I am tired of life. I have no strength. How can I go on?
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you. In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me---you just had no chance to show it. And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
(Phi 4:6-13 GNB)
March 11 Day-by-Day By Grace
Three Wrong Responses to the Holy Spirit
You always resist the Holy Spirit . . . Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God . . . Do not quench the Spirit. (Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30; and 1Th 5:19)
It is the will of God that we walk in daily independence upon the Holy Spirit. It is God's desire that we seek Him for the fullness of the Spirit's work in and through our lives. Three wrong responses that undermine the will of God are resisting, grieving, and quenching the Spirit of the Lord.
When Stephen was on trial before the religious leaders of Israel, he preached a powerful sermon declaring the faithfulness of God toward His consistently unfaithful nation. He concluded his message with a pointed, radical, accurate evaluation. "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you" (Acts 7:51). Here we are given the kind of attitudes that oppose the work of the Spirit. These people were "stiffnecked." They were stubborn and self-willed. They wanted their will, not the will of God. They also were "uncircumcised in heart and ears." They did not allow God to cut away the carnality of their inner being. They would not allow God to speak to them through His messengers. They were self-righteous and self-sufficient. When we conduct ourselves in this same manner, we also are "resist[ing] the Holy Spirit."
When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he commanded them: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit" In the next verse he indicated the dispositions that bring grief to the Spirit of God. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice" (Eph 4:31). Yes, the Holy Spirit is a person, not a mere power or influence. He can be saddened by our behavior. When we, God's people, harbor bitterness in our hearts and malicious words in our mouths, then we are "griev[ing] the Holy Spirit of God."
When Paul wrote to the saints at Thessalonica, he instructed them: "Do not quench the Spirit." Just as a fire can be quenched, the promptings of the Holy Spirit can be stifled. As we read the word of God, the Spirit can be stirring a spiritual fire of conviction within us. Will we respond to that heavenly influence, or will we suppress it? When the Lord is igniting a vision of service unto Him, will we yield or will we extinguish it? When the Lord is calling us to intercessory prayer, will we cry out to Him or will we suppress that desire He is kindling? Will we allow the Spirit to blaze within our hearts; or will we "quench the Spirit"?
O Father, I am convicted by Your Spirit of times that I have behaved in these same ways. I have resisted and grieved and quenched the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, I repent, and I ask You to show me any area of my life that is not yielded to the full work of Your Spirit. This I pray through Christ, my Lord, Amen.
Day-By-Day By Grace, by Pastor Bob Hoekstra, director of Living In Christ Ministries, seeks to illuminate the grace of God through daily devotions set to inspire the child of Christ toward the heart of his Creator and Benefactor.
Provided by Living in Christ Ministries
http://www.calvarychapel.org/livinginchrist/
Mar 11, 2008
Jan 2, 2008
Happy New Year
Hmmmm resolution time? hmmmmm maybe just some goals instead........ maybe I need to address an issue or two.... maybe i I just need to work on pleasing Him (The Holy One)
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.
(Phi 2:13-16 CEV)
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.
(Phi 2:13-16 CEV)
Nov 7, 2007
Prayer
The prayers of God’s saints strengthen the unborn generation against the desolating waves of sin and evil. Woe to the generation of sons who find their censers empty of the rich incense of prayer; whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray, and perils inexpressible and consequences untold are their unhappy heritage. Fortunate are they whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy patrimony of prayer.
~~~E. M. Bounds PURPOSE IN PRAYER
See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;
rejoice always; pray unceasingly; in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you; quench not the Spirit; do not lightly esteem prophecies; but prove all things, hold fast the right; hold aloof from every form of wickedness.
Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is faithful who calls you, who will also perform it . Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
(1Th 5:15-28 Darby)
~~~E. M. Bounds PURPOSE IN PRAYER
See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;
rejoice always; pray unceasingly; in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you; quench not the Spirit; do not lightly esteem prophecies; but prove all things, hold fast the right; hold aloof from every form of wickedness.
Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is faithful who calls you, who will also perform it . Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
(1Th 5:15-28 Darby)
May 23, 2007
Anxieties Like Iron Filings
Joel C. Gregory recalls that when he was in junior high, "we did an experiment with iron filings on a piece of paper. When we poured the filings on the paper they fell into a disheveled pile. Then we put a magnet under the paper and, as if by magic, the iron filings lined up... and followed the magnet's shape and force of direction."
All our anxieties are like so many iron filings poured out on the surface of our lives. Jesus says, "Put My presence and My kingdom underneath your life, see Me as a habit, and you'll find that your worries will line up and take My shape." The greater gift is given, and the lesser ones will be taken care of."
That's His promise, and our choice.
All our anxieties are like so many iron filings poured out on the surface of our lives. Jesus says, "Put My presence and My kingdom underneath your life, see Me as a habit, and you'll find that your worries will line up and take My shape." The greater gift is given, and the lesser ones will be taken care of."
That's His promise, and our choice.
Apr 13, 2007
Think about this
"There is today no lack of Bible teachers to set forth correctly the principles of the doctrines of Christ, but too many of these seem satisfied to teach the fundamentals oft he faith year after year, strangely unaware that there is in their ministry no manifest Presence, nor anything unusual in their personal lives. They minister constantly to believers who feel within their breasts a longing which their teaching simply does not satisfy. I trust I speak in charity, but the lack in our pulpits is real. Milton's terrible sentence applies to our day as accurately as it did to his: 'The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed'."
The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer
The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer
Feb 10, 2007
THE WATER OF LIFE TURNED TO WINE!
"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim."-- Joh_2:5-7.
DO NOT forget the necessity of obeying the inner voice of Christ, which may be recognised by these three signs--it never asks questions, but is decisive and imperative; it is not unreasonable nor impossible; it calls for an obedience which costs us some sacrifice of our own way and will. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!"
Do as you are told. It was a severe test to obedient faith to fill up those big jars, which stood in the vestibule of the house. Each would contain about twenty gallons, and as they were probably nearly empty, it would be a long and tedious business to fill them, especially at a time when guests required other attention... "They filled them up to the brim!"
In your obedience, always give Christ brimful measure. It may be a very small thing He asks you to do--to teach a class of children, to pay a visit to some sick man or woman, to write a letter, to speak a word of comfort, to hold out the helping hand, to give the glass of cold water, but see to it that your response is hearty and brimful! The jar is your opportunity! A very common and ordinary one! An act that may seem needless or inconvenient; but out of it may come the greatest achievement of your life! When the Lord calls you into co-partnership, be sure not to say: "'Please do not ask me!" Nay, serve Him to the brim! He never asks you to do one small act for Him, without being prepared to add His Almighty grace to your weakness, thereby perfecting the act. It is an amazing thing that He should want our help. Let us give Him to the brim, and, as we do so, we shall see a wonderful and beautiful thing, which is "hidden from wise and prudent, but revealed to babes". "The servants who drew the water knew." Many of us realise that this miracle is constantly taking place. We fill our waterpots to the brim with water; but at the end of days of careful preparation we sadly review the result, and say to ourselves: "After all, it is very poor stuff, only water at the best!" But as we pour it out in service to others, we know that the Master has been collaborating with us, and has turned the water into wine! There are secrets between the Lord and those who obey Him! It is blessed when we are workers together with Christ. He knows, and you know. A smile passes between you and Him, and it is enough! The best wine is always kept in reserve!
PRAYER
Enable me to do not only what I like to do, but what I ought.
Cause me to be faithful in a little, and in common tasks to learn Thy deep lessons of obedience, patience, and conscientiousness. AMEN.
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
DO NOT forget the necessity of obeying the inner voice of Christ, which may be recognised by these three signs--it never asks questions, but is decisive and imperative; it is not unreasonable nor impossible; it calls for an obedience which costs us some sacrifice of our own way and will. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!"
Do as you are told. It was a severe test to obedient faith to fill up those big jars, which stood in the vestibule of the house. Each would contain about twenty gallons, and as they were probably nearly empty, it would be a long and tedious business to fill them, especially at a time when guests required other attention... "They filled them up to the brim!"
In your obedience, always give Christ brimful measure. It may be a very small thing He asks you to do--to teach a class of children, to pay a visit to some sick man or woman, to write a letter, to speak a word of comfort, to hold out the helping hand, to give the glass of cold water, but see to it that your response is hearty and brimful! The jar is your opportunity! A very common and ordinary one! An act that may seem needless or inconvenient; but out of it may come the greatest achievement of your life! When the Lord calls you into co-partnership, be sure not to say: "'Please do not ask me!" Nay, serve Him to the brim! He never asks you to do one small act for Him, without being prepared to add His Almighty grace to your weakness, thereby perfecting the act. It is an amazing thing that He should want our help. Let us give Him to the brim, and, as we do so, we shall see a wonderful and beautiful thing, which is "hidden from wise and prudent, but revealed to babes". "The servants who drew the water knew." Many of us realise that this miracle is constantly taking place. We fill our waterpots to the brim with water; but at the end of days of careful preparation we sadly review the result, and say to ourselves: "After all, it is very poor stuff, only water at the best!" But as we pour it out in service to others, we know that the Master has been collaborating with us, and has turned the water into wine! There are secrets between the Lord and those who obey Him! It is blessed when we are workers together with Christ. He knows, and you know. A smile passes between you and Him, and it is enough! The best wine is always kept in reserve!
PRAYER
Enable me to do not only what I like to do, but what I ought.
Cause me to be faithful in a little, and in common tasks to learn Thy deep lessons of obedience, patience, and conscientiousness. AMEN.
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
Feb 4, 2007
tiredness
Well hello i havent posted since August. i have had a lot happen .....my dog died ....my brother died....my mom in law has been living here 8 months or so.......im working part time and i am tired and just want to have my life not so busy anymore.:o(
Aug 19, 2006
Why Not?
Why Not?
Why Not-give a friend a tract?
Why Not-help an older couple with their groceries?
Why Not-share with a neighbor in need?
Why Not-talk to a friend about his soul?
Why Not-help a friend with a personal problem?
Why Not-have a Bible study with a friend in your home?
Why Not-visit with the newcomer in your community?
Why Not-invite your children's friends to Bible study?
Why Not-show hospitality in your home?
Why Not-give encouragement to a new brother?
Why Not-give support to those who are having trouble in their marriage?
Why Not-encourage someone to take a Bible correspondence course?
Why Not-show concern to those who have lost a loved one?
Why Not-show to others that Christianity is worth sharing anytime, anywhere?
Why Not-invite the checkout person at the grocery to worship service?
Why Not-give a smile to someone today? Let them know that you are happy as a Christian?
Why Not-be nice to people even when you do not feel like it?
Why Not-let God work His purposes in your life?
Why Not-start loving your neighbors as yourself?
Why Not-give a friend a tract?
Why Not-help an older couple with their groceries?
Why Not-share with a neighbor in need?
Why Not-talk to a friend about his soul?
Why Not-help a friend with a personal problem?
Why Not-have a Bible study with a friend in your home?
Why Not-visit with the newcomer in your community?
Why Not-invite your children's friends to Bible study?
Why Not-show hospitality in your home?
Why Not-give encouragement to a new brother?
Why Not-give support to those who are having trouble in their marriage?
Why Not-encourage someone to take a Bible correspondence course?
Why Not-show concern to those who have lost a loved one?
Why Not-show to others that Christianity is worth sharing anytime, anywhere?
Why Not-invite the checkout person at the grocery to worship service?
Why Not-give a smile to someone today? Let them know that you are happy as a Christian?
Why Not-be nice to people even when you do not feel like it?
Why Not-let God work His purposes in your life?
Why Not-start loving your neighbors as yourself?
Apr 2, 2006
For His Glory
How oft have you sought some reward for a task you said was "for the Lord?" How oft have you felt a stinging slight and felt that you were not treated right? How oft have you said "I quit, I am through. Nobody says 'thanks'for the things I do."How oft have you felt the precious thrill that comes from just being in His will? How oft did you count earth's glory dim compared to the joy of serving Him? What is it your heart has longed for? Does praise of men or His smile mean more? I Thought this was good.
Feb 17, 2006
Headache
I have a headache. I hope it goes away soon. We are packing, getting ready to move and that is a headache all by its self. This devotional was very good. I wanted to share it.
February 17
SERVING THE LORD
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."-- Rom_12:1.
THE FIRST thing for all of us to do is to present ourselves to God as alive from the dead, and our bodies as living sacrifices. The path of blessedness can be entered by no other gate. It is only as we refuse to be conformed to this world, and yield ourselves to be transformed by the free entrance of the Holy Spirit into our minds, that we can learn all that God will do for us. We are nothing; He is all. And He is prepared to be and do all things in us, if only we will He open to Him as the land lies open to the summer sun.
Those who really live the yielded life, do not need to ascertain God's Will by signs. They recognize it by the whisper of His voice and the touch of His hand. It is as we refuse to be molded by the world, and give ourselves up to the transfiguring Spirit of God, that we prove what is His good, acceptable, and perfect will. But more than that, we begin to live for others, and draw by faith from the fullness of God, that we may minister to them aright.
First, we understand what the Will of God is; then we present our bodies that it may fulfill itself through us; then we discover that it means goodwill to men, and we become the happy channels of heavenly ministry to those around us in one of the spheres enumerated in Rom_12:6-8 of this chapter. It is impossible to cherish jealousy, because the Head may use this member or that; it is equally impossible to be proud, because we have nothing that we have not received. Let us always remember that each has a special ministry to fulfill, and that we shall find in our daily lot the opportunity of fulfilling it. How many resemble the landowner of the Eastern story, who sold his property in order to go in search of diamonds, and lo! The man who purchased his property found it full of diamonds. Indeed it was the famous Golconda region. In the dally drudgery of life you will find your heavenly opportunity. How many who are pining for a great mission, will never be permitted to enter it, because they despise the low and narrow door of humble service to those in their immediate neighborhood.
But we can never realize these divine ideals of service merely by an external obedience. We must be constrained by a holy love to our Lord and to one another. What a despair these ideals would be apart from the Holy Spirit. That holy love comes from Him.
PRAYER
O God work in me, not only to will but to do of Thy good pleasure; and may I work out in daily life what Thou dost work in. AMEN.
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
February 17
SERVING THE LORD
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."-- Rom_12:1.
THE FIRST thing for all of us to do is to present ourselves to God as alive from the dead, and our bodies as living sacrifices. The path of blessedness can be entered by no other gate. It is only as we refuse to be conformed to this world, and yield ourselves to be transformed by the free entrance of the Holy Spirit into our minds, that we can learn all that God will do for us. We are nothing; He is all. And He is prepared to be and do all things in us, if only we will He open to Him as the land lies open to the summer sun.
Those who really live the yielded life, do not need to ascertain God's Will by signs. They recognize it by the whisper of His voice and the touch of His hand. It is as we refuse to be molded by the world, and give ourselves up to the transfiguring Spirit of God, that we prove what is His good, acceptable, and perfect will. But more than that, we begin to live for others, and draw by faith from the fullness of God, that we may minister to them aright.
First, we understand what the Will of God is; then we present our bodies that it may fulfill itself through us; then we discover that it means goodwill to men, and we become the happy channels of heavenly ministry to those around us in one of the spheres enumerated in Rom_12:6-8 of this chapter. It is impossible to cherish jealousy, because the Head may use this member or that; it is equally impossible to be proud, because we have nothing that we have not received. Let us always remember that each has a special ministry to fulfill, and that we shall find in our daily lot the opportunity of fulfilling it. How many resemble the landowner of the Eastern story, who sold his property in order to go in search of diamonds, and lo! The man who purchased his property found it full of diamonds. Indeed it was the famous Golconda region. In the dally drudgery of life you will find your heavenly opportunity. How many who are pining for a great mission, will never be permitted to enter it, because they despise the low and narrow door of humble service to those in their immediate neighborhood.
But we can never realize these divine ideals of service merely by an external obedience. We must be constrained by a holy love to our Lord and to one another. What a despair these ideals would be apart from the Holy Spirit. That holy love comes from Him.
PRAYER
O God work in me, not only to will but to do of Thy good pleasure; and may I work out in daily life what Thou dost work in. AMEN.
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
Jan 9, 2006
Dec 31, 2005
Aug 25, 2005
GOD OUR DEFENCE AND DELIVERER
Hello ! I really do not know who reads this or who cares about what I write! I had a bad day And I am glad that God is in control of all things. I am reminded that we must remain yeilded to Christ and allow Him to work all things together for His Glory! To stay close to Him By reading His word and talking to Him everyday!
GOD OUR DEFENCE AND DELIVERER
"As birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it, and passing over He will preserve it."-- Isa_31:5.
WE HAVE in this chapter three beautiful synonyms for God. He is Wise (Isa_31:1-3). The politicians of that time were boasting of their wisdom-in having secured the Egyptian alliance, but their cleverness and strategy were not destined to be of any help to them. Why did they not consult the Holy One of Israel, and seek the help of the Almighty? Was His wisdom only in heavenly and religious matters? Had He not the power to infuse men like Isaiah with a wisdom for earthly and human politics? Surely the boast of wisdom was mockery in the leaders of the people, at that dread hour of Jerusalem's history, when they turned away from the Light and Glory of the Shekinah to seek human counsellors and worldly stratagems. Not only in religious matters, but in the daily ordering of our human life, "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting!" (Jam_1:5.)
He is as a Lion (Isa_31:4). The lion is more than a match for the groups of shepherds who endeavour to stand against him with their crooks. He is not afraid of their shouting and views them with contempt. Does not this mean that the mighty presence and power of God would shelter the soul that trusts Him? All the nations might assail the city in vain whilst the Lion of the Tribe of Judah stood as sentry! If you are fearful of heart, and dread the attack of man, flee to God for refuge and defence (Psa_46:1).
