to his execution, he paused to console a group of grief-stricken women. He used what little breath he was able to catch to pray for those who were so merciless to him. He demonstrated compassion and forgiveness to a criminal dying at his side. And he took pains, literally, to see that his grief-stricken mother below him would be cared for by a friend.

In the ultimate "tough time," Christ oozed kindness and goodness. And because his Spirit lives in us, we also have the capacity to use personal tragedy as an opportunity to care for others.

When the Holy Spirit controls your life, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: ...kindness, goodness.

Galatians 5:22

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 12th

"Bear fruit."

We take on Jesus' character (bear fruit) by remaining intimately connected to him. The distance between heaven and earth is not so great when heaven lives within us. In John 14, Jesus reminded us that if we will obey him, he will come and live in us and will reveal himself to us. So as we obey him, we know him better. His life becomes real in us.

[Jesus said,] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's' glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

John 15:5 and 8

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[HeavensOnFire]

Amen Hev, the word we need daily in our lifes from all sizes shapes forms and patterens, and the word is well worth the burden we carry for its benefits for it SHALL INDEED ENDURE US, If we Continue TO ENDURE IT AMEN, :) AMEN 2 timothy 1 _10_THOU THEREFORE, my son be strong in the grace that is within us through christ and the tings that tou hast heared of me AMONG MANY WITNESSESS the same commit tho to be faithful unto the the ways of man, who shall indeed be able to teach others also indeed thou therefore endure hardness AS A SOLDIER,OF GOD, no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier, and if a man also strive for masteries yet is he not crowned except he strive LAWFULLY :) ENDUREEEEE, the husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits of course consider what i sayAND THE LORD GIVE THEE UNDERSTANDING IN ALL THINGS, :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: REMEMBEAR That Jesus Christ Of The Seed Of David, WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, ACORDING TO MY GOSPEL Whereein i suffer trouble, evildoer even unto bonds BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOND therefore i endure all things FOR the Elects SakeThat They May Obtain Salvation WHICH IS IN JESUS CHRIST, It Is A faithfull saying For If We Dead With Him We Shall Also Live With Him

[HeavenBesideYou]

December 13th

"Do you worry a lot?"

Jesus encourages us not to worry about that which we cannot control or about that which is not important. Worry instead, he says, about your priorities and the condition of your soul. When you find yourself overcome with worry, take a careful look at the priorities of your heart. When God is firmly established at the center of our focus and desires, worry loses its grip on our lives.

So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable than they are. Can all your worry add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today!

Matthew 6:25-34

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 14th

"The Lord is with you..."

Wow! Such a familiar sentence packed with emotion. An angel comes to Nazareth to visit and speak with a young woman engaged to be married. Before the history-shattering news is announced, she is given one key reminder that will be truer than she could imagine, "The Lord is with you."

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Luke 1:26-28

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

'Bout damn time!!!

:D

Hey gang, glad we're back.

December 15th

"What's in a name?"

Jesus is identified by many names stated or implied in the four Gospels...

Notice how Jesus is identified in just this one passage: child, son, Jesus, great, Son of the Most High, King, son of David, and leader of Israel (Jacob). Jesus exhausts all descriptions, and yet chose to be limited to imperfect descriptions by becoming human. But this flood of names and descriptions helps us find Jesus a Savior in every trial and blessing of life.

Jesus is Savior for all seasons!

The angel said to [Mary], "Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever."

Luke 1:30-33

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 16th

"Worry about the future."

When Abraham Lincoln was on his way to Washington to be inaugurated, he spent some time in New York with Horace Greeley and told him an anecdote that was meant to be an answer to the question everybody was asking him: Are we really going to have civil war?

In his circuit-riding days, Lincoln and his companions, riding to the next session of court, had crossed many rivers. But the Fox River was still ahead of them; and they said one to another, "If these streams gives us so much trouble, how shall we get over the Fox River?"

