KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS!

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!

Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrew 12:3)

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Are you feeling misunderstood? You're not alone! The most misunderstood individual who ever lived was Jesus. Critics joked about His birth, disputed His divine origin, scorned His purposes, reviled His teachings, were suspicious of His motives, critical of His methods, and angered by His message. Ultimately they put Him to death on the cross!

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That explains what the Apostle John meant when he wrote, " The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it..He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him" (Jn 1:5-11 NAS). Wherever He went, Jesus met with misunderstanding and rejection. Yet in spite of it, He endured. And by His grace you can too!

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The Bible says: " Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ( Hebrew 12:1-3 NIV).
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So, as run your race today:
a) Recognize the things that slow you down.
b) Recognize the things that trip you up.
c) Recognize that obstacles and opposition are par for the course, and don't get discouraged. How do you this? By keeping your eyes on Jesus and drawing strength from Him each day.

UNEXPECTED GRIEF

UNEXPECTED GRIEF

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our[b] behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
(2 Corinthians 1: 3-11)

Since 1988, I've enjoyed writting several Our Daily Bread articles each month. I've felt blessed to dig into Scripture, observe life, and provide spiritual help in this publication.
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But in June 6, 2002, I found myself unable to offer help. On the last day of her junior year of high school, our 17-year-old daughter Melissa was killed in a car accident.
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In one horrible instant, everything we knew about God and the Bible and heaven was put to the test. We needed the Christian community to guide us toward hope as we stood at the funeral of a beloved young woman who had touched so many lives with her smile, her godliness, her love of life and her care for others.
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For many weeks, I couldn't write. What could I say? How could I find words to help others when my family - when I- needed so much?
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Now, months later I begin to write again, I can say that God has not changed . He is still our loving heavenly Father, the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). He is still the source of hope in the face of unexpected grief. I write of Him with a renewed sense of my need for His touch, His love, His strength. Broken , I write of the only One who can make us whole.
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Written by Dave Branon for Our Daily Bread

I have been through the valley of weeping,

The valley of sorrow and pain;

But the God of all comfort was with me,

At hand to uphold and sustain. - Anon.

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When God permits trials,

He also provides comfort.

PEACE - IT'S YOUR INHERITANCE!

PEACE - IT'S YOUR INHERITANCE!

My...peace I..bequeath to you.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, Not as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
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Paul said, " Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts" ( Col 3:15 NLT). Peace is your birthright. Jesus said, "My...peace I..bequeath to you." The word bequeath is used in the execution of a will. When somebody dies they bequeath their most valuable possesions to the people they love; they don't leave them junk.

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However, just because Jesus left His peace to us doesn't mean it automatically operates in our lives. It's a reserve we must draw from every day. And the enemy will do everything he can to deplete it. He knows when you're in turmoil you do and say things you later regret, plus, when you've lost your peace it's harder to hear from God.
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Anxiety is often our first reaction to conflict or problems. In those moments getting peaceful may seem disloyal or apathetic. Subconsciously we think, "If I care, I'll worry. If this is important, I must stay upset." It's a misguided believe that the outcome will be positively affected by the amount of time we spend worrying. No, your best problem solving resource is peace. Solutions arise more easily and naturally out of a peaceful state, whereas, fear and anxiety block solutions.
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Anxiety empowers the problem; it doesn't help to harbour turmoil. God's peace is available if you choose it. So, refuse to let negative emotions run amok in your life. The Bible says, "When the Holy Spirit controls out lives He will produce..in us..peace" (Gal 5:22 TLB). Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (Jn 14:1 NIV). That means you have the option of choosing between peace and inner conflict. So choose peace - it's your inheritance!!

YOU'RE A W.I.P.

You're a W.I.P.

(Friday, 23 July 2010)

'...now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future...'

1 John 3:2 NCV

Some things in life are unhelpful: the best looking kid walking into the party just as you start chatting to the person you've always fancied; forgetting your gear when Mr 'Go Find Something In The Lost Property' is taking PE. But the most unhelpful thing-the thing that will get you nowhere-is comparing yourself to others.

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The Bible says, '...don't compare yourself...' (Galatians 6:4 CEV), because some people will look like they're doing better than you and you'll feel rubbish, while others won't be doing as well and your head will grow. 'Do your best...' (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV) That way, '...you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and...won't need to compare yourself...' (Galatians 6:4 NLT) We can all find someone who is doing better than us. 'All the apples on a tree don't ripen at the same time' might sound like an old and obvious proverb, but it's still true. Paul says, '...knowledge and understanding...' take time. (Philippians 1:9-10 NLT) John writes: 'Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future.' (1 John 3:2 NCV) Don't catch yourself saying 'I can't do that because they do it better...' Is it what God is asking you to do? God doesn't wait until we are sorted or successful before He uses us. So, push ahead, cut yourself some slack, and remember you're a WIP; a Work-In-Progress!

SoulFood:

1. Acts 24-26,
   
2. Luke 9:18-27,
   
3. Ps 1,
   
4. Pr 16:10-15 :
   10 Divination is on the lips of the king;
   His mouth must not transgress in judgment.
   11 Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s;
   All the weights in the bag are His work.
   12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
   For a throne is established by righteousness.
   13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
   And they love him who speaks what is right.
   14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath,
   But a wise man will appease it.
   15 In the light of the king’s face is life,
   And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
   

http://www.word4u2day.com.au

BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE

BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE

Marriage isn't for everyone.

11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:

(Matthew 19:11 NKJV)

A third-grade teacher received this hilarious essay on Ben Franklin: "Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, but he didn't like it there so he travelled to Philadelphia. When he got off the boat he walked up the street and bought a loaf of bread. Then he met a lady, and discovered electricity!!"

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We smile, but as one marriage counselor observes, "Society has made romance the basis for marriage. Now there's nothing wrong with romance; it's a potent force in driving people into matrimony. But it's become the primary factor.

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Romance is highly conditional on physical appearance. Romantic love excites and entices, which means there's often shallownes about romantic relationships. Because emotions are so overpowering people don't realize what they're getting into till it's too late.

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One morning you look across the bed and she's not awake yet. Her mouth's open and her hair is hanging over her face. Or worse, she wakes first. looks across the bed, and in your case there's no hair hanging down!! That's when romance takes a nose dive!"

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A marriage is what you create after the wedding. It doesn't just happen. You have to build it with courtesy, patience, support and a "love marked by giving, not getting" (Eph 5:21-28 TM). That's why Jesus said," Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn't for everyone...if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it." On the other hand, a husband and wife who put Christ at the center of their relationship, can grow it into something that makes society's definition of romance look lightweight by comparison.

YOUR LAST DAY

YOUR LAST DAY

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1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

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What if you were told this morning that today was to be your last day on earth? How would you spend its fleeting hours? Whom would you insist on seeing? Would your behavior differ radically from what it usually is?
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Someone has wisely said," You should treat every day as if it's your last one, because one of these days you're going to be right."
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There's no getting around it. Whether our earthly life ends by accident , illness, the ravages of age, or our Lord's return, one of these days will be our last. That's why we should guard so carefully the things we do and the words we say.
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We ought to be tying up the loose ends of long-neglected matters by expressing our love and gratitude to others, by seeking reconciliation with an alienated friend, or by sharing the gospel with a neighbor.
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Perhaps you've been putting off accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior until some more convenient day. But that day may never come. Since your last day on earth can be so unexpected, heed Paul's inspired words; "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). Are you living each day as if it were your last?
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Written by Vernon Grounds for Our Daily Bread

Thinking it over

What are the five most important things you

would do if this were you last day on earth?

Would you seek out God?

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What would you change

if this day were your last?

EMPTY PROOF

EMPTY PROOF

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians15:1-8)

In the days after the French Revolution, a man tried to start a new religion that he believed was superior to Christianity. But he was disappointed at his lack of success. He revealed his frustrations to a clergyman and asked awhat he could do.
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The clergyman replied that it was no easy task to begin a new religion - so difficult that he had nothing to suggest. But after a moment's reflection, he said," There's one plan that you might want to consider. Why don't you get yourself crucified and rise again on the third day?"
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The firm foundation of the Christian faith is an empty tomb. The New Testament declares that the death of Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. But how can anyone know for sure that Christ's crucifixion was acceptable to God? It doesn't matter much what we think of the death of Jesus; what matters is what God thinks about it.
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God's approval of Christ's sacrifice is proven by the resurrection. It stands as God's signed receipt that He is completely satisfied. Without the resurrection, Christianity has nothing much to offer the world. But the fact that Christ died and then rose from the grave "is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16)
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Written by Haddon Robinson for Our Daily Bread

Thinking it over

Some have said that Christianity is a relationship,

not a religion. Do you have that relationship?

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Because of Christ's empty tomb,

we can be full of hope.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW


8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.[b] 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. ( 2 Timothy 1:8-14)

Do you know an aglet from a tang? Would you recognize duff if you walked on it?

