Top Ten Predictions for 2003
 

In spite of the tragedies of war, terrorism, crime, social inequality, and economic disasters, isn't it good to be assured of these predictions?

10. The Bible Will Still Have The Answers

9. Prayer Will Still Work

8. The Holy Spirit Will Still Move Throughout The World

7. God Will Still Inhabit The Praises Of His People

6. There Will Still Be Incredibly Gifted Preaching

5. The Church Will Grow Faster Than Ever

4. God Will Still Pour Out Blessings On His People

3. There Will Still Be Room At The Cross

2. Jesus Will Still Love You

1. Jesus Will Still Save The Lost

Why Jesus?
 

This is one of the most important questions anyone can ever ask. The answer is easier than you think, and it can change EVERYTHING in your life in a way you have probably never imagined. Millions of people can testify to this truth. Please take a moment to consider an answer to this question.
Forget for the moment everything you ever heard about Jesus Christ. Forget about Him being the Son of God. Forget about Him being your savior and dying for your sins. Forget about Him offering you salvation and eternal life. Forget about Him healing you from your diseases. Forget about him offering you an abundant, happy life, free from worry. For the moment forget all of this.

Many people believe all of the above to be true, but a lot of people cannot relate to them. Perhaps you are one of these people. Maybe your life is so full of worry, pain, suffering, and trials right now that you don't know which way to turn. Maybe you are filled with doubt and anxiety, or tormented with some illness or disease. Maybe you are just looking for answers, for the secret to an abundant, happy, worry-free life.

Well, there is one thing that everyone can relate to no matter who you are, or what culture you live in, or what your current state of life is. Regardless of the trials and troubles you may now be experiencing, regardless of the doubt and anxiety, regardless of the pain and suffering, everyone understands and appreciates the value of friendship.

Almost everyone has had a best friend sometime in their life. The nice thing about them is that they care about you unconditionally. Yet as good as your previous friendships have been they were not perfect. This one is different! You may not know it now, but the best friend you have ever had is already here!

He will not demand anything from you in exchange for his friendship. You don't have to do anything special to communicate with him. There are no prescribed prayers or rituals that you have to go through to talk with him. He will always be there for you, 24 hours a day, whenever you need him. You will have his undivided attention at all times. No matter what you have to tell him, no matter how bad it might be, He will not judge you or condemn you. He will listen patiently to all that is in your heart. He will comfort you in your time of need. He will give you peace in times of trial. He will fill your heart when you are sad. He will forgive anything that you have done. He will heal your spirit when you are troubled.

You don't have to go through life feeling empty. You don't have to constantly worry about everything. You don't have to be unhappy. You don't have to be alone. You don't have to feel unloved. You now have someone who cares about you more than you could ever imagine Remember what was said in the first paragraph about forgetting all those things that Christians believe about Christ? By themselves they don't mean much to most people; however, in the context of the most perfect friendship you will ever have they suddenly take on new meaning.

Imagine a friend who is willing to die for you so that you might live. Imagine a brother who can heal a disease you have. Imagine a friend who will carry all your worries and your fears. Imagine someone who is willing to give you eternal life, just because he loves you. Finally, imagine someone who just happens to have the Creator God of the whole universe as his Father, who can petition this all-powerful being on your behalf anytime you ask. Well, you don't have to imagine it any longer. You have all of this right now!

You don't have to wait for Him to do many of these things for you because He already has. He has already died for you. He has already offered you salvation. He has already offered you eternal life. He is ready and willing to do even more for you, if you will let Him. He wants to carry your burdens. He wants you to give him your worries and your fears. He wants to give you an abundant, happy life. You only have to do one thing. You have to be willing to accept Him and all that He offers you. His gifts are all free, but you have to open your heart and be willing to accept them.

So what do you do now? The Bible tells us that you must repent of your sins, which is a heart-felt sorrow for all that you have done wrong in your entire life. Then ask your savior to come into your heart and forgive you. If you repent, and believe in your heart that He is the Son of God, your savior, accepting His shed blood as a sacrifice for your sins, and then are baptized, you will be saved! It's that simple. Finding a minister who will baptize you is easy. Just ask.

Then the most wonderful journey of your life begins! Yes, you may grow slowly at first, but that's OK. For most people friendships develop slowly. They grow gradually. You may want to consider this suggestion to help you grow closer to Him. Whenever you feel like it, just start talking to Him. No, you don't have to use some special prayer, just talk to Him with plain old conversation, like you would do when talking to a brother. Then let Him talk to you through His Word, the pages of the Bible, especially the four Gospels. Listen to what He has to say to you. Learn about His love for you. Get to know Him in a personal way. He will come to you and He will live in you and be there for you....no matter what! His love will flow through you to others.

Not only can you get to know Him through talking to Him and reading His words, you can also meet Him in Christians in whom He lives. You may want to attend a Christian church where you can meet with others who are also developing relationships with our Lord. Your relationships with like-minded people will help you to grow closer to Him everyday. (If you would like to know if we have a WCG congregation near you just write to us at the address below.)

Your best friend is also YOUR savior! He died for YOU! He is the way for you to have a personal relationship with the incredible God who created you. Your past sins no longer separate you from God once you have accepted his sacrifice. His grace, love, and mercy is sufficient to cover anything you have every done...ANYTHING!

Remember, you don't have to go it alone anymore. You can call upon Him anytime and He will be there for you. No matter what you do, He will always be there for you. That's His promise to you!

Follow Your Dream
 

Mom sent this to me, I copied her bold and coloring. . .

April 28
Follow Your Dream

"And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee." -- (Exodus 3:11-12)

Have you ever had a Holy Spirit inspired dream, a dream of doing something really great for Jesus? A dream of being so prosperous, for instance, that you can finance a nationwide revival? A dream of leading thousands of people to the Lord?

At one time or another, you probably have, but perhaps you backed away from it. Maybe you thought, "Oh my, I couldn't do that. Satan's kept me defeated for so long I have a poor self-image."

If so, I have some good news for you. If you'll believe God, even a poor self-image won't keep you from success. Look in the book of Exodus and you'll see a man who proved that. His name was Moses.

Moses didn't have a very good self-image. He'd made a terrible mistake early in his career. It was a mistake that drove him into the wilderness and kept him there for 40 years herding somebody else's sheep.

He'd once dreamed of being a deliverer of God's people, but no more. As far as he was concerned, he was finished...a failure...a flop!

But God didn't think so. In fact, when God came to Moses in that wilderness, He didn't ask for Moses' credentials. He didn't mention his shady history. He just told him to go see Pharaoh and tell him to let God's people go.

Moses, however, was still wrestling with his poor self-image. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" he stammered.

