Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 (NRSV)
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, 'Out of Egypt I have called my son.'

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
'A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.'
The Return from Egypt

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, 'He will be called a Nazorean.'

---

Praise Him

Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

Jesus' Resume

>> The Resume of Jesus Christ
>>
>> Address: Ephesians 1:20
>> Phone: Romans 10:13
>> Website: The Bible
>> Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
>>
>> Hello. My name is Jesus - The Christ.
>> Many call me Lord!
>> I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking
>> the top management position in your heart.
>> Please consider my accomplishments
>> as set forth in my resume.
>>
>> Qualifications
>> * I founded the earth and established the heavens, (Proverbs
> 3:19)
>> * I formed man from the dust of the ground,
>> (Genesis 2:7)
>> * I breathed into man the breath of life,
>> (Genesis 2:7)
>> * I redeemed man from the curse of the law,
>> (Galatians 3:1 3)
>> * The blessings of the Abrahamic
>> Covenant comes upon your life through me,
>> (Galatians 3:14)
>>
>> Occupational Background
>> * I've only had one employer,
>> (Luke 2:49).
>> * I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient,
>> slothful or disrespectful.
>> * My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me,

(Matthew 3:15-17)
>>
>> Skills Work Experiences
>> * Some of my skills and work experiences -- empowering the poor to be poor no more,

healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind
>> and setting at liberty them that are bruised,

(Luke 4:18)
>> * I am a Wonderful Counselor,

(Isaiah 9:6).
>> People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil

(Proverbs 1:33).
>> * Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins,
>> (I John 1:7-9)
>>
>> Educational Background
>> * I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding,

(Proverbs 2:6).
>> * In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,

(Colossians 2:3).
>> * My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet
>> and a light unto your path,

(Psalms 119:105).

>> * I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart,

(Psalms 44:21)
>>
>> Major Accomplishments
>> * I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times,

(Genesis 1:26).
>> * I laid down my life so that you may live, (II Corinth ians 5:15).
>> * I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly,
>> (Colossians 2:15).
>> * I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
>> * There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here.
>> You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE.
>> You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
>>
>> References
>> * Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation,

deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance
>>
>> In Summation
>> Now that you've read my resume,
>> I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill
> this vital position in your heart.
>>
In summation, I will properly direct your paths,

(Proverbs 3:5-6),
>> and lead you into everlasting life,

(John 6:47).
>> When can I start? Time is of the essence,

(Hebrews 3:15).
>>
>> Send this resume to everyone,
>> you never know who may have an opening!
>> Thank you for your help,
>> may God bless you!
>>
>> ~Author Unknown

The bell

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are!?


Keep this bell ringing...pass it on :)

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

Who is this man?

Who is Jesus?

HE IS JESUS, WHO IS HE?

IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE.

IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION;

IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN;

IN ECONOMICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH 2 FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF
BREAD;

IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT
ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL
COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT
THROUGH HIM; SO WHO IS HE?

He is JESUS!

JOIN ME AND LET'S CELEBRATE HIM; HE IS WORTHY.
THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL, THE HAND THAT WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN, AND THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER.
REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS.

AMEN!

IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING!
The Greatest Man in History Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!


If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son Send this to all on
your buddy list. If not just ignore it.


If you ignore it, just remember that Jesus said ...
'If you deny me
before man, I will deny you before my Father in Heaven.

knowing Jesus

Is knowing about Jesus enough?

Knowing about Jesus isn’t enough. Each of us has to accept what Jesus did for us. Imagine you were dying of some horrible disease and the doctor came into your hospital room and told you that he had the cure. Would knowing that the medicine was there cure you? It wouldn’t. You’d have to take the medicine for it to affect your condition. It’s the same thing with God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice, unless we own it, it cannot save us.

This Christmas....

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many f 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 Santas 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 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 and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, 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; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking 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 and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and 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, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and 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.

Don't forget; I am Jesus and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and 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,

JESUS

love this...

GRACE LEADS YOU HOME
by Charles R. Swindoll

Read Acts 24:1-9

Long before my mother died, she and a neighbor friend compiled a book of God's promises taken from the Scriptures. Each made her own. My mother used that little book as a primer for her prayers. After she died, my brother and sister and I viewed that tender compilation as part of her legacy to us. The book swelled with handwritten promises from the Bible.

She must have written out hundreds of promises drawn directly from the Bible. Promise after promise after promise. My name was connected to some of them. "For Charles, I claim this promise," she wrote on one of the pages. For Orville and Luci she claimed scores of others and recorded them in her book.

My friend, go back to the Book. Search for the promises God offers you in His Word. I suggest you start with the Psalms. Look for the promises there. They are myriad. Become familiar with them. Live in them. Walk with them. In some special cases, memorize them. Let them be your guide and comfort. Like Paul, you'll be able to withstand the fiercest storms of criticism when you stand firmly on the promises of God.

I don't know where you are or what you face today. It's quite possible you're living under the pressure of negative criticism. I know that's true if you're in the ministry. Somebody may be determined to "prove" things about you that you know are absolutely false. My advice is to learn from Paul: remain calm. Rest your case with your Lord. Take your battles to Him in prayer. With a clear conscience and committed to the truth, lay your case out before Him. Start there. And the Judge of all truth will guide you to your next step. Don't quit. Don't stop. Don't tell yourself that you really are the kind of person others say you are. If what is being said against you is not true, don't believe it. Count on the Lord to give you the strength and courage to stand on the truth. His grace has brought you safe this far, and it will be His grace that leads you home.

Trust me on that; even better, trust Him.

Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

a significant verse for me....

1Peter 5:8-12

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

NIV



8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

King James




8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[c] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may[d] the God of all grace, who called us[e] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Farewell and Peace
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

New King James


8(P) Be sober-minded;(Q) be watchful. Your(R) adversary the devil(S) prowls around(T) like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9(U) Resist him,(V) firm in your faith, knowing that(W) the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10And(X) after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,(Y) who has called you to his(Z) eternal glory in Christ, will himself(AA) restore,(AB) confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11(AC) To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12By(AD) Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him,(AE) I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is(AF) the true grace of God.(AG) Stand firm in it.

English Standard Version

slow to speak...

From Pastor Greg Laurie:

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
— Proverbs 25:28

In this day of instant information, we can get our news so fast that we don't have to wait for the evening news anymore. We don't have to wait for the newspaper. We can go out on the Internet and get our news in real time.

I think this makes it hard for us to slow down and listen, especially to God. Many of us are like Martha in Luke's Gospel, running around in our little self-made circles of activity, instead of calmly sitting at His feet and listening like Mary did.

But James 1:19 tells us, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." We ought to post that verse where we can see it every day. How different our lives would be if we heeded its admonition.

James tells us we should be swift to listen, but we also should be slow to speak. How many times have you blurted out something, only to regret it the moment it left your lips? Jesus said, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36–37).

We should be slow to anger. How easy it is to rationalize our outbursts of rage (especially when we are driving). But Proverbs 29:11 says, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back."How much better our lives and our witness would be if we were swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath!

Only You Lord

Hear me when I call oh Lord,
Relieve me in my distress
Only your mercy will suffice
Though my enemies be against me Lord
You are my protector
All the world is an enemy to me
and only you my God are help for me.
As darkness overcomes me and hope is
all but gone,
I lift up my eyes to the heavens oh Lord
and cry out ABBA fatherI will lie down in peace and sleep
For I know you give me safety in your arms.

~Author Louise Scofield~

Thought for Today

A BOLD FAITH

Father,
A bold faithI ask:

Not one withered and
Speaking with a tired tongue,
But one fresh with future
Leading me from soul chaos.

A bold faithI ask:

Not one tight and
Wrinkled from worries,
Hiding under the trap door
Of self-will,
But one open and
Daring to lift the lid.

A bold faithI ask:

Not one loving
With the heart of a dead man,
But one alive with forgiveness,
Especially the cuts of old.

A bold faithI ask:

One With open eyes

To Your Will and
Closed eyesTo my demons.

~Author Peter R. O'Brien~

Mark 9:14-29.
In this miracle, Jesus speaks to the boy's fatherand crowd saying: "...everything is possible toone who has faith."

It is this faith that is a bold faith.

words...

you know what is *really* important? The way we choose to use our words. I believe that the spiritual side of our lives is often neglected and not looked after, cared for or even noticed or recognized. Yet... it is such an important part of us. We are mind, body and spirit, right? We feed our bodies and many of us feed our bodies too much or the wrong things. We feed our minds whether it be filled with knowledge in general or what we read or what we watch on TV or in the movies or even computer games... or minds are "fed". But do we feed our spirits? And if we do, what do we feed it with? I do my best to feed my spirit with the Word of God and with prayer and fellowship among others who believe similarly to myself. I often find myself, however, betwixt and between feeling as if even other believers do not believe the way I do when it comes to words. John 1 tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. Wow. Awesome concept. We are to look to Jesus as we would look to the Word of God. Not only that, we are to be ever so mindful [young Jedi] of the words that proceed from our mouths. We should not be opening any spiritual doors for the enemy and his minions to sneak in.... We need to speak positively about others and about ourselves as well. We need to be encouraging, lifting one another up, not discouraging. We need to pray what is requested of us by others and not pray what *we* think should be prayed for an individual or situation. We need to seek God in all things as we pray for others as well. And we need to pray His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

One woman wrote recently that her teen dd was diagnosed with diabetes and that it was "expected" as family member so-and-so has it and this one has it, etc... now while it's true that predisposition to things physically - in the body - is well-known, but people, GOD ALMIGHTY can do ANYTHING. The statement about it being "expected" opens that spiritual door for negative things to occur. But we need to CLOSE that spiritual door and break all generational curses spiritually, physically and mentally and not give the enemy a foothold anywhere in our lives.

Please please be careful what you say and pray.

our soldiers

When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.

C.S. Lewis

A close friend of mine reminded me recently what C.S. Lewis said: {not directly quoting here... paraphrasing....}

My sister-in-Christ reminded me that the answer to the question, "Are you a Christian?" can NEVER be answered, "Yes and no." The answer is either yes OR no - it can never be both.

By definition, a Christian is one who believes in Jesus Christ - that He was and is and is to come - that he was born of a virgin, suffered, died and was buried and on the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures - and most importantly, that He IS GOD. Jesus is DIETY. I mean, come on... the word CHRIST means MESSIAH -

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source Christ
O.E. crist, from L. Christus, from Gk. khristos "the anointed" (translation of Heb. mashiah, see messiah), from khriein "to rub, anoint," title given to Jesus of Nazareth.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source messiah
c.1300, Messias, from L.L. Messias, from Gk. Messias, from Aramaic meshiha and Heb. mashiah "anointed" (of the Lord), from mashah "anoint." This is the word rendered in Septuagint as Gk. Khristos (see Christ). In O.T. prophetic writing, it was used of an expected deliverer of the Jewish nation.

American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition - Cite This Source Messiah [(muh-seye-uh)]
For Jews and Christians, the promised “anointed one” or Christ; the Savior. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah who delivered mankind from its sins. Jews believe that the Messiah has not yet come.

So do not call yourself a "Christian" unless you fully believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour, Diety.

But back to C.S. Lewis: My friend told me that in his book, Mere Christianity , C.S. Lewis talks about who and what Jesus is.... Jesus is either Lord, lunatic or liar - He cannot be telling the truth and not be Lord, and if He thinks He is Lord and He is not, He is a lunatic! You cannot have him both ways - He is either Lord or He is not. He does not give you the option.

I have got to get my hands on that book....

I believe....

When you reach the end of your rope you will find the hem of His garment.

This is ABSOLUTELY beautiful...

I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.


Bishop TD. Jakes "8 Second Prayer." Just repeat this prayer and see how God moves!

"Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, my finances, and all of my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen."

God and Television commercials

i thought this was cute....


Television commercials

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results:


God is like..BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like...a FORD
He's got a better idea.

God is like...COKE
He's the real thing.(This is great)

God is like...HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like...TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like...GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like...SEARS-
He has everything. ">


God is like...ALKA-SELTZER
Try him, you'll like Him

God is like...SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see him, but you know He's there.

God is like...DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like...ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like...VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like...DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?(that one is my favorite)

God is like....the U.S.POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

verses

"Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 ).



"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." (Ephesians 2:13,14).



"Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).



"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).



"If you remain (abide) in me and my words remain (abide) in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15: 7 & 8 ).


Mark 4:9, “Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (NIV)



"Do you think we can risk neglecting this magnificent salvation? " (Hebrews 2:1- 4 The Message)



"I (myself) will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them; and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)



Philippians 4:6 NIVDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.



"Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).



Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16 ).


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



Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "God has also set eternity in the hearts of men."


John 14: 1-4, “Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (NLT)

T.D. Jakes

Let it go for 2007..
By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not forus. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't ! mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over.

Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains . LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ........LET I T GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs ortalents .LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude.......LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to takeyou to a new level in Him......LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a brokenrelationship.......LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even tryto help themselves......LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed .......LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are soused to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it,"then you need to......LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.

GOD is doing a new thing for 2007 !!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left.

think about it, and then ....LET IT GO!!!

"The Battle is the Lord's!"

During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only ONE minute!)

All you have to do is the following:

You simply say "The Lords Prayer" for the person thatsent you this message:

The Lords Prayer
Our Father, who are in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy KingdomCome,
Thy Will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as weforgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.Amen! .

Next, send this message to everyone you know. In awhile, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others!

Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him.

Jesus said, If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father"If you are not ashamed, send this message...only if you believe."Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain ofLife and My Savior.He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything, Christ is my strength."If you love God and you are not ashamed of all thegreat things thatHe has done for you send this on. God loves you and watches over you everyday.

If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it._____ ___________________________

"Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." -Helen Keller

Fear

No Need to Fear”
Micca Campbell, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Author, Director of Outreach

Key Verse:
Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.” (NKJ)


Fear is a paralyzing emotion. It keeps us from many things. Fear can prevent us from using our gifts and talents. It can keep us from doing our jobs. Fear causes us to worry about getting sick. It makes us suspicious of others. Fear can stop us from pursuing relationships or unfulfilled dreams. It causes us to worry unnecessarily about loved ones or doubt our parenting skills. Fear isolates us from our family and friends. It can keep us up at night and shut us down during the day

Did you know that the phrase, “fear not,” is written in the Bible 365 times? That’s one “fear not” for every day of the year! As a result of that truth, you and I can move forward into the New Year with confidence. Each day God’s message is the same:

“Fear not that job interview, I am with you.”
“Fear not becoming a new mom, I will help you.”
“Fear not in college, for I am there.”
“Fear not in decision making, I will guide you.”
“Fear not for your children, I love them more.”
“Fear not death, I am the resurrected One.”
“Fear not being alone, I will never leave you.”
“Fear not serving in that area, I have placed you there.”
“Fear not what others think, I think you’re special.”
“Fear not____________, I am always with you even until the ends of the Earth.”

Do you think God is sending a message to His children?

Those who live a life of sin, indeed, fear death and judgment, and rightly so. However, the Spirit of adoption helps us realize the rich reality that Christ conquered death and sin. “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. What more is there to fear?

Whatever you and I face throughout the year, we need not worry. God has broken the spirit of fear and given us the assurance that nothing can snatch us from His hand. As God’s children, we can go to Him without hesitation and cry out, “Abba, Father,” which means daddy, confident that He will hear and answer our cries. …And if need be, hand us a can of soup.

My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, thank you that because I’m Your child I have nothing to fear. Teach me to live in Your presence so when fear comes knocking, You can answer the door, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Life

The value of life is not dictated by what we do for Christ. Rather, it is what we allow Him to do in and through us each day. This brings glory to God and infuses our lives with joy.
Bless you,
Preston Gillham
President, Lifetime Guarantee, Inc.

Psalm 91

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Opportunities for prayer

Opportunities for Prayer
Published by Dorothy
January 20th, 2007 in Devotional.

** See what the devotional is talking about today…and add your thoughts. Visit http://tmdevotionals.com/women/ and double click on “Comment”
by Vonette Bright

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 ).

As a mother of young children and busy author, Donna VanLiere stays busy. She runs after a two and four-year-old, cooks, cleans, does laundry, and grocery shops. Sometimes the entire day flies by. But in spite of the hectic pace, Donna looks for opportunities for prayer.
She prays for her children when she’s picking up their room, folding their clothes, or giving them a bath. She prays for her husband when she’s washing clothes or dishes, or working in the yard. Because she looks for them, she finds plenty of opportunities to pray for family, friends, even the President of our country, and others.

Friend, talking with your heavenly Father is an honor and privilege. Quiet times are great, but God enjoys listening when you’re busy, too! The Bible says to pray at ALL times. It’s easier than you think!

Donna VanLiere’s story and books – www.donnavanliere.com

About the Author
This devotional was written by Vonette Bright. Learn more about Vonette: http://www.tmdevotionals.com/women/authors/vonette-bright/
Related reading


I find this to be so true - when I am awake in the middle of the night, which I have been these past few nights, I find myself praying. And more often than not, my prayers begin and end with gratitude and thankfulness. one of the things that struck me as one of my sons prayed for me yesterday is that he said, "Dear God, thank you for mommy. Thank you that mommy is alive and here with us. Please take her itchiness and pain away......" wow. talk about celebrating life. oh the things I learn daily from my children. Thank you, God.

fear of the Lord

Proverbs 31:30-31, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (NIV)

"Whisper Jesus"

Whisper Jesus

Today I got a burden,
And I felt that I should pray,
For God's spirit seemed to tell me,
That you were having a bad day.

I don't know just what that problem is,
But I sure do know the cure,
And if you'll only let Him,
God will keep you safe and secure.

In life there's always problems,
Cropping up to spoil our day,
But my friend, you know the answer,
All you have to do, is "PRAY".

If you still feel you're defeated,
And you want to run and hide,
Just reach out, and I'll be there,
Standing right there by your side.

So remember-- WHISPER JESUS,
For He's just a prayer away,
He's so close that you can touch Him,
All you have to do, is "pray".

Words....

Encouragement for Today

“The Power of Words”
Marybeth Whalen, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker

Key Verse:
Jeremiah 15:16, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.” (NIV)

Devotion:
Whenever I park my car, I immediately depress the emergency brake. I have done this ever since I was in college and bought a new car from a dealership. As I took that car for a test drive, the salesman told me something I have never forgotten: “Never let the transmission hold the car. Use your emergency brake.” As a result of that one statement, I have used the emergency brake ever since. Not only that, but I’ve encouraged my husband to do it too. I imagine when our kids start driving, we will even teach them to do it.

The truth is, I never even checked to see if what that salesman told me is correct. I never asked someone else or did research to see if he knew what he was talking about. I took the word of this person I spent a few hours with when I was twenty-years-old. For the rest of my life, his words have stuck with me. The other day, I wondered how many other offhanded comments like this I have taken to heart and adopted as truth in my life? How often do I do this with other people’s words?

Words are powerful. We take the things people say to us to heart whether we intend to do so or not. Words have ways of sneaking past our defense mechanisms and penetrating deeply into our soul. We might try to disregard or shrug off the things others say to us, yet we find ourselves recalling the hurt, the sting, or the doubt those words stirred up. The words of a friend, neighbor or mere acquaintance can affect us for better or worse.

In hindsight, perhaps I should have checked on the words of the car salesman by asking others for advice or checking a guide. This is true of anyone’s words. Instead of accepting and indoctrinating someone’s offhanded comment, we need to take those words before God. We need to ask Him if the words are true. What is His opinion of the issue?

Particularly when someone’s words rub us the wrong way us, we need to hold these words up to the light of His Word. By doing this, we will feel His peace. We will experience the freedom of being released from the hold these words have had on us.

Don’t let the words of others inflict unnecessary harm on you. We say things we shouldn’t every day—never realizing the mark we leave. And yet, the very thing someone said without thinking can so easily penetrate our hearts forever. God loves you. He wants to free you from the falsehoods you have mistakenly adopted as truth in your life. Take time today to seek His truth in your life. Spend time reading His Word to hear what He has to say about you. Don’t just take someone else’s word for it!