Monday, September 26, 2011
1 John 4:1-21 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
I choose to be cheerful.
The dawning of a new day fills me with the hope of infinite possibilities. As I begin each morning, I feel my oneness with God, with nature and with all life.
There is much to appreciate as I spend a few moments in gratitude: the people and animals I love, the things that bring me comfort, the shelter of my home, the fulfillment of my work and activities. The more gratitude I express, the better I feel. My heart fills with gladness and a smile crosses my face. I am cheerful, encouraging and kind. I look for and find the good in all circumstances, even the challenges. I see the deeper meaning in my life.
My cheerful attitude and grateful heart lead me to joy and peace.
A cheerful heart is a good medicine.--Proverbs 17:22"
'via Blog this'
Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
Ash-Heap Christians
Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4
Someone once asked me why she should be like Jesus now since she would become like Him when she got to heaven (1 John 3:1-3). Great question! Especially when it’s easier to just be yourself.
Actually, there are several reasons why becoming like Him now is important, but one is near the top. When we see and stand before Him, we will give an account as to whether or not we lived in ways that were consistent with His will. Or, as Paul put it, whether or not we have built on Him as our foundation with “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, [or] straw” (1 Cor. 3:12-13).
All that we do to advance His kingdom—things like contribute to the strength of His church, serve the poor and needy, and promote righteousness and justice as He did—is like building with essential materials that will survive the fire of His judgment. On the contrary, building with things that reflect our fallen ways, and living to advance ourselves and our earthly desires are commodities that will turn into a pile of ashes before the consuming fire of His glory.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather love Jesus enough to live like Him now, for the thought of standing before Him in a heap of ashes is an unthinkable alternative.
Father, thank You for the Spirit,
Fill us with His love and power;
Change us into Christ’s own image
Day by day and hour by hour. —Anon.
Build your life with commodities
that will stand the test of God’s judgment.
1 John 3:1-24 "Behold , what manner of love the Father..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Daily Word The Joy of Jesus Today
I give generously and receive abundantly.
God is the great divine energy present everywhere. As a creation of God, I am immersed in and part of that energy. It is in giving generously and receiving fully that I connect with the God-energy in me. When I act thoughtfully towards another, I receive thoughtfulness in return. As I give love to others, I feel more fully loved. As I circulate my financial resources with joy and gratitude, I find that my life is richly blessed with experiences and sustenance that bring me even greater joy.
I give thanks for friends and loved ones, for joyful activities and for all the good that life offers. I give generously, receive abundantly and my life is truly blessed.
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.--Matthew 6:33"
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Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
From Bad To Worse
Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3
It happened again. I got the urge to clean my office. Before I could resist, I had created an even bigger mess than I started with. One pile turned into many piles when I started sorting books, papers, and magazines. As the mess mushroomed, I lamented that I had started. But there was no going back.
When God recruited Moses to rescue the Hebrews from slavery, their situation went from bad to worse as well. There was no doubt that the job needed to be done. The people had been crying out to God to help them (Ex. 2:23). Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Moses agreed to appeal to Pharaoh on behalf of the Hebrews. The encounter did not go well. Instead of releasing the people, Pharaoh increased his unreasonable demands. Moses questioned whether he should have started (5:22-23). Only after a lot more trouble for a lot of people did Pharaoh let the people leave.
Whenever we set out to do something good, even when we’re certain that God wants us to do it, we shouldn’t be surprised when the situation gets worse before it gets better. This doesn’t prove that we’re doing the wrong thing; it just reminds us that we need God to accomplish everything.
There is only One who knows
All the answers to my woes;
He will all my needs supply
When in faith to Him I cry. —Morgan
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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...
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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,...