Home | Daily Word: "EMPOWERED
I have easy access to the power of the Divine within me.
There is one true Source of power, wisdom and love in my life. I may call it God, Spirit, Creator or the Divine Infinite. It empowers me through varied channels--words of Scripture, affirmations of Truth, the lyrics of an inspiring song, encouragement from a friend or teacher.
Every change I move through and every insight I receive gives me a renewed sense of the divine power that is mine to claim and use in my life. I am empowered when I overcome challenges, when I serve others and when I keep my commitments. I pay attention to the moments I feel empowered and discover I have easy and ever-present access to the power of the Divine within me.
To you, O God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power.--Daniel 2:23"
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
Our Daily Bread
Grieving From A To Z
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November 14, 2011 — by Dennis Fisher
Read: Lamentations 3:25-33
Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion. —Lamentations 3:32
Bible in a year:
Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 10:19-39
Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 10:19-39
Jerusalem was engulfed in flames, and the prophet Jeremiah wept. His prediction of divine judgment had largely gone unheeded. Now his terrible prophecy had come to pass with horrifying vividness. The short book of Lamentations records the prophet’s grieving process over the destruction of Jerusalem.
Jeremiah organized the book around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, using a technique of alphabetic acrostics to aid the reader in memorizing the passages more easily. But using this technique also shows that he didn’t cut short his grieving process. He took deliberate and intentional time to reflect upon and even to write down his heartbreak. You might say he was learning to grieve from A to Z.
In the midst of his grief, the comfort of God surfaced. Reminders of God’s sovereignty and goodness gave the prophet hope as he faced the future: “The Lord will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies” (Lam. 3:31-32).
If you’ve recently experienced a painful loss, remember to take adequate time to grieve and to reflect upon God’s goodness. Then you will be able to experience His comfort and hope for the future.
To experience God’s comfort
While you’re suffering with grief,
Try to focus on God’s goodness,
And He’ll bring your heart relief. —Sper
God allows sorrows and tears today
to open our hearts to the joys of tomorrow.
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "HEALING
With gratitude, I accept health and wholeness.
I have been given a great gift--the gift of my physical body. It is the housing for my spirit and my soul. I demonstrate gratitude for this gift by treating my body with love and respect.
When I am tempted to fall into habits or ways of being that don't support my highest good, I call myself higher. I listen to the wisdom of my body temple and respond to the messages I hear. My inner voice guides me to make life-affirming choices.
I think and speak in positive, uplifting ways. I envision myself healthy and whole. Each cell of my body responds to my loving, peaceful thoughts. With gratitude, I welcome and accept healing and wholeness.
Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them. --Isaiah 57:19"
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With gratitude, I accept health and wholeness.
I have been given a great gift--the gift of my physical body. It is the housing for my spirit and my soul. I demonstrate gratitude for this gift by treating my body with love and respect.
When I am tempted to fall into habits or ways of being that don't support my highest good, I call myself higher. I listen to the wisdom of my body temple and respond to the messages I hear. My inner voice guides me to make life-affirming choices.
I think and speak in positive, uplifting ways. I envision myself healthy and whole. Each cell of my body responds to my loving, peaceful thoughts. With gratitude, I welcome and accept healing and wholeness.
Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them. --Isaiah 57:19"
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THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Introduction
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Introduction
The Sermon On The Mount
Introduction
Matthew’s Gospel breaks the long silence which followed the ministry of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets. The silence extended for four hundred years, and during that time God was withdrawn from Israel. Throughout this period there were no angelic manifestations, no prophet spoke for Jehovah, and though the Chosen People were so rely pressed, yet were there no Divine interpositions on their behalf. For four centuries God shut His people up to His written Word. Again and again had He promised to send the Messiah, and from Malachi onwards there was a believing remnant who anxiously awaited the appearing of the predicted One. It is at this point that Matthew picks up the thread dropped by the last of the Old Testament prophets. The first purpose of Matthew’s Gospel is to present Christ as the Fulfiller of the promises made to Israel and the prophecies which related to their Messiah. This is why the word "fulfilled" occurs in Matthew fifteen times, and why there are more quotations from the Old Testament in his Gospel than in the remaining three added together.