It's not essential to know these terms to make it through life successfully. If you didn't know that an aglet is 'the covering on the end of a shoelace," that a tang is "the projecting prong on a tool," or that duff is "the decaying matter found on the forest floor," it's not all that important. You could always look it up.

We can be glad we don't have to know everything to get by in this world. We often can depend on someone else's knowledge. For instance, I don't know how to fix the brakes of my car - but as long as someone else knows and can fix them, I'm okay.

There is a knowledge, however, for which we are individualy responsible if we expect to enter heaven. I'm talking about knowing Christ personally. Learning about Him and entering into a personal relationship with Him is the only way to live wisely and be prepared to meet God. The apostle Paul had this in mind when he said, "I know whom I have believed" (2Tim. 2:12).

Do you know the One who died for you and can forgive your sins? Unless you know Him, all other knowledge is insignificant.

Written by Dave Branon for Our Daily Bread

Eternal life is knowing God

Through Jesus Christ His only Son;

Such knowledge is life's greatest quest-

Without it life has not begun. - D. De Haan

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To know Christ is the greatest of all knowledge.

THE STAR IN THE WINDOW

THE STAR IN THE WINDOW

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

During World War II, it was the custom in the United States for a family who had a son serving in the military to place a star in the front window of their home. But a gold star indicated that the son had died in support of his country's cause.
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Years ago, Sir Harry Lauder told a touching story about this custom. He said that one night a man was walking down a New York City street accompanied by his 5-year-old son. The little fellow was interested in the brightly lighted windows of the houses and wanted to know why some houses had a star in the window. The father explained that those families had a son fighting in the war. The child would clap his hands as he saw another star in the window and would cry out, " Look, Daddy, there's another family who gave a son for his country."
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At last they came to an empty lot, and a break in the row of houses. Through a gap a star could be seen shining brightly in the sky. The little lad caught his breath, " Oh, Daddy," he cried, "Look at the star in the window of heaven! God must have given His son too."
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Yes there is a star in God's window. Do you realize what He did for you? Out of His love for us, He gave His Son (Eph 2:4). Have you thanked Him?

Written by M. R. De Haan for Our Daily Bread

For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son

To die on Calvary's tree, from sin to set me free;

Someday He' coming back, what glory will that be!

Wonderful His love to me -Townsend

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Many give their lives for their country,

but Jesus gave His life for the world.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

I have chosen you.

"On that day," declares the Lord Almighty, "I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, "declares the Lord, "and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you," declares the Lord Almighty.

Haggai 2:23 NIV

Over the years leadership coach Angie Ward has enlisted dozens of ministry volunteers. She says that most of the time she hear the same excuses : "I'm not a leader...I don't know anything about teens...I'm not an extrovert" (or as Moses told God, "Send Aaron"). Instead of trying to convince them otherwise, Ward tells them they have only two major responsibilities:
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(1) To love people. Face it, ministry would be easy if we didn't have to deal with people. But people matter to God and they should matter to us! Like being a part of a family and knowing what's best for your own children, you need to spend time getting to know the people who depend on you and look to you for direction. Consider their needs, not just your own. And look for ways to serve them instead of seeing them as distractions from your 'real' work. Jesus spent most of His time with people, not offering pious platitudes, but loving and ministering to them. And He said, " Love each other as I .. loved you" (Jn 13:34 NCV). It's always easier to ask people to do something, when you're modeling the same kind of behavior in your own life.
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(2) To try to think like a leader. One mega-church pastor says that before he makes any important decision, he asks himself what the other leaders he respect would do in the same situation. That's wise! Asking somebody to be a leader can be intimidating and overwhelming, whereas, asking them to think like one takes the pressure off, allows them to be less-than-perfect, and encourages them to grow into the job!

THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE HOLY SPIRIT

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A few public holidays matched the weekend, allowing me time to write. Unceasingly. And I wrote feverishly. Days overlapping nights. Nights overlapping days. A quick meal, an even quicker shower and I was back at my desk, pushing my pencil hard on sheets of paper; deleting , erasing, rewriting, and inserting V's to add in new lines, scribbling all over the page; like an ancient scroll..
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I wrote. Infused. Exhilarated. Consumed.
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Then tiredness wore me down and I slept.
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But I woke up with a jerk at two in the morning, switched on the light, and I wrote again; the two lamps dangling from the rafters on my ceiling - in my study - further lit by my table lamp, with an angel moulded in bronze, holding up the lamp shade.
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Amidst the dead silence there was an awareness of holiness - a spirit descending on me, the Holy Spirit.
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I was no longer alone.
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I had biblical insights I would have otherwise missed, a surge of bold confidence in my blood, the gift of creativity im ne abounding. I wrote more. I wrote longer.
............The Holy Spirit seemed to fill me, took control of me. It made me write like a violinist lost in his own music. Only this was the Lord's music in my heart. And the words of Christ lived in me, teaching and counselling me.
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I praised the Lord. Blessed His holy name.

RESTORE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE (2)

RESTORE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE PART TWO

If a man is overtaken in any trespass...

restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.

Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, youwho are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 NIV

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The word trespass comes from the word "misstep", which means to take a step in the wrong direction or to make an error in judgement or conduct. when you lose your footing or you slip on an icy sidewalk, you didn't intend to fall, but now it's happened and you need help to get back up again. That's the kind of trespass the Bible talks about when it says '" Restore such a one in spirit of gentleness." In Greek the word restore has two shades of meaning:

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(1) Resting a broken bone. Paul says," Christ makes us one body.... connected to each other " (Roman 12:5 GWT). When you think about it, your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family , because it will last forever. By reinstating your brother or sister who has been overtaken by sin, you help to heal the pain and enable them to become a vital, functioning part of Christ's body again.

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(2) Removing a tumor. Malignant tumors are life-threathening, and spiritual tumors are soul-threathening. By removing one you not only help save somebody, you obey the Scripture, "Bear one another's burden, and... fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NKJV). And make no mistake, sharing their shame and humiliation is a burden. Nevertheless, " We should do it.. [giving] special attention to those who are in the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 NCV). In God's army we are not supposed to shoot our wounded. Indeed, if the wounded can't find mercy in the ranks of the redeemed, where are they going to find it?

RESTORE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE (1)

RESTORE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE PART ONE

If a man is overtaken in any trespass...

restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.

Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, youwho are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 NIV

When somebody messes up, God says;" Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." But what if they've disgraced whemselves and provided fodder for the skeptics who already think all Christians are hypocrites?? Why bother with somebody like that?

First : Because the bible says," If a man is overtaken [ caught by surpirse] ... [consider] yourself lest you also be tempted." If it happened to you you'd want somebody to help you, right? And if you're thinking you would never embezzle money, have an affair, or slap a child in anger, think again. When you're under financial pressure, sleep deprived, lonely and depressed, or your marriage is on shaky ground, you might be surprised what you'd do. Paul says, " We are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so...self-confident..You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else" (1 Co 10:12 TM).

Second: Because Jesus is your example. While He had no time for Pharisees who hid their sins under a religious facade, not once did He condemn anybody who was 'overtaken' by temptation and failure. When they repented He forgave and restored them. Theologian Victor Shephers writes : "When we're face to face with someone's who's been surprised because trespass overtook them, do we deflect their shame back into their face, or do we own it as ours? Do we rub their nose in it or do we absorb it, put an arm around them and affirm our solidarity-in-sinnership?? Do we regard ourselves as superior, or do we say, "Take my hand... I know the way to the cross?'"

TO LIVE IN GOD'S BLESSINGS

TO LIVE IN GOD'S BLESSINGS

Blessed is the man who...

Praise the Lord!! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.
Psalm 112 :1 NIV

Psalm 112 is a description of what it means to live in God's blessings. The first verse is the door through which you must walk in order to receive them. "Blessed is the man who fears [ trusts in, honors and obeys] the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands [takes pleasure in what God says, then does it]." Now, when you see what God offers to such people you'll want to rush into the next verses. But you can't , you must qualify!! This verse is the price tag; check it carefully. You can't do anything to earn God's love, but you must obey Him to live in His blessings. But when you qualify, here's the payoff:



" His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look with triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn [name] will be lifted high in honor" (Ps 112: 2-9). That's what it means to livein God's blessings.

WALKING BY FAITH

WALKING BY FAITH

The just shall live by faith.

But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.
Hebrews 10:38

Walking by faith is not easy. When you make up your mind to trust God the odds are usually stacked against you. Remember Noah? When he built the ark there had never been rain!! And the outcome isn't always what you expect. Walking by faith doesn't mean your problems suddenly evaporate. Sometimes faith doesn't change your circumstances, it changes you by giving you the tenacity to hang in there when:

the check doesn't come in the mail,

the doctor says, "It's malignant,"

your spouse asks for a divorce,

the kids are running amok,

or the place you've worked for thirty years closes its doors. Faith gives you the fortitude to endure these things, confident that God is working on your behalf. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for" (Heb. 11: 1-2 NIV). So walking by faith means :

(1) trusting in the faithfulness of God;

(2) following in the footsteps of ordinary people who did extraordinary things;

(3) using your faith, because its the currency of heaven.

When the bible says, "The just shall live by faith," it doesn't mean little sporadic bursts. NO, it's talking about a lifestyle! Anybody can go the first few rounds in the ring; it's when you're knocked down in the ninth that t you need the faith to get back up and keep fighting. When the plane you're flying on encounters turbulence you don't throw away your ticket or bail out, you sit still and trust the pilot. So discount your circumstances , dethrone your doubts, and start walking by faith!!

COURAGE (III)

COURAGE (PART THREE)

Act with courage.

And take notice: Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters; also the Levites will be officials before you. Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good. ( 2 Chronicles 19:11 KJV)

Paul writes: "Every detail works to our advantage..So we are not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, in the inside, where God is making a new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace" (2 Corinthians 4:15-17 TM). Note the words, "we're not giving up". Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way. And God's word teaches us that we should expect nothing less. H.G.Wells asked , "What on earth can man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?" Why would he make such a comment? Because adversity is our friend, even though it doesn't feel that way. Each obstacle we overcome teaches us about our strenghts and weaknesses. It shapes us, makes us wiser and more confident. The greatest people in the history were those who faced the most difficult challenges with courage and rose to the occasion.

That was certainly true of Winston Churchill. In his book American Scandal, Pat Williams writes about Churchill's last months. He says in 1964, President Eisenhower went to visit the former Prime Minister. Eisenhower sat by the bold-spirited leader's bed for a long period of time, neither speaking. After ten minutes, Churchill slowly raised his hand and painstakingly made the "V" for victory sign which he had so often flashed to the British people during the war. Eisenhower, fighting back tears, pulled his chair back, stood up, saluted him and left the room. To his aide out in the hallway, Eisenhower said, "I just said goodbye to Winston, but you never say farewell to courage."

COURAGE (II)

COURAGE (PART TWO)

Act with courage.

And take notice: Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters; also the Levites will be officials before you. Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good. ( 2 Chronicles 19:11 KJV)

When it comes to acting with courage, you'll notice:

(1) Courage usually involves getting it wrong before you get it right. It's easy to be brave where you're strong; it's much more difficult where you're weak. That's when you need courage the most. General Omar Bradley remarked, "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly, even when scared half to death." We mistakenly believe that learning is passive, that we learn by reading a book or listening to a speaker. No, the learning process is summarized in these five steps:

1. Observe

2. Act

3. Evaluate

4. Readjust

5. Go back to step two

(2) Courage always takes the 'high road'. Jesus said," If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Mt. 5:39 NIV). Dr. James B. Mooneyham writes: "When we keep score of wrongs committed against us, we reveal a lack of maturity. Theodore Roosevelt once said,' The most important single ingredient in the formula of success, is knowing how to get along with people'. Those who do not forgive are persons who have not yet learned this truth, and they are usually unsuccessful people. If you wish to improve this area of your life, here are some things that should help. First , practise forgiving. Second, think good thoughts of those persons; it's difficult to have hostile feelings toward one in whom you see good. Finally, let people know through your actions that you can forgive and forget. This will gain respect for you. Remember this: committing an injury puts you beloy your enemy; taking revenge makes you even with him; forgiving him sets you above".

My notes:

Many people say forgive and forget... But really, in my opinion we should forgive freely, but never forget. Why? By forgetting, we tend to put ourselves in the same position and get hurt by the same person over and over again. It's wiser to be careful with the person who has hurt you once. ONCE IS ENOUGH!!

COURAGE (I)

COURAGE (PART ONE)

Act with courage.

And take notice: Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters; also the Levites will be officials before you. Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good. ( 2 Chronicles 19:11 KJV)

The English word for courage comes from the French word coeur, which means ' heart'. That's why we say, "Dont't take heart." The truth is
(1) It takes courage to face the truth about yourself. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth sahall make you free" (John 8:32 NKJV). But before the truth sets us free, it usually puts us through the wringer, because the truth about ourselves is not something we like hearing. (2) It takes courage to change when staying as you are feels more comfortable. If you're willing to leave your comfort zone, step out in faith and follow God, you'll be tested. But you'll also reach heights you thought were beyond you. And you'll go further than others who possess greater talent than you do.
(3) It takes courage to stand for your convictions when you know they'll be challenged. Any time you're willing to stand for something, or try something, somebody will take a shot at you. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: " Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon there's always someone to tell you you're wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end, requires the same courage a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them." When Nehemiah's enemies threathened him , he said," Should a man like me run away? ... I will not" (Ne 6:11 NIV). As a result he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in a record fifty-two days, and got a book in the bible named after him.
How's that for courage??

UNOPENED TOMORROWS

UNOPENED TOMORROWS

25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what will you put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

27 Which of you by worrying can add a cubit to his stature?

28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin;

29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'Where shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

(Matthew 6: 25-34)

We often wish we could see what lies around the corner in life. Then we could prepare for it, control it or avoid it.

A wise person has said, "Though we can't see around corners, God can." How much better and more reassuring it is!

Recently my 10 year old granddaughter Emily and I were boiling eggs for breakfast. As we stared into the boiling water and wondered how long will it take to get the eggs just right, Emily said, "Pity we can't open them up to see how they're doing." I agreed. But that would have spoiled them, so we had to rely on guesswork, woth no guarentee of results.

We began talking about other things we would like to see but can't - like tomorrow. Too bad we can't crack tomorrow open, we said, to see if it's the way we would like it. But meddling with tomorrow before its time, like opening a partly cooked egg, would spoil both today and tomorrow.

Because Jesus has promised to care for us everyday - and that includes tomorrow- we can live by faith one day at a time. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow , for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." ( Mt. 6:34)

Emily and I decided to leave tomorrow safely in God's hands. Have you??

Written by, Joanie Yoder for Our Daily Bread

Though I know not what awaits me,

What the future has in store,

Yet I know the Lord is faithful,

For I've proved Him oft before. - Anon

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Prayer should be our first response rather than our last resort.

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME

Psalm 147: 1-9 (KJV)

1 Praise the Lord!

For it is good ro sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant , and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together all the utcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars;

he calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble ;

He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heaven with clouds,

Who prepares rain for the earth,

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food,

And to the young ravens that cry.

How many stars are there? Astronomers don't know. They simply assure us that the cosmos contains more stars then can be numbered. Billions for sure- probably trillions !!

Figures like that are hard for us to grasp. Even a million is mind-boggling. If you were counting a million $1 bills at the rate of 60 a minute for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, it would take you nearly 7 weeks to complete the task. At the same rate, it would take over 133 years to count a billion dollars.

Scripture declares that God, the Maker of the sun and moon, 'made the stars also' (Gen. 1:16). It likewise declares that He ' brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one is missing' (Isaiah 40:26).

So if we ever wonder whether God is able to carry us with all our burdens, let us remember that He is the sovereign of the stars. Surely He who is the guide of the galaxies can deal with our situations.

If the skies are clear tonight, look heavenward and be thankful that the God who calls each star by name knows, loves, and cares for you.

Written by, Vernon Grounds for Our Daily Bread

I sing the wisdom that ordained

The sun to rule by day;

The moon shines full at His command,

And all the stars obey. -Watts

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The One who upholds the universe will never let you down.

IN HARNESS WITH JESUS

IN HARNESS WITH JESUS
You will find rest for your souls.

MATTHEW 11:29

25 At that time Jesus answered and said," I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and have revealed them to babes.

26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and he whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

28 Come to me , all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

(Mt. 11: 25-30 KJV)

One of the greatest promises, Jesus ever gave us was: " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mt. 11:28-29 NIV). How could Jesus talk about being yoked in harness, which suggests hard work, and about rest in the same breath? To most of us, rest means kicking back in the recliner. That's not the kind of rest Jesus was thinking about.

A yoke is a harness that goes around the necks of two oxen so they can pull a load. Accepting Jesus' yoke is a picture of submission. It's also a picture of help, because you're not pulling the load alone. In each team of oxen, one is the leader and the other follows. Jesus will take the lead, but you must be yoked to Him to get the benefit. So to enjoy intimacy with Christ, you have to bow before Him and accept His will. Jesus promises that His yoke won't choke you, it won't be wearisome or confining; you won't chafe under it. In fact , the irony is, if you want to be truly free you must allow yourself to be yoked to Jesus by submitting your will to His.

Now, it's possible to accept Christ's yoke, then start pulling against it when life doesn't go the way you want it to. Peace and rest come only when you relax in the yoke, and let Christ lead the way.

Adapted from The Word For You Today Volume 5 by BOB GASS