A BIT OF HUMOR

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Can't eat beef:  Mad cow
Can't eat chicken:  Bird flu
Can't eat eggs:  Salmonella
Can't eat pork:  Trichinosis
Can't eat fish:  Mercury
Can't eat fruits:  Insecticides
Can't eat greens:  E. Coli
Can't eat veggies:  GMO
Can't eat grains:  Herbicides
Can't eat potatoes, pasta, bread, rice:  Carbs

Hmm...  I believe that leaves...  Chocolate!!

[forwarded by Gretchen Patti]

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Don't let another birthday get you down. It's too hard to get back up!

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 www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Sincere Rejoicing

Romans 12:15a
Rejoice with those who rejoice...

 

 

Often times we find it easier to weep with those who are weeping, than it is to rejoice with those who rejoice. Don't think so? Look to your own family. How many times have you heard (or said), "That's not fair, he or she gets so and so and I don't." Usually a temper tantrum or pout follows. And families are supposed to love, and want what's best, for each other.
Maybe you've felt that way when passed by for a promotion at work. Perhaps someone else was voted in as president of the home owner's association, or chosen for the role in ministry you preferred. Be honest, how do you feel? A lot of it has to do with our competitive nature. I coached an adult co-ed softball team for many years. On occasion I was surprised at the lack of maturity and sportsmanship demonstrated by one teammate toward another -- especially when competing for positions. Many times people quit the team because they couldn't play the position they wanted. Sounds like a child doesn't it? "If I don't get my way, then I'm not going to play with you."
In our passage today, Paul tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice. It implies we need to get over our own childish, egotistical, and self-centered nature in order to do so. I know those are pretty harsh words, but think for a moment about when you have trouble celebrating a victory with another person. Isn't there a little jealousy involved? A twinge of envy? Perhaps a dose of insecurity mixed in? Consider the softball team as an illustration: Someone is chosen to play first base (the position you want), so what are you going to do, quit the team and lose the joy of playing softball altogether? Of course not. Playing sports, a job, or ministry work are more than selfish demands to play a particular position or serve in a special function. All are about fellowship, teamwork, healthy competitiveness, fun, and of course, celebration from time to time. If you have difficulty not only congratulating, but sincerely rejoicing with another person, teammate, or co-worker relating to one of their accomplishments -- then you probably need some work on this issue.

 

 

How would you rate yourself on Paul's instructions to rejoice with those who rejoice? On a scale of one to five (with five perfect) where do you fit in? What is the driver of your feelings? Too competitive? Jealous? Envious? What does the Bible say? What steps will you take next?

POCKETPOWER.ORG

1 PETER 5:8 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Joseph Prince

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.—1Pe 5:8

Do you know how the enemy tries to defeat you today? He comes roaring at you, telling you that God is angry with you! He also uses the law to show up your failures, to give you a sense of guilt and condemnation.

Beloved, Jesus has defeated the devil at the cross, taken all the condemnation for your failures and qualified you to receive all of God’s blessings. Rejoice, for the roaring lion has been de-fanged, and he has no more power over you!

http://josephprince.com/

MUST WE SIN?

Do we have to sin?

That depends if you are speaking of sins we are aware of or things we do that offend God of which we are not aware. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ that his grace covers all things we are blissfully unaware of so the question then is, are we able to avoid sins we do on purpose. The answer to that is, yes.

People mistakenly misuse the scripture where Paul stated what his struggle was with sin before accepting Jesus:

I know that my selfish desires won’t let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong. And so, if I don’t do what I know is right, I am no longer the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. (Romans 7:18-20)

Paul is describing what it is to be a slave to sin, the sin that is revealed by the perfect Law of God. But earlier Paul also wrote:

Don’t you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you obeyed the teaching you received from me. Now you are set free from sin and are slaves who please God. (Romans 6:16-18)

So why is it that so often we fall back into sin? Why is it that we end up so weak? For the answer to that I think we need to consider king David.

In some ways this is comparing apples and oranges because we are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit and David was not. God applied a lot of grace to David in the same way he did to Abraham but today we live in a constant state of grace because of the blood of Jesus. However, there are certain behaviours that are similar that still get us in trouble.

The big difference between David and us is that David had no choice in his sin; he was a slave to it. His best chance was to avoid situations that would cause him to fall. As he stood on the roof top looking down on a bathing Bathsheba, David was a slave to his desires, but he shouldn't have been there. When you read the scriptures you discover that it was the time when kings went off to war, but David was not where he was suppose to be. He sent off his army and he stayed home, bored. Boredom is never a good thing. If David had been fulfilling his duties he would never have sinned and an innocent man would not have had to die.

Too often we decide to sin because we are not where we are suppose to be. And yes, I chose the word "decide"on purpose. In this age of grace, with the indwelling of the Spirit and the broken bonds of sin, we have to make a conscience decision to sin. We know what we are doing and decide to do it any way. It is not as Paul described what it was like before Jesus. We know him, have been freed by him, have the ability to decide for ourselves and are strengthened by the Spirit to do the right thing.

If we are where we are suppose to be in the Spirit, doing what we have been called to do, serving our Lord Jesus, then no temptation could ever overwhelm us. There is no reason why we must give in to sin, but we can make the decision to do it. When we are weak in our relationship temptation is strong. When we are strong in our relationship, temptation is weak.