He is as a mother-bird and her nest (Isa_31:5). How wonderful these words are! How near God comes to each one of us! We are reminded of our Saviour who longed to gather Jerusalem under His wings! Amid all the fret and worry and anxiety of your life, dare to believe in a Love that will not let you go!
PRAYER
O God our Father, how can we thank Thee for Thy Holy Word, and the many methods by which Thou wouldst gain our confidence and love! Give us grace to return unto our rest beneath the shadow of Thy wings! AMEN.
F.B. Meyer
GOD OUR DEFENCE AND DELIVERER
"As birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it, and passing over He will preserve it."-- Isa_31:5.
WE HAVE in this chapter three beautiful synonyms for God. He is Wise (Isa_31:1-3). The politicians of that time were boasting of their wisdom-in having secured the Egyptian alliance, but their cleverness and strategy were not destined to be of any help to them. Why did they not consult the Holy One of Israel, and seek the help of the Almighty? Was His wisdom only in heavenly and religious matters? Had He not the power to infuse men like Isaiah with a wisdom for earthly and human politics? Surely the boast of wisdom was mockery in the leaders of the people, at that dread hour of Jerusalem's history, when they turned away from the Light and Glory of the Shekinah to seek human counsellors and worldly stratagems. Not only in religious matters, but in the daily ordering of our human life, "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting!" (Jam_1:5.)
He is as a Lion (Isa_31:4). The lion is more than a match for the groups of shepherds who endeavour to stand against him with their crooks. He is not afraid of their shouting and views them with contempt. Does not this mean that the mighty presence and power of God would shelter the soul that trusts Him? All the nations might assail the city in vain whilst the Lion of the Tribe of Judah stood as sentry! If you are fearful of heart, and dread the attack of man, flee to God for refuge and defence (Psa_46:1).
He is as a mother-bird and her nest (Isa_31:5). How wonderful these words are! How near God comes to each one of us! We are reminded of our Saviour who longed to gather Jerusalem under His wings! Amid all the fret and worry and anxiety of your life, dare to believe in a Love that will not let you go!
PRAYER
O God our Father, how can we thank Thee for Thy Holy Word, and the many methods by which Thou wouldst gain our confidence and love! Give us grace to return unto our rest beneath the shadow of Thy wings! AMEN.
F.B. Meyer
Aug 11, 2005
I am stunned at the uglyness of satan!
I am stunned at the uglyness of satan! He stops at nothing to harrass the Christian that is on fire for God. We need to remember that the Battle is not our own! God is with us battling on our behalf!!! The good news is that He has already Won the Battle!
God will deliver us; we can trust Him for Salvation. In Daniel’s day he was shown a vision about the end times. He is shown a time where there will be great distress like never seen before, and at that time everyone who is written in the book will be rescued. Many who have already died will rise again to everlasting life, but others will rise to disgrace and contempt (Daniel 12:1-2). Today when we are discouraged and we face many trials, we need to remember that God is coming for us one day and is able to rescue us from this world to everlasting life with Him. We should rest in His peace and comfort one another with these words and continue to be His witnesses until that time comes (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 & 5:11-12).
It can get tough during the battle! We need to remember that God will empower us to do His will. When Joshua and Zerubbabel were rebuilding the temple they had oppositions and set backs. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied over them and they got it built (Ezra 6:14). One thing that Zechariah prophesied was, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, not by might or by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah4:1-6) Today in our lives and ministries we should not try to do things in our own power (flesh), but rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what God has called us to do by the strength of His might (Ephesians 1:18-23).
We can do all things thru Christ who strenghens us!
God will deliver us; we can trust Him for Salvation. In Daniel’s day he was shown a vision about the end times. He is shown a time where there will be great distress like never seen before, and at that time everyone who is written in the book will be rescued. Many who have already died will rise again to everlasting life, but others will rise to disgrace and contempt (Daniel 12:1-2). Today when we are discouraged and we face many trials, we need to remember that God is coming for us one day and is able to rescue us from this world to everlasting life with Him. We should rest in His peace and comfort one another with these words and continue to be His witnesses until that time comes (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 & 5:11-12).
It can get tough during the battle! We need to remember that God will empower us to do His will. When Joshua and Zerubbabel were rebuilding the temple they had oppositions and set backs. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied over them and they got it built (Ezra 6:14). One thing that Zechariah prophesied was, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, not by might or by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah4:1-6) Today in our lives and ministries we should not try to do things in our own power (flesh), but rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what God has called us to do by the strength of His might (Ephesians 1:18-23).
We can do all things thru Christ who strenghens us!
Jun 21, 2005
last one for now
1:42 am - Awesome thoughts from a devotional Wow this below is so what i needed to read ! I am very tired. I am almost finished with ot survey. I am very excited to be going on to new testament survey soon I am learing so much and am growing .......still have a lot to work on but growing !
Leslie
April 22
THE MIDNIGHT WRESTLE
"Jacob went on his way, and the Angels of God met him....And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day."-- Gen 32:1, Gen 32:24.
SUCH IS our mortal life! We meet angels before we encounter our Esaus! Their unseen squadrons must be counted on as one of our permanent assets.
"Oh purblind souls! We may not see our helpers in their downward flight, nor hear the sound of silver wings, slow beating through the hush of night?' But they are surely present (Psa 34:7; Heb 1:14). If we accustom ourselves to their presence and help, we may presently come, like Jacob, to an experience of the Eternal, before which all else will dwindle into insignificance. When our Rachels and Leahs, the babble of the children, the lowing of the herds are away; when the only sound is the low murmur of the brook, or the sigh of the night wind; when the sense of loneliness steals over the spirit, and the starry hosts expand overhead, it is then that we may come into personal contact with One, whose delights from of old were with the sons of men. He is the Word of God, but He is also the Saviour, the Lover and Friend of man.
In our first meeting, He will wrestle with us to break down our stubbornness; He will touch the sinew of our strength till we can hold out no more; He will withdraw from us till we insist that we cannot let Him go; He will awaken a mysterious longing and urgency within us, which He alone can satisfy. And as the memorable interview ends, He will have taught us that we prevail best when we are at our weakest, and will have whispered in our ear, in response to our entreaty, His own sublime Name, Shiloh, the Giver of Eternal Peace!
Why should you not meet that Angel, and let Him make you a prince?
PRAYER
Be not weary of me, Good Lord. I am all weakness, but Thou art Almighty, and canst put forth Thy strength perfectly in my weakness. Make me truly to hate all which Thou hatest, fervently to love all which Thou lovest--through Jesus Christ. AMEN.
from
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
current mood:
tired and .................
current music: Fan in background
Leslie
April 22
THE MIDNIGHT WRESTLE
"Jacob went on his way, and the Angels of God met him....And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day."-- Gen 32:1, Gen 32:24.
SUCH IS our mortal life! We meet angels before we encounter our Esaus! Their unseen squadrons must be counted on as one of our permanent assets.
"Oh purblind souls! We may not see our helpers in their downward flight, nor hear the sound of silver wings, slow beating through the hush of night?' But they are surely present (Psa 34:7; Heb 1:14). If we accustom ourselves to their presence and help, we may presently come, like Jacob, to an experience of the Eternal, before which all else will dwindle into insignificance. When our Rachels and Leahs, the babble of the children, the lowing of the herds are away; when the only sound is the low murmur of the brook, or the sigh of the night wind; when the sense of loneliness steals over the spirit, and the starry hosts expand overhead, it is then that we may come into personal contact with One, whose delights from of old were with the sons of men. He is the Word of God, but He is also the Saviour, the Lover and Friend of man.
In our first meeting, He will wrestle with us to break down our stubbornness; He will touch the sinew of our strength till we can hold out no more; He will withdraw from us till we insist that we cannot let Him go; He will awaken a mysterious longing and urgency within us, which He alone can satisfy. And as the memorable interview ends, He will have taught us that we prevail best when we are at our weakest, and will have whispered in our ear, in response to our entreaty, His own sublime Name, Shiloh, the Giver of Eternal Peace!
Why should you not meet that Angel, and let Him make you a prince?
PRAYER
Be not weary of me, Good Lord. I am all weakness, but Thou art Almighty, and canst put forth Thy strength perfectly in my weakness. Make me truly to hate all which Thou hatest, fervently to love all which Thou lovest--through Jesus Christ. AMEN.
from
Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
current mood:
tired and .................current music: Fan in background
and another
8:19 am - disapointment I struggle when things do not always go as planned. What it is it? Is it the loss of control that I feel? I need to let go of things that are not worth it, and embrace the the things that are worth it. But how do you tell which is which? Self control is a friut of the Spirit.. wow this(below) was todays devotional it guess is is fitting to how I am feeling now.
June 6
HOW TO MEET DISCOURAGEMENTS
"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.'-- 2Co_4:17-18.
NOTICE THE marvellous antithesis of this chapter: light and darkness; life and death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution; but side by side, victory, elastic hope, and the brightness of Christian faith. The decay of the outward man and the renewal of the inward; the light affliction and the weight of glory; the brief moment of earth's pilgrimage contrasted with the eternity of reality and bliss.
It is very important that we should not miss the mighty blessing which is within the reach of every troubled soul. Of course it is quite possible to sit down before troubles and afflictions, hopeless and despairing, confessing that we are over-powered and defeated; it is also possible to be hard and stoical, bearing adversity because we cannot help or avoid it, bur the highest Christian way is to be thankful that the earthen vessel is breaking if only the torch will shine out; to be content that the dying of Jesus should be borne about in our mortal body, if only His life will thereby become manifest.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee in trouble to bless; And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
PRAYER
Fix my heart, O Lord, on Thyself, that amid the changes and chances of this mortal life I may be kept steadfast and unmoveable and ever abounding in Thy work. AMEN.
From Our Daily walk by, F.B Meyers
June 6
HOW TO MEET DISCOURAGEMENTS
"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.'-- 2Co_4:17-18.
NOTICE THE marvellous antithesis of this chapter: light and darkness; life and death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution; but side by side, victory, elastic hope, and the brightness of Christian faith. The decay of the outward man and the renewal of the inward; the light affliction and the weight of glory; the brief moment of earth's pilgrimage contrasted with the eternity of reality and bliss.
It is very important that we should not miss the mighty blessing which is within the reach of every troubled soul. Of course it is quite possible to sit down before troubles and afflictions, hopeless and despairing, confessing that we are over-powered and defeated; it is also possible to be hard and stoical, bearing adversity because we cannot help or avoid it, bur the highest Christian way is to be thankful that the earthen vessel is breaking if only the torch will shine out; to be content that the dying of Jesus should be borne about in our mortal body, if only His life will thereby become manifest.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee in trouble to bless; And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
PRAYER
Fix my heart, O Lord, on Thyself, that amid the changes and chances of this mortal life I may be kept steadfast and unmoveable and ever abounding in Thy work. AMEN.
From Our Daily walk by, F.B Meyers
a blog from my other journal
2:55 pm - mothers day The Holy Spirit has been a great Teacher and something that occurred to me today is that our God leaves nothing undone.
Not only did He give us a voice, He also gave us a song; not only did He give us ears, but he also gave us music; not only sight, but also beauty; not only drive, but also ability; not only taste, but also food; not only heart, but also compassion; not only a mind, but also knowledge; not only a soul, but also Himself.
Without the latter, the former is lifeless. How blessed we are that God attends to every need, even the minutest detail.
Lord God, thank You for tending to our needs, both great and small. And, most of all, thank You for giving meaning, purpose, and life to us when we feel our lives have no meaning or purpose. You teach us that every life was created to have meaning and purpose to Your glory and the growth of Your Kingdom.
Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.
by a friend :Len
Not only did He give us a voice, He also gave us a song; not only did He give us ears, but he also gave us music; not only sight, but also beauty; not only drive, but also ability; not only taste, but also food; not only heart, but also compassion; not only a mind, but also knowledge; not only a soul, but also Himself.
Without the latter, the former is lifeless. How blessed we are that God attends to every need, even the minutest detail.
Lord God, thank You for tending to our needs, both great and small. And, most of all, thank You for giving meaning, purpose, and life to us when we feel our lives have no meaning or purpose. You teach us that every life was created to have meaning and purpose to Your glory and the growth of Your Kingdom.
Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.
by a friend :Len
Jun 20, 2005
I like my new lay out I hope you do! I havent been posting at all latley ! I really am tired. I have to work full time the next 2 weeks . I will be very buzy. I hope too get 3 blogs that I have all on to this one blog we will see how it goes!
I thought this was good for today.
June 20
THE ROCK OF AGES
"Trust ye--the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting rock."-- Isa_26:4 (R.V.).
THE LOVE of God, like a cleft rock, is the age-long shelter of His people, land rears itself above the tumultuous waters of time. The lightning that flashed from the thunder-clouds of Calvary has riven it. A cleft was made in it by the spear that pierced the heart of our Lord, and this was followed, as it was withdrawn from the gaping wound, by blood and water. But there sinful souls may hide! God had said to Moses: "Behold, there is a place by Me, and it shall come to pass that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by, for thou canst not see My face, and live." So he speaks to us all, and promises that the water and the blood shall be the double cure from the wrath and power of sin.
It is free. The sinner need not seek to acquire the shelter of that Rock of Ages by the labour of his hands, or the fulfilling of the demands of the law. It is not required that he should burn with a zeal that knows no respite, or flow with tears that refuse to be staunched. To be helpless and forlorn, to be in peril of condemnation, to be contrite and humble---this is all that is required. To have no Mediator, no Refuge, no Helper beside, and to lift the eyes of faith to the Saviour--that is the sole condition of being lifted by unseen hands into the cleft of that Rock.
It holds all that the soul needs. Is the soul naked? There is dress for it. Is it helpless? There is grace for it. Is it blackened by sin? There is cleansing for it. Is it sick? there is healing for it. Toplady, the Calvinist, and Wesley, the Arminian, agree here: "Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in Thee I find."
It is for ever. It is the Rock of Ages! Time may beat upon it, but it cannot alter it or impair it. Whilst this fleeting breath is drawn, when eyes close in death, when unknown worlds are entered, when the judgment throne is set, always and for ever the soul may shelter in the cleft Rock of the unchanging Redeemer, and Peace, like a double window, intercepts alarm from the heart which is stayed on God and trusting in Him.
PRAYER
Rock of Ages! cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power. AMEN.
f.b. meyer (our daliy walk)
I thought this was good for today.
June 20
THE ROCK OF AGES
"Trust ye--the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting rock."-- Isa_26:4 (R.V.).
THE LOVE of God, like a cleft rock, is the age-long shelter of His people, land rears itself above the tumultuous waters of time. The lightning that flashed from the thunder-clouds of Calvary has riven it. A cleft was made in it by the spear that pierced the heart of our Lord, and this was followed, as it was withdrawn from the gaping wound, by blood and water. But there sinful souls may hide! God had said to Moses: "Behold, there is a place by Me, and it shall come to pass that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by, for thou canst not see My face, and live." So he speaks to us all, and promises that the water and the blood shall be the double cure from the wrath and power of sin.
It is free. The sinner need not seek to acquire the shelter of that Rock of Ages by the labour of his hands, or the fulfilling of the demands of the law. It is not required that he should burn with a zeal that knows no respite, or flow with tears that refuse to be staunched. To be helpless and forlorn, to be in peril of condemnation, to be contrite and humble---this is all that is required. To have no Mediator, no Refuge, no Helper beside, and to lift the eyes of faith to the Saviour--that is the sole condition of being lifted by unseen hands into the cleft of that Rock.
It holds all that the soul needs. Is the soul naked? There is dress for it. Is it helpless? There is grace for it. Is it blackened by sin? There is cleansing for it. Is it sick? there is healing for it. Toplady, the Calvinist, and Wesley, the Arminian, agree here: "Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in Thee I find."
It is for ever. It is the Rock of Ages! Time may beat upon it, but it cannot alter it or impair it. Whilst this fleeting breath is drawn, when eyes close in death, when unknown worlds are entered, when the judgment throne is set, always and for ever the soul may shelter in the cleft Rock of the unchanging Redeemer, and Peace, like a double window, intercepts alarm from the heart which is stayed on God and trusting in Him.
PRAYER
Rock of Ages! cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power. AMEN.
f.b. meyer (our daliy walk)
Apr 10, 2005
A New Window on the World
Ruth E. Knowlton tells this on herself: "Years ago I lived in an apartment building in a large city. The building next door was only a few feet away from mine, and I could look across the alley into the apartment on the same floor as mine. There was a woman who lived there, whom I had never met, yet I could see her as she sat by her window each afternoon, sewing or reading.
"After several months had gone by, I began to notice that her windows were dirty. Everything was indistinct through her smudged windows. I would say to myself, 'I wonder why that woman doesn't wash her windows? They look dreadful!'
"One bright morning I decided to do my spring housecleaning and thoroughly cleaned my apartment, including washing the windows on the inside.
"Late in the afternoon when I was finished, I sat down by the window with a cup of coffee for a rest. What a surprise! Across the way, the woman sitting by her window was clearly visible. Her windows were clean!
"Then it dawned on me. I have been criticizing her dirty windows, but all the time I was observing them through my own dirty ones!"
"After several months had gone by, I began to notice that her windows were dirty. Everything was indistinct through her smudged windows. I would say to myself, 'I wonder why that woman doesn't wash her windows? They look dreadful!'
"One bright morning I decided to do my spring housecleaning and thoroughly cleaned my apartment, including washing the windows on the inside.
"Late in the afternoon when I was finished, I sat down by the window with a cup of coffee for a rest. What a surprise! Across the way, the woman sitting by her window was clearly visible. Her windows were clean!
"Then it dawned on me. I have been criticizing her dirty windows, but all the time I was observing them through my own dirty ones!"
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