The position which Matthew’s Gospel occupies in the Sacred Canon indicates its character and scope. Standing immediately after the Old Testament and at the beginning of the New, it is therefore the connecting link between them. Hence it istransitional, and also more Jewish than any other book in the New Testament. Matthew reveals God appealing to and dealing with His Old Testament people. The numerical place of Matthew in the Divine library confirms this, for being the fortieth book it shows us the nation of Israel in the place of probation, being tested by the presence of Jehovah in their midst. Matthew presents the Lord Jesus as Israel’; Messiah and King, as well as the One who shall save His people from their sins. The opening sentence gives the key to its contents: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." Seven times over Christ is addressed as "the Son of David" in this Gospel, and ten times altogether is this title found there. "Son of David" connects Christ with the throne,while "Son of Abraham" associates Him with the altar.
This opening Gospel explains how it is that in the later books of the New Testament Israel is viewed as cast off by God, why it is Christendom has superseded the Jewish theocracy—the result of rejecting their Messiah. A striking foreshadowment of this is found in the second chapter, where a significant incident—passed over by the other Evangelists—is recorded, namely the visit of the wise men who came from the East to worship the Christ child. In the attendant circumstances we may perceive a prophetic anticipation of what is recorded throughout this Gospel and the New Testament. First, Christ is seen outside of Jerusalem. Then we have the blindness and indifference of the Jews to the presence of their Messiah: unaware that He was now among them, undesirous of accompanying the Magi. Next there are the strangers from a far country with a heart for the Saviour, seeking Him out and worshipping Him. Finally, we behold the civil head, so filled with hatred, determined to put Him to death—presaging His crucifixion by the Jews.
Not until the middle of his fourth chapter does Matthew tell us, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (v. 17). The time-mark here is, in the light of its context, most significant, emphasizing the same solemn aspect of truth as was adumbrated in chapter ii. First, we are told that our Lord’s forerunner had been "cast into prison" (v. 12). Second, we are informed that Christ "leaving Nazareth" came "and dwelt in Capernaum" (v. 13), for Nazareth (where He had dwelt so long: 2:23) had openly rejected Him (see Luke 4:28-30). Third, it is here emphasized that the Saviour had gone "beyond Jordan" into "Galilee of the Gentiles," where "the people which sat in darkness saw great light" (v. 16)—another illustrative anticipation of His rejection by the Jews and His turning to the Gentiles.
The fourth chapter closes by telling us, "And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy: and there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis," etc. (vv. 24, 25). Some have wondered why our Lord performed these miracles of healing upon the bodies of the people beforeHe delivered His great Sermon on the Mount for the nourishing of their souls. First, it should be noted that these miracles of healing followed His "teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (4:23). Second, these miracles of healing were an essential part of His Messianic credentials (Isa. 35:4-6). Third, these miracles of healing made way for His fuller preaching, by disposing the people to listen unto One who manifested such Divine power and mercy.
The preface to the Sermon is a very short one: "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain, and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him; and He opened His mouth, and taught them" (5:1, 2). Yet brief as these verses be, there are several things in them which call for careful consideration. First, we must notice the place from which this Sermon was preached. "As in other things, so in this, our Lord Jesus was but ill-accommodated: He had no convenient place to preach in, any more than to lay His head on. While the scribes and Pharisees had Moses’ chair to sit in, with all possible ease, honour, and state, and there corrupted the Law; our Lord Jesus, the great Teacher of truth, is driven out to the desert, and finds no better place than a ‘mountain’ can afford.
"Nor was it one of the holy mountains, nor one of the mountains of Zion, but a common mountain; by which Christ would intimate that there is no distinguishing holiness of place now, under the Gospel, as there was under the Law; but that it is the will of God that men should pray and praise everywhere, anywhere. provided it be decent and convenient. Christ preached this Sermon, which was an exposition of the Law, upon a mountain, because upon a mountain the Law was given: and this was also a solemn promulgation of the Christian Law. But observe the difference: when the Law was given the Lord came down upon the mountain, now the Lord ‘went up’ into one; then He spoke in thunder and lightning, now in a still small voice; then the people were ordered to keep their distance, now they are invited to draw near—a blessed change!" (Matthew Henry).
