Women of God

Stand up!

Stand up and speak!
Speak out!
Tell the world of My love.
Tell them of My salvation.

Daughters of the Lord

Give words of encouragement.
Give them to your children.
Give them to your parents.
Give them to your spouses.
Give them to your friends.
Give them to strangers.
Give from deep down in your heart

Study, My daughters,

Study and learn.
Immerse yourselves in My Word.
Imprint My word on your heart.

Then speak, speak My Word.

Speak it to those you love
And speak it to your enemy.
Tell them of My forgiveness.
Tell them of my promises.
Tell them of life eternal.
Tell them! Tell them!

Then receive from My hand

Rewards for your righteousness,
And rewards for your obedience.

You are My precious daughters.
You are My arms reaching out.
You are loved beyond measure.
You are the vessels through which

My Word is to be birthed.

So stand up women of God
And speak out!

Thank you sister Ann Martin, for such lovely words of encouragement for my sisters in Christ.

Blessing a Child

One of the most important, but yet the most neglected way to influence positive change in the life of a child is to speak blessings over the child.

To bless means to speak good rather than evil, to encourage rather than discourage, to project success rather than failure, to give faith rather than doubt, to instill boldness rather than fear, to impart hope rather than distress, and to share love rather than neglect.

Here is a brief outline for blessing a child.
1. prayerfully discern the natural and spiritual gifts of the child.
2. prayerfully look at the child's potential by the grace of God and though faith.
3. formulate the blessing in a written form.
4. place your hands upon the head of the child.
5. speak the blessing over the child and repeat it periodically for reinforcement.

Blessing a child both encourages and gives a child a strong sense of direction. Since God works through the established authority of parents, God will also work in the life of the child toward fulfilling the blessings that the parents speak over the child.

Speaking blessings over a child is like prophesying over the child ( Ezekiel 37:4 for an example of speaking a prophesy). Let us look at how Isaac blesses Jacob (Genesis 27:28-29). Isaac blessed Jacob by saying that God would give him the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. Jacob was to let people serve him and nations honor him. Even his brothers were to honor him. Isaac also placed a curse upon those who would curse Jacob and a blessing on those who would bless him.

In Genesis 27:38-40 we see that from Esau's reaction just how significant a father's blessing is. We should understand that the custom was that the elder son was to receive the greater blessing; however, Jacob had deceived his father into blessing him as the elder son. In Genesis 48:14-20 we get a picture of how Jacob (Israel) blessed the sons of Joseph by placing his hands upon their heads. Then in Genesis 49:22-28 we see Jacob also blessing Joseph.

In the New Testament in Luke 2:34, we see Simeon, an aged saint, blessing both Mary and Jesus. "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against" (Luke 2:34).

Christmas Then and Now

And the angel said unto them, fear not: For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! Luke 2:10-11

For a child growing up in New York City, Christmas was like a dream land. What a time it was! It was beautiful - the lights, the snow, the cold weather, the people, the festivities and let's not forget the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the Macy's Parade, and of course all the food you can eat! But the memory that sticks in my mind most was that great big train track built around a city on display in Macy's on the 7th floor! I can see it now. Somehow it seemed like people knew more about the meaning of Christmas back then.

So much has changed since then, mostly in how we celebrate Christmas, not necessarily that we do celebrate Christmas. Getting toys was never my main focus even then, it was friends and family, and they made sure I knew the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Today our kids do not know the true meaning of Christmas. Keep quiet, someone may hear you say the word 'Christmas'.

People are compromising more now than ever about Christmas for fear of offending someone. What happened? I cannot understand why we are not on the same page with this. Through the years Christmas has become more and more commercial, a religious debate, a corporate business decision. It has become just another day.

Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, period. Yes, all of the other things are great— family, friends, lights, trees, toys, etc, but in my heart it is all about Jesus Christ.

Will you compromise or will you share with your children the true meaning of Christmas? Put in your heart that no matter what is around you or who you may offend, we must realize that on that day, the Savior, Jesus Christ was born.

A belated Merry Christmas to you all from my family to yours!

CHRISTMAS IS ETERNAL FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY

Luke 2:11 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)

Christmas is the day that marks your deliverance from eternal slavery. After reading many translations of Luke 2:10-11, I wasn’t satisfied. So I wrote my own (smile) based on the literal Greek meaning of the words, and in a today language that I could understand.

If you would, allow me to share with you Luke 2:10-11 from the "The Elder Dre Living Letters" edition: The angel said, in Butler speech: Don’t be scured (southern alteration of the word scared). I was told to bring you news that is the bomb (Something or someone that is really cool).

Today in the city of David, the Deliverer, the Preserver, the Messiah is born to release you from your shackles of slavery. And guess who He is. It’s our Master, Owner, Creator, and the One who has supreme authority, who is the anointed One. His name is Jesus. I know I’m not a theologian, but I just had to see it in a today language.

Jesus is the one that is empowered enough, and the one who loves us so much, He’s willing to deliver us from the bondage of slavery. See, the word redeem means to buy back out of slavery. You’ve seen the affects of slavery in Africa. People were kidnapped from their homes, chained, beaten, put on ships to cross the ocean. Many died, and many were murdered as they were thrown overboard to the sharks to lighten the weight of the ship. It did not only happen to the Africans, but there has been slavery in every race of mankind. But I’m here to tell you that all of the suffering that those people went through does not compare to eternal suffering in Hell. At least their suffering on earth would end when they died. But suffering does not end in Hell. There is no refuge, no comfort, no place of rest and peace. This is the slavery state for which God had to send a deliverer to release us. It is slavery that is eternal.

But Jesus came that Christmas morning to set you free. If you receive Him then you can walk through the open door of salvation. Jesus, the only one who was qualified to do it, kicked open the slave door of sin, and said to you, "Come on, walk out with me." And I’m glad He did. We ought to thank God on Christmas morning, for it marks the day that we were freed from eternal slavery.

Scripture reference: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:9-10; Matthew 28:18

A belated Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

The 12 Steps For Christians

Step 1. ADMISSION

We admitted that we are powerless over sin2 - that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2. BELIEF

We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to wholeness.

Step 3. SUBMISSION

We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God, as we understood Him.

Step 4. MORAL INVENTORY

We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Step 5. CONFESSION

We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Step 6. We became entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 7. PRAYER

We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8. PERSONAL INVENTORY

We made a list of all the people we had hurt, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9. AMENDS.

We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.

Step 10. PERSONAL GROWTH

We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted our mistakes when we were wrong.

Step 11. SPIRITUAL GROWTH

We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will and the strength to carry it out.

Step 12. SERVICE TO OTHERS

Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Thanks Dr. Gerald May

50 Reasons Why Christ Suffered and Died:

1 To Absorb the Wrath of God
2 To Please His Heavenly Father
3 To Learn Obedience and Be Perfected
4 To Achieve His Own Resurrection from the Dead
5 To Show the Wealth of God’s Love and Grace for Sinners
6 To Show His Own Love for U
7 To Cancel the Legal Demands of the Law Against Us
8 To Become a Ransom for Many
9 For the Forgiveness of Our Sins
10 To Provide the Basis for Our Justification
11 To Complete the Obedience That Becomes Our Righteousness
12 To Take Away Our Condemnation
13 To Abolish Circumcision and All Rituals as the Basis of Salvation
14 To Bring Us to Faith and Keep Us Faithful
15 To Make Us Holy, Blameless, and Perfect
16 To Give Us a Clear Conscience
17 To Obtain for Us All Things That Are Good for Us
18 To Heal Us from Moral and Physical Sickness
19 To Give Eternal Life to All Who Believe on Him
20 To Deliver Us from the Present Evil Age
21 To Reconcile Us to God
22 To Bring Us to God
23 So That We Might Belong to Him
24 To Give Us Confident Access to the Holiest Place
25 To Become for Us the Place Where We Meet God
26 To Bring the Old Testament Priesthood to an End and Become the Eternal High Priest
27 To Become a Sympathetic and Helpful Priest
28 To Free Us from the Futility of Our Ancestry
29 To Free Us from the Slavery of Sin
30 That We Might Die to Sin and Live to Righteousness
31 So That We Would Die to the Law and Bear Fruit for God
32 To Enable Us to Live for Christ and Not Ourselves
33 To Make His Cross the Ground of All Our Boasting
34 To Enable Us to Live by Faith in Him
35 To Give Marriage Its Deepest Meaning
36 To Create a People Passionate for Good Works
37 To Call Us to Follow His Example of Lowliness and Costly Love
38 To Create a Band of Crucified Followers
39 To Free Us from Bondage to the Fear of Death
40 So That We Would Be with Him Immediately After Death
41 To Secure Our Resurrection from the Dead
42 To Disarm the Rulers and Authorities
43 To Unleash the Power of God in the Gospel
44 To Destroy the Hostility Between Races
45 To Ransom People from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation
46 To Gather All His Sheep from Around the World
47 To Rescue Us from Final Judgment
48 To Gain His Joy and Ours
49 So That He Would Be Crowned with Glory and Honor
50 To Show That the Worst Evil Is Meant by God for Good

You can choose…

To accept Christ as the true Son of God who died for you on the Cross.
To accept Christ into your heart and life rather than just thinking about Him.
To ask questions and seek answers.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To be honest rather than dishonest.
To believe rather than doubt.
To bring cheer into the gloom rather than letting the gloom take away the cheer.
To care for others rather than cold and insolent.
To carry a light carrier in the darkness rather than groping and hurting with others.
To carry others burdens rather than pile your burdens on to them.
To confess your sins before God rather than carrying guilt.
To free your conscience through confession rather than letting your conscience burn and imprison you.
To console others in times of grief.
To choose contentment over turmoil.
To be contrite rather than shrugging your shoulders because you do not care.
To control your life rather than letting "whatever" operate in chaos over you.
To live a life of self-control rather than letting life control you.
To live in conviction rather than letting everything slide.
To have courage by acting in spite of your fear rather than letting fear control you.
To dedicate your life to something rather than hoping something will draft you into an activity you like.
To deliver as much of the goods as you can for others instead of staying at home waiting for someone to deliver the goods to you.
To develop your character and do the right thing rather than ignoring your character and doing the wrong thing.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To give compassion when someone is hurting rather than doing nothing.
To visit the widow for a few minutes.
To hear and comfort the weeping.
To help rather than hurt.
To honor and cherish the important persons in your life.
To hunger for the things of God rather than the things of darkness.
To invite the Holy Spirit to become real in your life or ignore this love.
To live a holy life rather than a secular life.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live in humility rather than living with ego and pride
To live with hope by seeing over the horizons.
To meditate upon the things of God rather than thinking about the things of darkness.
To live in meekness rather than living so others will notice you.
To bestow mercy and forgiveness on those who hurt you rather than trying to get even.
To develop your mind rather than letting your mind waste away.
To minister to others who are in pain rather than believing someone else will help them.
To pray for miracles and be present to assist in their delivery.
To live a moral life rather than living an immoral life.
To see each morning as an opportunity to produce for God rather than a burden to bear for God.
To lay your sorrows of mourning at the foot of the Cross.
To be mystified by the mysteries of God and life.
To mold your character to be decisive for God rather than indecisive.
To put your energy to use rather than letting it evaporate.
To rise up in controlled anger at injustice rather than looking the other way.
To seek answers instead of avoiding them.
To take action when you face anxiety rather than shrink back.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To care about others rather than caring about only yourself.
To read His word rather than watch TV.
To search for wisdom rather than living in ignorance.
To see how all things are continually made new even when it appears all things grow old and are about to die.
To live in obedience to God's commandments rather than disregarding them.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live as a person who has been truly rescued from the depths.
To see that pain is a weapon of Satan and the darkness.
To live in peace with your brothers and sisters rather than wanting to make war against them.
To understand that persecution comes to all who love the Lord.
To reach out to the poor.
To understand that poverty of the spirit is a choice for all persons.
To seize the real power that is the love of God rather than letting that power slip through your fingers.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To turn dependence into an opportunity to warn others.
To turn dependence into a victory against more dependence.
To turn dependence into a war for independence.
To turn a time of depression into a time of counting your blessings.
To turn a time of depression into a time of reaching out to others and producing goofiness.
To turn a time of depression into a time of creative outlet rather than a time of disabled hell.
To devote your time rather than letting your time slip away.
To disobey the conventional wisdom that keeps you down and obey the Love of God which propels you upward.
To be devout in your beliefs rather than throwing them in the trash.
To be as difficult with the difficulties as the difficulties are difficult with you.
To use the Holy Bible as a source of God’s truth and wisdom.

DIARY OF A BIBLE -- COULD THIS BE YOURS?

JANUARY: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year.

They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.

FEBRUARY: Cleanup time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place.

My owner did use me for a few minutes last week.

He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.

MARCH: Had a busy day first of the month.

My owner was elected president of the PTA and used me to prepare a speech.

APRIL: Grandpa visited us this month.

He kept me on his lap for an hour reading 1st Corinthians 13:13.

He seems to think more of me than do some people in my own household.

MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages.

Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.

JUNE: I look like a scrapbook.

They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings -- one of the girls got married.

JULY: They put me in a suitcase today.

I guess we are off on vacation.

I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.

AUGUST: Still in the suitcase.

SEPTEMBER: Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company.

Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me.

I wish I could be read as much as they are.

OCTOBER: They read me a little bit today.

One of them is very sick.

Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table.

I think the Pastor is coming by for a visit.

NOVEMBER: Back in my old place.

Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.

DECEMBER: The family is busy getting ready for the holidays.

I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper & packages again ... just as I am every Christmas.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

My dear brothers and sisters, there are many barriers that can divide us from other Christians: age, appearance, intelligence, political persuasion, economic status, race, theological perspective and respect. One of the best ways to stifle Christ’s love is to be friendly with only those people that we like or to just one gender. Fortunately, Christ has knocked down the barriers and has unified all believers in one family. His cross should be the focus of our unity. The Holy Spirit helps us look beyond the barriers to the unity we are called to enjoy. God forms and equips men and women for various tasks, but all these tasks lead to the same goal—honoring God. Man gives life to woman; woman gives life to the world. Each role carries exclusive privileges; there is no room for thinking that one sex is superior to the other. Let's (bloggers) be mindful of our cyberlistic actions, as man and women of God we must show all people of all genders appropriate respect and I believe we may at time have gone overboard with the affections in word. How then can we do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Someone may see it and be misled; therefore all who are guilty, simply apologize to those offended. My dear brothers and sisters, just as Potiphar’s wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God, we must do likewise. Joseph didn’t say, “I’d be hurting you,” or “I’d be sinning against Potiphar,” or “I’d be sinning against myself.” Under pressure, such excuses are easily rationalized away. Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. I give you all, my love but most of all, I give you all respect.

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Genesis 39:9 (KJV)

NOW THAT I AM SAVED...

1. My salvation is fully accomplished (John 19:30).
2. I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).
3. I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).
4. I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).
5. I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).
6. I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).
7. I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).
8. I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).
9. I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).
10. I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
11. My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).
12. My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).
13. My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).
14. I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).
15. I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).
16. I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).
17. I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).
18. I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).
19. I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).
20. I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
21. I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
22. I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).
23. I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
24. I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
25. I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).
26. I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).
27. I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
28. I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
29. I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).
30. I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).
31. I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).
32. I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).
33. I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).
34. I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).
35. I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).
36. All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).
37. I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).
38. I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
39. I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).
40. I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).
41. I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).
42. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
43. I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).
44. I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).
45. I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).
46. I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
47. I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).
48. I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
49. I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).
50. I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).
51. I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).
52. I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
53. I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).
54. I am a "peculiar person," even God's special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
55. I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).
56. I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
57. I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).
58. I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).
59. Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
60. I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).
61. Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
62. The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
63. I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
64. My "earthen vessel" houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).
65. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
66. I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).
67. I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).
68. I am one of the "called" of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).
69. I have been called unto the fellowship of God's Son (1 Cor. 1:9).
70. I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).
71. I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
72. I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).
73. I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).
74. God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
75. God predestined me to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).
76. I have already been glorified according to God's mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).
77. I am eternally secure in God's love (Rom. 8:38-39).
78. I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).
79. I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
80. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
81. I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).
82. I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).
83. I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His "brethren" and "friends" (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).
84. I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).
85. I am Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29).
86. I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).
87. I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).
88. I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).
89. I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).
90. I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).
91. I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).
92. I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).
93. I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).
94. I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).
95. I am one of God's people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).
96. I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).
97. I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).
98. I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).
99. I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).
100. I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).
101. My "old man" was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).
102. I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
103. I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).
104. I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).
105. Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
106. I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
107. I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).
108. I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
109. I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).
110. I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).
111. I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
112. I have God's laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).
113. I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).
114. I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).
115. I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).
116. The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).
117. The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).
118. I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).
119. I am being changed into Christ's glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).
120. I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).
121. My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).
122. I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
123. I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).
124. The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).
125. I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).
126. I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
127. I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).
128. I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).
129. I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).
130. I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).
131. I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).
132. I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).
133. I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).
134. I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).
135. I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
136. I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).
137. I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).
138. I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).
139. My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
140. My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).
141. Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).
142. Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).
143. I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).
144. The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
145. I am God's servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).
146. I am Christ's servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).
147. I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
148. I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).
149. I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
150. I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
151. Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).
152. I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
153. I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
154. I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
155. I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).
156. I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).
157. I have God's all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).
158. I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
159. I have God's power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).
160. I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).
161. I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).
162. I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).
163. I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).
164. I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
165. Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).
166. I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).
167. I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
168. I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
169. I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).
170. I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
171. I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).
172. I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).
173. I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).
174. I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).
175. I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).
176. I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).
177. God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).
178. God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).
179. God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).
180. I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).
181. All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).
182. My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).
183. My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).
184. I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
185. I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
186. God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
187. God's Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).
188. I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).
189. I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).
190. I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).
191. I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).
192. I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).
193. I am kept from falling (Jude 24).
194. I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).
195. My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
196. I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
197. I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
198. I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).
199. I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
200. I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
201. Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
202. I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).
203. I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).
204. I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).
205. I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).
206. I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).
207. I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).
208. I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
209. I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).
210. I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).
211. I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).
212. I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).
213. I will be a pillar in God's temple (Rev. 3:12).
214. I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).
215. I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).

BEFORE I WAS SAVED...

1. I was on the broad way (road) leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13).
2. I was lost (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 4:3).
3. I was condemned already because of my unbelief (John 3:18; compare 1 Corinthians 11:32).
4. I was a lover of darkness (John 3:19).
5. I was under God's abiding wrath (John 3:36) awaiting God's coming wrath (Luke 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6).
6. I was an ignorant worshipper (John 4:22).
7. I was an evildoer deserving judgment (John 5:29; compare 3 John 11).
8. I was of the world and from below or beneath (John 8:23).
9. I was yet in my sins (John 8:21,24; compare John 20:23).
10. I was a child of the devil (John 8:44).
11. I was a Christ-rejecter (John 12:48).
12. I was a Christ-hater (John 15:18) and a hater of those belonging to Christ (John 17:14).
13. I was under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19).
14. I was unthankful, not giving honor to God (Romans 1:21).
15. I was unrighteous (Romans 1:29-31; 3:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
16. I was under sin (Romans 3:9) and sin-sick (Luke 5:31-32).
17. I was unprofitable (Romans 3:12; compare Philemon 11).
18. I was without the fear of God (Romans 3:18).
19. I was guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
20. I was a sinner (Romans 3:23; 5:8).
21. I was without strength (Romans 5:6).
22. I was ungodly (Romans 5:6; 4:5).
23. I was God's enemy (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).
24. I was a servant (slave) of sin (Romans 6:17,20; John 8:34).
25. I was deserving of death (Romans 6:23; compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
26. I was in the flesh (Romans 7:5; 8:8).
27. I was in danger of perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Luke 13:3,5).
28. I was a natural man who considered the things of God as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).
29. I was under God's curse (1 Corinthians 16:22).
30. I was blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4).
31. I was part of this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).
32. I was dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1,5; Colossians 2:13).
33. I was walking according to the course of Satan's world (Ephesians 2:2).
34. I was a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
35. I was a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
36. I was without Christ (Ephesians 2:12).
37. I was an alien from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).
38. I was a stranger from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:12,19).
39. I was one who had no hope (Ephesians 2:12) and no foundation (Luke 6:48).
40. I was without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).
41. I was far off (Ephesians 2:13).
42. I was walking in the vanity of my mind (Ephesians 4:17).
43. I was one whose understanding was darkened (Ephesians 4:18; Romans 1:21).
44. I was alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18; Colossians 1:21).
45. I was ignorant (Ephesians 4:18).
46. I was blind and hardened (Ephesians 4:18).
47. I was given over to unbridled lust (Ephesians 4:19).
48. I was corrupt according to deceitful lusts (Ephesians 4:22).
49. I was once of the darkness and of the night (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 2:11).
50. I was in the realm and under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18).
51. I was one who did not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:5).
52. I was foolish (Titus 3:3; Romans 1:22).
53. I was disobedient (Titus 3:3).
54. I was deceived (Titus 3:3).
55. I was one who served various lusts and pleasures (Titus 3:3).
56. I was one who lived in malice and envy (Titus 3:3).
57. I was one who was hateful and was hating one another (Titus 3:3).
58. I was a sheep who had gone astray (1 Peter 2:25).
59. I was one who lived in the flesh to the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2).
60. I was one who walked in lasciviousness, lusts, abominable idolatries, etc. (1 Peter 4:3).
61. I was sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 19).

12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child

Many parents are brokenhearted and completely baffled by their unbelieving son or daughter. They have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful, destructive decisions. I’ve never been one of these parents, but I have been one of these sons. Reflecting back on that experience, I offer these suggestions to help you reach out to your wayward child.

1. Point them to Christ. Your rebellious child’s real problem is not drugs or sex or cigarettes or pornography or laziness or crime or cussing or slovenliness or homosexuality or being in a punk rock band. The real problem is that they don’t see Jesus clearly. The best thing you can do for them—and the only reason to do any of the following suggestions—is to show them Christ. It is not a simple or immediate process, but the sins in their life that distress you and destroy them will only begin to fade away when they see Jesus more like he actually is.

