A BIT OF HUMOR

Due to a power outage, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was
very dark so the paramedic asked Kathleen, a 3-year-old girl to hold a
flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby.
Very diligently, Kathleen did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed and
after a little while, Connor was born.

The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom.
Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Kathleen for her help and asked
the wide-eyed little girl what she thought about what she had just witnessed�

Kathleen quickly responded, "He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first
place...spank him again!"

[forwarded by Beverly Davis]

============================

The squeaky wheel may get the grease, or it may be the first to be replaced.

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MIKEYSFUNNIES.COM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Heritage or Relationship?

Romans 11:26-27
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."

 

 

Paul does not mean every single Israelite will be saved ("And so all Israel will be saved"). Rather, in each age only a remnant is saved. Paul's quote is from Isaiah 59:20: "'The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,' declares the LORD." The overarching message is that each individual will have to turn away from his sin. There will be a remnant who will do so, and they will be saved. These passages speak of this saved remnant as the nation of Israel.
Remember in every age, there has always been a saved remnant. In Elijah's day, in David's day, in Paul's, and in our own. There will also be a saved remnant during the Great Tribulation Period.
Despite the fact that nationally Israel will be saved -- individually they must come to the Lord -- repent of their sin and confess that Jesus is the Christ. Just as it is with Israel, so it is with us. Personally we must come to Him. Our heritage doesn't count. We might have come from a long line of godly men and women -- for example, both of my great grandfathers were pastors -- but none of that matters. If we don't come individually to the Lord -- then we too will be lost. What about you? Are you relying upon your heritage, or do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

 

 

Already a Christian? Then have you been struggling with some element of sin? God promises to take away our sin: "He will turn godlessness away..." Will you accept Him at His word? His help is not just forgiveness at some point in the future, but with our struggles today. Will you call on Him now?

POCKETPOWER.ORG

THE REASON LIFE IN THE SPIRIT IS GREATER THAN LIFE IN THE FLESH

The reason life in the Spirit is greater than life in the flesh

 

Hebrews 4:12-14...For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart
The Word of God and Death are the only (2) things that can separate the soul and spirit - from the physical body. Let's examine separation more closely. The Word of God morally transforms the soul and spirit when  Salvation and forgiveness are found through belief in Christ. Forgiveness is found. The body is no longer governed by the flesh...but by the Spirit of God's Holiness. Thinking is transformed. Behavior is transformed. Conduct is transformed. Why?

"The Word of God that "separates" the inner man from the physical make-up of man...is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Right becomes the object because Christ is within. Moral transformation is made within man's being because Christ is God and He has power to change man inwardly and morally. This is Bible Truth. Not Philosophy! Not religion!"

Bible Truth is denied and misunderstood...but clearly speaks of power that morally transforms a sinner into a saint - by the Grace of God. Here's a picture of how God's Word "separates" the inner make-up of man from the outer part of man's physical make-up.
Hebrews 4:12-14...For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

 

• The human make-up consists of three parts.  Body, soul and spirit.
• The physical body is controlled and governed by the soul and spirit.
• The soul is man's power to choose and decide.
• The spirit is man's eternal make-up whether lost or saved.
• The inner part of man is "regenerated" when Christ and personal forgiveness are found.
• The Spirit of God's Holiness becomes the governing part of man when Christ and personal forgiveness are received.
• When forgiveness is found...flesh no longer rules the physical body. God's Spirit is greater

Life in the Spirit is experienced by a believer in Christ - when the inner part of man is redeemed and washed by the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb. The Word of God "separates" the unsaved soul and spirit from the body and morally cleanses and changes such. Salvation by the Spirit of God thus "overcomes" the flesh. This is the reason why - life in the Spirit is greater than life in the flesh. A spirit led man keeps his eyes on Christ. A spirit led man doesn't "ever seek" but has "found" Christ. Spirit life is in harmony with Bible Truth. Experienced! Not altered by human opinion. Flesh gravitates to the ways of man. Spirit life depends on the ways of God. Not equal...God's Spirit is greater than the flesh! Why? Because God is God. He has power over human make-up.

God's Word has power to separate a sinner from sin. Why? Right is given from above. Right overcomes wrong. For the first time in life a believer in Christ has "power to do right" because the Spirit of Christ came in. Jesus takes over the child of God. The Spirit rules that life. Prove those things acceptable to God. The flesh is subject to the Spirit of God. God's Spirit of holiness is greater than the flesh. Why? The same Spirit of Holiness that rules a child of God is the same Spirit of Holiness that raised Christ from the dead.

 Romans 1:4... And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

Posted byRick Roehm atThursday, August 22, 2013

ACTS 1:9 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

– Acts 1:9 (NIV)

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

 

We would think that the disciples would be at a disadvantage once Jesus left them, but that was not the case. Jesus had to return to heaven for the Holy Spirit to be released upon His people, so even though the clouds hid him from their sight, the disciples would soon experience the power of God in ways far more intimately than they ever did with Jesus on the earth. The risen Christ was God’s advance upon all humanity. Jesus went from our physical eyes to the eyes of our heart.

