Friday, November 29, 2002
Thought for the day: "You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks it's neck out."
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Paul speaking to Timothy with words of encouragement:
"FOR THIS REASON I REMIND YOU TO FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN YOU THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF MY HANDS. FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY, BUT A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE." 2 Timothy 1:6 NIV
After Pauls release from prison in Rome in A.D. 62-63 and after his fourth missionary journey, during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, he was again imprisoned in Rome under Emperor Nero about 66-67. He was languishing in a cold dungeon, chained like a common criminal. Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end.
Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time: (1) Paul was lonely because many of his friends had deserted him. Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him; (2) he was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel and, if necessary, to suffer for it; (3) he wanted to write t the Ephesian church through Timothy.
ZONDERVAN NIV BIBLE
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Paul was executed shortly after this. I am amazed at the mental and spiritual strength he received from God during this difficult time. No whining, just the power of love speaking above and beyond the call of duty. "Fan into flame the gift of God" ...........keep the fires burning.........................JRE
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You can scrub a pig, sprinkle Chanel No. 5 on him, put a ribbon around his neck, and take him into your living room. But when you turn him loose, he will jump into the first mud puddle he sees because his nature has never been changed. He is still a pig.
We constantly try to reform ourselves. Stores are filled with self-help books claiming to hold the secret to personal reformation. But such efforts are only temporary at best. A deeper transformation is needed, a transformation of the heart.
And it is possible! The Bible teaches that when we come to Christ, we are spiritually born again. God's Spirit comes to live within us and change us. Our motives change, our objectives change, our dispositions change, our eternal destiny changes.
No, it doesn't happen all at once. We will spend the rest of our lives learning what it means to follow Christ. But it begins now, as we open our hearts to Him. Is your life "being transformed.....from glory to glory?
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Paul speaking to Timothy with words of encouragement:
"FOR THIS REASON I REMIND YOU TO FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN YOU THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF MY HANDS. FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY, BUT A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE." 2 Timothy 1:6 NIV
After Pauls release from prison in Rome in A.D. 62-63 and after his fourth missionary journey, during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, he was again imprisoned in Rome under Emperor Nero about 66-67. He was languishing in a cold dungeon, chained like a common criminal. Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end.
Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time: (1) Paul was lonely because many of his friends had deserted him. Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him; (2) he was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel and, if necessary, to suffer for it; (3) he wanted to write t the Ephesian church through Timothy.
ZONDERVAN NIV BIBLE
______________________________________________________________________
Paul was executed shortly after this. I am amazed at the mental and spiritual strength he received from God during this difficult time. No whining, just the power of love speaking above and beyond the call of duty. "Fan into flame the gift of God" ...........keep the fires burning.........................JRE
______________________________________________________________________
You can scrub a pig, sprinkle Chanel No. 5 on him, put a ribbon around his neck, and take him into your living room. But when you turn him loose, he will jump into the first mud puddle he sees because his nature has never been changed. He is still a pig.
We constantly try to reform ourselves. Stores are filled with self-help books claiming to hold the secret to personal reformation. But such efforts are only temporary at best. A deeper transformation is needed, a transformation of the heart.
And it is possible! The Bible teaches that when we come to Christ, we are spiritually born again. God's Spirit comes to live within us and change us. Our motives change, our objectives change, our dispositions change, our eternal destiny changes.
No, it doesn't happen all at once. We will spend the rest of our lives learning what it means to follow Christ. But it begins now, as we open our hearts to Him. Is your life "being transformed.....from glory to glory?
BILLY GRAHAM
HAPPY HANUKKAH
I WANT TO WISH EVERYBODY A VERY HAPPY HANUKKAH WHICH STARTS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30th.
Hanukkah -- A Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. and celebrated for 8 days beginning the 25th day of Kislev
The oppressed Jews were not long in finding a champion. When the emissaries of Antiochus arrived at the village of Modin, about 15 miles west of Jerusalem, they expected the aged priest, Mattathias, to set a good example to his people by coming forward to offer a pagan sacrifice. When Mattathias refused, a timid Jew came forward to perform the sacrifice. The enraged priest approached the altar and killed both the apostate Jew and the emissary of Antiochus. With his five sons, Mattathias destroyed the heathen altar and then fled to the hills to avoid reprisal.
Soon after the beginnig of the revolt, Mattathias died. He had urged his followers to choose as military leader his third son, Judas (Hebrew Judah), known as "the Maccabee," a word usually interpreted to mean "the hammer." The choice was a good one, for more and more Jews rallied to the cause. The Maccabees, as the followers of Judas were called, were able to hold their own against a series of Syrian armies thrown against them.
THE NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
And now you know the rest of the story. How about that name "the Hammer"....Happy Hanukkah.................JRE
I WANT TO WISH EVERYBODY A VERY HAPPY HANUKKAH WHICH STARTS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30th.
Hanukkah -- A Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. and celebrated for 8 days beginning the 25th day of Kislev
The oppressed Jews were not long in finding a champion. When the emissaries of Antiochus arrived at the village of Modin, about 15 miles west of Jerusalem, they expected the aged priest, Mattathias, to set a good example to his people by coming forward to offer a pagan sacrifice. When Mattathias refused, a timid Jew came forward to perform the sacrifice. The enraged priest approached the altar and killed both the apostate Jew and the emissary of Antiochus. With his five sons, Mattathias destroyed the heathen altar and then fled to the hills to avoid reprisal.
Soon after the beginnig of the revolt, Mattathias died. He had urged his followers to choose as military leader his third son, Judas (Hebrew Judah), known as "the Maccabee," a word usually interpreted to mean "the hammer." The choice was a good one, for more and more Jews rallied to the cause. The Maccabees, as the followers of Judas were called, were able to hold their own against a series of Syrian armies thrown against them.
THE NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
And now you know the rest of the story. How about that name "the Hammer"....Happy Hanukkah.................JRE
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Thought for the day: "HOLD ON TO INSTRUCTION, DO NOT LET IT GO; GUARD IT WELL FOR IT IS YOUR LIFE." Proverbs 4:13 NIV.
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The Hebrew word "anak" (plumb line), taken from Amos 7:7-8 NIV.
THIS IS WHAT HE SHOWED ME: THE LORD WAS STANDING BY A WALL THAT HAD BEEN BUILT TRUE TO PLUMB, WITH A PLUMB LINE IN HIS HAND. AND THE LORD ASKED ME, "WHAT DO YOU SEE, AMOS?"
"A PLUMB LINE," I REPLIED.
THEN THE LORD SAID," LOOK I AM SETTING A PLUMB LINE AMONG MY PEOPLE ISRAEL."
Strong's Ref. # 594
Romanized 'anak
Pronounced an-awk'
probably from an unused root meaning to be narrow; according to most a plumb-line, and to others a hook:
KJV--plumb-line.
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HAND IN HAND
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. PHILIPPIANS 2:1
It is only when I share life's experiences with others that I can enjoy them or endure them to the greatest advantage. This is what the early Christians did. They learned quickly that survival would go hand-in-hand with "fellowship."...............
You see, having a relationship calls for being in fellowship with others, and that cannot be done very easily at arm's length. It implies getting in touch, feeling the hurts, being an instrument of encouragement and healing. Fences must come down. Masks need to come off. Welcome signs need to be hung outside the door. Keys to the locks in our lives must be duplicated and distributed. Bridges need to be lowered that allow others to cross the moat and then share our joys and our sorrows.
CHARLES SWINDOLL...............Dropping Your Guard
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Today I went to the fureral of my friend and former employer Leroy Housley, he was 81 years of age, and a Christian. When I first moved to Mountain Grove in 1985 my employment situation was not good. Leroy gave me a job. Later I worked for him in road maintenance for the Township. Leroy shared Jesus with me many times and taught me about being cordial. His love for his family, church and community will always be remembered by me.
I remember once when we were building fence on his farm. He had two big herford bulls in different pastures, and they began to bellow, snort, and paw the ground at each other. Leroy went and opened the gate between the two pastures and allowed the two to meet. The sight of the two massive creatures pushing each other around was awesome. They did this for about an hour until one of them submitted to the other, then they both went to the pond together and got a cool drink. I asked Leroy why he had opened the gate, he said it was easier than fixing fence. I learned something that day. .................................JRE
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The Hebrew word "anak" (plumb line), taken from Amos 7:7-8 NIV.
THIS IS WHAT HE SHOWED ME: THE LORD WAS STANDING BY A WALL THAT HAD BEEN BUILT TRUE TO PLUMB, WITH A PLUMB LINE IN HIS HAND. AND THE LORD ASKED ME, "WHAT DO YOU SEE, AMOS?"
"A PLUMB LINE," I REPLIED.
THEN THE LORD SAID," LOOK I AM SETTING A PLUMB LINE AMONG MY PEOPLE ISRAEL."
Strong's Ref. # 594
Romanized 'anak
Pronounced an-awk'
probably from an unused root meaning to be narrow; according to most a plumb-line, and to others a hook:
KJV--plumb-line.
______________________________________________________________________
HAND IN HAND
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. PHILIPPIANS 2:1
It is only when I share life's experiences with others that I can enjoy them or endure them to the greatest advantage. This is what the early Christians did. They learned quickly that survival would go hand-in-hand with "fellowship."...............
You see, having a relationship calls for being in fellowship with others, and that cannot be done very easily at arm's length. It implies getting in touch, feeling the hurts, being an instrument of encouragement and healing. Fences must come down. Masks need to come off. Welcome signs need to be hung outside the door. Keys to the locks in our lives must be duplicated and distributed. Bridges need to be lowered that allow others to cross the moat and then share our joys and our sorrows.
CHARLES SWINDOLL...............Dropping Your Guard
_____________________________________________________________________
Today I went to the fureral of my friend and former employer Leroy Housley, he was 81 years of age, and a Christian. When I first moved to Mountain Grove in 1985 my employment situation was not good. Leroy gave me a job. Later I worked for him in road maintenance for the Township. Leroy shared Jesus with me many times and taught me about being cordial. His love for his family, church and community will always be remembered by me.
I remember once when we were building fence on his farm. He had two big herford bulls in different pastures, and they began to bellow, snort, and paw the ground at each other. Leroy went and opened the gate between the two pastures and allowed the two to meet. The sight of the two massive creatures pushing each other around was awesome. They did this for about an hour until one of them submitted to the other, then they both went to the pond together and got a cool drink. I asked Leroy why he had opened the gate, he said it was easier than fixing fence. I learned something that day. .................................JRE
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Thought for the day: "The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held it's ground."
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The Greek word "brabeuo" (rule), taken from Colossians 3:15 NIV.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Strong's Ref. # 1018
Romanized brabeuo
Pronounced brab-yoo'-o
from the same as GSN1017; to arbitrate, i.e. (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail):
KJV--rule.
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The Greek word brabeuo, to be an umpire; to arbitrate, direct, and govern. this word is found only here.
THE DAKE BIBLE
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A CLUTTERED, COMPLICATED WORLD
God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
ECCLESIASTES 7:29 TEV
Everything around us works against reordering and simplifying our lives. Everything! Ours is a cluttered, complicated world. God did not create it that way. Depraved, restless humanity has made it that way!
Advertisements have one major goal: to make us discontented, woefully dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. Why? So we will acquire what they offer. And acquire we do! The watch word of our consumptive society is a very loud and assertive MORE! Enough is never enough.............
Not only do we acquire..........we keep, we accumulate. Futhermore, we don't simply compete.......we are driven to win, always win. And not only do we want more, we must spend more time maintaining those things. Staying ahead of that maddening pace leaves us strained, fretful, breathless.
Surely, God is not the author of such confusion.
CHARLES SWINDOLL........................Intimacy with the Almighty
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With Friday after Thanksgiving being the biggest shopping day of the year, maybe we could let the UMPIRE of our hearts, JESUS CHRIST call a time out now and then. "And the peace of God that passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds." (Philippians 4:17). How about that Chuck Swindoll? Went right to it. I am so thankful for the Word of God and other Christians who encourage life and life more abundantly................JRE
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The Greek word "brabeuo" (rule), taken from Colossians 3:15 NIV.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Strong's Ref. # 1018
Romanized brabeuo
Pronounced brab-yoo'-o
from the same as GSN1017; to arbitrate, i.e. (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail):
KJV--rule.
____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word brabeuo, to be an umpire; to arbitrate, direct, and govern. this word is found only here.
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
A CLUTTERED, COMPLICATED WORLD
God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
ECCLESIASTES 7:29 TEV
Everything around us works against reordering and simplifying our lives. Everything! Ours is a cluttered, complicated world. God did not create it that way. Depraved, restless humanity has made it that way!
Advertisements have one major goal: to make us discontented, woefully dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. Why? So we will acquire what they offer. And acquire we do! The watch word of our consumptive society is a very loud and assertive MORE! Enough is never enough.............
Not only do we acquire..........we keep, we accumulate. Futhermore, we don't simply compete.......we are driven to win, always win. And not only do we want more, we must spend more time maintaining those things. Staying ahead of that maddening pace leaves us strained, fretful, breathless.
Surely, God is not the author of such confusion.
CHARLES SWINDOLL........................Intimacy with the Almighty
___________________________________________________________________
With Friday after Thanksgiving being the biggest shopping day of the year, maybe we could let the UMPIRE of our hearts, JESUS CHRIST call a time out now and then. "And the peace of God that passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds." (Philippians 4:17). How about that Chuck Swindoll? Went right to it. I am so thankful for the Word of God and other Christians who encourage life and life more abundantly................JRE
Monday, November 25, 2002
Thought for the day: "Thanksgiving is good; Thanksliving is better."
B.M. @ Calvary Temple Church 11-24-02
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The Hebrew word "yadah" (thanks) taken from Psalm 107:1.
OH, GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD!
Strong's Ref. # 3034
Romanized yadah
Pronounced yaw-daw'
a primitive root; used only as denominative from HSN3027; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands):
KJV--cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving).
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TRUE THANKSGIVING
Separated from friends, unjustly accused, brutally treated, if any man had a right to complain it was this man, languishing almost forgotten in a harsh Roman prison, but instead of complaints, his lips rang with words of praise and thanksgiving!
This was the apostle Paul, a man who had learned the meaning of true thanksgiving, even in the midst of great adversity. Look carefully at what he wrote during that prison experience: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:19-20, NIV).
Think of it! "Always giving thanks........for everything" no matter the circumstances. His guards and fellow prisoners must have thought him crazy, but that didn't stop him. Thanksgiving for Paul was not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that made him a joyful person in every situation. May that be true of us.
BILLY GRAHAM
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RUN TO JESUS
If we live, we are living for the Lord, and if we die, we are dying for the Lord. Romans 14:8
Do you wonder where you can go for encouragement and motivation? Go back to that moment when you first saw the love of Jesus Christ. Remember the day when you were separated from Christ? You knew only guilt and confusion and then, a light. Someone opened a door and light came into your darkness, and you said in your heart, "I am redeemed!"
Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you'll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there's no room in your heart and in your life for sin. Invite him to take up residence in your heart.
MAX LUCADO...................................Walking with the Savior
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I am so thankful......I am so thankful.......I am so thankful. I can relate to the Apostle Paul, in 1983 I sat on a bunk at Leeds Farm in KC and accepted Jesus Christ. My life has not been the same since that moment. When I would call friends on the "collect phone" and tell how thankful I was, they thought I was crazy. By the grace of a loving God through the years I have been able to overcome obstacles and do things that I otherwise could not have done. Most of all I am thankful for that day in February 1983................................JRE
B.M. @ Calvary Temple Church 11-24-02
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The Hebrew word "yadah" (thanks) taken from Psalm 107:1.
OH, GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD!
Strong's Ref. # 3034
Romanized yadah
Pronounced yaw-daw'
a primitive root; used only as denominative from HSN3027; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands):
KJV--cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving).
_____________________________________________________________________
TRUE THANKSGIVING
Separated from friends, unjustly accused, brutally treated, if any man had a right to complain it was this man, languishing almost forgotten in a harsh Roman prison, but instead of complaints, his lips rang with words of praise and thanksgiving!
This was the apostle Paul, a man who had learned the meaning of true thanksgiving, even in the midst of great adversity. Look carefully at what he wrote during that prison experience: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:19-20, NIV).
Think of it! "Always giving thanks........for everything" no matter the circumstances. His guards and fellow prisoners must have thought him crazy, but that didn't stop him. Thanksgiving for Paul was not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that made him a joyful person in every situation. May that be true of us.
BILLY GRAHAM
_____________________________________________________________________
RUN TO JESUS
If we live, we are living for the Lord, and if we die, we are dying for the Lord. Romans 14:8
Do you wonder where you can go for encouragement and motivation? Go back to that moment when you first saw the love of Jesus Christ. Remember the day when you were separated from Christ? You knew only guilt and confusion and then, a light. Someone opened a door and light came into your darkness, and you said in your heart, "I am redeemed!"
Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you'll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there's no room in your heart and in your life for sin. Invite him to take up residence in your heart.
MAX LUCADO...................................Walking with the Savior
______________________________________________________________________
I am so thankful......I am so thankful.......I am so thankful. I can relate to the Apostle Paul, in 1983 I sat on a bunk at Leeds Farm in KC and accepted Jesus Christ. My life has not been the same since that moment. When I would call friends on the "collect phone" and tell how thankful I was, they thought I was crazy. By the grace of a loving God through the years I have been able to overcome obstacles and do things that I otherwise could not have done. Most of all I am thankful for that day in February 1983................................JRE
Friday, November 22, 2002
Thought for the day: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." PROVERBS 17:14 NIV
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The Greek word "aletheia" (truth), taken from 1 John 1:8-9 NIV.
IF WE CLAIM TO BE WITHOUT SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST AND WILL FORGIVE US OUR SINS AND PURIFY US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.
Strong's Ref. # 225
Romanized aletheia
Pronounced al-ay'-thi-a
from GSN0227; truth:
KJV--true, X truly, truth, verity.
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If we do one thing, CONFESS OUR SINS, God will do 4 things:
(1) Be faithful to us.
(2) Be just with us.
(3) Forgive us our sins.
(4) Cleanse from all unrighteousness.
THE DAKE BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
LET GOD HANDLE IT
Cease striving and know that I am God.................Psalm 46:10
Sit down. That's right, my friend, sit down!
You have run far enough. You have stood long enough. You have fought, pushed, and manipulated your way for too many years. God has finally grabbed your attention. He is saying, "Quit! Stop! Let me handle it! Sit there on the hot sands of the desert where you have brought yourself. Look at what lies next to you. It is a well, full of fresh water." Soon it will be God's delight to bring that bucket up and refresh your soul. Sit still. Stay there. Be quiet........
Cease al the striving. Relax. Be contented by the well, and drink deeply. You are thirstier than you realize.
CHARLES SWINDOLL....................Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication
____________________________________________________________________
Try to see the life of the spirit as a clam place, shut away from the turmoil of the world. Think of your spiritual home as a place full of peace, serenity, and contentment. Go to this quiet, meditative place for the strength to carry you through today's duties and problems. Keep coming back here for refreshment when you are weary of the hubub of the outside world. From this quietness and communion comes our strength.
HAZELDEN.........................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
_____________________________________________________________________
Weary of the hubub. Man.....do we ever need the quiet place that only Jesus Christ can offer. He said in the Word "Come unto me all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This has been "tried and proved" and found to be of truth. I personally have found the Bible to be a refreshing place of rest.......I give God Praise......JRE
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "aletheia" (truth), taken from 1 John 1:8-9 NIV.
IF WE CLAIM TO BE WITHOUT SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST AND WILL FORGIVE US OUR SINS AND PURIFY US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.
Strong's Ref. # 225
Romanized aletheia
Pronounced al-ay'-thi-a
from GSN0227; truth:
KJV--true, X truly, truth, verity.
____________________________________________________________________
If we do one thing, CONFESS OUR SINS, God will do 4 things:
(1) Be faithful to us.
(2) Be just with us.
(3) Forgive us our sins.
(4) Cleanse from all unrighteousness.
THE DAKE BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
LET GOD HANDLE IT
Cease striving and know that I am God.................Psalm 46:10
Sit down. That's right, my friend, sit down!
You have run far enough. You have stood long enough. You have fought, pushed, and manipulated your way for too many years. God has finally grabbed your attention. He is saying, "Quit! Stop! Let me handle it! Sit there on the hot sands of the desert where you have brought yourself. Look at what lies next to you. It is a well, full of fresh water." Soon it will be God's delight to bring that bucket up and refresh your soul. Sit still. Stay there. Be quiet........
Cease al the striving. Relax. Be contented by the well, and drink deeply. You are thirstier than you realize.
CHARLES SWINDOLL....................Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication
____________________________________________________________________
Try to see the life of the spirit as a clam place, shut away from the turmoil of the world. Think of your spiritual home as a place full of peace, serenity, and contentment. Go to this quiet, meditative place for the strength to carry you through today's duties and problems. Keep coming back here for refreshment when you are weary of the hubub of the outside world. From this quietness and communion comes our strength.
HAZELDEN.........................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
_____________________________________________________________________
Weary of the hubub. Man.....do we ever need the quiet place that only Jesus Christ can offer. He said in the Word "Come unto me all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This has been "tried and proved" and found to be of truth. I personally have found the Bible to be a refreshing place of rest.......I give God Praise......JRE
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Thought for the day: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."
ISAIAH 42:3 NIV
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The Hebrew word "ratsats" (bruised), taken from ISAIAH 42:3
Strong's Ref. # 7533
Romanized ratsats
Pronounced raw-tsats'
a primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively:
KJV--break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle together.
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Lamp wicks were made of linen; and the allusion is to a wick that is burning with feeble flame from the absence of oil, being ready to expire. The ease with which the light of such a wick can be put out is referred to in 43:17 where tow is the same word rendered flax here (smoldering wick, NIV). The Messiah would not quench the flickering, weak light and hope of Israel until He sent forth judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:20).
THE DAKE BIBLE
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Jesus came to the disciples in the storm of their life, He calmed the storm, "peace be still." Jesus also came to me in the storm of my life, He did not break this bruised reed. He did not snuff out this smoldering wick..................JRE
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From MAX LUCADO'S book ....In the Eye of the Storm:
THEY'D DO IT AGAIN. I'm confident they would. The disciples would get in the same boat and ride through the same storm. They'd do it again in a heartbeat. Why?
Because through the storm they saw the Savior.
Read this verse: "Then those who were in the boat worshiped him saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' " (Matthew 14:33)
After the storm they worshiped him. They had never, as a group, done that before. Never. Check it out. Open your Bible. Search for a time when the disciples corporately praised him.
You won't find it.
You won't find them worshiping when he heals the leper. Forgives the adulteress. Preaches to the masses. They were willing to follow. Willing to leave family. Willing to cast out demons. Willing to be in the army.
But only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why?
Simple. This time, they were the ones who were saved. This time, their necks were removed from the noose. Their bodies were plucked from the deep. One minute, they were dangling over the edge of the abyss, staring into the throat of the slack-jawed canyon. The next, they were bottom-plopped and wide-eyed on the deck of a still boat on a placid sea.
So they worshiped. They did the only thing that they could do when their death sentence was stayed at the eleventh hour: They looked to the Eternal Governor who gave the pardon and thanked him.
_____________________________________________________________________
When you recognize God as Creator, you will admire him. When you recognize his wisdom, you will learn from him. When you discover his strength, you will rely on him. But only when he saves you will you worship him.
It's a "before and after" scenario. Before your rescue, you could easily keep God at a distance. Comfortably dismissed. Neatly shelved. Sure he was important, but so was your career. Your status. Your salary. He was high on your priority list, but he shared the spot with others.
Then came the storm......the rage.......the fight.........the ripped moorings......the starless night. Despair fell like a fog; your bearings were gone. In your heart, you knew there was no exit.
Turn to your career for help? Only if you want to hide from the storm.......not escape it. Lean on your status for strength? A storm isn't impressed with your title. Rely on your salary for rescue? Many try....many fail.
Suddenly you are left with one option: God.
And when you ask.....genuinely ask....he will come.
And from that moment on, he is not just a deity to admire, a teacher to observe, or a master to obey. He is the Savior. The Savior to be worshiped.
That's why I'm convinced that the disciples would do it again. They'd endure the storm another night.......a thousand other nights.........if that's what it took.
A season of suffering is a small price to pay for a clear view of God.
___________________________________________________________________
Please pray for a church in Greenville Tennessee, God knows which one...............JRE
ISAIAH 42:3 NIV
____________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "ratsats" (bruised), taken from ISAIAH 42:3
Strong's Ref. # 7533
Romanized ratsats
Pronounced raw-tsats'
a primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively:
KJV--break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle together.
_____________________________________________________________________
Lamp wicks were made of linen; and the allusion is to a wick that is burning with feeble flame from the absence of oil, being ready to expire. The ease with which the light of such a wick can be put out is referred to in 43:17 where tow is the same word rendered flax here (smoldering wick, NIV). The Messiah would not quench the flickering, weak light and hope of Israel until He sent forth judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:20).
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
Jesus came to the disciples in the storm of their life, He calmed the storm, "peace be still." Jesus also came to me in the storm of my life, He did not break this bruised reed. He did not snuff out this smoldering wick..................JRE
_____________________________________________________________________
From MAX LUCADO'S book ....In the Eye of the Storm:
THEY'D DO IT AGAIN. I'm confident they would. The disciples would get in the same boat and ride through the same storm. They'd do it again in a heartbeat. Why?
Because through the storm they saw the Savior.
Read this verse: "Then those who were in the boat worshiped him saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' " (Matthew 14:33)
After the storm they worshiped him. They had never, as a group, done that before. Never. Check it out. Open your Bible. Search for a time when the disciples corporately praised him.
You won't find it.
You won't find them worshiping when he heals the leper. Forgives the adulteress. Preaches to the masses. They were willing to follow. Willing to leave family. Willing to cast out demons. Willing to be in the army.
But only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why?
Simple. This time, they were the ones who were saved. This time, their necks were removed from the noose. Their bodies were plucked from the deep. One minute, they were dangling over the edge of the abyss, staring into the throat of the slack-jawed canyon. The next, they were bottom-plopped and wide-eyed on the deck of a still boat on a placid sea.
So they worshiped. They did the only thing that they could do when their death sentence was stayed at the eleventh hour: They looked to the Eternal Governor who gave the pardon and thanked him.
_____________________________________________________________________
When you recognize God as Creator, you will admire him. When you recognize his wisdom, you will learn from him. When you discover his strength, you will rely on him. But only when he saves you will you worship him.
It's a "before and after" scenario. Before your rescue, you could easily keep God at a distance. Comfortably dismissed. Neatly shelved. Sure he was important, but so was your career. Your status. Your salary. He was high on your priority list, but he shared the spot with others.
Then came the storm......the rage.......the fight.........the ripped moorings......the starless night. Despair fell like a fog; your bearings were gone. In your heart, you knew there was no exit.
Turn to your career for help? Only if you want to hide from the storm.......not escape it. Lean on your status for strength? A storm isn't impressed with your title. Rely on your salary for rescue? Many try....many fail.
Suddenly you are left with one option: God.
And when you ask.....genuinely ask....he will come.
And from that moment on, he is not just a deity to admire, a teacher to observe, or a master to obey. He is the Savior. The Savior to be worshiped.
That's why I'm convinced that the disciples would do it again. They'd endure the storm another night.......a thousand other nights.........if that's what it took.
A season of suffering is a small price to pay for a clear view of God.
___________________________________________________________________
Please pray for a church in Greenville Tennessee, God knows which one...............JRE
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Thought for the day: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them." ...............Henry David Thoreau
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "agape" (love), taken from 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 NIV
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Strong's Ref. # 26
Romanized agape
Pronounced ag-ah'-pay
from GSN0025; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:
KJV--(feast of) charity([-ably]), dear, love.
_____________________________________________________________________
LOVE: THE SECRET OF SUCCESS
Fear of failure. It's haunted all of us at some time in our lives. Popular psychology tells us to adjust to it. But the Word of God tells us that there is a failure-proof way to live without it. It is the way of LOVE.
