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
Sunday, October 29, 2006
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 ~
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 ~
Saturday, October 28, 2006
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 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.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
"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
"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
Saturday, October 07, 2006
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)
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)
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)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
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
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~
-------------------------------
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~
Monday, October 02, 2006
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
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
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