WORRY IS NOT YOUR FWEND

by Craig Groeschel
Worry (or not trusting God) has been a significant issue in my life. Although I believe in God, I’ve trusted more in my own abilities than I have in His faithfulness. For Christian Atheists, our worry proves we don’t trust in God as we claim to. We think, I know God’s a good God and all that, but I’ve got this situation handled. And when it turns out we don’t have it handled, then it falls to us – not God – to fix it.

Worry reminds me of my feelings about snakes. I hate snakes. I hate them worse than Indian Jones does. It was a serpent that seduced all of mankind into the fall, after all. Coincidence? I think not. Snakes in general freak me out, but bringing venomous vipers into the equation adds another diabolical dimension. My family lives in a heavily wooded area, where we’re basically besieged by poisonous snakes.

One day, when my son Bookie (whose real name is Stephen Craig) was about two years old, he was playing on our front porch. We were all doing different things around the yard when suddenly we heard Bookie squealing with delight. He was jumping up and down, calling out, “My fwend! My fwend! Daddy, look! He’s my fwend!”

I strolled over and asked, “Bookie, where’s your fwend? Is it an imaginary fwend?”

Bookie chirped, “No, Daddy!” and pointed excitedly. “Look! My fwend!” And there, directly at his feet, was a small rattlesnake. In case you didn’t already know, a rattlesnake is not your fwend. I jerked Bookie away from the snake, the stomped on the snake’s head and crushed it – immediately after I first cut off its head with a shovel.

Many of us treat worry like our fwend. We don’t consciously think or talk about it that way, of course, but how we live tells a different story. We clutch worry to our chests like our favorite stuffed animals from childhood. We have many different euphemisms to mask this sin:

“I'm concerned about something.”
“I have some issues I'm working through.”
“I have a lot on my mind.”

Using such substitute terminology makes me sound like I'm really smart, like I'm an important person with big things going on.

But no matter what you call it, worry is still a sin. In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything. Romans 14:23 says, “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.” That is pretty clear to me. Worry is the opposite of faith; therefore, it’s sin.

When we live by faith, we believe that God has everything under control. But if we start to worry, how we live says the opposite. If we are worried about losing our jobs, we are essentially saying that our jobs are our providers. But isn’t God our provider? What if God has something else planned for us? And what if, as unpleasant as it may be to think about, the path to that “something else” is through some pain? Will we still trust in God to provide during that time?

Worry, in essence, is the sin of distrusting the promises and the power of God. It’s choosing to dwell on, to think about, the worst case scenario. It’s faith in the bad things rather than faith in God. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT) In this verse, you could easily translate “fear and timidity” as “anxiety, tension, and worry.” Fear doesn’t come from God. It’s a tool the evil one uses to distract us from our true purpose here.

In Matthew 6:25, Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” The Greek word Jesus uses for “life” is psuche (SUE-kay). It doesn’t just mean your breathing life, the force that makes your body go. It actually means every aspect of your life, taken together in total: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It means your yesterday, today, and future life. Jesus is simply saying don’t worry about anything.

The Christian Atheist may do everything humanly possible to ensure a situation’s positive outcome, and still worry, I can’t just let this sit. I have to do more. But if we’ve honestly done everything we can, by definition we can’t do anything more. And in many cases nothing’s going to go wrong anyway; there’s really nothing you can do about a nonexistent worse-case scenario. So in our powerlessness we settle for the only thing left within our control: we worry.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything.” And it doesn’t just tell what not to do. It tells us what to do as well. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Honestly, do you want your worry back? It’s not your fwend. The promise of Philippians 4:7 is that when you give it to him, “you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds.” (NLT) So stop worrying. And take advantage of what he’s offering. Do what you can, and then trust God to do what you cannot do: “Here you go, God. Say hello to my little fwend.”

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." — Exodus 25:8-9

After God had given the people His law in the Ten Commandments and they had agreed that "Everything the LORD has said we will do," God once again summoned Moses to meet with Him atop Mt. Sinai. This time God told Moses to have the people build Him a place where He could dwell among them.

This tabernacle, which means "tent," "place of dwelling," or "sanctuary," would be the sacred place where God would meet His people, and accept their worship and sacrifices. Located at the very heart of their camp, the tabernacle would be an unmistakable powerful visual statement of God's presence among the people. His presence was visible to them as a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire at night.

God knew His people needed this visual evidence if they were to become His people. This moveable tent would help them sense God's guidance and protection as they journeyed to the Promised Land. It also would encourage them to be obedient — a reminder the people needed, especially after building a golden calf to worship in Moses' absence. Out of sight, out of mind!

But the tabernacle was more than just a dwelling place. It was also an object lesson in God's relationship to the people. God told Moses to create the tabernacle exactly the way He commanded. It was not to stray from His blueprint: Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you" (v. 9). The ensuing specific instructions were not intended to be a burden to the people, but rather to show God's unquestionable authority and holiness. They were meant to remind the people that they could only come to God on His terms — not on their own.

The very fact that God desired a place to reside among His people should be an encouragement for us all. God is not some distant, disinterested caretaker of His creation. No, the God of the Bible shows over and over His desire for a relationship with His people. He wants to live among us, even in our hearts. As we spend time with God in prayer and in studying His word, we are welcoming Him to "tabernacle" with us and be our Sustainer and Protector.

Invite God to "tabernacle" with you today.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Learn to chill out when life heats up

Have you ever lost your car keys? You frantically search, knowing they should be exactly where you left them. And as soon as you realize they’re gone, you lose your peace.

I remember when Dave and I wanted to have extra keys made to our safety deposit box. Knowing he had the original key, I asked him for it. He said he didn’t know where it was.



Days passed. I contacted the bank and was told if we wanted to have a new key made, it would cost us $200. That reminded me: Dave had done this before. He’d also lost the key to a previous box, and we had to have that lock replaced.

On the fourth morning of searching for the key that I knew Dave had, the thought came to me: I wonder if I have that key. Dave came in just as I exited my closet with a safety deposit key dangling between my fingers. To top it all off, I also found the other key from the first box. Both were marked Safety Deposit Box.

The amazing thing was that we remained peaceful through all four days of searching. It wasn’t easy; but it is possible to live with peace no matter what the circumstance.

What causes us to lose our peace? Lots of things—running late, traffic jams, spilled coffee. That’s why it’s so important to “exercise” walking in peace every day. For example, you have to decide when to close your mouth and to not be easily offended. And you have to be OK with being wrong sometimes.

Psalm 34:14 says, “Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!” (The Amplified Bible). You can’t just sit back and wish for peace, wish the devil would leave you alone, or wish that people would do what you want. You have to make up your mind to crave peace.

There is a way to immediately increase your peace. For many years, even though I knew it was God’s plan that I have peace, I managed to stay upset all the time. God showed me that Satan sets us up to get upset. If I wanted to live in peace, I was going to have to do it on purpose. Several ways I approached life needed to change. I also received some important advice: Take a serious inventory of what you do, what you’re spending your time on and what you’re committed to do.

