Sunday, October 9, 2011
Daily Word Dr.James A. Lee
Choosing patience today, I am compassionate and kind.
Every day I have the chance to cultivate and strengthen any trait I choose. Today I elect to develop the quality of patience. Co-creating my life with God, I choose to be patient and grow in my understanding that all things happen in their own time.
There is "a time for every matter under heaven." Affirming wholeness, abundance, peace and wisdom, I wait patiently for demonstration to occur in the right place and time. In the silence of prayer, I draw patience from the spirit of God within me.
In my dealings with others, I exercise my Spirit-directed patience in every conversation and interaction. I approach life with the kindness and compassion that are a natural result of a patient heart and mind.
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.--Colossians 3:12"
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Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
The Cost Of Fighting
Isaiah 32-33; Colossians 1
During a documentary on World War I, the narrator said that if Britain’s casualties in “the war to end all wars” were marched four abreast past London’s war monument, the processional would take 7 days to complete. This staggering word picture set my mind spinning at the awful cost of war. While those costs include monetary expense, destruction of property, and economic interruption, none of these compare to the human cost. Both soldiers and civilians pay the ultimate price, multiplied exponentially by the grief of the survivors. War is costly.
When believers go to war with one another, the cost is also high. James wrote, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (James 4:1). In our own selfish pursuits, we sometimes battle without considering the price exacted on our witness to the world or our relationships with one another. Perhaps that is why James preceded these words with the challenge, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (3:18).
If we are to represent the Prince of Peace in our world, believers need to stop fighting with one another and practice peace.
The wars and fights within the church
Disrupt our unity and peace;
How can we show the peace of Christ
Unless our conflicts cease? —Sper
When Christians are at peace with one another, the world can more clearly see the Prince of Peace.
Revelation 9:1-21 "And the fifth angel sounded , and..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
I forgive and I am forgiven. I have peace of mind and heart.
Saying "I'm sorry" isn't always easy. It often takes courage to be the first to make amends. However, the first step toward forgiveness is the first step toward peace of mind.
If I have wronged another or there is a perception of wrongdoing, I begin the healing process of forgiveness through prayer. I open to the healing power of God. Once admitting the need for action, I clear the way for healing, restoration and peace.
Spirit works within me and within the situation to establish harmony, soothe emotions, and assure wholeness. Through the power of God within, I give and receive forgiveness. I am at peace with myself and others. I am whole and free.
Bear with one another and … forgive each other.--Colossians 3:13"
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Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
Free To Choose
Isaiah 30-31; Philippians 4
When it was learned that the biggest football game of the 2011 season was scheduled to be played on Yom Kippur, the student government at the University of Texas petitioned school officials to change the date. They said it was unfair to make Jewish students choose between the classic football rivalry with Oklahoma and observing their most important and sacred holy day of the year. But the date was not changed. Even in societies where people have religious freedom, difficult choices are still required of every person of faith.
Daniel demonstrated the courage to obey God no matter what the consequences. When his political rivals set a trap to eliminate him from their path to power (Dan. 6:1-9), he didn’t challenge the law or complain that he had been wronged. “When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (v.10).
Daniel didn’t know if God would save him from the lions’ den, but it didn’t matter. He chose to honor God in his life whatever the outcome. Like Daniel, we are free to choose to follow the Lord.
What freedom lies with all who choose
To live for God each day!
But chains of bondage shackle those
Who choose some other way. —D. De Haan
You can never go wrong when you choose to follow Christ.
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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...