2. Pray. Only God can save your son or daughter, so keep on asking that he will display himself to them in a way they can’t resist worshiping him for.

3. Acknowledge that something is wrong. If your daughter rejects Jesus, don’t pretend everything is fine.

For every unbelieving child, the details will be different. Each one will require parents to reach out in unique ways. Never acceptable, however, is not reaching out at all. If your child is an unbeliever, don’t ignore it. Holidays might be easier, but eternity won’t be.

4. Don’t expect them to be Christ-like. If your son is not a Christian, he’s not going to act like one.

You know that he has forsaken the faith, so don’t expect him to live by the standards you raised him with. For example, you might be tempted to say, “I know you’re struggling with believing in Jesus, but can’t you at least admit that getting wasted every day is sin?”

If he’s struggling to believe in Jesus, then there is very little significance in admitting that drunkenness is wrong. You want to protect him, yes. But his unbelief is the most dangerous problem—not partying. No matter how your child’s unbelief exemplifies itself in his behavior, always be sure to focus more on the heart’s sickness than its symptoms.

5. Welcome them home. Because the deepest concern is not your child’s actions, but his heart, don’t create too many requirements for coming home. If he has any inkling to be with you, it is God giving you a chance to love him back to Jesus. Obviously there are some instances in which parents must give ultimatums: “Don’t come to this house if you are...” But these will be rare. Don’t lessen the likelihood of an opportunity to be with your child by too many rules.

If your daughter smells like weed or an ashtray, spray her jacket with Febreze and change the sheets when she leaves, but let her come home. If you find out she’s pregnant, then buy her folic acid, take her to her twenty-week ultrasound, protect her from Planned Parenthood, and by all means let her come home. If your son is broke because he spent all the money you lent him on loose women and ritzy liquor, then forgive his debt as you’ve been forgiven, don’t give him any more money, and let him come home. If he hasn’t been around for a week and a half because he’s been staying at his girlfriend’s—or boyfriend’s—apartment, plead with him not to go back, and let him come home.

6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them. Be gentle in your disappointment.

What really concerns you is that your child is destroying herself, not that she’s breaking rules. Treat her in a way that makes this clear. She probably knows—especially if she was raised as a Christian—that what she’s doing is wrong. And she definitely knows you think it is. So she doesn’t need this pointed out. She needs to see how you are going to react to her evil. Your gentle forbearance and sorrowful hope will show her that you really do trust Jesus.

Her conscience can condemn her by itself. Parents ought to stand kindly and firmly, always living in the hope that they want their child to return to.

7. Connect them to believers who have better access to them. There are two kinds of access that you may not have to your child: geographical and relational. If your wayward son lives far away, try to find a solid believer in his area and ask him to contact your son. This may seem nosy or stupid or embarrassing to him, but it’s worth it—especially if the believer you find can also relate to your son emotionally in a way you can’t.

Relational distance will also be a side effect of your child leaving the faith, so your relationship will be tenuous and should be protected if at all possible. But hard rebuke is still necessary.

This is where another believer who has emotional access to your son may be very helpful. If there is a believer who your son trusts and perhaps even enjoys being around, then that believer has a platform to tell your son—in a way he may actually pay attention to—that he’s being an idiot. This may sound harsh, but it’s a news flash we all need from time to time, and people we trust are usually the only ones who can package a painful rebuke so that it is a gift to us.

A lot of rebellious kids would do well to hear that they’re being fools—and it is rare that this can helpfully be pointed out by their parents—so try to keep other Christians in your kids lives.

8. Respect their friends. Honor your wayward child in the same way you’d honor any other unbeliever. They may run with crowds you’d never consider talking to or even looking at, but they are your child’s friends. Respect that—even if the relationship is founded on sin. They’re bad for your son, yes. But he’s bad for them, too. Nothing will be solved by making it perfectly evident that you don’t like who he’s hanging around with.

When your son shows up for a family birthday celebration with another girlfriend—one you’ve never seen before and probably won’t see again—be hospitable. She’s also someone’s wayward child, and she needs Jesus, too.

9. Email them. Praise God for technology that lets you stay in your kids’ lives so easily!

When you read something in the Bible that encourages you and helps you love Jesus more, write it up in a couple lines and send it to your child. The best exhortation for them is positive examples of Christ’s joy in your own life.

Don’t stress out when you’re composing these as if each one needs to be singularly powerful. Just whip them out one after another, and let the cumulative effect of your satisfaction in God gather up in your child’s inbox. God’s word is never proclaimed in vain.

10. Take them to lunch. If possible, don’t let your only interaction with your child be electronic. Get together with him face to face if you can. You may think this is stressful and uncomfortable, but trust me that it’s far worse to be in the child’s shoes—he is experiencing all the same discomfort, but compounded by guilt. So if he is willing to get together with you for lunch, praise God, and use the opportunity.

It will feel almost hypocritical to talk about his daily life, since what you really care about is his eternal life, but try to anyway. He needs to know you care about all of him. Then, before lunch is over, pray that the Lord will give you the gumption to ask about his soul. You don’t know how he’ll respond. Will he roll his eyes like you’re an idiot? Will he get mad and leave? Or has God been working in him since you talked last? You don’t know until you risk asking.

(Here’s a note to parents of younger children: Set up regular times to go out to eat with your kids. Not only will this be valuable for its own sake, but also, if they ever enter a season of rebellion, the tradition of meeting with them will already be in place and it won’t feel weird to ask them out to lunch. If a son has been eating out on Saturdays with his dad since he was a tot, it will be much harder for him later in life to say no to his father’s invitation—even as a surly nineteen-year-old.)

11. Take an interest in their pursuits. Odds are that if your daughter is purposefully rejecting Christ, then the way she spends her time will probably disappoint you. Nevertheless, find the value in her interests, if possible, and encourage her. You went to her school plays and soccer games when she was ten; what can you do now that she’s twenty to show that you still really care about her interests?

Jesus spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes, and he wasn’t even related to them. Imitate Christ by being the kind of parent who will put some earplugs in your pocket and head downtown to that dank little nightclub where your daughter’s CD release show is. Encourage her and never stop praying that she will begin to use her gifts for Jesus’ glory instead her own.

12. Point them to Christ. This can’t be over-stressed. It is the whole point. No strategy for reaching your son or daughter will have any lasting effect if the underlying goal isn’t to help them know Jesus.

Jesus.

It’s not so that they will be good kids again; it’s not so that they’ll get their hair cut and start taking showers; it’s not so that they’ll like classical music instead of deathcore; it’s not so that you can stop being embarrassed at your weekly Bible study; it’s not so that they’ll vote conservative again by the next election; it’s not even so that you can sleep at night, knowing they’re not going to hell.

The only ultimate reason to pray for them, welcome them, plead with them, email them, eat with them, or take an interest in their interests is so that their eyes will be opened to Christ.

And not only is he the only point—he’s the only hope. When they see the wonder of Jesus, satisfaction will be redefined. He will replace the pathetic vanity of the money, or the praise of man, or the high, or the orgasm that they are staking their eternities on right now. Only his grace can draw them from their perilous pursuits and bind them safely to himself—captive, but satisfied.

He will do this for many. Be faithful and don’t give up.

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Dancing With God

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, when I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE.

When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God, "u" and "i" dance."

God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source: a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. God may use unexpected sources when communicating to us too, whether people, thoughts, experiences or dance. Be willing to investigate, and be open to God’s surprises.

Psalms 150:4a Praise him with the timbrel and dance:

Here's a small list, take notes and use your favorite way to praise Him.

1. Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalms 150)

It's Up to You...

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,
You see, IT'S UP TO YOU!

LESSONS FROM GOD'S CREATIONS

Learn from a candle
To give light in darkness

Learn from the birds
To sing and praise at all times

Learn from the ants
To work and not to be lazy

Learn from a child
To trust and be happy

Learn from a rose
To be beautiful even amidst thorns

Learn from the mountain
To stand strong against the storms

Learn from a caterpillar
To become a butterfly after the struggle

Learn from the stars
To shine, smile and twinkle

Learn from the fishes
To swim against the stormy water

Learn from the clay
To yield to the Potter

Learn from the trees
To give shelter to the weary

Learn from Jesus
To give the Father all the glory!

And He Shall Be Called...

Advocate

Lamb of God

The Resurrection & the Life

Shepherd & Bishop of Souls

Judge

Lord of Lords

Man of Sorrows

Head of the Church

Master

Faithful & True

Witness

Rock

High Priest

The Door

Living Water

Bread of Life

Rose of Sharon

Alpha & Omega

The True Vine

Messiah

Teacher

Holy One

Mediator

The Beloved

Branch

Carpenter

Good Shepherd

Light of the World

Chief Cornerstone

Savior

Servant

Author & Finisher of Our Faith

The Almighty

Everlasting Father

Shiloh

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

I Am

King of Kings

Prince of Peace

Bridegroom

Only Begotten Son

Wonderful, Counselor

Immanuel

Son of Man

Dayspring

The Amen

King of the Jews

Prophet

Redeemer

Anchor

Bright Morning Star

The Way

The Truth & the Life

Many call Him Jesus Christ

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, even evil spirits knew that Jesus was the Son of God, but they refused to turn from their evil purposes. Knowing about Jesus, or even believing that He is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey Him. Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" or "What must I do to be saved?" These verses give you the beautiful answer...

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9

Salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

I call Him, "Savior"

What do you call Him?

A Child's Ten Commandments to Parents

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time—please take this time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail; so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for the weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Who is a Christian?

Who are rightly called Christians?

“Christians” is a name for disciples of Christ (Acts 11:26). A disciple is among those whom God has "purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28-30). ANYONE SAVED BY CHRIST'S BLOOD IS A CHRISTIAN.

How does one become a Christian?

Hear and believe the gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16; John 3:16). Repent of sin (Rom 2:5; Acts 3:19). Confess that belief (Rom 10:8-10). Be baptised for remission of sin (Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-7). ANYONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS BECOMES A CHRISTIAN.

How does one remain a Christian?

By confessing sins (1Jn 1:9-10; 2:1-2) By keeping Christ's word (1Jn 2:2-6; Heb 10:26-31) By receiving a love of the truth (2Th 2:8-12; Eph 4:14-15) By trying hard to please God and do his will (Rom 12:1-2) By praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20-21; Eph 1:13-14) By adding to one's faith (2Pet 1:4-11) By doing other similar things to the above (Tit 2:11-14) ANYONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS REMAINS A CHRISTIAN.

THE TRUTH

If you turn things upside down
You can't hope for your life to change
I would be lying to you if I said that
You have a great future ahead
That you can recover from your past mistakes
That your life could be filled with joy
That your children could be safe and healthy
More than anything you must know
Human beings can not accomplish these things
And I am convinced of this because I know you
All you are capable of is failure
You have made a complete mess of your life and
I refuse to believe under any circumstances that
You can turn things around in the coming years
You may think your life is bad now but
There's more to come
You have only one destiny
And whether you like it or not
This is what is real


I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD
You should know I believe exactly the opposite
I am the Lord your God
This is what is real
And whether you like it or not
You have only one destiny
There's more to come
You may think your life is bad now but
You can turn things around in the coming years
I refuse to believe under any circumstances that
You have made a complete mess for your life and
All you are capable of is failure
And I am convinced of this because I know you
Human beings can not accomplish these things
More than anything you must know
That your children could be safe and healthy
That your life could be filled with joy
That you can recover from your past mistakes
You have a great future ahead
I would be lying to you if I said that
You can't hope for your life to change
If you turn things upside down

This is the truth

ARE YOU GOING TO DIE?

Yes, you are going to die. It's the ultimate statistic: 10 out of 10 die.

If your heart stopped right now, how would you respond in those few moments as your life drained from you? Don't deceive yourself any further by saying, "That would never happen to me." Human nature tends to think that way -- that death is something that happens to other people. But every single day 150,000 people die, and no doubt each of them that are now in eternity, thought just like you -- that death "will never happen to me."

When that day comes for you, you're going to have to face God's judgment. So the most important question you can ask is, "Will I go to Heaven?" Here's a quick test. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain?

Jesus said, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you looked at someone with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart.

Ask God to shine a spotlight on your heart and remind you of those things that you have thought and done that He saw. Nothing is hidden from His Holy eyes. Realize that if God gives you justice, you will end up in Hell for eternity. But that's not God's will for you. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the Cross in your place, so you could go free. That's how much God loves you. We broke God's Law, but Jesus paid our fine. Then He rose from

the grave and defeated death. If you repent and trust in Him, God will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life.

We only get one chance in this thing we call "life." Don't blow it for eternity. Obey the gospel today. Then read your Bible daily and obey what you read, God will never let you down.

I know by now that some of you think this is lame!

If you thought this site was lame, you really need to ask yourself what kind of profound insight you expected to get out of a digital doll.

No website jack-in-the-box or "magic" 8 ball is going to be able to predict the date of your death... but it is coming.

Imagine you could go back in time to the day before the 2004 tsunami killed more than 229,800 people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and elsewhere. What would you do? If you start telling people you've "seen the future" and you warn them to take steps to escape the coming disaster, most are going to just write you off as a nutcase. But what would really be lame... is if you did nothing.

You see, God knows the future. And He says that something much worse than the tsunami is coming... it's the Day of Judgment when you have to face God.

Saying you don't believe it, won't change a thing. That's about like standing in the middle of the freeway and shouting, "I don't believe in trucks," ...as one mows you down.

Death is coming, God will Judge you, and Hell is the never ending prison for those who have broken His Laws. What would really be lame... is if we didn't tell you.

JUDGE NOT

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
by the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
who made me sputter and gasp--
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics, the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
was rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
looking incredi! bly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

And why's everyone so quiet,
so somber? Give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He "They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd see you."

Judge NOT.

Steps To Happiness

Everybody Knows:
You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else's.

So:
You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of *being you*.

Then:
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to live with your limitations.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you'll be a most vital mortal.

Dare To Believe:
That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than a right, it's your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you'll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.

Life Is...

Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a gift - accept it.
Life is an adventure - dare it.
Life is a sorrow - overcome it.
Life is a tragedy - face it.
Life is a duty - perform it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a mystery - unfold it.
Life is a song - sing it.
Life is an opportunity - take it.
Life is a journey - complete it.
Life is a promise - fulfill it.
Life is a beauty - praise it.
Life is a struggle - fight it.
Life is a goal - achieve it.
Life is a puzzle - solve it.
Life is eternal - believe it.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, through the Word of God we learn that were formed from "the dust of the ground", which implies that there is nothing fancy about the chemical elements making up our bodies. The body is a lifeless shell until God brings it alive with His "breath of life." When God removes His life-giving breath, our bodies once again return to dust. Therefore our life and worth come from God’s Spirit. Many boast of their achievements and abilities as though they were the originator of their own strengths. Others feel worthless because their abilities do not stand out. In reality, our worth comes not from our achievements but from the God of the universe, who chooses to give us the mysterious and miraculous gift of life. Beloved of God, I beseech you, value life, as He does.

Helen Adams Keller once said that she had four things to learn in life:
To think clearly without hurry or confusion;
To love everybody sincerely;
To act in everything with the highest motives;
To trust in God unhesitatingly.

Lessons Learned From September 11

There are certain events that are forever burned into our memory, events that everyone remembers where they were when they first heard the news. The attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassinations of JFK and Martin Luther King, the Challenger Disaster... and of course September 11, 2001.

Today there will be extensive media coverage as America and the world remembers, even if just for a day, the horrible events that took place on this date six years ago.

But the stark reality is that for most of us, life has returned to normal.

In the aftermath of 911 we were all united. Democrats and Republicans put aside their differences and stood on the Capitol steps and sang "God Bless America." Our churches were filled with people who hadn't gone to church in years. We all realized how fragile life can be. Policemen and Firemen were recognized as heroes. We were truly thankful for our freedom. We loved our country, warts and all.

Then things went back to "normal". The Left and the Right started fighting again. Church attendance returned to pre-911 levels. We started taking all those things and all those people for granted again.

I hate normal. I don't want to be normal. To be normal is to be mediocre. To be normal is to be average. The events of September 11, 2001 reminded us all how short, how fragile life can be. My time here is limited. I only get one shot at this life, so I want to make the most of every day, take advantage of every opportunity, cherish every moment spent with those I love, touch as many people as I possibly can. I don't want to be normal!

A "normal" husband takes his wife for granted. A "normal" father is distant from his kids. A "normal" neighbor doesn't know or care about those who live around him. A "normal citizen" doesn't bother to get involved or to vote. Worst of all, a "normal" Christian is lukewarm, rarely prays, seldom reads the Word and hardly ever spends time alone with God. I don't want to be normal!

I don't want to be a "normal" husband; I want to give my wife the love and honor she deserves. I don't want to be a "normal" father; I want to leave a legacy of love, laughter and faith for my children. I don't want to be a "normal" neighbor; I want to reach out and show the love of Jesus to my those who live around me. I don't want to be a "normal" citizen; I want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem with my country.

Most of all, I don't want to be a "normal" Christian. I want to be a passionate, wholehearted follower of Jesus whose heart burns to know and do His will and to demonstrate His love in both word and deed.

This is my prayer for me, for my church, for my nation, and especially for the Body of Christ on this day: Lord, deliver us from normal! Help us rise above normal to be extraordinary people who make an impact on our world.

Thank you Rev. Alan Riley for such touching words on a day we should never forget.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, It breaks my heart to say this, but because we’re all entitled to say what we believe, I truly believe that their deaths served to sensationalize to the nation and world of how we (mankind) have become so evil.

Many asked then and still do,

"Why did God allow 2,750 innocent people to be killed?”

“Where were our advisers, our politicians, our soldiers?”

And ultimately they ask,

“Where was God?”

Beloved of God, sometimes God allows evil to develop to teach us not to let evil systems flourish. Serving God is not a ticket to wealth, success, or health. God does not promise to protect good people from evil in this world, but he does promise that ultimately all evil will be abolished. Those who have remained faithful through their trials will experience great rewards in the age to come.

Where living in an age so evil and full of themselves that not only the skeptics, agnostics, altheas and other naysayer’s are questioning the church but even those who professed to know and have a relationship with God take on a spirit of unbelief and dare ask, “Where was your God?”

Many people believe that Christianity should offer a problem-free life. Consequently, as life gets tough, they draw back disappointed. Instead, they should determine to prevail with God through life’s storm. Problems and difficulties are painful but inevitable; you might as well see them as opportunities for growth. You can’t prevail with God unless you have troubles to prevail over.

Over the years many more questions have been and continue to be asked...

such as:

Did God direct the heart, mind, and thoughts of the terrorists?

Did God cause or let the terrorists do these horrible deeds to get us to find salvation or get closer to Him?

Could it be that God let these events happen so that we can find peace in Him?

Did these events happen to show us we need to glorify Him?

Did these events happen to stop us from being tempted?

Shouldn't God get the credit for making this terrible attack happen? Didn't God that cause this event?

Here's the answer to them all:

Did God direct the heart, mind, and thoughts of the terrorists?

Sorry, Christ died to motivate us to be holy, devout, and to surrender our lives to Him. God does not need to kill us, our children, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives to get our attention. Evil terrorists did this terrible deed. To suggest that God was involved in this matter is to suggest that God used evil terrorists. This is ludicrous. Using this kind of logic then evil acts are really borne of God. Using this kind of logic we could then say that sinful acts are really godly. Sorry. None of this logic holds up.

Did God cause or let the terrorists do these horrible deeds to get us to find salvation or get closer to Him?

No. God does not kill people to make other people get closer to Him. What kind of God would hurt one person to make another person come closer to Him. God is not an abuser. In the world of abuse and abusers then a supreme being may be thought of as an abuser, but God is not an abusive being.

Could it be that God let these events happen so that we can find peace in Him?

There is no peace in the hearts of Americans today. There is no peace in the hearts of the remaining friends and family members of the survivors. The result of this heinous act was inspired by Satan, not by God, will be war on top of war. It is Satan that wants war on top of war, not God.

Did these events happen to show us we need to glorify Him?

We have indeed forgotten to glorify God, but it was not God that inspired the hatred in the hearts of the attackers. It was us, our sin, our darkness, our evil, our dastardly darkened hearts that poisoned the world in which these attackers grew and matured. If anyone is responsible is it humanity as a whole and the nation of the United States in particular who did not pray enough or come close enough to God. The farther away from God we get, the farther away God gets from us. The farther away from God we get the darker things get, the more evil comes to us and our world.

Did these events happen to stop us from being tempted?

It was Satan who tempted Jesus and it is Satan who tempts us. Satan exists in your life. Satan exists inside of your heart. Get used to it. Come to grips with it. We do not create our own temptation. The power of God becomes real only if we tell the truth and deal with the truth, both about God and about Satan.

Shouldn't God get the credit for making this terrible attack happen?

God gets the credit from persons who do not know Him but may think they know Him. God does not do evil things.

Didn't God that cause this event?

Sorry. God did not do this evil act. Terrorist with hatred in their hearts, with hearts full of darkness and sin were responsible.

In the minds and hearts of many people throughout the world this day, there are many uncertainties. There are many doubts about God, about the will of God, about the true nature of God.

Of God, there are many certainties. Of God, we can be certain He is a being of love, a being who loves each of us in immeasurable ways. God is a being who sent His Son to save us because God loves us. God does not hurt us or kill us. In the heart of every true believer, the word "maybe" does not exist when it comes to God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

There are few marvels of the universe that even begin to compare with the human body. The wizardry of man, the gimmicks, the gadgets, the glitter of it all fades away when contrasted to the functions of the body. The framework itself is, with over 200 bones, more durable than steel and every joint tightly enclosed, moving in a constant bath of oil at the same time, producing its own oil.

The average person develops 2,500 calories a day, which is enough to heat and boil 25 pots of coffee. Within the brain, there is a thermostat with its own nervous system. If part of the body gets too hot or too cold, signals are sent to the control center and blood vessels of the skin contract or are more enlarged to give off more or less heat. No air-conditioning system man has ever developed even comes close to the one God gave you.

The electrical system of the body is beyond imagination. The brain contains 10 millions nerve cells. Your eyes are connected to your brain by 300,000 separate and private ‘telephone lines.’

The best mechanical hand ever developed is but a clumsy feeble effort compared to the hand God gave man. What mechanical hand paints a picture or plays the organ or performs a delicate surgical operation?

Your eye is the most expensive camera known to man. It comes with built-in adjustment and with an automatic system no other camera has ever known. Each eye contains a hundred million nerve cells, which work together perfectly to allow you to see close up and at a great distance in living color.

Your ears have a keyboard of 1,500 keys. The average piano has 88. The human ear is so sensitive, that in a completely sound-proof room, you can actually hear the blood flowing through your vessels.

The average heart pumps blood through a system of thousands of miles of blood vessels, while resting a sixteenth of every second. That totals up to about six hours a day or about 20 years during the normal lifespan that the heart rests.

The mind of man defies comparison. With ability to reason, to remember, to plan - with intellect and conscience, and emotions - it is where God himself can dwell. Consider God’s masterpiece, the human body.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

No wonder the scripture say, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made."

My dear brothers and sisters, God’s character goes into the creation of every person. When you feel worthless or even begin to hate yourself, remember that God’s Spirit is ready and willing to work within you. We should have as much respect for ourselves as our Maker has for us.

"Put Off & Put On"

The Bible contains multiple commands to Put Off and to Put On certain things in prayer. Thus every Christian should be a Put-On!

In Jesus’ name, in obedience to God’s Word, and at this very moment by faith…I choose to be strong in the Lord by putting on the Whole Armor of God, yes…I realize that my warfare is not really against people, but against demons, So I stand my ground here in prayer against all evil and… I gird myself with the Belt of Truth, living by Bible Facts, not by Fickle Feelings. I shod my feet with the Good News of Peace, ready to share Jesus with others. I place the Shield of Faith over my heart, quenching every Dart of Fear. I place the Helmet of Salvation over my mind, certain of my Rapture & Heaven. I take the Sword of the Spirit, speaking God’s Word aloud over every situation. And I pray for God’s People & God’s Preachers, for their boldness and free speech! (Ephesians 6:10-20)

I put off the Ashes of my past failures and mistakes; Instead I put on the Beauty of my potential and the Beauty of my future! I put off Mourning… casting off all regrets, all disappointments, and grief; Instead I put on the Garment of Praise, shouting & singing aloud to the Lord! I put off the spirit of Heaviness… throwing off depressing thoughts & emotions; Instead I put on the Oil of Joy, as I now smile, laugh and revel in God’s presence! (Isaiah 61:3)

I also put off all anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy talk from my mouth. Yes, I put off the Old Man that used to lie and exaggerate; Instead I put on the New Man that is renewed and created in God’s image. (Colossians 3:8-10) I put off my old Evil Nature & Former way of life that was lustful and deceived; Instead, right now I put on Spiritually Renewed Thoughts & Attitudes. Further, I again put on the New Man that is created righteous, holy and true. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

I now greatly rejoice in the Lord and I allow my soul to be joyful because... He has clothed me with the Garments of Salvation, And He has covered me with the Robe of Rightstanding with God. Glory! (Isaiah 61:10)

Thank you Dr. Dan Cheatham.

Elder Dre

“Put Off . . . Put On”
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Ephesians 4:22
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14

“Put Off” Scriptural Insight “Put On”
1. Lack of love . . . . . . . . . . . . I John 4:7,8,20 • John 15:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
2. Judging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 7:1,2 • John 8:9;15:22 . . . . Let God search my heart
3. Bitterness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 12:15 • Ephesians 4:32 . Tenderhearted and forgiving
4. Unforgiving spirit . . . . . . . . . Mark 11:26 • Colossians 3:13 . . . . . . . . . . . Forgiving spirit
5. Selfishness . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 2:21 • John 12:24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self denial
6. Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 16:5 • James 4:6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humility
7. Boasting (conceit) . . . . . I Corinthians 4:7 • Philippians 2:3 . . . . . . . . . . Esteeming others
8. Stubbornness . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 15:23 • Romans 6:13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brokenness
9. Disrespect for authority . . . . . . . Acts 23:5 • Hebrews 13:17 . . . . . . . . . . . Honor authority
10. Rebellion . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 15:23 • Hebrews 13:17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Submission
11. Disobedience . . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 12:15 • Deuteronomy 11:27 . . . . . . . . . . . . Obedience
12. Impatience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 1:2-4 • Hebrews 10:36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patience
13. Ungratefulness . . . . . . . . . . Romans 1:21 • Ephesians 5:20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gratefulness
14. Covetousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 12:15 • Hebrews 13:5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contentment
15. Discontent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 13:5 • I Timothy 6:8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contentment
16. Murmuring/complaining . Philippians 2:14 • Hebrews 13:15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Praise
17. Irritation to others . . . . . . Galatians 5:26 • Philippians 2:3,4 . . . . . . . . Preferring in love
18. Jealousy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 5:26 • I Corinthians 13:4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust
19. Strife/contention . . . . . . . . Proverbs 13:10 • James 3:17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peace
20. Retaliation (getting even) . Proverbs 24:29 • Romans 12:19,20 . . . . . . Return good for evil
21. Losing temper . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 25:28 • Proverbs 16:32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-control
22. Anger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 29:22 • Galatians 5:22,23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-control
23. Wrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 1:19,20 • Proverbs 15:1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soft answer
24. Easily irritated . . . . . . I Corinthians 13:5 • Proverbs 19:11 . . . . . . . . Not easily provoked
25. Hatred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 5:21,22 • I Corinthians 13:3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
26. Murder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 20:13 • Romans 13:10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
27. Gossip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Timothy 5:13 • Ephesians 4:29 . . . . . . . . . . . Edifying speech
28. Evil speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 4:11 • Proverbs 15:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good report
29. Critical spirit . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 5:15 • Colossians 3:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kindness
30. Lying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephesians 4:25 • Zechariah 8:16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speak truth
31. Profanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 4:24 • Proverbs 15:4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure speech
32. Idle words . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 12:36 • Proverbs 21:23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridle tongue
33. Wrong motives . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 16:7 • Philippians 4:8 . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure thoughts
35. Complacency . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 3:15 • Revelation 3:19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zeal
36. Laziness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 20:4 • Proverbs 6:6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diligence
37. Slothfulness (not doing best) Proverbs 18:9 • Colossians 3:23 . . . . . . . . . Wholeheartedness
38. Hypocrisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job 8:13 • I Thessalonians 2:3 . . . . . . . . . . Sincerity
39. Idolatry . . . . . . . . . . . Deuteronomy 11:16 • Colossians 1:18 . . . . . . . Worship God only
40. Left first love . . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 2:4 • Revelation 2:5 . . . . . . . . Fervent devotion
41. Lack of rejoicing always . . Philippians 4:4 • I Thessalonians 5:18 . . . . . . . . . . . Rejoice
42. Worry/fear . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 6:25-32 • I Peter 5:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust
43. Unbelief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 3:12 • Hebrews 11:1,6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faith
44. Unfaithfulness . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 25:19 • Luke 16:10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . Faithfulness
45. Neglect of Bible study . II Timothy 3:14-17 • Psalm 1:2 . . . . . . . Bible study/meditation
46. Prayerlessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 18:1 • Matthew 26:41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Praying
47. No burden for the lost . . Matthew 9:36-38 • Acts 1:8 . . . . . . . . Compassion/witnessing
48. Burying talents . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 12:48 • I Corinthians 4:2 . . . . Developing abilities
49. Irresponsibility (family/work) . Luke 16:12 • Luke 16:10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Responsibility
50. Procrastination . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 10:5 • Proverbs 27:1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diligence
51. Irreverence in church . . . Ecclesiastes 5:1 • Psalm 89:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverence
52. Inhospitable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Peter 4:9 • Romans 12:13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hospitable
53. Cheating . . . . . . . . . . . II Corinthians 4:2 • II Corinthians 8:21 . . . . . . . . . . . Honesty
54. Stealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 29:24 • Ephesians 4:28 . . . . . . . . . Working/giving
55. Lack of moderation . . . . . . . Proverbs 11:1 • I Corinthians 9:25 . . . . . . . . . Temperance
56. Gluttony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 23:21 • I Corinthians 9:27 . . . . . . . . . . Discipline
57. Wrong friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 1:1 • Proverbs 13:20 . . . . . . . . . . Godly friends
58. Temporal values . . . . . . Matthew 6:19-21 • II Corinthians 4:18 . . . . . . Eternal values
59. Love of money/greed . . . I Timothy 6:9,10 • Matthew 6:33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love God
60. Stinginess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I John 3:17 • Proverbs 11:24,25 . . . . . . . . . . Generosity
61. Moral impurity . . . . . I Thessalonians 4:7 • I Thessalonians 4:4 . . . . . . . Moral purity
62. Fornication . . . . . . . . . I Corinthians 6:18 • I Thessalonians 4:3 . . . . . . . . . Abstinence
63. Lust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Peter 2:11 • Titus 2:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure desires
64. Adultery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 5:27,28 • Proverbs 5:14-19 . . . . . . . Marital fidelity
65. Homosexuality . . . . . . . . . Leviticus 18:22 • I Thessalonians 4:4,5 . . . . . . Moral purity
66. Incest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leviticus 18:6 • I Corinthians 7:2,5 . . . . . . . . Moral purity
67. Pornography . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 101:3 • Philippians 4:8 . . . . . . . . . . Pure thoughts
68. Immodest dress . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 7:10 • I Timothy 2:9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modesty
69. Flirtation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 7:21 • I Peter 3:4 . . . . . . . . . . Gentle, quiet spirit
70. Worldly entertainment . . . Proverbs 21:17 • Galatians 5:16 . . . . . . . Spiritual pursuits
71. Fleshly music . . . . . . . Ephesians 4:29, 30 • Ephesians 5:19 . . . . . . . . . Edifying music
72. Bodily harm . . . . . . I Corinthians 3:16, 17 • I Corinthians 6:19, 20 . Glorify God in body
73. Alcoholism . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 20:1 • Proverbs 23:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . Abstinence
74. Following the crowd . . . . . . Proverbs 1:10 • Proverbs 3:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God-fearing
75. Witchcraft/astrology/horoscopes. Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 • Deuteronomy 6:5 . . . . . . . Worship of God
76. Gambling . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 28:20,22 • Luke 16:11 . . . . . . . . . . Good stewardship
77. Preferential treatment . . . . . James 2:1-9 • Luke 6:31 . . . . . . . . Love neighbor as self
78. Presumption on the future . Proverbs 27:1 • James 4:14-16 . . . . . . . . . Trust God’s will

“But there is forgiveness with Thee . . . .” Psalm 130:4

BIBLICAL RHETORIC VS BIBLICAL TRUTH

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I've always believed that the sounding brass and the tinkling cymbals of biblical rhetoric feed our senses while biblical truth feeds our spirit. Eventually the choir, the charismatic preacher, the crowd, and the sweet sound of those who speak with the tongues of men and of angels will feed those who are satisfied with just milk for the moment, while the Rhema Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever feeds with the meat that would satisfy for a lifetime. In other words, they came to feed and needed no music. I say, let the preacher give his people food, and they will flock around him, even if the sounding brass of rhetoric and the tinkling cymbals of oratory are silent. No human explanation or interpretation of God’s Word should be elevated to the same authority as the text itself. The choir, the charismatic preacher, the crowd, and the sweet sound of those who speak with the tongues of men and of angels can never truly give us faith as you and I know, without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore we must realize that there surely is a difference between biblical rhetoric and biblical truth.

Birthdays!

This is the day that the Creator chose for you to come to this earth and grace us with your presence.

If you weren't here, it would not feel right. Something would be missing. You!

Make your birthdays about 'the celebration of self'.

Do only the things that you truly want to do.

Sleep in or get up early, whatever you want.

Eat only the things you want. Savour each bite! Enhale the lushious smell of something loved and appreciated! Close your eyes often! Delight in your senses being saturated by the foods you love! Push all thoughts of guilt and judgement out of your mind. Enjoy!

Be around others or be alone. Either way - celebrate. If you are going to be with others, let them know that it's your birthday. Maybe throw yourself a party.

On this day, be the one standing in your corner with the poms-poms cheering yourself on.

Sing your praises. All day long remind yourself just how wonderful you are.

Treat yourself like you would your best friend.

If you have a sweet tooth, maybe some bonbons are in order. Whatever it is you love, give it freely to yourself today.

Remember the relationship you have with yourself is reflective of all other relationships. If you seek love and happiness - give it to yourself. Walk in gratitude and appreciation of yourself.

Chances are if you can't give yourself one day a year of guilt free self indulgence and celebration, you aren't very happy. Who could be happy with someone who treats them like that? It all starts with you.

Take the time to write a list of all the things you have accomplished since your last birthday. Write of anything, big or small that has enhanced the quality of your life. Do not entertain thoughts of anything that didn't work out or that is still unfinished. This is the day of celebration of your success!

Happy, happy, happy birthday!

Thoughts to Live By

Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Marry a person you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

When you say, “I love you,” mean it.

When you say, “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.

In disagreements, fight fairly. No name-calling.

Don’t judge people by their relatives.

Talk slowly but think quickly.

When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?”.

Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Say, “Bless you” when you hear someone sneezes.

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.

Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

Spend some time alone.

Letter from the Creator

This is the Creator,

Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

Remember...If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself !! Kindly put it in the SFTCTD (something for the Creator to do) box. I will get to it in 'my time'. All situations will be resolved.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Now have a nice day, the Creator.

SPIRITUAL VITAMINS

We work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is in our hearts is even more important. The way we are deep down (where others can’t see) matters much to God. What are you like inside? When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to seek healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy food and exercise.

Anxious? Take Vitamin A. "And we know that All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Blue? Take Vitamin B. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalms 103:1)

Crushed? Take Vitamin C. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Depressed? Take Vitamin D. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8)

Empty? Take Vitamin E. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalms 100:4)

Fearful? Take Vitamin F. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Greedy? Take Vitamin G. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)

Insecure? Take Vitamin I. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

Jittery? Take Vitamin J. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. "Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves." (Psalms 100:3)

Lonely? Take Vitamin L. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)

Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Nervous? Take Vitamin N. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Restless? Take Vitamin R. "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." (Psalms 37:7)

Scared? Take Vitamin S. "Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard." (1 Samuel 22:23)

Tired? Take Vitamin T. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10)

Vain? Take Vitamin V. "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." (Acts 5:16)

Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)

Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14)

The Word of God provides a pattern for physically, spiritually, and morally healthy living. We may not always understand the wisdom of God’s Word, but if we obey them, we will thrive.