Friday, January 30, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “It’s never a mistake to care for someone.”
A line from the movie “Radio.”
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 PETER 5:6-7 NIV
I want to apologize for the subject line in the thought yesterday, “aint no crap shoot.” It was probably not in the best of taste. No one complained about it, but inside myself there is this voice that says, “not good, fix it.” God is so wonderful and has been very gracious to me, and I do not want to cheapen anything that God does by using slang to describe it. Part of my recovery program today consists of taking a daily inventory, and at the end of the day yesterday, this came up in the negative box. So today I fix it and go on with life. I used to let the trash build up until someone said, “you’re starting to stink.” Today I try and carry the trash out as soon as it accumulates or as soon as I am made aware of its presence. Thanks for letting me fix this. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………………JRE
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A.A. Step Seven: Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.
As we encounter Step 7, there may be confusion between the distinctly different experiences of humiliation and humility. The practice of our old dependencies may have brought upon us many disparaging experiences of humiliation, and these compounding humiliations may have precipitated our reaching a final emotional “bottom.”
The humble approach called for in Step 7 is not to be equated with humiliation. God does not want to mortify us, but He does want us to submit to His leadership. As we humble ourselves before God as His children in need, He lifts us up by filling our innermost hungers. Step 7 is the humble confession that we cannot meet our needs by our own codependent striving. Instead, we must cast our anxieties and burdens into God’s care.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 339
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After typing this from the Serenity Bible I feel better thanks for letting me share…………JRE
Fixing it
Thought for the day: “It’s never a mistake to care for someone.”
A line from the movie “Radio.”
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 PETER 5:6-7 NIV
I want to apologize for the subject line in the thought yesterday, “aint no crap shoot.” It was probably not in the best of taste. No one complained about it, but inside myself there is this voice that says, “not good, fix it.” God is so wonderful and has been very gracious to me, and I do not want to cheapen anything that God does by using slang to describe it. Part of my recovery program today consists of taking a daily inventory, and at the end of the day yesterday, this came up in the negative box. So today I fix it and go on with life. I used to let the trash build up until someone said, “you’re starting to stink.” Today I try and carry the trash out as soon as it accumulates or as soon as I am made aware of its presence. Thanks for letting me fix this. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………………JRE
***********************
A.A. Step Seven: Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.
As we encounter Step 7, there may be confusion between the distinctly different experiences of humiliation and humility. The practice of our old dependencies may have brought upon us many disparaging experiences of humiliation, and these compounding humiliations may have precipitated our reaching a final emotional “bottom.”
The humble approach called for in Step 7 is not to be equated with humiliation. God does not want to mortify us, but He does want us to submit to His leadership. As we humble ourselves before God as His children in need, He lifts us up by filling our innermost hungers. Step 7 is the humble confession that we cannot meet our needs by our own codependent striving. Instead, we must cast our anxieties and burdens into God’s care.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 339
***********************
After typing this from the Serenity Bible I feel better thanks for letting me share…………JRE
Thursday, January 29, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “God doesn’t play dice.” Albert Einstein
What a statement. We are all here at this time, and knowing each other. Sometimes only through each other, but still here at this time together. This whole thing we are experiencing aint no crap shoot. When I was in the army I can remember on payday how some of the guys would take a G.I. blanket and lay it on the floor and up over a footlocker. They then would use the footlocker as a wall to throw the dice against. It was a game of chance, and many stayed broke for the next thirty days because of taking a chance. During that time of my life I also thought everything was just a chance happening. I didn’t really believe in God unless you could show and explain to me why. I thought that everything just sprang up from nature, kind of an accident that just kept growing. Only through surrender of these self-centered beliefs was I able to see the how the magnificence of God’s creation, and how everything is fitly put together in creation for “such a time as this.” Today I see, feel, and experience God all the way from the vast heavens to the small stone lying on the creek bank, and everything found between. I am learning of the purpose that God has for us. Jesus spoke many times of, “one to another.” These three words can be a good start in our journey on finding our purpose. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself..…JRE
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” ISAIAH 46:9-10 NIV
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CHANGED FROM THE INSIDE
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
People think they can scratch their inner itches by changing their image….changing their wardrobes….changing their cars….changing their careers….or even changing their wives or husbands.
But the Word of God warns us against looking for inner peace and satisfaction by making external changes!
Only the Lord can bring about true change or genuine fulfillment, and He does it from the inside out. He alone can satisfy a restless heart.
JACK HAYFORD…..A New Time and Place
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These legacies of suffering and of recovery are easily passed among alcoholics, one to another. This is our gift from God, and its bestowal upon others like us is the one aim that today animates A.A.’s all around the globe.
BILL. W. A.A.12X12 page 151
ain no crap shoot
Thought for the day: “God doesn’t play dice.” Albert Einstein
What a statement. We are all here at this time, and knowing each other. Sometimes only through each other, but still here at this time together. This whole thing we are experiencing aint no crap shoot. When I was in the army I can remember on payday how some of the guys would take a G.I. blanket and lay it on the floor and up over a footlocker. They then would use the footlocker as a wall to throw the dice against. It was a game of chance, and many stayed broke for the next thirty days because of taking a chance. During that time of my life I also thought everything was just a chance happening. I didn’t really believe in God unless you could show and explain to me why. I thought that everything just sprang up from nature, kind of an accident that just kept growing. Only through surrender of these self-centered beliefs was I able to see the how the magnificence of God’s creation, and how everything is fitly put together in creation for “such a time as this.” Today I see, feel, and experience God all the way from the vast heavens to the small stone lying on the creek bank, and everything found between. I am learning of the purpose that God has for us. Jesus spoke many times of, “one to another.” These three words can be a good start in our journey on finding our purpose. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself..…JRE
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” ISAIAH 46:9-10 NIV
***********************
CHANGED FROM THE INSIDE
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
People think they can scratch their inner itches by changing their image….changing their wardrobes….changing their cars….changing their careers….or even changing their wives or husbands.
But the Word of God warns us against looking for inner peace and satisfaction by making external changes!
Only the Lord can bring about true change or genuine fulfillment, and He does it from the inside out. He alone can satisfy a restless heart.
JACK HAYFORD…..A New Time and Place
***********************
These legacies of suffering and of recovery are easily passed among alcoholics, one to another. This is our gift from God, and its bestowal upon others like us is the one aim that today animates A.A.’s all around the globe.
BILL. W. A.A.12X12 page 151
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things.” - Bruce Barton
“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil set among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” JAMES 3:5-6 NIV
When I read this Scripture by James telling how a small spark can set on fire a large forest, I am reminded of when I was a child living in Washington D.C. in 1954, and of seeing Smokey The Bear at the National Zoo. On TV Smokey was a cartoon bear wearing a hat. How surprised I was to see this small bear all alone in a cage. He had been rescued from a forest fire out west that had been started by a small spark. Smokey looked sad, his parents had been killed in the fire. I am also reminded of the few times I have fought brush fires, and how easily they can get out of control. With the right conditions and a wind that is against you, a fire can spread beyond what one man can stop. Our words can do the same thing. Once we speak them, they are out there and can be picked up by the winds of everyday conversation, gossip, and slander. Without knowing it, they can be out of our control before we know it. This year being an election year, we will no doubt see many fires being started in the political arena. I must remember that many of them have their start in nothing more than a small thought. I think to myself, “What would Jesus do?” How would Jesus listen?