Are we where we are suppose to be? Are we bored? Are we lending power to temptations? Then turn back as quickly as you can to Jesus. Who the Son has set free is free indeed.

http://pastorpaulvbsblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/must-we-sin.html

ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL

ATHEIST DIED, WENT TO HELL, CAME BACK

by           Stephen King

When Mr. Reagan had a violent altercation with another man at a convenience store, his near-death experience took him straight to hell.  This is his testimony.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvIbqf7MuE0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF_gJgILBiE

A BIT OF HUMOR

A BAD CASE OF LARGE NACHOS
By Suzanne Peppers
I have had a horrible case of Laryngitis for the past 8 days. I'm working hard
to get over it. I have only had a little bit of voice for one day really. VERY
frustrating. Then last Tuesday I was SO hungry...and I decided to stop at Carl's
Jr. fast food for lunch. I got inside and realized I would not be able to order
easily without a voice. SO...I grabbed a napkin and wrote on it:
LARYNGITIS (underlined and bold)
Under that I wrote #18 (combo) & Medium Drink
I walked up to the counter and stood before a young lady that appeared to have
been gifted with fewer brain cells than most. (Just a hunch.) I thought this
might go badly. I handed her the napkin.
She looked past the napkin to my face and said, "To go or for here?"
I mouthed, "To go."
She said, "What???"
This was not going to work. Again, I lifted the napkin to hand it to her. She
repeated, "Is this to go or for here???" Frustrated, I began to WAVE the napkin
in her face like a flag of surrender. She finally took it from my hand. She
looked at my note and then, a bit indignant, looked right at me and said,
"MA'AM, we don't HAVE large nachos."
Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to laugh hysterically without a voice?
Suddenly I realized I was suffering from a bad case of LARGE NACHOS...not
Laryngitis!!!! Oh my. But wait...the best is yet to come. As I'm shaking my
head, she turns to the girl next to her and says, '"Do we have large nachos?"
The other girl reads my note and says, "I think she can't talk. Just ring up an
18 and a drink." So she does.
But she continues the order process by looking down, away from me. I'm becoming
a bit baffled at her lack of attention...till I realize she has a pen in her
hand and is writing something on the napkin:
CHICKEN BEEF or PORK?
At this point I begin pounding on the counter to get her attention. She finally
looks up at me and says, "WHAT?!"
I frantically point to my ears and mouth these words, "I CAN HEAR!!!!"
To which she begins to reply in writing again!!
I tapped her on the shoulder this time and mouthed again, "REALLY! I CAN HEAR!
TALK TO ME!!!"
She became upset and said, "Well, I didn't want you to have to say yes or
no"...to which I replied (mouthing again), "I CAN NOD!!!!"
She took my money, handed me an order number and was done with me...all without
speaking or saying thank you or even looking at me. After all, I had a bad case
of large nachos and certainly could not understand anything she might say to me.
Copyright 2000 Suzanne Peppers. Permission is granted to send this to others,
but not for commercial purposes.
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Therapy is expensive. Popping that bubble wrap stuff is cheap. You choose.
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www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Joseph Prince

Ruth in the Old Testament was possibly at the lowest point in her life just before she met Boaz. All the natural factors were against her. She was a poor widow and a Moabitess—a Gentile in the Jewish nation of Israel.

But she trusted God for favor when she went looking for a field to glean in. She said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor” (Ruth 2:2).

Noticed what Ruth was conscious of? Favor! She wasn’t conscious of her natural circumstances that were against her. And because of that, her situation was turned around completely. ...

The Bible tells us that she happened to come to the part of the field that belonged to Boaz. And to cut the long story short, Boaz saw Ruth, fell in love with her and married her.

Beloved, when you approach your situation today, be conscious of the Lord’s favor that is all over you! His favor will cause you to be at the right place at the right time, and say the right things at the right time, turning the negative situations in your life around and giving you good success!

http://josephprince.com/

ANSWERS FROM THE BOOK

Answers From the Book ·

• QUESTION:   What does the bible say about artificial methods of family planning?   Any bible quotations?

  ANSWER:   Family planning can be understood as a couple of things.  Family planning can mean those who have abortions.  It can also mean those who take extra measures for the wife to become pregnant.  Let’s consider them both.
  It is clear from the scriptures that life begins long before delivery of the baby.  From the very beginning, from conception, the baby is alive and the Lord knows them.  Let’s look at a couple of verses to show the truth of this statement.  King David wrote in Psalm 139:13-16, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”  David understood that even before birth, even as his body was yet unformed, the Lord knew him.  Listen to the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”  These two portions should be enough to convince us that even in the womb, the child is alive and known by God.
  Exodus 20:13 expressly tells us that, “Thou shalt not kill.”  The word kill here really means to murder, or to take a life unlawfully.  To end the life of an unborn baby is murder.  No matter how you look at it…it is murder.  So many pregnancies today are unplanned and unwanted.  So many young girls are having babies, so that it is literally babies having babies.  Still, it does not justify murdering a baby because it is inconvenient.  The Bible gives a dire warning to any who would end the life of an unborn child.  Exodus 21:22-25 teaches us that, “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”  I hope that all can see that abortion is murder and is a serious offence to the Lord.
  On the other hand, what does the Word have to say about those who cannot naturally become pregnant and use artificial means?  Would this be against scripture?  The Lord delights in children.  We read in Psalms 127:3-5, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”  Children are a blessing from the Lord, and such be treated as such.
  It is sad when families that desire to have children cannot have them, either due to problems with the husband or the wife.  In the scriptures and even today, there is sadness associated with women who were not able to bare children.  We read about Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 25:21 which says, “And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.”  Isaac prayed that the Lord would bless his barren wife and He did.  Often, the Lord would intercede for those who could not have children and bless them with children.
  We live in a day of great medical advances.  It is now possible for couples to have children who could not have done so several years ago.  Through varying types of artificial insemination, couples are now able to have their own children.  We read of the wondrous grace of the Lord in Psalms 113:9 where it says, “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.”  I see no reason to doubt that the Lord can work through these wondrous methods and cause barren women to be joyful mothers of children.  This doesn’t interfere with the Lord’s sovereignty in child bearing.  The Lord is still Lord over all.  He can allow or prevent an artificial pregnancy just as easily as He can allow or prevent a natural pregnancy.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/AnswersFromTheBook/posts/314748298666824

PSALMS 139:7-12 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Proverbs 31 Ministries

“No matter how deep our darkness … He is deeper still.” ~Corrie ten Boom

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12)

ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL SUNDAY EDITORAL

SUNDAY EDITORIAL OCTOBER 27, 2013

DISCLAIMER ON GOSSIP

How do we define the word gossip? Is it talking bad about others or just talking about others?  