God never called us to be busy. He called us to be fruitful.

I encourage you to take an inventory of what you do throughout the day. You might be doing something God’s not asking you to do, or something He was asking you to do but isn’t anymore.

I once heard of a guard who watched over a certain plot of ground at Buckingham Palace in England. For 100 years, 24 hours a day, that plot of land had been guarded.

Finally, someone asked, “What are you guarding?” He didn’t know and simply said it had been under guard for 100 years.

It turned out that the queen had planted some rose bushes there and wanted to make sure they grew. Now, a century later, a guard stood where a rose bush once stood—guarding nothing.

Are there things you’re doing but you don’t know why you’re doing them anymore? Are you doing “stuff” that isn’t bearing fruit? Is busyness stealing your peace?

For God’s Word to bear fruit in our lives, it must be sown in a peaceful heart of someone who works for and makes peace. All believers have a responsibility to maintain a spirit of peace so God can spread His Word in and through them.

Are you looking for a breakthrough in your life but no matter how hard you try, it’s not coming? It’s more than likely because you are not living in peace.

So I urge you—crave peace, seek after it, and go for it with all your might!



Read more: http://charismamag.com/index.php/blogs/joyce-meyer/28959-how-to-keep-your-cool#ixzz15GyAs1S4

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

The Hard Fight Against Lust
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar


The American Heritage Dictionary defines lust as “a sexual craving, especially excessive or unrestrained; any overwhelming desire or craving.” While there are many types of lust, sexual lust is probably one of the most dangerous because it is a seed that, when planted, can produce a harvest of fornication and even death.


James 1:14-15 (AMP) says, “But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.”

Anytime you have an overwhelming sexual desire for someone who is not your spouse, it has the potential to kill you and pull you away from the will of God for your life.

Why do people give in to sexual lust? Because it “feels good” or because they don’t really believe that there are consequences. The truth of the matter is that lust can be difficult to control because it is a desire that cannot be quenched. Lust will never be satisfied; it must always have more.

To combat lust, you must create boundaries in your life that help keep you out of potentially compromising situations. If you’re single, for example, avoid late-night visits and phone conversations with members of the opposite sex.

Or, if you know you are challenged in this area, confide in a friend who can keep you accountable and help you maintain your purity. But the best way to quench the fire of lust is through the Word of God. It is always the best source of power when it comes to defeating any type of sin, including lust. If you are struggling with lust, follow these steps to help you overcome this sin in your life:

1) Focus on the will of God. When you choose to give your attention to anything that opposes God’s Word, you leave yourself vulnerable for lust to enter your mind, body and spirit. It then conceives and brings forth sin, and eventually leads to death. Stay focused on God’s will and plan for your life. Stay on track!

2) Guard your eyes and ears. If you conceive a child, nine months later a child will be born. It is the same way with lust. If you sit up all night watching pornography, for example, that seed will be planted into your spirit and you’ll eventually see the results of it in your life. Make it a point to monitor the material you allow into your spirit through your eyes and ears. It really does have an ability to alter your behavior.

3) Think about the Word. Satan’s most powerful weapon is the power of suggestion. His job is to try to inject a pattern of thinking into your mind that goes against the Word of God. But if you continue to read and study God’s Word, your mind will be better equipped to discern the truth from Satan’s lies.

4) Speak the Word. Try this exercise. Count to yourself from 1 to 10, keeping your mouth closed. Now say out loud, “Glory Hallelujah!” What happened to your counting? It stopped. Why? Because it was captured by what was coming out of your mouth. You can combat lustful thoughts and desires by shifting your focus to the Word of God and making daily verbal confessions over your life about your purity and wholeness in Christ.

Make this confession over your life: Father, I thank You that today I am free from the spirit of lust. I will no longer think lustful thoughts, but instead I will think on things that are true, things that are noble, just and pure (Philippians 4:8).

I walk in complete victory and self-control over my mind and my body in Jesus’ name, amen!

Scripture Of The Day: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." - Romans 13:14 (ESV)

streamingfaith.com

HEAVEN ON EARTH

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD." — Psalm 122:1

If you were to imagine heaven on earth, what would it look like? A tropical paradise? A mountaintop hide-away? A place where all your favorite people are gathered? A place that is stress-free — no disease, no disasters, no disappointments?

What about a place where it is always the Sabbath?

For the Jew, that is exactly how heaven — or the world to come — is described. Life in heaven is described as a time when it is always Sabbath, a time when the beauty and tranquility of Shabbat are constantly felt. In other words, Jews believe that the observance of Shabbat enables us to experience a taste of that world to come and gives us a glimpse of that ideal state of creation experienced by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The concept of Sabbath is so central to the Jewish faith and life. More Jewish literature — legal, mystical, and homiletic — has been written on this topic than on any other. It is described by the rabbis as shekulah kineged kol hamitzvot, "of equal import to all the rest of the commandments put together." Those who observe the Sabbath are regarded as if they have observed the entire Torah.

Everything we do points to Shabbat. It is a day that rejuvenates our spirits, replenishes our strength, and revitalizes us so that we can face another week. But it has a deeper meaning as the epitome of sanctified living. The Sabbath is observed not for the sake of the rest of the week, but rather, the rest of the week is the prologue for the arrival of Shabbat. We live each day in anticipation of the Sabbath.

What would it look like if you fashioned your week in anticipation of spending time with God? If you carved out time each week when — truly — no work was done, phones were turned off, the TV was silent? How might this refresh and rejuvenate you? How might it change your relationship with God?

As the Jewish philosopher Abraham Heschel wrote, the Sabbath is "an island in time."

Sounds a bit like heaven on earth, doesn't it?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Today is the day the nation celebrates a day of Thanksgiving. But we must remember that as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ EVERY day is a day of Thanksgiving for us.

We should start our day when we open our eyes thanking Him. Thank Him that you are able to get up and do for yourself. We are able to cook and feed ourselves. We can talk, see, and breathe on our own. We should be thankful that He supplies all our needs and requirements. As a believer we DO NOT go without nor are we ever in lack. He never lefts or forsake us.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45 and Matthew 12:34. Is God in your heart? Is goodness coming out when you speak? Do you gripe and complain all the time? No one on this earth wants to be around a person like that. No, like God we like to be around people who are happy in the Lord. I do understand that all of our lives has its trials, its ups and downs, but in the midst of all this we are to give THANKS. Our mouth was made for praising God. What is your mouth saying? Mine wants to get to the grumping and complaining and then I think, "oh no, God forgive me. I am so thankful I am able to do whatsoever needs to be done.

The meek will inherit the earth. Being meek is not a sign of 'weakness' it is a sign of 'controlled power.' I am learning to be meek. I am one of those people who like to be in control of everything. I am learning to let go and let God. How bout you?