I am so grateful for my sobriety. One of the first things I noticed in my recovery and in others is how the language changes in a person. When we take some of the trash out of our hearts, our mouths clean up. I am grateful, thanks for letting me share. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………JRE
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
MATTHEW 12:34 NIV
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When we retire at night, we constructively review our day….On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead….Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 86
Smokey
Thought for the day: “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things.” - Bruce Barton
“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil set among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” JAMES 3:5-6 NIV
When I read this Scripture by James telling how a small spark can set on fire a large forest, I am reminded of when I was a child living in Washington D.C. in 1954, and of seeing Smokey The Bear at the National Zoo. On TV Smokey was a cartoon bear wearing a hat. How surprised I was to see this small bear all alone in a cage. He had been rescued from a forest fire out west that had been started by a small spark. Smokey looked sad, his parents had been killed in the fire. I am also reminded of the few times I have fought brush fires, and how easily they can get out of control. With the right conditions and a wind that is against you, a fire can spread beyond what one man can stop. Our words can do the same thing. Once we speak them, they are out there and can be picked up by the winds of everyday conversation, gossip, and slander. Without knowing it, they can be out of our control before we know it. This year being an election year, we will no doubt see many fires being started in the political arena. I must remember that many of them have their start in nothing more than a small thought. I think to myself, “What would Jesus do?” How would Jesus listen?
I am so grateful for my sobriety. One of the first things I noticed in my recovery and in others is how the language changes in a person. When we take some of the trash out of our hearts, our mouths clean up. I am grateful, thanks for letting me share. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………JRE
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
MATTHEW 12:34 NIV
***********************
When we retire at night, we constructively review our day….On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead….Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 86
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “I dread success……I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind.”
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
I have not “arrived.” A few years ago I thought I had “arrived,” and time kept slipping by. I soon found myself out of time with those around me who had made the decision to continue to ask, seek, and knock. Most of all I found myself out of step with a loving God. I was the one out of step, God was not out of step with me. When I made the decision that I needed to draw closer, to my amazement, God was right there and had never been out of step with my walk. When I was in the army, one of the first things they taught us was how to march in formation. From the attention position, the command is given to, “forward march.” The first step is taken with the left foot a distance of thirty inches, then a step of thirty inches with the right foot and so on. In a formation, when you get out of step you learn how to skip which will put you back in step with everyone else. Every now and then in life I find myself having to skip in order to be in the proper formation with my brothers and sisters. As I read the Word of God I can hear the cadence of life being counted. I know when I am in step, and when out of step. May I listen to the cadence being counted by the Commander, today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself. Thanks for letting me share……………………JRE
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every though into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 NKJV
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GOD IS THERE, EVERY HOUR
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10
Back in World War II a scribble of comic graffiti began appearing on walls everywhere, proclaiming, “Kilroy was here!” This declaration was found on walls in Germany. It was found on buildings in Tokyo. It was found on big boulders in America. Kilroy was everywhere, it seemed.
God is not like Kilroy. He does not write His name on the walls and rocks of life, but He is there, every day, every hour, every tick of the clock! To borrow the now-classic words of the late Francis Schaeffer, “He is there and He is not silent.” Never doubt the presence of God.
He is there with you on your own personal pilgrimage…His unsearchable mind working in concert with His unfathomable will, carrying things out under His sovereign control.
CHARLES SWINDOLL……Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity
Marching in formation
Thought for the day: “I dread success……I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind.”
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
I have not “arrived.” A few years ago I thought I had “arrived,” and time kept slipping by. I soon found myself out of time with those around me who had made the decision to continue to ask, seek, and knock. Most of all I found myself out of step with a loving God. I was the one out of step, God was not out of step with me. When I made the decision that I needed to draw closer, to my amazement, God was right there and had never been out of step with my walk. When I was in the army, one of the first things they taught us was how to march in formation. From the attention position, the command is given to, “forward march.” The first step is taken with the left foot a distance of thirty inches, then a step of thirty inches with the right foot and so on. In a formation, when you get out of step you learn how to skip which will put you back in step with everyone else. Every now and then in life I find myself having to skip in order to be in the proper formation with my brothers and sisters. As I read the Word of God I can hear the cadence of life being counted. I know when I am in step, and when out of step. May I listen to the cadence being counted by the Commander, today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself. Thanks for letting me share……………………JRE
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every though into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 NKJV
***********************
GOD IS THERE, EVERY HOUR
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10
Back in World War II a scribble of comic graffiti began appearing on walls everywhere, proclaiming, “Kilroy was here!” This declaration was found on walls in Germany. It was found on buildings in Tokyo. It was found on big boulders in America. Kilroy was everywhere, it seemed.
God is not like Kilroy. He does not write His name on the walls and rocks of life, but He is there, every day, every hour, every tick of the clock! To borrow the now-classic words of the late Francis Schaeffer, “He is there and He is not silent.” Never doubt the presence of God.
He is there with you on your own personal pilgrimage…His unsearchable mind working in concert with His unfathomable will, carrying things out under His sovereign control.
CHARLES SWINDOLL……Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity
Monday, January 26, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Even if you're on the right track you'll get run over if you just sit there.” Anonymous
Got to keep moving. I’ve got to stay green and growing. This way I learn. I’ve also got to keep sharing. As we move on the path I have a hold of my sponsor and spiritual mentor, and I also have a hold of those who look to me for help and encouragement. Every now and then my sponsor has to give me a tug, and I have to do the same with those whom I have connections with. At the head of this spiritual chain of lives and events we find a loving God that draws us all closer and closer. Sometimes I feel a bump on the path and I stumble. The bumps that cause me to stumble are those who have failed to grow and have become comfortable with their spiritual condition, and just sit there. As long as I keep my eyes on God, and my hand held on to my sponsor, I am able to keep moving. I find life enjoyable when the scenery changes. I do not speak of moving physically, the view, is from the heart. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………JRE
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I came across this reading this morning. It fits right in. Thanks for letting me share and for sharing with me…………….JRE
BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE
“Behold, I make all things new.” REVELATION 21:5
Throughout my years of walking with Jesus, I’ve discovered He keeps me in a permanent state of transition. And I’ve learned a little about the potential for joy when you allow the Holy Spirit to keep “flex” in your soul.
I don’t want to become stodgy, unshapeable, or inflexible. The ongoing working of the Spirit in my life, and yours, will keep us “hanging loose.”
Someone reminded me of those things just the other day. “Blessed are the flexible,” my friend said, “for verily, they shall not be broken.”
JACK HAYFORD………….Moments with Majesty
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Is sobriety all that we are to expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only the beginning; it is only the first gift of the first awakening. If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. As it does go on, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life, the one that did not work, for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.
BILL W. Grapevine, December 1957
View from the heart
Thought for the day: “Even if you're on the right track you'll get run over if you just sit there.” Anonymous
Got to keep moving. I’ve got to stay green and growing. This way I learn. I’ve also got to keep sharing. As we move on the path I have a hold of my sponsor and spiritual mentor, and I also have a hold of those who look to me for help and encouragement. Every now and then my sponsor has to give me a tug, and I have to do the same with those whom I have connections with. At the head of this spiritual chain of lives and events we find a loving God that draws us all closer and closer. Sometimes I feel a bump on the path and I stumble. The bumps that cause me to stumble are those who have failed to grow and have become comfortable with their spiritual condition, and just sit there. As long as I keep my eyes on God, and my hand held on to my sponsor, I am able to keep moving. I find life enjoyable when the scenery changes. I do not speak of moving physically, the view, is from the heart. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………JRE
***********************
I came across this reading this morning. It fits right in. Thanks for letting me share and for sharing with me…………….JRE
BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE
“Behold, I make all things new.” REVELATION 21:5
Throughout my years of walking with Jesus, I’ve discovered He keeps me in a permanent state of transition. And I’ve learned a little about the potential for joy when you allow the Holy Spirit to keep “flex” in your soul.
I don’t want to become stodgy, unshapeable, or inflexible. The ongoing working of the Spirit in my life, and yours, will keep us “hanging loose.”
Someone reminded me of those things just the other day. “Blessed are the flexible,” my friend said, “for verily, they shall not be broken.”