Merriam-Webster defines it as such:

1gos·sip noun \ˈgä-səp\

: information about the behavior and personal lives of other people

: information about the lives of famous people

: a person who often talks about the private details of other people's lives

 Full Definition of GOSSIP

a dialect British :  godparent

1

b :  companion, crony

c :  a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others

2

a :  rumor or report of an intimate nature

b :  a chatty talk

c :  the subject matter of gossip

— gos·sip·ry   noun

Middle English gossib, from Old English godsibb, from god god + sibb kinsman, from sibb related — more at sib

First Known Use: before 12th century

Gossip is not in the Bible, the following words are:  slander, tale bearers.  It is wrong to tell tales on others.  My question is this:  Is it wrong to present the views or actions of others in order to compare them, discuss them or write this information to others.  

To answer this question we will look at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and john.  Four men, four stories about the same thing, the person and life of Jesus Christ.  Shall we also look at Peter, Paul, Titus, and James to continue comparing views.  Peter and Paul disagreed on what Jesus taught. Did you ever stop to consider why that was included in the Bible?  

I have reached the conclusion that to talk, discuss, inform or write about the different views and actions of other beliefs is not gossip, nor can it be called slander or tale bearing.

Informing others of the facts is informing others so that they can read , pray, seek God and decide for themselves if those beliefs and those actions of others line up with the true Word of God.  That my friends is not gossip.  It is not gossip even if it is about other churches, their beliefs and their actions.

Praise the Lord 

God Bless

recj/LJG   

A BIT OF HUMOR

The following are a sampling of REAL answers received on exams given by the
California Department of Transportation's driving school (Saturday
Traffic School for moving violation offenders.)

Q: Do you yield when a blind pedestrian is crossing the road?
A: What for? He can't see my license plate.

Q: When driving through fog, what should you use?
A: Your car.

Q: What problems would you face if you were arrested for drunk driving?
A: I'd probably lose my buzz a lot faster.

Q: Who has the right of way when four cars approach a four-way stop at the same
time?
A: The pick up truck with the gun rack and the bumper sticker saying, "Guns
don't kill people. I do."

Q: What changes would occur in your lifestyle if you could no longer drive
lawfully?
A: I would be forced to drive unlawfully.

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The Zen master to the hot dog vendor: "Can you make me one with everything?"

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 www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.  (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

 
by Steve Ridgell on Oct.14, 2013,

Today’s reminder that I am a sinner and need the gift of Jesus to make me righteous.  It also reminds me that I do not have any basis to feel superior to those around me.

http://hopeforlife.org/2013/10/there-is-not-a-righteous-man-on-earth-who-does-what-is-right-and-never-sins-ecclesiastes-720/

PEOPLE PLEASING

by Tim Archer on Jul.08, 2012,

An ancient fable tells of a man, a boy and a donkey. A man and his son were leading their donkey to market when someone passed and remarked how foolish they were to have a donkey and not ride it.

The boy mounted the donkey, but the next person who passed commented on what a wicked son that would force his poor father to walk. So the father got on the donkey, but the next traveler they passed wondered why a father would treat his son so cruelly.

So both got on the donkey, only to be rebuked by the following person they met, who said, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yours—you and your hulking son?
There was but one thing to do. Father and son entered the town carrying the donkey on their shoulders.

Aesop ended the fable saying, “Please all, and you will please none.”

It’s hard not to worry about what others think or say about us. However, we can’t let that control our lives, especially our spiritual lives. In the New Testament, we read this sad statement: “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” (John 12:42–43)

They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. That describes a lot of people, doesn’t it? Hopefully, it doesn’t describe you or me.

We need to be willing to put our faith in God, even when it’s not popular to do so. We need to be willing to stand up for what’s right, no matter what others may say. We need to seek the glory that comes from God rather than the praise of men

http://hopeforlife.org/2012/07/people-pleasing/

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

—2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we became Christians, Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit lives in us, making our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways (Romans 8). We can be courageous people even in the face of attack, criticism, and ridicule because of the Spirit's presence. The fruit that the Spirit produces (Gal. 5:22-23) and the love that the Spirit pours into our heart (Rom. 5:5) do not make us weak. Instead, the Spirit's presence is a powerful force to help us overcome sin (Rom. 8:13) and live self-disciplined lives.

Prayer...

Father, thank you for the Spirit's constant presence in my life. Please empower me with even greater courage and strength as I face the daily challenges in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL

IS LUCK A DERIVATIVE OF LUCIFER

Looking at the word luck and the name lucifer, it is easy to see they both start with ‘LUC.’  That in itself gives us cause to stop and wonder exactly where does luck come from.  We prefer to say ‘Blessed’, but to each his/her own.  Still we wanted to look at this and the following is our findings.

Merriam-Webster 

Luck: Middle English lucke, from Middle Dutch luc; akin to Middle High German gelücke luck

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to LUCK

Synonyms

fortunateness, fortune, luckiness

Antonyms

mischance, misfortune, unluckiness

Related Words

blessing, boon, fluke, godsend, hit, serendipity, strike, windfall; break, chance, opportunity; coup, stroke

1.

a :  a force that brings good fortune or adversity

b :  the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual

2

:  favoring chance; also :  success

Lucifer:

Middle English, the morning star, a fallen rebel archangel, the Devil, from Old English, from Latin, the morning star, from lucifer light-bearing, from luc-, lux light + -fer -ferous — more at light

First Known Use: before 12th century

1

—used as a name of the devil

2

:  the planet Venus when appearing as the morning star

Simple enough, the two words are in no way connected.  Still we prefer to stick with ‘Blessing.’

God Bless

recj/LJG

A BIT OF HUMOR

How men and women record things in their diaries...

WIFE'S DIARY:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a
nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I
thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment
on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so
we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much.

I asked him what was wrong; He said, "Nothing..." I asked him if it was my fault
that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me,
and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He
smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know
why he didn't say, "I love you, too."

When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted
nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He
continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I
decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt
that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep; I
cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with
someone else. My life is a disaster.

HUSBAND'S DIARY:

A two-foot putt ... WHO misses a stupid two-foot putt!

[forwarded by Nancy Gale]
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 www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Tempted to Call for a Curse

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 

 

If you are anything like me it's a little easier to bless those who bless us, than bless those who persecute. But in Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells us, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Why? Because two things happen when we pray for them: we change and they change.
I can't help it, no matter how grudgingly I might start out my prayer for someone who is persecuting me or with whom I might be at odds, something happens inside of me. I soon become interested and involved. I no longer want to call down fire from heaven -- roasting the offending party in God's holy wrath -- rather, my heart is softened and I begin to look for ways to help and heal the broken relationship. My entire perspective changes, and as a result I am changed. Prayer establishes the linkage between us. It's almost impossible to pray for someone and hate them at the same time.
In our passage today, Paul tells us to simply bless them. The next time someone criticizes, harasses, condemns, or even attacks, let's try something different. Instead of a curse, offer a prayerful blessing like in Numbers 6:24-26: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." By doing so, we will experience a power in our lives, with an ability to love that surpasses our human understanding.

 

 

The Lord tells us to pray for those who persecute us. Who in your life needs to be blessed and prayed for? How would you begin? Try Numbers 6:24-26. It is amazing the heart change we will experience. Will you obey?

POCKETPOWER.ORG

ANSWER FROM THE BOOK

Answers From the Book

 

 

QUESTION: What is the difference between the Church, the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven?

ANSWER: I really appreciate your question. All three of these terms are used in the scripture, and all three are different from each other, yet have some similarities. Very briefly, let’s look at each term and see how the Word of God uses each one.

What is the church? As many know, the church began on the day of Pentecost with the coming down of the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer on the Lord Jesus Christ. We find the word ‘church’ used twice in the Gospel of Matthew, and 77 times in the epistles. Let’s begin by reading the words of the Lord to Peter in Matthew 16:17-18, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Peter had just boldly declared that the Lord Jesus was the Son of the living God in Matthew 16:16 and the Lord highly commended him for his declaration. The Lord’s remark that He would build His church shows that the church had not yet been established. Now let’s look at Acts 2:1-4, which says, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Beginning on this day of Pentecost, we read of the establishment of the church as in Acts 2:46-47, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Notice the language of verse 47, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” or better translated, “such as were being saved.” It’s easy to see that we cannot join the church; the Lord adds us when we are saved. So, briefly, we see that the church is composed of every believer on the Lord Jesus Christ since the day of Pentecost.

What is the Kingdom of God? In Daniel 2:44 the Lord speak of His kingdom. It says, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” The Lord Jesus stated that the Kingdom of God had come in Matthew 12:28 when He said, “…the kingdom of God is come unto you.” The Kingdom of God is made of those who are truly under the Lordship of God. We can see from the words of the Lord Himself to Nicodemas that the kingdom of God is composed only of those who have trusted in the Lord. Let’s read John 3:3-5, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” All those who are in the church are also in the Kingdom of God. Those who trusted in the Lord before Christ went to the cross are also in the Kingdom of God.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven? This expression is only found in the book of Matthew. While sometimes the Kingdom of Heaven in synonymous with the Kingdom of God, most of the time it is different. Consider the parable of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 25. Matthew 25:1-2 says, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” If you read the entire parable, you’ll see that the five wise virgins represent those who know the Lord and are truly saved. The five foolish virgins represent those who profess to know the Lord, but do not. In Matthew 13:24-30 we have another parable of the Kingdom of Heaven. In this parable we see that both tares and wheat are in the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 13, we have seven parables of the Kingdom of Heaven. So, generally, we see there are in the Kingdom of Heaven those who are truly saved and those who are not saved. We understand the Kingdom of Heaven to be composed of all those who profess to belong to the Lord. All those in the Church and in the Kingdom of God are also in the Kingdom of Heaven. While there are those in the Kingdom of Heaven who merely profess to be saved, we are assured in 2 Timothy 2:19 that, “…The Lord knoweth them that are his.” Mere professors are neither in the Church nor the Kingdom of God.

I realize this is a very brief answer to a very in-depth question. I hope that there is enough here to help you begin to realize the differences between the Church, the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven.

JOHN 14:14 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

In Touch Ministries

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." -John 14:14

Perhaps the most important part of practicing this promise of Christ lies in understanding what it means to pray "in My name." This phrase is not about a magic formula; it's about living a life connected and surrendered to God's will.

ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL

PETER DENIES CHRIST

 

Luke 22:54-62 (King James Version)

54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

 

John 21:15-17

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

We are familiar with these two stories from scripture.  Have you ever thought to compare the two?  Was it possible that Christ was singling out Peter to head His church?  We do not believe that Jesus placed Peter or any one single disciple to be the head.  We know from the Bible that there is but one head of the church and that is Christ.  Ponder on this a bit.  Peter denied Christ three separate times, Jesus asked Peter the same question three different times.  Could Jesus have been letting Peter make up for the three times he denied Christ?  Just something to think on.

 

God Bless

recj/LJG

A BIT OF HUMOR

For those special circumstances:

You, [recipient name], are hereby notified that under the forgiveness
recommendations set forth in the Holy Scriptures - namely that we are to forgive
one another 7x70 (equivalent to 490 times) - you are now at 478 and have only 12
free passes remaining.

Signed,
Your name

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

When in deep water, be sure to keep your mouth shut.

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 www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

That's Good News!

by Ron Rose on January 20, 2009

Jim pulled me down close and in a desperate, worried voice he whispered, "Is God going to zap me? I'm not sure I'm good enough."We talked a long time about God and love and grace and forgiveness. It was our last conversation; 48 hours later Jim punched his transfer from this life to the next.But, the conversation has lingered in my mind. Since that day I've had numerous discussions about what God is like and if any body is good enough. One friend put it this way, "It seems to me that God just sits up there in heaven and punishes the people who are already having a tough time on this earth." Another told me, "I think God is power and he uses his power to dominate others. Just look at the Old Testament. He was always angry at somebody, usually his own people." A stranger at Starbucks added, "And, how about those Ten Commandments ... they're impossible requirements, no wonder he never blesses anyone. No one is good enough." "So, where is the good news?"
In the verses before the Ten Commandments, before God gives any commandments, he introduces himself as the God who loves Israel. He wants the best for them. God didn't sit in heaven making a list of all the things he knows human beings like to do and then outlawing them. But, he knows us really well. He made us. His desire was to bless us and to call us to reflect his character and compassion. This is where the Ten Commandments come from.
My response to the stranger at Starbucks? "I think God is saying I am the God who loves you. I'm on your side. I got you out of slavery. I'm the best deal you've got going. Trust me. Don't steal. Don't lie. Don't abandon me. Don't commit adultery, because if you do, it will unleash destructive power that will slowly overshadow you, destroying you, your families and your society. Trust me. Don't be stupid."
Truth is, from the beginning God has known that we have to see love, to know what it's like ... so he sent Jesus to live here and show us how to love and forgive.
Remember that famous verse?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life [beginning right now]. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16-17 ESV, comment added by author).

That's Good News!
We are followers of Jesus and Jesus invested in people ... all kinds of ordinary people. They followed him day and night. They gathered on the hillside to listen and marvel — the oppressed, the sick, the outcast, the losers, the lonely and the powerless. They had been denied dignity, value, and hope. He looked into the eyes of friends and strangers alike and announced, "The kingdom of God belongs to YOU!"
They were blessed, not because of their condition, but in spite of it. The discounted and excluded were shocked and stunned.  "What did he say?" "Did you hear that?"
Rather than telling them how they'd failed, he declared: "You are the salt of the earth." "But Jesus, we've been told we are the scum of the earth." "You are the light of the world."
That's the God I follow. This is the God of love and grace and forgiveness. And Jesus, he came to show us how to live ... right here, right now, not just someday in heaven because God loves us now and wants to bless us and show us how to love and forgive.
That's Good News!

About the Author

Ron Rose is a noted author and leader of Faith Team.  His new email ministry, Faith Notes, provides practical resources for growing faith. Email Ron!

   Ron Rose

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200901/20090120_goodnews.html

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

—2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are comforted because we are heartbroken. We are comforted because we need a blessing. We are comforted because God loves us. We are comforted to comfort others. While each of the above statements is true, the last is the most crucial one. There is something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is shared with someone else. It is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our comfort is weak and shallow and limited. Comfort — pass it on!

Prayer...

O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank you for knowing my heart, caring about my concerns, and comforting me when I am wounded. Help me to share your grace, mercy, and comfort with someone else today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

SELF MADE OR GOD MADE

Self-Made Or God-Made?

Have you asked Jesus to walk with you or have you accepted to walk with Jesus?
Do you ask Jesus to bless your plans or do you ask to know the Father's will so you can be obedient to it?
Did you ask Jesus to use your talents for his glory or did you ask the Spirit to manifest through you with the anointing of God so that his glory may be revealed?
There is a difference.
But today we don't have time to understand that difference. Everything is a rush. We don't have time to sit in the presence of God, to have his anointing wash over us. We don't have time to meditate on his Word and hear his voice speak his will to our heart. We come to him with our limitations and say "Use me Lord and here is what I mean by 'use'".
Here are the first words to describe Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1:1:
King Solomon, the son of David, was now in complete control of his kingdom, because the Lord God had blessed him and made him a powerful king. (2 Chronicles 1:1)
Solomon had not done anything to accomplish anything. He contributed nothing. He did not fight any great battles. He had won no wars. He did not go out and enslave the world. He had done nothing to warrant any thought that he was a great king. He was what he was and had what he had because God had decided it. God had made Solomon an incredibly powerful king and his fame spread around the world.
On his own Solomon might have been able to survive. He might have been able to accomplish some things, or he might have been conquered and killed in the first week. We don't know but we do know that Solomon was a powerful king because God made him powerful.
Are we a self-made people or a God-made people? Who is in control of your life? Does it matter?
We are not a dumb people.With some hard work we can accomplish a lot. We can at least survive. We can scheme, manipulate, work and accumulate some wealth and reputation. We can even give God credit for all of it, although it was only us who did it.
God does not want credit for what we do in our strength. Jesus does not want you attaching his name to something that has nothing of him in it. If you were a master electrician would you want your name attached to a job completed by an amateur? If you were a well known artist would you want your signature on the finger painting of a two year old? What could we possibly achieve that would give Jesus the same level of glory that he is able to give himself?
What we can accomplish is nothing compared to what God can do through a humble and surrendered child. God does not need us creating glory for him out of our limitations. He wants to reveal his glory as he manifests through us and does his thing in and through us. He does not want our ideas, schemes, or actions. He wants us to be his tool, worked in his hands and all it requires is surrender and obedience. He does not want our opinion or our perspective. He wants our heart, mind, soul and strength given in love every moment of every day.
God blessed and made Solomon a powerful king. What does he want to do with a surrendered you?

Posted byPaul Van Buren at3:28 PM OCTOBER 17, 2013

 

http://pastorpaulvbsblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/self-made-or-god-made.html

ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL

YES WE GET ANGRY

Don't we all.  As we read our Face book post, we read of people being attacked, automobiles defaced, homes trashed and yes our beloved pets tortured and killed. This living in a country that is suppose to give us the freedom of pursuit of happiness. Our government is in the worst shape ever, our President can not be believed.  Then someone has to come to our homes and destroy what we have worked for.  Or in the case of a pet, a animal that we love and care for.  Yes angry, and hard to say the right thing, Lord for give them they know not what they do.  Oh they know what they are doing all right, what they do not know is what they are doing to those that are hurt. 

We used to wonder why the Bible said the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Why not steal, destroy and then kill?  Because the devil knows that killing can destroy the soul's of those left after the killing. This is when we have to stand stronger still and Praise the Lord in all that is going on around us, and yes even in the face of what is trying to intrude into our homes.  This is our safe place, where we can come inside, shut the door and go before the Lord to pray and seek peace. 

There are people right now that are living day by day in hotel rooms, or in cars, if they are so blessed. Many are actually outside under the stars not willingly, for lack of anywhere else to go. And yes we are sure they too desire a safe place. 

Yes we are angry, and we shall ask the Lord to keep our hand from doing wrong to those that have invaded our spaces.  We shall ask the Lord to build us up even stronger.  We shall ask Him to keep us covered daily with His blood, to protect us and those we love.

Yes we are angry.  But by the Grace of God, Jesus Christ we shall sin not.  We shall not repay evil with evil.  We shall ask God, Jesus Christ to bless whose that intend to do us and our loved one's harm, to bless those that knowingly step into our spaces.

God Bless

recj/LJG    

A BIT OF HUMOR

Part 2:
"WHAT DOCTORS SAY"
and what they're really thinking:
"That's quite a nasty looking wound."
I think I'm going to throw up.
"This may smart a little."
Last week two patients bit off their tongues.
"Well, we're not feeling so well today, are we...?"
I'm stalling for time. Who are you and why are you here?
"This should fix you up."
The drug company slipped me some big bucks to prescribe this stuff.
"Everything seems to be normal."
Rats! I guess I can't buy that new beach condo after all.
"I'd like to run some more tests."
I can't figure out what's wrong. Maybe the kid in the lab can solve this one.
"Do you suppose all this stress could be affecting your nerves?"
You're crazier'n an outhouse rat. Now, if I can only find a shrink who'll split
fees with me...
"There is a lot of that going around."
That's the third one this week! I'd better learn something about this.
"If those symptoms persist, call for an appointment."
I've never heard of anything so disgusting. Thankfully I'm off next week.
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The weather is here, wish you were beautiful.
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www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Call to Service

Romans 12:11a
Never be lacking in zeal...

 

 

Pastor Ty loves to tell the story of one time when our daughter Amanda was staying with his family while Sherry and I were out of town. Their dishwasher was broken, so following the meal he said, "Okay everyone, let's clean up." Amanda immediately jumped up out of her chair, and said, "Oh boy, I love doing the dishes. Can I wash?" Their son Josh looked at her like she was from another planet and asked, "How can anyone 'love' washing dishes?" But that's "zeal", a childlike enthusiasm for whatever task is at hand.
The King James Version of our passage today presents a little more accuracy regarding Paul's intended meaning. It reads: "Not slothful in business..." Now that's slightly different than: "Never be lacking in zeal..." However, I believe it conveys the correct emphasis. We don't want to be blindly going about, enthusiastically chasing every possible enterprise. It can be a waste of time and distract us from what God really wants us to do. Rather, Paul tells us simply, "When it comes to the Lord's business, don't be lazy." In other words, when there's clearly work to be done, don't wait, get up out of your chair and lend a helping hand. Just like Amanda. But do so with an eagerness and passion to serve.

 

 

Have you benefitted by the efforts of others? When was the last time you volunteered to help in ministry? Are you involved now? God has called us to serve Him. How are you doing so?

PSALMS 34:19-20 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

—Psalm 34:19-20 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We know that the righteous can have troubles, but how do we understand that God delivers us from them all? How do we understand that he protects all our bones, especially in light of recent tragedies and the persecution of believers in many places in the world? Paul demonstrates the answer: whatever happens to him will turn out for his deliverance — whether it is through his death to be with God or whether it is through his release from prison to continue ministry (Phil. 1:19-23). Our deliverance is secure. We are conquerors in Christ. Nothing Satan can do to us can steal us away from God's love, not even death (Romans 8:32-39).

Prayer...

Father, please give me the faith I need to believe that whatever happens in my life will not steal me away from your love and deliverance for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20051018

SEASONS IN THE LIFE OF A CONGREGATION

Seasons in the Life of a Congregation

by Tim Woodroof on October 20, 2013

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).

I'm getting older.
Can't run as fast or long as once was true. I ache in places I never noticed before. I wear tri-focals. My memory isn't what it used to be. (Where did I put my iPhone?) It's enough to make me yearn for younger days.
One of the fundamental rules of life, however, is that everything has its season. We move inexorably from childhood to youth to adulthood to decline to death. We cannot go back. We cannot evade the demands of time or the changing of the seasons. Embracing this reality permits us to age gracefully. Denying this reality makes us pathetic (think varicose veins and hot pants).
The Seasons of the Church
Churches, like people, have their seasons. They move (inexorably?) from birth to messy adolescence to productive adulthood to decline and death.
Certainly, congregations have a few more options about "stages of life" than individuals do. It is possible for churches to "turn around," find fresh energy, and relive various seasons. Churches can experience renewal and revival. In practice, however, most churches march through seasons as predictably and reliably as individuals. One church in a hundred experiences a second "youth." Most never do.
Churches that accept the reality of "seasons" can embrace various stages of life and respond to the call and mission of God — whatever season they find themselves in. Churches that deny this reality descend into nostalgia, regret, and a wistful yearning for younger days — the ecclesiastical equivalent of a sixty-year-old yearning to wear mini-skirts again.
An Example: The Jerusalem Church
Acts gives us a birds-eye view of a congregation going through various seasons of life — the Jerusalem Church.
Its birth was long and messy.

• Conceived in the ministry of Jesus (who preached relentlessly to crowds composed, in part, of listeners from Jerusalem).
• Gestated by events such as his death and resurrection (witnessed personally by many who first joined the church).
• Labor-induced by Jesus' return to the Father and the baptism of the Spirit (the Jerusalem church was famously born on Pentecost). Peter played midwife.

In those early days, the church was raw and messy. Lots of energy, but little structure. People joined in droves. But they needed basic teaching and care (the "feeding and diapers" of early church life).
Churches that accept the reality of "seasons" can embrace various stages of life and respond to the call and mission of God, whatever season they find themselves in.
The childhood and youth of the Jerusalem church unfolded over a brief, three-year period (Acts 3-11). Great emphasis on miracles and evangelism, courageous witness and warm fellowship, growth and persecution. Members were immature (see Ananias and Sapphira — Acts 5:1-11). The church was disorganized (the "Grecian widows" problem — Acts 6:1-7). Leaders almost wore themselves out preaching to the lost, teaching and maturing those they found, enduring the bullying of opponents, and managing the daily problems of church life.
With the explosion of persecution that broke out following Stephen's murder (Acts 8:1-4), the church had to grow up quickly. Over the next fifteen years, representatives of the Jerusalem church, driven from their home, birthed other churches:

• Samaria (Acts 8:4-25).
• Damascus (Acts 9:1-22).
• Galilee (Acts 9:31).
• Caesarea (Acts 10:1).
• Most significantly, Antioch (Acts 11:19-26).

It was during this vigorous adulthood that Jerusalem Christians crossed borders, sailed seas, changed language and habits, and questioned old assumptions — all in their commitment to reach people and preach the gospel.
The Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15) marks the boundary between the church's vigorous and productive adulthood and its long, slow decline. Later (Acts 21), we find the Jerusalem church was still strong in number ("see how many thousands of Jews have believed" — 21:20), but stuck theologically ("all of them are zealous for the law"). Christians there had focused on matters like circumcision and Jewish customs and Temple rites (Acts 21:21-26). They began sending out representatives who, essentially, preached that Gentiles must become good Jews before they could be true Christians (Acts 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:4-22; Galatians 5:2-12). The Apostles moved on to other places and other churches. The center of church activity and leadership migrated from Jerusalem to Antioch and Ephesus. [The meeting between Paul and the Jerusalem elders (reported in Acts 21) is the last mention made of the Jerusalem church in Acts.]
According to an excellent article by F. F. Bruce on the history of the Jerusalem church ("The Church of Jerusalem"), the church went into exile when Jerusalem was sacked by Titus in a.d. 70. Even in dispersion, these believers continued to call themselves 'the church of Jerusalem,' but the zeal and courage so characteristic of earlier seasons was gone. The church lingered — dwindling and ineffectual — for several centuries.
Seasons and the Life of the Church
The Jerusalem church provides a clear example of "seasons" in a church's life. Looking at it (and thinking about our own church experiences), we can recognize the reality of various seasons as well as our pronounced seasonal preferences.
For all its messiness and struggle, we like that season when the church is young and growing and enthusiastic. Because of its productivity and power, we love that season of church life when, as ecclesiastic adults, churches spawn and spread, exert, and experiment. We can even tolerate that season of a church's life when stagnation sets in — when churches get stuck — because there is safety and stability in such seasons. What no one apparently cares for is the season of decline, a church that is dwindling and dormant. (As I approach my sixties, I can understand why people and churches dislike the closing seasons of life!)
A few observations:

1. Churches may be no more immune to seasons of life than individuals. With few exceptions, churches (like individuals) will march from birth to death, experiencing the full range of seasons in between.
2. While we may have our seasonal preferences (who wouldn't want to be part of the Jerusalem church in those heady, early days!), those preferences must be tempered by the reality that "wishing don't make it so." If churches intend to age gracefully, they must embrace their particular season of life.

• It is not "unfaithful" for a church to cross from one season into another. No church can stay young and vigorous forever. But "young and vigorous" is not the yardstick God uses to measure faithful churches. (Think hard about this statement!)

• There is a way for churches to be "faithful" and to pursue the purpose and mission of God in every season. In order to do so, however, churches must be willing to change yardsticks along the way; to redefine what God expects of a church, how he measures "effectiveness" in a church, as seasons change.

• Each season of a church's life has its strengths and weaknesses, its opportunities and dangers. Wisdom would advise us to play to the strengths and avoid the dangers of each season. There is a season, for instance, when brashness and boldness are characteristic of a church — and can be perilous to the church's future. There is a season when churches tend to get "stuck" (which leads, often, to decrepitude). Do we know what those strengths and weaknesses are? Do we know how to build on the one and evade the other?

• It is wrong (worse, it is unfaithful!) for a church to waste time "wishing" it could experience some other season of life. It is what it is. You are what you are. Healthy churches embrace that fact and refuse to live in longing for future seasons or lament of former seasons.

• If a church can experience "revival" — and, by doing so, extend a particular season of its life — it should do so. Revival is good. But revival is not a "cure" for the
• inevitable march of time and changing of season; it is a temporary treatment. Nor is revival the norm — most churches don't get second chances at youth. Nor (and I say this boldly) is revival the only way for a church to honor God: churches in decline can honor God (in their own way) as fully as churches in ascendancy.

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201310/20131020_seasons.html

A BIT OF HUMOR

Part 1:

"WHAT DOCTORS SAY"
and what they're really thinking:

"This should be taken care of right away."
I'd planned a trip to Hawaii next month, but this is so easy and profitable that
I want to fix it before it cures itself.

"Welllllll, what have we here...?"
He has no idea and is hoping you'll give him a clue.

"Let me check your medical history."
I want to see if you've paid your last bill before spending any more time with
you.

"Why don't we make another appointment later in the week."
I'm playing golf this afternoon, and this a waste of time.
--or--
I need the bucks, so I'm charging you for another office visit.

"We have some good news and some bad news."
The good news is, I'm going to buy that new BMW. The bad news is, you're going
to pay for it.

"Let's see how it develops."
Maybe in a few days it will grow into something that can be cured.

"Let me schedule you for some tests."
I have a forty percent interest in the lab.

"I'd like to prescribe a new drug."
I'm writing a paper and would like to use you for a guinea pig.

"If it doesn't clear up in a week, give me a call."
I don't know what it is. Maybe it will go away by itself.

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The two most abundant elements in the universe are: hydrogen and stupidity.

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 www.mikeysFunnies.com

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

CALL IT FORTH

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… God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 

Romans 4:17

“Pastor Prince, I feel the pain in my body. How can I go around saying that Christ has redeemed me from this sickness? How can I say that by His stripes I am healed?”

Well, God’s way is to call those things that are not as though they are. And because you are made in God’s image, you can also call those things that are not as though they are!

When God wanted to make Abraham a father of many nations, what did He do? He changed the way Abraham talked. At that time, Abraham did not even have a single child from Sarah because she was barren. So how could he become a father of many nations?

God changed the way he talked. How? By changing his name from Abram to Abraham, which means “father of many nations”. (Genesis 17:5)

Just imagine: From then on, every time he met someone, he would say, “Hi, my name is Father Of Many Nations.” Every time dinner was ready, Sarah would call out to Abraham, “Darling… Father Of Many Nations… dinner is ready! Father Of Many Nations…”You can just hear their neighbors saying, “They want a child so much they have gone mad!” But God changed the way Abraham talked so that he called forth what God saw him already blessed with.

You know, when Jesus saw the man with a withered hand, He didn’t say, “My goodness! It is so withered!” He said, “Stretch out your hand!” (Matthew 12:13) He called forth what He wanted. He looked at the paralytic and said, “Rise, take up your bed and go home!” (Matthew 9:6) He didn’t see the way it was in the natural. He saw the way God meant it to be and He called it forth.

Genesis 1 tells us that in the beginning, there was darkness over the face of the whole earth. God saw the darkness and He said, “Light be!” And light was. God called forth what He wanted and it became so! If it had been me or you, we would probably have said, “Whoa! It is so dark!”

My friend, despite the pain, call forth your healing. It is pointless to state the obvious. So change the way you talk. See the way God meant it to be, and start calling forth your healing and wholeness!

 

Thought For The Day God’s way is to call those things that are not as though they are.

Speak What You Want To See, Not What You See!

 

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JOSEPH PRINCE

 

 

ANSWERS FROMTHE BOOK

Answers From the Book

 

QUESTION: What exactly is the unpardonable sin?

ANSWER: That’s a question than continues to come up. Let’s look at one of the portions of scripture that speaks of the unpardonable sin. Matthew 12:22-32 says, “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

On this occasion, the Lord Jesus healed a man that was demon possessed. The people must have been familiar with the words of Isaiah 35:5 in reference to the coming Messiah which said, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” Many people were amazed and wondered aloud if Jesus was the son of David, or the promised Messiah. The Pharisees, however, rejected this thought and declared that Jesus cast out the demon by the power of Beelzebub, which was another name for Satan. These people attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, and the Lord gave this dire warning, “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” To blaspheme means to vilify, or speak evil of. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” The Greek word for blaspheme is translated ‘evil speaking’ in this verse. So, we’re told that blaspheme against men can be forgiven; even blaspheme against the Son of man, who is the Lord Jesus, can be forgiven. But blaspheme against the Holy Ghost will not be forgiven.

How are we to understand this? First of all, the words of the Pharisees here are not just an ignorant denial and opposition to the power of God. No, these men were witness to a great and marvelous miracle that only God Himself could perform. In the very face of this great witness of the power of God, they attributed this work to Satan. The Lord works through the Holy Ghost, so by blaspheming the Holy Ghost, they were vilifying the very power of God. In the presence of Christ, they claimed that he operated under the power of Satan.

Let’s look closely at Matthew 12:32, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” The word ‘world’ here is more properly translated ‘age’. It is not speaking of the existing earth, sun, moon, and stars, but rather it is speaking of two distinct ages, or time periods. It is speaking of that present age, and a future age. Christ was in the world. His work was attributed to the power of Satan. In this present age, Christ is not physically in the world. However, He will once again be in this world when He returns at the end of the tribulation period to set up Him Millennial kingdom. This is the age that is referred to in Matthew 12:32. In the Millennial kingdom when Christ is physically present and someone accuses Him of operating under the power of Satan, that sin will not be forgiven.

I want to make it clear that if you are afraid that you have committed the unpardonable sin, you have not. Let’s look at the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:12-13, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” Paul admits to being a blasphemer, but acknowledges that he found mercy. He did not accuse the Lord Jesus to His face of being led by Satan. It was while he was in unbelief and ignorant of the truth of whom the Lord Jesus was that he blasphemed.

You can be forgiven. You can be saved, no matter what you have done. The Lord Jesus said in John 6:37, “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” If you come to the Lord Jesus by faith, believing in Him as your Lord and savior, He will not reject you, no matter what you’ve done.