FEAR OF WHAT?

John Chapter 9.

While I was reading this chapter a couple of things jumped out at me.

When asked who had sinned, the boy or the parents. Jesus said neither. He was born blind so the works of the One who sent Him could be manifested through Him. We must work while there is still light, but the night cometh when no man can work. As long as Jesus is in the world there is light. After saying all (verses 1 – 5), He spit on the ground and with the spittle and the clay He anointed the eyes of the man born blind from birth. Then Jesus told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam (which means “Sent”). After doing as he was instructed, he came back seeing. Some said it was him but yet others said it was somebody who looked like him. But he said it is I. The people wanted to know who was this man? The one who was blind but now can see said, “He is called Jesus.” Then of course they wanted to know where this man called Jesus was. The man said he didn’t know. So they just had to take the once blind man to the Pharisees so that once again he could repeat the story of how he was healed and who healed him. (verses 6-13)

Now wouldn’t you know that it was the Sabbath on which Jesus healed this man. So therefore He couldn’t be a man of God because He didn’t keep the Sabbath. As usual in all things they were divided, some believed and some didn’t. Well, they didn’t believe the healed man, so they went to his parents house. Yes, they confirmed that he was their son and he was of age so they should ask him. So, back to the used be blind man they went. They wanted him to tell them again who and how he was healed. He reply that he had told them once and they didn’t hear him. He was told to give God the praise cause the One who healed him was a sinner. The man didn’t care that they reviled him and told him they were Moses’ disciples and they didn’t even know where the Healer was. What a marvelous thing that they didn’t know where He was or where He came from. In all the teaching from the beginning of time NO ONE had ever had blind eyes healed. He continued to tell them that if He wasn’t from God, then wouldn’t hear Him. (verses 13-33)

When Jesus heard about his ordeal, He came to him and asked him if he believed on the Son of God. The man replied to show him where He was and he would believe. Jesus told him, “Thou hast both seen him, and it is He that talketh with thee.” That man said ‘I believe and worshiped Him.

The things that jumped out at me are verses 22 and 34. His parents were afraid of the Jews and of being thrown out of the synagogue (22) and the Pharisees got mad cause the healed one was teaching them so they threw him out of the synagogue (34).

Doesn’t that remind you of a lot of us today? We are so afraid of saying the wrong thing, like admitting that we are a child of God, to those around us because they won’t have anything else to do with us and throw us away. We want to take the easy way and be accepted here on earth. That leaves heaven out for a bunch of folks.

If we will remain blind to all the earthly going on, we will see the Kingdom of God.

Which is more important to you? The earth, things and people’s approval or only seeing Jesus and His approval?

God’s blessing to each of you,

LJG/rECj

TAKE SIN OUT OR SIN WILL TAKE YOU OUT

Acts 13:21b-22a"and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. After removing Saul..."

Saul ruled for 40 years, but ran into the Amalekite problem. During the time Israel came up out of Egypt the Amalekites were a particularly nasty people. As the Israelites wandered through the desert, the Amalekites would sneak up behind them and attack the weakest of their people (Deuteronomy 25:18). Now, many years later, God tells Saul to completely annihilate the Amalekites, to not leave anyone alive (man, woman or child), and destroy all of their possessions (1 Samuel 15:3). Saul did what God told him to do with a couple of exceptions, the first is he spared the Amalekite king Agag as a trophy, and second he kept the best of the sheep and cattle (purportedly to use as a sacrifice to the Lord). Of course the Lord knew what Saul had done and spoke to Samuel, "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions."

After Saul tried to make excuses for not doing exactly what the Lord told him to do, the Lord spoke through Samuel, (1 Samuel 15:22) "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams," and (1 Samuel 15:28) "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors -- to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel [speaking of God] does not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man, that He should change His mind." Samuel then told Saul to bring him Agag, king of the Amalekites and Samuel killed him on the spot.

There are a lot of interesting things going on here and lessons to be learned which we don't have time to go through in detail (for example the way Samuel deals with Agag illustrates how we must deal with sin -- immediately and without hesitation). However, I think the main point Paul is making here is this: when the Lord gives an instruction, do exactly what the Lord tells you to do. Saul died in a battle many years later and ironically, guess who killed him? An Amalekite! (2 Samuel 1:6-10) Why? Because Saul didn't kill every single one of them as God had instructed him to do. Sin is just like that. God tells us to remove something from our lives. We do it for the most part, but hang on to some remnant, perhaps (like Saul) as a trophy to our victory. But sin is like a cancer that goes untreated; it eventually grows and ultimately destroys life.

What sin has God told you to get rid of? Have you dealt with it thoroughly or have you held on to some small piece of it? Do you falsely think you have that sin under control when in truth it is only waiting beneath the surface to eventually destroy you? What is God telling you to do about that sin right now? Will you obey God, and completely turn away from that sin? Some sins are hard to eradicate from our lives. Share your struggles with a few men you trust and ask them to help you fight off this sin.

pocketpower.org

ACTIVATE FAVOR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“...The LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless”
(Psalm 84:11, NIV)



TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Favor is a part of your inheritance! You don’t have to beg God for it; as a believer in Jesus, you are in covenant with Him. That means that everything He has is yours!

The way you tap into that favor, or activate it, is by thanking Him for it. Say, “Father, thank You for Your favor today. Thank You that Your favor is causing me to be at the right place at the right time. Thank You that Your favor is causing people to want to be good to me.” See, you don’t have to pray about something that you already have, just receive it by thanking Him.

Before I speak each week, I never say, “God, please give me Your favor. Please give me Your anointing.” No, I simply say, “God, thank You for Your anointing. Thank You for Your favor on my life. Thank You for equipping and empowering me.” See, I know that it’s all part of my inheritance. So I just act like it’s true.

Today, activate His promises by faith. Praise and thank Him for His goodness and for blessing your life. Receive His Word as truth and hold it in your heart because He has already given His favor and blessing to you!



A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor and blessing in my life. Thank You for cleansing me and making me new. Your Word says that You will withhold no good thing from me because I walk blamelessly before You by the blood of Jesus. I receive it by faith and thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

NO JOB IS GREATER THAN THE NEXT

There was an Old Persian fable of a hen, a mouse, and a rabbit that lived together in a little house in the woods. They shared all the work and lived in harmony. The chicken found the firewood, the mouse brought the water from a nearby brook, and the rabbit cooked the meals. All the three did their own work faithfully and contentedly. One day, while the hen was out in the forest looking for wood, a nosy crow approached her, and asked what she was doing. When he heard, the crow began caw, telling the hen that she did the hardest part of the work, and that rabbit and mouse were taking advantage of her. The chicken continued to do her work, but she couldn’t stop thinking about what the crow said. These feelings festered and festered, and by the time she got home, she was so upset that she burst out in tears, screaming, “It’s not fair! I do the hardest work of the three of us! That’s it! I’m not going to gather this heavy firewood anymore!” Immediately the rabbit and mouse also continued to argue that they had been doing the hardest work until they were tired, and finally decided to switch jobs. From now on the rabbit would gather the firewood, the hen would bring the water, and the mouse would cook. As the rabbit hopped into the forest for wood, a fox trailed him, caught him, and ate him. The hen put the pail into the creek, but current pulled the pail down under, and the hen with it. The mouse, while sitting on the edge of the big pot of soup, lost his balance and fell in. Discontentment not only destroyed their happiness, but even their lives. We all have a job to do here. No job is greater than the next — no person is greater than the next, no matter what those crows might tell you. We are all working for the same King, and we can worship Him even while gathering firewood, if that’s what He’s called us to do! “Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

WHO'S THE BOSS?

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!—Psalm 90:17 NRSV

Can you imagine what an impact it would have on the world if everyone who follows Christ would wake up each morning and thank God for the gifts he or she has been given and ask for opportunities that day to use them for his glory?

I’m not saying this is always easy. The trouble is that some gifts receive immediate praise and recognition, and others don’t. We must keep in mind who we’re working for. If we’re dependent on the approval of others, life will be very discouraging. But if we wait only on the Lord, his love will uplift us no matter what. To God, there are no small jobs or menial tasks. He sees all the late night laundry and lunches packed. He sees the extra work your boss never credits you for. He sees it all.

As far as I am concerned, I work for God. He is my boss, and he is my King. So whether I am writing a book, recording a CD, speaking to thousands of women, or sitting in the carpool lane waiting to pick up my child, it doesn’t matter. No one thing that I am called to do is more important than another; all that matters is my heart.

—Sheila Walsh

LET GOD ARISE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered...”
(Psalm 68:1, NKJ)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Let me ask you today, what are you letting arise in your life? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy and thoughts on? You might say, “Oh, Joel, it’s just so hard right now. I’ve lost some money.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things. You’re letting defeat, discouragement and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, but I know God is going to bring me somebody better.” “I may be hurting right now, but I know God is the restorer of my soul.” “I may have lost money in the stock market, but I’m not worried. I know God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. He is fighting my battles.”

When you start giving God glory and letting Him arise in your life, you can’t stay defeated. Your enemies will be scattered! They’ll tremble at your words of faith. Begin right now by declaring God’s goodness in your life and let Him arise so that you can move forward in the victory He has for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I repent right now for allowing any negative, self-defeating thoughts or attitudes rise up in my life. You alone are my God, and I put my trust in You. I bless You today and always and choose to look for the good things You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

THE BEAUTY AND THE AGONY OF THE CROSS

Jesus Christ died on a rugged cross for our salvation. We do not worship that cross;
we worship Christ, who is alive.

Yet among all the emblems of the world, the cross is admired with awe and wonder.

If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to Myself (John 12:32).

A Message from Billy Graham

The history of the cross goes back long before Christ came. But it was the Romans
who used it on a massive scale to execute people. The victim was fastened to the
cross by cords, or his hands were nailed, and he was left to die.

Even with the heat of the sun, the pull of the body and the torture the victim had
endured before being put on the cross, sometimes it took a week to die on a cross.
It was one of the most terrible, painful ways to die.

But Christians started to use the cross as a symbol of Christianity. And every time
the Gospel is proclaimed, those who hear the message and receive Christ as Savior
come to faith by way of the cross.

Four dimensions of the cross come to my mind

First, I think about the breadth of the cross. The love of Christ is manifested in the cross to everyone. When I study the world population and see how fast it is increasing,I am staggered. Yet God loves us all.

His love extends to Africa, to Asia, to Latin America, to Russia, to China, to the United States, to Canada—to the whole world. It includes you, whoever you are, whatever your religion, even if you have no religion. God says from the cross, “I love you.”

Second, there is the length of the cross. It has no measure. It extends from eternity to eternity, from everlasting to everlasting. When Noah built the Ark, it was 450 feet long. When Solomon built the Temple, it was 60 cubits long. If you build a shed for garden tools, you can measure the lumber with a tape measure. But how can you measure God’s love for us on the cross?

The Bible says that God’s love surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). There is no
way that our finite minds can even begin to understand the love God had for us when
He gave His Son on the cross to die for us, because you and I deserve death. We
deserve judgment and hell.

Third, I think of the height of the cross—it extends to the throne of God. It doesn’t matter how high heaven is. Through the cross, God draws all people to Himself. But you have to make a decision about Jesus Christ.

Last, I think about the depth of God’s love for us on the cross. You can fall into the pit of sin and degradation. You can live like an animal. You can be a murderer, a rapist. But you can’t get beyond the love of God. The cross covers to the very gates of hell. How deep is God’s love? The Bible says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). It can draw every sinner up to the exalted height of heaven. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

Think of the cross for a moment

Think of Christ’s suffering for you and for me. It’s said that Jesus endured five kinds of wounds: Concussion, when they beat Him on the head; laceration, when they bared His back, took long leather whips with steel pellets on the end and beat Him until He was bleeding from head to toe; penetration, when they crushed that crown of thorns on His brow; perforation, when they drove the nails through His hands and feet; and incision, when they put the spear in His side.

Those nails through His hands and feet were driven by you and me and all the peoples of the world. We all had a part in the death of Christ because of our sins. Our sins put Him on the cross—and you participated.

You will never understand the Bible, you will never understand the death of Christ on the cross,until you understand that God is a holy and righteous and pure God. He cannot even look upon evil.

In that terrible time of the agony of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, a shadow came between God the Father and God the Son. God cannot look upon sin, and in that moment He was laying your sins and mine on Christ.

He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). That means that He had never known sin, never told a lie, never had an evil thought, never had any greed or lust. But all of the filth and dirt from your life and my life descended on Him. None of us will ever understand the mystery of that moment. It was God’s great love for each of us that allowed His Son to take that suffering.

Sin and Eternity

You and I have sinned against God. We have broken His laws. God told Adam that if he broke God’s law, he would surely die (Genesis 2:17). But Adam and Eve broke His law.

They sinned. We have all deliberately rebelled against God. God would not be God, He wouldn’t be just and righteous and holy, if He came along and patted us on the back and said, “You’re forgiven.” We either had to die for our own sins, or somebody who was qualified had to die for us. That Person who was qualified was Jesus Christ, and He volunteered to do it. He died in our place. People will do almost anything to get rid of their guilt. The place to get rid of guilt is at the cross. Jesus came to die. On the cross He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God had given Jesus a work to do, and in the Gospel of John we read that Jesus said, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). We wonder why He didn’t feed everybody and heal everybody. He could have done it. He healed some people and fed some who were hungry, and He did that out of compassion. But His real work was the cross; there He was dealing with eternity.

Your body will go to the grave. Your soul, your spirit—the part of you that lives forever—will live on. Where will you spend eternity? Heaven or hell? That will be decided by what you do about the cross, because from the cross Christ is asking you to repent of your sin and receive Him as your Lord and Savior.

On the cross Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). They did not take His life from Him; He laid it down voluntarily. He gave up His Spirit to God the Father. And in saying this, He conferred upon every one of us the possibility of the gift of eternal life. You can
have eternal life, too. Jesus’ invitation is to heaven.

A Rescue

We were lost, confused, without purpose or meaning in life, without assurance of a future life. But from the cross Jesus reached out by His death and rescued us. We can say to Him today, “Lord,” “Savior.” Are you sure that He is your Lord and your Savior? Thousands of people attend church, but they are not sure that they have committed their lives to Christ.

The crowd at the cross was shouting, “Save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). Others were saying, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). They were mocking, jeering, laughing.

Christ was on the cross for six hours between two thieves (Luke 23:39-44). They both deserved to die, according to Roman law. But one of the thieves looked at Jesus, and he saw that Jesus was different. He must have said to himself, “He has to be the Son of God. He has to be Lord.” He said, “We deserve what we are getting, but He does not—He hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). What an act of faith!

And what did Jesus say? “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). That thief will be in heaven. Jesus forgave him by His death on the cross.

The forgiveness and the mercy of God are so far beyond our comprehension that we can hardly even talk about them.

Do you know Christ? Do you know the forgiveness of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection? Are you forgiven? Have you received new life, resurrection life? I am asking you to make your commitment to Christ. God will help you, if you are willing.

LESSONS FROM A CRIMINAL

As we enter the Easter season, we can learn several lessons from the criminal who hung alongside Jesus, says Will Graham in this timely message.

Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'
Luke 23:43

An Easter Message from Will Graham

The cross means different things to different people. For some it’s just a pretty piece of jewelry. To others it is a decoration for their home. To Christians it is a symbol of the sacrificial love of Christ and His conquering of the grave.

However, to criminals under Roman rule in the first century, and those who witnessed the punishment, the cross was a symbol of torture, cruelty, death and humiliation.

As we enter the Easter season, we can learn from a man on a cross. This individual’s name is only known to God. We find this man – a criminal sentenced to death – hanging beside Jesus in Luke 23:39-43.

The first lesson that we learn is that he had a correct view of reality (vv. 40-41) and a correct view of himself. He saw himself as a criminal who was rightly condemned for the deeds he had committed. He correctly realized that he deserved death. Further, he had a correct view of Jesus. He recognized Jesus as the spotless Lamb of God and he testified to this while hanging on the cross. He knew he was a sinner, and Jesus was innocent.

The second lesson that we learn is that this criminal had a correct view of life after death. Though he was sentenced to death and hanging to life by a thread, he believed that his soul would continue to live after he died. Many people today live as if this life is all there is, but the Bible says that your soul lives forever and that it will abide in one of two places—heaven or hell. (Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:5, John 3:1-21)

Finally, we see that this criminal had a correct view of salvation (v. 42). He saw himself as totally helpless. He could do nothing to improve his odds in life or save himself. He was now bound to death and could not escape. Yet he cries out to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” He wanted to offer the last thing he had to give (his soul) to Jesus. He realized that Jesus was the Son of God and that he wanted to be a part of Christ’s Kingdom.

The criminal on the cross: he knew who he was and who Jesus was, he knew that his soul would continue after he died, and he knew that Jesus was the Savior. He could do nothing but cry out to Jesus and place his faith in Him for his salvation. To which Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Have you seen the world through the eyes of this condemned criminal? Do you understand your need for the Savior, and—more importantly—have you cried out to Him for your salvation?

If not, the Easter season is as good a time as any to surrender your life to Christ. If you have made that decision, I encourage you to not miss the opportunities God puts in front of you to share that same hope with those around you. Jesus saved the criminal on the cross, and He desires to save each of us as well.

SUNDAY IS COMING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures"
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NIV

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, I think about when they crucified Jesus. On that Friday, it was the darkest, most painful, discouraging day of His life. In fact, it was so bad that He sweat drops of blood earlier. It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. But God had other plans. They put Him in the grave on Friday, celebrating their victory, but Sunday morning was a different story. The grave could not hold Him! Death couldn't contain Him! The forces of darkness couldn't stop Him! On the third day, He came out of the grave, and He said, "I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore!"

One principle that the resurrection teaches us is that God will always finish what He started. No matter how dark it looks, no matter how long it's been, no matter how many people are trying to push you down; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday. He will always complete what He started in you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for completing what You started in my life. I trust that no matter how dark things may seem, You are my shining light of hope. I thank You for working behind the scenes to carry me through to the place of victory in every area of my life! In Jesus' Name.Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries

BROKEN SPIRIT - YOU ARE NOT ALONE

In the many articles that we have written all of them have been about things in life that have touched our hearts. We have written on things that made us happy and things that have torn our hearts out and stomped on them. We have written when we knew not if anyone read what we wrote, but we never gave up or gave in.

For those of you that have been with us a long time, or have looked back through the articles, you will see recj/LJG or LJG/recj. Depending on whose intials were first is who wrote the article. Always though it was the two of us together. It has not been that way for a while. LJG had only been off-line while in the hospital or in rehab. Feb.2009 through Jan. 2010. recj was no longer here.

There were all kinds of things that lead up to recj being away, but the real factor crept in slow until it consumed me. Depression is a very lonely road. We try to hide it behind other things. As a Christian it is hard to accept and at times seemed harder to fight. I remember Jan Crouch talking about the battle that she had with depression, it was a hard road.

I know that I was not alone, but I could not feel the God I so loved and thought I lived for. My God was there and without Him it would have been alot worst. But not alone, when I look at the Word of God and see the great men of God who also cried out. Jeremiah has even been called the weeping prophet, but the list includes: Abraham, Jonah, Job, Elijah, King Saul, King David, and Paul.

Psalm 38:6,8 [King David] "I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. …I groan because of the turmoil of my heart"

I was given the simple answer to praise God. Great how do I praise my Saviour who I know and believe in my heart is the only reason to live, when I feel nothing. Nothing for myself, no joy, no goose bumps, no nothing. The Lord says He will not put more on you then you can bear. The one thing that kept me holding on to the faith I had was if someone around me needed prayer my spirit would fly into action. For myself though I felt nothing.

Many the time I would cry out or start to pray. Lord I love you, I know you are there, do you hear me, help me. I felt nothing in return. The more time went by the less I tried to talk to Him, not hearing hurt to much. I would believe without feeling, but my depression got worst. The other night I spoke with a Bishop of God who is also a prophet. She told me she had been through times when she did not feel His presence, but only for a short time. I looked at her and said but for two years, it was the first time I had admitted that.

I have a great group of Apostles, Bishops and Pastors that have been praying for me, and my LJG. My joy came back a few weeks ago. The desire to write again is returning. I can see the light and can almost reach out and touch it. There has been no eye opening shock of a miracle. It is like I am on a mountian climbing, only now the equipment I need has been placed before me.

Why I could ask? Maybe like Job the answer will never come. I am getting stronger because of the journey, as I use these muscles. My body and my soul will be refreshed and renewed stronger then they were before.

If your spirit is broken remember your faith is your shield of protection. Ephesians 6:16

Faith comes from hearing. Romans 10:17

He is before you, beside you, will never fail you. Dueuteronomy 31:8

He desires for us to prosper in all things. 3 John 1:2

Arise and shine. Isaiah 60:1 The AMP actually says it this way.
ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you
--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord),
for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

He comforts and encourages. 2 Corinthians 7:6

Give it all to Him. 1 Peter 5:6-7

He heals the brokenhearted. Psalm 147:3

We are healed and made whole. Isaiah 53:5

I will end with this scripture: Isaiah 49:14-16 NKJV But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me." "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;Your walls are continually before Me.

My name is written on His palms, oh what a child of Christ I am.

Praises be to God. If this has touched your heart, please let us know.

God Bless
recj/LJG

What a blessing it is to know that my recj is coming back. She has been missed so much. We can in for many blessing's now that she will be writing for us. Thank You Jesus for making us whole and for keeping us in Your Love. No matter what may come or go You are always with us. Leading, guiding and loving us for all eternity. LJG

TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE

By Dr. Charles F. Stanley

I have a friend whose heart was broken when his son decided he no longer wanted to be married. The father prayed that God would reconcile that broken relationship, but soon the divorce was final. My friend felt as though the Lord had let him down.

After Christ’s death, Thomas struggled with a similar issue. He had envisioned his Messiah ruling as King of the whole earth—but now Jesus was dead, and Thomas’s hopes were buried with Him. Had he believed a lie? Why had his Lord not done what the biblical prophecies said He would do?

When the other disciples reported that the Lord had risen from the dead, Thomas refused to believe unless he could actually see Christ’s wounds of crucifixion (John 20:25). Having been disappointed after putting faith in Jesus before, he hesitated to do so again without tangible proof.

Our trust in God can take a nosedive when expectations of what He will do are unfulfilled. Perhaps you can think of a time you asked the Lord for something and believed with all your heart that He would do it—but then He didn’t. What are we to do when it looks as if God has failed us? Keep believing! Jesus said, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (v. 29).

Thomas’s huge disappointment—Christ’s death—ultimately led to the greatest hope for mankind. When we feel that the Lord has let us down, we need to realize that in His great wisdom, He is doing something even greater than we asked.

Scripture Of The Day: "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." - John 20:29 (KJV)

IT IS FINISHED

"I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns"
(Philippians 1:6, NLT).

Today's Word:

It's interesting that the last thing Jesus said on the cross was "it is finished." It certainly looked like the end. It looked like it was over. But I believe that wasn't just a statement of fact; it was a statement of faith. He was saying to His Father, "I've done My part. I've fulfilled My destiny. Now I've got total trust and confidence in You that You are going to finish what You started." Even though it looked like the end, in reality, it was only the beginning.

When it looks dark in your own life and things aren't going your way, dare to make that declaration of faith just like Jesus. "It is finished." What you're really saying is "God, I know You are going to turn this situation around. I know You are going to heal my body. I know You are going to restore my family. I know You are going to give me the breaks that I need." Don't go around complaining. Speak victory over your circumstances. Trust that He is faithful and that He will complete what He's started in you!

Prayer for Today:

Father in heaven, I thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I thank You that You will complete what You've started in my life. Today I choose to put my trust and hope in You knowing that You are working behind the scenes to bring victory to every area of my life! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

JoelOsteen.com

ARE YOU IN NEED OF AN ADJUSTMENT?

Acts 7:51a"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears!"
In Biblical terms, circumcision represents the act of setting oneself apart -- of God's covenant relationship with the children of Israel. But what does it mean to us today? Some think that removing the male foreskin (which is circumcision) is a barbaric act that mutilates children. Others believe that it is a necessary male health issue. The real question for us is its spiritual meaning. Stephen is basically saying to the Sanhedrin, "You can have the outward physical sign of faithfulness (circumcision); but are you spiritually circumcised -- do you have an open heart and ears?" As I apply Stephen's statement or question to me (someone who has been a Christian for a long time), I am warned to not develop a "stiff-neck" (become inflexible or closed minded to the Spirit's voice) because I have been "practicing Christianity" the same way for a long time.

The other day I went to the chiropractor because my neck was so sore that I couldn't turn it to the left. As he asked questions about my injury, it became apparent I had (through a recent activity), aggravated a problem area that was caused by the way I cradle the phone between my left shoulder and ear. As a result (and over time) the vertebrae in my neck had slightly deteriorated, and along with age (we lose elasticity with age) contributed to my stiff neck. His prescription: a series of adjustments to bring my neck back into alignment.

Whether or not you believe in the practice of chiropractics is not the point of this example. Rather it is to illustrate that the pain we sometimes experience might be God's way of telling us we are in need of a spiritual adjustment or realignment. We often develop habits to help us organize our Christianity (study, prayer, etc.) into our busy lives. However, these same routines can also make us less flexible and more rigid in spiritual matters ("stiff-necked"). Like my physical injury, spiritual rigidity usually doesn't happen as a result of one catastrophic event (although an event usually brings it to our attention). It builds up slowly over time. But unlike a physical injury or the effects of old age, a spiritual "stiff-neck" is completely reversible. All that is required is surrender. Surrender to Jesus of our habits and ideas. I pray for all of us right now to ask God to open (circumcise) our hearts and our ears that we might know (or re-learn) His voice and His will -- Amen!

Are you in need of a spiritual adjustment? Have you become too dependent on rituals or habits? Have you lost the ability to hear God's voice? Do you still have the same compassion (heart) for the needy? If not, perhaps its time for re-alignment. What needs to change in your approach to your relationship with God?

pocketpower.org

TOOLS OF THE DEVIL

A modern parable has been written about the tools of the enemy that I believe we can really learn from. “Some time ago, an advertisement appeared in which the devil was putting all his tools up for sale. On the day of public inspection, each one of his tools was marked with its selling price: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Doubt, Lying, Pride, and so on, were each on the block. Set apart, however, from all the rest of the pile, was a harmless-looking tool, well-worn, but priced very high — it was discouragement!” Someone asked the devil, ‘why is that one priced so high?’ He replied, ‘Ah, that one is more useful to me than all the rest. With it I can pry open a man’s heart and enter, when I cannot get near him with any other tools. Once inside, I can lead him any way I choose. The tool is much worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me. The enemy loves to sow discouragement — but believers have a tool much more powerful — encouragement! We can speak a word into the lives of those who desperately need to hear it: to the college student adjusting to his new environment; to the missionary who may feel alone in the harvest field; to the disillusioned newlywed young couple; to the forgotten servants of God who labor in an obscure and difficult ministry; to the orphans and the widows; to all those who need to hear a word in due season! We have the power in our lips to rekindle a discouraged soul. Let’s inspire one another with words of encouragement! It costs nothing, and reaps an eternal reward…encourage one another daily, as you see the Day draw near. [Hebrews 10:25]

AGAPE LOVE MINISTERIES

AUTHORIZED TO WIN

By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar

Did you know that you have been authorized by God? By that I mean that you have been given power, or divine authority, to rule over every situation and circumstance you encounter. Having continual victory over the devil depends on whether or not you understand your position in Christ and appropriate the power that has been given to you.

As a child of God, you have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s Son, Jesus. You are no longer subject to the law of sin and death that governs the world’s system. As an unbeliever, you had no choice but to submit to Satan’s rule; you were under his jurisdiction and had no authority over him. However, the moment you accepted Jesus into your heart, everything changed. On that day, God authorized you to tread on all of the power of the enemy in the name of Jesus (Luke 10:19).

To take advantage of your God-given authority as a Believer, you must first understand your spiritual position from God’s viewpoint. Ephesians 2:4-6 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together…and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” There is no reason for you to live below the standards God has set for you. Lack, sickness, poverty and bondage to demonic oppression have no place in the life of a Christian. You have been given a royal position in God’s eyes because you are seated in heavenly places with Jesus!

That’s good news! It means that if you are being whipped by the devil, it’s because you either don’t know your rights or you aren’t taking the initiative to exercise them. Because of the creative power invested in the Word of God, and because you have been created in God’s image and likeness as a speaking spirit (Genesis 1:27), you have the authority to speak to any situation that doesn’t line up with the Word and command it to leave.

Understand that you have been given authority. It is part of your salvation package. To not walk in it is to remain defeated. That’s like someone giving you an expensive gift and you refusing to open it. You’ll never partake of the contents of that gift if you don’t receive it. The same is true with the Believer’s authority. You must receive it by faith and then exercise it every chance you get. When Satan sees that you are proficient and confident in your authority, he won’t know the difference between you and Jesus.

As part of the body of Christ, your position of authority is undeniable. Ephesians 1:20-23 says:
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
All things have been placed under your feet. In fact, you are so far above Satan and his demonic forces that he can’t touch you unless you give him access. Jesus has already conquered the devil, and you are seated in the same place of victory with him.

In order to use your authority successfully, you’ll have to meditate on the Word of God until your heart is established on God’s promises. This will produce faith in your spirit. Then, when you speak the Word of God, power is released that causes things to change in your life. The ability to rearrange situations and circumstances is in your mouth. The Scripture says that demons and sickness were banished from people’s lives because of one word that Jesus spoke (Matthew 8:8-16, 32). That same power and authority lies in your mouth, too.

Don’t wait another day to start walking in your rightful place as a Christian. Meditate on the Word of God and become proficient at wielding the sword of the Spirit. When you know who you are and Whose you are, nothing can come against you and succeed—that’s what I call power!

Scripture Of The Day: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus...” - Ephesians 2:4-6 (NIV)

BEARING THE CROSS

Luke 23:26
On Him they laid the cross, that He might bear it after Jesus.


We see in Simon's carrying the cross a picture of the work of the Church throughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus. Mark then, Christian, Jesus does not suffer so as to exclude your suffering. He bears a cross, not that you may escape it, but that you may endure it. Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow. Remember that, and expect to suffer. But let us comfort ourselves with this thought, that in our case, as in Simon's, it is not our cross, but Christ's cross which we carry. When you are molested for your piety; when your religion brings the trial of cruel mockings upon you, then remember it is not your cross, it is Christ's cross; and how delightful is it to carry the cross of our Lord Jesus! You carry the cross after Him. You have blessed company; your path is marked with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-red shoulder is upon that heavy burden. 'Tis His cross, and He goes before you as a shepherd goes before his sheep. Take up your cross daily, and follow Him. Do not forget, also, that you bear this cross in partnership. It is the opinion of some that Simon only carried one end of the cross, and not the whole of it. That is very possible; Christ may have carried the heavier part, against the transverse beam, and Simon may have borne the lighter end. Certainly it is so with you; you do but carry the light end of the cross, Christ bore the heavier end. And remember, though Simon had to bear the cross for a very little while, it gave him lasting honour. Even so the cross we carry is only for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the glory. Surely we should love the cross, and, instead of shrinking from it, count it very dear, when it works out for us "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Charles Hadden Spurgeon Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOU TO PRAY?

Acts 12:4-5 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Peter was in a relatively hopeless situation. James, the brother of John, had been executed, now Herod had arrested Peter intending to put him to death as well. James had been killed in a particularly gruesome way -- he had been sawn in half -- lengthwise. Scripture does not record that the church had prayed for James. Perhaps it was because they were too busy with studying Scripture or serving the needy. Maybe they thought the Lord wouldn't allow one of the original 12 apostles chosen by Jesus to die, or that James didn't need their prayers because he was the teacher and they were students. Whatever the reason, the church didn't earnestly pray for James and he was executed. They weren't going to make the same mistake twice.

Verse 5: "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." Those of you know me well, know that my first reaction to reading this verse is to ask, "Okay, praying is fine, but what did they do next?" You see, I'm an action oriented person -- as most men are. When confronted with a problem my first reaction is not to pray, it's to get focused on what I need to do. But sometimes (even most of the time), the number one thing on top of the "To Do List" (maybe the only thing) needs to be prayer. Why? I don't know. I do know that the Bible tells us in James 4:2 "you do not have, because you do not ask God." God has chosen prayer as His primary venue to talk to us, teach us, and come to rely upon Him completely. God wants to have a prayer-rich relationship with us. What will it take to get you to pray?

[BTW: This is not the same James, the brother of John, but James, the half-brother of Jesus (the son of Mary and Joseph).]

It seems that sometimes the only reason we pray is when we have no other alternative -- things appear to be completely hopeless and beyond our personal control. How hopeless does a situation have to be to get you on your knees in prayer? My prayer for you and me is that we learn to pray regularly and don't need a horrible problem to teach us how pray. On the top of your daily "To Do List" enter one word: PRAY. Begin today. Right now. Pray about whatever is occupying your mind!

pocketpower.org

LET IT FLOW

I used to love to play in the woods near my home when I was a boy. I especially enjoyed sitting by a certain crystal clear mountain stream that flowed musically down the side of a hill.

Green moss covered the rocks and made a comfortable seat on either side of it and when I would bend down I could see my own smiling face reflected back at me. I used to love taking a sip of its pure, sweet water. It always tasted like a drink from Heaven.

Going back in my mind to those carefree days beside those blessed waters reminds me of all the wonderful lessons they taught me. They taught me not to grasp too tightly. If I did the water would seep through my fingers and I would be left with nothing. Instead I learned to let the water flow over my hand and to lift it gently in my cupped palm when I wanted a sip or to water the daises, buttercups, and Queen Anne’s lace that lined the stream’s banks. I learned too that just a few drops of that water helped those flowers to grow healthy and strong. Most of all I learned that I didn’t always have to be doing something to be living. Just sitting by that tiny mountain stream, listening to it gently splash over the rocks, and feeling its peace was all that I needed for a great afternoon.

That mountain stream is a lot like the river of God’s love that flows through our lives. Just like that stream God’s love can’t be grasped and held tightly. In order to drink from it and experience it we have to let it flow through us and use it to bless the world around us. A few drops of that living water too is all that we need to help us grow better and stronger each day of our lives here. And sometimes it is good to just spend some time sitting quietly by the stream with God and let His peace fill us once again. May you always let God’s loving water flow through your life then. May you drink deep, live well, and pass the cup on to all you can.

.....Joseph J. Mazzella (joemazzella@frontier.com)by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net

FINDING YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY FAR FROM GOD

Acts 7:40-43"They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt--we don't know what has happened to him!' That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made. But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? You have lifted up the shrine of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile' beyond Babylon.'"

Have you ever woken up one day and wondered how you got here ("exile beyond Babylon")? Wondered how your life got so out of control, so far away from being Christ-centered? It can be an embarrassing and humiliating experience; and it can happen to all of us. How did it happen? The answer (the same as for the Israelites) -- one step at a time, one rejection of Jesus after another, until finally -- "God turned away, and gave them over to the worship of heavenly bodies."

What is the "worship of heavenly bodies"? It is the worship of the creation rather than the creator. (An example of this is a friend of mine who revels in the beauty of nature, yet doesn't believe in divine design.) The final stage of this process is when, "they held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made." In our present time, it is explaining the origin of our planet and life through the "big bang" and "evolution" theories, then teaching it in our schools as fact. In other words, it is worshipping our own intellect (wisdom and knowledge).

Do we lose our salvation when we find ourselves spiritually far from God? Did the Israelites stop being God's people because they began to worship other Gods? Did they lose their inheritance? Thankfully the answer is no.
They were still God's people, and their descendants received the inheritance -- because of God's faithfulness, despite their lack of faithfulness. The same is true for us.

When you find yourself spiritually far from God, how do you get back? The Bible tells us repeatedly -- the answer is to repent (which means to change your mind or thought). It is so easy to slip away. But it is just as easy to return. What will your choice be today?

pocketpower.org

A REAL HEART ISSUE

Acts 7:37-39"This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.' He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us. But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt."

Stephen now uses Moses' well known messianic statement, "God will send you a prophet like me" to indicate that Jesus was and is the fulfillment of this prophecy. He also, (once again) points to the rebellious and stubborn nature of the Israelites (identified as their "fathers" or ancestors), "But our fathers refused to obey him."

However, it's not just the "refusal to obey" that's the problem; the real issue is a heart issue -- "their hearts turned back to Egypt." We can relate to this. I have often heard men say, "I don't know why I am attracted to women like that, I always get hurt"; or, "I don't know why I gamble, I lose so much money that I put my family at risk and then I have to work my way out of a financial hole." The examples go on and on.

Why indeed do we exhibit such self-destructive tendencies? Why would the Israelites want to go back to Egypt -- back into captivity? Modern psychology focuses on the understanding of the "why" of our self-destructive nature, as if that alone -- enlightenment -- would solve our problems. For example: "I over-eat because my mother always made me finish eating everything on my plate." If enlightenment was the key, then the solution would be simple, pile less food on the plate -- you could then finish everything without eating too much. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Enlightenment does not equal freedom; and understanding rarely leads to change.

Paul explains this to us in great detail in Romans 7:1-25 -- in summary: the Law Moses brought from Mount Sinai (verse 38 of our passage), had only the power to identify what was sin -- it did not have the power to change our nature or our heart. Such is the case with secular psychology; it only helps to identify the problem. Paul also tells us that the Law is spiritual, yet without Christ we are unspiritual. The Bible tells us that Christ is the key; He is the answer to our heart issues and self destructive tendencies.

"Wait a minute," you say. "I am a Christian, yet I still want to do things I know are wrong!" Paul relates to our plight in Romans 7:24, "What a wretched man am I. Who will rescue me from this body of death?" He gives us the answer in verse 25, "Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord." We who are in Christ no longer have to sin; we are human so we will still have the urge to sin; our joy is we don't have to give in to it any longer.

The key to succeeding in this process we all experience is in the word "reject" from our passage today. When the Israelites rejected Moses their hearts turned toward Egypt. Moses represents Jesus, and Egypt represents the world. So for you and I, the only way that sin takes hold of us and we return or turn to worldly ways -- is when we reject Jesus.

The next time you have the urge to "Return to Egypt," in other words -- do something you know is wrong -- ask Jesus to deliver you from yourself. Not from your heart, because when Jesus died He bought your heart, but from your head and your poor choices. Sin and temptation no longer have the power to control us. Will you accept the power over sin you have in Jesus? What can you do today to experience a renewal of your mind?

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DO YOU HAVE MERCY AMNESIA?

By Shaun King

The more you remember that YOU NEED MERCY, the easier it is to freely GIVE IT OUT. I can smell a person with mercy amnesia from a mile away. They are judgmental. They spread gossip. They count people out. Having lost touch with how much God has forgiven them, they basically have to live a lie by pretending like they have it all together.


The problem is the more religious most of us get, the more we “go to church,” the more we listen to Christian radio, the more pastors we follow on Twitter – the less we remember how broken we’ve been and still are today.

This is dangerous!

It’s dangerous because the second we lose touch with how much we still need the new mercies of our God we begin to subconsciously pretend like we made it here all by ourselves. But you and I know that you aren’t smart enough, cute enough, wealthy enough, savvy enough, articulate enough, or connected enough to get where you are today or where you want to be tomorrow!

How many sins have you committed over the course of your life? You can’t even remember every sin you’ve committed. Let’s be real – it would take a scientific calculator to multiply out your sin per year ratio! How many times have you asked or even begged God for forgiveness? How many times have you found yourself in a bind in which you knew ONLY GOD could get you out? We’re talking about some pretty big numbers right?

Listen, I want you to have a healthy self-esteem. I want YOU to feel good about YOU, but if feeling good about YOU requires you to forget how much you need God…something’s wrong! I’ve won awards and earned degrees. I’ve been on TV and all over the internet, but the bulk of my confidence comes not from myself, but from the fact that the same God that mercifully forgave Peter for denying him three times and then empowered him to lead the first movement of revolutionary Christians is the same God that forgives and empowers me today!

When you live with the mercy of God on your mind (and on your lips) here are at least 2 great things that happen:

1. You bring new people to the faith! By revealing your brokenness and reliance upon the mercy of God, you will gain trust even with strangers. Our contrived togetherness causes broken people to wonder what’s wrong with them instead of what’s right about our God.

2. You stay fresh! Your faith starts dying when you stop living like you need God. It’s great that you have a testimony of what God did for you in 1988, but people will want to know how God has been real for you in 2010. Trust me – a fresh faith rooted in the mercy of God can take you places.

Scripture Of The Day: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

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HOW WILL YOU ANSWER GOD'S CALL?

Acts 7:34b-36 "'Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.' This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert."

As Stephen recounts the story of Moses to the Sanhedrin, he uses these words of God to Moses, "Now come, I will send you back to Egypt." I just absolutely love that statement! God had just finished telling Moses how he had seen the oppression of His people, heard their groaning, and was going to come down to set them free and make things right. Moses must have been thinking how fun it will be to be a spectator to this event -- he must have been shocked when God told him, "I will send you back to Egypt."

Isn't that just like us? We want God to get in there and fix our problem (right the injustice and deliver the innocent). But isn't that just like God to say, "Okay -- come on -- right now -- let's do it -- hmmm….who will I send? -- oh yeah -- I'll send you!" That's usually not what we have in mind when we ask for God's intercession. We want God to do it and leave us on the sideline to watch.

In our previous devotion I related the story of a father, who with the Lord's help, rescued his children from certain death. What do you think the outcome of that story would have been if following his prayer for the Lord's intercession, he would have escaped out a window and while standing on the curb, watched to see if the Lord would save his children? The children probably would have perished.

God raises "deliverers" during times of need. Why? I believe it is because God makes himself known -- less from the miracle than through the testimony and life of the one who accepts God's call. Moses accepted God's call, and the Israelites were led out of captivity as a result.

In what area of your life are you asking for God to intercede? When (not if) He asks you, "Now come, I will send you," how will you answer?

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HOW LONG?

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? — Psalm 13:1–2

Read aloud these first five lines from Psalm 13. Can you hear the despair in the psalm writer's voice? Can you feel his sense of abandonment, his angst, his burden of sorrow? Four times in these first two verses, King David cries out, "How long… how long… how long… how long?"

If we are honest, haven't there been times in our lives when we have felt like that? How long before a job opportunity comes along? How long will I be barren, or single, or sick? How long before You make my path ahead known to me? How long, God, before you answer my prayer? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts of worthlessness, of depression, of loneliness? How long?

If we are honest, we know this feeling all too well. Like David, we often feel that same impatience with God. Why hasn't He acted yet? Has He even heard my prayer? What is taking so long? When is He going to act? David often claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf, but even in his lowest moments, David affirmed that he was going to trust God — no matter what.

Indeed, we see David's wonderful affirmation at the very end of this short lament: "But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he has been so good to me." How could David arrive at that point so seamlessly, so quickly?

I think part of the answer lies in David's steadfast faith in God. Even at his lowest point, David's faith never wavered. And that came from a lifetime of walking with God, of trusting Him, of taking every thought, care, anxiety, and thanksgiving to Him. David was never very far from the One who could protect and guide him.

I also believe that David found strength as he expressed his feelings to God. In taking his doubts and his questions directly to God, David didn't focus inward and allow self-pity or negativity to spiral out of control. Rather he talked to God about what he was feeling, and as he did, God helped David gain a new perspective, and ultimately, that gave David peace.

When we are prone to despair, to crying out "how long," remember David. Talk to God and see how long it will be before you are singing praises to God because of His goodness to you.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

FIGHTING OUR ENEMIES

See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! — Psalm 25:19
Having enemies is nothing new for God's chosen people. From the time that Moses led the people out of Egypt, the Israelites have been surrounded, attacked, and persecuted by her enemies. So it should not come as any surprise that even today our enemies continue to attack us not only with weapons and terrorist attacks, but also with words and lies.

King David knew something about enemies. Did you know that 72 psalms — almost half the book — speak about enemies? David spent nearly half his adult life before becoming king on the run from his enemy, King Saul. And then after he took the throne, David was attacked by his own son, Absalom. Yes, David knew something about being surrounded by enemies, being hated by his enemies, and being lied about by his enemies.

And we can learn from David about how to deal with facing our enemies. David knew that battling our enemies can consume us. We can quickly lose focus and allow the tactics and the lies of our enemies to cause us to despair. We can become so preoccupied with the circumstances of our particular battle that we forget that we have the greatest source of hope, comfort, and protection — our Lord and our King, Almighty God.

David never forgot that. Even as he is praying for defense and relief from his enemies, David is totally focused on the One who can provide that for him. In the opening lines of Psalm 25, David writes, "In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." Despite having enemies who "fiercely" hated him, David remembered that it was God who would guide him, it was God who would release him from the snare of his enemies, it was God who would relieve him from the troubles of his heart and free him from his anguish.

David had the certainty of faith that God was ultimately in control and that God alone could deliver him — and Israel — from his troubles. Even in the face of such opposition and trouble, David affirmed, "My eyes are ever on the LORD."

Like David, we need to keep our eyes and our faith fixed on God. We need to acknowledge that the battle is not ours alone to fight. In times both good and bad, let us continually remind ourselves that God is in control, that He will deliver us, and that we can come to Him for comfort and His guiding presence.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

THE MERCY OF GOD

By Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr.

If the devil had his way, you would be dead. He had plans to make you lose your mind, jump off a bridge, take you out with drugs, get you shot up in an alley. The good news is, the angel of Mercy said, “NO!”

Most of us survived many things that would have taken the average person out. We outlasted the storms, we weren’t beaten down by the attacks, we pressed our way to win the victory. We are blessed to have the hand of God’s mercy and grace upon us of which most of it is unseen and untold. We haven’t a clue, if only we knew what could have happened that God’s hand of mercy prevented.

Mercy will follow you wherever you go…to the operating room…to the jail, to the divorce court, to the bank, and everywhere. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...” Psalm 23:6

Do you realize that no matter how bad your situation is, it could be worse? There are demonic assignments that have been released from the pit of hell against you. God’s grace shields us from seeing the level of spiritual warfare that circles the atmosphere around us, strategizing to attack us.

How many tragic accidents have been missed or how many bullets aimed at you missed their mark? Think about how much you thought he or she was the right mate for you, but God didn’t let it happen to keep you from getting AIDS.

Mercy said, “NO!”

Do you know we even receive mercy for things we did wrong? Think about the things we got away with and didn’t get caught. Jesus uses an example in the Gospels of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. These were church folks, people of God. They deliberately contrived to set up this woman so she would be caught in sin.

But Mercy said, “NO!” Jesus bent down and wrote in the dirt to show what true mercy was in action. Each one walked away because they ALL had sin in their lives and they too deserved to be punished for something.

Church folks can be devilishly mean and blatantly wrong at times. Not one of us has it all together. What would we do if God exposed all of our secrets? But mercy says, “NO!” This doesn’t mean we willfully commit sin and take God’s forgiveness and grace for granted. There are always consequences for our actions, good or bad.

But when we come under an outright attack of the devil, and need help the most. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fails not. They are new to us each day.” Lamenations 3:22. He sits on the Mercy Seat of love and forgiveness.

God is still working on us. Therefore, let us “Judge not that ye be not judged.” The more merciful you are to others, the more mercy you’ll get back, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7.

Have you ever thought about what Mercy looks like?
It looks like you.

Scripture Of The Day: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fails not. They are new to us each day.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

streamingfaith.com

TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Our lives are perfectly planned by our Creator. We are born as the most helpless of all God's creatures into life's training ground. Our first lesson begins with the first breath. Gradually we learn to take nourishment, make sounds, and recognize the presence of the one who cares for our bodies here on earth. Each day we continue to learn as our body grows. We learn to sit upright and make noises that communicate our needs to our parents or care-giver. We grow each day step-by-step until we are old enough to make decisions of our own and discover a faith to follow that guides us in the right way.

Faith comes easy to us as children, if we are surrounded by adults who will guide us in the right paths. As we grow older and life begins to shape us, we are called to develop a value system of our own.

We begin to develop a personal faith and come to understand that reason and knowing for sure can only take us so far. When we reach our own limits, we rely on God, humbly trusting in His wisdom and good will. As Hebrews 11:1 explains, " Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV

Life is different at each age, but if we take one step at a time, with our faith anchored on the unseen things of life rather than the material things, life can be good.

With faith firmly anchored, we can climb the high peaks and see life's majesty and beauty. When the path leads through the valleys, our faith sustains us. We find there are lessons to be learned in the low lands too. With our faith in Christ to sustain us, we can have a good life at any stage.

The ancient words of Ecclesiastes 3:1 remind us that "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (NIV)

Someday life will cease on the material plains, but if we've walked in faith in the one who created us, we can be assured of the following:

Ecclesiastes 3:14 - " I know that everything God does will endure forever, nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so man will revere him." (NIV)

Faith anchored in Christ will sustain us at every stage of life and assure us of everlasting life.

.....Ivie Bozeman (ivie@rose.net) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

SOMEBOBY IS ALWAYS WATCHING

Even when we don't think they are, they are. Even when we don't see them, their eyes are upon us. Even when we don't pay any attention, they do. Somebody's always watching. I got an ugly reminder of that earlier today.

We pulled into the Hampton Inn to grab a room for the night and there was one other vehicle under the registration awning as we arrived. The vehicle immediately got our attention because it had license plates that read GOSPEL. The familiar "fish" was plastered near the back bumper. And there were other Christian messages adorning the front of the vehicle as well. We knew these must be some of the brethren.

And then, it happened.

They locked their keys in the car. Apparently, it was the wife's fault, judging from the tantrum and explosive words the husband began throwing at her. Unaware that we had pulled up behind them, unaware that anyone was watching, unaware that someone who had observed all their Christian decorations had their eyes locked on them, and unaware that their testimony for Christ was on open view.

This man began throwing an old-fashioned fit. Ranting and raving, hurling abusive accusations, just generally being very ugly to his wife. All because they were going to have to call AAA to get their keys out of their locked vehicle. Only God knows what would have happened if it had been a real crisis!

The point I want to make is this: you and I wear the Name of Christ. Whether or not we have a license plate that bears it or we wear a WWJD bracelet or t-shirt, or whether or not we adorn the traditional fish symbol, we wear the Name of Christ 24/7.

That's not to say that we are going to be perfect, because we're not. It is to say that somebody's always watching. Even when we don't see them. Even when we don't know they are there. Even when we aren't paying any attention. Somebody's always watching.

And it's important that we "let our lights shine" for Christ as best we can. It's important that we remember that our words and actions represent Him. It's important that we remember Christianity isn't something we put on for Sundays when we're at church and we take off during the remainder of the week.

If we belong to Him, then we ought to live for Him.

Christian, today someone will pull up behind you. You might not see them, but they'll see you. You may not notice them, but they'll notice you. You may not be paying any attention to them at all, but I assure you, they will be paying attention to you.

What will they see? Will they see YOU or will they see CHRIST THROUGH YOU? Will they see the flesh working or the Spirit at work?

Today, let us all make an extra effort to be like Jesus. And let's let our lights shine to the glory of God for all to see. Because I can guarantee you. Somebody's always watching.

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"

.....Jimmy D. Brown (beacon@arkansas.net) by way of "The Daily Encourager" (dlangerfeld@HarrisburgBaptist.org) and "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net

DOES GOD SEE YOUR NEEDS?

Acts 7:34a"'I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free.'"

I read a story recently about a man who awoke in the middle of the night to smoke so thick in his home he could hardly breathe. It was the night following the Christmas program at his church -- his parents had attended so they spent the night -- and fire had erupted as a result of candles that were accidentally left burning. As he made his way, stumbling and coughing down the hall to his three children's room, He prayed "Lord, if it be your will, let us survive the night." Just before he was overcome by the smoke and heat, a man grabbed his arm -- who he thought was his father -- and guided him to each of the three children's room. All escaped with their lives including his parents. As the story was recounted to the firefighters (who were amazed that anyone had survived considering the intensity of the blaze), his father denied helping him save the children. His parents explained they had been staying in the guest room on the first floor and had been unable to make it up the stairs due to the flames. The firefighters thought it must have been an "unsung hero," perhaps a neighbor, who upon seeing the smoke had entered the house. The man was convinced it was an angel.

What do you think? Do you think God sees your need (the fire); hears your groaning (save my family); then comes down to set you free (grabs you by the arm and guides you to safety)? The answers to those questions will tell you a lot about what you believe and expect of God.

How "real" is God to you? Do you think God cares about you and your life in a tangible way? Most of us would like to think that God would "come down" or send an angel to help us if our lives were on the line, but what about regular stuff? I know a woman who has health problems yet refuses to get a handicap sticker (she thinks others have greater needs than hers). Instead when she goes to the store, she always prays for a parking spot close to the front -- I have never been with her when the Lord has failed to answer her prayer. Maybe the reason God isn't answering your prayers is because you aren't praying. That's what "groaning" is (from verse 34) -- praying. How can you begin to see God as real and present each and every day of your life?

pocketpower.org

CULTIVATING A GRATEFUL HEART

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. — Psalm 95:1–2

How do you tell God thank you? Do you do so privately during your quiet time with Him? Or maybe you write it down in your journal? Maybe it's just a fleeting thought, a whispered thanks, as you arrive safely home from a long journey, or as you witness the beauty of the setting sun.

The writer of Psalm 95 encourages us to tell God thanks in quite a different way. He invites us to "sing for joy," to "shout aloud," to come before God with thanksgiving on our lips, and to worship him with music and song. According to the psalm writer, our hearts should be so brimming with gratitude to God for all that He has done that we can't help but bubble over with joy and shout out our thanks.

Is that how we tell God thanks?

English writer and author Gladys Bronwyn Stern once wrote that silent gratitude is of use to no one. And inspirational writer William Arthur Ward put it this way, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." Expressing our thankfulness is meant to be shared with others, aloud. We need to tell the object of our gratitude what we're feeling, not just think about it. Not only is the recipient of gratitude blessed when we say "thank you," but we also are lifted up when we see the effects our words have on others and when we focus on the good things in our lives.

When we consider giving thanks as a gift to be given, as words to be shouted, as a song to sing in joy, it helps us to cultivate that attitude in our hearts. It is more than just an automatic response; giving thanks becomes a lifestyle that can inspire and encourage others. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a great Jewish theologian, once said that gratitude is the only response that can sustain us through life's ups and downs. He summed up the necessity for giving thanks to God in this way: "It is gratefulness which makes the soul great."

Let's sing with joy for all He has done to protect us and secure us.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

HEIRLOOMS OF FAITH

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. — Psalm 78:5 – 7

It was only a brief conversation, one that I had quickly forgotten. But not my oldest daughter. It occurred the day I took her to college, on the first day of the new semester. I reminded her that she was now 18, on her own, beginning a new chapter in life. I told her how I hoped she always would remember what her great-grandparents went through to come to this country and to give to their son — my father, her grandfather — the opportunities of a good education.

But their greatest hope and prayer for him was that he remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy, because that is the key to Jewish life and survival. My father passed that legacy of faith to me, and now I was reminding my daughter to do the same. Years later, my daughter told me that this brief five–minute conversation had the strongest influence on her and inspired her to observe that which is holy in her Jewish faith during her college years.

God commanded His people to share with each generation the stories of His faithfulness. He commanded them to teach their children His Law and His mighty acts, so that they would not forget all that God has done for them, and that hopefully, they would not repeat the same mistakes as their forefathers. The same is true for us today.

Passing on heirlooms of faith is the most important thing that we, Christians and Jews alike, can do for our children and our family. At times, we do this with intention when we instill biblical values through religious education, whether that's done in a synagogue or church. Or we share our faith journey with our children and tell them the stories of God's faithfulness to us through the years.

But, more often than not, we pass along our legacies of faith through our daily conversations with our children, through our actions and our deeds, through how we treat our neighbors and others. Our children are constantly watching us and seeing how what we do matches with what we tell them. Our lives are a living textbook for our children of what we value most.

What are your children or grandchildren learning from you today? What legacies and heirlooms of faith are you leaving behind for them? What are you doing to pass along His story of faithfulness and His works to the next generation?

The next generation is watching and waiting.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein