Posts
Dear Friends-
Today's message speaks to our faith and reminds us that we should live in the knowledge of God's power and protection. The Israelites' homes were marked by the symbol of the blood which protected them from the angel of death. Under that protection, the Israelites could remain indoors and quickly prepare for their escape from slavery (despite the calamity that occured all around them).
As God's people, we're also protected by the Blood. God placed a sign on us that covers us and allows us to move forward knowing that His promises will be fulfilled. This protection doesn't mean that we will never experience stress or difficulty- even the Israelites endured 40 years of "hard living" in the desert. However, God's people were marked for victory and they eventually made it to the Promised Land. We will make it too.
Allow your story to be speak to God's glory. No matter how hard things get, remember that you're covered by the Blood. Adversity will pass and you will win.
Have a blessed and victorious week!
K.
Exodus 12 1, 11-13, 21-27
1 While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron:
11 These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed,[a] wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. 12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! 13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.
21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. 22 Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. 23 For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.
24 “Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever. 25 When you enter the land the Lord has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. 26 Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ 27 And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Some mid-week encouragement!
Be blessed, dear friends.
K.
It Pays to Take Life Seriously
Proverbs 16
10 A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit. 11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. 12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. 13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. 14 An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that. 15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine. 16 Get wisdom—it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time. 17 The road of right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life. 18 First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. 19 It's better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. 20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God. 21 A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation. 22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way. 23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases. 24 Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. 25 There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. 26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder. 27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn. 28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships. 29 Calloused climbers betray their very own friends; they'd stab their own grandmothers in the back. 30 A shifty eye betrays an evil intention; a clenched jaw signals trouble ahead. 31 Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life. 32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. 33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.
K.
It Pays to Take Life Seriously
Proverbs 16
10 A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit. 11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. 12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. 13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. 14 An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that. 15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine. 16 Get wisdom—it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time. 17 The road of right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life. 18 First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. 19 It's better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. 20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God. 21 A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation. 22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way. 23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases. 24 Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. 25 There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. 26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder. 27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn. 28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships. 29 Calloused climbers betray their very own friends; they'd stab their own grandmothers in the back. 30 A shifty eye betrays an evil intention; a clenched jaw signals trouble ahead. 31 Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life. 32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. 33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Resist...
Dear Friends-
Just as Jesus had difficult days, so do we. Resist the temptation to complain. Resist the temptation to be disobedient and pray for each other to stay strong in the Lord.
Things always work for good for the people who love God.
Stay blessed,
K.
The Temptation of Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3 During that time the devil[a] came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’[d]”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’[e]”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Just as Jesus had difficult days, so do we. Resist the temptation to complain. Resist the temptation to be disobedient and pray for each other to stay strong in the Lord.
Things always work for good for the people who love God.
Stay blessed,
K.
The Temptation of Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3 During that time the devil[a] came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’[d]”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’[e]”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A common sense Word!
Dear Friends-
The wisdon of today's Word needs no explanation. Please be blessed in your reading and obedience.
Love you all,
K.
Proverbs 14
A Way That Leads to Hell
1 Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick. 2 An honest life shows respect for God; a degenerate life is a slap in his face. 3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect. 4 No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow. 5 A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it. 6 Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep! 7 Escape quickly from the company of fools; they're a waste of your time, a waste of your words. 8 The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch. 9 The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life. 10 The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends will be an outsider at their celebrations. 11 Lives of careless wrongdoing are tumbledown shacks; holy living builds soaring cathedrals. 12 -13 There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.
The wisdon of today's Word needs no explanation. Please be blessed in your reading and obedience.
Love you all,
K.
Proverbs 14
A Way That Leads to Hell
1 Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick. 2 An honest life shows respect for God; a degenerate life is a slap in his face. 3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect. 4 No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow. 5 A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it. 6 Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep! 7 Escape quickly from the company of fools; they're a waste of your time, a waste of your words. 8 The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch. 9 The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life. 10 The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends will be an outsider at their celebrations. 11 Lives of careless wrongdoing are tumbledown shacks; holy living builds soaring cathedrals. 12 -13 There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
New life in the desert
Dear Friends-
Think back to the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (see below). After escaping bondage, the Israelites found detours and problems on their trip to the Promise Land. Quickly forgetting the terrible conditions from which they escaped, they cried out to Moses and complained because of the rough conditions in the desert.
Why do we do this? When the Lord delivers us from "bondage", why do we complain when we get to the desert? Wouldn't we rather be in the desert waiting on God to deliver on His promise than remain in slavery?
I remember working at my job and desperately wishing I could just leave. I didn't want to just find a new job right away, I wanted some time off first. In talking to my husband, he asked me what I wished would happen deep down in my heart. I told him that I would love to start a new job with a couple of months off first but my deepest desire was to be off for a year. I knew that we could never afford to have me out of work for a year but I was overjoyed to receive a job offer that allowed me to start two months later. I thanked God and accepted the offer with the two month break in advance. It was a miracle because I had been looking for a job for six years and I would never leave my job without a job offer. For those who don't know the story, the new job offer fell through after I left the job I already had.
Think back to my story. My husband asked and I said the my deepest desire was to be off for a year. April 18th will be a year since I left Sarah Lawrence and all is well. Food is still on the table and we are still in our home(for now). Did I cry in the desert? Yes! Did I pray alot? Sure did! And God has been with me all along.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My phone is starting to ring again for job interviews and requests for speaking engagements and I think it will all be okay. The desert can be rough but it can also be the place to start again. Stop crying and thank God for a new opportunity. God can't put the new blessings in your hands if you're still holding onto the past.
Be thankful and make next moves!
K.
Exodus 14
The Story and Song of Salvation
1 -2 God spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites to turn around and make camp at Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. Camp on the shore of the sea opposite Baal Zephon.
3 -4 "Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are lost; they're confused. The wilderness has closed in on them.' Then I'll make Pharaoh's heart stubborn again and he'll chase after them. And I'll use Pharaoh and his army to put my Glory on display. Then the Egyptians will realize that I am God."
And that's what happened.
5 -7 When the king of Egypt was told that the people were gone, he and his servants changed their minds. They said, "What have we done, letting Israel, our slave labor, go free?" So he had his chariots harnessed up and got his army together. He took six hundred of his best chariots, with the rest of the Egyptian chariots and their drivers coming along.
8 -9 God made Pharaoh king of Egypt stubborn, determined to chase the Israelites as they walked out on him without even looking back. The Egyptians gave chase and caught up with them where they had made camp by the sea—all Pharaoh's horse-drawn chariots and their riders, all his foot soldiers there at Pi Hahiroth opposite Baal Zephon.
10 -12 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw them— Egyptians! Coming at them!
They were totally afraid. They cried out in terror to God. They told Moses, "Weren't the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Back in Egypt didn't we tell you this would happen? Didn't we tell you, 'Leave us alone here in Egypt—we're better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness.'"
13 Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again. 14 God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!"
15 -16 God said to Moses: "Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground.
17 -18 "Meanwhile I'll make sure the Egyptians keep up their stubborn chase—I'll use Pharaoh and his entire army, his chariots and horsemen, to put my Glory on display so that the Egyptians will realize that I am God."
19 -20 The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The Cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light. The two camps didn't come near each other all night.
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and God, with a terrific east wind all night long, made the sea go back. He made the sea dry ground. The seawaters split.
22 -25 The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground with the waters a wall to the right and to the left. The Egyptians came after them in full pursuit, every horse and chariot and driver of Pharaoh racing into the middle of the sea. It was now the morning watch. God looked down from the Pillar of Fire and Cloud on the Egyptian army and threw them into a panic. He clogged the wheels of their chariots; they were stuck in the mud.
The Egyptians said, "Run from Israel! God is fighting on their side and against Egypt!"
26 God said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea and the waters will come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots, over their horsemen."
27 -28 Moses stretched his hand out over the sea: As the day broke and the Egyptians were running, the sea returned to its place as before. God dumped the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. The waters returned, drowning the chariots and riders of Pharaoh's army that had chased after Israel into the sea. Not one of them survived.
29 -31 But the Israelites walked right through the middle of the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall to the right and to the left. God delivered Israel that day from the oppression of the Egyptians. And Israel looked at the Egyptian dead, washed up on the shore of the sea, and realized the tremendous power that God brought against the Egyptians. The people were in reverent awe before God and trusted in God and his servant Moses.
Think back to the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (see below). After escaping bondage, the Israelites found detours and problems on their trip to the Promise Land. Quickly forgetting the terrible conditions from which they escaped, they cried out to Moses and complained because of the rough conditions in the desert.
Why do we do this? When the Lord delivers us from "bondage", why do we complain when we get to the desert? Wouldn't we rather be in the desert waiting on God to deliver on His promise than remain in slavery?
I remember working at my job and desperately wishing I could just leave. I didn't want to just find a new job right away, I wanted some time off first. In talking to my husband, he asked me what I wished would happen deep down in my heart. I told him that I would love to start a new job with a couple of months off first but my deepest desire was to be off for a year. I knew that we could never afford to have me out of work for a year but I was overjoyed to receive a job offer that allowed me to start two months later. I thanked God and accepted the offer with the two month break in advance. It was a miracle because I had been looking for a job for six years and I would never leave my job without a job offer. For those who don't know the story, the new job offer fell through after I left the job I already had.
Think back to my story. My husband asked and I said the my deepest desire was to be off for a year. April 18th will be a year since I left Sarah Lawrence and all is well. Food is still on the table and we are still in our home(for now). Did I cry in the desert? Yes! Did I pray alot? Sure did! And God has been with me all along.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My phone is starting to ring again for job interviews and requests for speaking engagements and I think it will all be okay. The desert can be rough but it can also be the place to start again. Stop crying and thank God for a new opportunity. God can't put the new blessings in your hands if you're still holding onto the past.
Be thankful and make next moves!
K.
Exodus 14
The Story and Song of Salvation
1 -2 God spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites to turn around and make camp at Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. Camp on the shore of the sea opposite Baal Zephon.
3 -4 "Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are lost; they're confused. The wilderness has closed in on them.' Then I'll make Pharaoh's heart stubborn again and he'll chase after them. And I'll use Pharaoh and his army to put my Glory on display. Then the Egyptians will realize that I am God."
And that's what happened.
5 -7 When the king of Egypt was told that the people were gone, he and his servants changed their minds. They said, "What have we done, letting Israel, our slave labor, go free?" So he had his chariots harnessed up and got his army together. He took six hundred of his best chariots, with the rest of the Egyptian chariots and their drivers coming along.
8 -9 God made Pharaoh king of Egypt stubborn, determined to chase the Israelites as they walked out on him without even looking back. The Egyptians gave chase and caught up with them where they had made camp by the sea—all Pharaoh's horse-drawn chariots and their riders, all his foot soldiers there at Pi Hahiroth opposite Baal Zephon.
10 -12 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw them— Egyptians! Coming at them!
They were totally afraid. They cried out in terror to God. They told Moses, "Weren't the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Back in Egypt didn't we tell you this would happen? Didn't we tell you, 'Leave us alone here in Egypt—we're better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness.'"
13 Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again. 14 God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!"
15 -16 God said to Moses: "Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground.
17 -18 "Meanwhile I'll make sure the Egyptians keep up their stubborn chase—I'll use Pharaoh and his entire army, his chariots and horsemen, to put my Glory on display so that the Egyptians will realize that I am God."
19 -20 The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The Cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light. The two camps didn't come near each other all night.
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and God, with a terrific east wind all night long, made the sea go back. He made the sea dry ground. The seawaters split.
22 -25 The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground with the waters a wall to the right and to the left. The Egyptians came after them in full pursuit, every horse and chariot and driver of Pharaoh racing into the middle of the sea. It was now the morning watch. God looked down from the Pillar of Fire and Cloud on the Egyptian army and threw them into a panic. He clogged the wheels of their chariots; they were stuck in the mud.
The Egyptians said, "Run from Israel! God is fighting on their side and against Egypt!"
26 God said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea and the waters will come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots, over their horsemen."
27 -28 Moses stretched his hand out over the sea: As the day broke and the Egyptians were running, the sea returned to its place as before. God dumped the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. The waters returned, drowning the chariots and riders of Pharaoh's army that had chased after Israel into the sea. Not one of them survived.
29 -31 But the Israelites walked right through the middle of the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall to the right and to the left. God delivered Israel that day from the oppression of the Egyptians. And Israel looked at the Egyptian dead, washed up on the shore of the sea, and realized the tremendous power that God brought against the Egyptians. The people were in reverent awe before God and trusted in God and his servant Moses.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Give credit where it's due!
Dear Friends-
We all know people who have achieved wonderful success and people look up to them. Whether it's a celebrity, an intellectual or a religious leader, watch them closely as they discuss their success.
Everything good comes from the Lord. We may be intelligent, and we may even work hard, but we miss the point when we acknowledge our achievements without understanding the role God plays in our success.
Use this season of Lent to examine our lives. If there are blessings we've received and we don't know why, think harder. If were in "the right place at the right time" to assist someone or receive an opportunity, rule out coincidence.
In other words, give credit where it's due. Thank God in private and acknowledge Him in public. If you don't, you're robbing Him of his glory!
Stay blessed dear friends,
K.
Acts 14
8 -10There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.
11 -13When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they went wild, calling out in their Lyconian dialect, "The gods have come down! These men are gods!" They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" (since Paul did most of the speaking). The priest of the local Zeus shrine got up a parade—bulls and banners and people lined right up to the gates, ready for the ritual of sacrifice.
14 -15When Barnabas and Paul finally realized what was going on, they stopped them. Waving their arms, they interrupted the parade, calling out, "What do you think you're doing! We're not gods! We are men just like you, and we're here to bring you the Message, to persuade you to abandon these silly god-superstitions and embrace God himself, the living God. We don't make God; he makes us, and all of this—sky, earth, sea, and everything in them.
16 -18"In the generations before us, God let all the different nations go their own way. But even then he didn't leave them without a clue, for he made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing."
We all know people who have achieved wonderful success and people look up to them. Whether it's a celebrity, an intellectual or a religious leader, watch them closely as they discuss their success.
Everything good comes from the Lord. We may be intelligent, and we may even work hard, but we miss the point when we acknowledge our achievements without understanding the role God plays in our success.
Use this season of Lent to examine our lives. If there are blessings we've received and we don't know why, think harder. If were in "the right place at the right time" to assist someone or receive an opportunity, rule out coincidence.
In other words, give credit where it's due. Thank God in private and acknowledge Him in public. If you don't, you're robbing Him of his glory!
Stay blessed dear friends,
K.
Acts 14
8 -10There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.
11 -13When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they went wild, calling out in their Lyconian dialect, "The gods have come down! These men are gods!" They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" (since Paul did most of the speaking). The priest of the local Zeus shrine got up a parade—bulls and banners and people lined right up to the gates, ready for the ritual of sacrifice.
14 -15When Barnabas and Paul finally realized what was going on, they stopped them. Waving their arms, they interrupted the parade, calling out, "What do you think you're doing! We're not gods! We are men just like you, and we're here to bring you the Message, to persuade you to abandon these silly god-superstitions and embrace God himself, the living God. We don't make God; he makes us, and all of this—sky, earth, sea, and everything in them.
16 -18"In the generations before us, God let all the different nations go their own way. But even then he didn't leave them without a clue, for he made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Increase your faith during Lent!
Dear Friends-
I wanted to resend a powerful message that I hope will help you develop your faith.
Despite the economic conditions, know that God is capable of all things.
If your blessing is meant for you, you will have it. Focus on believing God when He places a dream in your heart. If the Lord gives you a vision for your life, operate as if it's a done deal.
See the article below about getting rid of doubt in your life.
In the meantime, take care, dear friends.
K.
Help Me Not To Doubt' - by Jon Walker
"I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9:24, NLT)
Recently, I've been thinking my life verse should be Mark 9:24: "… I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NIV)
I do believe, yet I have so much unbelief in my life. I walk in faith, yet my faith is often more in the things I see than the things I don't see. I follow God, yet I repeatedly find myself stumbling down a path of my own choosing.
Paul teaches this is a common disorder among Christians, but he also says the cure for our unbelief is, quite simply, to believe God.
In the midst of our complex negotiations with God on the subject of belief, Paul sums up the issue with one simple phrase: "Abraham believed God …." (Romans 4:3)
· Abraham believed God to be a loving Father; · Abraham believed God wanted fellowship with him; · Abraham believed God would speak with him; · Abraham believed God would listen to him; · Abraham believed God wanted to use him in a great mission; · Abraham believed God knew more than he did when the childless patriarch was called to birth a great nation; · Abraham believed God was telling him to go, even if it was to a land he did not know; · Abraham believed God would guide and provide step-by-step. · Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)
Abraham acted on his belief because he was in intimate fellowship with the Father, and this "up-close and personal" relationship showed Abraham that God could be trusted to do the things He said He would do and to fulfill the commitments He promised to complete.
Abraham believed God. Paul believed God.
I believe; God, help me overcome my unbelief --
I believe; help me live like I believe.
I believe; help me make decisions like I believe.
I believe, my Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you.
"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led," writes the great saint Oswald Chambers. "But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing Him who calls us to go."
What does this mean?
· 'Help my unbelief' – You cannot work yourself up to greater belief; rather, your belief will deepen as you deepen your fellowship with God. Tell Him, "I believe; help me overcome my unbelief."
· Believe God, not yourself – As you face decisions today, ask yourself: "Is this decision based on my belief in God, or my belief in myself?"
· Move from 'if' to 'of course' – God's desire is that you to move from "if God can do this" to "of course, God can do this!" He doesn't expect perfection from you; if you could be perfect, then Jesus needn't have died on the cross. Even Abraham failed to believe God at points along his journey.
· Listen to Jesus – When we say, "Help me, if you can," Jesus says, "If I can? Don't you understand that everything is possible to you when you believe?" (Mark 9:21-23)
· Keep confessing – Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.
I wanted to resend a powerful message that I hope will help you develop your faith.
Despite the economic conditions, know that God is capable of all things.
If your blessing is meant for you, you will have it. Focus on believing God when He places a dream in your heart. If the Lord gives you a vision for your life, operate as if it's a done deal.
See the article below about getting rid of doubt in your life.
In the meantime, take care, dear friends.
K.
Help Me Not To Doubt' - by Jon Walker
"I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9:24, NLT)
Recently, I've been thinking my life verse should be Mark 9:24: "… I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NIV)
I do believe, yet I have so much unbelief in my life. I walk in faith, yet my faith is often more in the things I see than the things I don't see. I follow God, yet I repeatedly find myself stumbling down a path of my own choosing.
Paul teaches this is a common disorder among Christians, but he also says the cure for our unbelief is, quite simply, to believe God.
In the midst of our complex negotiations with God on the subject of belief, Paul sums up the issue with one simple phrase: "Abraham believed God …." (Romans 4:3)
· Abraham believed God to be a loving Father; · Abraham believed God wanted fellowship with him; · Abraham believed God would speak with him; · Abraham believed God would listen to him; · Abraham believed God wanted to use him in a great mission; · Abraham believed God knew more than he did when the childless patriarch was called to birth a great nation; · Abraham believed God was telling him to go, even if it was to a land he did not know; · Abraham believed God would guide and provide step-by-step. · Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)
Abraham acted on his belief because he was in intimate fellowship with the Father, and this "up-close and personal" relationship showed Abraham that God could be trusted to do the things He said He would do and to fulfill the commitments He promised to complete.
Abraham believed God. Paul believed God.
I believe; God, help me overcome my unbelief --
I believe; help me live like I believe.
I believe; help me make decisions like I believe.
I believe, my Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you.
"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led," writes the great saint Oswald Chambers. "But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing Him who calls us to go."
What does this mean?
· 'Help my unbelief' – You cannot work yourself up to greater belief; rather, your belief will deepen as you deepen your fellowship with God. Tell Him, "I believe; help me overcome my unbelief."
· Believe God, not yourself – As you face decisions today, ask yourself: "Is this decision based on my belief in God, or my belief in myself?"
· Move from 'if' to 'of course' – God's desire is that you to move from "if God can do this" to "of course, God can do this!" He doesn't expect perfection from you; if you could be perfect, then Jesus needn't have died on the cross. Even Abraham failed to believe God at points along his journey.
· Listen to Jesus – When we say, "Help me, if you can," Jesus says, "If I can? Don't you understand that everything is possible to you when you believe?" (Mark 9:21-23)
· Keep confessing – Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Have a focused week!
Dear Friends-
I hope this email finds everyone well (even with one hour less sleep). Today's Word is a short simple message that I hope will inspire.
Spring is approaching and the theme of the season is new life. Spend this week focused on breathing "new life" into your future. Take some time to focus on new goals for your personal, professional and spiritual life. Don't just think of an idea- create a plan that includes a start date and a schedule for accomplishing small steps. Whether it's losing weight or going back to school, or even reading the Bible everyday, don't just talk about it- make concrete plans. Stop watching everyone else live and design a life of your own.
This is a period of opportunity. Don't let it pass you by.
As you move forward into the workweek, please reflect on the following verses and stay focused on the "bigger picture".
Onward and upward in 2009!
Stay blessed,
K.
A Lesson from the Ant
6 -11 You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!
Always Cooking Up Something Nasty
12 -15 Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths. They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet, they cross their fingers behind their backs. Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble. Catastrophe is just around the corner for them, a total smashup, their lives ruined beyond repair.
Seven Things God Hates
16 -19 Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.
I hope this email finds everyone well (even with one hour less sleep). Today's Word is a short simple message that I hope will inspire.
Spring is approaching and the theme of the season is new life. Spend this week focused on breathing "new life" into your future. Take some time to focus on new goals for your personal, professional and spiritual life. Don't just think of an idea- create a plan that includes a start date and a schedule for accomplishing small steps. Whether it's losing weight or going back to school, or even reading the Bible everyday, don't just talk about it- make concrete plans. Stop watching everyone else live and design a life of your own.
This is a period of opportunity. Don't let it pass you by.
As you move forward into the workweek, please reflect on the following verses and stay focused on the "bigger picture".
Onward and upward in 2009!
Stay blessed,
K.
A Lesson from the Ant
6 -11 You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!
Always Cooking Up Something Nasty
12 -15 Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths. They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet, they cross their fingers behind their backs. Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble. Catastrophe is just around the corner for them, a total smashup, their lives ruined beyond repair.
Seven Things God Hates
16 -19 Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Short, sweet , complete word today
Dear Friends-
I hope you enjoy the power and simplicity of today's message. God knows the plan for our lives and if we trust Him, we can be happy in the midst of any storm. Remember, the Lord owes us nothing but we still have a responsibility to live right and represent Him in all situations.
Be blessed by the Word and conduct yourself accordingly.
Love,
K.
Proverbs 3
Don't Assume You Know It All
1 -2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. 3 -4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. 5 -12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
Never Walk Away (Proverbs 3)
21 -26 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound. 27 -29 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time" or "Try me tomorrow" when the money's right there in your pocket. Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting. 30 -32 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight. Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully? "Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect. 33 -35 God's curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help. Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.
I hope you enjoy the power and simplicity of today's message. God knows the plan for our lives and if we trust Him, we can be happy in the midst of any storm. Remember, the Lord owes us nothing but we still have a responsibility to live right and represent Him in all situations.
Be blessed by the Word and conduct yourself accordingly.
Love,
K.
Proverbs 3
Don't Assume You Know It All
1 -2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. 3 -4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. 5 -12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
Never Walk Away (Proverbs 3)
21 -26 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound. 27 -29 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time" or "Try me tomorrow" when the money's right there in your pocket. Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting. 30 -32 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight. Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully? "Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect. 33 -35 God's curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help. Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Pray for the "go to" person
Dear Friends-
I hope this email finds you happy and at peace.
Dear Friends, I ask that you spend some time praying for those people in your life who support you- your "go to" people. Every time we need to get something off your chests, these are the people whose shoulders we rest our problems on. Most times, they're there for us with strong shoulders to lean on and an open ear. But what happens when they need help? Who's there for the ones who give us wise counsel?
God put those special people in our lives to bring us comfort and support. If they're listening and helping with our issues, they're probably doing the same thing for someone else. Call and check on them sometime. They may say, "all is well" but they need to know that someone cares enough to ask. Thank God for these "go to" people and pray that the Lord is hearing whatever they stand in need of.
If you're reading this and you are the "go to" person, I pray for you. I pray you receive the peace and reassurance that others seek from you. God has gifted you with wise counsel and the responsibility is great. I pray that your spirit remains light and your steps remain quick as you carry out the Lord's work with your advice. No matter how tired or frustrated you feel, there is no one who can give you the peace that God can. The ones who try, they may become frustrated because they don't know how to help; the ones who think they're helping, may not be. "Under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all ( Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Your gift of vision and advice was given to you to share with God's people, not necessarily to receive. Your purpose in life is to draw men closer to him and God wants His light to shine and illuminate the darkness.
I pray that God renews your spirit quickly, so you can move forward and do His work.
Stay blessed,
K.
I hope this email finds you happy and at peace.
Dear Friends, I ask that you spend some time praying for those people in your life who support you- your "go to" people. Every time we need to get something off your chests, these are the people whose shoulders we rest our problems on. Most times, they're there for us with strong shoulders to lean on and an open ear. But what happens when they need help? Who's there for the ones who give us wise counsel?
God put those special people in our lives to bring us comfort and support. If they're listening and helping with our issues, they're probably doing the same thing for someone else. Call and check on them sometime. They may say, "all is well" but they need to know that someone cares enough to ask. Thank God for these "go to" people and pray that the Lord is hearing whatever they stand in need of.
If you're reading this and you are the "go to" person, I pray for you. I pray you receive the peace and reassurance that others seek from you. God has gifted you with wise counsel and the responsibility is great. I pray that your spirit remains light and your steps remain quick as you carry out the Lord's work with your advice. No matter how tired or frustrated you feel, there is no one who can give you the peace that God can. The ones who try, they may become frustrated because they don't know how to help; the ones who think they're helping, may not be. "Under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all ( Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Your gift of vision and advice was given to you to share with God's people, not necessarily to receive. Your purpose in life is to draw men closer to him and God wants His light to shine and illuminate the darkness.
I pray that God renews your spirit quickly, so you can move forward and do His work.
Stay blessed,
K.
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