When darkness fell, they stopped for the night at a log tavern, where they fell in with the Methodist presiding elder of the district, who rode through the country in all kinds of weather and knew all about the Fox River. They gathered around him and asked him about the present state of the river. "Oh, yes," replied the circuit rider, "I know all the Fox River. I have crossed it often and understand it well. But I have one fixed rule with regard to the Fox River... I never cross it till I reach it."

Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

Colossians 3:2

Worry is the interest paid on trouble before it falls due.

Author unknown

It is not work that kills men; it is worry. Worry is rust upon the blade.

Henry Ward Beecher

Heaven

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[HeavensOnFire]

GOD, does not want us to worry Hev, but we do any way GLORY TO GOD, WE CAST OUR BURDENS UPON THE ALMIGHTY GOD, THE ALMIGHTY IS TRULY AMAZING AND HE IS THE SUSTAINER OF LIFE, AMEN AND AMEN HALLALLULLA AND, We Cast Those Cares UPON HE THAT SET US FREE AMEN AND AMEN, AS For Me I Will Call Upon THE LORD THY GOD AND THE LORD SHALL SAVE ME, EVENING AND MORNING AND AT NOON, Glory To God And I Shall Pray And He Shall Hear Me HE DELIVERS ME From The Battle That Was Against Me, For There were many with me, God Shall Hear And Have His Way For He Is Just In All Dealings, Because They Have No Changes THERFORE THEY Fear Not God, He Hath Put Forth His Hand Against Such, As Be At Peace With Him He Hath Broken His Covenant The Words Of His Mouth were smoother than butter but war was in his heart his words were softer than oil yet were they drawn swords, THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD THE SWORD IS HIS, CAST Thy Burden upon The Lord AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN THEE HE SHALL NEVER SUFFER THE RIGHTEOUSSSSSSSSSS TO BE MOVED, Psalm 55,16,23,

[HeavensOnFire]

'Bout damn time!!!

:D

Hey gang, glad we're back.

December 15th

"What's in a name?"

Jesus is identified by many names stated or implied in the four Gospels...

Notice how Jesus is identified in just this one passage: child, son, Jesus, great, Son of the Most High, King, son of David, and leader of Israel (Jacob). Jesus exhausts all descriptions, and yet chose to be limited to imperfect descriptions by becoming human. But this flood of names and descriptions helps us find Jesus a Savior in every trial and blessing of life.

Jesus is Savior for all seasons!

The angel said to [Mary], "Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever."

Luke 1:30-33

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HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, if i had to wait that long i would have been off topic my friend :roll:

[HeavenBesideYou]

December 17th

"Two great truths."

Jesus first had to become the sins of the people before he could save them (us) from those sins ( 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 4:10 ). His own people rejected him before his forgiveness could be received. Jesus' gift of salvation was incredibly costly to him. It is a reminder of two great truths: God loves us incredibly and salvation is a precious gift.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Matthew 1:20-21

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 18th

"Bearing down."

Whatever your worries are today, they probably do not top the 600 Egyptian war chariots bearing down on the children of Israel! Trapped between the mountains and the sea, the people forgot the God who had delivered them from the Pharaoh's hand, and they cried out in despair. But Moses, who focused on the promise of God, stood firm in his hope. When we face our "chariots," it is quite normal to feel anxiety and fear. But when we remember God's faithfulness and his ability to bring good out of any situation, we find our fears calmed and our confidence renewed.

The Lord continued to strengthen Pharaoh's resolve, and he chased after the people of Israel who had escaped so defiantely. All the forces of Pharaoh's army—all his horses, chariots, and charioteers—were used in the chase.…

As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the Lord for help.

Then they turned against Moses and complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was better than dying out here in the wilderness!"

But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in you defense!"

Exodus 14:8-14

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 19th

"Another busy Christmas?"

While we are called to work hard, we must make sure that our work doesn't so preoccupy us that we endanger our health, our relationships, or our time with God.

A woman died, leaving behind her husband and one daughter. The little girl soon became the very apple of her daddy's eye. He loved to spend time with her, but because he had to work, they had only their evenings together. After dinner each night they would talk and play games; sometimes she sang for him. He treasured every moment.

One night the little girls announced, "Daddy, I need to go to my room early tonight. I have something I have to do!"

He felt very disappointed, but he let her go. She continued this pattern for a solid month. Finally, Christmas Day arrived, and early in the morning she burst in on her daddy and proudly displayed a pair of crude crocheted slippers she had made for him. It was this project that had taken her away from her father for every evening that month.

Her father thanked her warmly and gave her a big hug, but then he said, "Honey, I would rather have had you with me all those lonely evenings than to have these slippers, as beautiful and comfortable as they are." [As in the story of Martha and Mary], God wants our presence more than our slippers. He wants our devotion more than our work. It really is a matter of balance.

Just as being too busy gives you nightmares…

Ecclesiastes 5:3

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 20th

"Sing Angels!"

The angels in heaven above are still rejoicing over the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Two thousand years has not diminished their enthusiasm. Likewise, all the angels in heaven above rejoice when there is a soul saved. Let all the earth and all of heaven praise the Lord, for He alone is worthy to be praised.

We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light. But we know that there is above us a world of blessed angels. They are always praising God, therefore the psalmist shows his desire that God may be praised in the best manner; also we show that we have communion with spirits above, who are still praising him. The heavens, with all contained in them, declare the glory of God. They call on us, that both by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe.

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Psalm 148:2

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 21st

"Trusting human flesh."

I've always been amazed at how God chose to place his Son into our world. He could have done it any way he wanted. But he chose this way; to enter the world in difficult times under difficult circumstances as a helpless infant who must be cared for by parents who were vulnerable to so many frailties. Yet in spite of the challenges that lay ahead and the bewildering mystery that confronted them: Joseph and Mary, along with everyone around them, were caught up in the great joy this new child gave.

While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 22nd

"Knowing the Author."

To own a Bible, to know we have it if we need it brings a certain measure of peace. When we actually read and begin to understand it we are better able to receive peace of mind and heart. And when we apply what God's Word teaches, our lifestyle actually becomes a fertile place where peace can grow. The writer of Psalm 119 grew to love God's law because it revealed who God was.

Open my eyes to the wonderful truths in your law.

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. I will keep on obeying your lay forever and forever.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.

Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.

Psalm 119:18, 30, 41-44, 74-77, 165

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 23rd

"Peace like a river."

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."

~H.G. Spafford

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

Psalm 32:7

If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Heaven

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[HeavenBesideYou]

December 24th

"Charles Caleb Colton."

English minister and author Charles Caleb Colton was best known for his book of essays, Lacon, or Many Things in Few Words. He was born in 1780 in England. He was an avid collector of both wine and paintings and was known as an eccentric for his lifestyle, which was both lavish and ramshackle, and for his church work, which was sometimes brilliant, sometimes slipshod. After leaving the ministry, he lived in Paris for many years. He died in 1832.

"It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act."

– Charles Caleb Colton

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Christmas Day 2006

"Glory to you, God, in the highest heaven and peace on earth to all whom you favor…"

No doubt life for the average person wasn't all that noticeably different on the night Jesus was born. Inns and taverns were busy with their customers. Shepherds gathered around the fire to keep warm as they watched over their sheep. But in a secluded corner of Bethlehem, in an out-of-the-way stable, a baby slept in a manger. And as the shepherds settled down for a quiet night, the angels assembled into a vast choir and shattered the silence of that night by loud praises. Imagine the shepherds' response: shock, fear, and then, awe. They knew that they had to find this extraordinary child whose birth the angels had announced.

As you celebrate Christ's birth on this joyous day, seek out Jesus as the shepherds did years ago. Use this heavenly song to rejoice in Jesus' birth.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:13-14

Merry Christmas Friends...