We believe there is yet a deeper significance in the fact that Christ delivered this Sermon from a mountain. Very often the noting of the place where a particular utterance was made supplies a key to its interpretation. For example, in Matthew 13:36, Christ is seen entering " into the house," where He made known unto His own the inner secrets of His kingdom. In Luke’s Gospel Christ is seen as man (the perfect Man) among men, and there He delivers a sermon "in the plain" (6:17)—descending as it were to a common level. But in Matthew His royal authority is in view, and consequently He is seen again in an elevated place. In the seventeenth chapter we behold Him transfigured on the mount. In 24:3, He delivers His great prophetic discourse from a mount. Then in 28:6, we see the Conqueror of death commissioning His disciples from the mount. So here in verse 1, He ascends the mount when about to give forth the manifesto of His kingdom.
Next we would notice that our Lord was seated when He preached this Sermon. It seems to have been His usual manner to preach sitting: "I sat daily with you teaching in the temple" (Matthew 26:55). This was the custom of the Jewish teachers: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat" (Matthew 23:2). Nevertheless, we are persuaded that the Spirit’s notice of our Lord’s posture on this occasion intimates something more important and significant than that He accommodated Himself to the prevailing mode of the day. In this Sermon Christ enunciated the laws of His kingdom and spoke with an authority infinitely transcending that of the Jewish leaders; and therefore His posture here is to be regarded as emblematic of the King sitting upon His throne, or the Judge upon the bench.
"And he opened His mouth and taught them." Here the Spirit of God has noted the great Prophet’s manner of speaking. First, it is to be understood naturally, and carefully emulated by all His servants. The first essential of any public speaker is that he open his mouth and articulate clearly, otherwise, no matter how good may be his matter, much will be lost on his hearers. Alas, how many preachers mutter and mouth their words, or employ a pious whine which elderly people cannot catch. It is most desirable that the young preacher should spare no pains to acquire a free and clear delivery: avoiding shouting and yelling on the one hand, and sinking his voice too much on the other.
Second, we may also behold here the perfections of our blessed Redeemer. So far as Scripture informs us, from the age of twelve till He reached thirty, Christ maintained a steady silence, for the time appointed by His Father to deliver His great message had not then arrived. In perfect submission to the One who had sent Him, the Lord Jesus waited the hour which had been set Him—"There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Eccl. 3:7). To one of His prophets of old God said, "I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover" (Ezek. 3:26). Later, He said, "now the hand of the Lord was upon me in the evening.., and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb: then the word of the Lord came unto me" (Ezek. 33:22, 23). So it was here with the supreme Prophet: the time had come for Him to enunciate the laws of His kingdom: the hand of God was upon Him, and He "opened His mouth."
Third, as Scripture is compared with Scripture, this expression will be found to bear yet another meaning. "Supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be give unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel" (Eph. 6:18, 19). The apostle was referring to a special kind of speech, upon far more weighty matters than his ordinary conversation. So when we are here told that Christ "opened His mouth and taught them" we are to understand that He spoke with liberty and authority, with faithfulness and boldness, delivering Himself upon matters of the deepest weight and greatest importance. It means that, without fear or favour, Christ openly set forth the truth, regardless of consequences. That this is the meaning appears from what we read of at the finish of the Sermon: "The people were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (7:28, 29).
Let us now observe the persons to whom our Lord here addressed Himself. There has been considerable difference of opinion concerning the ones to whom this Sermon really applies: the saved or the unsaved. Extreme positions have been taken on both sides, with a good deal of unnecessary dogmatism. Personally, we regard this Sermon as a forecast and an epitome of the entire oral ministry of Christ, that it summarizes the general tenor of His whole teaching. The older we grow, the less do we approve the drawing hard and fast lines through the Scriptures, limiting their application by insisting that certain parts belong only to such and such a class, and under the guise of "rightly dividing" the Word, apportioning segments of it to the Jews only, the Gentiles only, or the Church of God only. Man makes his canals rigidly straight, but God’s rivers wind in and out. God’s commandment is "exceeding broad" (Ps. 119:96), and we must be on our guard against placing restrictions thereon.