Every day we have so much to be thankful for. Remember the old song, 'Court your blessings, name them one by one?' Every day we should write down all the things we have to be thankful for and boy will we be surprised. I know I am. I am surrounded by people who love me and help take care of me. My family is a joy to be. My grandsons are such a light unto my soul. I am so thankful for my children. What a blessing from God they are. I am able to breathe on my own. I am able to praise God and being able to praise God is such a joy, blessing and most important praising God is my most thankful thing in my life. Hugging my children and grand children are and other thankful thing in my life. Ok, so I am rambling but these are the things that are important to me. What is your thankful life?

How many of you are grumping and tired from the cooking and cleaning that you have to do for this day? Don't you realize that we should be thankful that we are able to do all that needs to be done? Your family loves what you cook and being able to be with you on this day. How many days during the year do you call your family and say come on over tomorrow, I am cooking? Praise God that you are still alive and able to do all these things. Do you not realize that you really don't have to do all you do? Do you realize that you could be in a place where you can't be around your love ones and certainly not be able to cook and clean for your family. There are many people in that situation right today. I was there this time last year. So you better know that I am thankful for this day the Lord has given me.

So be blessed on this day and every other day of our lives. Praise God, like David, old and I have never the righteous forsaken or begging for bread. Thank you Jesus.

Linda/rECj

STANDING TOGETHER

Verse 20 continues Peter and John's response to the Sanhedrin's command for them to be silent about Jesus, "we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." There are three key points in this statement: the first is the effectiveness of your own personal witness (what you have seen and heard), in other words the work God has done in your own life and those close to you; the second, they were so directed by God and filled with the Spirit, they couldn't "help" themselves from speaking about it; the third is in the word "we" -- witnessing is so much easier when we do it with other people.

A solitary witness to an event is not as impacting as multiple witnesses. A single witness' testimony can be disputed (perception, dependability, accuracy, motivation, etc.), but here standing before the Sanhedrin was not only the evidence of the miracle (the cripple healed), but all three (Peter, John, and the cripple) giving credit to Jesus and using the opportunity to preach the gospel. It was very persuasive, especially because "all the people were praising God for what had happened" as well.

So often we can feel alone, isolated, and attacked. But our witness can be so much more effective when we team up and draw strength from one another as our testimony is supported.

pocketpower.org

IS YOUR GIFT BIGGER THAN YOU?

By Bishop Donald Hilliard

You wouldn’t give your 5-year-old a 12-gauge shotgun or a big Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Shotguns and motorcycles are great – but they’re for adults. You need maturity to handle them. Giving such gifts to your child would endanger them, and everybody else around them. The gifts just don’t fit the person.


Perhaps you’re a talented individual. God’s given you some large gifts like the ability to speak well, or organize things, or create and design. But we sabotage ourselves when our gift becomes bigger than we are. How does this happen? When we begin to lean on the talents God gave us and don’t mature emotionally and spiritually – we ruin our chance to use those talents as God designed them. When our character doesn’t keep up with our talent, we learn to “wing it” through life. We live on the surface but lack real strength underneath. And it shows up when the crisis hits, the storm comes, or we are under pressure. You can’t “wing it” when it comes to character building.

The greater the size of your gifts, the more you must dedicate time to developing your character. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the Psalmist in The Message: “God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this” (Ps 15:1-5 TM).

So, do you live that way?

Scripture Of The Day: "O Lord, who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with Integrity." - Psalm 15:1-2 (NAS)

WHAT IS RIGHT IN GOD'S SITE

Acts 4:14-19

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was no thing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God."

Here was a man, crippled since birth who was over forty years old standing before them (the Sanhedrin) -- healed. What could they say? They certainly couldn't deny it because everyone knew about it (verse 16, "everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle"). But the Sanhedrin needed to stop this thing from spreading, so what was their solution? Stop them (Peter and John) from giving credit to Jesus (verse 17, "speak no longer to anyone in this name").

I love Peter and John's reply, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God." How often do we, when confronted with opposition to the gospel, sidestep around an issue or even worse be silent? Who will you obey, the world or God? Will you succumb to societal and peer pressure, or will you stand firm in your convictions and beliefs?

But what if the choice isn't black and white -- what if there are different points of view or perspectives? After all, the Bible doesn't speak specifically to every issue on which we may be confronted. For me the answer is in the phrase "in God's sight". This really cleans up the doubt (although I don't always like the answer). "Right in God's sight" is not always the most obvious, easiest, least confrontational, or convenient. But it is always right. The next time you feel a little confused on the right thing to do, place it in God's sight. Your decision will become much clearer.

Have you been ignoring or sidestepping around an issue? For example, have you been trying to convince yourself that un-Christian language is okay on the golf course, or inappropriate joke telling is fine as long as it's with your friends? Answer this question, what is right in God's sight?

pocketpower.org

WHAT IS THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR LIFE

Acts 4:11-13

"He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The reference Peter makes to "the stone you builders rejected which has become the capstone" refers to Psalm 118:22. Tradition has it that in Solomon's day during the construction of the temple, the engineers called the quarry for the capstone (cornerstone is another translation). They responded saying, "We sent it to you weeks ago." But the builders, not knowing what it was (it didn't fit), rolled it into the Valley of Gehenna -- the place where all the refuse or waste went. They went searching and indeed found it there, this vitally important component of construction -- upon which everything else is based.

In other words, they received something they didn't understand, so they rejected it -- sent it away with all the garbage. But Peter tells us, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved." This man Jesus, the foretold messiah -- like the capstone was thrown away -- yet had great value.

Verse 13 tells us that when the Jewish leaders saw the courage of Peter and John, as well as the scholarly approach to scripture they were astonished -- they took note of the fact these men had been with Jesus. I think those words are worth repeating, "these men had been with Jesus". We too are changed from the inside out when we spend time with Jesus.

Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend with Jesus each day? If you are struggling in any area of your life, the solution will start with one-on-one time spent with the Lord. Begin slowly at first, commit to a time and a place, then stay committed. This time you spend with Jesus will become the most valuable part of your day. It will become the "cornerstone" in the construction of your life -- from which everything else is measured, adjusted, and built upon.

pocketpower.org

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

A Reason to Rejoice

Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. — Psalm 112:1

Everybody loves a party, especially when we have a reason to celebrate — the birth of a child, a marriage, a graduation or job promotion, a special holiday or birthday. But have you ever celebrated reading through the Bible?

Every year, we Jews celebrate Simchat Torah, which literally means "rejoicing in the Torah." It is a celebration of the completion of reading through the Torah over the previous year. You see, every Sabbath in synagogues around the world, Jews participate in public readings of the Torah, which comprises the first five books of the Bible. We begin with Genesis Chapter 1, and finish with Deuteronomy's closing words. When the annual cycle of readings is completed, it's time to celebrate! And then we begin the annual cycle all over again.