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December 26th

"Amazing grace!"

Young John Newton called himself an atheist, and his life demonstrated his lack of belief in God. Even the coarsest sailors aboard his slave-trading ship could not stand his filthy speech. He brutalized the male slaves and sexually abused the women, and he prodded other sailors to do the same. The ship's captain finally put him ashore on the coast of Africa, and there he became a servant of slavers.

Finally rescued by another merchant ship, Newton once again fouled the ship with his presence. In a drunken stupor he almost plunged overboard, and the captain wished that he had. Then, amazingly in the midst of a vicious ocean storm in 1748, God touched his heart. Years after his remarkable conversion, Newton commented, "I see no reason why the Lord singled me out for mercy…unless it was to show that with him nothing is impossible."

The fool who had said in his heart that there was no God was now transformed. He became famous throughout England, both as a preacher and a writer of hymns. Without a doubt, the best-known hymn of this former atheist is the following:

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

~JOHN NEWTON

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; no one does good!
…Oh, that salvation would come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel!
For when the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Psalm 14:1-7

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December 27th

"A parable of mercy..."

Jesus once told a parable of a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant came before him who owed him ten thousand talents, a debt far beyond the means of a servant. When he couldn't pay, the king ordered that he and his family be sold into slavery, but the servant begged for mercy. Then the king took pity on him, canceled the debt, and set the servant free.

The servant did not show similar mercy to another slave who owed him money and had the man thrown into prison. The master heard what had happened, reinstated the debt and threw him into prison.

"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart," Jesus said, summing up the moral to the story ( Matthew 18:23-35 ).

Jesus' point is simple: Those who have been forgiven of so much should learn to forgive. People redeemed from certain death should act like redeemed people. Those who have received the ultimate act of mercy should learn to be merciful.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7

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December 28th

"Where two or three come together."

Before there were churches, before there were preachers, before Christ came to this earth, God had created His sanctuaries. On the mountaintops, God was worshipped. In the valleys, God was worshipped. In the forests, by lakesides, in caves; wherever God's handiwork was found, there He was worshipped.

Remember, we can praise God anywhere. Church isn't a place, it is an entity made up of living parts.Wherever we gather in the name of God, there is His sanctuary. Lift your voices to the Lord. Praise Him wherever you may be. He is with you where you are.

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Psalm 150:1

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December 29th

"Peace is a person."

"His peace of mind came not from building on the future but from resting in what he called "the holy Present."

~C.S. Lewis on George Macdonald

If you were navigating in strange waters or tracking through the wilderness, you would feel at peace with a competent navigator. As we move through spiritual territory that's frightening, new to us, or full of trouble, what a comfort and support to have the Lord God, creator of peace, walking with us. He knows the way!

A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!

Isaiah 9:6-7

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 NLT

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December 30th

"This world is a place of struggle."

Yes, we can live above the struggle for awhile or can find a way to simply ignore or re-label the struggle for a time. But in the end, the struggle will find us. But in the midst of struggle, we can remind ourselves that our victory is secure. Jesus has won! We will share in his great triumph. In case you didn't know, the final outcome is already determined and Christians win big through Jesus.

[Jesus said,] "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

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December 31st

"End of another year..."

The year is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the things it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. Let's journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment.

This is what the Lord says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:16 and 18-19

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"New Years Day 2007!"

We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the opportunity of a New Year as a springboard to living a life fresh and new and alive to God!

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

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January 2nd

"Patience..."

It's hard to look around and see so many undeserving people receive such wonderful rewards. We like to feel that justice is going to be done, but we hardly ever see it. Luckily, our trust is in the Lord and His promises. Those who receive all their blessings now have nothing more to come, while those who patiently wait upon God and His justice will find themselves face-to-face with an eternity of joy and peace. Nothing escapes the watchful eye of God. He sees the way of the righteous, and He will surely reward them.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 1:6

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January 3rd

"Rich in mercy."

Everyone deserves to be punished for sin, but God's punishment is always tempered with mercy because of his great love for us. Ephesians 2:4-5 explains that we are saved from our sin only because of God's mercy.

-But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved.)

Although we do not deserve to enter his presence, God wants us to come boldly before him. Hebrews 4:16 promises that we will find mercy and grace—all that we need, exactly when we need it.

-So let us come boldly to the throne of our Gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.

God loves to show mercy! He eagerly waits for us to repent so that he can shower us with forgiveness. Micah 7:18 declares:

-Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy.

Long ago the Lord said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

Jeremiah 31:3

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January 4th

"God's desires for us are not hard to discern."

He wants to bless us with salvation. The incredible gift of his Son is powerful testimony to this truth. But salvation from sin and death is not something he wants to happen in our lives only once. He wants our lives to daily reflect his salvation and to share it with others. We should act justly and pursue mercy in our relationships, and honor him with our worship from a humble heart.

[God] has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

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January 5th

"Pardoned."

The essential act of mercy was to pardon; and pardon in its very essence involves the recognition of guilt and ill-desert in the recipient. If crime is only a disease which needs cure, not sin which deserves punishment, it cannot be pardoned. How can you pardon a man for having a gumboil or a club foot? But the Humanitarian theory wants simply to abolish Justice and substitute Mercy for it. This means that you start being "kind" to people before you have considered their rights, and then force upon them supposed kindnesses which no one but you will recognize as kindnesses and which the recipient will feel as abominable cruelties. You have overshot the mark. Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful. That is the important paradox. As there are plants which will flourish only in mountain soil, so it appears that Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety.

~C. S. LEWIS in God in the Dock

Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.

Psalm 103:1-4

Having chosen [his people], he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory.

Romans 8:30

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January 6th

"The Rider on the white horse."

When Jesus came the first time, he came to reveal God ( John 1:18 ). As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as he was in his earthly ministry, it did not fully reveal Jesus our Lord. Our hope is tied to his return. When he comes this time, he won't come to reveal God, but to reveal himself; the conquering Lord, the Rider on the white horse. Every knee will bow. And we will see him as he really and fully is in power and grace. With this as our hope, we can be ready for active service to our king as people who live their lives under his leadership and control.

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:13

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January 7th

"A wonderful inheritance."

What will your children inherit? What about your grandchildren? Would you like them to know God's mercy as you have or even more so?

What a wonderful inheritance to pass on from generation to generation. If this is what we want for our children, we must help them to reverence the Lord.

Mercy is God's gift to us; reverence is our gift to God. The two work together to leave a legacy of faithfulness to future generations.

His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.

Luke 1:50

But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress.
O My strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

Psalm 59:16-17

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January 8th

"False advertising."

A whole bunch of folks claim that God is on their side. In reality, that's not important at all. The real question is whether we are on God's side! That's determined more by what we seek and do rather than what we say and believe. God longs to be with us, but he will not sacrifice his character to extend us cheap grace, a grace that does not call us to be like him. He's looking for believers who put their character where their mouth is.

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.

Amos 5:14-15

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January 9th

"We are all capable of great things in time of distress."

The Lord gives to His children the ability to serve one another, even so much as to save another life. It is important that we continually pray for God to guide our actions and show us ways to serve. When we open ourselves to the will of God, we will be surprised at the wonderful things we can do.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1

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January 10th

"Holy china?"

"Holy" is one of those words we generally associate with the "stained glass ghetto"; a word only "church folks" use. That may be true, but it's still a great concept. Every kid knows that you don't eat hot dogs and potato chips on china. Mom's china is reserved for "special company" or "special occasions." Hot dogs are for paper plates and every day, china is for special events. When God is calling us to be holy, he's calling us to be china... something special just for him, and as Peter emphasizes, just like him.

Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Peter 1:15-16

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