You know what God said in response? He just said, "Certainly, I will be with thee."

You see, it didn't matter who Moses was. What mattered was that the living God was with him. The same thing is true for you today. You don't need a history of successes behind you to answer God's call. You don't need a string of spiritual credentials. All you need is the presence of the Lord.

Think about that when the devil tells you you're a failure, when he says you'll never be able to do what God has put in your heart to do. Put him in his place. Tell him it doesn't matter who you are because the living God is with you.

Then dare to follow your dream!

Exodus 3:1-14

Never go to war where there are no spoils. Choose your battles wisely and make sure that what you fight for is worth the price you pay.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to thrive on conflict? They are always picking on others, arguing, disagreeing, trying to get something started. They fight just for the sport of it, not because they passionately believe in a particular cause or want the gold trophy. These folks usually make poor decisions and others learn to ignore them and not take them seriously. We learn that they are really in a battle with themselves. But as we've seen, self-confidence does not come from merely putting everyone else flat on the mat just to show how strong you are. Self-confidence, including confidence in our ability to make good decisions, comes from within, from wisdom, faith, and awareness. Fighting a battle without anything at stake is a mute point, as futile as chasing the wind or trying to pour salt on a bird's tail feathers."

T. D. Jakes

Prize Fight Part 2
 

Subject: Prize Fights (2 of 5) Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 10:58:35 -0400

"No, part of the art of making winning decisions is knowing when to fight and what you're fighting for. I recall a situation with one of my children's teachers in elementary school. When my son came home with a long face, I asked him what was wrong. He revealed that he felt his teacher had been too hard on him that day. She had forced him to read in front of his class even though he was embarrassed and shy. I immediately reacted like any father would: the proud papa who wants to defend his little cub. My son encouraged me to talk to him teacher and tell her to leave him alone. He wanted me to tell her that he shouldn't have to read in front of everyone if he didn't want to. I told him that I would like to wait another day or two and then talk to his teacher. During that interval, I considered what was at stake. I could take on his teacher and defend my little angle, which was how I had reacted inside. But I asked myself, What would I gain by doing this? It not only seemed that I might not have anything to win in this battle, I clearly might lose the respect of his teacher. On the other hand, if I cooled off a day or two and then talked to her calmly, maybe I could understand the motive in her handling of my son. Maybe this battle was not a battle at all. As I came to find out from his teacher later, all the children were required to read in front of the class--my son just happened to go first. As she lifted the benefits of practicing oral literacy, I more than agreed with her approach. We even worked together so that my son could practice reading aloud more at home, a decision he didn't like at first but one that was ultimately for his good."

T. D. Jakes

Your Vision by Jewel Diamond Taylor
 

Thought for Today:

YOUR VISION

What is your vision for your life? (That is where you want to be, do and have.)

How will your vision become real? (Your goals are your steps you take to make your vision a reality.)

Why do you want your vision to be a reality? (This is your motivation.)

When do you want your vision to be achieved? (This is your time table.)

What obstacles are you facing now? (These become your life lessons. They reveal your character, values, determination, faith and ability to
cope.)

Who do you spend a lot of time with? Who are your mentors, models and circle of family and friends? They have an influence on you. Is it helpful or hurtful?

I had countless dead end jobs and obstacles on the way to my living my vision of being a full time professional PAID motivational speaker and author. Many times I felt frustrated, lost, tired, impatient and financially stressed. I worked at so many temp jobs (shipping Dannon yogurt, telephone company, finance companies, hair care company, receptionist, home decorating sales secretary, car sales secretary, etc.) I did not allow temporary circumstances on the way to my dreams define or discourage me. I kept the main thing, the MAIN thing. I kept my vision clear. I cut out pictures and made treasure maps. I studied. I prayed. I spoke for free to learn the industry. I networked to make contacts. I took baby steps. I down sized my lifestyle and accepted delayed gratification. I fell down many times and got back up. I grew emotionally and spiritually. Many people around me did not see what I saw or believed what I believed. It was my dream. It was my life and it was my responsibility to work on it consistently. There will be many times you may feel like..."This is not where I'm supposed to be!" An Oliver Wendell Holmes quote confirms a success principle that kept me on my path. I pray that it encourages you today. He stated,..."The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."

Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep believing and never give up!--by Jewel Diamond Taylor


"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18 NIV

His Calm Within The Storm
 

His Calm Within The Storm

In the message "Patiently Trust His Timing" we considered Abraham and Sarah as they waited for God's promise through the birth of Isaac. Waiting for God's direction and blessing can be a great test of our faith, but waiting on God for our rescue can be an even greater challenge.

There are three great storms detailed in the New Testament. The first occurred when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples. Jesus was asleep when the storm began, and the disciples became afraid and woke Him: "Lord save us! We're going to drown!" (Matthew 8:25). Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear and proceeded to calm the storm; "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).

The second storm occurred immediately after the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. This time, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea by themselves; and when the storm rose up, Jesus went out to them - walking on the water. As Jesus again calmed the storm, He spoke the same message against fear; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid"
(Matthew 14:27).

The last storm occurred about thirty years after Jesus was crucified. Paul had proclaimed the gospel through much of the Roman empire and was being transported by boat to stand trial in Rome. A storm arose which blew the ship terribly off course. The ship was battered and tossed for several days: "We finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20).

It must have been difficult to trust God's timing as the storm continued through the many long days and sleepless nights. But as hope was fading away, God sent an angel to Paul with a familiar message.

Acts 27:23-24 "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid.'"

There may be times when our ability to trust is severely tested. But our faith in God - in His ability to hold us secure - must be independent of the force of the wind. Though the winds may blow, we remain in His hands and must not fear; "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, but even if He does not..." (Daniel 3:17-18).

Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm.

The Quilt

As I faced my MAKER at the last judgment, I knelt before
the LORD along with all the other souls. Before each of us
laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An
angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares
of cloth off the pile. I noticed how ragged and empty each
of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes.

Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had
been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced
with in everyday life.

I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest
holes of all. I glanced around me, nobody else had such
squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other
tapestries were filled with rich color and bright hues of
worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was
disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of
cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed,
held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose,
each in turn, hold up their tapestries. So filled their lives
had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me
to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't
had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and
laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and
death, and false accusations that took from me my world as
I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled
with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been help up to ridicule, which I
endured painfully, each time offering it up to the FATHER
in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath
judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And
now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and
I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted
combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled
gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared
at me with wide eyes, then I looked upon the tapestry
before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an
image - the face of JESUS. Then our LORD stood
before me, with warmth and love in HIS eyes.

He said, "Every time you gave over your life to ME, it
became MY life, MY hardships, and MY struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside
and let ME shine through, until there was more of ME
then there was of you."

May all your quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing
Jesus to shine through.

My most moving quote!!!
 

When you have discovered that your people have done everything....what it it that you can't do????

There are no impossibilities just levels difficulties!!!!

Give what it takes...and take what's given!!!!

Psalm 23
(For the Work Place)

The Lord is my real Boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray before I speak and
To do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my
Source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
That I might honor Him in everything I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts
Of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines,
Budget cutbacks, gossiping
Co-workers, discriminating supervisors, and an aging
Body that doesn’t cooperate every morning,
I will not stop -- for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they
Fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own,
Even when the company
Threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love are better
Than my bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every
401K there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be
Working for Him a whole lot
Longer and for that,
I bless His Name

FORGIVE AND BE HEALED
By Deborah D. Delbridge

Not long ago, a woman approached me and asked me to pray for her because she had heart disease. As I began to intercede, I sensed the Spirit of God telling me that the healing of her physical heart was tied to the healing of her emotional heart. He showed me issues and hurts from her past that He wanted to heal. He also revealed to me that she was carrying unforgiveness that was blocking the healing He wanted to accomplish.

After I finished praying for her, we talked. She recounted a major tragedy in her life that had happened several years ago. She knew exactly who it was she was holding in unforgiveness but had never made the connection between the spiritual and the natural. She did not realize that her own health was linked to her ability to release those who had hurt her.

Roots of unforgiveness are so common in the church that we often simply overlook them, but we need to be aware that our physical and emotional healing is often linked to forgiveness toward others and forgiveness toward ourselves.

Throughout Scripture, we see a connection between healing and forgiveness. In fact, the two seem to go hand in hand. Second Chronicles 7:14 says, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (NKJV). Psalm 103:2-3 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases."

When Jesus healed the paralytic man, instead of saying, "Be healed," He said, "'Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you'" (Matt. 9:2)-but the effect was the same. The man picked up his mat and walked home (see v. 7).

Healing and forgiveness are related. When Jesus died on the cross, His blood was shed for our forgiveness, and His body was broken for our restoration and healing. If we hold unforgiveness against another person, we refuse to extend to that person one of the benefits Jesus died to give us-and, according to Scripture, put ourselves in a position of losing the benefit as well.

That's why our Lord commanded us: "'And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses'" (Mark 11:25-26).

Notice that Jesus wasn't offering us a suggestion. He gave us a mandate with a serious repercussion for disobedience: If we don't forgive, we will not be forgiven.

Unforgiveness blocks our communication with God and can block the healing of our body and emotions. So why not opt for divine health instead? Take your unforgiveness to the cross and exchange it for the grace and mercy of God. Release those who have hurt you and, at the same time, set yourself free from the bondage of the enemy. Open the door to healing today!


Adapted from "Diseases of the Soul" by Deborah D. Delbridge, copyright 2003. Published by Creation House Press. This book will take you to the hidden-most places of your heart and help you identify, confront and ferret out internal iniquities that you may not know are there. If you're ready for total freedom in Christ, order your copy by clicking here: http://cbw.strang.com/c.cgi?ProdID=9762&Source=SWSPON

PRAYER POWER
Week of May 5, 2003

Ask the Lord for grace to forgive those who have hurt you, release them into His hands, and pray blessings on them. Thank God for mothers and especially mothers in the church who have taught and nurtured others. Continue to pray for the world situation, asking God for righteous leaders and open doors for the gospel. Pray for those in authority over us, and for the protection of our borders, our leaders, our military and our families. I Tim.2: 1-8

Is Your Hut Burning?
Author Unknown

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he
scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of
driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few
possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home
to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The
worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and
anger.

"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a
ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his
rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But
we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the
midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground,
it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

For all the negative things we have to say to
ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: It's impossible
God says: All thing are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-20)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (IICor.12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things (Phil 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: I am able (IICor.9:8)

You say : It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb.13:5)

Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it:

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your "Thoughts," they become words. Watch your "Words," they become actions. Watch your "Actions," they become habits. Watch your "Habits," they become character. Watch your "Character," for it becomes your "Destiny."

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

Author Unknown

A Fragile Victory
 

A Fragile Victory

In the message "The Lord is God - Follow Him" we saw how Elijah was used to demonstrate God's power and call the people of Israel back to a life of worship. Elijah witnessed the miraculous and unequaled power of God as he prayed during his confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal; "The fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38).

After this unquestioned answer to prayer, Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed for rain - there had not been rain in the land for three years. Once again, Elijah witnessed the miraculous hand of God; "The sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose and a heavy rain came" (1 Kings 18:45).

Within a few days of these great spiritual victories, Queen Jezebel vowed to have Elijah killed. As soon as Elijah heard of the Queen's threat, he became afraid and ran for his life into the desert.

1 Kings 19:4
"He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Elijah was a man who spoke directly with God and clearly witnessed His awesome power; yet, he fell into great despair when faced with adversity.

What caused Elijah to become so fragile? Had he already forgotten God's power? Had victory caused him to take his eyes off God and begin to rely on his own strength? Or was he just worn out from being on the front line of ministry? Whatever the cause, in his moment of greatest victory, Elijah became the most vulnerable to attack and failure; "I have had enough Lord."

When life is a struggle, we must pray and "trust in the Lord with all our heart" (Proverbs 3:5). When life is running smooth, we must pray harder and trust even more. But when we experience victory and dance on top of the mountain - when we begin to feel strong and "self" assured - we must pray as if our very life depended on it and lean on the Lord as never before. Our moments of greatest vulnerability come when we beginto think we no longer require God's help.

Let's keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to renew our strength through prayer and the study of His Word; "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). As His promises are fulfilled in our lives, let's prepare for a sustained and constant walk of faith. Let's examine our continual need to abide in His presence and guard against a fragile victory.

Closed Doors
 

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.

God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. Another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.

The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him?

If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school.

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering.

We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places. The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you. God Bless You Always!

-- Author Unknown

Burdens Give Us Wings
 

The Big Squeeze
 

THE BIG SQUEEZE

There are 5 sponges laying on your kitchen counter top. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned in your home, but you can't tell by looking...they all look the same...so what do you do?

You squeeze each sponge to see what comes out. As you squeeze the first sponge, you see that cola comes out, and so you decide that someone cleaned
the kitchen with that one.

Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner - that one was used to clean the bathroom.

Next, in the third sponge, you find motor oil - hubby was cleaning the garage!

In the fourth sponge, baby powder puffs out when it is squeezed - yep, the baby's nursery was done with that one!

And finally, in the last one, is floor wax - that was the one you used on the hall floor!

As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity - and they all look the same until they're squeezed. Christians are the same way. As life squeezes us, different things come out - anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another - also greed, untruth, lust - and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ.

Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in - stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you!
--author unknown to me


"How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]. With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments. Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You. ... I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live; and I will observe Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]." Psalm 119:9-17 AMP

Is it time for some.....
 

New Shoes

By Tomeco N. Woods
CBN Staff Writer

My daughter’s feet seem to grow like grass in the spring. Every few months I know it is time to go shoe shopping because she will begin to complain, "These shoes hurt my toes." This cycle will continue until she has reached the size and height that God has determined her to be.

Like my daughter’s feet, believers continue to grow until we have become the men and women of God that He has predestined us to be. We must steadily grow toward the goal of perfection. "But wait," you say, "No one is perfect except Christ." The perfection of which I speak, however, is not a state of sinlessness, but rather spiritual maturity. It is God’s will for us to be perfect: mature and complete in Him.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

Have you ever heard people say, "Pastor really stepped on my toes today," meaning the Word that went forth addressed their individual lives and convicted them of some error? When our toes begin hurting even in our favorite shoes (those areas in our lives we thought we had spiritually mastered), it is God’s way of informing us that we have grown. Sometimes, though, we get so comfortable where we are that we refuse to move forward.

- "We have been members of the same church since childhood, why should we change now that we are middle-aged?"

- "I have been with the company for 17 years. I am three years from retirement. The Lord can not be telling me to leave now."

- "I faithfully give my ten percent tithe. What does God mean I should start giving fifteen percent instead?"

Whether because of fear or doubt, which are the same thing, we remain in our comfort zones because it is familiar territory. We like having the safety net of a "guaranteed" paycheck from our employers rather than the risk of opening our own businesses. We must open our spiritual eyes and begin to look at things the way God does.

The economy is evidence alone that there is no such thing as "guaranteed" employment any longer. The only financial guarantee is that if you are a child of God, He will supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). If God has promised you a business of your own, He must have also promised to send the customers as well. If the customers do not come right away, He must have promised to sustain you in the meantime. If God is sending you to a new ministry or to a new fellowship within your current ministry, it is because your purpose in the old one is complete. God’s goal for you in that ministry has been met, and it is time to move forward. We always want God to manifest Himself in greater ways in our lives, but we never want to do greater things for Him. You can not continually give $5.00 offerings and expect to receive million dollar blessings.

Your current position in ministry or on the job was fine for a season, but it is sinful to remain there once that season has passed. It is sinful because remaining anywhere after God has told you to move is rebellion.

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).

We need to recognize the seasons in our lives and move and act accordingly. Often, we hold up our own blessings because we have failed to let go and move forward. When Joseph was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt, it was necessary so that he would be in place to bless God’s people. Years passed, Joseph was elevated and the famine drove Israel into Egypt, but when the famine came and went Israel did not. The memory of Joseph faded in the minds of the Egyptians, but not as rapidly as did his influence. A new pharaoh arose who was threatened by the presence of Israel. Hence came the oppression and bondage. God used pharaoh to make Israel so uncomfortable in Egypt they had no choice but to leave (Exodus 3).

In 2 Kings 7 (verses 3-8) we read the account of a group of lepers who dwelled outside of the gates of the besieged city. They were not allowed to enter the city because of their condition. They could not go beyond the immediate vicinity of the city because the Syrian army surrounded it. Tired of being in limbo, they finally decided to make a move. If they stayed where they were, they would die of starvation. If they broke the law and entered the city, they could possibly die of starvation. But if they went to the Syrian camp, there was a chance they would be fed. Even if the Syrians killed them, the lepers reasoned their fate would be no less than if they stayed put.

"If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (2 Kings 7:4). In later verses we find that when the lepers stepped out in faith and went to the enemy’s camp, God had a blessing waiting for them that they did not even have room to receive. God made the footsteps of four leprous men sound like an Egyptian army and caused the Syrians to flee in fear leaving behind all they owned.

What do you have to lose by stepping out in faith? The better question is what do you have to gain? If your spiritual feet are cramping relentlessly, perhaps it is God’s way of telling you it is time for a new pair of shoes. Do not be afraid to heed God’s call and step out into unfamiliar territory. God will honor your obedience and the blessing that will come is far beyond anything you could imagine in your wildest dreams. Stop trying to figure out what God is doing, where He is taking you and why. Do not try to dull the pain by adding corn pads and insoles. Alleviate the pain in your feet and go shoe shopping. The pain is God’s way of telling you it is time for new shoes.

Today I need to be still and let God love me.

God’s love is my strength.

God’s love is my protection.

God’s love is my light in the midst of any darkness.

God’s love is the fulfillment of every hunger, every thirst.

God’s love is my source and supply.

God’s love, ever present, is the only thing I need, want or seek today.

For in the presence of God’s love, all is well in my life and in my soul.

Today, I need to be still and let God love me.

As I speak these words, as I think these words,

They take on the presence of the Holy Spirit

To become the circumstances of this day in my life.

Let it be so!

And So It Is!

Such wonderful stories and sayings! Here's one that came to me from a friend:

Piece of Cake

Sometimes, we wonder "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is an explanation:

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong. She's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her, and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake. She asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom. I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her mother offers. "Yuck!" says her daughter. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!"

We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like, send this on to the people you really care about. I did. Hope your day is a "piece of cake!"


Read this line very slowly and let it sink in:

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Shoes
 

I was touched by this story...
I pray that you will be equally touched enough to share even further.
Be reminded that Angels come and go in so many forms; You may not always know when you are in their presence. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
For your further edification, read: Proverbs 18:24 - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
You are friends, whether by blood or not.


Shoes

My alarm went off

It was Sunday again.

I was sleepy and tired,

My one day to sleep in.

But the guilt I would feel

The rest of the day

Would have been too much,

So I'd go and I'd pray.

I showered and shaved,

I adjusted my tie,

I got there and sat

In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer

As I closed my eyes,

I saw the shoe of the man next to me

Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side,

I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine,

But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"

I thought, "This man with the shoes

has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched

Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the

prayer went on.

The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer,

But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best

When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,

Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended

And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud,

Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters,

His hands were raised high,

The Lord could surely hear

The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering

And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached

Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out,

What the shoe man put in,

Then I heard a soft "clink"!

as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me

To tears, and that's no lie

It was the same for the shoe man,

For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service,

As is the custom here,

We must greet new visitors

And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow

And wanted to meet shoe man

So after the closing prayer,

I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark,

And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming,

For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie,

I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes

But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said

Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months,

And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance

"Is not like all the rest,

"But I really do try

"To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes

"Before my very long walk

"But by the time I get here,

"They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."

My heart filled with pain and

I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize

For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here,

"I know I must look a sight.

"But I thought if I could touch you,

"Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment

Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison.

I spoke from my heart, not my head

"Oh, you've touched me," I said,

"and taught me, in part,

"That the best of any man

"Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought,

This shoe man will never know. . .

Like just how thankful I really am

That his dirty old shoe touched my soul...

You might be best friends one year,

pretty good friends the next year,

don't talk that often the next year,

don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say,

even if I never talk to you again in my life,

you are special to me and

you have made a difference in my life.

I respect you, and truly cherish you.

Send this to all your friends,

no matter how often you talk,

or how close you are,

and send it to the person who sent it to you.

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them,

and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend,

someday you might feel like you have no

friends at all.

. . .with God, all things are possible!!!. . .

It Is Better To Be Alone Than In The Wrong Company
By John Mason


Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. Proverbs says, "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Think about it; almost all of our sorrows spring out of the relationships with the wrong people. Instead, "Keep out of the suction caused by those who drift backwards" (E.K.Piper). The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others it increases your mediocrity. A true Bulgarian proverb confirms, "If you
find yourself taking two steps forward and one step backwards, invariably it's because you have mixed associations in your life."

If a loafer isn't a nuisance to you, it's a sign that you are somewhat of a loafer yourself. I have discovered that an important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. A true friend is one who is there to care. They remain your friends even if you don't deserve to have a friend. They will see you through when
others think you're through.

If you were to list your greatest benefits, resources or strengths, you would find that money is one of the least important ones while some of your greatest resources are the people you know. A true friend sees beyond you to what you can be. Invest in good relationships. The way to make a true friend is to be one. Your wealth is where your friends are. Consider
what Francesco Guicciardini said: "Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make the right ones."

As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb, will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the
wrong person.

Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Source: Know Your Limits - Then Ignore Them by John Mason.

LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE MERELY LESSONS


A good woman knows God. She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played with.

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.

A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merelylessons, meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self love.


~Author Unknown

Thought for today: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I love a good movie. Action, romance, suspense - every new twist keeps me glued to the screen. I cheer when the characters are successful and cry when things get tough. As the plot unfolds, I marvel at the creativity of the screenwriters.

But sometimes the events of my own life seem to play out like a bad movie. When a new romance doesn't turn out as hoped, or I don't get the job I desire, I have to stop and remember I'm only seeing the movie one small scene at a time. God, on the other hand, has seen the film in it's entirety. He wrote the script! Perhaps that romance didn't work because soon God will have someone else for me. Or maybe a better job offer is only a few months away. We can't know the future, but we know that God does. God has a distinct plan for our lives and knows what is best for us in all situations.

When scenes from my life don't fit the desired storyline, it's good to know that there is a divine screenwriter who already has the plot planned perfectly.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having a plan for our lives. Help us to trust you more. Amen

Belinda S. Ayers - Virginia Beach, Virginia

CBN.com -- There is a lot of talk about faith. Do we really understand it? Let's think about the story of the Jericho walls. The people marched around, blew the trumpets, and raised a great shout. (Joshua 6:1-20) What happened then? The walls came down. Was it because there was an earthquake? No, it was their faith in believing what the Lord said to do. They put action with their faith and were obedient. At the right moment, they SHOUTED.

Faith does not wait for the walls to fall down. Faith shouts them down.

When we least feel like proclaiming a shout of praise and victory about our trials and circumstances, that is the time to do it. We must say what God has said and speak to that wall or mountain in our lives and watch it crumble. SPEAKING and SHOUTING are the actions we need to do. It is our response to what we believe in our hearts to be true. It is the key to seeing the walls fall.

God told Joshua that he had given him the city and how long it would take to possess it. Do we give up too soon when we are waiting on a situation to change? We need to remember to keep on believing. When God reveals the time for your victory, you can shout. His timing is perfect.

We march to the orders of the Lord. We blow the trumpet once we hear the sound of urgency for a situation. The Lord speaks to our spirits and gives us faith. Then we will know our victory is right around the bend. Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith and not lose hope.


Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified version says it best.


NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Also in James 2:17, it reads:


In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Joshua's wall was a literal, physical wall, but it can be any wall. Our walls can be the need for a healing, a financial breakthrough, relationships restored, etc. We must exercise our faith by seeing beyond the walls. The Wall that looks so incredibly difficult will come down with the SHOUT (action on our part) of faith. We can know that our victory will be on the other side.

In my own life recently, I had an opportunity to put this into action. My new great granddaughter became ill with a cold and a fever. I felt that I should go and pray for her even though I was sick myself. Within hours after arriving home, her fever had come down and was normal by morning. This is where faith couldn't wait. Like shouting the walls down, I acted on what God's Word tells us to do. Even though I didn't have an abundance of faith at that moment, I knew I needed to believe and leave the end result in God's hands.

So if in your life you find a wall that needs to come down, begin to SPEAK and SHOUT, because FAITH WON'T WAIT.

Lord,

Sometimes when I look

At my life

It seems like a homespun

Patch-work quilt…

Quaint, but not quite “together”!

There are bits and pieces of

Cloths and colors,

Scraps of material.

The days of my life.



When you began to put together

The days of my life

You must have known

Where each piece would go…

You’ve told me that I am

Fearfully and wonderfully

Made…

And I believe you, Lord,

I do!

I may not be velvet tapestry,

But even crazy quilts

Have purpose,

To give warmth and

Cozy comfort and

Color to a room!



Whatever I am, Lord,

You made me…

Lovingly,

Carefully,

Reverently,

And exactly right!



Author Joy M. Davis

Psalm 139:13-16

When a relationship or job ends, look at it as being
pushed out so you can be pushed up.

It may not feel good right now knowing you've got to start all over again. It may seem unfair and frightening. Just begin to realize there is a reason and season for everything. Great things
new things can happen if you can just hold on to your faith,
positive attitude and self-determination to rise again.
Sometimes a kick in the butt pushes us forward. Don't
stay stuck in your misery and focus on your circumstances.
Get up! Move forward and focus on your choices. Even if it
doesn't seem as if you have some choices, you can chose
your attitude. Will you be pissed off, pitiful, depressed,
indifferent or hopeful? The next move is on you!"
by Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Inner-tainer


e-mail - Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net. Get motivated
when you visit www.DoNotGiveUp.net

Thursday's Thought For Today
"Only by doing the work on ourselves that is required to heal mental, emotional, and psychological wounds can we ever hope to be whole in our spirits."


Friday's Thought for Today
"I know that when we learn to love and honor ourselves, there is nothing that we cannot do, say or have unless we make the choice not to. I also know that when we have this kind of love in our hearts, the truth, as shocking as it may be, will in the end save us a lot of grief. I also know that when we learn to live from a consciousness of truth, responsibility, integrity, and unconditional love, the things we once wanted will no longer be satisfying."

MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT By Gail Rodgers

Shelly spent a lot of time and energy thinking about herself and her needs. The needs of others were often an intrusion and a frustration. She felt that she just needed to find herself right now.

It's true that there are times in life when we need to catch our breath and regroup after change has come our way. But God cautions us not to stay there.

In these busy days we live in we often feel tempted to back away from people and keep as much of our lives to ourselves as possible. Sometimes a deep loneliness in our spirit develops as we try to cocoon ourselves.

God invites you to deposit your life into His hands or His account. He wants to use your life to touch others and bring you fulfillment in the process.

He says, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).

God created you as a package that is uniquely you. He put gifts, ideas and passions into you that He wants to bring back to the surface to be used by Him to touch others. This is where you will find your greatest fulfillment...in letting the God who created you work through your uniqueness to touch others.

Be careful not to spend your days just in "finding yourself". Deposit your life into God's account for Him to spend in ways that will amaze you and bless you as He uses you to do just what He created you to do.

~ Father God, sometimes I feel wearied by people and all their needs and demands. Thank You that You have created me uniquely. Thank You that when I put myself in Your hands You will use my uniqueness to touch some other life... and I will be blessed. Today I deposit my life in Your account believing, that as I spend my life for Your sake, I will actually find myself. Thank You for Your amazing grace that can use me as I am today because You will flow through me. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit so I may walk today in Your plans for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

ENOUGH
 

Thought for Today:

ENOUGH!


A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella, and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will not always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers... and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing, and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world ... and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away.

You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship.

You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms... just to make you happy.

And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK ... and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less.

And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise.

You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels the soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve ... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time-FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live on your terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things.

You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about-a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you to make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. --author unknown to me


"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!" Psalm 139:13-18

God's Green Thumb
 

GOD'S GREEN THUMB

They shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. -- Ezekiel 36:35 (KJV)

My daughter was living with me during a desolate season in her life.
She woke up one morning and found me watering my last living plant, whose withered leaves drooped from the neglected plant. I used to have a green thumb. Now plants seem to dry up at a mere glance from me.

"Mom, I dreamed about that plant last night," my daughter began. "I was taking care of it, and it was beautiful and thriving."

I looked at her with rising compassion. "You are the plant," I said. "Just as you nurtured the plant in your dreams, God cares for you. With God's care, you will thrive."

"Thanks for that, Mom," she said, smiling.

God has a green thumb. Seeing the variety of plants that cover the earth leaves me in awe. But God's talents don't end there. God takes our withering souls and causes us to spring forth in new splendor, to bear much fruit.

Prayer: Nurturing God, nourish our souls with living water so the
barren areas of our lives bear fruit. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How is God caring for me today?

-- Jeri Darby (Michigan, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those whose lives seem to be withering

June 4

Strength Made Perfect

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

-- (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When you run into an impossible situation, a situation you simply don't
have the strength or the ability to handle, are you often tempted to
simply give up and accept defeat? Don't! Instead shout, "Glory!" because
the Word says God's strength is about to be made perfect in you.

The word translated "strength" in this scripture is dunamis. It means
"God's miracle-working power." Just think about that. When your human
strength ends, God has promised that His miraculous power will bring you
through!

If you'll look in Acts 14, you can see that promise in action. The
apostle Paul was stoned by a group of Jews, taken out of the city and
left for dead. Paul's human strength had ended. He was absolutely
powerless.

But the disciples gathered around him and prayed, and the Lord raised
him up and he went on his way. In other words, when Paul didn't have
enough human strength to overcome, God's miracle-working power was
sufficient for him. It enabled him to be an overcomer in spite of his
weakness!

So, if you are facing a crisis today. If you're sick and medicine has
failed you. If your finances are out of control. If your family is
falling apart. If bad habits have you hopelessly bound. If you've done
absolutely all you know to do and you still haven't gotten results. Then
rejoice! For when human strength ends, the power of God excels! Only
believe! God's grace is sufficient for you!


-- Gloria Copeland

SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 14:1-22

Hang On To Each Other
 

Thought for Today:

HANG ON TO EACH OTHER


Too often we feel alone. But there is always someone ready to take our hand. There is a beautiful story of an overworked nurse who escorted a tired, young man to her patient's bedside. Leaning over and speaking loudly to the elderly patient, she said, "Your son is here."

With great effort, his unfocussed eyes opened, then flickered shut again. The young man squeezed the aged hand in his and sat beside the bed. Throughout the night he sat there, holding the old man's hand and whispering words of comfort.

By morning's light, the patient had died. In moments, hospital staff swarmed into the room to turn off machines and remove needles. The nurse stepped over to the young man's side and began to offer sympathy, but he interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked.

The startled nurse replied, "I thought he was your father!"

"No, he was not my father," he answered. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then, why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I realized he needed his son and his son wasn't here," the man explained. "And since he was too sick to recognize that I was not his son, I knew he needed me."

Mother Teresa used to remind us that nobody should have to die alone. Likewise, nobody should have to grieve alone or cry alone either. Or laugh alone or celebrate alone.

We are made to travel life's journey hand in hand. There is someone ready to grasp your hand today. And someone hoping you will take theirs. --author unknown to me


"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. " 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

Burdens
 

Why is my burden so heavy? I slammed the office door and
leaned against it.
Is there no rest from this life? I wondered. I stumbled to my desk and dropped into my chair, pressing my face into my arms to shut out the frustrations of my existence.

"Oh God," I cried, Let me sleep. Let me sleep forever and never wake up! With a deep sob I willed myself into oblivion, then welcomed the blackness that came over me.

Light surrounded me as I regained consciousness. I focused on the source.

The figure of a man standing before a cross.

My child, the Person asked, why did you want to come to
me before I am ready to call you?

Lord, I'm sorry. It's just that... I can't go on. You see how hard it is for me. Look at this awful burden on my back. I simply can't carry it anymore.

But haven't I told you to cast all of your burdens upon me, because I care for you? My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

I knew You would say that. But why does mine have to be so heavy?

My child, everyone in the world has a burden. Perhaps you would like to try a different one?

I can do that?

He pointed to several burdens lying at His feet. You may try any of these.

All of them seemed to be of equal size. But each was labeled with a name.

There's Joan's, I said. Joan was married to a wealthy businessman. She lived in a sprawling estate and dressed her three daughters in the prettiest designer clothes. Sometimes she drove me to church in her Cadillac when my car was broken.

"Let me try that one." How difficult could her burden be? I thought. The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank my knees beneath its weight. Take it off! I said. What makes it so heavy?

Look inside.

I untied the straps and opened the top. Inside was a figure of her Mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak.

Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son, it began. He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren... I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to resolve her epilepsy. A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs, he had been convicted of killing a police officer.

"I see why her burden is so heavy, Lord. But she's always smiling and helping others. I didn't realize."

Would you like to try another? He asked quietly.

I tested several. Paula's felt heavy: She was raising four small boys without a father. Debra's did too. A childhood of abuse and a marriage of emotional abuse.

When I looked at another, I didn't even try. I knew that inside I would find arthritis, old age, a demanding full-time job, and a beloved husband in a nursing home. They're all too heavy, Lord," I said. Give me back my own.". As I lifted the familiar load once again, It seemed much lighter than the others did.

Lets look inside He said.

I turned away, holding it close. That's not a good idea," I said.

Why?

There's a lot of junk in there.

Let Me see.

His gentle voice compelled me. I opened my burden. He pulled out a brick.

Tell me about this one.

Lord, You know. It's money. I know we don't suffer like people in some countries or even the homeless here in America. But we have no insurance, and when the kids get sick, we can't always take them to the doctor. They've never been to a dentist. And I'm tired of dressing them in hand-me-downs."

My child, I will supply all of your needs... and your children's. I've given them healthy bodies. I will teach them that expensive clothing doesn't make a person valuable in my sight. Then He lifted out the figure of a small boy.

"And this?" He asked. Andrew..." I hung my head, ashamed to call my son a burden. But, Lord, he's hyperactive. He's not quiet like the other two. He makes me so tired. He's always getting hurt, and someone is bound to think I abuse him. I yell at him all the time. Someday I may really hurt him.

"My child," He said, "If you trust Me, I will renew your strength, if you allow Me to fill you with My Spirit, I will give you patience." Then He took some pebbles from my burden.

"Yes, Lord," I said with a sigh. Those are small. But they're important. I hate my hair. It's thin, and I can't make it look nice. I can't afford.to go to the beauty shop. I'm overweight and can't stay on a diet. I hate all my clothes. I hate the way I look!

"My child, people look at your outward appearance, but I look at your heart. By My Spirit you can gain self-control to lose weight. But your beauty should not come from outward appearance. Instead, it should come from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in My sight.

My burden now seemed lighter than before. I guess I can handle it now," I said.

"There is more, He said. "Hand Me that last brick. Oh, You don't have to take that. I can handle it." My child, give it to me. Again His voice compelled me. He reached out His
hand, and for the first time I saw the ugly wound.

But, Lord, this brick is so awful, so nasty, so...Lord! What happened to Your hands? They're so scarred!

No longer focused on my burden, I looked for the first time into His face. In His brow were ragged scars as though someone had pressed thorns into His flesh. Lord, I whispered. What happened to you?" His loving eyes reached into my soul.

"My child, you know. Hand me the brick. It belongs to Me. I bought it."

How? "With My blood."

But why, Lord?

"Because I have loved you with an everlasting love. Give the last brick to me."

I placed the filthy brick into His wounded palm. It contained the entire dirt and evil of my life: my pride, my selfishness, and the depression that constantly tormented me. He turned to the cross and hurled my brick into the pool of blood at its base. It hardly made a ripple.

"Now, My child, you need to go back. I will be with you always. When you are troubled, call to Me and I will help you and show you things you cannot imagine.

Yes, Lord, I will call on you.

I reached to pick up my burden.

"You may leave that here if you wish. You see all these burdens? They are the ones that others have left at my feet. Joan's, Paula's, Debra's, Ruth's... When you leave your burden here, I carry it with you. Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

As I placed my burden with Him, the light began to fade. Yet I heard Him whisper, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. A peace flooded my soul.

To be honest, I never read this thread. I have no reason not to. I just didn't. But tonight, I stopped in and decided to read the last post from CT4 about burdens and I began to cry. It was meant for me to read that. Sometimes, I am so moody and depressed about anything, nothing, and eveything. I always think that other people have it easier than I do and that I was dealt a bad hand in life. That post made me think and I am thankful that CT4 posted it, as well as the Lord guiding me in here to read it.

My mama sent it to me 3 days ago and I almost just deleted it without reading it. I am glad I was obedient to God's spirit speaking to me.


I come read this thread a lot. . .:)

Live Life to the Fullest Now
 

Maybe you are stuck in a dead-end job while all those around you are experiencing satisfying careers. Maybe you are an older, single woman waiting for Mr. Right while others younger than are experiencing marital bliss. Perhaps you have had difficulty starting a family when all your friends are having their second or third child.

Whatever the case, when you are waiting for God to fulfill your deepest desires, you can feel barren, stuck, and unable to move ahead; that is, if you let your expectations or others expectations of when and how things should happen rule your life.

It is my belief now, after having had many pity parties over being single and awaiting a blossoming career, that it isn't what you do or don't have that ultimately makes you happy or unhappy. It is how you approach those "barren" times that is the key to living a full life.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b, NIV). He didn't say life starts only after you get married, or when you finally get pregnant, or when you are healed, or when you land your dream job. No, you can live life to the full now.

Hear me on this one: You are not bound by your circumstances. You can let circumstances keep you bound, causing you to wallow in self pity or to blame others for your ill fate, but ultimately you don't have to answer to your circumstances, because they don't define who you are or what you will become. Your success or failure does not depend on where you are in life right now. You are God's child, and in Him your future is guaranteed to be bright.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That's the good news we learn from Jeremiah 29:11.

But often, we deceive ourselves into believing that God has better plans for others than He has for us, that He is blessing others more than He is blessing us.

If we let our minds follow this line of fallacious reasoning, we can become envious of the circumstances, social status, possessions, or talents of another. This is what the Bible considers "coveting," and it is the quickest way to ruin the work of God in your life.

While we are obsessing about what others have, we inevitably see the lack in our own lives. This makes us dissatisfied. Our jealousy leads to arguments, which will cause rifts in our relationships with others. Eventually, our covetous nature will poison our relationship with the Lord as we start to blame Him for our circumstances.

Did you know that when you accuse the Lord of not giving you what you want while you see others getting it, you are cursing the Lord and denying that all good and perfect gifts come from God (see James 1:17)?

But we don't see it this way. We continue to justify our behavior by reminding the Lord that we deserve to be happy and that we are only asking what others already have. Is it too much to ask the Lord to give us the same as others?