And, indeed, it is a joyous celebration. All the Torah scrolls are taken out of the Ark and carried around the sanctuary seven times. There's singing and dancing, and everyone is involved, from our eldest member to our children, who lead the procession.

Simchat Torah not only is a demonstration of love of God's Word and our gratefulness to God for giving us the gift of the Bible, but it also is a reminder for us that learning and studying God's Word never ends — it is a lifelong process because there is always more to understand. In fact, the Hebrew term for a great Torah scholar is talmid chakham, which means "wise student."

But you don't need to complete a set reading to rejoice in God's Word. In Psalm 112, the psalmist gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate when we "delight" in God's Word. Consider just a few of the reasons he gives: our children will be successful and an entire generation will be blessed (v. 2); we will enjoy prosperity and a reputation of righteousness (v. 3); we will not be fearful because we trust in the Lord (v. 4); and we'll enjoy honor and influence (v.9).

Take some time this week to reflect on the benefits you have received from spending time in God's Word. Celebrate the many reasons you have to rejoice!

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

GOD IS PRO CHOICE

No, not like that—His choice is for you to fulfill your destiny

God chose me. He didn’t just get stuck with me, and He didn’t settle for me because there was no one else He could choose. He deliberately chose me. And the same is true for you too.

I didn’t have a special talent when He chose me. The thing I do best is talk, and He’s made me a mouth in the body of Christ. My voice is unusual and unique—not the kind of voice you would think He would choose to broadcast all over the place. But God has given me the opportunity to speak to billions of people around the world. And I don’t always use correct grammar or pronounce words just right, but we don’t have to be polished according to the world’s standards to be used mightily by God.


People listen to me because God has anointed me to speak for Him—it’s part of His destiny for my life. And God will anoint whomever He chooses to work through. That includes you.

So whom does God use? He uses common, ordinary people like you and me. First Corinthians 1:27-28 says: “God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are” (The Amplified Bible).

When I started to preach the gospel, some of my friends rejected me—they didn’t think I should do that because I’m a woman. In fact, they told me I couldn’t do that.

I was doing it because God told me to do it, and I trusted that if He told me I could do it then I could do it. If you too are willing to have an uncommon goal, God can do something great through you!

Every common person can be used mightily by God. You just have to believe God can use you and be daring enough to embrace the goals or vision He puts in your heart.

What He wants you to do probably won’t make sense to you. But God isn’t expecting you to accomplish His goals in your strength or by your own understanding. He wants to do them through you. We simply need to cooperate with Him.

As I stepped out in faith to pursue God’s call on my life, I faced a lot of adversity. Here are several things I learned that helped me to keep going:

God’s Word is a border for my life. As long as I stay within the guidelines laid out in Scripture, I’ll have what I need—wisdom, understanding of God’s promises to me, righteousness, peace and joy—to do what I need to do. God is faithful and true to His Word.

I have to be willing to finish what I start. God uses committed people who aren’t led by emotion. It’s easy to be excited in the beginning when something is new, but the ones who cross the finish line are the ones who hang in there when no one else is excited anymore.

When no one is there to help me, I get to know Jesus very well. The narrow road of living for God and not conforming to the ways of the world is often lonely (see Matt. 7:13-14). But the trade-off of gaining real intimacy with Christ is worth more than anything you could ever get from the world.

God’s plan is a possibility but not a “positively.” I can choose to trust God and cooperate with Him, but if I don’t, His plan won’t just happen on its own.
You have a destiny. Ephesians 2:10 tells us God created us to do good works that He planned for us in advance.

His plans are great—not average or mediocre. We just have to be willing to do some things that are uncommon by the world’s standards to achieve them.

Read more: http://charismamag.com/index.php/blogs/joyce-meyer/29181-god-is-pro-choice#ixzz15Gov1wwP

WHAT ARE YOU POWERED BY?

Acts 4:5-10

The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."

This first question posed of Peter and John was fully loaded. It had been carefully crafted to end the stir created by these two men. The question, "By what power or what name did you do this?", was founded in the Old Testament scripture of Deuteronomy 13, which says that stoning to death is the punishment for any miracle done in any name other than Jehovah (God). Peter was aware of these consequences yet he forged ahead.

This is amazing to me because it was this same Peter who just a few weeks earlier had denied knowing Jesus to a girl, yet was now speaking boldly to the leaders of the Jewish community -- the same leaders who had crucified Jesus. The difference was whose control he was under -- who was he powered by? In front of the girl he was under his own power (full of fear and doubt), in front of the Jewish leaders he was powered by the Holy Spirit (full of knowledge and courage).

The next time you feel unworthy, think of Peter -- an unschooled ordinary man, a fisherman. The next time you feel you've blown it so badly God would never use you again -- think of Peter who denied Jesus, not once but three times. Yet God sees through our imperfections and finds a way to use us in spite of them -- we just need to remain willing.

Are you willing or have you given up? Have you talked yourself out of any useful purpose in the kingdom? There are only two things you need to do to get back to grace -- confess your sin and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. You will then have all the power, knowledge, and courage you need to accomplish any endeavor.

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PREPARING TO BE HEARD

Acts 4:1-4

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

The leaders of the Jewish community had a pretty significant problem on their hands. Peter and John continued to talk to the people, they couldn't keep them quiet, and the people were beginning to listen, so they put them in jail until the next day.

Witnessing is like that. It seems as if we're making no progress. Our words are falling on deaf ears. We have nothing but opposition, disagreement, and argumentative people. To make matters worse, we're put in jail, even if only figuratively -- in the present day it might be a new policy at work prohibiting religious discussions.

Whatever the circumstances, it can feel like you are making no progress at sharing the message. The encouragement for me is in Verse 4, "but many who heard the message believed". Despite the fact that Peter and John were now in jail -- many who had heard believed.

In our story, the people's hearts were prepared to hear by witnessing the healing of a man crippled since birth, someone they had all seen or known about. It wasn't as if these people had never heard about Jesus, His claims, or the claims of His followers. The difference was the circumstance -- before their eyes the cripple was healed -- the example or demonstration of Jesus power.

What is the example or power that is evident in your life? Think carefully about that. If you are having a problem with getting people to listen to you about Jesus, then it could be He is not evident in your life? You are the witness, is your life convincing?

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LISTENING TO INHERIT THE PROMISE

Acts 3:21-26

[Peter continues to speak] "He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

Peter is preaching on the porch of the temple, referencing Genesis, Deuteronomy, and 1 Samuel. How is it possible that Peter can speak with such force, confidence and clarity? He was certainly empowered by the Spirit, but he also knew the Scriptures and had paid careful attention to what Jesus said and did. In these verses, Peter is providing his listeners with an Old Testament prophecy road map to Jesus, the Messiah.

What do you think Moses meant when he said, "You must listen to everything he tells you," and "Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people"? Jesus gives us the answer to these questions in John 15:5-6 when He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."

Peter is telling his audience that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise, He is Abraham's "seed" or "offspring" through which "all people on earth will be blessed." Peter's message is simple: all scripture was fulfilled in Jesus -- so you better pay attention to what He said. That promise and instruction extends to you and me.

Are you guilty of listening to some things in Scripture, yet disagreeing with or ignoring other Scripture? What needs to change? Are you paying careful attention? How can you pay more careful attention?

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THE TIME FOR REFRESHING

Acts 3:17-20

Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you --even Jesus.

Here is the sequence Peter gives us: repentance, a turn toward God, sin is forgiven and forgotten (wiped out) -- then a time of "refreshing" occurs. This same pattern was repeated every forty years or so throughout Israel's history. For example, the people turned away from God (idol worship, etc.); they then were oppressed and suffered at the hands of an enemy; they cried out and turned towards God and away from sin; God forgave them and raised up a leader; they were victorious over their oppressor; following the victory came the blessing (peace and prosperity) or the "refreshing" -- the living within God's will and intention for their lives. Unfortunately, about one generation later they were back to their evil ways.

How much like this are we? We are blessed, then we begin to ignore God and get caught up in the world -- things really start to go wrong, then we cry out to God -- repent -- and turn back to God. It's silly but that is the story of my life as well. I am so grateful that we have the God of second chances (third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. as well), because I seem to need a lot of them.

The question is: How do you stay constantly refreshed? In Exodus 16 the Israelites grumbled against God because they had no bread or meat to eat, so the Lord gave them manna and quail for their nourishment. Again in Exodus 17 they complained because they had no water to drink -- God brought forth water from a rock. Jesus, referring to this example of the Israelites total dependence on the Lord for their physical survival tells us in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never go thirsty."

It is Jesus who now provides us with this nourishment or refreshing. He is not only the "bread of life" He is also referred to as "The Word." We are refreshed when we spend time with Jesus -- in study of the Bible (The Word) and in prayer. When we drift off course and we become sick, depressed and angry, it's because we are not being fed the proper food.

Where does your nourishment come from? Does it come from television, magazines, friends, news media? Or does it come from Jesus? Who do you spend your time with? What can you do today to reverse that trend?

pocketpower.org

DEVINE DESIGN

It is so important for children to know that God created them, God showed me one day as I was teaching a room of young children, that we are all of a Devine Design, Hand Crafted by a Heavenly Father, that places value on our lives! He began investing into our lives from creation. In Jeremiah 1, He says that He knew me before He formed me in My Mother's womb. That means He had plans for me. Later in Jeremiah, He tells me He does have plans and they are to prosper me (us)! God's investment in each of us from the get go is more valuable than Gold or Silver! When we recognize our Value in God, and what it cost for our Redeemtion and Freedom, we are Free. And our hearts are overwhelmed with Love and Gratitude for Our Heavenly Father. Our lives are changed. Our perspectives are changed. Our self worth becomes more treasured as we see what it cost Christ for us to Live. The children I was teaching that night, hung on to every word as I spoke to them. I really believed as I was speaking to them that this was a message for a very specific child in a very specific situation. And there were a few who came up to me personally and thanked me, no explainations, none needed, God Knew what they needed to hear. It's awesome How God will use us to speak a word for someone else and it ministers to our hearts at the same time! Praise You Lord!

Sister Angel gramisheart.blogspot.com

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

A Lifestyle Of Giving
By Tanya James



I get very excited about giving. I mean uncontainable excitement and guess what, I am not even thinking about financial giving. It seems sometimes we get stuck there – believing the only way we can give is with money. This means if we don’t have any money, we may feel that we have nothing to give.


However, there are so many other ways to give. Matter of fact, giving should be a part of your lifestyle. It should be something that you do so freely and regularly that it’s just a natural part of who you are.

So you ask, "How can I give something other than money?"

You can give of your time by serving in a ministry within the four walls of your church or even volunteering with an organization in your community. Going even further than that, make sure you are giving your time to your family. Don’t always give the best of you to everyone else and only give your family your leftovers.

You can give of your heart and compassion to those that may simply need someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on or someone to pray with them. Sometimes giving of your heart may be sharing an encouraging word or even a simple hug or hello to a stranger.

Of course, you can also give of your money – in addition to your regular tithes and offering – you can give to some of the special projects your church may be working on. You can give to that youth trying to save money to go study abroad. You can give to that family down the street that may be struggling due to someone being laid off. You can give to your local homeless shelter or children’s hospital …

Needless to say, daily we are presented with opportunities to give – lets all make an effort to give something of ourselves daily until it becomes a lifestyle. I guarantee you will find out what it means to be blessed to be a blessing!

Scripture Of The Day: "Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38

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SATURDAY EDITORIAL

A PRAYER

Good Morning God!
Thank you for the Sun that has risen this morning without delay, and Thank you God for Your Mercy that is new every morning and with out delay Your Faithfulness is longsuffering! Oh, God thank you for Your Son Jesus, Who willingingly died for me and my sins, so that I could have eternal life with You through my faith in Him. I thank you that you offer Your Salvation to any and all who believe! Thank you God for Your Word that is the Truth and a guideline to living a life that is pleasing to YOU. Father, thank YOU for Christian Friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, who pray for each other and lift each up when something tries knock us down. Jesus thank YOU for never leaving us, nor forsaking us, You keep Your Word and Promises and I know that You are near. And Father, I ask that You send Your Angels around all of our military service men and women, protecting them this day with Your Hand and Army of Angels! Camoflouge them from Evil! Father , bless my friends with the things that they need and cover them with Your hand and protect them. Protect our schools where our children sit innocently and watch over them protecting from EVIL and HARM. Place Your Angels at every school protecting our children. Father, watch over our families, who scatter from here to there throughout the day, place Your hand of protection upon them, may they see YOUR Love cover them today in a special way, and May their hearts always desire to seek you with sincereity! Praise You God for Who You are, Praise You for Your Love You freely give each day. IN Jesus Name, Amen.

Sister Angel gramisheart.com

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET HEALED?

Acts 3:13-16

[Peter speaking] "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."

We could probably spend weeks or even months studying and trying to understand healing (whether physical, emotional or circumstantial), and still not be completely sure how or why it happens. Most of us have prayed at one time or another for someone to be healed with mixed results. So what does Peter say about healing? "By faith in the name of Jesus... It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him ."

In Biblical times a name was an expression of the essence of a person -- it expressed their character and nature. Peter gives us a few of Jesus' names in this passage: "Servant," "Holy and Righteous One," and "Author of Life." What do these names tell you about Jesus' nature? About His character?

"Servant" tells us He is there to help us in our time of need. "Holy and Righteous One" tells us He is in control, His timing is always perfect, He will always make the right decision, and it is His choice (if, when and how to heal). "Author of Life" tells us He has the ability and power to do what He desires.

There is a lot in the "name" of Jesus. So what is our part? Faith in His name: faith that He cares; faith in the rightness of His decisions; and faith that He can and will heal.

Which area of your faith can use some work? Do you doubt He cares about your specific need or situation? Are you at peace if He decides not to heal -- that He is always right? Do you doubt He has the power?

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WHAT DO YOU CLING TOO?

Acts 3:11-12

While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?"

A number of years ago the Lord moved mightily and visibly in my business life. It was not hard for me to see the miracle of the Lord's work. It was crystal clear. Like in our passage today, people were amazed by the "before" and "after" pictures. People wanted to give me credit, but I knew it was not me, it was God. Describing the miracle to my Christian friends was easy (they were open to seeing God at work). For many of my non-Christian friends it was not so easy. Their explanation for my success was worldly: hard work, experience from the school of hard knocks, and lot's of good luck. It didn't matter to them that I gave the glory to God; they thought I was just being modest or foolish.

Try to imagine: If the beggar's healing had made today's news headlines -- who would get the credit? How would the world explain his healing? Would God get the credit?

There is a warning given to us in the last sentence of this story: "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" Our own power or our own godliness?

The crowd's focus was on Peter and John, not on Jesus. We need to watch this as well. When God does a miracle, do I take credit for my own power (ignore God), or do I give God the glory but take credit for my own godliness (as if it was my faith that "allowed" God to perform the miracle)? This is tricky ground. How would you respond? How do you think God wants you to respond?


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CELEBRATING

Acts 3:8-10

He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Have you ever run a race, when as you turn the final corner you see in the distance the finish line? You get this tremendous burst of energy and the fatigue of the race (or life trial) melts away. If you are the winner you are jumping for joy and the old worn out you begins to become a distant memory.

I was in Chicago recently during the annual running of the Chicago Marathon. It was a cold blustery day as only Chicago can produce in October. I'm sure you saw the race highlights on the news -- what made this race different was the winner was taken to the hospital. You see, in an effort to cross the finish line he leaned forward, lost his balance, and fell -- giving himself a concussion in the process. There wasn't much of a victory celebration.

Equally, how disappointed God must be when He brings us through a time of trial in our life, and just as we cross the finish line victoriously we utter, "That was lucky!"

I'm sometimes guilty of this. I want to blame God when things don't go right, but when He plucks me from the clutches of defeat I say, "See how clever and smart I was!" Or I explain God's miracle with some worldly wise explanation.

Are you guilty of demonstrating your "healing" (walking and jumping as the cripple did) yet not praising and honoring God? I know to our non-Christian friends and the world in general it is difficult to talk about God -- they may tune you out. But does this stop you from acknowledging God?

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WHAT I HAVE I GIVE

Acts 3:6-7

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.

A few days ago I was talking with a young man who is an alcoholic and had just relapsed after being sober for almost one year. It seems whenever I am confronted with a tragic circumstance such as this, I want to throw myself into it as if I alone -- my words or actions -- can save the person. The net result is, I don't get a vote when it comes time for this man to decide whether to have a drink or not.

Sometimes a person can feel so lost, so alone, and so helpless. They can feel powerless over their own lives. In the beggar's case -- his lameness since birth, or my young friend's case -- his addictive nature. Peter looked into this hopelessness; he spoke with the power of the Spirit, in the name of the one who has authority over all -- "walk"; then took him by the hand and helped him up.

This last action, helping him up, is a test of faith and humility. Faith because you must be absolutely convinced God can and will heal according to His sovereign will; and humility because if He chooses to heal or not heal, it is not because of your great faith or lack of it. I think a lot of miracles don't happen in front of our eyes, because God knows our nature, He knows we are one miracle away from going on the talk show circuit -- to tell everyone about our "great faith," rather than God's awesome power.

So what do we have that we can give someone who is in great need? Give them Jesus. He is the ultimate "one step" program. I am reminded of Peter's words, "_________ or ________ I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, _________." Fill in the blanks the next time you are working with someone in a desperate situation.

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OKAY, I'M LOOKING AT YOU

Acts 3:4b-5

Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

I have always thought this is a bold statement, when Peter says, "Look at us!" What would someone see if they looked at me? I'm not talking about Sunday mornings, but what about Tuesday when I'm late for work? Or at the gas station? Or waiting in line at a department store?

The man gave Peter and John his attention because he expected to get something from them. What would someone in need expect to get from you?

This question was made real to me on a recent Sunday morning (not an entirely fair test as I had on my "Sunday" attitude). I had just parked on the street (to make room for visitors in the parking lot) and was hustling up Crown Valley Parkway (the main thoroughfare on which my church is located) to set up the Men's Ministry Table at church. A woman stopped me and asked if it was okay if she attended church here. You see she was homeless, carrying her possessions on her back, and didn't want other people to feel uncomfortable with her presence.

Later as I reflected on this experience and how I handled it, I was reminded of this scripture: "Look at us (the church, you, and me)." I thought as an extension of Jesus we were probably failing if anyone had to ask if they would be welcome to worship with us. Then I thought about how she perceived me -- did she see pity, arrogance, or impatience? Or did she see love, compassion, kindness, and patience?

What about you? What do people see when they see you -- the world's burdens -- or Jesus? What would you like them to see? What is in your heart and dominating your thoughts?

What do visitors see when they come to your church? Help them find a warm and welcoming congregation filled with people willing to share the Gospel. How is your church doing in terms of sharing faith in Christ?

pocketpower.com

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

September 13, 2010 - Carnal Christians are people who continually grieve the Holy Spirit by their temper, touchiness, irritability, prayerlessness or love of self. These are signs of carnality, of spiritual babyhood. These people are living a worldly life.
The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:1, “I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”

by Billy Graham


Does that describe you? If so, would you like to change?

There was a time, perhaps, when you were a spiritual Christian. You still had your first love; a fire burned in your heart for God. But something has happened along the way, something has disturbed your relationship with God, and you no longer know the joy, the peace and the thrill that you once knew.

You do not take time to read your Bible. Your prayer times are few. Your interest in spiritual things has waned, and yet there is a great hungering after God, an aching in your soul for the joy and victory that you have seen in the lives of others. You want that joy in your soul, that thrill in your heart. You want to know the power of prayer again.

The Bible teaches that you can have glorious, daily victory. Scripture says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Paul wrote in Romans 7:24-25, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” And then he answered his own question, “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).

In Romans 8:2 we read, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” And in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

From the divine viewpoint, defeated Christians are abnormal. They are paralyzed members of the Body of Christ. Backsliding and carnality are not only inexcusable, they are incompatible with the normal Christian experience. They produce a regime of contradiction. Since the living Christ dwells within every one of us who has accepted Him as Savior, there is never any reason for defeat. No enemy is too powerful for Christ! Every temptation may be resisted!

If you as a Christian are overcome by the enemy, the simple explanation is that Christ has been denied His rightful position of supremacy in your heart. The dethronement of Christ will always lead to failure in spiritual warfare. It is Christ, and Christ alone, who can give you a constant, daily, victorious life.