JACK HAYFORD………….Moments with Majesty
***********************
Is sobriety all that we are to expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only the beginning; it is only the first gift of the first awakening. If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. As it does go on, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life, the one that did not work, for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.
BILL W. Grapevine, December 1957
Friday, January 23, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Think of your own faults the first part of the night when you are awake, and the faults of others the latter part of the night when you are asleep.” Chinese proverb
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“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 NKJV
A.A. Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible. Except when to do so would injure them or others.
Last night at a meeting we studied this step. I am so grateful for this part of the program. The first few steps relieve me of the bondage of self, and must be worked on a daily basis. This step and the four that proceed it, relieve me of the bondage of the wreckage of my past. Most people begin to make some amends when they stop drinking. This alone is part of fixing what was wrong. I used to think that making amends was done all for the other person, now I realize that it is a win, win, win, situation. The other person benefits, I am set free from the chains of my past, and God smiles. One of the great feelings in life for me, is when some hassle from the past gets squared away, and all is well again. Today I am grateful for the program and others in the program who help me realize the work that needs to be done, and the loving way to go about it. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………..JRE
***********************
Steps 8 and 9 are steps toward reconciliation. With whom are we to be reconciled?
First, we are to be reconciled with our own conscience. We must put to rest lingering remnants of guilt and remorse, which have kept us divided from ourselves.
Second, we must reconcile with other persons. Step 9 provides us with a concrete tool to stretch back through years of broken relationships to make new amends.
Third, and perhaps most important, as we have reconciled with ourselves and others, we are now prepared to reconcile with God. Step 9 allows us to reach out to God without the encumbrance of weighty feelings of regret and guilt.
What is to be the language of these amends? It is to be the language of grace and compassion. As we seek to reconcile with our own conscience and as we seek to reunite with those who appear to be on the “outside,” our words must always be words of harmony and peace.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 288
Squared Away
Thought for the day: “Think of your own faults the first part of the night when you are awake, and the faults of others the latter part of the night when you are asleep.” Chinese proverb
***********************
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 NKJV
A.A. Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible. Except when to do so would injure them or others.
Last night at a meeting we studied this step. I am so grateful for this part of the program. The first few steps relieve me of the bondage of self, and must be worked on a daily basis. This step and the four that proceed it, relieve me of the bondage of the wreckage of my past. Most people begin to make some amends when they stop drinking. This alone is part of fixing what was wrong. I used to think that making amends was done all for the other person, now I realize that it is a win, win, win, situation. The other person benefits, I am set free from the chains of my past, and God smiles. One of the great feelings in life for me, is when some hassle from the past gets squared away, and all is well again. Today I am grateful for the program and others in the program who help me realize the work that needs to be done, and the loving way to go about it. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………..JRE
***********************
Steps 8 and 9 are steps toward reconciliation. With whom are we to be reconciled?
First, we are to be reconciled with our own conscience. We must put to rest lingering remnants of guilt and remorse, which have kept us divided from ourselves.
Second, we must reconcile with other persons. Step 9 provides us with a concrete tool to stretch back through years of broken relationships to make new amends.
Third, and perhaps most important, as we have reconciled with ourselves and others, we are now prepared to reconcile with God. Step 9 allows us to reach out to God without the encumbrance of weighty feelings of regret and guilt.
What is to be the language of these amends? It is to be the language of grace and compassion. As we seek to reconcile with our own conscience and as we seek to reunite with those who appear to be on the “outside,” our words must always be words of harmony and peace.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 288
Thursday, January 22, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “One generation plants the trees under which another takes its ease.” Chinese Proverb
***********************
My Wednesday evening Bible study group has started the study of a book called, “The Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren. There are forty chapters, and we will do a forty -week study. What is the purpose of our lives? This question, has probably been asked by man from the beginning of mans existence. When I was young I used to wonder what I was going to be when I grew up. As I got older I still wondered what I was going to be when I grew up, but the question had more meaning, as to what I was really suppose to do with my life. This must have been trying to find my purpose. I spent many years as an equipment operator doing tree work and road maintenance. This was not my purpose. Alcoholism and addictions came into my life by self-centered choices, which led to a destructive way of living. This had no good purpose at all. Today I have learned that if I want my life blessed, I must reach out to others somehow. Visiting the nursing homes and the shut-ins in my community is hard to do sometimes, but I think that God would consider this a small part of a good purpose. I think today sometime, I should go visit someone. Thanks for letting me share, today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……JRE
“You can usually succeed in reaching a goal if you put your mind to it. But being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose are not at all the same issue! You could reach all your personal goals, become a raving success by the world’s standard, and still miss the purpose for which God created you. You need more than self-help advice. The Bible says, ‘Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.’” (Matthew 16:25 The Message)
RICK WARREN, A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE page 19
Word of Jesus: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25 NIV)
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Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives.
We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 130
Purpose
Thought for the day: “One generation plants the trees under which another takes its ease.” Chinese Proverb
***********************
My Wednesday evening Bible study group has started the study of a book called, “The Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren. There are forty chapters, and we will do a forty -week study. What is the purpose of our lives? This question, has probably been asked by man from the beginning of mans existence. When I was young I used to wonder what I was going to be when I grew up. As I got older I still wondered what I was going to be when I grew up, but the question had more meaning, as to what I was really suppose to do with my life. This must have been trying to find my purpose. I spent many years as an equipment operator doing tree work and road maintenance. This was not my purpose. Alcoholism and addictions came into my life by self-centered choices, which led to a destructive way of living. This had no good purpose at all. Today I have learned that if I want my life blessed, I must reach out to others somehow. Visiting the nursing homes and the shut-ins in my community is hard to do sometimes, but I think that God would consider this a small part of a good purpose. I think today sometime, I should go visit someone. Thanks for letting me share, today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……JRE
“You can usually succeed in reaching a goal if you put your mind to it. But being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose are not at all the same issue! You could reach all your personal goals, become a raving success by the world’s standard, and still miss the purpose for which God created you. You need more than self-help advice. The Bible says, ‘Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.’” (Matthew 16:25 The Message)
RICK WARREN, A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE page 19
Word of Jesus: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25 NIV)
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Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives.
We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 130
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “A humble knowledge of one’s self is a surer road to God than deep searching of the sciences.” Thomas a Kempis
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OUR TEACHER
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
Psalm 32:8
The disciple’s cry is, Lord, “teach me to pray.” The disciple’s Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you.”
The Teacher never ends this lesson, “school” opens each morning for a lifetime. The student may be faithful or irregular in attendance, but the Teacher is always there, and always ready to spend all the time we need to “walk with Him and talk with Him.” In those moments, His promise of a lifetime of purpose, fruitfulness, fulfillment, and victory is renewed in our souls.
JACK HAYFORD………………Pastors of Praise
***********************
“A humble knowledge of one’s self.” This morning this knowledge, is that I can not do it on my own…….anything!! I need the Teacher to help with this thing called being humble. Without the Teacher I make it appear as if I am the force behind all that I do and say. The Teacher is at the head of the class and takes time to walk the isles and observe each student and offer help when asked for. One on one is always available with the Teacher. Sometimes I don’t learn as quickly as other times, but the Teacher is always there to help, when because of neglect I fall behind. The Teacher is Jesus and we study how He walked and what He said while here on earth. Our textbook that we use in our study is the Word of God. I am grateful that I am still teachable today. There was a time several years ago when I could not be taught because of my self-will. Today I want to learn, and like the Teacher. If we look we can see that we all are the Teachers pets. And, “I can’t even walk without holding His hand.” Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself, and I learn from this………………..JRE
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There can be no absolute humility for us humans. At best, we can merely glimpse the meaning and splendor of such a perfect ideal. Only God himself can manifest in the absolute; we human beings must needs live and grow in the domain of the relative.
So we seek progress in humility for today.