A careful study of the four Gospels reveals that Christ’s ministry had, first, a special application to the afflicted people of God; second, it evidently had a peculiar reference to His own immediate disciples; and third, it had a general bearing upon the people at large. Such we take it was also the case with the Sermon on the Mount, embodying and illustrating these three distinctive features of Christ’s public ministry. First, its opening section (the "Beatitudes") is most evidently addressed to those who were afflicted in their souls—those deeply exercised before God. Second, its next division referred to His public servants, as will be shown (D. V.) when we take it up in detail. Third, its larger part was a most searching exposition of the spirituality of the Law and the refutation of the false teachings of the elders, and was meant mainly for the people at large.
We do not think that W. Perkins went too far when he said of the Sermon on the Mount, "It may justly be called the key of the whole Bible, for here Christ openeth the sum of the Old and New Testaments." It is the longest discourse of our Lord’s recorded in the Scriptures. He began His public ministry by insisting upon repentance (Matthew 4:17), and here He enlarges upon this vitally important subject in a variety of ways, showing us what repentance really is and what are its fruits. It is an intensely practical sermon throughout: as Matthew Henry expressed it, "There is not much of the credenta of Christianity in it—the things to be believed; but it is wholly taken up with the agenda—the things to be done, for ‘If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine’ (John 7:17)."
Though we are told at the beginning of chapter v that it was His "disciples" whom Christ here taught, yet it is equally clear from the closing verses of chapter vii that this Sermon was spoken in the hearing of the multitudes. This must be steadily borne in mind throughout, for while it contains much instruction for believers in connection with their living a good, honest, and blessed life, yet not a little in it is evidently designed for unbelievers, particularly those sections which contain a most searching setting forth of the spiritual nature of His kingdom and the character of those who enter and enjoy its privileges. Romish teachers have greatly erred, for they insist that Christ here propounded a new Law—far more perfect than the Law of Moses—and that He delivered now entirely new counsel to His disciples, which was never given in the Law or the Prophets; whereas His intention was to clear the true meaning of the Law and the Prophets, which had been greatly corrupted by the Jewish doctors. But we will not further anticipate what we shall (D. V.) contemplate more fully in the studies to follow.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Philemon 1:1-25 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and..." KJV - Online Bible Study
Philemon 1:1-25 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and..." KJV - Online Bible Study:
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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient , 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again : thou therefore receive him, that is , mine own bowels: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly . 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides . 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say . 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen . [Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.] 1 Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; 2 And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee, 3 And say , Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth , his ears shall tingle . 4 Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known , nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents; 5 They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: 6 Therefore, behold, the days come , saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter. 7 And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies , and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. 8 And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. 9 And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies , and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. 10 Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee, 11 And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again : and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury . 12 Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet: 13 And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods. 14 Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy ; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people, 15 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words. 1 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things. 2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. 3 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib. 4 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends : and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies , and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. 5 Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies , which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon. 6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die , and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends , to whom thou hast prophesied lies. 7 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived : thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed : I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. 8 For since I spake , I cried out , I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. 9 Then I said , I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing , and I could not stay. 10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report , say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting , saying, Peradventure he will be enticed , and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. 11 But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble , and they shall not prevail : they shall be greatly ashamed ; for they shall not prosper : their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten . 12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. 13 Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers . 14 Cursed be the day wherein I was born : let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed . 15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying , A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad . 16 And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew , and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide ; 17 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me. 18 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame? 1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
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FaithWriters.com-Christian Christian Living - A Time to be Glad
FaithWriters.com-Christian Christian Living - A Time to be Glad: "If one were to look into the various news stories in the media one would not find much to celebrate in terms of making one glad? The main events around the world can cause one into despair. How can you find the real meaning of joy today? The answer to this lack of gladness could be closer than one could ever imagine. Jesus is always the solution.
During my daily devotion the words of St. Peter in God's Word came to as a ray of light and pure joy. He said rejoice with unspeakable joy in The Joy of our Lord of all salvation. Therefore we must glorify God in Christ Jesus and The Power of The Holy Spirit for all things inn Christ Jesus.
Nevertheless, we continue to find that there is still deep suffering in the world. This problem must be addressed with prayer for others today. Lord we continue to pray for all people and God's Creation in Christ Jesus name. Let The Joy of The Lord Jesus rule your hearts and minds today. The Joy of Jesus needs you to lift Him Up all-day and everyday. Glory to God in The Joy of Jesus.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com."
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During my daily devotion the words of St. Peter in God's Word came to as a ray of light and pure joy. He said rejoice with unspeakable joy in The Joy of our Lord of all salvation. Therefore we must glorify God in Christ Jesus and The Power of The Holy Spirit for all things inn Christ Jesus.
Nevertheless, we continue to find that there is still deep suffering in the world. This problem must be addressed with prayer for others today. Lord we continue to pray for all people and God's Creation in Christ Jesus name. Let The Joy of The Lord Jesus rule your hearts and minds today. The Joy of Jesus needs you to lift Him Up all-day and everyday. Glory to God in The Joy of Jesus.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com."
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Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "SABBATH
In the presence of God, I am renewed.
Squeezing one more task, errand or responsibility into a day can leave me so focused on "doing" that I seem to do nothing well. This is my wake-up call--a realization that by doing more and more things, I am neglecting my own spirituality.
Observing a Sabbath, I take time away from rushing to be alone with God or to gather with others in worship. The Sabbath is about being fully in the presence of God and recharging my spiritual battery. Physical renewal springs forth when I make time for the renewal of my spirit. I am refreshed by a wellspring of divine energy and life.
As I put God first, all else falls into place. My "doing" takes on new meaning and purpose, because I know my oneness with God.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.--Exodus 20:8"
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In the presence of God, I am renewed.
Squeezing one more task, errand or responsibility into a day can leave me so focused on "doing" that I seem to do nothing well. This is my wake-up call--a realization that by doing more and more things, I am neglecting my own spirituality.
Observing a Sabbath, I take time away from rushing to be alone with God or to gather with others in worship. The Sabbath is about being fully in the presence of God and recharging my spiritual battery. Physical renewal springs forth when I make time for the renewal of my spirit. I am refreshed by a wellspring of divine energy and life.
As I put God first, all else falls into place. My "doing" takes on new meaning and purpose, because I know my oneness with God.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.--Exodus 20:8"
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Saturday, November 12, 2011
Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
Our Daily Bread
The Road To Blessing
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November 12, 2011 — by Dave Branon
Read: Exodus 15:22-27
So [Moses] cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. —Exodus 15:25
Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
Robyn and Steve have a counseling ministry that provides very little income. Recently, a family crisis forced them to embark on a 5,000-mile round trip in their well-used minivan.
After attending to the crisis, they started back to Michigan. While about 2,000 miles from home, their van began to sputter and stall. A mechanic looked at it and told them, “It’s done. You need a new engine.”
Unable to afford one, they had no choice but to coax the van home. Three days, a case of oil, and a lot of prayers later, they miraculously limped into their driveway. Then they heard of a “car missionary” who assisted people in ministry. Amazed that the van had made it, he offered to replace the engine free of charge. If Steve had gotten the van fixed en route, it would have cost him thousands of dollars he didn’t have.
In Exodus 15, the Israelites were led by God into the desert. Three days into their trip, they ran out of water and had no way to get it. But God knew about the problem. In fact, a solution awaited them in Marah (v.25) and Elim (v.27). God not only fixed their water problem but also provided a place to rest.
Even when our situation looks difficult, we can trust that God is leading. He already knows what we’ll need when we get there.
I know not by what methods rare
The Lord provides for me;
I only know that all my needs
He meets so graciously. —Adams
Facing an impossibility gives us the opportunity to trust God.
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "UNIQUENESS
I am blessed on my life's path and guided to right outcomes.
The path I walk may have been cleared by others who have traveled before me, but it is new to me and uniquely my own. Every footstep, action and decision I make leaves its own special mark.
As I move through my life, I am continually aware of the presence of God within and around me--guiding me to my unique destination and outcome. I work in tandem with God to be a divine expression in my own way.
I appreciate the unique qualities that every person has to share with the world. We all have journeys to travel, individual and collective contributions to make, and one-of-a-kind purposes to fulfill. The spirit of God within guides us forward in truth and love.
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.--1 Peter 3:8"
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I am blessed on my life's path and guided to right outcomes.
The path I walk may have been cleared by others who have traveled before me, but it is new to me and uniquely my own. Every footstep, action and decision I make leaves its own special mark.
As I move through my life, I am continually aware of the presence of God within and around me--guiding me to my unique destination and outcome. I work in tandem with God to be a divine expression in my own way.
I appreciate the unique qualities that every person has to share with the world. We all have journeys to travel, individual and collective contributions to make, and one-of-a-kind purposes to fulfill. The spirit of God within guides us forward in truth and love.
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.--1 Peter 3:8"
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "SERVICE
With admiration, I honor those who serve others.
To those who have answered the call to serve, I say, "Thank you." I appreciate your sacrifice and accomplishments. I am grateful for your strength, courage and perseverance in the face of great challenge. I respect your dedication. I honor you today and offer this prayer: May the light of God surround all who are serving or have served this country. May Divine Love enfold them; Divine Power protect them; and may the presence of God watch over them now and always. Amen.
In silent tribute, I pause and remember those who, in service to humankind, have sacrificed their lives. I pray for goodwill among people and peace on earth as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.
Pay to all what is due them, ... respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.--Romans 13:7"
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With admiration, I honor those who serve others.
To those who have answered the call to serve, I say, "Thank you." I appreciate your sacrifice and accomplishments. I am grateful for your strength, courage and perseverance in the face of great challenge. I respect your dedication. I honor you today and offer this prayer: May the light of God surround all who are serving or have served this country. May Divine Love enfold them; Divine Power protect them; and may the presence of God watch over them now and always. Amen.
In silent tribute, I pause and remember those who, in service to humankind, have sacrificed their lives. I pray for goodwill among people and peace on earth as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.
Pay to all what is due them, ... respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.--Romans 13:7"
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "INNER PEACE
In the Silence, I find peace.
My peaceful place is not a room or a spot on the map. My peaceful place is a state of consciousness. The moment I turn my attention away from the outer world, I begin my journey into the Silence.
With eyes closed, my heart knows the way. The rhythm of my breath carries me as if I were lying in a gently rocking boat. Troubled thoughts, fears and concerns fall away as I move deeper. I go within and rest from the cares and busyness of my day. I am a spiritual being; I am God's peace in expression.
When I resume my usual activities, I remain centered in inner peace. My words are kinder. I am slow to anger and patient with myself and others. I am at peace.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people. --Psalm 85:8"
'via Blog this'
In the Silence, I find peace.
My peaceful place is not a room or a spot on the map. My peaceful place is a state of consciousness. The moment I turn my attention away from the outer world, I begin my journey into the Silence.
With eyes closed, my heart knows the way. The rhythm of my breath carries me as if I were lying in a gently rocking boat. Troubled thoughts, fears and concerns fall away as I move deeper. I go within and rest from the cares and busyness of my day. I am a spiritual being; I am God's peace in expression.
When I resume my usual activities, I remain centered in inner peace. My words are kinder. I am slow to anger and patient with myself and others. I am at peace.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people. --Psalm 85:8"
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "PROSPERITY
I behold unlimited possibilities, and my prosperity grows.
Some may struggle over these words from the Gospel of Matthew: "To all those who have, more will be given." Seeking a greater understanding of the principle at work, I see that whatever I put my energy into grows. When I focus on lack, lack grows. When I appreciate abundant prosperity, mine or another's, more is given to me.
I look to nature for evidence of God's limitless riches, wisdom and knowledge. In season, apple trees hang heavy with fruit. Mighty oaks cover the forest floor with acorns. I, too, am a prosperous creation of God, filled with divine ideas. Using the power of divine wisdom, I shift my focus from financial limitation to unlimited possibility. I appreciate every good thing, and I attract more good into my life.
For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance.--Matthew 25:29"
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I behold unlimited possibilities, and my prosperity grows.
Some may struggle over these words from the Gospel of Matthew: "To all those who have, more will be given." Seeking a greater understanding of the principle at work, I see that whatever I put my energy into grows. When I focus on lack, lack grows. When I appreciate abundant prosperity, mine or another's, more is given to me.
I look to nature for evidence of God's limitless riches, wisdom and knowledge. In season, apple trees hang heavy with fruit. Mighty oaks cover the forest floor with acorns. I, too, am a prosperous creation of God, filled with divine ideas. Using the power of divine wisdom, I shift my focus from financial limitation to unlimited possibility. I appreciate every good thing, and I attract more good into my life.
For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance.--Matthew 25:29"
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word: "JOY
I am thrilled with the joy of living.
Have I been merely existing rather than knowing the full joy of living? To experience the transformative power of joy, I let the Christ Spirit move in me. I act from Christ consciousness and allow it to inform my thoughts, lighten and lift my vision, and create about me an atmosphere of peace and happiness.
Joy is a result of interest and awareness, of active appreciation and creative expression. I take time to be interested in my neighbor's welfare and offer a helping hand. I see the beauty of nature and hear music in the hum of the day's activities. I recognize the Christ in myself and in others. I let my soul be thrilled and exalted as I actively and purposefully take joy in living a full and complete life.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.--Isaiah 12:3"
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I am thrilled with the joy of living.
Have I been merely existing rather than knowing the full joy of living? To experience the transformative power of joy, I let the Christ Spirit move in me. I act from Christ consciousness and allow it to inform my thoughts, lighten and lift my vision, and create about me an atmosphere of peace and happiness.
Joy is a result of interest and awareness, of active appreciation and creative expression. I take time to be interested in my neighbor's welfare and offer a helping hand. I see the beauty of nature and hear music in the hum of the day's activities. I recognize the Christ in myself and in others. I let my soul be thrilled and exalted as I actively and purposefully take joy in living a full and complete life.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.--Isaiah 12:3"
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Monday, November 7, 2011
Home | Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee
Home | Daily Word
HARMONY
I live in harmony with my life's unfolding.
The leaf does not complain about the hot sun or the cold rain. When it falls, it does not blame the stream that carries it away. It simply lives and grows and changes in harmony with all that is.
In my life, I experience times of joy and of sorrow, times of rest and of great change. I release the struggle to make outer conditions different than they are. I find peace in living in harmony with my life's path. I am God's beloved child, comforted in sad times and wise and strong in times of change. There is nothing to fear from the events of my life.
I know this truth: No outer condition is forever. Free from judgment and blame, I live in harmony with my life's unfolding.
Agree with God, and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. --Job 22:21
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Our Daily Bread The Joy of Jesus
Our Daily Bread
Mighty Waters
Text Size: Zoom In
November 6, 2011 — by Bill Crowder
Read: Revelation 1:9-17
His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. —Revelation 1:15
Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
While in Brazil, I went to see Iguazu Falls, one of the greatest waterfalls in the world. The massive falls are breathtaking, but what impressed me most at Iguazu was not the sight of the falls or the spray of the water. It was the sound. The sound was beyond deafening—I felt as if I was actually inside the sound itself. It was an overwhelming experience that reminded me how small I am by comparison.
Later, with this scene in mind, I couldn’t help but think about John in Revelation 1:15. While on the island of Patmos, he saw a vision of the risen Christ. The apostle described Jesus in the glory of His resurrection, noting both His clothing and His physical qualities. Then John described Christ’s voice “as the sound of many waters” (v.15).
I’m not sure I fully appreciated what that meant until I visited Iguazu and was overwhelmed by the thundering sound of the falls. As those mighty waters reminded me of my own smallness, I better understood why John fell at the feet of Christ as if dead (v.17).
Perhaps that description will help you grasp the awesomeness of Jesus’ presence and prompt you to follow John’s example of worshiping the Savior.
Pay honor to our marvelous Savior—
Daily His wonders proclaim;
Dwell always in the presence of Jesus,
And worship His holy name. —Branon
True worship of Christ changes admiration into adoration.
2 Timothy 2:1-26 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong..." KJV - Online Bible Study
2 Timothy 2:1-26 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong..." KJV - Online Bible Study Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall beable to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness , as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier . 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned ,except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7Consider what I say ; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8 Remember that JesusChrist of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffertrouble , as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound . 10 Therefore Iendure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in ChristJesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live withhim: 12 If we suffer , we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not , yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 14 Of these things put them inremembrance , charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but tothe subverting of the hearers . 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vainbabblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth acanker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred , sayingthat the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless thefoundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Letevery one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there arenot only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, andsome to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel untohonour, sanctified , and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Fleealso youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lordout of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid , knowing that they do genderstrifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach,patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves ; if God peradventure will givethem repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves outof the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
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