That kind of attitude will get us nowhere. God will not honor any requests made in selfishness and bitterness. He cannot, because He is holy and He is continually in the business of making you and I holy. And being holy means that He must wrench out those filthy motives. We must have clean hearts and hands before Him.

Don't get into the habit of comparing yourself with someone else. For one, it's sin. As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." We are therefore fools if we keep on measuring ourselves with those around us.

Second, who said you had to have the same timetable as someone else? "Well, so-and-so got married at 21, so I should, too," we reason. But the truth is that we each have our own timetables. In fact, as Christians, we are under God's timetable. We have inherited His day planner.

For some of you, this perspective on time may be frustrating, because God's timing often seems so slow, but I say it is one of the most freeing truths out there. The fact that I am not bound by time, that I am not bound by my own self-impinging deadlines is truly life changing. Knowing that my life is in His hands means I can concentrate less on checking boxes off my own checklist and let Him worry about it. I can take the focus off of myself, because I am not the ultimate ruler of my own destiny.

God says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). For some of us, that is a tough lesson. But when we focus on what we have rather than what we don't have or what others have, we experience joy and peace in knowing that God has provided greatly for us already.

We need not fear that God has forgotten us, because we can see His proven track record of faithfulness. And we need not worry that life is passing us by, because when we are in Christ, time and purpose are in God's hands.

When we focus on what He has done, we are focusing on Him. And when we set our minds on Him and choose to delight ourselves in the Lord, guess what He will do for us? He will give us the desires of our heart! (Check out Psalm 37:4.)

What does delight in Him mean? It means we can't be wasting our time arguing and complaining. It means we can't waste time striving to meet our own timetable. It means we can't waste time wishing we had what others have. All of those ways of thinking and acting will keep us in the wilderness, emotionally bankrupt and spiritually dry.

The way out of our barren moments is to enjoy the Lord right where we are.

You can bloom where you are planted. Give it to the Lord. Maybe it's not your season for marriage. Then it is a season for personal growth. It may not be your season for child-rearing, but it may be your season to reach out to your community. The key is not to waste those precious years where you can have a positive influence on others and be blessed in return.

Life doesn't start at 20 or 30 or 40. Life starts today. And when you mess up or miss the mark or find yourself in disappointing circumstances, you can rest in the mercies of the Lord, which are new every day, and look to Him with a thankful heart as you move through your own seasons of life.
___________________________________________-

http://www.cbn.org/living/family/rel...s-livelife.asp

Keep Dreaming!!
 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Keep Your Dream Alive


By Charlene Israel
Staff Writer

Don't let fear, intimidation, doubt, lack of finances, etc., dictate to you that you can't fulfill your dream. Talk back to these killers. Tell them, "I can and will fulfill my destiny, my dream."

Do you have a dream -- something that you've always seen yourself doing? Perhaps you see yourself as a pastor, business owner, or even a news anchor. Whatever dream God has given you, don't let it die.

A dream is a wonderful thing. It can give you hope for your future and encourage you to try when all odds are against you. But beware, there are dream killers that want to snuff the life out of your dream. Don't let them do it!

People who can't or don't want to see your dream fulfilled can kill your dream. They may tell you that it is impossible for you, that you are not smart enough or that it's never been done before. However, many times the biggest dream killer is you.

Don't let fear, intimidation, doubt, lack of finances, etc., dictate to you that you can't fulfill your dream. Talk back to these killers. Tell them, "I can and will fulfill my destiny, my dream." You may have to do this everyday, but that's ok. The more you instill within your heart that you can do it, your dream will be held safe within you.

It is very important to take steps towards fulfilling your dream. For me, in order to fulfill my dream of one-day owning my own magazine, I needed to go back to school and finish my college degree. For you, it may be something different. You know deep inside what the voice of your dream calls for. Don't be afraid, just do it. Try not to let too much time go by. Time is another one of those dream killers.

Meditate on the words of a song by Yolanda Adams, "Keep the dream alive, don't let it die, it's something deep inside, keeps inspiring me to try, don't stop and never give up, don't ever give up on you. Sometimes, life can place a stumbling block in your way, but you've got to keep the faith…"

When you dream, dream BIG, and never give up. There's no law that says you have to dream small. Your dream is just that, yours. Never let anyone tell you that your dream can't happen, it can! Nurture your dream. Keep seeing yourself do what's never been done before. As you continue to feed your dream and protect it, not only will you keep it alive, but it has no other choice but to come forth!

Ephesians 3:20 sums it up this way:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.




http://www.cbn.org/spirituallife/dev...rael_dream.asp

Osceola McCarty
 

Oseola McCarty

" WHAT THIS WOMAN HAS DONE WILL BE TOLD, AND PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER HER " MARK 14 : 9 (NCV)

The woman who anointed Jesus' feet wasn't looking for attention or trying to

impress anybody, she was just expressing her love for Him. But Jesus said, 'What this woman has done will be told and people will remember her.' Her act of love earned her a place in history.

Oseola McCarty lived in poverty in the Deep South of the USA. She left school early to care for a sick family member, taking in laundry for 50 cents a load. After paying her bills, she put the rest into savings. For years she lived a frugal life of quiet integrity, attending church, reading her Bible and praying every day.

When she was 86, she discovered to her amazement that she'd accumulated $250,000. The bank asked what she'd like to do with it. She'd always lived simply and wasn't about to change. So what did she do?

Oseola McCarty decided that others should have what she had gone without - an education. In 1995, she donated $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi, without asking that a single brick be named in her honour. When word got out, she received numerous honours, including a Presidential Citizenship Award from the White House and an honorary doctorate from Harvard. She travelled the country being honoured by people who wanted to meet a modern-day saint.

What will history say about you? Greatness isn't measured by birth, wealth or fame. You've already got what you need to be great in God's eyes! But you must be willing to invest into something bigger than yourself!

-Bob Gass

A good way to start out the week
 

What needs are you facing in your life? Go through the Bible right now and find the promises of God that relate to that need (Matthew 11:24). Then lift those promises to God as you pray, reminding yourself of His faithfulness -- and using the Sword of the Spirit against the devil.

Let's pray together:

Lord,
I stand on your promises today as I pray for revival in my life, and in the lives of those who I am praying for.

I stand on the same promise that Paul gave to the jailer -- that if I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ I will be saved and so will my household.

I stand on your promise that you forgive all my iniquities, and you heal all my diseases.

I stand on your promise that if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

Finally, Lord, I stand on your promise that if I have faith and don't doubt, I can say to a mountain, `May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen' (Matthew 21:21).

Thank you, Father, that you hear my prayer when I ask in faith. And thank you that you are faithful to answer.

In Jesus' name, Amen.


Be BLESSED!


From www.cbn.org