My soul magnifies the Lord...

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45, 46-55 (NRSV)

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.'

And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.'

This Christmas....

Got this from an on line friend and I thought it more than appropriate to add here:

Dear loved ones,

It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks are. If you have forgotten that one, then look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. Your smile could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nitpicking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court.

And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember: I LOVE YOU.

Always there for you,
Jesus

God tests us....

Derek Prince's Weekly Devotional for November 27, 2006

Psalm 105:17-19

Here is a word for you from the Word.

[God] sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They
afflicted his feet with fetters; he himself was laid in irons, until
the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. NAS

The life of Joseph began with great promise. Earlier in his youth, the
Lord gave him a dream that showed him that he would be elevated to aposition of great authority. He would rule over his brothers. Even his father and mother would come bowing down before him. What happened next? The very opposite of what God had promised. His brothers betrayed him, sold him as a slave into Egypt, and, because he was faithful to his Egyptian master, he eventually ended up in prison. He was in fetters, his soul was in iron.

How did Joseph respond to that situation? Did he say to himself,"Everything's gone wrong! The Lord's promise will never come true"? No, I don't believe that. It says,"Until the time that the promise came, the word of the Lord tested him." How important it is to see that when the Lord gives us a promise, many times everything that happens next will seem to be the very opposite of what God has promised. It's so important that at times like that we don't give up on the promise, we don't say, "God has forgotten; God has failed."

You see, that promise that God gave us is testing us. It's testing our faith and our constancy to see if we'll hold on in the darkest hour. And when we pass the test, then, like Joseph, the promise will be fulfilled. - Derek Prince

Derek Prince Ministries
P.O. Box 19501,
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28219

Forgiveness

October 10, 2006

"Finding Freedom in Forgiveness"

Micca Monda Campbell,
Director of Outreach,
Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team Member

Key Verse:Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (NLT)

Devotion:After putting his wife on the flight for a visit to her parents, Ken made his way back to their car, remembering her smile. She had lingered for their final embrace.
When he reached the car, he noticed a letter. He opened it and could scarcely believe the words were real. She was leaving him! It was a note of farewell. She said she no longer loved him -- or God. Two years of marriage evaporated right before his eyes.
Memories suddenly had a double edge. Bewildered and confused, he drove to an empty home. Ken knew that he needed to forgive, as Christ would. But what did that really mean in the reality of this shocking situation?

Somehow, through the blurry reality of his hurt, God's Word became clear. "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32, NLT).

Thankfully, that is exactly what Ken decided to do -- to obey God in spite of his terrible pain.
I wish I could report a positive ending to the story about this marriage. However, tragically, Ken's offer of forgiveness and reconciliation to his wife was spurned, and a divorce followed. The marriage was not repaired.

Reconciliation was available to Ken and his wife, but another route was chosen. Reconciliation always takes two parties, and only one was willing in Ken’s case.
Still, the choice of forgiveness is available to all. Those who choose to forgive find freedom. Those who choose to have an unforgiving spirit experience bondage. They think they are hurting the other person by holding a grudge when in fact, they are hurting themselves.

Others simply can’t forgive themselves. They suffer emotional imprisonment due to guilt over some wrong thing they did. They may even believe that God can’t forgive them of this sin. In both situations, the person held hostage by an inability to forgive doesn’t understand God’s divine pardon.

Paul tells us in the Bible that God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) That means while we were God’s enemy, doing bad things against Him, He forgave us. Those who receive God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ find no condemnation. In other words, there is nothing you can do that God won’t pardon.
Having received Christ’s forgiveness, we should do likewise and pardon others as well. Matthew explains why it’s wise to follow Christ’s example. “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:15).

Forgiveness is for our benefit. Doing so brings freedom from guilt, sin and harbored resentment. Your situation may not change, but your heart eventually will. Peace replaces bitterness as the chains of bondage are broken through our obedience to forgive, show kindness, and strive toward reconciliation.

When you and I are faced with similar situations, whether in marriage, business, or other relationships, we should always be ready and willing to seek reconciliation. We need to forgive others as Christ forgave us.

My Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, thank you for pardoning me. Out of a grateful heart and in obedience, I choose to forgive those who have hurt me. I trust that you will work in my heart so that I may let go of the pain and be set free from the burden I carry. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
If you’re able to do so, go to the person you need to forgive and tell them you have let go of the past. No matter what their response may be, this action will help you heal.

Reflection Points:
Is there someone you need to forgive today?
What has been the benefit of holding on to your resentment?
What can you gain from being willing to forgive?
If God has forgiven you completely, then why not forgive yourself?
In Christ, there is no condemnation.

Power Verses:

Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (NIV)

Matthew 18:21, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" (NIV)

Luke 6:37, "Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

Luke 17:3, “So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” (NIV)

PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Office: (704) 849-2270
www.Proverbs31.org

Thought for Today------------------------

MY LORD, IS THIS YOUR WILL?

Sometimes I ask the question,"My Lord, is this your will?"
It's then I hear you answer me,"My Precious Child ... Be still."
Sometimes I feel frustrated, cause I think I know what's best.

It's then I hear you say to me,"My Busy Child ... Just rest"
Sometimes I feel so lonely, and I think I'd like a mate.
Your whispering voice gets oh so clear and says, "My Child ... Please wait."

"I know the plans I have for you,the wondrous things you'll see;
If you can just be patient, Child, and put your trust in Me.
I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow.
There's much I do you cannot see, and much you do not know.
But know this, Child ... I LOVE YOU.

You are Precious unto Me.
Before I formed you in the womb,I planned your destiny.
I've something very special I hope for you to learn.
The gifts I wish to give to you are gifts you cannot earn.
They come without a price tag, but not without a cost;

at Calvary, I gave My Son, so You would not be lost.
Rest Child, and do not weary while doing what is good.
I promise I'll come back for you, just like I said I would.

Your name is written on my palm,
I never could forget;
Therefore, do not be discouraged,
when my answer is ... "Not Yet"

~ author unknown ~

God...

THOUGHT FOR TODAY---------------------

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose.
We may not see the wisdom of it all now,
but trust and believe in the Lord
that everything is for the best.

~Author unknown~

-------------------------
Thought for Today started in May 1999 as an e-mail
to a few friends and has grown through being
passed on to friends

To join our mailing list and receive Thought forToday in your mailbox each day,
simply add your name and Email at http://www.chapel.plus.com/tftd/index.htm

**Disclaimer: authors are often unknown, credit will be given to known authors or source.
Thank you to all who allow the use of their material to lift others ..... God bless you. If you are the author of any of the poems or stories used, please e-mail http://webmail.bellsouth.net/agent/MobNewMsg?to=author@chapel.plus.com and we will add your name as a credit.

"The pain and poison of bitterness"

October 19, 2006

"The Pain and Poison of Bitterness"

Zoe Elmore,
Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member

Key Verse:
Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV)

Devotion:
We’ve all experienced the unpleasantness of hurtful words or actions wrought against us by others. I know from personal experience how easy it can be to allow a root of bitterness to take hold of our heart, mind, and actions. In choosing bitterness we only add fuel to the fire, and we experience the pain and poison that bitterness brings.

Think of bitterness as a dangerous and powerful poison. Just like an acidic substance eating through the vessel in which it is contained, bitterness will eat though our joy, confidence, and testimony. When we allow bitterness to grow as a reaction to someone’s wrongdoing, we poison ourselves and spoil the testimony of God’s grace in our lives.

Bitterness is never a legitimate response for a child of God.

I’m reminded of the story of Joseph in Genesis chapter 37. Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of their younger brother that bitterness began to poison their hearts, minds, and even their behavior toward him. Their bitterness became so intense it caused them to consider doing harm to Joseph- even to the point of contemplating murder.

Although the details of our lives differ from those of Joseph’s brothers, the steps to bitterness and ruin are the same. The warning signs were clear: their jealousy and anger led them to hateful thoughts toward their brother, they rejected him, and finally deceitful and dangerous behavior consumed them. They quickly fell into the downward spiral of bitterness and suffered the pain and poison it brought.

After all the terrible things his brothers did to him, Joseph could have allowed a root of bitterness to take hold in his life. This would have destroyed his opportunity to be used by God to save a nation as well as his own family. In Genesis 50:20-21, Joseph declared his forgiveness toward his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." He reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Because Joseph chose to forgive, he experienced the presence and pleasure of God instead of the pain and poison of bitterness.

What unresolved anger are you holding on to? Whom do you avoid because of ill will? If you’re wiling to confess your sin, turn to God, and forgive your wrongdoer you too can be set free from bitterness.

STOP if you find yourself caught in the downward spiral of bitterness DROP to your knees and ask God for help. Then ROLL out forgiveness toward your wrongdoer. In doing so, you will be freed from the power, pain and poison of bitterness.

My Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, Please help me to choose forgiveness over bitterness. I don’t want to experience the pain and the separation from Your presence. Thank You for providing the perfect model of forgiveness, Your beloved Son Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

The next time you’re tempted to allow bitterness to take root in your heart, mind or behavior:

1.STOP – Your anger before it leads to the downward spiral of bitterness (anger, hateful thoughts, rejection and deceitful /dangerous behavior).

2.DROP – To your knees, physically or spiritually and ask the Lord to help you choose forgiveness.

3.ROLL – Out forgiveness and experience the freedom of God’s presence and pleasure in your life.

Reflection Points:

Examine your heart, mind and behavior towards those who have hurt you.
Are you currently in the downward spiral of bitterness?

Would you be willing to forgive those who have hurt you in order to be freed from the power, pain and poison of bitterness?

Power Verses:Matthew 6:12, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (NIV)

Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (NIV)

I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “(NIV)

Additional Resources:
Intimate Moments with God by select authors

Getting over the Blues by Leslie Vernick

What does the Bible Encourage Us to Think About? ETC Corner

PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Office: (704) 849-2270
www.Proverbs31.org

encouragement

I need some encouragement and prayer - my head - sinuses - are killing me and the drip is bothering my stomach big time.... hence all the scripture verses...

2 Samuel 22:29, “For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness.” (ESV)

Psalm 108:6, “Use your strong right arm to save me, and rescue your beloved people.” (NLT)

Isaiah 2:5, “Come . . . let us walk in the light of the LORD.” (NIV)

Isaiah 60:1, “’For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you.”(NASB)

Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior…” (NASB)

1 Peter 3:18, “Christ also … died that he might bring us safely home to God…” (NLT)

A Merry Heart

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine....but a broken spirit will dry up the bones but a merry heart is the joy of the Lord. Proverbs 17:22

James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (NIV)

Proverbs 14:10, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our 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.” (NIV)

Hebrews 12:15, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (NIV)

Devotions

I receive daily devotions from Proverbs 31 Devotions and this one struck me - so I wanted to share it here with you all.


October 2, 2006

"The 911 Plan"

Lysa TerKeurst,
President of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Key Verse:
Psalm 57: 1-2 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed.” (NKJ)

Devotion:

I hung up the phone hurt - devastated - by the things the person on the other end said. Everything had been fine before the call and now suddenly my every thought threatened to drown me with despair. I couldn’t do anything – clean, cook, paperwork, or even talk. I was paralyzed by fear.

Desperately, I slung my Bible open. I looked in the back of it where the concordance is for references on peace. I found them, read them aloud, and repeated them with urgency. I prayed for God’s power to refresh me through His Word. It was utterly amazing, it always is. He did refresh me in His supernatural way. My circumstances hadn’t change and no earthly person had given me counsel. The difference was that the King of the Universe had ministered to me through the power of His Word!

I started to cry, but not tears of despair. I was crying tears of amazement that God could take such a desperate moment and give me such peace. I remembered Jeremiah in the Bible and how he felt despair to such a level that he wished that he was never born.
In the middle of his despairing thoughts, he found God’s words and the Word brought joy to Jeremiah’s heart. Wow, what power we have access to!

I held God’s Word close to my chest that day and squeezed it into my soul. I dropped to the floor and praised God for what He had done for me through the power of His Word. May I never forget to testify the comfort He has given me in my afflictions through the power of His Word.
The next time you have a 911 emotional emergency, you’ll know where to go for the rescue.

My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us a living book, Your Word, to strengthen us, to direct us, to deliver us and to rescue us from despair. May You be exalted by the way we live, the words we speak and the testimony of our character. You are worthy of all praise and honor! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps: Go to your local Christian bookstore and find a Bible with plenty of margin space on the sides of the page so you can write notes and prayers there.
Start reading the Bible for your source of hope. Write your thoughts in the side bars of the pages. Highlight God’s promises of hope and write them on index cards for easy access in turbulent times. God’s Word promises to be the lamp unto your feet and the light on your path.
Depend on this book like it is your oxygen and you will live as you have never lived before.


Reflection Points:

Are you exhausted because your life has been so hard lately?

What is the first thing you think to do when life hits its lowest points?

Redirect your path of seeking help to the right source.


Power Verses:

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (NKJ)

Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (NKJ)

Psalm 119: 103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (NKJ)

Psalm 119: 107 “I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.” (NKJ)

Additional Resources:

Intimate Moments With God, selected authors

Getting Over the Blues by Leslie Vernick

What Does the Bible Encourage Us to Think About?, ETC Corner

PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Office: (704) 849-2270
www.Proverbs31.org

God's Word

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
-------------------------------


Your word, My heart

Dear God,

I'll hide Your Word within my heart
To call upon each day
To calm me when the trials appear,
Or trouble comes my way.

I'll remember how You promised me
That all things work for good
I'll be steadfast in my prayers
And have faith, the way I should.

My very life is in Your hands,
My heart is Yours to mould
Each part of me belongs to You,
(A story to unfold).

Forgive me when I fail to live
The way You want me to
Restore in me, undying faith
And make me more like You.

Amen.



~Author unknown~

conflicts

Like most people, i loathe conflicts... they are so difficult.... so hard. So how does one teach "resolution" to a conflict when one has no idea where to begin? Let's see.... one starts with God's Word, counseling, advice from trusted friends.... I thank GOD for resolution of the most recent conflict that involved ds1 and a "friend" of his. I thank GOD that things worked out. It just seems that more and more God is working on our character in this household. He's been working on my heart for over a year now... hence counseling. And as I heal and grow stronger in Him and in Him alone, I am able to help my children work through their issues. It just takes a lot out of me. I'm exhausted, yet thankful to God.

I am also reminded of the latest scripture God has put on my heart to hold on to: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

This very moment....

At this very moment, the joy of the LORD is my strength.

Teach me Your way, oh Lord... that I may walk in Your truth.... give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your way. {Psalm 86:11}

He is the Alpha and the Omega. The First and the Last. The Beginning and the End. {Revelation 22:13}

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. {Joshua 1:9}

Put on the full armor of God.... {Ephesians 6}

9/11

I have no words.... just a remembrance of the most tragic day in American history.

from a friend...

I think this is wonderful and wanted to share....


God

Royalty

On my walk this morning I had a great talk with God. I sang and praised Him and just had a great conversation.... and for the first time I realized something. The something I realized has been told to me over and over again by sisters-in-the-Lord and I've heard it in church too.... but you know how sometimes you can hear something over and over again and it never means anything to you until one day KA-POW! It hits you square 'tween the eyes and you sort of say, "Duh!!!!" Well what i finally realized is:

• I am a beloved child of the King of kings and Lord of lords
• Since I am a female, I am a daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords
• What are daughters of kings called?
• They're called *princesses*
• I am a *princess*
• I am royalty
• I really am His child and His princess
• I am precious and beautiful in His site ALWAYS

And so is each and every one of you who reads this....

Thank You Dear Father in Heaven - I praise You and give You all the glory, honor, power and praise.

had to share...

I just had to share this.... it's a drawing that ds2 did this summer while sitting in church listening to a sermon. I saved it and it blessed me - i love what he wrote. Can you tell by the scan what he wrote?

Thought for Today

oh boy.... does THIS ever speak to me today. Brought tears to my eyes...

Epping Green Chapel - window to the world
http://www.chapel.plus.com

---------------
Thought for Today
---------------


A Morning Prayer
"O, God, for another day,
for another morning,
for another hour,
for another minute,
for another chance to live and serve You,
I am truly grateful.
Do this day free me
from all fear of the future,
from all anxiety about tomorrow,
from all bitterness toward any one,
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in the face of work,
from all failure before opportunity,
from all weakness when Your power is at hand.
But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier,
with Sympathy that reaches to all,
with Courage that cannot be shaken,
with Faith strong enough for the darkness,
with Strength sufficient for my tasks,
with Loyalty to Your Kingdom's goal,
with Wisdom to meet life's complexities,
with Power to lift me to You.
Be with me for another day, and use me as Thou
will.
For Christ's sake, I pray. Amen."


~Author unknown~

Spiritual Growth: A Neglected Priority

A few weeks ago, our pastor preached on this... the title above is the title of his sermon. It was based on Ephesians 4:11-16

2 Peter 3:18 says to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Does your spiritual maturity correspond with your chronological age in Jesus Christ?

How concerned are you to move to the next stage of growth in your spiritual relationship?

Our spiritual growth controls every other area of our lives. Spiritual growth is foremost and central to growth in all other areas of our lives: physical, emotional, mental...

[Churches are filled with immature Christians]

God does not intend for you to remain where you are
God's intent is that we grow in Christ and come to know Him more.

Spiritual growth is not constant, but intermittant.

Eph 5:18 - be filled with the Holy Spirit

Spiritual growth is not an accident, but intentional. You do not grow accidentally.
Heb 6:11
1Peter 2:2
2Peter 1:5-7

Spiritual growth is not optional, but imperative.
The problem is we deal with symptoms and not with the root issues in our lives.

We are body, soul, spirit.

Proverbs 4:23 - Guard your heart for it is the well-spring of life.

Spiritual growth is the natural product of spiritual life.
Where there is no growth, no life exists.
If there is no desire for spiritual growth, then there is no life.

God desires for you to grow spiritually. God does not want you to remain an spiritual infant.
When we neglect spiritual growth, we are disobeying God.

The key to victorious living is to obey the Spirit of God promptly.

Prayer is an instrument of growth.
Testings or sufferings ar instruments of growth.
The testing of faith develops perseverence.
Suffering is for refining us.

We grow spiritually and spiritual growth produces service.

Are you a growing spiritual Christian?
Has your spiritual growth plateaued?

Bottom Line...

In my opinion, the bottom line is that God wants us to be in a relationship with Him.

"It's all about Him"

this past Sunday, my pastor talked about worship and how it's all about God. He based it on John 4:19-24

Larry says the average Christian in the average Church does not understand real "worship". We're missing the mark. Worship is all about Him - it's not about us.

We need to be flexible when we worship.

Worship is not a matter of where you are - it's a matter of who you know [in your heart].

In the Old Testament, God had a temple for His people
In the New Testament, God has a people for His temple

1Cor 6:19 - your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you

2Cor 6:16 - Jesus says, "You are the temple of the living God."

You don't have to go anywhere to worship. Worship is what you should do 24/7.

We need to be focused on who we worship.

John 4:23 - True worshipers will worship in spirit and truth

God is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in the way God wants to be worshiped.
God is looking for people who are so hungry for Him, that nothing else will satisfy.

Too often, we come to church focused on ourselves, not on God.

The church is not a place for needs to be met.
The church is a place where we go to worship God.
Then.... with all God's people worshiping, needs will be met.

We need to be faithful in the way we worship.

God is spirit - and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.

We are body, soul and spirit.

Worship is when your spirit connects with His spirit through the Holy Spirit.

The Lord is looking at your heart.

Worship is not a social matter; it is a spiritual matter.

Romans 12:1 - present your bodies as a living sacrifice to God.

The heart of worship is surrender.

more thought for today

Epping Green Chapel - window to the world
http://www.chapel.plus.com

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Thought for Today
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This Man Jesus

What will I do with this man Jesus?
I’ll follow Him all of my life.
I’ll praise Him when I’m feeling joy
And I’ll praise Him when I face strife.
Though storms will come and toss me around,
I’ll hang on tight to this man.
For this man Jesus is all that I need
And I’ll hold on as tight as I can.

I’ll stretch my arms upward and worship His name,
For He is worthy of praise.
He died on the cross to free me from sin
So I’ll worship Him all of my days.
I know that I’ll never be worthy of Him,
But He takes me as I am.
So forever I’ll praise Him, forever I’ll shout
“Worthy is the Lamb!”

I’ll ask for forgiveness, I’ll fall on my knees,
His Word each day I will read.
I’ll always remember that He gave me life,
And He gives me all that I need.
All that I have on this life here on earth,
Are gifts from this man that I love.
So I’ll praise Him and thank Him for all that He
does
For the blessings He sends from above.

I’ll tell the whole world of the joy that I found
I’ll share this man Jesus with them.
By all that I say and by all that I do
I’ll tell of this priceless Gem.
I’ll shout from the mountains so all ears can
hear,
That this man Jesus is Love.
That He died for our sins so that we can all live
Forever in Heaven above.

What will I do with this man Jesus?
I’ll love Him all of my days.
I’ll never turn my back on this man,
Each day I’ll give Him my praise.
He’s the air that I breathe, the song that I
sing,
He's my Saviour and my King.
He gives my life meaning, He gives my life joy,
To me He is everything!


~Author Nancy Burr~

Derek Prince

I really love Derek Prince. I think his books and teachings are right on the money.

Psalm 84:2,3,4

Here is a word for you from the Word.

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. NIV

Every human soul longs for one thing, a home. A homeless person is an unhappy person. The psalmist cries out in agony in a sense of loneliness, a sense of being cut off. He says, “Lord, even the sparrow’s found a home, the swallow a nest for herself. I need a home too.” He says, “They found a place near your altar” and that’s where the home of the soul is. Even though we may not have much of a home in this world, there’s a home for the soul, a place where the soul belongs, a place where it finds rest and ease and peace, where it’s at home, a place near God’s altar. The altar is the place of yielding, sacrifice, dedication, self-surrender, and when our soul comes to that place, it’s come home.

There is a beautiful homecoming for each soul that will turn from sin and rebellion, turn back to God and come to the place near the altar. - Derek Prince

www.derekprince.com

Thought for Today -

Epping Green Chapel - window to the world
http://www.chapel.plus.com

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Thought for Today
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Gentle Whisper

The young man had lost his job and didn't know
which way to turn. So he went to see the old
preacher. Pacing about the preacher's study, the
young man ranted about his problem. Finally he
clenched his fist and shouted, "I've begged God to
say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why
doesn't God answer?"
The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke
something in reply -- something so hushed it was
indistinguishable.
The young man stepped across the room. "What did
you say?" he asked.
The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone
as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved
closer until he was leaning on the preacher's
chair.
"Sorry," he said. "I still didn't hear you."
With their heads bent together, the old preacher
spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers," he
said, "so we will move closer to hear Him."
This time the young man heard and he understood.
We all want God's voice to thunder through the air
with the answer to our problem. But God's is the
still, small voice . . . the gentle whisper.
Perhaps there's a reason. Nothing draws human
focus quite like a whisper. God's whisper means I
must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until
my head is bent together with His. And then, as I
listen, I will find my answer.
Better still, I find myself closer to God


~Author unknown~

Thought for Today

Epping Green Chapel - window to the world http://www.chapel.plus.com

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Thought for Today
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LORD
let me know what I should do
before my life on earth is through.
In my dealings with my fellowman
have I done all that I can?
Have I sown love instead of hate?
Have I changed someone's fate?
Can I look back and say
I have helped someone have a good day?
Have I helped someone in need?
Did I listen with my heart
to their every plea?
Did I smile a warm greeting to everyone I passed,

or was my mind on my own
needs and by them I walked fast?
Have I thanked you GOD for the many
blessings you have given to me,
as I witnessed about you for all to see?
Tell me GOD,
for you have done so much for me,
Has my life been what you wanted it to be?



~Author Janice Stancil ~

This blog....

this blog is going to be all about God and who He is to me. It will include notes I have taken and continue to take during sermons. It will include scripture and maybe even some testimonies.... Let's see how God leads me in this.... thanks for reading.