If you want to know real success, you must learn to be moved and motivated by love. That's how Jesus was when He was on the earth.
Even when John the Baptist was senselessy, brutally murdered and Jesus went away to be alone, He didn't deviate from the way of love. For Matthew 14:6-14 says that even then in that emotionally taxing time when the people followed Him and would give Him no solitude, He was moved with compassion and healed their sick.
I used to wonder how Jesus could just turn away from that terrible crime and not retaliate. What I didn't realize was that He did retaliate. He overcame the works of Satan with compassion. He defeated hatred with love. He attacked Satan in the spirit realm by destroying his works of sickness and disease.
Compassion doesn't strike at the surface of things. It goes to the root of the problem. That's why it always succeeds.
KENNETH COPELAND.............From Faith to Faith
_____________________________________________________________________
LOVING COMPASSION
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.......1 John 4:10
"The supreme happiness of life." Victor Hugo said, "is the conviction that we are loved." "Love is the first requirement for mental health," declared Sigmund Freud.
Unfortunately, many people go through life feeling unloved, and unloveable. Perhaps they were constantly criticized or ignored as children, or their family was torn by conflict. Perhaps they made bad choices about important issues in life, which only confirmed their belief that they were unworthy of love. This may be your experience.
But listen: I have good news! No matter the reason, your feelings aren't telling you the truth! God love you, and if you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, your attitudes will begin to change. If He didn't love you, would Christ have been willing to die for you? But He did! The Bible says, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16)
God loves you. Hammer that truth into your heart and mind every day. It will make all the difference.
BILLY GRAHAM
_______________________________________________________________________
Some things that spoke to my heart today:
(1) When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
(2) Compassion doesn't strike at the surface of things, it goes to the root.
(3) I have made some bad choices about important issues in life.
The important issue of Jesus in my life was a good choice.
"All You Need Is Love" .........John and Paul (The Beatles)
Thanks for letting me share............................JRE
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "agape" (love), taken from 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 NIV
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Strong's Ref. # 26
Romanized agape
Pronounced ag-ah'-pay
from GSN0025; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:
KJV--(feast of) charity([-ably]), dear, love.
_____________________________________________________________________
LOVE: THE SECRET OF SUCCESS
Fear of failure. It's haunted all of us at some time in our lives. Popular psychology tells us to adjust to it. But the Word of God tells us that there is a failure-proof way to live without it. It is the way of LOVE.
If you want to know real success, you must learn to be moved and motivated by love. That's how Jesus was when He was on the earth.
Even when John the Baptist was senselessy, brutally murdered and Jesus went away to be alone, He didn't deviate from the way of love. For Matthew 14:6-14 says that even then in that emotionally taxing time when the people followed Him and would give Him no solitude, He was moved with compassion and healed their sick.
I used to wonder how Jesus could just turn away from that terrible crime and not retaliate. What I didn't realize was that He did retaliate. He overcame the works of Satan with compassion. He defeated hatred with love. He attacked Satan in the spirit realm by destroying his works of sickness and disease.
Compassion doesn't strike at the surface of things. It goes to the root of the problem. That's why it always succeeds.
KENNETH COPELAND.............From Faith to Faith
_____________________________________________________________________
LOVING COMPASSION
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.......1 John 4:10
"The supreme happiness of life." Victor Hugo said, "is the conviction that we are loved." "Love is the first requirement for mental health," declared Sigmund Freud.
Unfortunately, many people go through life feeling unloved, and unloveable. Perhaps they were constantly criticized or ignored as children, or their family was torn by conflict. Perhaps they made bad choices about important issues in life, which only confirmed their belief that they were unworthy of love. This may be your experience.
But listen: I have good news! No matter the reason, your feelings aren't telling you the truth! God love you, and if you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, your attitudes will begin to change. If He didn't love you, would Christ have been willing to die for you? But He did! The Bible says, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16)
God loves you. Hammer that truth into your heart and mind every day. It will make all the difference.
BILLY GRAHAM
_______________________________________________________________________
Some things that spoke to my heart today:
(1) When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
(2) Compassion doesn't strike at the surface of things, it goes to the root.
(3) I have made some bad choices about important issues in life.
The important issue of Jesus in my life was a good choice.
"All You Need Is Love" .........John and Paul (The Beatles)
Thanks for letting me share............................JRE
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Thought for the day: "Learn to say "no"; it will be of more use to you than to be able to speak Latin."
CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "aleipho" (anoint), taken from James 5:14 KJV.
IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL ON THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Strong's Ref. # 218
Romanized aleipho
Pronounced al-i'-fo
from GSN0001 (as particle of union) and the base of GSN3045; to oil (with perfume):
KJV--anoint.
______________________________________________________________________
One of the old Testament names of God is Yahweh-Rapha, meaning "The Lord that heals you" (Ex.15:26).
ILLUSTRATION: The healing power of God is evidenced in a number of instances in Scripture, God heals by preserving health (Deut. 8:4), and advising good nutritional habits (Ex. 15:26; Lev. 11) and a healthful life-style (Lev. 12-14); and through the application of medical treatment (James 5:14), forgiveness of disease-causing sin (Num. 12:13), and the prayer of faith (James 5:15).
APPLICATION: Although God does not always choose to heal, He sometimes does. When a Christians is sick he should confess his known sins, and God may heal him if the sickness is caused by sin. He may also be led to ask his elders to anoint him with oil and pray for his healing. Some diseases experienced by Christians today could be prevented by trusting God as Yahweh-Rapha, and allowing Him to deal with those things in their lives causing stress, anger, and worry.
NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
_______________________________________________________________________
All of life is a fluctuation between effort and rest. You need both every day. But effort is not truly effective until first you have had the proper preparation for it, by resting in a time of quiet meditation. This daily time of rest and meditation gives you the power necessary to make your best effort. There are days when you are called on for much effort and then comes a time when you need much rest. It is not good to rest too long and it is not good to carry on great effort too long without rest. The successful life is a proper balance between the two.
HAZELDEN.........................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
________________________________________________________________________
THE WEIGHT OF WORRY
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
How wonderful that God personally cares about those things that worry us and prey upon our thoughts. He cares about them more than we care about them. Not a single nagging, aching, worrisome, stomach-tensing, blood-pressure-raising thought escapes His notice.
This is how the Phillips translation renders 1 Peter 5:7: "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern."
Isn't that good? He genuinely cares. He is able to bear all the weight of your worry. Because you are His personal concern, you never disappear from His radar screen.
CHARLES SWINDOLL....................Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication
_________________________________________________________________________
I am so grateful that I don't have to carry my past around with me. It is still there, but by the grace of God I am able to cast it upon Jesus. I praise God for sending Jesus who walks with me through each day. I "never disappear from His radar screen."...................................JRE
CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "aleipho" (anoint), taken from James 5:14 KJV.
IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL ON THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Strong's Ref. # 218
Romanized aleipho
Pronounced al-i'-fo
from GSN0001 (as particle of union) and the base of GSN3045; to oil (with perfume):
KJV--anoint.
______________________________________________________________________
One of the old Testament names of God is Yahweh-Rapha, meaning "The Lord that heals you" (Ex.15:26).
ILLUSTRATION: The healing power of God is evidenced in a number of instances in Scripture, God heals by preserving health (Deut. 8:4), and advising good nutritional habits (Ex. 15:26; Lev. 11) and a healthful life-style (Lev. 12-14); and through the application of medical treatment (James 5:14), forgiveness of disease-causing sin (Num. 12:13), and the prayer of faith (James 5:15).
APPLICATION: Although God does not always choose to heal, He sometimes does. When a Christians is sick he should confess his known sins, and God may heal him if the sickness is caused by sin. He may also be led to ask his elders to anoint him with oil and pray for his healing. Some diseases experienced by Christians today could be prevented by trusting God as Yahweh-Rapha, and allowing Him to deal with those things in their lives causing stress, anger, and worry.
NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
_______________________________________________________________________
All of life is a fluctuation between effort and rest. You need both every day. But effort is not truly effective until first you have had the proper preparation for it, by resting in a time of quiet meditation. This daily time of rest and meditation gives you the power necessary to make your best effort. There are days when you are called on for much effort and then comes a time when you need much rest. It is not good to rest too long and it is not good to carry on great effort too long without rest. The successful life is a proper balance between the two.
HAZELDEN.........................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
________________________________________________________________________
THE WEIGHT OF WORRY
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
How wonderful that God personally cares about those things that worry us and prey upon our thoughts. He cares about them more than we care about them. Not a single nagging, aching, worrisome, stomach-tensing, blood-pressure-raising thought escapes His notice.
This is how the Phillips translation renders 1 Peter 5:7: "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern."
Isn't that good? He genuinely cares. He is able to bear all the weight of your worry. Because you are His personal concern, you never disappear from His radar screen.
CHARLES SWINDOLL....................Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication
_________________________________________________________________________
I am so grateful that I don't have to carry my past around with me. It is still there, but by the grace of God I am able to cast it upon Jesus. I praise God for sending Jesus who walks with me through each day. I "never disappear from His radar screen."...................................JRE
Monday, November 18, 2002
Thought for the day: "Staying calm is the best way to take the wind out of an
angry persons sails."
____________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "misgab" (high tower), taken from Psalm 18:1-3 KJV.
I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH.
THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; MY GOD, MY STRENGTH, IN WHOM I WILL TRUST; MY BUCKLER, AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, AND MY HIGH TOWER.
I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD, WHO IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED: SO SHALL I BE SAVED FROM MINE ENEMIES.
Strong's Ref. # 4869
Romanized misgab
Pronounced mis-gawb'
from HSN7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:
KJV--defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in Moab:
KJV--Misgab.
_____________________________________________________
This psalm is a royal song of thanksgiving that rehearses God's deliverance of David from all his enemies........NELSN KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
_____________________________________________________
SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE
The heavens tell the glory of God....................Psalm 19:1
How vital that we pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in heaven. Pray with any lesser conviction and your prayers are timid, shallow, and hollow. But spend some time walking in the workshop of the heavens, seeing what God has done, and watch how your prayers are energized...........
Behold the sun! Every square yard of the sun is constantly emitting 130,000 horse power, or the equivalent of 450 eight-cylinder automobile engines. And yet our sun is as powerful as it is, is but one minor star in the 100 billion orbs which make up our Milky Way Galaxy. Hold a dime in your fingers and extend it arm's length toward the sky, allowing it to eclipse your vision, and you will block out fifteen million stars from your view........By showing us the heavens, Jesus is showing us his Father's workshop.........He taps us on the shoulder and say's, "Your Father can handle that for you."
MAX LUCADO....................The Great House of God
______________________________________________________
A BEACON OF HOPE
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again.......John 14:3
The late C. S. Lewis in his remarkable book Christian Behavior, said, "Hope is one of the theological virtues." He meant that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.
this does not mean we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought the most of the next. It is only since Christians have largely ceased to think of the next world that they have become so ineffective in this one. "Aim at heaven," said Lewis, "and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you will get neither."
In the midst of the pessimism, gloom, and frustration of the present hour there is one bright beacon of hope, and that is the promise of Jesus Christ, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself" (John 14:3).
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________
In a combat situation the high ground has it's advantages. the enemy must trek against the natural forces of gravity and the incline itself. Knowing Jesus Christ is the high ground in my life, my refuge, my tower of defense............................JRE
angry persons sails."
____________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "misgab" (high tower), taken from Psalm 18:1-3 KJV.
I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH.
THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; MY GOD, MY STRENGTH, IN WHOM I WILL TRUST; MY BUCKLER, AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, AND MY HIGH TOWER.
I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD, WHO IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED: SO SHALL I BE SAVED FROM MINE ENEMIES.
Strong's Ref. # 4869
Romanized misgab
Pronounced mis-gawb'
from HSN7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:
KJV--defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in Moab:
KJV--Misgab.
_____________________________________________________
This psalm is a royal song of thanksgiving that rehearses God's deliverance of David from all his enemies........NELSN KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
_____________________________________________________
SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE
The heavens tell the glory of God....................Psalm 19:1
How vital that we pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in heaven. Pray with any lesser conviction and your prayers are timid, shallow, and hollow. But spend some time walking in the workshop of the heavens, seeing what God has done, and watch how your prayers are energized...........
Behold the sun! Every square yard of the sun is constantly emitting 130,000 horse power, or the equivalent of 450 eight-cylinder automobile engines. And yet our sun is as powerful as it is, is but one minor star in the 100 billion orbs which make up our Milky Way Galaxy. Hold a dime in your fingers and extend it arm's length toward the sky, allowing it to eclipse your vision, and you will block out fifteen million stars from your view........By showing us the heavens, Jesus is showing us his Father's workshop.........He taps us on the shoulder and say's, "Your Father can handle that for you."
MAX LUCADO....................The Great House of God
______________________________________________________
A BEACON OF HOPE
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again.......John 14:3
The late C. S. Lewis in his remarkable book Christian Behavior, said, "Hope is one of the theological virtues." He meant that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.
this does not mean we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought the most of the next. It is only since Christians have largely ceased to think of the next world that they have become so ineffective in this one. "Aim at heaven," said Lewis, "and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you will get neither."
In the midst of the pessimism, gloom, and frustration of the present hour there is one bright beacon of hope, and that is the promise of Jesus Christ, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself" (John 14:3).
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________
In a combat situation the high ground has it's advantages. the enemy must trek against the natural forces of gravity and the incline itself. Knowing Jesus Christ is the high ground in my life, my refuge, my tower of defense............................JRE
Friday, November 15, 2002
Thought for the day: "There are two freedoms: THE FALSE-where a man is free to do what he likes; THE TRUE-where a man is free to do as he ought." ........................KINGSLEY
______________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "qashar" (tie, bind), taken from Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NIV. Moses addressing Israel before they crossed over to the "promised land," speaks to parents about children..............JRE
THESE COMMANDS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE UPON YOUR HEARTS. IMPRESS THEM ON YOUR CHILDREN. TALK ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU SIT AT HOME AND WHEN YOU WALK ALONG THE ROAD, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AND WHEN YOU GET UP. TIE THEM AS SYMBOLS ON YOUR HANDS AND BIND THEM ON YOUR FORHEADS. WRITE THEM ON THE DOORFRAMES OF YOUR HOUSES AND ON YOUR GATES.
Strong's Ref. # 7194
Romanized qashar
Pronounced kaw-shar'
a primitive root: to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league):
KJV--bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work [treason].
______________________________________________________________________
True love, true worship, and true and holy principles come from the heart......from within, as do the evil issues of life (Mark 7:19-21). THE DAKE BIBLE
______________________________________________________________________
The commandments of God are written in my heart, but I cannot keep them to the letter. I am so thankful that the blood of Jesus was shed for me, that He took my place and paid my debt. The last sacrifice was made, "The Lamb of God." I could not do this myself and live, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life..............JRE
______________________________________________________________________
Jesus spoke of freedom, but he spoke of a different kind of freedom: the type of freedom that comes not through power but through submission. Not through control but through surrender. Not through possessions but through open hands.
God wants to emancipate his people; he wants to set them free. He wants his people to be not slaves but sons. He wants them governed not by law but by love.
We have been liberated from our own guilt and our own legalism. We have the freedom to pray and the freedom to love the God of our heart. And we have been forgiven by the only one who could condemn us. We are truly free!
MAX LUCADO..................................Walking with the Savior
______________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "qashar" (tie, bind), taken from Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NIV. Moses addressing Israel before they crossed over to the "promised land," speaks to parents about children..............JRE
THESE COMMANDS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE UPON YOUR HEARTS. IMPRESS THEM ON YOUR CHILDREN. TALK ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU SIT AT HOME AND WHEN YOU WALK ALONG THE ROAD, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AND WHEN YOU GET UP. TIE THEM AS SYMBOLS ON YOUR HANDS AND BIND THEM ON YOUR FORHEADS. WRITE THEM ON THE DOORFRAMES OF YOUR HOUSES AND ON YOUR GATES.
Strong's Ref. # 7194
Romanized qashar
Pronounced kaw-shar'
a primitive root: to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league):
KJV--bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work [treason].
______________________________________________________________________
True love, true worship, and true and holy principles come from the heart......from within, as do the evil issues of life (Mark 7:19-21). THE DAKE BIBLE
______________________________________________________________________
The commandments of God are written in my heart, but I cannot keep them to the letter. I am so thankful that the blood of Jesus was shed for me, that He took my place and paid my debt. The last sacrifice was made, "The Lamb of God." I could not do this myself and live, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life..............JRE
______________________________________________________________________
Jesus spoke of freedom, but he spoke of a different kind of freedom: the type of freedom that comes not through power but through submission. Not through control but through surrender. Not through possessions but through open hands.
God wants to emancipate his people; he wants to set them free. He wants his people to be not slaves but sons. He wants them governed not by law but by love.
We have been liberated from our own guilt and our own legalism. We have the freedom to pray and the freedom to love the God of our heart. And we have been forgiven by the only one who could condemn us. We are truly free!
MAX LUCADO..................................Walking with the Savior
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Thought for the day: "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." PSALM 9:10 NIV
____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "diakrino" (difference), taken from Jude 22-23 KJV.
AND SOME HAVE COMPASSION, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: AND OTHERS SAVE WITH FEAR, PULLING THEM OUT OF THE FIRE; HATING EVEN THE GARMENT SPOTTED BY THE FLESH.
Strong's Ref. # 1252
Romanized diakrino
Pronounced dee-ak-ree'-no
from GSN1223 and GSN2919; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate:
KJV--contend, make (to) differ(-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.
____________________________________________________________________
An important factor in keeping one's own faith active and vibrant is exercising it serving others. Even where there is danger or extreme immorality involved, God calls on believers to dedicate His Love for the fallen and share the gospel with the lost. THE NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
GOD'S NEW MORNING MESSAGE
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. PSALM 146:8
Do you know what God's fresh, new morning message is to us? Whether the sun is shinning brightly or whether it's pouring down rain? Whether the morning is bright or whether it's gray and overcast? His promise is the dawn itself..... Every morning the Lord comes through with His encouraging message, "We're still on speaking terms, you know! I'm here. I haven't moved. Let's go together today."...........
Trust God to remember you. He won't forget your name. He won't forget you circumstances, He certainly won't for get your prayers..........Trust Him, He remembers you.
CHARLES SWINDOLL..........................The Mystery of God's Will
____________________________________________________________________
TRUE HAPPINESS
Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob as his helper: PSALM 146:5 TLB
Sometimes I almost wish Thomas Jefferson had not inserted those words in the American Declaration of Independence about "the pursuit of happiness."