Know Your Three Enemies

However, the Bible teaches that every Christian has three enemies. The first enemy that we have to contend with is the world. Now “the world” means this present evil world, the great system of evil round about us. It is everything around us that has a tendency to lead us into sin. It may mean the evil people of the world, or it may mean the things of the world.

Certain elements of daily life are not sinful in themselves, but they can lead to sin if they are abused. Abuse literally means “extreme use,” and in many instances, overuse of lawful things becomes sin. Thinking about the necessities of life and taking care of one’s family is essential. But this can degenerate into anxiety, and then, as Christ reminded us, the cares of this life choke the spiritual seed in the heart (Mark 4:19). Making money is necessary for daily living. But money-making is apt to degenerate into money-loving, and then the deceitfulness of riches enters and spoils our spiritual life. The Bible admonishes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15).

The second enemy of the Christian is the flesh. Paul said, “I know that in me [that is, in my flesh] nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find” (Romans 7:18). The Bible teaches that the flesh is fallen human nature. It is the corrupt principle of sin, the carnal nature that natural men and women have inherited from their fallen parents. It is the birthplace of all those ugly sins that so easily mar the Christian’s joy and hinder his or her testimony. The sins of temper, irritability, moodiness, jealousy, pride, selfishness, an unforgiving spirit, anxiety and fretfulness, harshness, complaining, criticism, lust—all of these things characterize the flesh.

The third enemy of the Christian is the devil, referred to by Paul as “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). The Bible teaches that the devil is a real person. His objective is to defeat the will of God in the world, the church and the Christian. He is the unceasing enemy of the soul. He must be met and overcome. Thank God, through the victory of Jesus Christ on the cross, this mighty enemy has been fully and finally vanquished. One day the whole world will see the full consummation of Christ’s triumph. Meanwhile, Satan is busy in the world, sometimes appearing as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), and other times as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Are you sure of your salvation?

These, then, are our three foes: the world, the flesh and the devil. The attitude of the Christian to all three of them is summed up in one word: renounce. There must be no bargaining, no compromise, no hesitation. Absolute renunciation is the only possible way for the Christian to have victory in life. If you are a Christian, there is no excuse for not having daily victory in your life by renouncing sin and, by faith, letting the Spirit of God have control of your life.

Condensed from the article “Victorious Christian Living” in the May 2007 issue of Decision Magazine.

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

BE AN ENCOURAGER
By Joyce Meyers

One of the easiest ways to fuel a “love revolution” is to decide to make others feel valuable. Mother Teresa said: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody: I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
I have discovered that most people we meet or come into contact with in our everyday lives don’t have a sense of their infinite value as children of God. I think the devil works very hard to make people feel devalued and worthless, but we can neutralize the effect of his lies and insinuations by building up, encouraging and edifying people.


One way to do this is with a sincere compliment, which is one of the most valuable gifts in this world. Offering a sincere compliment may seem like a small thing, but it gives tremendous strength.

I believe in having goals, and as I was working with God to develop good habits in the area of encouraging others, I challenged myself to compliment at least three people each day. I recommend that you do something similar to help you become an aggressive encourager.

God speaks frequently in the Bible of our responsibility to the oppressed, widows, orphans, fatherless and foreigners. He mentions those who are lonely, neglected, forgotten and devalued.

He cares deeply for the oppressed and the hungry. People can be hungry in many ways. They may have plenty of food to eat but be starving to feel valuable.

God lifts up those who are bowed down with sorrow; He protects the stranger and upholds the fatherless and the widow (see Ps. 146:7-9). How does He do this? He works through people. He needs committed, submitted, dedicated people who live to make others feel valuable.

Mother Teresa dedicated her life to making the outcasts feel loved and valuable. The things she did were simple, yet great. She said: “Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.”

A verse that has encouraged me is Psalm 27:10: “Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]” (The Amplified Bible).

My mother was deeply afraid of my father, so she was unable to rescue me from the abuse he perpetrated against me. I felt very alone, forgotten and abandoned. I decided that nobody was going to help me, so I “survived” my circumstances until I could escape them.

I have come to understand that many people we encounter daily are just trying to survive until someone rescues them—and that someone could be you or me.

The Bible says that God in His love “chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). He planned in love for us to be adopted as His own children.

God adopts the forsaken and lonely, and He lifts them up and gives them value. He works through His Word, through the Holy Spirit and through Spirit-led people who live to help others.

Mother Teresa felt that each person she met was Jesus “in disguise.” Just try to imagine how much differently we would treat people if we really looked at them the way she did.

Jesus said that if we do good or bad to even “the least” of people, we do it to Him (see Matt. 25:45). In other words, He takes our treatment of others personally.

If someone insulted, slighted, ignored or devalued one of my children, I would take it personally. So why is it so hard to understand that God feels the same way?

Let us all strive to build people up, make everyone we encounter feel better and add value to their lives. Let’s really live a love revolution.



Read more: http://charismamag.com/index.php/blogs/joyce-meyer/26154-be-an-encourager#ixzz13wjKNO84

SEE THE REAL NEED

Acts 3:1-4a

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John.

It's sometimes hard for us to look at people in need. We don't want to embarrass them by paying too much attention. Our society has taught us to not look. A person confined to a wheelchair since birth once wrote about how she felt invisible. She longed for a warm smile, or a friendly nod. She asked that we allow our children to touch her wheelchair and touch her -- to not treat her as if she had a communicable disease. Her wheelchair and her deformity were not her choices. She wanted us to know, there was a real living person inside the shell we saw, who had the need to be loved and accepted, as well as to love others.

When we see someone in need do we reach in our pocket for some loose change and run the other way, or do we look straight at him or her and see the real person hidden inside? Be honest with yourself, how do you feel around people who are not like you -- in wheelchairs, deformed, homeless, alcoholic/addict, or mentally retarded? Are you willing to really look at that person? Are you afraid of what you might see?

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WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING?

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What part of this description of the first century church bothers you the most? Is it the devotion part of it? What about selling possessions and goods -- then giving to anyone who has a need? How about going to church every day? Then, there's having people over for dinner and going to other peoples homes -- and doing it with a glad and sincere heart. Which of these would be the hardest for you to do? Why? Your answer will reveal a lot about you.

To a large degree our priorities (what's important to us) are defined by our expectations. I watched a movie the other night about a woman who thought she only had a month to live. So she quit her job, liquidated her retirement account, and went traveling. Those were her priorities. The first century church thought Jesus' return was imminent. They were living as if that could happen any day at any minute.

How would your life be different today if you thought Jesus was coming back tomorrow or next month? How would your priorities change based upon your expectations? How would you reorder your priorities?

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THE GOOD DO SEED

By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar


If I were to ask if you believed in sowing seeds you’d probably say, “Oh, yes amen, Brother Dollar. I give money every time I go to church, hallelujah!” It is good for Believers to be stirred up about giving their finances into the work of God. But I need to shed some light on a misconception that has taken place in the Body of Christ. We have limited seed to being just money. Think about it. Every time you hear a preacher talk about sowing seeds, most likely money is the first thing that comes to mind. Although money is a powerful seed to sow, it is not the most powerful. There is a seed that will always produce and is often overlooked. I call it the do-good seed. It is birthed out of the love of God.

