Greg Laurie is awesome. He used to be one of the Pastors at Calvary Chaple Costa Mesa. I'm enrolling my son next fall for school, I think it's going to be a great experiance for him!I listen to Greg Laurie every chance I get. He is an incredible speaker. Alot of those guys from Calvary Chapel are on a web portal where you can listen to them online. Here's the link: www.oneplace.com (http://www.oneplace.com)
Satan judges no one. Come over and see for yourself, there's plenty of room and the water is warm!
The Immensity of Man
"When a man undertakes to create something, he establishes a new heaven, as it were, and from it the work that he desires to create flows into him... For such is the immensity of man that he is greater than heaven and earth."
-- Philipus Aureolus Paracelsus
huh? ???
{lol} That's ok Colossus. When you're ready to understand it, ...you will. :)
In other words, it's meaningless! :) Sounds like gobbledygook to me.
{lol} That's OK BeachBum. When you're ready to understand it, ...you will :-*
i hate when people say that
We manifest the realities to which we give the most energy, conscious or not, positive or negative.
Our futures are malleable to the extent that our consciousness and choices can change those realities in an instant of clear intent.
Hope That Clarifies, :)
(http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/Judi-sig50.jpg)
{lol} That's OK Beachbum. When you're ready to understand it, ...you will. ;) :-*
Seriously though, I'm from the school of thought that says: "To believe in your self is to believe in GOD"OzmO, I don't understand this statement. Can you explain in greater detail what this means?
OzmO, I don't understand this statement. Can you explain in greater detail what this means?
OzmO, I don't understand this statement. Can you explain in greater detail what this means?
If you believe:
That you are a great creation; that you are engineered for greatness; that you have unlimited potential; that inside you lies the ability to overcome many obstacles; that you have a tremendous ability to help others; that you have the capacity to love with all your heart; that you can accomplish what ever you set your mind to; in that will to survive to hold on when all hope is lost; etc...
Then how can you not believe in GOD?
That's why i say to believe in one's self is to believe in GOD because you are in a sense, believing in what you cannot always see in your self but what still exists in yourself whether you believe it or not. God exsists inside of all of us. We choose to let him in our hearts or to keep him out.
We do that because we believe in GOD and in turn to believe in God is to believe in yourself.
I believe in GOD. I Believe in myself because he created me.
If you believe:
That you are a great creation; that you are engineered for greatness; that you have unlimited potential; that inside you lies the ability to overcome many obstacles; that you have a tremendous ability to help others; that you have the capacity to love with all your heart; that you can accomplish what ever you set your mind to; in that will to survive to hold on when all hope is lost; etc...
Then how can you not believe in GOD?
That's why i say to believe in one's self is to believe in GOD because you are in a sense, believing in what you cannot always see in your self but what still exists in yourself whether you believe it or not. God exsists inside of all of us. We choose to let him in our hearts or to keep him out.
We do that because we believe in GOD and in turn to believe in God is to believe in yourself.
I believe in GOD. I Believe in myself because he created me.
That sounds good. It really does, but the statement that "to believe in yourself is to believe in God" does not glorify God, but instead it gives the connotation that you and God are one in the same. Now, had you said, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, like Phillipians 4:13 says, then I would be more on board with your statement. But when I compare those two, I see that one glorifies God. The other glorifies yourself and God. I know it sounds like i'm being nitpicky, but I believe that when we say things like this, it lends itself to making a gray area of who we are with respect to God. Yes, I am a great creation, but I am God's creation, thus He is great, not me. And so on for all the things you mention. I guess the short of what I'm trying to say is that I agree with what you say, so long as you are giving God all the glory for being what you say. I believe this is what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 12:6-8 when he addressed the people of Corinth.
I can't believe that even required any sort of clarification at all. Seemed pretty self-evident to me. :-\Actually, Jag, the first of the red flags went off when I saw that you were actually in agreement with a professed follower of God. :-\
Actually, Jag, the first of the red flags went off when I saw that you were actually in agreement with a professed follower of God. :-\
Well if THAT was your reason, ...may I suggest you adjust your radar systems because they are clearly OFF line.it was only one. trust me. your opinion doesn't mean but so much to me. :-*
there isn't one.
And stop being such an intolerant religious bigot. If you don't like his comments, don't read them. >:(
A LESSON I LEARNED FROM A BRATTY KID
There was a kid in front of us at church yesterday, staring at people, making noise, punching around on his uncle etc. When his mother reached for his arm to calm him, he pulled it away like a total BRAT.
You could see his parents were disappointed and irritated by the kid's behavior.
After thinking how badly that kid was getting on my nerves, I realized something.
I am like that little kid sometimes. God is like the mother who was trying to get the kid to behave. :-[
Ouch! Talk about conviction. :-[ I never looked at it like that.
great post, buddyro!
I'll tell ya buddyro, it was a good lesson but that kid was a bit.......well.......ske ery :oDon't be skerd, buddryo! ;D
Don't be skerd, buddryo! ;D
A LESSON I LEARNED FROM A BRATTY KID
There was a kid in front of us at church yesterday, staring at people, making noise, punching around on his uncle etc. When his mother reached for his arm to calm him, he pulled it away like a total BRAT.
You could see his parents were disappointed and irritated by the kid's behavior.
After thinking how badly that kid was getting on my nerves, I realized something.
I am like that little kid sometimes. God is like the mother who was trying to get the kid to behave. :-[
"Sooner or later, every man of character will have that character questioned. Every man of honor and courage will be faced with unjust criticism, but never forget that unjust criticism has no impact whatsoever upon the truth. And the only sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing!"
Trangressing Laws and the Loss of PowerAïvanhov almost has the idea here, but he's missing a HUGE factor. Without that key element, Aïvanhov's point is moot.
"People think they have tremendous power over themselves: they can commit any stupidity whatsoever with no consequences, because simply by willing it they can live in peace. Poor creatures, so quick to assess the extent of their power! No matter what they do, if they have behaved badly, something within them will grow darker and darker and finally disintegrate.
To go forward in life with confidence and a sense of security, you must subject your thoughts, feelings and actions to the laws of honesty, integrity and selflessness. As soon as one of these laws is transgressed, you lose your powers, and these are restored only if you correct your mistakes and take up the right path again. What distinguishes true spiritualists from ordinary human beings is that they become conscious of their errors right away and are quick to make amends. This is where their power lies: in recognizing their mistakes and seeking to rectify them."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
Aïvanhov almost has the idea here, but he's missing a HUGE factor. Without that key element, Aïvanhov's point is moot.
::) Don't tell me, ...he didn't make any mention of "Jesus"? If that's not what you meant, ...forgive my cynicism.Why, yes, Ms. Jag. You are correct - God is the answer!!! Someone give that lady her prize. :P
Why, yes, Ms. Jag. You are correct - God is the answer!!!
Someone give that lady her prize. :P
::) Don't tell me, ...he didn't make any mention of "Jesus"? If that's not what you meant, ...forgive my cynicism.
You bratty little lady.
God IS the law to which he is referringhow's this for a prize?
Ooooh what did I win? ....a shiny new car, ...a trip around the world, ...$10 Million from Reader's Digest? :P
how's this for a prize?
kewl! :D umm... You are talking about the car, ...and not the chubby guy in the burgundy sweatshirt right?LOL!!!! that was just wrong, Jag!
LOL!!!! that was just wrong, Jag!
...apparently you do.
If you don't have anything of value to contribute to the thread, ...why not abstain from posting in it?
just a thought. :-\
This is an incredible testimony. If you are willing to listen for 40 minutes, it will be well worth your time. :)
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2006-11-16 (http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2006-11-16)
On Scientific Progress
"We must now reconsider and question all the successes scientists are so proud of. Is true progress a matter of sending spacecraft to other planets? And to do what, after all? To exploit their resources and introduce the same disorder we have created on earth? Why go and disturb the entire universe now? There is nothing wrong with wanting to explore the cosmos, but not before we have understood and resolved certain things here on earth. People have no respect; they think they are free to go anywhere without concern for the upheavals they cause. But one day they will pay dearly for this violence. As long as scientists have no other goal but to give people the means to assault nature, to dig it up and exploit it, with no consideration whatsoever for the damage they do, they have no right to be proud of the so-called progress they bring about for civilization."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
Not really a devotional, but here is a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, using a boxing analogy (from the John C. Maxwell's "Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know"):
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
This is an incredible testimony. If you are willing to listen for 40 minutes, it will be well worth your time. :)
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2006-11-16 (http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2006-11-16)
MEDITATING ON GOD'S CHARACTER (by J.M. Farro)
"It is good...to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night." Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV
I know what it's like to go through dark times, and to be so fearful that it's hard to pray. But I've also learned how eager and able our God is to comfort and strengthen us during our difficult times. I've discovered that one of the ways we can tap into His supernatural power and peace is to meditate on His character. And this is something that greatly pleases the Lord, because He told the prophet Jeremiah: "Let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:24 AMP) Meditating on Scriptures that speak of God's character can give us deeper insights into His divine nature that will enable us to know Him more intimately, and to trust Him more fully, even in desperate times.
I remember seeing a war movie years ago that depicted a soldier running through a field in the heat of battle declaring, "God is love! God is love! God is love!" (1 John 4:16) This man was recalling the truth about God's character, as recorded in 1 John 4:16 (NLT), which says: "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love." Under intense pressure, and surrounded by danger, instead of feeling sorry for himself, or giving in to his fears, this soldier chooses to trust in God's love for him. And he is one of the few who emerges unscathed from the battle. We can learn a lesson from this man's example. When we are in a tense situation, we can listen to our own inner voices of doubt and disbelief--and those of Satan and his dark forces--or we can silence them by declaring, "God is love, and God loves me!" Engaging in this kind of spiritual warfare will enable us to gain the victory that the Lord has in store for us.
When my husband, Joe, had a heart attack last year, meditating on God's goodness gave me great comfort. As I sat in a hospital waiting room, awaiting some news of my husband's condition, I reminded myself of the verse which says: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7 NIV) Over and over I said to myself, "The Lord is good." My situation certainly wasn't good, but I wasn't focusing on my situation--I was focusing on my God. I could have easily fixed my mind and heart on the disturbing sights and sounds that surrounded me. Instead, I chose to go deeper, and to remind myself of the truth--that God is a good God. And because He's a good God, He has promised to work all things together for my good. (Romans 8:28) Whenever my circumstances tempt me to despair, I declare, "God is good, and He'll work this out for my good!" I may not believe it the first few times I say it, but if I keep it up, my faith eventually hooks up with my words, and they become planted in my heart. That's when true peace comes.
Out of all of God's divine attributes, I'd have to say that I meditate most on His faithfulness. This is probably because I've memorized and claimed hundreds of God's promises over the years, and I really count on Him to be true to His Word. I often confess Hebrews 10:23 (AMP), which says: "He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word." Lately, I've been feeling like the Lord wants me to get more serious about claiming His promises for my financial situation. So I often say out loud, "The Lord has declared that He will grant me abundant prosperity--and He who promised is faithful!" (Deuteronomy 28:11 NIV) Doing this shifts my focus from my pressing needs to my all-sufficient Provider. Suddenly, I'm filled with a fresh sense of hope, and I'm able to keep my expectations high, which is essential to receiving God's best.
Scripture says: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night." (Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV) Let us follow the psalmist's example--and begin declaring God's flawless and glorious attributes day and night!
Lord, I long to know You better, so I ask You to teach me how to meditate on Your divine character. Fill me with a love for Your Word, and help me to absorb and apply its life-changing truths. Thank You for the revelation from heaven that will draw me ever closer to You!
I bow my knees before your throne
I know my life is not my own
I offer up this song of praise
To bring you pleasure, Lord
I seek the Giver not the gift
My own wish is to lift
You high above all earthly kings
To bring you pleasure, Lord
Allelujah
Allelujah
Allelujah
Glory to the King!
DO THE RIGHT THING
"Do the right thing. Do it because it's right. Do it right."