He was correct, of course; God has given us the "right" (or at least the freedom) to pursue happiness. The problem is that millions think this must be the primary purpose of life, and they spend their lives frantically pursuing it. In the end, however, their search ends in disillusionment.
Happiness is a byproduct of something greater, not an end in itself. Happiness cannot be pursued and caught, anymore than one can pursue a sunny day, put it in a bottle, and then bring it out on a rainy day to enjoy again.
True happiness comes from a different pursuit, the pursuit of God. He has promised, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). That promise is true, because God also pursues us. He even sent His Son into the world to pursue us and bring us to Heaven.
Only God gives true happiness.
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Happiness seems to come and go depending on the circumstances that are constantly changing in my life. But I'm here to tell you that Joy has set up residence in my heart. "The Joy of the Lord is my strength", "If the devil can't get you Joy he can't steal your goods.".............................JRE
____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "diakrino" (difference), taken from Jude 22-23 KJV.
AND SOME HAVE COMPASSION, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: AND OTHERS SAVE WITH FEAR, PULLING THEM OUT OF THE FIRE; HATING EVEN THE GARMENT SPOTTED BY THE FLESH.
Strong's Ref. # 1252
Romanized diakrino
Pronounced dee-ak-ree'-no
from GSN1223 and GSN2919; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate:
KJV--contend, make (to) differ(-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.
____________________________________________________________________
An important factor in keeping one's own faith active and vibrant is exercising it serving others. Even where there is danger or extreme immorality involved, God calls on believers to dedicate His Love for the fallen and share the gospel with the lost. THE NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
GOD'S NEW MORNING MESSAGE
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. PSALM 146:8
Do you know what God's fresh, new morning message is to us? Whether the sun is shinning brightly or whether it's pouring down rain? Whether the morning is bright or whether it's gray and overcast? His promise is the dawn itself..... Every morning the Lord comes through with His encouraging message, "We're still on speaking terms, you know! I'm here. I haven't moved. Let's go together today."...........
Trust God to remember you. He won't forget your name. He won't forget you circumstances, He certainly won't for get your prayers..........Trust Him, He remembers you.
CHARLES SWINDOLL..........................The Mystery of God's Will
____________________________________________________________________
TRUE HAPPINESS
Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob as his helper: PSALM 146:5 TLB
Sometimes I almost wish Thomas Jefferson had not inserted those words in the American Declaration of Independence about "the pursuit of happiness."
He was correct, of course; God has given us the "right" (or at least the freedom) to pursue happiness. The problem is that millions think this must be the primary purpose of life, and they spend their lives frantically pursuing it. In the end, however, their search ends in disillusionment.
Happiness is a byproduct of something greater, not an end in itself. Happiness cannot be pursued and caught, anymore than one can pursue a sunny day, put it in a bottle, and then bring it out on a rainy day to enjoy again.
True happiness comes from a different pursuit, the pursuit of God. He has promised, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). That promise is true, because God also pursues us. He even sent His Son into the world to pursue us and bring us to Heaven.
Only God gives true happiness.
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Happiness seems to come and go depending on the circumstances that are constantly changing in my life. But I'm here to tell you that Joy has set up residence in my heart. "The Joy of the Lord is my strength", "If the devil can't get you Joy he can't steal your goods.".............................JRE
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
Thought for the day: "Once we stop trying to manage the unmanageable, it becomes possible to, LET GOD."
The Greek word "dunatos" (mighty), taken from 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV.
"FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS."
____________________________________________________________________
DESTRUCTION OF STRONG HOLDS----We destroy reasoning of pagan philosophers and Jewish Rabbis and their dogmas that nullify the Word of God and the facts of the Gospel. These fortifications we pull down and demolish. We put to flight the demon powers and alien armies, raising the banner of the cross high on the field of battle.
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
FOCUS FULLY ON GOD
Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. ISAIAH 40:31.
We get in a hurry when we don't wait on the Lord. We jump ahead and do rash things. We shoot from the hip. We run off at the mouth, saying things that we later regret. But when we have sufficiently waited on the Lord, He gets full control of our spirit. At such moments, we're like a glove, and His hand is moving us wherever He pleases.......
When you wait on the Lord, you don't have to sit in a corner contemplating your navel, or walk around in a daze humming "Sweet Hour of Prayer." You don't have to wear a robe and live in a hut in Tibet for the winter. Sometimes, of course, you need to sit down quietly, by yourself, alone with the Lord for a time of quietness. Solitude and silence are wonderful when nourshing our souls. But mostly you go right on with your business. You press on with your regular activities. You just focus more fully ojn the Lord in the midst of it. You stay preoccupied with Him. You think His thoughts........You feed your soul His manna.
CHARLES SWINDOLL................Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity
_______________________________________________________________________
I will sometimes go aside into a quiet place of retreat with God. In that place, I will find restoration and healing and power. I will plan quiet times now and then, times when I will commune with God and arise rested and refreshed to carry on the work which God has given me to do. I know that God will never give me a load greater than I can bear. It is in serenity and peace that all true success lies.
HAZELDEN......................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
_______________________________________________________________________
Raise the Banner of the Cross high on the field of battle. At the Cross the War was won. We still have battles to fight but when we raise the banner of the Cross the enemy flees. If God is for us, who can be against us and survive????..........................THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S......................JRE
The Greek word "dunatos" (mighty), taken from 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV.
"FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS."
____________________________________________________________________
DESTRUCTION OF STRONG HOLDS----We destroy reasoning of pagan philosophers and Jewish Rabbis and their dogmas that nullify the Word of God and the facts of the Gospel. These fortifications we pull down and demolish. We put to flight the demon powers and alien armies, raising the banner of the cross high on the field of battle.
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
FOCUS FULLY ON GOD
Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. ISAIAH 40:31.
We get in a hurry when we don't wait on the Lord. We jump ahead and do rash things. We shoot from the hip. We run off at the mouth, saying things that we later regret. But when we have sufficiently waited on the Lord, He gets full control of our spirit. At such moments, we're like a glove, and His hand is moving us wherever He pleases.......
When you wait on the Lord, you don't have to sit in a corner contemplating your navel, or walk around in a daze humming "Sweet Hour of Prayer." You don't have to wear a robe and live in a hut in Tibet for the winter. Sometimes, of course, you need to sit down quietly, by yourself, alone with the Lord for a time of quietness. Solitude and silence are wonderful when nourshing our souls. But mostly you go right on with your business. You press on with your regular activities. You just focus more fully ojn the Lord in the midst of it. You stay preoccupied with Him. You think His thoughts........You feed your soul His manna.
CHARLES SWINDOLL................Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity
_______________________________________________________________________
I will sometimes go aside into a quiet place of retreat with God. In that place, I will find restoration and healing and power. I will plan quiet times now and then, times when I will commune with God and arise rested and refreshed to carry on the work which God has given me to do. I know that God will never give me a load greater than I can bear. It is in serenity and peace that all true success lies.
HAZELDEN......................Twenty-Four Hours A Day
_______________________________________________________________________
Raise the Banner of the Cross high on the field of battle. At the Cross the War was won. We still have battles to fight but when we raise the banner of the Cross the enemy flees. If God is for us, who can be against us and survive????..........................THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S......................JRE
Saturday, November 09, 2002
Thought for the day: "Monday is Veterans day"
_____________________________________________________________________
The old man on the pier couldn't go a week without saying "thank you."
His name was Eddie Rickenbacker. If you were alive in October 1942, you probably remember the day he was reported missing at sea.
He had been sent on a mission to deliver a message to Gen. Douglas MacArthur. With a hand picked crew in a B-17 known as the "Flying Fortress," he set off across the South Pacific. Somewhere the crew became lost, the fuel ran out, and the plane went down.
All eight crew members escaped into the life rafts. They battled the weather, the water, the sharks, and the sun. But most of all they battled the hunger. After eight days, their rations were gone. they ran out of options. It would take a miracle for them to survive.
And a miracle occurred.
After an afternoon devotional service, the men said a prayer and tried to rest. As Rickenbacker was dozing with his hat over his eyes, something landed on his head. He would later say that he knew it was a sea gull. He didn't know how he knew; he just knew. That gull meant food................ if he could just catch it. And he did.
The flesh was eaten. The intestines were used as fish bait. And the crew survived.
What was a sea gull doing hundreds of miles away from land?
Only God knows.
But whatever the reason, Rickenbacker was thankful. As a result, every Friday evening this old captain walked to the pier, his bucket full of shrimp and his heart full of thanks.
We'd be wise to do the same. We've much in common with Rickenbacker. We, too, were saved by a Sacrificial Visitor.
We, too, were rescued by One who journeyed far from only God knows where.
And we, like the captain, have every reason to look into the sky.............and worship.
MAX LUCADO........................In the Eye of the Storm
____________________________________________________________________
Dedicated to all who served to ensure our freedom..........In memory of Roger Elling, Monte Cooley, Richard Stanton, and Craig Buel.................................JRE
_____________________________________________________________________
The old man on the pier couldn't go a week without saying "thank you."
His name was Eddie Rickenbacker. If you were alive in October 1942, you probably remember the day he was reported missing at sea.
He had been sent on a mission to deliver a message to Gen. Douglas MacArthur. With a hand picked crew in a B-17 known as the "Flying Fortress," he set off across the South Pacific. Somewhere the crew became lost, the fuel ran out, and the plane went down.
All eight crew members escaped into the life rafts. They battled the weather, the water, the sharks, and the sun. But most of all they battled the hunger. After eight days, their rations were gone. they ran out of options. It would take a miracle for them to survive.
And a miracle occurred.
After an afternoon devotional service, the men said a prayer and tried to rest. As Rickenbacker was dozing with his hat over his eyes, something landed on his head. He would later say that he knew it was a sea gull. He didn't know how he knew; he just knew. That gull meant food................ if he could just catch it. And he did.
The flesh was eaten. The intestines were used as fish bait. And the crew survived.
What was a sea gull doing hundreds of miles away from land?
Only God knows.
But whatever the reason, Rickenbacker was thankful. As a result, every Friday evening this old captain walked to the pier, his bucket full of shrimp and his heart full of thanks.
We'd be wise to do the same. We've much in common with Rickenbacker. We, too, were saved by a Sacrificial Visitor.
We, too, were rescued by One who journeyed far from only God knows where.
And we, like the captain, have every reason to look into the sky.............and worship.
MAX LUCADO........................In the Eye of the Storm
____________________________________________________________________
Dedicated to all who served to ensure our freedom..........In memory of Roger Elling, Monte Cooley, Richard Stanton, and Craig Buel.................................JRE
Friday, November 08, 2002
Thought for the day: "Fear not, neither be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1:21
___________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "lacham" (fight), taken from Deuteronomy 1:26-30 NIV.
Moses led Israel out of Egypt (actually God did), and they could have went straight into the promised land, but they developed fear so they wandered for 38 yrs to rid themselves of all those who had developed this fear. Before entering the land, Moses addressed the people (the book of Deuteronomy was spoke in one day), and told them some of what had happened and what was to happen.....................JRE
BUT YOU WERE UNWILLING TO GO UP; YOU REBELLED AGINST THE COMMAND OF THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU GRUMBLED IN YOUR TENTS AND SAID, "THE LORD HATES US; SO HE BROUGHT US OUT OF EGYPT TO DELIVER US INTO THE HANDS OF THE AMORITIES TO DESTROY US. WHERE CAN WE GO? OUR BROTHERS HAVE MADE US LOSE HEART. THEY SAY, "THE PEOPLE ARE STRONGER AND TALLER THAN WE ARE; THE CITIES ARE LARGE WITH WALLS UP TO THE SKY. WE EVEN SAW THE ANAKITES THERE."
THEN I SAID TO YOU, "DO NOT BE TERRIFIED, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM. THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHO IS GOING BEFORE YOU WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, AS HE DID FOR YOU IN EGYPT, BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES."
Deuteronomy 1:21-30 NIV
Strong's Ref. # 3898
Romanized lacham
Pronounced law-kham'
a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction):
KJV--devour, eat, X ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).
______________________________________________________________________
All the miracles Israel had seen did not cure them of unbelief, nor will miracles today accomplish anymore. The disciples saw more miracles than the nation did coming out of Egypt, and yet they were full of unbelief and hardness of heart regarding the resurrection miracle, after Christ's many infallible proofs concerning it (Luke 24:25). If one will not believe the Word of God, he will not believe though one should rise from the dead (Luke 16:30-31). Israelites had several daily miracles in their midst, the Manna, the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day, besides other miracles when needed, and yet they could not seem to have complete trust in God.
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
I was reared in a small Presbyterian church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before I was ten years of age my mother made me memorize the "Shorter Catechism," a summary of basic Christian beliefs in the form of questions and answers. In the catechism we were asked to define God. The answer we learned was, "God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable."
Those three words beautifully describe God. He is infinite, not body-bound. Eternal, He has no beginning and no ending. He is unchangeable, never changing, never capricious, never unreliable. As the Bible says, with God "there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). He is forever self-existent.
People change, fashions change, conditions and circumstances change, but God never changes. His love never changes. His holiness never changes. His purpose never changes. His glory never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Can you think of any reason not to trust Him? Neither can I!
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Have I missed any miracles today? Have I taken any for granted? .................JRE
___________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "lacham" (fight), taken from Deuteronomy 1:26-30 NIV.
Moses led Israel out of Egypt (actually God did), and they could have went straight into the promised land, but they developed fear so they wandered for 38 yrs to rid themselves of all those who had developed this fear. Before entering the land, Moses addressed the people (the book of Deuteronomy was spoke in one day), and told them some of what had happened and what was to happen.....................JRE
BUT YOU WERE UNWILLING TO GO UP; YOU REBELLED AGINST THE COMMAND OF THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU GRUMBLED IN YOUR TENTS AND SAID, "THE LORD HATES US; SO HE BROUGHT US OUT OF EGYPT TO DELIVER US INTO THE HANDS OF THE AMORITIES TO DESTROY US. WHERE CAN WE GO? OUR BROTHERS HAVE MADE US LOSE HEART. THEY SAY, "THE PEOPLE ARE STRONGER AND TALLER THAN WE ARE; THE CITIES ARE LARGE WITH WALLS UP TO THE SKY. WE EVEN SAW THE ANAKITES THERE."
THEN I SAID TO YOU, "DO NOT BE TERRIFIED, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM. THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHO IS GOING BEFORE YOU WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, AS HE DID FOR YOU IN EGYPT, BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES."
Deuteronomy 1:21-30 NIV
Strong's Ref. # 3898
Romanized lacham
Pronounced law-kham'
a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction):
KJV--devour, eat, X ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).
______________________________________________________________________
All the miracles Israel had seen did not cure them of unbelief, nor will miracles today accomplish anymore. The disciples saw more miracles than the nation did coming out of Egypt, and yet they were full of unbelief and hardness of heart regarding the resurrection miracle, after Christ's many infallible proofs concerning it (Luke 24:25). If one will not believe the Word of God, he will not believe though one should rise from the dead (Luke 16:30-31). Israelites had several daily miracles in their midst, the Manna, the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day, besides other miracles when needed, and yet they could not seem to have complete trust in God.
THE DAKE BIBLE
_____________________________________________________________________
I was reared in a small Presbyterian church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before I was ten years of age my mother made me memorize the "Shorter Catechism," a summary of basic Christian beliefs in the form of questions and answers. In the catechism we were asked to define God. The answer we learned was, "God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable."
Those three words beautifully describe God. He is infinite, not body-bound. Eternal, He has no beginning and no ending. He is unchangeable, never changing, never capricious, never unreliable. As the Bible says, with God "there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). He is forever self-existent.
People change, fashions change, conditions and circumstances change, but God never changes. His love never changes. His holiness never changes. His purpose never changes. His glory never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Can you think of any reason not to trust Him? Neither can I!
BILLY GRAHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Have I missed any miracles today? Have I taken any for granted? .................JRE
Thursday, November 07, 2002
Thought for the day: "Don't trouble trouble, till trouble troubles you."
Heard during a skit at AV Studios/Coffee House, On the square Mtn. Grove, Mo.
____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "artigennetos" (newborn), taken from 1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV,
"THEREFORE, RID YOURSELVES OF ALL MALICE AND ALL DECEIT, HYPROCISY, ENVEY AND SLANDER OF EVERY KIND. LIKE NEWBORN BABIES, CRAVE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK, SO THAT BY IT YOU MAY GROW UP IN YOUR SALVATION, NOW THAT YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GOOD."
Strong's Ref. # 738
Romanized artigennetos
Pronounced ar-teeg-en'-nay-tos
from GSN0737 and GSN1084; just born, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert:
KJV--new born.
____________________________________________________________________
After Peter got the baptism of the Holy Ghost, he told it like it was, he talked about where the rubber meets the road, no holds barred, let you have it with both barrels, pulled out all the stops (musical term meaning the full organ), full throtle, he told it like it was and never backed up again......................JRE
____________________________________________________________________
In verse 1:23 Peter speaks of his readers as being born again. Here he tells them how to grow as new born babies in Christ. It is by aking the unadulterated milk of the Word of God, the pure doctrines of the gospel, as recorded in the new covenant. THE DAKE BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
GOD'S WORD
Just as our bodies need food, so our souls need spiritual food. Without it we become malnourished and weak, susceptible to every temptation and unable to do the work God calls us to do.
Where do we find this spiritual food? In the Bible, the Word of God. The Bible reveals Christ, the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. If we fail to partake of this spiritual nourishment, we will lose our spiritual vitality.
Some parts of our world do not enjoy the freedom we have to read the Bible. But most of us cannot hide behind that excuse. The problem for most of us is not getting a Bible, but using a Bible, actually picking it up and reading it.
Don't be content to skim through a chapter, merely to satisfy your conscience or because of some long-established habit. Rather, read it as if your life depended on it. Meditate on it, memorize it, hide it in your heart so it permeates your whole being. A small portion well digested is of far greater spiritual value than a lengthy passage scanned hurriedly. BILLY GRAHAM
_____________________________________________________________________
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving..............Psalm 95:2
Sometimes when you don't feel like praying, or your consumed with needing to speak to the Lord but can't gather the words, try that old standby, count your many blessings, count them one by one. It's amazing how you can get carried away from worries and woes and self-concern when you start naming out loud what you're thankful for. Right away your focus shifts from your needs to the Father's graciousness and love.
Try it! CHARLES SWINDOLL
______________________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for a church in Greenville, Tennessee....God knows which one....JRE
Heard during a skit at AV Studios/Coffee House, On the square Mtn. Grove, Mo.
____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "artigennetos" (newborn), taken from 1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV,
"THEREFORE, RID YOURSELVES OF ALL MALICE AND ALL DECEIT, HYPROCISY, ENVEY AND SLANDER OF EVERY KIND. LIKE NEWBORN BABIES, CRAVE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK, SO THAT BY IT YOU MAY GROW UP IN YOUR SALVATION, NOW THAT YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GOOD."