BILL W. A.A. Grapevine, June 1961
Progress in humility
Thought for the day: “A humble knowledge of one’s self is a surer road to God than deep searching of the sciences.” Thomas a Kempis
***********************
OUR TEACHER
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
Psalm 32:8
The disciple’s cry is, Lord, “teach me to pray.” The disciple’s Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you.”
The Teacher never ends this lesson, “school” opens each morning for a lifetime. The student may be faithful or irregular in attendance, but the Teacher is always there, and always ready to spend all the time we need to “walk with Him and talk with Him.” In those moments, His promise of a lifetime of purpose, fruitfulness, fulfillment, and victory is renewed in our souls.
JACK HAYFORD………………Pastors of Praise
***********************
“A humble knowledge of one’s self.” This morning this knowledge, is that I can not do it on my own…….anything!! I need the Teacher to help with this thing called being humble. Without the Teacher I make it appear as if I am the force behind all that I do and say. The Teacher is at the head of the class and takes time to walk the isles and observe each student and offer help when asked for. One on one is always available with the Teacher. Sometimes I don’t learn as quickly as other times, but the Teacher is always there to help, when because of neglect I fall behind. The Teacher is Jesus and we study how He walked and what He said while here on earth. Our textbook that we use in our study is the Word of God. I am grateful that I am still teachable today. There was a time several years ago when I could not be taught because of my self-will. Today I want to learn, and like the Teacher. If we look we can see that we all are the Teachers pets. And, “I can’t even walk without holding His hand.” Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself, and I learn from this………………..JRE
***********************
There can be no absolute humility for us humans. At best, we can merely glimpse the meaning and splendor of such a perfect ideal. Only God himself can manifest in the absolute; we human beings must needs live and grow in the domain of the relative.
So we seek progress in humility for today.
BILL W. A.A. Grapevine, June 1961
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “See the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young. ISAIAH 40:10-11 NIV
What a picture of a loving God. “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” Today I need to feel that I am being carried close to the heart of God. Some days I feel strong on my own, and some days I feel strong because I am being carried. Today I don’t walk alone, the arm of a loving God is around me and I feel the eternal warmth of having a close friend. He gently leads me “beside quiet waters,” and I stand in awe of the grace and love extended me. Today I am grateful for others who have shared with me on a regular basis the love of a Mighty God, who carries me close to His heart. By His side there is room for all. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……..JRE
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GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME
I have written your name on my hand. ISAIAH 49:16
Quite a thought, isn’t it? Your name on God’s hand. Your name on God’s lips. Maybe you’ve seen your name in some special places. On an award or diploma…..But to think that your name is on God’s hand and on God’s lips….my, could it be?
Or perhaps you have never seen your name honored. And you can’t remember when you heard it spoken with kindness. If so, it may be more difficult for you to believe that god knows your name.
But he does. Written on his hand. Spoken by his mouth. Whispered by his lips. Your name.
MAX LUCADO……………..When God Whispers Your Name
***********************
He is Father, and we are His children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 62
The keystone in a stone archway, is the large stone that is placed in the middle. Both sides rest upon it. It must be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the whole structure. Jesus is the Rock, the bridge between us and the Father. Please remember the Morris and Swall families today in prayer. Thanks for sharing in this need of prayer…………….JRE
The Keystone
Thought for the day: “See the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young. ISAIAH 40:10-11 NIV
What a picture of a loving God. “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” Today I need to feel that I am being carried close to the heart of God. Some days I feel strong on my own, and some days I feel strong because I am being carried. Today I don’t walk alone, the arm of a loving God is around me and I feel the eternal warmth of having a close friend. He gently leads me “beside quiet waters,” and I stand in awe of the grace and love extended me. Today I am grateful for others who have shared with me on a regular basis the love of a Mighty God, who carries me close to His heart. By His side there is room for all. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……..JRE
***********************
GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME
I have written your name on my hand. ISAIAH 49:16
Quite a thought, isn’t it? Your name on God’s hand. Your name on God’s lips. Maybe you’ve seen your name in some special places. On an award or diploma…..But to think that your name is on God’s hand and on God’s lips….my, could it be?
Or perhaps you have never seen your name honored. And you can’t remember when you heard it spoken with kindness. If so, it may be more difficult for you to believe that god knows your name.
But he does. Written on his hand. Spoken by his mouth. Whispered by his lips. Your name.
MAX LUCADO……………..When God Whispers Your Name
***********************
He is Father, and we are His children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 62
The keystone in a stone archway, is the large stone that is placed in the middle. Both sides rest upon it. It must be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the whole structure. Jesus is the Rock, the bridge between us and the Father. Please remember the Morris and Swall families today in prayer. Thanks for sharing in this need of prayer…………….JRE
Monday, January 19, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “It is my retreat and resting place from the wars. I try to keep this corner as a haven against the tempest outside, as I do another corner in my soul.”
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (of his home)
As I look out my window this morning, I find myself comforted by the warmth of the inside. Outside it is ten degrees, the sun is shining bright and everything looks crisp. I also, like the person who wrote the quote above, have a retreat and a resting place in my home. But more importantly I have a retreat and resting place in my soul and spirit. I must visit this place of resting often. It is not a place that I find the door open all the time, I must go there and enter in by opening the door. I find the first thing in the morning to be the best time for me to gain access to the place. Five years ago when I first started going to this place of retreat and rest, it was very small, no larger than a prayer closet. Since then, I have remodeled and made the place roomy, I feel comfortable there. The centerpiece in the room is the Word of God, and a comfortable chair for prayer. When I leave the door open God will visit when I ask. My eyes are the windows to this place of rest, and they look out through the windows by my desk. I am grateful for my visit this morning, it helps me get the sleep out of my eyes. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……JRE
Jesus on the subject of prayer, Matthew 6:5-8 NIV.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their rewards in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
***********************
SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS
The High Priest of ours, understands our weaknesses
Hebrews 4:15 TLB
We all need someone who understands our feelings, our vulnerability to both emotional and physical pain. We need someone who identifies with the utter weakness of our flesh, especially before the ferocious onslaught of fear, doubt, anger, and lust temptations that tear at the heart and rip out hope.
Into this need for understanding Jesus comes, above all wanting us to know that He does understand. His suffering has made Him the one to whom we can turn for understanding.
JACK HAYFORD…………….The Visitor
***********************
When a man or a woman has a spiritual awakening, the most important meaning of it is that he has now become able to do feel, and believe that which he could not do before on his unaided strength and resources alone. He has been granted a gift which amounts to new state of consciousness and being.
BILL W. A.A. 12X12 page 106
Enter In
Thought for the day: “It is my retreat and resting place from the wars. I try to keep this corner as a haven against the tempest outside, as I do another corner in my soul.”
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (of his home)
As I look out my window this morning, I find myself comforted by the warmth of the inside. Outside it is ten degrees, the sun is shining bright and everything looks crisp. I also, like the person who wrote the quote above, have a retreat and a resting place in my home. But more importantly I have a retreat and resting place in my soul and spirit. I must visit this place of resting often. It is not a place that I find the door open all the time, I must go there and enter in by opening the door. I find the first thing in the morning to be the best time for me to gain access to the place. Five years ago when I first started going to this place of retreat and rest, it was very small, no larger than a prayer closet. Since then, I have remodeled and made the place roomy, I feel comfortable there. The centerpiece in the room is the Word of God, and a comfortable chair for prayer. When I leave the door open God will visit when I ask. My eyes are the windows to this place of rest, and they look out through the windows by my desk. I am grateful for my visit this morning, it helps me get the sleep out of my eyes. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……JRE
Jesus on the subject of prayer, Matthew 6:5-8 NIV.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their rewards in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
***********************
SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS
The High Priest of ours, understands our weaknesses
Hebrews 4:15 TLB
We all need someone who understands our feelings, our vulnerability to both emotional and physical pain. We need someone who identifies with the utter weakness of our flesh, especially before the ferocious onslaught of fear, doubt, anger, and lust temptations that tear at the heart and rip out hope.