http://www.thedailybibleverse.org/

GOD'S LOVE

New post on GodLovesBummyla

Jeremiah 2. Israel’s sufferings the result of sin. God’s care for Israel (KJV). God. Israel’s unfaithfulness. God accuses His people. Israel is stained with guilt. Israel rebel against God. by BUMMYLA English: Deuteronomy 8:18, Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, 1901 Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Jeremiah 2. Israel’s sufferings the result of sin. God’s care for Israel (KJV). God. Israel’s unfaithfulness. God accuses His people. Israel is stained with guilt. Israel rebel against God. (Show chapter frame) 1 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. 3 Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. 4 Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: 5 Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? 6 Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt? 7 And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. 8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. 9 Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children's children will I plead. 10 For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. 11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. 12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. 13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled? 15 The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. 16 Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. 17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? 18 And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? 19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. 20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. 21 Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? 22 For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. 23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; 24 A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. 25 Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 27 Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. 29 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD. 30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? 32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. 33 Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. 34 Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. 35 Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. 36 Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria. 37 Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.    May God bless Nigeria, America and Israel and take care of us; May God make His face shine upon us, And be gracious to us; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon us, And give us peace, In Jesus Christ Name, we pray! Amen!   May the grace the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen!    http://wp.me/p1DKIN-5lH

A BIT OF HUMOR

Mr. Smith was brought to a Catholic hospital and quickly taken in for emergency
heart surgery.

The operation went well and, as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was
reassured by a sweet nun, who was waiting by his bed.

"Mr. Smith, you're going to be just fine," said the nun, gently patting his
hand. "We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay here.
Are you covered by insurance?"

"No, I'm not," the man whispered hoarsely.

"Then can you pay in cash?" the nun asked.

"I'm afraid I cannot, Sister."

"Well, do you have any close relatives?" the nun questioned.

"Just my sister in New Mexico," he volunteered. "But she's a humble spinster
nun."

"Oh, I must correct you, Mr. Smith. Nuns are not spinsters. They are married to
God!"

"Really?" said Mr. Smith. "In that case, please send the bill to my
brother-in-law!"

============================
Whatever happened to Preparations A through G?
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MIKEYSFUNNIES.COM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Violent Grace

by Phil Ware on January 08, 2007

 

Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, because the wise men had told him the star first appeared to them about two years earlier. Herod's brutal action fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah: "A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah — weeping and mourning unrestrained. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted — for they are dead." (Matthew 2:16-18 NLT)

Now that the sentimental season of Christmas has come and gone, we can revisit the real story for a harsh reminder of the violent grace that saved us. Jesus' coming to earth was not wanted or appreciated by those in power. If Mary's burst of praise was not incendiary enough for the rich power brokers of the day (Luke 1:46-55), the Magi's declaration of Jesus as King of the Jews made the ever-paranoid and always-murderous Herod livid (Matthew 2:1-3;  Matthew 2:13). Herod had killed his own children and relatives to protect his power. Slaughtering some innocent children who lived in the shadow of one of his favorite get away palaces didn't even require the blink of an eye. Herod's reign as King was marked by blood and buildings. Jesus' birth fits the Herod profile! It is almost too real to bear.

While we will never know for certain, I have often wondered what Mary thought when she heard ... heard that they slaughtered all those toddlers when her son was the target ... when she heard that they showed no mercy when looking for her young son ... when she realized that being the mother of the Son of God was not only wondrous, but also horrifically dangerous.

When a royal foreign delegation comes to inaugurate some baby as King and bring him gifts for his royal coronation to the palace of Herod, the vicious king cannot help but see a plot afoot to dethrone him. Yes, Jerusalem wasn't too far away and such news and Herod's feared reaction would have put the entire city on alert (Matthew 2:3). Herod reacted with all the violent heavy-handedness that he always did. Blood would flow and enemies would die. That was Herod's solution to everything.

Jesus' birth fits the Herod profile!

 

This awful story reminds you and me of several important truths about our Lord, the gospel that saves us, and the horrible nature of our world.

First, Jesus faces a violent future with those in power — Jesus is God's Messiah and Lord, but not the establishment's Messiah or Lord.

Second, we see that those in power will do anything they can to silence Jesus in seeking to prevent him from fulfilling his roll, while never realizing that their jealously and hatred will lead them to just that — fulfill God's plan for saving us.

Third, children, as they so often do, are the ones caught in the crossfire and discarded like paper dolls and left to die on the streets of the city of the great King David. No wonder Jesus had such a profound affection for them. These lifeless and innocent children of Bethlehem also prophetically speak to the murder, at the hands of Herod and the Romans, of an even greater David, God's real King.

So now that the gifts have all been given, the returns have largely been made, families have all gone home ... pause for a minute, strip away the sentimentality of the stories, and go read the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke again. Listen for the grittier, more real, and truer to life Jesus that is there. When John literally says that Jesus pitched his tent among us (John 1:14), he is being more than symbolic. Jesus was never really welcomed as a citizen, but either followed as a Savior or hated as an enemy of the state. His call to follow, then, is clear. Either or. All or nothing. Lord or lunatic.

When I see this harsher, more real, grittier side to the coming of the Christ, I can't but thank God for Jesus coming to earth — our broken, flawed, and violent planet — and choosing to live here with us in our real world. Because of this, we can always be sure that he knows how brutal it can be here and will always be available to offer grace and help us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200701/20070108_violentgrace.html

But Herod's Time Ended!

by Phil Ware on August 27, 2013

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV).

Teleutaesantos de tou Harowdou... — they're just four simple words, but their reality changed everything!Jesus has been born (Matthew 1:18-25). Herod has had little Bethlehem boys killed to try to exterminate the prophet's promised King and Messiah that he saw as a potential rival (Matthew 2:16-18). Joseph and Mary had to escape to Egypt* to save their now baby boy and one day Savior, Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15).
But Herod's time ended... — is a literal way to translate these words, but usually this euphemism is translated, "But when Herod died..." (Matthew 2:19). I like the euphemism better!
But Herod's time ended... The mighty Herod, known as Herod the Great, supported by the mighty power of the Roman system, Herod the great builder, Herod the maniacal king who killed his own children to protect his throne, this Herod is finished...
done...
at an end...
dead!
Teleutaesantos de tou Harowdou!
Four simple words remind us that every human personification of evil is mortal and temporary.
Evil's grip on government, religion, politics, and daily life will one day loosen and end.
Every Herod will return to dust.
Not everyone who prays for the days of evil to pass will see the day for which they long in their lifetime. That day, however, will certainly come. Not every heart which yearns for freedom from tyranny and abuse will live to celebrate the fall of their tormentors, but that day will certainly dawn.

In these darkest of moments, Jesus will reign and every dark power will come to its end.

So these four words speak hope — But Herod's time ended... This hope is even more elaborately and vividly confirmed by our Bible's last book, The Revelation of Jesus to John. These four words point us to that same hope simply and eloquently.
They speak hope to those caught in a grip that seems impossible to loosen.
They speak hope to those caught by evil powers so dark that they cannot see the light at the end a dark tunnel of violence and evil.
They speak hope to those opposed by powers that seem too strong to conquer.
Embedded in the very beginning of Jesus' story we are reminded of many truths. And these four words give  us truth to sustain us in the darkest of times:

One day, every Herod, will have his time come to an end.

Until that day...

• Let's hold on to our hope.
• Let's pray for those who are trapped by their modern day Herods.
• Let's use our voice to speak out for those caught in oppression and use our influence politically to bring this violence to an end.
• Let's look for the Light coming on the horizon of history to cast out all darkness and bring us in full freedom and fulfillment into His kingdom of light.

* Final Note:
I have found that many followers of Jesus have forgotten that Egypt offered a place of safety for Jesus when he was a toddler and while he grew into a boy. During these past months, believers in Christ have suffered in Egypt and the Egyptian people have faced great hardships as they have struggled through both political and religious hardships and violence. Even worse tragedies on a widespread scale have been going in Syria. And unfortunately, there are many places in sub-Saharan Africa, like the Congo, where atrocities are occurring today.
So I pray these violence-torn people can know the power of these four words: But Herod's time ended...I pray that they can know the truth of these words in their lifetimes.
I also encourage us, Jesus' followers, to pray for those caught in the vice of modern day "Herods" who are willing to kill their own people to preserve their stranglehold on power. Let's join Jesus in praying, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," longingly expecting the day when every Herod of any kind finds his days have ended.

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201308/20130827_herodstimeended.html
 

ROMANS 8:28 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28 (NIV)

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Bad stuff happens in life. Satan has a part to play in the bad stuff. Our own sins and their consequences also play a part. The rebellion against God and the spiritual weakness in those we love bring hurtful things into our life. Sometimes, God even disciplines us to awaken us out of lethargy or to correct some sinful problem in our lives. Yet in all these things, we have an incredible promise: If we love God and are seeking to honor his call in our lives, our Father in heaven will work out all of the things going on in our life for our good.

Prayer...

Father, I appreciate your promise to work out all things in my life, both good and bad, for my good. I ask, dear Father, for faith to believe this promise is true during painful and difficult times. I ask for patience, O God, to hang on to my convictions when trying times persist. I believe your promise, dear LORD, and look forward to what you will eventually make of me when you are finished with your work. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse Illustrated

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/todaysverse.cgi

WHERE IS YOUR OLIVE OIL?

Where Is Your Olive Oil?

by Robyn F. Johnson on August 23, 2013

"How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" (2 Kings 4:2 NIV).

I was sitting in my makeshift office one day lamenting over my financial state. After being laid off from a job I held for eight years, I had decided to go into business. My office is in one corner of the basement of my childhood home behind a folding screen. I have a laptop I bought on an installment plan, a borrowed monitor, a smattering of office supplies, framed pictures, and a cookie jar. I also have a cork bulletin board; it was a treasured find. Several notices are stuck to that board with thumb tacks, but one item stands out. It is an orange butterfly made from sheer ribbon and glitter.
I look at the butterfly whenever I forget where my olive oil is. This happens quite frequently — the misplacement of my oil — but the butterfly always points me back to its origin.
I am convinced that everyone has a small jar of olive oil somewhere, even if they have to do a little work to find it. This idea came to me while reading about the account of a widow and her olive oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). Her husband died leaving an unpaid debt. The creditor was on the way to take her two sons as payment.
Can you imagine the scene and her deep despair? At the same time she is grieving her husband's death, she is also dealing with the emotional turmoil of his debt and the impending seizure of her children. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help. I believe she had seen him before because her husband stayed within the company of prophets.
Elisha wanted to help her, but he needed something to work with her to help her build her trust in God. "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" He asked. "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a small jar of olive oil." "Never underestimate the power of something because of its size!" I reminded myself.

God has given you at least a little olive oil.

Elisha put her to work. He told her to go around her neighborhood and ask for empty vessels. He told her to get as many as she could. He gave her instructions to take every vessel, go behind closed doors with her sons, and pour the contents of the small jar of olive oil into each empty vessel.
I can imagine that she had vessels of all sizes, but I wonder how she reacted when she began to pour into the first one. I can imagine her as she cried, laughed, and danced as she poured and poured and poured. When they filled the last vessel, the flow of the oil stopped.
Elisha told her, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."
We all have something God can use to work with our faith and bring us His grace. My olive oil is my writing. When I was tempted to throw a pity party after my layoff, God reminded me to go get what He had already given me. Not only that, He promised me that He would multiply it in a way I could never begin to imagine. Every time I write, I pour. He pushes me to find empty vessels to fill with His grace. Much like the widow, I am amazed by His endless provision.
I may have a scrap of an office in a corner of my mother's home and my income may be low, but God has kept me. Every time I reach for a vessel, the oil flows. God continues to grant me favor in business, and although my client list is small, I pour into each one with all that I have. And, you know what? Month after month, the size and quantity of those vessels increases.
You may be going through a desert place on your journey. You may feel like an empty vessel. I pour into you to remind you that God has given you at least a little olive oil. Seek it with passion; find empty vessels and pour until every vessel is filled. God will take care of the rest.
He finishes everything well.

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201308/20130823_oliveoil.html

A BIT OF HUMOR

[Warning: A not-theologically-correct Funny!]

A minister dies and, resplendent in his clerical collar and colorful robes,
waits in line at the Pearly Gates.

Just ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket,
and jeans. Saint Peter addresses this guy, "Who are you, so that I may know
whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?"

The guy replies, "I'm Joe Green, taxi-driver, of Moo Ya wk City."

Saint Peter consults his list, smiles and says to the taxi-driver, "Take this
silken robe and golden staff, and enter into the Kingdom." So the taxi-driver
enters Heaven with his robe and staff, and the minister is next in line.

Without being asked, he proclaims, "I am Michael O'Connor, head pastor of Saint
Mary's for the last forty-three years."

Saint Peter consults his list and says, "Take this cotton robe and wooden staff
and enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

"Just a minute," says the preacher, "that man was a taxi-driver, and you issued
him a silken robe and golden staff. But I get wood and cotton. How can this be?"


"Up here, we go by results," says Saint Peter. "While you preached, people
slept. While he drove, people prayed."

[forwarded by Autumn Motet]

============================

If it is true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others
here for?

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MIKEYSFUNNIES.COM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

An Extraordinary Sacrifice

Romans 9:1-4a
I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit--I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.

Years ago, when I first read today's passage I was confused. I thought: "Wait a minute Paul, didn't you just get finished teaching us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? Wouldn't that include giving up your salvation for someone else?" We know we can never give up or lose our salvation because the good work God has begun in us, He will finish. (Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.") So what is Paul's point? I believe his sorrow and anguish were so great for his people that he would do anything to have them know Jesus.
Think about that for a minute -- these were the same people who stoned and beat him on multiple occasions, plotted his murder, and went ahead to the cities he would be visiting to stir up unrest and rioting against him. They sounded more like enemies than someone for whom you would sacrifice your own salvation.
When I prepared today's devotion, the Lord brought forward some unpleasant episodes from the depths of my memory banks. The Lord knows that I, like Paul, may offer up a great sacrifice in exchange for the life of one of my family members whom I love deeply (my people). But would I do so for an unfriendly neighbor, someone who holds an opposing political or moral point of view, or one of our nation's "professed enemies"? Probably not. I think that is the point of Paul's message today: If we truly understand the depth and breadth of God's love for us, as expressed through the death of His Son Jesus, then we are willing to make extraordinary sacrifices for people. Even those we don't know, don't like, or who don't like us.

Who is difficult for you to love? Luke 6:32, 35-36: [Jesus speaking] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them...But love your enemies, do good to them...Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This is probably one of the most difficult Scriptures for us to follow because it is counter-intuitive (it goes against our nature). But doesn't most of what God calls us to do go against our sinful nature? Who do you need to love today? How will you do so?


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HELP!!!

 

 

Help? "We Need Your Help!"  That's the cry of thousands of believers. Their cry is real. Their cry is urgent. Their cry is often hidden by the reports on the news, but their cry is there if we will listen... as churches and Christian businesses are burned and as believers are tortured, sexually assaulted, and killed.   "We Need Your Help!"  What if those were the words of people you know and love?  What if the cries for help were not some nameless folks on the other side of the planet who speak a different language and come from a different culture?  What if we heard those words as a cry for help from our family?   "We Need Your Help!"  For us at Heartlight.org and VerseoftheDay.com, their cry is personal... real... and close to our hearts and our mission!  You've seen the violence exploding across your TV screens. You've probably seen images of it on your computers, tablets, and mobile devices.  Just this week, possibly as a mockery of the original Passover where Israelites painted the blood of a lamb over their doorways (Exodus 12:1-13) to show their dependence upon God, Christians have had their homes and businesses marked by red paint over their doorways to show marauding vandals and religious Muslim extremists where to abuse, hurt, vandalize, and destroy the lives of those who believe in Jesus in Egypt, and especially in the city of Cairo.  So where is the outcry from our government... our congress representatives both men and women... our news anchors and outlets... or even from our churches and church leaders?  The Western press appears to be complicit with the violence since they seem totally unwilling to report widespread persecution and martyrdom about Christians around the world over the last decade. So will we hear anything from them now?

Thankfully, USA Today has been a voice of concern. Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel — from opposite sides of the political spectrum — have clearly sounded the alarm in their recent piece in USA Today. Their words are spot on, convicting, and a call to action to all of us — please read their dialogue article, "Egypt Christians Need Help." But for months, at least since April, very little has been reported on this violence and most of our churches have said very little as well.
Our combined silence and lack of help stands in stark contrast to the early church. One of the hallmarks of the early disciples is that they helped each other across racial, political, and geographic differences (Acts 6:1-7; Acts 11:27-30; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15). Where is our united voice of concern? Where are our calls for prayer vigils or even prayer at our church gatherings for these believers who are in the cross hairs of hell's hate and human violence? Where is the Facebook rally to believers worldwide to pray? Several sites are there, but most of us yawn and run to more frivolous stuff that interests us more. There have been voiced warnings from a few from organizations that seem to focus on these issues, but by and large our churches, our media, and our government have seemed at best unbothered and unconcerned about the loss of life, loss of freedom, loss of safety, and the loss of future for persecuted followers of Jesus anywhere in the world, but especially in the Muslim world. That's pretty strong language, so, why is this is a big deal to us at Heartlight.org? Well, it's been a concern for a while in my heart as someone who tries to keep up with the violence against believers and the martyrdom through the Persecuted Church website and updates. But this is a personal issue for us now. For a year we prayed for God to lead us to Arabic and Urdu (Pakistan underground church) translators for our website Verse of the Day — a site that offers a daily devotional in 10 languages. Just recently, we have been led to translators in each of these languages. But here's the rub. One of our translators is in harm's way. The translator appears to be safe for now, but escalating violence and a lack of concern expressed on the part of our government, our press, and most shockingly, our churches, leaves them defenseless and without emotional, spiritual, and prayer support. So what can we do? Pray. This is the place to begin. Be specific.

• Pray for our fellow believers and God's miraculous protection and deliverance in this interim where they are unprotected and unsupported.
• Pray for those you know in harm's way — missionaries, churches, believers in specific countries — and pray for them by name. This would be a good time if you have children or grandchildren to point out places where these believers are located and pray for them by country.
• Pray, please, specifically for our translators and those who receive our messages who are in harm's way. They are part of our heartlight.org and verseoftheday.com family. They share faith in Jesus, who shed his blood to make us family.
• Pray for the Western church, pampered with every luxury in our church facilities, arguing and debating over everything from carpet color to worship styles, to awaken to our selfishness and to see our world Christian family in need and facing extreme situations with faith and courage. Pray for us to hear the call of the Holy Spirit to awaken and help!
• Pray for our press, media, and political leaders to recognize and address the current realities with care and concern. Remember what Paul urged Timothy?

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity — the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time (1 Timothy 2:1-6 NLT).

Act! Don't just pray. Praying without doing something in response to our prayers is a lack of faith.

• Take the time to write your state U.S. Congress representative and Senators and ask them to make noise, sponsor legislation, give press releases, and pressure our President and current administration to more aggressively defend the rights of Christians like they lobby for other groups.
Petition the U.N. to investigate these crimes and give it their deserved attention.
• Join a Facebook page of concern and prayer to give a voice across cultures for the Persecuted Church and our fellow believers under persecution — one I've seen is found here on FB.
• Ask your church leaders to set aside a time to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Please! In the name of Jesus, because you love the people of Jesus, please choose to help in some way! Take time this week to pray and act on behalf of those who have no other voice right now other than their fellowship believers. We must remain silent no more or our silence becomes complicit as the neglect of those who don't care.

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201308/20130824_help.html

1 JOHN 2:27 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him.
—1 John 2:27 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit, we were also filled with the Holy Spirit. John speaks of this as our anointing. The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus and keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish either side of Jesus' identity — Jesus, God with us and God like us. We abide in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths.

Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all that Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you thanks. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/todaysverse.cgi

THE STORY OF RAHAV

In the Babylonian Talmud there's a description of the most four beautiful women in the history of the world. One the women mentioned, whose name has no specific Jewish or Israeli context in the Hebrew Bible is Rahav- רָחָב. The other three, by the way, are Esther, Abigail and Sarah. It is assumed that at some point she converted became Jewish like other Biblical women, such as Boaz’s wife Ruth, Joseph's wife Osnat and several others. The Babylonian Talmud tells us that Rahav eventually married Joshua and that she had ten famous descendants, one of whom is the famous prophet, Jeremiah.

What was it about Rahav that made the sages of Israel sing her praises so highly? Today we shall examine some important verses that shed light on her character. Let's start with her meeting with the two spies in Jericho, as written:

"Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and [a]lodged there.  It was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men from the sons of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.”(Joshua 2:1-2)


Unlike Joshua, who didn't trust God’s promise of the land to him and his people, it was Rahav - who the sage Rashi suggested was not actually a harlot as she is often understood to have been, but rather an innkeeper - who trusted God with a full heart. Rahav knew exactly how to speak the two spies, in their language, about the miracles God had enacted for them at the Red Sea, making clear to them the sincerity of her intentions and her belief in the one true God.
In Joshua chapter two, it seems that while the city slept, Rahav was the only one to figure out that in order to save her family from God’s proposed destruction she had to go undercover and appear as if she was working for both sides, to be a friend unto the spies but still a loyal citizen of the city. When the people of Jericho came to her to inspect the spies, she could have exposed them, delivering the two spies to the wrath of the people. However, by doing so, she would only gain a respect and dignity for few days. Rahav, whose name in Hebrew means ‘wide’, acted differently; she had the two spies swear that they would save her family, and as we can see in Joshua 6, her family was saved, as written:

"However, Rahab the harlot and her father’s household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho."(Jos. 6:25

In the New Testament, Rahav is described as a woman that displayed grace and faith. In in the Book of Matthew 1:5 she is described as the mother of Boaz, Ruth’s husband and David's great grandmother. Another beautiful passage about Rahav appears here-

"By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace."(Hebrews 11:31)

The character of Rahav teaches us that first impressions can be fleeting; when you judge a person merely by their occupation and not upon their actions and merits, you can be severely misled. For that reason we should all try to open our minds and hearts up as wide as Rahav’s, be accepting of others, less judgmental and more tolerant. Then, perhaps, we’ll have greater perspective and be able to do good for ourselves and our families, just as Rahav did!


Wishing you a blessed week, dear friends,
Eli

- www.eteacherbiblical.com
   

A BIT OF HUMOR

Sitting on the highway waiting to catch speeders, a state police officer saw
a car puttering along at 22 M.P.H. He thinks to himself, that car is just as
dangerous as a speeder. So, he turns his lights on and pulls the car over.
Approaching the car, he notices there are 5 old ladies, two in the front and
3 in the back, wide eyed and looking like they saw ghosts.

The driver, obviously confused, said, "Officer, I don't understand, I wasn't
doing over the speed limit!, What seems to be the problem?"

"Ma'am," the officer said, "you should know that driving slower than the
speed limit can also be dangerous."

"Slower than the speed limit? NO SIR! I was doing exactly 22 miles an hour,"
the old woman said proudly.

The officer, containing a chuckle, explains that 22 was the route number,
not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned, thanking the
officer for pointing out her error.

"Before I go ma'am, I have to ask, is everyone okay? These women seem badly
shaken and haven't uttered a word all this time."

"Oh! They'll be alright in a minute, Officer, we just got off Route 142."

[Forwarded by Jerry Lambert]

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Trying to be "normal" can make you crazy.

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MIKEYSFUNNIES.COM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Signs of the End of the Age

Romans 11:25b
...Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.


In Luke 21:20-24, Jesus speaks about the Signs of the End of the Age: "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
 The first sign that "the times of the Gentiles" is coming to an end is the events that happen in and around Jerusalem. In our passage today, Paul goes on to tell us that Israel will continue to experience a hardening -- "until the full number of the Gentiles has come in". This second condition deals with the last person on earth to accept Jesus Christ. Both are precursors to the Rapture and will complete the Age of the Gentiles.
 I believe that in 1967, when Israel regained control of Jerusalem, Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled. I might even go so far to say I think we are in the end, of end times, right now. The only event we await is (as Paul puts it): "the full number of Gentiles to come in." Maybe that's why I have such a heart for evangelical missions. Every time I go somewhere to witness I wonder, "Could this be the last Gentile on the earth?" Why? Because when the last person acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the fullness of the Gentiles will be complete. At that moment, the Church will be raptured. Are you ready?


If you are not saved, do us all a big favor and get saved. You might be the last one! If you got saved after 1967, aren't you glad the Lord didn't rapture the Church back then? I think we're in overtime right now. Do you have a family member or friend who hasn't professed their faith in Jesus? Don't wait. The time is near. The last person could be accepting Jesus as we speak!

THEPOCKETPOWER.ORG

IT'S A DAILY WALK, NOT A WEAKLY

It's A Daily Walk, Not A Weakly

How quickly does the refreshing of a Sunday wear off for you? How quickly do you feel the dullness invading, causing your keen insights and revelation to slip away? How quickly does discouragement and doubt come knocking? How quickly do you lose your sensitivity to the Spirit? It's not suppose to be like this.

Maybe you didn't realize? Maybe you thought this was just normal; how it worked? It's not.

We don't belong here.

There is a condition in this world that has twisted our basic nature so that the world is in constant rebellion against its creator. We did that. We introduced this rebellion and made everything dull, cold and ugly. But our Creator loved us too much to leave us like that, even though it was our decision.

So he punched a whole in this thing to allow us to escape and enter into vibrant, colourful life again, where he lives in us and we in him. He did this through Jesus who had to sacrifice everything so we could gain everything. But there was more to God's plan.

He couldn't bring us home yet because we are part of his plan to bring the good news of what he has done to the four corners of this planet. So because we had to stay in this dull, dying, rebellious place, he filled us with himself; his power; the Spirit of God, to keep us fresh, alive, colourful, and equipped to do his will. But we have to participate.

The moment we take our focus off of Jesus the dullness of this rebellious place crowds in. We have no power of our own to drive it away but we are filled by the power of Jesus through the Spirit of God. So we must stay focused. We can`t become distracted. We can`t allow the dullness to prevail. We must overcome every day.

Jesus had to as well.

He did not walk this planet as God. Although he is fully God and fully man, he set his divinity aside to fulfill his mission. His power came via the Holy Spirit who took from the Father and gave to the Son. Did you not notice that Jesus started off his day in solitary prayer and he ended the day in the like manner. Jesus, who is God, had to walk this spiritually dull and rebellious planet as us and it must have drained him as it drains us. He needed refreshing every day. Every single day he looked for his spirit to be renewed in the presence of his Father.

What about us?

Do we think we are better than Jesus, that we can go from Sunday to Sunday without refreshing, without renewal, without sweet communion with our God? I pray all day long about everything and everyone, but it isn't the same as coming aside from this dull world and sitting in the presence of my Father. Of course it is my desire to be aware of his presence 24 hours a day, but I am not there yet. I am like Jesus; I long to be renewed each day, to have the dullness of the rebellion washed away and to be re-energized in worship. Every day.

That is the cure to your spiritual dullness; worship. Seek our Father's face. Desire to be in his embrace. Listen to his voice. Listen for instruction. Search the Word. Study. Dig deep. Dance in his presence. Present yourself to him and allow him to do what needs to be done. To repair the brokenness. To remove the hurt. To restore your energy. To be reminded of his grace, his strength and his purpose for you.

Don't wait until Sunday. It is a daily walk that requires daily refreshing. Be renewed today.

LUKE 6:37 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

– Luke 6:37 (NIV)

Today’s commentary
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

This teaching has dramatic implications. It seems that we are creatures of denial, and we easily forget how much mercy we need in our day-to-day lives. Our pronouncements of judgment are under the assumption that we are the qualified judges. Our quick condemnation of others gives the impression that our morality is better. Jesus wants to remind us of how much we all need God’s forgiveness in our lives. It is far better to live under the awareness of grace than to create a false sense of superiority that is easily exposed.

THEDAILYBIBLEVERSE.ORG

GOD DISCIPLINES HIS SONS

Hebrews 12

God Disciplines His Sons

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
⁴In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
⁶because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”^[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ⁸If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
¹²Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³“Make level paths for your feet,”^[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning Against Refusing God

¹⁴Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. ¹⁶See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. ¹⁷Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
¹⁸You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; ¹⁹to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, ²⁰because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”^{[c] 21}The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”^[d]
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ²³to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, ²⁴to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
²⁵See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? ²⁶At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”^{[e] 27}The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
²⁸Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ²⁹for our “God is a consuming fire.”^[f]

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• Suffering or Sanctification (anointedplace.wordpress.com)

http://anointedplace.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/save-me-from-me/

A BIT OF HUMOR

You drive into the gas station...

1955 - four guys run out to your car - you sit back and smile

Today - four guys run out to your car - you scream and pull away as quickly as
you can

[forwarded by Larry Sluss]

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I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.
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MIKEYSFUNNIES.COM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

* Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.

* Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

* There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.

* When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight. You are on the King's Highway-Heaven-bound.

* Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Spirit.

* Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

* From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

* Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.

* As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

* Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

* Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue.

* Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

* However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave.

* But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

AMEN!

…..Tim’s Inspiration (timsinspiration@yahoo.com) by way of “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

THE HIGHEST STANARD IS LOVE

It's crazy that we have police and politicians who are responsible for making and enforcing laws but who believe they are above the law. Here in Canada, we just had one of our party leaders admit that he has smoked marijuana after being elected. In Canada it is illegal to smoke marijuana except if you have a doctor's permission due to an illness. The law remains and is enforced for the ordinary citizen but Mr.Trudeau believes he is above this law.

 It doesn't matter which law was broken, the fact remains that our politicians are suppose to hold themselves to a higher standard. Even if they disagree with a law, they still have the responsibility to abide by it. This goes for speed limits, paying taxes, or any other law we want to consider. If they disagree with the law then they should work to change it but in the meantime, abide by the law like every other citizen must.
 Now why would I bring politics into my blog which is all about all things connected to Jesus Christ? Simple: The same principle is in play for us who belong to the Kingdom of God.

 We seem to be a confused people concerning the law and grace. We use grace as an excuse for ignoring the fact that our Father is holy and has called us to his righteousness. Grace simply covers us when we get it wrong but what matters is the attitude of our heart. If we purposely set out to deceive God by doing what is contrary to his righteousness then we are only deceiving ourselves. We don't get to do what we feel is right. In fact. Jesus brought us to the deepest part of the law which is governed by love.

Jesus taught that the law says not to murder but love says do not hate, which is the root of murder. Jesus taught that the law says do not commit adultery but love says do not lust, which is the root of adultery. Jesus moved us from the law, which deals with the surface, to the root of the law which is governed by love.

If you love me, you will do as I command. (John 14:15)

 These, the words of Jesus, do not give us the right to sin but instead hold us to a higher standard. Certainly we will fail because our bodies have not yet been redeemed. It is the weakest link. But our flesh should not be dictating to us when we have been empowered by the Spirit. We must command our bodies to obey our spirit which longs for intimacy with God's Spirit. This should be our desire, our longing, our hope so that any thought of disobedience would seem repugnant to us. There must be a desire in us to want to obey Jesus Christ.

 I will be personal with you. There have been times when I have allowed fear to knock me off course. In my position it means other people, a lot of people, have been effected by my fear. I have feared my future and my finances. Some would feel that it is only normal because of my situation but it is not normal for me. I am a man of faith. I take God at face value. I trust his promises and to allow fear to manipulate me is to say that I do not trust. This is a sin because faith means to trust. I have learned that I must confess my weakness so Jesus can show his strength through it. I have learned to refuse fear and purposely do exactly what I fear. And every time God has revealed himself in glory.

 We cannot hold on to our sins, flaunt them before the world and use the excuse that we aren't perfect, only forgiven. It should be with some shame that we come before God, admitting our failures and allowing him to restore his Spirit in us. We need to desire to obey his will without hesitation. We should take delight in his law, delight in his holiness and delight in his righteousness. We need to press in more every day, getting closer, surrendering more, desiring more. We don't want less righteousness, we want more. We don't want less of Jesus, we want more. We don't want less of the law, we want to go deeper.

Politicians, who are our lawmakers, who refuse to follow the law because they disagree with it, are wrong. Many won't see it that way but it eats away at the foundation of our society and opens the doors to all kinds of abuses and wrongs. It is the reason they are held to a higher standard. But far worse are Christians who refuse to obey the Spirit, allowing disobedience to eat away at their foundation, opening the door to all kinds of abuses and wrongs. They fail to understand that we are held to the highest standard, Jesus Christ and it will have eternal consequences for them and all those they influence.

http://pastorpaulvbsblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-highest-standard-is-love.html

MATTHEW 20:1-16 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

 The Bible is God's Word

Matthew 20:1-16, CEV -

 As Jesus was telling what the kingdom of heaven would be like, he said:

 Early one morning a man went out to hire some workers for his vineyard. After he had agreed to pay them the usual amount for a day’s work, he sent them off to his vineyard....

 About nine that morning, the man saw some other people standing in the market with nothing to do. He said he would pay them what was fair, if they would work in his vineyard. So they went.

 At noon and again about three in the afternoon he returned to the market. And each time he made the same agreement with others who were loafing around with nothing to do.

 Finally, about five in the afternoon the man went back and found some others standing there. He asked them, “Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?”

 “Because no one has hired us,” they answered. Then he told them to go work in his vineyard.

 That evening the owner of the vineyard told the man in charge of the workers to call them in and give them their money. He also told the man to begin with the ones who were hired last. When the workers arrived, the ones who had been hired at five in the afternoon were given a full day’s pay.
 The workers who had been hired first thought they would be given more than the others. But when they were given the same, they began complaining to the owner of the vineyard. They said, “The ones who were hired last worked for only one hour. But you paid them the same that you did us. And we worked in the hot sun all day long!”

The owner answered one of them, “Friend, I didn’t cheat you. I paid you exactly what we agreed on. Take your money now and go! What business is it of yours if I want to pay them the same that I paid you? Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Why should you be jealous, if I want to be generous?”

Jesus then said, “So it is. Everyone who is now first will be last, and everyone who is last will be first.”

https://www.facebook.com/BibleIsGodsWord

WHAT IS LOVE AS DEFINED BY THE BIBLE?

by Rich Deem

What is love?


Everybody seems to believe that love is a good thing. However, not all agree what is love. Is love that warm touchy-feely feeling a person has when he is with a familiar person? According to the Bible, love is caring in action. Love isn't what we feel, but what we do.

Rich Deem

Introduction

The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships.
Origin of Love

The Bible indicates that love is from God. In fact, the Bible says "God is love."1 Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Likewise, God has endowed us with the capacity for love, since we are created in His image. This capacity for love is one of the ways in which we are "created in the image of God."2

Different Kinds of Love

The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision for our rebellion:

"For God so loved (agape) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The gift3 of God's son as a provision for sin4 was given to all humans,5 regardless of who we are.6 God's love is unconditional.7

In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love - something that can be experienced by both believers and non-believers. This is in contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit. Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul is unable to love unconditionally. Agape love gives and sacrifices expecting nothing back in return.8

Those who have studied the Bible and know about Peter's character know that Peter was ruled by his emotions and often responded to situations emotionally, rather than thinking before acting. Sometimes this kind of response led to good things (e.g., Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus - Matthew 14:25-33), whereas at other times, Peter's response was inappropriate (he was interrupted by God while suggesting that he build three tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration - Matthew 17:4). Peter was quite proficient at expressing phileo love, and was probably very popular because of his dynamic character. However, God wants us to express both phileo love and agape love. Peter expressed this idea in his first epistle:

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love [phileo] of the brethren, fervently love [agape] one another from the heart, (1 Peter 1:22)

Believers in the churches of Asia Minor had already expressed phileo love, but Peter was encouraging them to fervently express agape love as well. If you are a Christian, you are encouraged to express both soulish, familiar love and spirit-led unconditional love. The goal of the Christian is to become "partakers of the divine nature."9 In Peter's second epistle, he says that we are to behave with moral excellence. However, this is not enough. Christians tend to be characterized by non-believers as telling other people how they ought to behave. However, the Christian life should not be restricted to just moral excellence, but, above all else, should include both phileo and agape love:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness [phileo], and in your brotherly kindness, love [agape]. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
The most famous biblical chapter on love is from 1 Corinthians:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)


This is a description of agape love. It is described as being patient, kind, truthful, unselfish, trusting, believing, hopeful, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, or angry. True love never fails. The description perfectly fits God's love toward us, and should be the way we love each other and God. However, I have never met any person who perfectly fulfills this biblical definition of love. The Bible says that this unconditional love is more important than everything else (a partial list includes oratory ability, prophecy, knowledge, faith, philanthropy and hope). All of these things, which are "good" things, will pass away. Only love is eternal, since love will be the basis of eternal life. In fact, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." (Matthew 22:37)10 He then added that the second most important law was "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Jesus said that the entire law was dependent upon these two commandments.10

Conclusion

If you are not a Christian, I hope you desire to express love as defined in the Bible. However, wanting to do so and attempting to do so in the power of your own will is guaranteed to fail. This kind of love is only possible through relying on the power of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Even if you are a Christian, you will not succeed if you do not abide in Christ. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.11

1.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
2.So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
3.being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; (Romans 3:24)
 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (Ephesians 2:8)
4.In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
5.So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (Romans 5:18)
 For the death that He [Jesus] died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. (Romans 6:10)
 ...God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1 Timothy 4:10)
 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (Titus 2:11)
 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
6.For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; (Romans 10:12)
 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
7.But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
8.But love [agape] your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35)
9.For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (2 Peter 1:4)
10."Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."(Matthew 22:36-40)
11.2 Thessalonians 3:5 

http://www.godandscience.org/love/what_is_love.html