The Christmas Scale

Do something good today. It will be given back

Why do I face the consequences of Adam’s sin when I did not eat the fruit

The Bible says, “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). It was through Adam that sin entered the world. When Adam sinned, he immediately died spiritually—his relationship with God was broken—and he also began dying physically—his body began the process of growing old and dying. From that point on, every person born has inherited Adam’s sin nature and suffered the same consequences of spiritual and physical death.

The Fat of God's Love

http://www.godlife.com

Scripture: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

Tired?

You're probably tired. How do I know that? Because everyone is tired today. I am tired! The media, the to-do lists, the children, the job, the ministry, the hopes, the emotions...by the end of the day (or maybe by 10 am!), you're wiped! And if you're anything like me, your deep, desperate question is: How can I find the thing that is going to really, truly nourish me?

Unfulfilled

And that's a great question. I used to have this stockpile of things I would do when I got overwhelmed: read magazines, go shopping, watch a movie...all distractors. They didn't really solve my problem; they just distracted me from them for a while. But then, those things stopped working! Because I wasn't really feeding my true hunger. It's like I was starving for protein, but I just kept eating more and more potato chips. I was full, but not satisfied. And God knows all about this; He says here:

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food." (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Facing Conflict: Go to God First

When faced with conflict, the first thing we should do is go to God. Too often, it is the last thing we do.

Ask God about what’s causing the conflict. You might be able to end the conflict right there. James 4:2 says, “You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” (NIV) Maybe your conflict comes from your need to control your ministry situation—and God is saying, “Let me be in control.” Or maybe you’re in need of affirmation and you’re expecting that to come from others and not God.

The Miracle of Spiritual Gifts

Last Sunday, I was giving a spiritual gift Survey to my Sunday School students. I was totally moved by the reaction of those teens when they realize what all gifts they have in their lives. I believe that according to God's will He distributed His amazing gifts to all of us. It is important for our success and the edification of the body of Christ to find out and develop these gifts which God already placed in our live.

what are the different Spiritual Gifts the Bible Mentions?

In God's great gift of salvation, we have a number of benefits and responsibilities. Most Christians are quick to point out the personal benefits we receive with our salvation, but we are a little slower to focus on the responsibilities that come with it. When people speak of spiritual gifts, the focus is often on questions like, “Do you know what your spiritual gift is?” or “Have you taken this spiritual gifts survey?” While the knowledge of one's gifting can be beneficial, we often lose sight of God's design in these matters. Yes, the particular gifts of the Spirit are benefits to each believer, but they come with great responsibilities.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani RELEASED: Apostasy Charge Withdrawn, Pastor Yousef Reunited with His Family

Thank you God for hearing our prayers

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was originally sentenced to death in his native country for his Christian faith, was acquitted of apostasy charges and released from custody.

Nadarkhani, 32, was imprisoned for three years and waiting execution for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. His charges were lowered to evangelizing to Muslims, which carried a three-year sentence. He was released with time served, according to the American Center for Law and Justice, a Washington-based watchdog group that had been campaigning for the pastor's release.

"Today our sources in Iran reported that Pastor Youcef was acquitted of apostasy and released from prison. After languishing in prison for almost three years, he has been reunited with his family," Jordan Sekulow, executive director of ACLJ said in a statement to FoxNews.com.

Chaos

Was There Ever Nothing?

A thought journey on the beginning of time and the origin of the universe

http://www.everystudent.com

Have you ever thought about the beginning? What is that, you say? You know -- whatever it was that showed up first. Or whatever it was that was here first, at the earliest moment in time. Have you ever strained your brain to think about that?

Wait a minute, you say, isn't it possible that in the beginning there was nothing? Isn't it possible that kazillions of years ago, there wasn't anything at all? That's certainly a theory to consider. So let's consider it -- but first by way of analogy.

Let's say you have a large room. It's fully enclosed and is about the size of a football field. The room is locked, permanently, and has no doors or windows, and no holes in its walls.

What I Do When Someone Hurts Me

Life includes plenty of pain.  Much of it comes from the realities of life in a fallen world:  illness, accidents, natural disasters, financial crashes…

Sadly, too often, our pain is caused by other people.  I am horrified at what people will choose to do to each other:  theft, lies, abuse, slavery, rape, sexual trafficking, torture…

But the most painful is usually that inflicted by those we love—and we think love us.  That pain is often unbearable, barely endured, deeply grieved, scarcely survived.

God’s Word has given me real help.  I may not be able to control the cause of my pain, but I can choose how I respond.

So here are some responses that have made a difference for me.

1.  Tell God the Truth

How do I feel about what this person has done to me?  God knows what is in my heart and mind, and He can handle my rawest emotions.  I tell Him the truth.

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. “ (John 4:23)

 2.  Thank God in the pain, the hurt, the person who has hurt me.

Thanking God helps to refocus my mind and heart.  It tells God that I know He is God and He is good.  And giving thanks opens the door for what God wants to do in the situation.

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

(More on giving thanks: In All Things)

3.  Look for the good that God is doing.

Sometimes the good is hiding for a later time, but often I can see glimpses of positive results:  changes in my life or the life of the one who hurt me; insight into my past and my future; resolution of unhealed wounds; opportunities to encourage others.

“I will never stop doing good to them…” (Jeremiah 32:40)

4.  Forgive the one who hurt me.

Really?  Do they deserve to be forgiven?  Probably not.   But I’ve been given repeated admonitions to forgive and a powerful model.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”(Luke 23:34)

(Some help: A Prayer for Forgiving)

5.  Bless the person who hurt me.

Once again, God is clear in His impossible requirements.  He tells me to bless my enemies, and yes, even this one I love feels like an enemy when he hurts me.

My tendency is to strike out verbally, to accuse, to blame—to curse.  But God says to leave the consequences to Him—He is a much better justice maker than I am.  When I choose to bless, amazing things happens—my attitude begins to change, the person receives my blessing and that blessing invariably comes back to me.

Jesus:  “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.“   (Luke 6:28)

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)       

(More on blessing:  Scattering Blessings) 

When I do these things, does the hurt go away?  Not usually.  But these responses open my heart and mind to receive the love and grace God wants to pour all over me.  And grace and love are powerful healers.

What about you?  How does God help you when you have been hurt by someone you love?                         

Originally posted in http://inkindle.wordpress.com by Judy Douglass

Marks of a Christian: Patience

James 1:4

The apostle Paul declared that he bore in his own body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was referring to the physical scars of persecution that he suffered because of his testimony of Christ. As Christians we also should bear certain identifying marks. Spiritual marks of being a born again child of God. One such mark should be the mark of "patience". What does it mean to be patient? Webster's definition is 1) bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint 2) steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity 3) not hasty or impetuous. Literally it means to be willing to suffer. It means self-control, it means the ability to wait and not rush into things.

We need to be manifesting patience in our lives today. In today's lifestyle everything seems to be "rush-rush". That even comes into people's ideas about worship services. "Make it quick and painless." "Let's get it over with!" Listen to the Word of God. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..." cf Ps. 37:7a

I. Examples of Patience.

A. Moses.

1. God had given him the responsibility of leading over two million people.
2. They were unfaithful and ungrateful!
3. They murmured and complained against Moses to the point that God was ready to kill them and start all over again with Moses. cf Ex. 32:7-10
4. But Moses was patient through the years and never quit!
B. Job.

1. God allowed greater trials in his life than any of us have ever had to face.
2. His wife and friends forsook him!
3. Job at time wondered why all of the things that had happened...had to happen to him.
4. Note: Job 1:21 & Jas. 5:11
C. Paul.

1. We know that he had some physical infirmity...a thorn in the flesh.
2. A lot speculation as to what it may have been, but regardless it pictures Paul's patience and endurance.
3. At the close of Paul's ministry he writes to Timothy and declares the marks of distinction that were apparent. 1Ti. 3:10
D. New Testament Congregations.

1. The Thessalonian Church. cf 2Thess. 1:4
2. The Church at Ephesus. cf Re. 2:2
3. The Church at Thyatira. cf Re. 2:19

II. Qualities of Patience.

A. The ability to wait.

1. The most difficult part of a battle is the waiting.
2. Soldiers ready and prepared to do battle with the enemy, but must wait until the order is given to charge!
3. We must not rush ahead, but we must learn to wait.
4. Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
B. Patience means resignation.

1. We must resign ourselves to the will of God.
2. A story is told of man who visited an institution for children who were deaf and unable to speak. He wrote a cruel question on the blackboard, "If God loves you, then why did He make you as you are?" A little girl walked to the board and wrote Matthew 11:26, "Even so, Father: for it seemed good in thy sight."
3. Patience is understanding that we have a Sovereign God who has a plan and purpose in everything that He does!
4. Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him..." cf Job 13:15
5. Jesus said, "...Not my will, but thine, be done." cf Luke 22:42
6. Have you resigned yourself to God's will in your life? That is patience.
C. Patience also means endurance.

1. This means over the long-haul.
2. The race that Paul talks about is not a sprint it is a long distance marathon.
3. The finish line is when we meet Jesus!
4. Only around 5% of new businesses ever last long enough to become a success.
5. Many people will join the church, but only a few will stick it out! We couldn't hold all the people who have been saved and joined this church! (864 who have joined)
6. People make many promises and make commitments, but only a few will see them fulfilled.
7. Preachers are giving up the ministry and Missionaries are dropping from the field. Example of Dennis Mays: 3 1/2 years of deputation and after only 2 months on the field, they give it up and come home!
8. We need patience for the long run...Jesus never promised that it would be easy! But He did say that He would never forsake us or leave us!

Are our lives characterized by patience? It is a spiritual mark of Christ. We need it in every area of our lives, but especially as we serve the Lord. How do we get it? Pray for patience! Some say, "Oh no! Tribulation worketh patience!" Yes, but patience matures us in Christ. And we all need to grow more like Him. Trust Him tonight, rest calmly in Him, and wait upon Him.

A letter from Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to all Believers (From Jail)

07 May 2012
Greetings from your servant and younger brother in Christ, Youcef Nadarkhani.

To: All those who are concerned and worried about my current situation.

First, I would like to inform all of my beloved brothers and sisters that I am in perfect health in the  flesh and spirit. And I try to have a little different approach from others to these days, and consider it as the day of exam and trial of my faith. And during these days which are hard in order to prove your loyalty and sincerity to God, I am trying to do the best in my power to stay right with what I have learned from God's commandments.

I need to remind my beloveds, though my trial due has been so long, and as in the flesh I wish these days to end, yet I have surrendered myself to God's will.

I am neither a political person nor do I know about political complicity, but I know that while there are many things in common between different cultures, there are also differences between these cultures around the world which can result in criticism, which most of the times response to this criticisms will be harsh and as a result will lengthen our problems.

From time to time I am  informed about the news which is spreading in the media about my current situation, for instance being supported by various churches and famous politicians who have asked for my release, or campaigns and human rights activities which are going on against the charges which are applied to me. I do believe that these kind of activities can be very helpful in order to reach freedom, and respecting human rights in a right way can bring forth positive results.

I want to appreciate all those are trying to reach this goal. But at the other hand, I'd like to announce my disagreement with the insulting activities which cause stress and trouble, which unfortunately are done with the justification (excuse) of defending human rights and freedom, for the results are so clear and obvious for me. 

I try to be humble and obedient to those who are in power, obedience to those in authority which God has granted to the officials of my country, and pray for them to rule the country according to the will of God and be successful in doing this. For I know in this way I have obeyed God's word.  I try to obey along with those whom I see in a common situation with me. They never had any complaint, but just let the power of God be manifested in their lives, and though sometimes we read that they have used this right to defend themselves, for they had this right, I am not an exception as well and have used all possibilities and so forth and am waiting for the final result.

So I ask all the beloved ones to pray for me as the holy word has said. At the end I hope my freedom will be prepared as soon as possible, as the authorities of my country will do with free will according to their law and commandments which are answerable to.  

May God's Grace and Mercy be upon you now and forever. Amen.

Youcef Nadarkhani

Your Personal GPS

Scripture: "Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21

Going Somewhere?

What if you could hear advice in your heart when you went to make a difficult decision? Or what if you had a "life map" that helped you navigate where to go and how to get there...for your most meaningful life? Life is difficult to navigate, but God has a personal navigation tool you. He wants to give you both a life map and a "voice" to guide you at each turn.

Get There

For me, I am not very good with directions. So when GPS (Global Positioning System) came out, I was thrilled. If you're unfamiliar, a GPS is a tool that takes a map of the world, narrows it down to streets and landmarks, and tells you exactly where you are and how to get where you want to go. You click a button and it shows you all the landmarks around you. And then you enter in your final destination, and a voice tells you just how to get there. This is what I need in life, and you probably feel the same.

Your Own GPS

Did you know that God has given you your own GPS for life? It's God's Personal Support, through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. The Bible is the map and God's Spirit is the voice. He wants to lead you at every life turn, every unknown situation, right into His Promised Land. This is His promise to you: "The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8 So let's learn about the tools He has given you and just how to use them!

Start with the Map

The Bible describes itself as a map, written for you, from God's perfect bird's eye view. God said,

"'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The landscape you see around you may look one way, but God sees it from up above. He sees where every road leads, and the curves you can't see from your perspective. He wants to guide you around the turns and lead you into the land He has for you.

Listen to the Voice

And going even beyond a road map, God wants to tell you personalized directions to help you navigate through the issues you are facing. The Bible says, "Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21 Imagine you are in a meeting with your boss and don't know what to say. The Holy Spirit wants to give you secret wisdom to succeed. Or say you are unsure about how to relate with your children. The Holy Spirit wants to whisper to you: "Do this. This will open up their heart to you."

The Secret Key

But let me tell you a little secret about hearing the voice. Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 Now, how can you remember something you never heard in the first place? That's why taking the time to read the Bible is so amazing. It's like building out the map of your "Life GPS", bit by bit. Let me give you an example. One day, I was really on edge, and someone said something to me that really bothered me. My temptation was to snap at them, but the Holy Spirit reminded me of a verse I had read earlier: "A gracious woman retains honor." Proverbs 11:16 That was Him saying, "Veer Right." So I purposefully was extra gracious and avoided a little pothole. That is just one small example of a million ways the Holy Spirit wants to give you daily guidance for your life—and get you to the great destination God has for you.

Begin Today

If you have never experienced that inner counsel—or maybe you have gotten out of the habit of using God's GPS—He is offering it to you today! He wants you to hear His voice—every day—and walk in the great path He has for you. The first step is to build out your life map by reading His word daily. The Bible says,

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a treeplanted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leafdoes not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3)

This tool from YouVersion will help you establish a daily plan of reading God's Word, sending it straight to your e-mail if you want. I personally promise that if you read God's Word daily, you will begin to hear His voice more. If you want to hear God helping you every step of the way, tell Him in the Comments today! Just say, "God, I want Your GPS! Thank you for guiding me, every step of the way!" Let's use God's GPS together.

Source: http://www.godlife.com/godlife/prayer-letter/your-personal-gps

What is true worship

The Apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2: “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.”

This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: “the mercies of God.” God’s mercies are everything He has given us that we don’t deserve: eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgiving—in other words, worship!

Also in the passage is a description of the manner of our worship: “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.” Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. The reference to our bodies here means all our human faculties, all of our humanness—our hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudes—are to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: “by the renewing of your mind.” We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the world’s “wisdom” and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions. Emotions are wonderful things, but unless they are shaped by a mind saturated in Truth, they can be destructive, out-of-control forces. Where the mind goes, the will follows and so do the emotions. First Corinthians 2:16 tells us we have “the mind of Christ,” not the emotions of Christ. 



There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. It is the truth, the knowledge of the Word of God, which is to say the knowledge of the mercies of God, and we’re back where we began. To know the truth, to believe the truth, to hold convictions about the truth, and to love the truth will naturally result in true spiritual worship. It is conviction followed by affection, affection that is a response to truth, not to any external stimuli, including music. Music as such has nothing to do with worship. Music can’t produce worship, although it certainly can produce emotion. Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands.

True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how the worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things completely misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and the way God has designed. Worship can include praying, reading God's Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place.

It’s also important to know that worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants (Revelation 19:10). We are not to worship saints, prophets, statues, angels, any false gods, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. We also should not be worshiping for the expectation of something in return, such as a miraculous healing. Worship is done for God—because He deserves it—and for His pleasure alone. Worship can be public praise to God (Psalm 22:22, 35:18) in a congregational setting, where we can proclaim through prayer and praise our adoration and thankfulness to Him and what He has done for us. True worship is felt inwardly, and then comes out through our actions. "Going through the motions" out of obligation is displeasing to God and is done completely in vain. He can see through all the hypocrisy, and He hates it. He demonstrates this in Amos 5:21-24 as He talks about coming judgment. Another example is the story of Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. They both brought gift offerings to the Lord, but He was only pleased with Abel's. Cain brought the gift out of obligation; Abel brought his finest lambs from his flock. He brought out of faith and admiration for God.

True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good and we are told in the Bible to do them). It is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt God—to show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.

Source: http://www.gotquestions.org

Confronting that Leads to Repentance

Steve Douglass

Steve is the International President of Campus Crusade for Christ.

http://movementseverywhere.com/sbd/

A number of years ago, I was on a trip in another country.  One of my pairs of pants needed to be dry cleaned, so I asked my local contact person if he could help me with that. He said, “Sure, I’ll take care of it.”  I told him I needed it by the end of the day.  He said, “Fine.”

Well, the time came when I needed to wear those pants, so I asked him where they were. He handed me the pants, and I immediately observed that they had not been cleaned. When I asked the person what happened, he said, “Well, dry cleaners here aren’t open on Saturday, so I couldn’t do it.” I asked him why he didn’t just tell me that in the first place. He said, “Because I knew you wanted them to be cleaned, and I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

To say the least, it was even more disappointing and inconvenient to learn of this just before I needed the pants. So what was going on in that person’s mind? In his culture it is very hard to have a conversation which disappoints another person. So apparently it seemed better to him to please me temporarily, even though in the end I would learn that my pants could not be dry cleaned.

So what do you do in a situation like that?  I felt mislead—even lied to perhaps.  He was a Christian. He should summarily be confronted, right?

Well, I have discovered that it is usually better to start from a different place and eventually end up dealing with what we find offensive.

Affirm What You Can

I have found it is best to start by affirming what is good. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told to “encourage one another and build each other up.”

So what was good? Well, he was very responsive to my need. He wanted to help. In fact, a great strength of his culture is to put the needs of another person above one’s own.

So I could start my response by saying, “Thank you so much for wanting to meet my need. That was very gracious of you. Even in our brief time together I have seen you are a sensitive person.”

Believe the Best

In 1 Corinthians 13 we find the classic biblical description of the qualities of love. Among them are kindness and bearing, hoping and believing all things. On one hand, I could assume that the man was, at the very core of his being, a liar. After all, he did know that it was impossible to get the dry cleaning done.

Or I could believe that he was basically a good person who loved God and wanted to do what was right. My one incident did not give me nearly enough evidence to assume the worst.

So I could honestly say, “My friend, I know you intended to be helpful and to please me.”

Confront What You Must

But, of course, that still leaves the matter of his words that I perceived to be untrue (and maybe sinful). What do I do about that?

To say nothing would mean that I failed to speak the truth in love.  So how could I do that in this case? I could say, “Even though I sense you were only trying to encourage me, you did give me the impression that you could get the cleaning done. That wasn’t true, was it?”

What you hope would happen next is a good response from the other person. If he really does love God and is humble, he will begin to see how what he did violated a standard of biblical holiness.

If so, then you have in love applied the truth of 2 Thessalonians 3:15 (NASB). It says to “admonish him as a brother.” Galatians 6:1 (NIV) says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” Both passages exhort us to deal with sin. But they tell us to do that gently, relationally and with spiritual humility.

One of the ways God uses us in the lives of fellow Christians is to hold them accountable to biblical standards, but in a way that encourages repentance and personal growth. Sometimes we are too quick and unloving in our confrontation. At other times, in the name of sensitivity, we are too reluctant to confront.

Only God can give us the right balance for each situation. I find it is best for me to pray that God will give me ways to affirm and believe the best about people. At the same time, I pray He will show me how to admonish and restore as I should.

As for Me and My House - John Waller

Do you remember, one day you said " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". You mean it when you said it. But now... Think about it. Are you really serving the Lord now? Really? your house..? If any change happened, its the time for coming back. Watch this video. Its just about it.

What worship is NOT about

THE RESUME OF JESUS CHRIST

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, (See Proverbs 3:19)
• I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
• The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

• I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
• I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: 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, (See Luke 4:18).
• I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

• I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
• In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
• I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See 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 healing, 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, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).
Only HE can possibly do all these things and he's not done yet ... 2jesus

Is it the life for me?

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Take a look at your life. How would you describe it? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. There are things we dream of doing one day, and there are things we wish we could forget. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new. What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

The Bible talks about the world beginning with the creation of a beautiful garden and two blameless people who walked and talked with God. They were truly innocent – they didn’t even know that they were naked. But it didn’t stay that way. They chose to turn away from God and sin entered the world, and with it guilt, shame, regret. Humankind was no longer blameless. But God still loved the world that he created and so he sent his Son to redeem it.

A candle that saves many ships

I would love to share you a story today. A story about a small candle carried by a man who was climbing the stairs of a lighthouse.


In their way up to the top, the candle asked the man, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to the top of this lighthouse and give signals to the big ships on the ocean," the man answered.

"What? How could it be possible for me with my small light to give signals to those big ships?"

"They will never be able to see my light", replied the candle weakly.

"That's your part. If your light is small, let it be. All you have to do is keep burning and leave the rest to me", said the man.

The Paradoxical Commandments

This is the new wall post I have placed on my room today. It is originally written by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

Mother Theresa had her own version for this Poster

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,

LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of

selfish, ulterior motives,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful,

you win false friends and true enemies,

SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,

BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY

What you spent years building may be

destroyed overnight,

BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help

but may attack you if you help them,

HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have

And you’ll get kicked in the teeth,

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY.

A Christian Prison

Near the city of Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, is a remarkable facility. Twenty years ago the Brazilian government turned a prison over to two Christians. The institution was renamed Humaita, and the plan was to run it on Christian principles. With the exception of two full-time staff, all the work is done by inmates. Families outside the prison adopt an inmate to work with during and after his term. Chuck Colson visited the prison and made this report:

'When I visited Humaita I found the inmates smiling- particularly the murderer who held the keys, opened the gates and let me in. Wherever I walked I saw men at peace. I saw clean living areas, people working industriously. The walls were decorated with Biblical sayings from Psalms and Proverbs...My guide escorted me to the notorious prison cell once used for torture. Today, he told me, that block houses only a single inmate. As we reached the end of a long concrete corridor and he put the key in the lock, he paused and asked, "Are you sure you want to go in?"

"Of course," I replied impatiently, "I've been in isolation cells all over the world." Slowly he swung open the massive door, and I saw the prisoner in that punishment cell: a crucifix, beautifully carved by the Humaita inmates-the prisoner Jesus, hanging on a cross.

"He's doing time for the rest of us," my guide said softly.'"

--Max Lucado

Story of an Easter Bunny.

Written by Rusty Wright 

You've probably seen Santa Claus; but have you ever seen the Easter Bunny?

As a small child, I enjoyed visiting Santa at a local department store at Christmastime. My parents would take me downtown to the jolly bearded man in the red suit. I felt comfortable climbing into his lap, telling him my wish list and receiving a gift along with his encouraging words. He was friendly, predictable and safe.

Imagine my excitement when one Spring I learned that the Easter Bunny would be at the same department store. Neither my family nor I had ever seen the Easter Bunny. I had seen white rabbits. Those cute, cuddly little bunnies seemed so warm and innocent. I looked forward for some time to seeing the real Easter Bunny.

Finally, the big day came. My father took me to the store that afternoon. When we reached the Bunny's floor, I was shocked. Before me was a human-sized hare with big eyes and large, floppy ears. The creature walked on two legs like a human. He talked.