Strong's Ref. # 738
Romanized artigennetos
Pronounced ar-teeg-en'-nay-tos
from GSN0737 and GSN1084; just born, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert:
KJV--new born.
____________________________________________________________________
After Peter got the baptism of the Holy Ghost, he told it like it was, he talked about where the rubber meets the road, no holds barred, let you have it with both barrels, pulled out all the stops (musical term meaning the full organ), full throtle, he told it like it was and never backed up again......................JRE
____________________________________________________________________
In verse 1:23 Peter speaks of his readers as being born again. Here he tells them how to grow as new born babies in Christ. It is by aking the unadulterated milk of the Word of God, the pure doctrines of the gospel, as recorded in the new covenant. THE DAKE BIBLE
____________________________________________________________________
GOD'S WORD
Just as our bodies need food, so our souls need spiritual food. Without it we become malnourished and weak, susceptible to every temptation and unable to do the work God calls us to do.
Where do we find this spiritual food? In the Bible, the Word of God. The Bible reveals Christ, the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. If we fail to partake of this spiritual nourishment, we will lose our spiritual vitality.
Some parts of our world do not enjoy the freedom we have to read the Bible. But most of us cannot hide behind that excuse. The problem for most of us is not getting a Bible, but using a Bible, actually picking it up and reading it.
Don't be content to skim through a chapter, merely to satisfy your conscience or because of some long-established habit. Rather, read it as if your life depended on it. Meditate on it, memorize it, hide it in your heart so it permeates your whole being. A small portion well digested is of far greater spiritual value than a lengthy passage scanned hurriedly. BILLY GRAHAM
_____________________________________________________________________
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving..............Psalm 95:2
Sometimes when you don't feel like praying, or your consumed with needing to speak to the Lord but can't gather the words, try that old standby, count your many blessings, count them one by one. It's amazing how you can get carried away from worries and woes and self-concern when you start naming out loud what you're thankful for. Right away your focus shifts from your needs to the Father's graciousness and love.
Try it! CHARLES SWINDOLL
______________________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for a church in Greenville, Tennessee....God knows which one....JRE
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
Thought for the day: "When you see a character flaw in another, learn what you can from it, about yourself"
____________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "lebab" (heart), taken from Proverbs 4:23 KJV
KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE; FOR OUT OF IT ARE THE ISSUES OF LIFE.
Strong's Ref. # 3824
Romanized lebab
Pronounced lay-bawb'
from HSN3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also like HSN3820:
KJV--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ([faint], [tender-]heart([-ed]), midst, mind, X unawares, understanding.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Old Testament word heart often refers to the physical organ of the circulatory system. Both Testaments also see the heart figuratively as the center of the personality or spiritual life. The heart is the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral consciousness. It is the personality which has that extraordinary ability to perceive itself. The heart is presented as the seat of conscious life and the fountain head of life.
ILLUSTRATION: Jesus taught that sin came out of the heart of people, thus defiling them (Mark 7:21-23). Yet after conversion, one of the characteristics of Christians is that they have the law of God written in their hearts.
APPLICATION: Christians should love the Lord with all their hearts (Matt. 22:37).
NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
______________________________________________________________________
Persistence is necessary if you are to advance in spiritual things. By persistent prayer, persistent, firm, and simple trust, you achieve the treasures of the spirit. By persistent practice, you can eventually obtain joy, peace, assurance, security, health, happiness, and serenity. Nothing is too great, in the spiritual realm, for you to obtain, if you persistently prepare yourself for it.
HAZELDEN.................................Twenty-Four-Hours-A-Day
______________________________________________________________________
Years ago I came across this oft-quoted prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." This prayer expresses an important thought; one we should pray and live.
Some things in life cannot be changed and some can. Some things God has given to us as fixed realities that we must accept. And some things He would have us not accept, but (with His help) work to change. If we fail to do both of these, to accept some things and work to change others, we will end up burdened with worry, underserved guilt, and frustration.
Someone once said, "Worry is the interest paid of trouble before it comes due." Instead, God would have us learn to trust Him. "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you."
BILLY GRAHAM
________________________________________________________________________
I am so grateful for the program of AA, which has made it possible to live one day at a time, and draw closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ......................JRE
____________________________________________________________________
The Hebrew word "lebab" (heart), taken from Proverbs 4:23 KJV
KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE; FOR OUT OF IT ARE THE ISSUES OF LIFE.
Strong's Ref. # 3824
Romanized lebab
Pronounced lay-bawb'
from HSN3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also like HSN3820:
KJV--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ([faint], [tender-]heart([-ed]), midst, mind, X unawares, understanding.
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The Old Testament word heart often refers to the physical organ of the circulatory system. Both Testaments also see the heart figuratively as the center of the personality or spiritual life. The heart is the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral consciousness. It is the personality which has that extraordinary ability to perceive itself. The heart is presented as the seat of conscious life and the fountain head of life.
ILLUSTRATION: Jesus taught that sin came out of the heart of people, thus defiling them (Mark 7:21-23). Yet after conversion, one of the characteristics of Christians is that they have the law of God written in their hearts.
APPLICATION: Christians should love the Lord with all their hearts (Matt. 22:37).
NELSON KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE
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Persistence is necessary if you are to advance in spiritual things. By persistent prayer, persistent, firm, and simple trust, you achieve the treasures of the spirit. By persistent practice, you can eventually obtain joy, peace, assurance, security, health, happiness, and serenity. Nothing is too great, in the spiritual realm, for you to obtain, if you persistently prepare yourself for it.
HAZELDEN.................................Twenty-Four-Hours-A-Day
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Years ago I came across this oft-quoted prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." This prayer expresses an important thought; one we should pray and live.
Some things in life cannot be changed and some can. Some things God has given to us as fixed realities that we must accept. And some things He would have us not accept, but (with His help) work to change. If we fail to do both of these, to accept some things and work to change others, we will end up burdened with worry, underserved guilt, and frustration.
Someone once said, "Worry is the interest paid of trouble before it comes due." Instead, God would have us learn to trust Him. "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you."
BILLY GRAHAM
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I am so grateful for the program of AA, which has made it possible to live one day at a time, and draw closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ......................JRE
Monday, November 04, 2002
Thought for the day: GOD'S PHONE NUMBER IS........Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
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The Greek word "diakonos" (servant), taken from Mark 10:41-43 NIV
When the brothers James and John came to Jesus and asked to have top positions in His ministery, Jesus answered them by telling them they didn't know what they were asking. Then He went on to explain to them about service work...................JRE
"When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "YOU KNOW THAT THOSE WHO ARE REGARDED AS RULERS OF THE GENTILES LORD IT OVER THEM, AND THEIR HIGH OFFICIALS EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER THEM. NOT SO WITH YOU. INSTEAD, WHOEVER WANTS TO BECOME GREAT AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT."
Strong's Ref. # 1249
Romanized diakonos
Pronounced dee-ak'-on-os
probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare GSN1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):
KJV--deacon, minister, servant.
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GOD'S HELP IS NEAR
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen. HEBREWS 11:1 KJV
Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.......It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn't left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith..........
Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.
God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely, your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light.
God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.
MAX LUCADO......................He Still Moves Stones
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If we walk in integrity, we will not stumble. What a great thought! If we decide that we will live honestly, which means, for example, conducting an honest business, we will not stumble into dishonesty. We will model honesty. God promises He will honor that. He will protect us. That means that ultimately we win over the ungodly. We gain because we're living in the realm of honesty and they're not. He stores up sound wisdom for us. With it, He gives us a shield of protection as we walk in integrity..........
God is ready to do His part whenever we're ready to do ours.
CHARLES SWINDOLL...................Living on the Ragged Edge
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What I get from this is to trust God, serve others and be honest........................JRE
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
_____________________________________________________________________
The Greek word "diakonos" (servant), taken from Mark 10:41-43 NIV
When the brothers James and John came to Jesus and asked to have top positions in His ministery, Jesus answered them by telling them they didn't know what they were asking. Then He went on to explain to them about service work...................JRE
"When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "YOU KNOW THAT THOSE WHO ARE REGARDED AS RULERS OF THE GENTILES LORD IT OVER THEM, AND THEIR HIGH OFFICIALS EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER THEM. NOT SO WITH YOU. INSTEAD, WHOEVER WANTS TO BECOME GREAT AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT."
Strong's Ref. # 1249
Romanized diakonos
Pronounced dee-ak'-on-os
probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare GSN1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):
KJV--deacon, minister, servant.
_______________________________________________________________________
GOD'S HELP IS NEAR
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen. HEBREWS 11:1 KJV
Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.......It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn't left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith..........
Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.
God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely, your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light.
God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.
MAX LUCADO......................He Still Moves Stones
____________________________________________________________________
If we walk in integrity, we will not stumble. What a great thought! If we decide that we will live honestly, which means, for example, conducting an honest business, we will not stumble into dishonesty. We will model honesty. God promises He will honor that. He will protect us. That means that ultimately we win over the ungodly. We gain because we're living in the realm of honesty and they're not. He stores up sound wisdom for us. With it, He gives us a shield of protection as we walk in integrity..........
God is ready to do His part whenever we're ready to do ours.
CHARLES SWINDOLL...................Living on the Ragged Edge
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What I get from this is to trust God, serve others and be honest........................JRE