Into this need for understanding Jesus comes, above all wanting us to know that He does understand. His suffering has made Him the one to whom we can turn for understanding.
JACK HAYFORD…………….The Visitor
***********************
When a man or a woman has a spiritual awakening, the most important meaning of it is that he has now become able to do feel, and believe that which he could not do before on his unaided strength and resources alone. He has been granted a gift which amounts to new state of consciousness and being.
BILL W. A.A. 12X12 page 106
Friday, January 16, 2004
jralphenglanda@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” Philo of Alexandria
The battlefield is the mind. We have the spirit pulling one way, and the body pulling another. It’s a great tug of war and whichever side gets fed the best wins. I can get up in the morning and spend most of my time choosing what I am going to wear, combing my hair, and getting everything ready to go out and meet the public. All this is very good, don’t get me wrong, but what I am trying to say is that I need to get cleaned up, and dressed on the inside first. I need to spend a little time on self-examination, prayer, and feeding my spirit with the Word and other writings that encourage recovery. If I step out the door looking like a million bucks and have a bad attitude…….I am ugly all over. Getting dressed on the inside doesn’t require as much physical work, but it does require time. In the last five years, I can look back and see that my time of devotion each morning has been the most important part of each day. I did not understand this all at once, but as the years went by I began to see the change in how I was dressed on the inside. My personal clothing are as “filthy rags” compared to what God has given me. I am a child of God and still need help dressing on the inside, but each morning God is there just like a good Daddy, and sees that my shoes are on the right feet. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………JRE
***********************
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 JOHN 5:14-15 NKJV
AA Step Seven: Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.
In John 5:14, the apostle declares we can have great confidence in our prayers “if we ask anything according to [God’s] will.” And no prayer is of greater delight to our Loving Father than a humble believer’s asking Him to do a work of power and grace in his or her life.
We know that Jesus delighted in answering this prayer because it is in total alignment with His revealed will for our lives, that we abide in Him and become more Christlike. When His desire for our lives becomes our true longing, Psalm 37:4 will ring true in our lives: “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
In Step 7, we have turned from trusting in ourselves to trusting and delighting in the power and strength of God alone. This humility opens to us a new door of blessing as the Lord begins to do His wonderful work of grace in our lives.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 348
***********************
Please continue to pray for Jack Swall. Thanks for sharing and letting me share today………….JRE
Shoes on the right feet?
Thought for the day: “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” Philo of Alexandria
The battlefield is the mind. We have the spirit pulling one way, and the body pulling another. It’s a great tug of war and whichever side gets fed the best wins. I can get up in the morning and spend most of my time choosing what I am going to wear, combing my hair, and getting everything ready to go out and meet the public. All this is very good, don’t get me wrong, but what I am trying to say is that I need to get cleaned up, and dressed on the inside first. I need to spend a little time on self-examination, prayer, and feeding my spirit with the Word and other writings that encourage recovery. If I step out the door looking like a million bucks and have a bad attitude…….I am ugly all over. Getting dressed on the inside doesn’t require as much physical work, but it does require time. In the last five years, I can look back and see that my time of devotion each morning has been the most important part of each day. I did not understand this all at once, but as the years went by I began to see the change in how I was dressed on the inside. My personal clothing are as “filthy rags” compared to what God has given me. I am a child of God and still need help dressing on the inside, but each morning God is there just like a good Daddy, and sees that my shoes are on the right feet. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………JRE
***********************
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 JOHN 5:14-15 NKJV
AA Step Seven: Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.
In John 5:14, the apostle declares we can have great confidence in our prayers “if we ask anything according to [God’s] will.” And no prayer is of greater delight to our Loving Father than a humble believer’s asking Him to do a work of power and grace in his or her life.
We know that Jesus delighted in answering this prayer because it is in total alignment with His revealed will for our lives, that we abide in Him and become more Christlike. When His desire for our lives becomes our true longing, Psalm 37:4 will ring true in our lives: “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
In Step 7, we have turned from trusting in ourselves to trusting and delighting in the power and strength of God alone. This humility opens to us a new door of blessing as the Lord begins to do His wonderful work of grace in our lives.
NELSON SERENITY BIBLE page 348
***********************
Please continue to pray for Jack Swall. Thanks for sharing and letting me share today………….JRE
Thursday, January 15, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “If you are standing upright, do not worry if your shadow is crooked.” Chinese Proverb
***********************
Sixty-five days till the first day of spring. Here in the mid-west our winter so far, has been rather mild. I’ve heard say of the wooly worm, (a hillbilly prophet) that the start of the winter would be easy, but the later part would be hard. I have not checked out the persimmon seed, (another hillbilly prophet) to see what it says, but with sixty-fives days left of the calendar winter, whatever happens, it won’t be long. I can almost taste the new potatoes and green beans, with a slice of bacon for flavoring. Again I look forward this year to my garden. The canning and the sharing of vegetables that God has given in increase. I used to think that it was my garden, and look what I’ve done, but today I know that I could not do it alone. I have help in many ways. Someone helps me prepare the soil, seed producers sell the seed, implement dealers make the tools I use, my small engine mechanic keeps my equipment running, insects pollinate, and on, and on. So it is with us as we grow spiritually. Not one influence can get all the credit. We have instruction and encouragement coming from many ways, some we are not even aware of. I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. They were divided as to whom to follow as their teachers.
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe, as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded for his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV
Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
***********************
PRAISING PERSONAL WORTH
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of Life;….on the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found. PROVERBS 10:11, 13
When we say thank you to someone who completes a task, we are expressing our appreciation. But when we acknowledge and express our gratitude for what others are, in character, in motive, in heart, we are affirming them personally. A mark of maturity is the ability to affirm, not just appreciate.
How easy to see people (especially family members and fellow [employees]) as doers of tasks, but a task-oriented mentality is incomplete. As important as appreciation for a job well done may be, it too is incomplete. People aren’t human tools appointed to accomplish a set of tasks, but human beings with souls, with feelings. How essential it is to recognize and affirm the unseen, hidden qualities that make an individual a person of worth and dignity.
CHARLES SWINDOLL………………Laugh Again
**********************
This is speaking to me first today, thanks for letting me share….JRE
Hillbilly Prophets
Thought for the day: “If you are standing upright, do not worry if your shadow is crooked.” Chinese Proverb
***********************
Sixty-five days till the first day of spring. Here in the mid-west our winter so far, has been rather mild. I’ve heard say of the wooly worm, (a hillbilly prophet) that the start of the winter would be easy, but the later part would be hard. I have not checked out the persimmon seed, (another hillbilly prophet) to see what it says, but with sixty-fives days left of the calendar winter, whatever happens, it won’t be long. I can almost taste the new potatoes and green beans, with a slice of bacon for flavoring. Again I look forward this year to my garden. The canning and the sharing of vegetables that God has given in increase. I used to think that it was my garden, and look what I’ve done, but today I know that I could not do it alone. I have help in many ways. Someone helps me prepare the soil, seed producers sell the seed, implement dealers make the tools I use, my small engine mechanic keeps my equipment running, insects pollinate, and on, and on. So it is with us as we grow spiritually. Not one influence can get all the credit. We have instruction and encouragement coming from many ways, some we are not even aware of. I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. They were divided as to whom to follow as their teachers.
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe, as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded for his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV
Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
***********************
PRAISING PERSONAL WORTH
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of Life;….on the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found. PROVERBS 10:11, 13
When we say thank you to someone who completes a task, we are expressing our appreciation. But when we acknowledge and express our gratitude for what others are, in character, in motive, in heart, we are affirming them personally. A mark of maturity is the ability to affirm, not just appreciate.
How easy to see people (especially family members and fellow [employees]) as doers of tasks, but a task-oriented mentality is incomplete. As important as appreciation for a job well done may be, it too is incomplete. People aren’t human tools appointed to accomplish a set of tasks, but human beings with souls, with feelings. How essential it is to recognize and affirm the unseen, hidden qualities that make an individual a person of worth and dignity.
CHARLES SWINDOLL………………Laugh Again
**********************
This is speaking to me first today, thanks for letting me share….JRE
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV
I can take the thought from Abraham Lincoln, and the Scripture verses written by the apostle Paul, and apply them to my life today. I can use them together. One way God has given me a way out the temptations that happen my way, is to reach out and help others who are tempted in the same way. When I was lost, God sent others to show me the Way. When I suffered from addictions, God sent others to show me how to stay clean. When I feel down, God sends others to lift me up so that I “can stand up under it.” My way out of temptation is through others, and in turn I must give away what was freely given me. We are all here together, may we learn to hold hands more often. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………………..JRE
***********************
POWER AND TENDERNESS
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. EPHESIANS 1:7
The word forgiveness is unquestionably one of the loveliest words in the Bible. It represents both the power and the tenderness of God. It is as strong as steel and as soft as velvet.
There is a glory about the truth of forgiveness that touches the deepest places of our hearts. The precious blood of Christ not only paid the price for our forgiveness but broke the power of sin in our lives, and broke the power of the enemy to bring condemnation upon our heads.
JACK HAYFORD………………Grounds for Living
***********************
“We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built.” AA 12X12 page 21
Holding hands more often
Thought for the day: “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV
I can take the thought from Abraham Lincoln, and the Scripture verses written by the apostle Paul, and apply them to my life today. I can use them together. One way God has given me a way out the temptations that happen my way, is to reach out and help others who are tempted in the same way. When I was lost, God sent others to show me the Way. When I suffered from addictions, God sent others to show me how to stay clean. When I feel down, God sends others to lift me up so that I “can stand up under it.” My way out of temptation is through others, and in turn I must give away what was freely given me. We are all here together, may we learn to hold hands more often. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………………..JRE
***********************
POWER AND TENDERNESS
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. EPHESIANS 1:7
The word forgiveness is unquestionably one of the loveliest words in the Bible. It represents both the power and the tenderness of God. It is as strong as steel and as soft as velvet.
There is a glory about the truth of forgiveness that touches the deepest places of our hearts. The precious blood of Christ not only paid the price for our forgiveness but broke the power of sin in our lives, and broke the power of the enemy to bring condemnation upon our heads.
JACK HAYFORD………………Grounds for Living
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“We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built.” AA 12X12 page 21
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” PROVERBS 25:28 NIV
I get stepped on big time if I don’t exercise assertiveness. One thing I have learned from being in treatment for drug, and alcohol abuse, is how to use assertive behavior. Saying no, or yes; may I please, or will you not please, are all assertive. Being assertive is not aggressive. It is polite, honest, to the point, and takes care of “my needs.” It is a discipline that is needed in my life, in order to stay clean and sober these days. There are many out there who try and manipulate others to obtain something they want. Manipulation is not honest, if you want something from somebody be polite and honest and ask. One of the most important aspects of assertive behavior is the politeness and honesty. How you say something is as important as what you say. I am reminded of what the apostle Paul said in the 13th chapter of Romans, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (13:8) Today, if I am a city with walls, I pray that they may be built upon a foundation of love with windows of honesty and doors of politeness. Thanks for letting me share, I know today that God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………….JRE
***********************
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 will never forget to say thank you to God, even on the grayest days. My attitude will be one of humility and gratitude. Saying thank you to god is a daily practice that is absolutely necessary. If a day in not one of thankfulness, the practice has to be repeated until it becomes so. Gratitude is a necessary for those who seek to live a better life.
HAZELDEN………….Twenty-Four Hours A Day
May I please?
Thought for the day: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” PROVERBS 25:28 NIV
I get stepped on big time if I don’t exercise assertiveness. One thing I have learned from being in treatment for drug, and alcohol abuse, is how to use assertive behavior. Saying no, or yes; may I please, or will you not please, are all assertive. Being assertive is not aggressive. It is polite, honest, to the point, and takes care of “my needs.” It is a discipline that is needed in my life, in order to stay clean and sober these days. There are many out there who try and manipulate others to obtain something they want. Manipulation is not honest, if you want something from somebody be polite and honest and ask. One of the most important aspects of assertive behavior is the politeness and honesty. How you say something is as important as what you say. I am reminded of what the apostle Paul said in the 13th chapter of Romans, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (13:8) Today, if I am a city with walls, I pray that they may be built upon a foundation of love with windows of honesty and doors of politeness. Thanks for letting me share, I know today that God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………….JRE
***********************
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 will never forget to say thank you to God, even on the grayest days. My attitude will be one of humility and gratitude. Saying thank you to god is a daily practice that is absolutely necessary. If a day in not one of thankfulness, the practice has to be repeated until it becomes so. Gratitude is a necessary for those who seek to live a better life.
HAZELDEN………….Twenty-Four Hours A Day
Monday, January 12, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “If you don't dream, you might as well be dead. George Foreman
I have lived a life as a dreamer, and then I have dreamed. The two are different people. The last is someone who dreamed of a better life. The first is someone who dreamed of being someone else, someone other than who I am. I started playing the guitar at a very young age, by the time I was in my late teens I knew that I was headed for stardom. Some people who knew absolutely nothing about music, even made me feel like a star. Today I sit here at the age of fifty-seven, twenty pounds overweight, bifocals, gray balding hair, and false teeth. I do believe the time of being a “Rock Star” has passed me by. That whole time period of the sixties and seventies swept me away. After my visit to Vietnam, I just wanted to have fun for a while. My ego and self-will led me directly into over use of alcohol and drugs. For years I suffered being a dreamer, and the real dream of a better life was truly right in front of me all the time, but I could not see it because of self-will and the dreamer who said, “give me more.” When the dreamer became broken hearted, physically sick, and spiritually bankrupt. Surrender was then possible. I had to surrender to God, and then by faith the dream of a better life came true. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Today I still play music and God uses me. But that image of the Rock Star had to die on the cross so that a new creation could be of service. I still dream, and have a life that continues to get better, one day at a time. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…….JRE
“Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
***********************
“HANG IN THERE”
God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
God is looking for those who will move into partnership with Him in the struggle for mankind. He is searching for those who will grow up, who will lay hold of prayer responsibility, who will accept fundamental disciplines of the Jesus-life, who will give unselfishly, who will speak openly.
In short, God rejoices in people who “hang in there” because they know it will make a difference in their world.
He desires not only that we learn to receive His love, but that we learn to release His love.
JACK HAYFORD…………Moments with Majesty
***********************
“We have found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the realm of spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men.” BILL W.…. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 46
Dreamer, the Rock Star
Thought for the day: “If you don't dream, you might as well be dead. George Foreman
I have lived a life as a dreamer, and then I have dreamed. The two are different people. The last is someone who dreamed of a better life. The first is someone who dreamed of being someone else, someone other than who I am. I started playing the guitar at a very young age, by the time I was in my late teens I knew that I was headed for stardom. Some people who knew absolutely nothing about music, even made me feel like a star. Today I sit here at the age of fifty-seven, twenty pounds overweight, bifocals, gray balding hair, and false teeth. I do believe the time of being a “Rock Star” has passed me by. That whole time period of the sixties and seventies swept me away. After my visit to Vietnam, I just wanted to have fun for a while. My ego and self-will led me directly into over use of alcohol and drugs. For years I suffered being a dreamer, and the real dream of a better life was truly right in front of me all the time, but I could not see it because of self-will and the dreamer who said, “give me more.” When the dreamer became broken hearted, physically sick, and spiritually bankrupt. Surrender was then possible. I had to surrender to God, and then by faith the dream of a better life came true. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Today I still play music and God uses me. But that image of the Rock Star had to die on the cross so that a new creation could be of service. I still dream, and have a life that continues to get better, one day at a time. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…….JRE
“Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
***********************
“HANG IN THERE”
God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
God is looking for those who will move into partnership with Him in the struggle for mankind. He is searching for those who will grow up, who will lay hold of prayer responsibility, who will accept fundamental disciplines of the Jesus-life, who will give unselfishly, who will speak openly.
In short, God rejoices in people who “hang in there” because they know it will make a difference in their world.
He desires not only that we learn to receive His love, but that we learn to release His love.
JACK HAYFORD…………Moments with Majesty
***********************
“We have found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the realm of spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men.” BILL W.…. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 46
Friday, January 09, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.”
ECCLESIASTES 7:21-22 NKJV
“This means not to be oversensitive and over curious concerning what others are talking about, lest you hear something that will greatly affect you. Having said many things yourself that would hurt others, be patient and charitable toward everyone and you will avoid many hurtful things.”
THE DAKE BIBLE
When Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes he appears to be in a state of depression and rather bummed out at life in general. Having grown up in the shadow of a great father, King David, a military man and great leader, Solomon found himself to be a man of peace and a builder of cities and great buildings like the Temple. His father David had put together a great fortune from which he could draw from for anything he needed, but still his riches could not bring him back to the presence of God that he had known in times before. Only his heart could do that. He was surrounded by wealth, women, wine, and servants in abundance, but had drifted away from the One who had made it all possible, Father God. Of the many negative statements made in Ecclesiastes, every now and then a gem of positive thought shines through like new money. “Not taking to heart everything people say.” I consider this to be one of these gems. May I remember this and keep my focus on Jesus, and what He would do. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………….JRE
***********************
GUARD YOUR HEART
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
PROVERBS 4:23
There is no more intricate or crucial part of the human makeup than that part of the personality we call the “heart.” The importance of our spiritual heart to our health and survival is parallel to the importance of our physical heart.
The Bible tells us that we need to be sensitive, guarding our hear attitudes (Proverbs 4:32). We must remember that God judges us in view of what’s in our hearts (1 Sam. 16:7), and that wisdom and revelation are the keys to gaining an understanding heart (Eph. 1:17).
God is searching for people whose hearts desire Him and His ways.
JACK HAYFORD……………..Our Daily Walk
***********************
“I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever know.
BILL W. AA Grapevine, March 1962
Shining like new money
Thought for the day: “Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.”
ECCLESIASTES 7:21-22 NKJV
“This means not to be oversensitive and over curious concerning what others are talking about, lest you hear something that will greatly affect you. Having said many things yourself that would hurt others, be patient and charitable toward everyone and you will avoid many hurtful things.”
THE DAKE BIBLE
When Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes he appears to be in a state of depression and rather bummed out at life in general. Having grown up in the shadow of a great father, King David, a military man and great leader, Solomon found himself to be a man of peace and a builder of cities and great buildings like the Temple. His father David had put together a great fortune from which he could draw from for anything he needed, but still his riches could not bring him back to the presence of God that he had known in times before. Only his heart could do that. He was surrounded by wealth, women, wine, and servants in abundance, but had drifted away from the One who had made it all possible, Father God. Of the many negative statements made in Ecclesiastes, every now and then a gem of positive thought shines through like new money. “Not taking to heart everything people say.” I consider this to be one of these gems. May I remember this and keep my focus on Jesus, and what He would do. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………….JRE
***********************
GUARD YOUR HEART
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
PROVERBS 4:23
There is no more intricate or crucial part of the human makeup than that part of the personality we call the “heart.” The importance of our spiritual heart to our health and survival is parallel to the importance of our physical heart.
The Bible tells us that we need to be sensitive, guarding our hear attitudes (Proverbs 4:32). We must remember that God judges us in view of what’s in our hearts (1 Sam. 16:7), and that wisdom and revelation are the keys to gaining an understanding heart (Eph. 1:17).
God is searching for people whose hearts desire Him and His ways.
JACK HAYFORD……………..Our Daily Walk
***********************
“I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion that we can ever know.
BILL W. AA Grapevine, March 1962
Thursday, January 08, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “The highest wisdom is continual cheerfulness; such a state, like the region above the moon, is always clear and serene.
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne
I came across this thought today, and even though it’s “out there” a little ways, when I read it, it still has a soothing effect on me. For me to have cheerfulness, I must have some amount of serenity. And my serenity level, I am learning, is directly proportional to my level of expectations of myself, and others (AA Big Book page 420). God will not let me down. I know this from experience. Every single time I have turned to God, I have received of God’s will for my life. Never have I been left needing. Even if what is going on is not pleasing, I can still have some serenity because of the assurance that God is with me and will not leave me alone. On the other hand, I can be let down by myself, and others, and even by material things, so that I loose my serenity and cheerfulness. It’s an inside job. My level of expectations, are proportional to my serenity. I stand upon the writing of the apostle Paul: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:6-7) Those are some really good words to think on for a while. Prayer requests today for Jack Swall, and Art Fisher. Thanks for letting me share and for sharing with me. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
***********************
I should try to practice the presence of God. I can feel that He is with me and near me, protecting and strengthening me always. In spite of every difficulty, every trial, every failure, the presence of God suffices. Just to believe that He is near me brings strength and peace. I should try to live as though God were beside me. I cannot see Him because I was not made with the ability to see Him else that were no room for faith. But I can feel His Spirit with me.
HAZELDEN……………..Twenty-Four Hours A Day
***********************
A LOVING GOD
When you pray say, “Our Father in heaven.” LUKE 11:2
With these words Jesus stressed the nature of the Almighty One. We are not approaching a gold-hearted deity or an unpredictable superhuman. What Jesus wants us to grasp in speaking these words is often limited by the relationship we have known with an earthly parent. But God cannot be mirrored in the image of any human being except His Son.
We are coming to a living God who is a loving God. And He loves you!
JACK HAYFORD……….Prayer Is Invading the Impossible
Anxious for nothing
Thought for the day: “The highest wisdom is continual cheerfulness; such a state, like the region above the moon, is always clear and serene.
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne
I came across this thought today, and even though it’s “out there” a little ways, when I read it, it still has a soothing effect on me. For me to have cheerfulness, I must have some amount of serenity. And my serenity level, I am learning, is directly proportional to my level of expectations of myself, and others (AA Big Book page 420). God will not let me down. I know this from experience. Every single time I have turned to God, I have received of God’s will for my life. Never have I been left needing. Even if what is going on is not pleasing, I can still have some serenity because of the assurance that God is with me and will not leave me alone. On the other hand, I can be let down by myself, and others, and even by material things, so that I loose my serenity and cheerfulness. It’s an inside job. My level of expectations, are proportional to my serenity. I stand upon the writing of the apostle Paul: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:6-7) Those are some really good words to think on for a while. Prayer requests today for Jack Swall, and Art Fisher. Thanks for letting me share and for sharing with me. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
***********************
I should try to practice the presence of God. I can feel that He is with me and near me, protecting and strengthening me always. In spite of every difficulty, every trial, every failure, the presence of God suffices. Just to believe that He is near me brings strength and peace. I should try to live as though God were beside me. I cannot see Him because I was not made with the ability to see Him else that were no room for faith. But I can feel His Spirit with me.
HAZELDEN……………..Twenty-Four Hours A Day
***********************
A LOVING GOD
When you pray say, “Our Father in heaven.” LUKE 11:2
With these words Jesus stressed the nature of the Almighty One. We are not approaching a gold-hearted deity or an unpredictable superhuman. What Jesus wants us to grasp in speaking these words is often limited by the relationship we have known with an earthly parent. But God cannot be mirrored in the image of any human being except His Son.
We are coming to a living God who is a loving God. And He loves you!
JACK HAYFORD……….Prayer Is Invading the Impossible
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.”
Anonymous
It’s cold this morning. Not as cold as yesterday, but still pretty cold. It got down to about 10 degrees last night and to about 0 degrees the night before. The birds are busy at the feeders being fed. All of them are eating together. I’ve noticed something about the behavior of the birds, when it’s warm weather they still gather at the feeders, but they tend to fuss and fight. They jump on each other and bunch up in little species gangs. When the weather is very cold or there is snow and ice, they seem to respect each other with their needs and not their greed, and allow room for all to feed. We are the same way, when it’s smooth sailing we seem to see each other’s faults very clearly. But when something happens like September 11th, or the war in Iraq, we stop nit picking and allow room for all. There is a song that says, “There’s room for all at the cross,” how true this is. At the foot of the cross we forget our differences and our greed, and come together to feed on the spiritual mana of forgiveness. Understanding a simple birdfeeder and its application to the cross, is seen only by receiving the gift of the Helper, the Comforter, the One called to my side, the Holy Spirit of God. Christ can be seen in all things if we consider the finished work of the cross, and the wonderful gift of forgiveness. May I always be grateful that God is doing for me what I could not do for myself. Thanks for letting me share………………………JRE
Paul writing of Jesus to the Colossian church:
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV
***********************
HE LOVES YOU
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. JEREMIAH 31:3
Jesus came to say, “I love you.” It is perfectly appropriate simply to look into His face and let the full measure of His words touch you emotions. He does love you.
Deeply. And thoroughly
And while you’re praising Him for that, thank Him that He has also promised to abide with you forever.
Never leaving.
Never forsaking.
JACK HAYFORD………………The Visitor
***********************
“Love and tolerance of others is our code.”
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 84
Room for all
Thought for the day: “If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.”
Anonymous
It’s cold this morning. Not as cold as yesterday, but still pretty cold. It got down to about 10 degrees last night and to about 0 degrees the night before. The birds are busy at the feeders being fed. All of them are eating together. I’ve noticed something about the behavior of the birds, when it’s warm weather they still gather at the feeders, but they tend to fuss and fight. They jump on each other and bunch up in little species gangs. When the weather is very cold or there is snow and ice, they seem to respect each other with their needs and not their greed, and allow room for all to feed. We are the same way, when it’s smooth sailing we seem to see each other’s faults very clearly. But when something happens like September 11th, or the war in Iraq, we stop nit picking and allow room for all. There is a song that says, “There’s room for all at the cross,” how true this is. At the foot of the cross we forget our differences and our greed, and come together to feed on the spiritual mana of forgiveness. Understanding a simple birdfeeder and its application to the cross, is seen only by receiving the gift of the Helper, the Comforter, the One called to my side, the Holy Spirit of God. Christ can be seen in all things if we consider the finished work of the cross, and the wonderful gift of forgiveness. May I always be grateful that God is doing for me what I could not do for myself. Thanks for letting me share………………………JRE
Paul writing of Jesus to the Colossian church:
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV
***********************
HE LOVES YOU
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. JEREMIAH 31:3
Jesus came to say, “I love you.” It is perfectly appropriate simply to look into His face and let the full measure of His words touch you emotions. He does love you.
Deeply. And thoroughly
And while you’re praising Him for that, thank Him that He has also promised to abide with you forever.
Never leaving.
Never forsaking.
JACK HAYFORD………………The Visitor
***********************
“Love and tolerance of others is our code.”
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS page 84
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
New Eyes
Thought for the day: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
When the apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was being held prisoner by the Roman government. The book is known as the book of joy. This is because he mentions the joy we have and to rejoice many times in the letter. He never once complains about his unjust imprisonment or his circumstances. Paul was experiencing life with “new eyes.” Having new eyes will enable us to encourage others while we ourselves are in situations that are not the most pleasing. Paul tells us how to improve our outlook, and to have better vision. We rejoice, we count our blessing, we praise God for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Thanks for letting me share today……………JRE
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”
PHILIPPIANS 4:5-8 NIV
A.A. Step Eleven: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Step 11 urges us to seek intimate and meaningful contact with God through the spiritual channels of prayer and meditation. How are we to exercise these important disciplines in our lives?
The apostle Paul offers five ingredients for prayerful communion with God: First, we are to quiet our anxieties. We are to be still and know that God is God (Ps. 46:10), and He is in control. Second, we are to thank Him for the many good things in our lives. Third, we are to candidly lay before Him all of our sincere needs. Fourth, our time of meditation should also be a time to receive the infilling of the peace of God, a peace that transcends human understanding or comprehension. And fifth, we are to meditate on those things that are of highest value: “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report” (v. 8).
NELSON SERENIY BIBLE page 283
Monday, January 05, 2004
Set free by service
Thought for the day: “Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others.” MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
“It is freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
“You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14 NIV
Saturday night I went to a birthday party. It wasn’t an ordinary birthday party, which celebrated the belly button. This party celebrated someone’s first year of being clean from drugs, and sober from alcohol. What an honor it was to have shared the occasion, and also to have shared the year. This friend of mine had been around meetings for several years, and like many of us had not succeeded in the first attempts of recovery. The person showed up a year ago with a different attitude, one of service. This friend came to meetings wanting to help, not only themselves, but others also. Soon they were a very important part of the group with their constant attendance, and their sharing of what was working for them. Set free by service. What a concept. Sometimes we get the idea that when we get involved with service work for others, we become tied down and restricted to certain times and places. The truth is that when we give of ourselves in love to others, we become freed up of self. And self will put a heavier ball and chain on us than anything else. Set free, set free today, I am grateful. Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…….JRE
***********************
A DREAM COME TRUE
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10
God has an idea, determines His will, and then brings it to pass. In teaching us to move after the pattern of His workings, He begins by giving us His idea. We receive it as a dream. His Holy Spirit impresses us with the confirming certainty that this idea is His will. And as soon as an idea from god is known to be the will of God, His Word tells us exactly what to do. Pray: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
From that time on, what you know He sees as an already-accomplished fact begins more and more to appear to you in the same condition. Done. A dream come true, And praise follows on the heals of prayer.
Dream on!
JACK HAYFORD……………..Moments with Majesty
Friday, January 02, 2004
Walking a lighted path
Though for the day: “If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you still ignore what is.” Anonymous
One of my favorite Scriptures from the Old Testament is from the book of Isaiah, and it is in reference to Jesus. Matthew also quotes it in the New Testament. I have used it several times in my daily page. Each time I read it, it speaks to me of a loving God that has restored my broken spirit, renewed my sanity, and healed my wasted body. The Scripture is, “A bruised reed He will not break.” When my self-centeredness took me down to the point where I was of no use to others and of no good to myself, God saw something that was worth saving. The first year of my recovery I took some of the credit and glory for my sobriety, but as I look back I see a loving God that was working through all things to allow the light to shine in. God worked through people, books, music, meetings, and most of all prayer, to help me put one foot in front of the other in the right direction. May I always remember that I do not walk alone. Thank you God for not crushing this broken reed. May all of you my friends have a blessed new year. Remember, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what your getting.” Today God is doing for me what I could not do for myself…………….JRE
“Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He ill not break, and a smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory. And I His name Gentiles will trust.” MATTHEW 12:18-21 NKJV
AA Step two: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
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A LAMP, A LIGHT
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. PSALM 119:105
The direction that comes from God’s Word is both immediately at hand as well as revealing what is distant. When the Bibles says, “Your Word is a lamp and a light,” the Hebrew words are the equivalent I today’s technology to saying, “You’ll have a flashlight in one hand and a giant spotlight in the other.” Both aspects of my pathway come into view: details for today and discernment for tomorrow. God’s Word is essential to everything in our lives. Every issue of life is covered in this precious Book.
JACK HAYFORD………..The Power and Blessing