When my husband's company decided to move across the country, Joe and I decided not to move with them. Many employees were bitter about the move. Some felt obligated to go with the company, and were resentful about being separated from family and friends. Others felt that moving was not an option for them, and were indignant about being left behind. My husband had a totally different attitude. Even though he elected not to move with his company, he cheerfully and wholeheartedly got busy helping with the move. As soon as he did, some of his coworkers began questioning him. "Why are you helping with this move? You're being left behind!" Some even eyed him suspiciously, asking, "What's in it for you?" Joe would just smile and say that he was doing it simply because he believed it was the right thing to do.
Years ago, I heard a godly man say: "Do the right thing. Do it because it's right. Do it right." I have thought about this man's message many times over the years, and I have even posted his words of wisdom on my kitchen refrigerator for everyone to see. No doubt, my husband's attitude toward his company's move was influenced by these powerful principles. As Joe made up his mind to do what he thought was the right thing in a difficult situation, he became downright joyful. And this is actually scriptural, because the Bible says, "You're one happy man when you do what's right, one happy woman when you form the habit of justice." (Psalm 106:3 MSG) While my husband was surrounded by sour faces, he was able to wear a smile. Don't you think that made him a more effective witness for Christ? You bet it did. And he was honoring the Lord with his attitude and actions. As Proverbs says: "To do right honors God; to sin is to despise Him." (Proverbs 14:2 TLB) No matter what we say with our lips, if our conduct isn't right, we are demonstrating a lack of reverence and respect for the Lord, and we are damaging our witness.
Scripture says: "I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT) My husband had the right motive when he decided to help his company with their move simply because it was the right thing to do. He wasn't being compensated for it by his company, and he wasn't even getting any special recognition. But he knew that the Lord saw his heart, and that He would honor his good intentions somehow. Besides that, Joe has always taken pride in his work, even when he was doing the most menial tasks. And he has always taken to heart the fact that, "Well-done work has its own reward." (Proverbs 12:14 MSG)
When the Bible talks about performing a job of any kind, it says, "Don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best." (Colossians 3:23 MSG) In other words, do the job right. When Joe set about helping his company move, he threw all his energy into the task, and he did a good job. As he kept his eyes on the Lord, instead of on his employer or coworkers, he was able to resist the temptation to slack off or to feel sorry for himself. The rest of this scriptural passage says: "Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." (Colossians 3:23-25 MSG)
After my husband's company moved away, it was almost a year before he could find another job. During that time, he suffered a major heart attack, and we faced some serious financial problems. Would Joe have done things any differently when his company moved, had he known what troubles were up ahead for him? No. Because did the right thing, simply because it was the right thing to do, he has had no regrets. Whatever you are facing today, will you answer God's call to do what is right in His sight?
Lord, please give me the courage, the strength, and the grace I need to do the right thing in every situation and circumstance. Remind me often that my motives mean everything to You, and that no matter who I'm dealing with, I'm ultimately serving You. Thank You that as I concentrate on pleasing and glorifying You, I will live a life of satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose!
From J.M. Farro (www.jmfarro.com (http://www.jmfarro.com))
The magic of a thankful spirit is that it has the power to replace anger with love, resentment with happiness, fear with faith, worry with peace, self-preoccupation with concern for the needs of others, guilt with an open door to forgiveness, jealousy with joy at another's success, inferiorities with dignity.Great wisdom in this quote, Stella!!!! :D
-Donald E. Demaray
Good info Colossus. Are you familiar w/ministrywatch?Thanks, Stella. :) I haven't heard of ministrywatch before. What is it?
Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly
by: John Piper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I read about prosperity-preaching churches, my response is: “If I were not on the inside of Christianity, I wouldn’t want in.” In other words, if this is the message of Jesus, no thank you. ...<snipped for brevity>
That was a colossally fantabulous post! :) (http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/thumbup.gif) (http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/thumbup.gif)glad you liked it.
My girlfriend & business partner just finished building 2 schools in Thailand this year. You earn more to give more
Thanks, Stella. :) I haven't heard of ministrywatch before. What is it?oops sorry Ro for the late reply.
oops sorry Ro for the late reply.Cool!!! That gives me some insight when people ask me about some of the evangelists that they watch on television. I'll have to check this out. Thanks, Ro! ;D
ministrywatch.com rates/reviews about 500 ministries and lets you know also if there are any "alerts" on any and if there are they suggest that you give to a diff. ministry.
They also rate the transparency and efficiency of the ministry reviewed. Pretty interesting site!
Hi Ro and Jag!
Long before this, Moses had depicted the Lord as an implacable master who inspired only fear.
On Fearing Godhuh? ???
Long before this, Moses had depicted the Lord as an implacable master who inspired only fear.
On The Learning of Divine Lessons & Divine Laws??? ??? ???
"You are not prohibited from seeking happiness here on earth. But never forget that the earth is a school, and as with any school you will find nothing but lessons here. Yes, and the lessons come from all directions! Until you have understood this, you will be tormented by destiny and will suffer.
The invisible world sends sages to human beings as instructors who can facilitate their apprenticeship. If people refuse to accept their teaching, they will meet with other instructors: failure, illness and misery, and these are merciless. If you want to avoid the terrible lessons of these instructors, accept the lessons of your master, who wants to help and protect you. This is more reasonable. When you refuse to learn the divine laws voluntarily, you are forced to learn them the hard way."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
??? ??? ???
"Whatsoever thou sowest, ...so shall thou reapest."I'm not sure that the point Aïvanhov makes is relevent to the Gospel. Just kind of leaves you hanging in the air like your floating in space.
Gee, I thought that was simple enough, ...guess not (http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/em/shrug.gif)
I'm not sure that the point Aïvanhov makes is relevent to the Gospel. Just kind of leaves you hanging in the air like your floating in space.
I like this so much better, because it has a more meaningful point (imo). Place your efforts in knowing Christ.
Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
The Parable of the Weeds
24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
Don't worry hun, at 311lbs. the law of gravity will kick in soon enough,aaackkkkkkkkkkkkkk
...and you won't have to worry about being left hanging in space anymore. :P
aaackkkkkkkkkkkkkk
cough...gurgle.....cough
whassamatter honeykins, ...somebody standing on your neck? not me.I'm certain it was you, because I could smell corn chips while I was choking! :P
I'm certain it was you, because I could smell corn chips while I was choking! :P
To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be RequiredMan! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this devotional, GymForLord! This is such a powerful testimony. You really spoke to my heart, and I'm sure many others who have read it. Thank you for posting, and I look forward to more devotionals from you. Thanks, bro.
9/08/2007
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to get over the fact that Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog. Two of her grandchildren received nothing, but her dog got $12 million. Go figure it.
I could not believe how blind Ms. Helmsley was to her own extravagance. There are just too many needs where that kind of money can make a difference, which is why I think the Bible says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary pointed to Helmsley’s gift of a perfect example of how we have strayed from the biblical hierarchy that God established between man and animals. Unfortunately, many of us, just like Leona Helmsley, have elevated our pets to the status of children.
As I searched for Scriptures for this week’s column, I ran across the story of the adulterous woman. The Scribes and the Pharisees had brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery. They reminded him that Mosaic Law commanded that she be stoned. But Jesus told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7)
I realized as I read that verse that I was throwing stones at others rather than looking at sin in my own life. God has been very good to me, but the real value from those blessings is determined by what I do with them. That’s why Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
Instead of dwelling on Leona Helmsley, God convicted me to look at how I was using what He had given to me. I was embarrassed by what I saw. Oh, we are poor by Leona Helmsley’s standards, but in my life I see examples of the same unwise use of the resources which God has given us. I know now that I had no right to cast that first stone.
I sure am glad I serve a forgiving God, but I have got to admit that sometimes I wonder what he sees in a sinner like me. There I stood ready to condemn sin in the life of someone else when I was guilty of the same sin. Isn’t it great that our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and that there are no limits to his forgiveness?
What about you? How are you using the resources with which God has given to you? Listen to what Jesus says: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)posted by Mike Ruffin on 9/08/2007
Man! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this devotional, GymForLord! This is such a powerful testimony. You really spoke to my heart, and I'm sure many others who have read it. Thank you for posting, and I look forward to more devotionals from you. Thanks, bro.Thanks, Colossus! True Thanks goes to Him! :)
To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be Required
9/08/2007
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to get over the fact that Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog. Two of her grandchildren received nothing, but her dog got $12 million. Go figure it.
I could not believe how blind Ms. Helmsley was to her own extravagance. There are just too many needs where that kind of money can make a difference, which is why I think the Bible says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary pointed to Helmsley’s gift of a perfect example of how we have strayed from the biblical hierarchy that God established between man and animals. Unfortunately, many of us, just like Leona Helmsley, have elevated our pets to the status of children.
As I searched for Scriptures for this week’s column, I ran across the story of the adulterous woman. The Scribes and the Pharisees had brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery. They reminded him that Mosaic Law commanded that she be stoned. But Jesus told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7)
I realized as I read that verse that I was throwing stones at others rather than looking at sin in my own life. God has been very good to me, but the real value from those blessings is determined by what I do with them. That’s why Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
Instead of dwelling on Leona Helmsley, God convicted me to look at how I was using what He had given to me. I was embarrassed by what I saw. Oh, we are poor by Leona Helmsley’s standards, but in my life I see examples of the same unwise use of the resources which God has given us. I know now that I had no right to cast that first stone.
I sure am glad I serve a forgiving God, but I have got to admit that sometimes I wonder what he sees in a sinner like me. There I stood ready to condemn sin in the life of someone else when I was guilty of the same sin. Isn’t it great that our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and that there are no limits to his forgiveness?
What about you? How are you using the resources with which God has given to you? Listen to what Jesus says: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)posted by Mike Ruffin on 9/08/2007
To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be Required
9/08/2007
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to get over the fact that Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog. Two of her grandchildren received nothing, but her dog got $12 million. Go figure it.
I could not believe how blind Ms. Helmsley was to her own extravagance. There are just too many needs where that kind of money can make a difference, which is why I think the Bible says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary pointed to Helmsley’s gift of a perfect example of how we have strayed from the biblical hierarchy that God established between man and animals. Unfortunately, many of us, just like Leona Helmsley, have elevated our pets to the status of children.
As I searched for Scriptures for this week’s column, I ran across the story of the adulterous woman. The Scribes and the Pharisees had brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery. They reminded him that Mosaic Law commanded that she be stoned. But Jesus told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7)
I realized as I read that verse that I was throwing stones at others rather than looking at sin in my own life. God has been very good to me, but the real value from those blessings is determined by what I do with them. That’s why Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
Instead of dwelling on Leona Helmsley, God convicted me to look at how I was using what He had given to me. I was embarrassed by what I saw. Oh, we are poor by Leona Helmsley’s standards, but in my life I see examples of the same unwise use of the resources which God has given us. I know now that I had no right to cast that first stone.
I sure am glad I serve a forgiving God, but I have got to admit that sometimes I wonder what he sees in a sinner like me. There I stood ready to condemn sin in the life of someone else when I was guilty of the same sin. Isn’t it great that our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and that there are no limits to his forgiveness?
What about you? How are you using the resources with which God has given to you? Listen to what Jesus says: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)posted by Mike Ruffin on 9/08/2007
The Difference Between Bitter And Sweet by Ron Hutchcraft
I've eaten a few plums in my life, but I never found it particularly inspiring or educational. But one of our team members ate a plum recently and got an insight that I found enlightening. When she bit into that plum, it tasted very sweet. It didn't stay that way. The closer my friend got to the center, the more bitter the plum tasted. She explained to me her simple, but probably accurate, theory about this bittersweet taste experience. She said what the sun has touched is sweet; what the sun hasn't touched is bitter.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Difference Between Bitter and Sweet."
I guess, in a way, I'm that plum. You're that plum. We've got parts of our personality, our ways of treating people, our ways of responding to stress that are actually pretty sweet and then there are those parts that are bitter for us and certainly bitter for the people close to us. Once you open your life to Jesus Christ, you have divine power available to help change those harsh, distasteful parts of you into something beautiful. It's part of that miracle II Corinthians 5:17 calls becoming "a new creation in Christ."
I can tell you from my own life, the parts of me that are becoming sweeter are the parts of me that I have opened up to the "sunlight" of Jesus Christ. And those things about me that I don't like, the people around me don't like, God doesn't like are the areas where I need to more fully open up to Jesus' control.
The people we love, the people around us, the people who are affected by us most would probably be able to provide a pretty good list of the "bitter" parts of our personality - of our responses. That's the list that needs to become top priority for surrendering to Jesus Christ. It's a matter of calling the ugly parts of us what they are - no more defending, no more excusing, no more blaming. You just say, "Jesus, here it is. Come into this stubborn, sinful part of who I am and shine Your light on it. I can't change it, but I don't want to be this way anymore. Please make me new."
In our word for today from the Word of God, He helps us see some specific attitudes and actions and approaches that are bitter stuff, and then what we can be like if we'll remove the walls around those areas of our life. Colossians 3, beginning with verse 8, says, "Rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator ... Therefore, as God's chosen people ... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
The powerful reality about belonging to Jesus is that you don't have to keep on being what you've always been; maybe even what generations before you have been. Jesus changes people in ways they could never change themselves. But there may be a reason that your bitter has stayed bitter. Instead of repenting, instead of surrendering it to Jesus, you just keep looking for someone to blame for the way you are. You keep replaying the past, complaining, recruiting sympathy, or retaliating for what others have done. But you're not letting the Son - the Son of God - shine on it. It's time to open up your ugly side to Jesus. Release it completely to Him so He can make you like Him.
There's a Gospel song that says, "The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows." Let's add a verse. "The longer you serve Him, the sweeter you grow."
Daily Devotional from the Love Worth Finding Ministry
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3
It’s the day after Christmas. The glow on the tree is just a little dimmer because the anticipation of the day is now past. Ever feel that way about your walk with the Lord? Well, let me give you some good news, my friend. The best is yet to be! That’s right. Christmas Day is past, but Resurrection Day is coming soon, and I don’t mean Easter. I mean the Second Coming of Our Lord is imminently on the horizon. He is coming again. And that’s not just a nice thing; that’s a rock-ribbed truth! Jesus is coming again!
(http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/em/lightbulb_idea.gif)
On True Love
"True love is a manifestation of God himself, of his immensity and all-powerfulness. If you wish to attain this love, this force and vibration that commands matter, you must try to exchange only particles of light with the one you love. When two people feel a sublime love for one another, when they love each other for their soul and spirit, it takes only a look to fill them with wonder and ecstasy. Initiatic Science predicts that in the distant future, when a man and woman wish to bring a child into the world, they will simply be in one another’s arms and will look at each other as though they were giving each other heaven.
Their thoughts will be so concentrated, their love so intense, that a spirit will soon afterwards arrive to incarnate with them: its body will be made of the pure luminous particles given by its parents through their emanations alone. Of course, we are speaking of a far distant future. But such evolution is part of the plan of cosmic Intelligence."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
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This is rather interesting in what it suggests or implies about the possibility of "virgin birth"
Chemical Interactions....nothing more.
(http://www.jaguarenterprises.net/images/em/lightbulb_idea.gif)
On True Love
"True love is a manifestation of God himself, of his immensity and all-powerfulness. If you wish to attain this love, this force and vibration that commands matter, you must try to exchange only particles of light with the one you love. When two people feel a sublime love for one another, when they love each other for their soul and spirit, it takes only a look to fill them with wonder and ecstasy. Initiatic Science predicts that in the distant future, when a man and woman wish to bring a child into the world, they will simply be in one another’s arms and will look at each other as though they were giving each other heaven.
Their thoughts will be so concentrated, their love so intense, that a spirit will soon afterwards arrive to incarnate with them: its body will be made of the pure luminous particles given by its parents through their emanations alone. Of course, we are speaking of a far distant future. But such evolution is part of the plan of cosmic Intelligence."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
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This is rather interesting in what it suggests or implies about the possibility of "virgin birth"
Who is this dumb asshole?
On Dark Entities
How do dark entities set about harming humans? They urge them to make mistakes, for each mistake is an open door giving the entities the right to go in and torment them. If people resist, if they don’t make mistakes, the entities are powerless. This is why the devil – we’ll say ‘the devil’ for simplicity’s sake – only has the powers you give him. If you don’t want to deal with him, don’t let him in. He will not force you, he just makes suggestions – this is why he’s called the ‘tempter’ – and you are the one who says ‘yes’.
Most people imagine their disquiet, their distress and their anxieties have come suddenly, just like that, all at once. No, they prepared for them, they opened the door to them, they invited them in. How? By means of their desires, thoughts and lower feelings, by means of certain weaknesses and certain transgressions. At that very moment, the devil found the door open, came in and began his campaign of destruction.
From where did you get this? I once read a book by Dr. Rebecca Brown that spoke of "opening doors." The book was He Came to Set the Captives Free. Many people open doors and are totally unaware of what has happened.
There is a lot of truth and knowledge to the words you posted. However, the phrase, "we’ll say ‘the devil’ for simplicity’s sake" gives me pause. Please explain the intent of this statement.
How does one keep the gas tank full to be effective on the long journey...
When we arrive in heaven someday, no doubt we'll be surprised by some of the people we see there.
And people would be surprised to see us :-[ ;DLOL!!!! I can just see a crowd of heaven-dwellers looking stunned and shocked to see me....."him????" ;D :D
Ro, I have tears streaming down my face...thank you so much for this. I think a lot of people don't understand how much God loves us...even believers question it sometimes..thank you so much Ro....still crying....thank you. I am going to send this out to many!God gets the glory, Ro. :) I'm just thankful He puts thinks likes on my heart to share from time to time. Bless you, my friend. :)
This weekend I will have to read this entire thread..Newmom, bless you. It's amazing how we begin to see and experience life when God is the owner of our perspective, isn't it? :)
Thanks Colossus, brought tears to my eyes. Like I just learned as I have started going to services for first time in my life. We are designed in the womb, a purpose for everything. Puts EVERYTHING in perspective.
Thanks Stella
God gets the glory, Ro. :) I'm just thankful He puts thinks likes on my heart to share from time to time. Bless you, my friend. :)
Newmom, bless you. It's amazing how we begin to see and experience life when God is the owner of our perspective, isn't it? :)
Welcome home! :)
Daily Devotional
by Charles Stanley
The Benefits of Gratitude
Psalm 105:1-5
Thanking God glorifies and magnifies Him, but did you know doing this also benefits us? The Lord doesn't need our thanks, but we need to give it so we can become what He wants us to be: unselfish, encouraged, and confident.
Giving thanks...
Refocuses our attention: Life is filled with situations and distractions that keep us from seeing all that God has done for us. Instead of getting out of bed with the weight of the world on your shoulders, try refocusing on the Lord by thanking Him for His past provisions, guidance, and faithfulness.
Relieves anxiety: Since our fast-paced society has lots of pressure, expectations, and responsibilities, many people live in constant anxiety. But when we bring our concerns to the Lord with thanksgiving, the burden shifts to Him, and His peace comes to us (Phil. 4:6-7).
Refreshes our relationship: Gratitude keeps us from thinking that the Christian walk is all about us and our needs. Our fellowship with God is enhanced because we're focused on Him instead of ourselves.
Reinforces our faith: When we thank the Lord for His past faithfulness, our confidence in His present faithfulness soars.
Rejoices our spirit: Thanksgiving is the best way to dig ourselves out of the doldrums of discouragement.
Although gratitude is always beneficial, it's not always easy. When you're discouraged or overwhelmed, it's probably not on your radar to thank God. But I've learned from experience that shifting focus and thanking the Lord for all He's done is the fastest way to change one's attitude and reenergize.