In the beginning God created us in His image, which means we are godlike and we’re His reflection in the earth. In Christ we are restored to the position of power and authority that Adam lost to sin in the garden. Now that we are bought back from the curse of sin, God wants us to use the same two free gifts that He gave to Adam and Eve—dominion and seed (Genesis 1:28, 29).

The Bible says that God is love and God made man in His image, which is love. Now isn’t that interesting? God made man in the image of love and in the likeness of love. It is through the walk of love that we gain complete mastery and dominion in life. If we master love we can walk in our God-given authority like never before, because love is where our true power lies.

You may be thinking, “Well, Brother Dollar, I understand the love of God, but what does that have to do with sowing seeds to get a good harvest?” Love has everything to do with sowing a seed and getting the desired results you want in life. Why? Jesus said that all the laws and prophets hang on the commandment of love, which is first loving God and then others (Matthew 22:40). The law of seedtime and harvest works by this greater law—love. Seedtime and harvest means whatever thought, word and deed you sow—good or bad—you will reap the results of it. Simply put, what goes around comes around.

Love is an action word and can be expressed in many ways. It is the most powerful seed you can sow into the life of another. In Luke 6, Jesus gives the law of love. We’ve become so familiar with this passage of scripture that we’ve missed what God wants us to understand. Jesus said to love your enemies and do good to people that hate you. He says to pray for those who despitefully use you (Luke 6:27, 28). Jesus wanted us to understand the importance of demonstrating love to the unlovable.

When you release the love of God into the lives of others, God is released. The do-good seed is the action of love you extend to another person who has done you wrong and doesn’t deserve your goodness. If there is someone in your life who irritates you, add his or her name to the top of your Christmas list this year! This is not a sign of weakness. It takes a powerful person to do right by someone who has done them wrong.

I have probably been ripped off more than the U.S. Internal Revenue Service by people who said that they loved me. One man stole thousands of dollars from me and it cost me the exact amount of money he had stolen from me to bail him out of jail. That was hard on my flesh! But I’ve discovered whenever I sow a do-good seed, God rewards me.

The seed you sow in response to how another person treats you becomes the deciding witness of the harvest you will receive. If someone sows hate and you retaliate and sow hate in return, there are laws that have been released. Hate will be your harvest because “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them…” (Matthew 18:19). When someone hates you, you have the power to determine your own harvest by responding in love. Don’t use your opportunity to sow love to come into agreement with selfishness by responding negatively. Your seed will have authority over their hate if you'll retaliate with good. This is how you overcome evil with good—sow a better seed than the seed that was sown toward you.

Believers must understand and operate God’s principle of seedtime and harvest. I’ve taught for years that the law of seedtime and harvest is an established law God intends for man to use to create any outcome he desires. The Bible says whatever a man sows is what he will reap (Galatians 6:7). Most Believers assume that when the Word of God speaks of seedtime and harvest, the only seed that exists is money. The truth of the matter is our words, thoughts and actions are also seeds. However, according to Jesus, the most powerful seed is the Word of God. It is the seed that must be planted in order for all other seeds to produce, including the do-good seed.

Everything in the Kingdom of God works by seedtime and harvest. You could be sowing positive or negative seeds, but your love walk will determine the growth action and harvest of what you sow.

When it comes to sowing, God is not requiring anything of us that He hasn’t already done. When He saw mankind in a sinful state, He sowed the ultimate do-good seed—Jesus—as an expression of His love for mankind. Even though humanity deserved eternal damnation, God gave His most valuable and precious possession. As a result, He has reaped a harvest of sons and daughters. Love is the key to experiencing fulfillment and satisfaction, and should be the motivation behind every seed you sow.

Sow the do-good seed and from it you will reap a harvest that will affect every area of your life including your health, finances, relationships and more. Purpose to share His love through acts of kindness and He will overtake you with His blessing!

Scripture Of The Day: "Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest." - Galatians 6:7 (The Message)

SAVE YOURSELF

Acts 2:40-41

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Peter previously told us in verse 38 to "Repent and be baptized," but I think the key is in verse 40 when he says, "Save yourself from this corrupt generation." He's telling us that we have a choice. As a Christian, you are saved, but are you living and experiencing the life God intended for you? Are you allowing this generation to continue to corrupt you?

I think the answer for most of us is "yes." After all it is difficult to live in this world without being corrupted (to one degree or another) by it. But rather than writing down our top ten list of ways we're allowing the world to corrupt us, I believe the Lord is speaking to you right now about one of them. It may not even be number one, but it is one the Lord knows you can deal with.

What is the one area the Lord is asking you to deal with today? Ask the Lord for help and choose right now to "save yourself from this corrupt generation." How will you start? What Bible verses come to mind? Is there someone you need to be honest with and ask for their help and support? What is your first step? Will you take it now?

Ask the Lord's help by focusing your heart, mind and spirit on His Word to you.

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JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED

"For you have upheld my right and my cause;
you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." — Psalm 9:4

The Innocence Project is a non-profit organization operating in the U.S., the U.K, Canada, and Australia, that is totally dedicated — through DNA testing — to proving the innocence of those wrongly convicted. Since its inception in 1992, this group has helped exonerate 258 people previously convicted of serious crimes.

That such a group exists underscores the fact that injustice, or being treated unfairly, is part of our human experience. While we hopefully will never be falsely accused of committing a serious crime, we all have to some extent or another felt like we've been unfairly treated. Perhaps your best intentions have been misunderstood and you have faced criticism for your actions. Or maybe you have worked hard on a report for your boss, only to have her take the credit for what you have done. It could be as simple as the group at work or school ignoring your ideas.

Certainly David, the author of Psalm 9, was treated unfairly. Although David did nothing but further King Saul's kingdom by securing victory after victory on the battlefield, the king felt threatened enough by his young warrior to order him killed. For many years, David ran and hid from Saul and his men in the barren wilderness and enemy territory.

David might have severely doubted God's promise to him that he would one day be king of Israel. He could have easily become angry and vindictive about the situation. Certainly, David had opportunities to harm the king on several occasions. But David never wavered in believing that God would fulfill His promise to him. Nor did he ever take justice into his own hands.

Why? I think part of the answer lies in verse 4. David affirms that God has "upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." David trusted completely that God, indeed, saw his good deeds and that God would reward those in His own time. God alone would judge all righteousness and act accordingly.

That is a good lesson for us all to remember when we have been wronged, or when we have felt the sting of injustice. Rather than take revenge or allow feelings of hatred or pity to wash over us, we need to trust in God.

Only then will we be able to experience his peace and be free from the worry of how others perceive us and treat us.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein