Tuesday, September 13, 2011
John 15:1-27 "I am the true vine, and..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Monday, September 12, 2011
Daily Word The Joy of Jesus Today
As children return to school, I bless them and pray for them to have a positive, enriching experience. I see them waiting for the school bus, anticipating a new school day, and I affirm it will be a good one.
They are ready to learn about the world, other people and themselves. Their minds and hearts are open. I envision each child discovering new skills, enhancing their natural talents, and putting new knowledge to use.
Seeing the children excited about their day stirs a new enthusiasm in me. As a lifelong learner, I look for and find a divine connection in the people and circumstances I encounter. My thoughts and prayers bless each child as they are a blessing to the world.
John 14:15-31 "If ye love me, keep my..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Blessed Assurance | Our Daily Bread
Blessed Assurance
Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5
As I was talking with a gentleman whose wife had died, he shared with me that a friend said to him, “I’m sorry you lost your wife.” His reply? “Oh, I haven’t lost her; I know exactly where she is!”
To some this may seem like a rather bold or even flippant assertion. With so many after-death theories, one might wonder how we can be really sure where our loved ones go after death, let alone where we ourselves will end up.
Yet, confidence is appropriate for followers of Jesus Christ. We have the assurance from God’s Word that when we die we will immediately be with our Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). Thankfully, this is more than just wishful thinking. It is grounded in the historic reality of Jesus, who came and died to cancel our penalty for sin so that we could receive eternal life (Rom. 6:23). He then proved that there was life after death by exiting His grave and ascending into heaven where, as He promised, He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2).
So, rejoice! Since the benefits of this reality are out of this world, we can boldly say with Paul that “we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8).
Lord, when I take my final breath
And see You face to face in death,
Then shall my heart forever sing
The heavenly praises of my King. —Raniville
Sunday, September 11, 2011
| Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
God is my strength and courage.
Courage is the hallmark of a strong and valiant spirit. It distinguishes men and women in every field of human endeavor. It may glow like a steady flame day in and day out, recognized by everyone, or it may suddenly shine brightly like a brilliant star that had previously gone unnoticed.
Firefighters, police and other public servants show great courage every day. They may feel fearful at times, but they overcome their fear and act with bravery and assurance when others are in need.
I give thanks for these heroes, past and present, who courageously performed their duties at great personal risk. I know that God is with them, now and always, just as God is with me and within me.
Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.--Luke 22:43"
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Our Daily Bread
The Mercy Of God
Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001. It’s hard to think about that date without mental images of the destruction, grief, and loss that swept over America and the world following those tragic events. The loss of thousands of lives was compounded by the depth of loss felt corporately—a lost sense of security as a country. The sorrow of loss, personal and corporate, will always accompany the memory of the events of that day.
Those horrific events are not the only painful memories of September 11. It also marks the anniversary of my father-in-law’s death. Jim’s loss is felt deeply within our family and his circle of friends.
No matter what kind of sorrow we experience, there is only one real comfort—the mercy of God. David, in his own heartache, cried to his heavenly Father, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body!” (Ps. 31:9). Only in the mercy of God can we find comfort for our pain and peace for our troubled hearts.
In all losses, we can turn to the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who alone can heal our brokenness and grief.
We have a Friend who’ll never leave,
Who’s closer than a brother;
He’s there to meet our deepest needs,
To comfort like no other. —Sper
Four Gospels, Five Great Commissions | VerseNotes Dr. James Anthony Lee
Four Gospels, Five Great Commissions | VerseNotes
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Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh...