The flight away from God and into self-sufficiency is as old as the human race. It finds expression today in the words Believe in yourself and in admonitions to self-confidence. But the Bible says, “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3).
God did not intend that we should be self-sufficient. Life on the highest level is a life that leans on the everlasting arms. “In You, O Lord, I put my trust,” said David (Psalm 31:1). Many people boast of their own virtues. The Bible says that our good works are like filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot save ourselves. We cannot get ourselves to Heaven by our own good deeds. Only by the grace of God, through the finished work of Christ, will any person get to Heaven.
The Escape by Suicide
Some time ago the mayor of a small town near where I live committed suicide. None of his friends have an explanation except that for the last month he had been despondent and discouraged. He apparently decided to end it all and put a bullet through his head.
But we cannot end it all by committing suicide. You can destroy your body, but your soul will live on through all eternity. The Bible says, “Though they dig into hell, from there My hand shall take them; though they climb up to heaven, from there I will bring them down” (Amos 9:2).
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Our Lady of Lourdes
Monday, June 7, 2010
Message by anonymous
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV
In John 15, Jesus described our relationship with Him as branches connected to the true vine. In a vineyard, grapes are produced when the plant's sap runs through its branches. As Christ's life-giving Spirit flows through us, spiritual fruit will develop. This includes divine joy (Gal. 5:22-23).
To experience this deep spiritual contentment, we must stay closely connected with the Lord. Jesus often slipped away so He and the Father could have intimate communion (Mark 1:35). He was able to endure much because of His fellowship with God and the joy He knew was to come (Heb. 12:2). In a similar way, the apostle Paul overflowed with joy even when he suffered (2 Cor. 7:4). He described a Christian's connection with God this way: "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20 niv).
Joy will increase when we follow Paul's example and focus on Jesus rather than on ourselves or our circumstances. The more we abide in Him, the greater our spiritual happiness will be. Our initial reaction to hardship may be discouragement or overwhelming pain. But if we fix our attention on Him and commune with His Spirit, our sense of peace will return. Remember, the Lord promised that His joy would be in us fully when we rest in Him.
What a powerful witness we'll have when the Lord's joy flows in and through us. It's not an earthly happiness but a divine contentment that the Holy Spirit produces in us. Let spiritual joy permeate all you do and say.
In John 15, Jesus described our relationship with Him as branches connected to the true vine. In a vineyard, grapes are produced when the plant's sap runs through its branches. As Christ's life-giving Spirit flows through us, spiritual fruit will develop. This includes divine joy (Gal. 5:22-23).
To experience this deep spiritual contentment, we must stay closely connected with the Lord. Jesus often slipped away so He and the Father could have intimate communion (Mark 1:35). He was able to endure much because of His fellowship with God and the joy He knew was to come (Heb. 12:2). In a similar way, the apostle Paul overflowed with joy even when he suffered (2 Cor. 7:4). He described a Christian's connection with God this way: "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20 niv).
Joy will increase when we follow Paul's example and focus on Jesus rather than on ourselves or our circumstances. The more we abide in Him, the greater our spiritual happiness will be. Our initial reaction to hardship may be discouragement or overwhelming pain. But if we fix our attention on Him and commune with His Spirit, our sense of peace will return. Remember, the Lord promised that His joy would be in us fully when we rest in Him.
What a powerful witness we'll have when the Lord's joy flows in and through us. It's not an earthly happiness but a divine contentment that the Holy Spirit produces in us. Let spiritual joy permeate all you do and say.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Message by anonymous
READ Romans 8:35-39
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=NIV
Life is continually changing. At times I tell myself that if just a few pressing issues resolve, my days will be calmer. But as soon as those problems are settled, some new challenge always pops up. Even globally, we're in a constant state of flux. The economy rises and then spirals downward. Gas prices increase and unemployment falls. A new conflict flares up every few months. Since we live in a fallen world, trouble is part of our reality. Life will never settle down to the point that we can sail along with uninterrupted ease.
Thankfully, God guides believers through times of turbulence (Psalm 23). He is the Good Shepherd who constantly abides with His world-weary lambs. Jesus vowed to His disciples, "I will not leave you as orphans"(John 14:18). And His promise was fulfilled
in the person of the Holy Spirit, who was sent to indwell and care for each of God's followers.
Paul poetically described the Spirit as a seal placed around believers until they are called to their heavenly home. In other words, He provides a protective barrier against evil forces desiring to snatch us from God's hand.
In the verses leading upto today's reading, Paul
defined his audience as the Lord's children (Rom. 8:16). So let me be very clear that the promise of a holy protective presence is only for those who have
received Jesus Christ as Savior. No one's life will always be calm. But believers are assured of a companion in the dark hours.
You can be confident that God's goodness and love will surround you until you dwell in His house forever. (Psalm 23:6).
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=NIV
Life is continually changing. At times I tell myself that if just a few pressing issues resolve, my days will be calmer. But as soon as those problems are settled, some new challenge always pops up. Even globally, we're in a constant state of flux. The economy rises and then spirals downward. Gas prices increase and unemployment falls. A new conflict flares up every few months. Since we live in a fallen world, trouble is part of our reality. Life will never settle down to the point that we can sail along with uninterrupted ease.
Thankfully, God guides believers through times of turbulence (Psalm 23). He is the Good Shepherd who constantly abides with His world-weary lambs. Jesus vowed to His disciples, "I will not leave you as orphans"(John 14:18). And His promise was fulfilled
in the person of the Holy Spirit, who was sent to indwell and care for each of God's followers.
Paul poetically described the Spirit as a seal placed around believers until they are called to their heavenly home. In other words, He provides a protective barrier against evil forces desiring to snatch us from God's hand.
In the verses leading upto today's reading, Paul
defined his audience as the Lord's children (Rom. 8:16). So let me be very clear that the promise of a holy protective presence is only for those who have
received Jesus Christ as Savior. No one's life will always be calm. But believers are assured of a companion in the dark hours.
You can be confident that God's goodness and love will surround you until you dwell in His house forever. (Psalm 23:6).
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Post #110
Message by unknown Speaker
READ Psalm 46:2-11
During this life, hard times are inevitable.Some watch a loved one suffer and die;others are wrongly accused or mistreated.Then there are people who endure crippling ailments. The range of human pain is broad, but there's only one place of true comfort.
Today's passage speaks of great calamities, some due to natural causes and some caused by men (vv. 2, 6). We often feel bewildered during such trials, but verse 10 tells us where to turn: God's followers should be still and remember that He's the sovereign Lord of the universe. In our world of cell phones and
deadlines, it's hard to stop for even a moment.But the key to dealing with difficulty lies intrusting the One in control of all things.
Instead of trying to manage the situation ourselves or pointing a finger in blame, we should actively wait, watching for God to move and trusting that He will act on our behalf (Isa. 64:4). This involves taking time
to be alone with our Father—crying out to Him, meditating on His truth, and listening.
Human instinct urges us to take matters into our own hands; in contrast, the Lord requires that we patiently and expectantly wait upon Him. He also tells us to surrender what we think is right and instead submit to His plan. Unless our focus remains steady on
Jesus, circumstances can overwhelm us.
What is your response when trouble arises? You can choose to accept difficulty as a blessing by letting it deepen your relationship with Christ. Whether your
current circumstances are good or painful, take time to be still before the Lord.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Message by unknown speaker (#110)
READ Psalm 150
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20150&version=NIV
Consider your most recent prayer to the Lord. Did you spend as much time praising Him as you did making requests? In our selfish society, many people even attend church to get needs met—singing helps emotions, sermons "feed" the flock, and the choir entertains. Our own preferences can overshadow the primary purpose the Creator has for our lives: to exalt Him.Praise both magnifies and pleases the Lord,but we actually benefit from the practice as well. First, adoration of God modifies our estimation of "self"—it's impossible to truly elevate God while clinging to pride. Instead, we come to recognize our sin, weakness, and dependence upon Him. As Scripture tells us, the Lord's power is manifest when we show genuine humility (2 Cor. 12:10).
Next, praise appropriately humbles us, as it is a reminder of God's greatness and our dependence upon Him. But at the same time, exalting Him strengthens our sense of assurance, thereby increasing our faith. Then we are able to look beyond ourselves and our circumstances to see life from God's perspective. And consider one additional benefit of praise that involves our physical bodies: when we focus on Jesus' goodness, tension leaves and we find new strength.
All these supernatural effects of exaltation are possible because as we lift His name,God is present—Psalm 22:3 tells us that He inhabits the praise of His people (kjv).Think about the Lord'sattributes and His work in your life. What can you praise Him for today?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20150&version=NIV
Consider your most recent prayer to the Lord. Did you spend as much time praising Him as you did making requests? In our selfish society, many people even attend church to get needs met—singing helps emotions, sermons "feed" the flock, and the choir entertains. Our own preferences can overshadow the primary purpose the Creator has for our lives: to exalt Him.Praise both magnifies and pleases the Lord,but we actually benefit from the practice as well. First, adoration of God modifies our estimation of "self"—it's impossible to truly elevate God while clinging to pride. Instead, we come to recognize our sin, weakness, and dependence upon Him. As Scripture tells us, the Lord's power is manifest when we show genuine humility (2 Cor. 12:10).
Next, praise appropriately humbles us, as it is a reminder of God's greatness and our dependence upon Him. But at the same time, exalting Him strengthens our sense of assurance, thereby increasing our faith. Then we are able to look beyond ourselves and our circumstances to see life from God's perspective. And consider one additional benefit of praise that involves our physical bodies: when we focus on Jesus' goodness, tension leaves and we find new strength.
All these supernatural effects of exaltation are possible because as we lift His name,God is present—Psalm 22:3 tells us that He inhabits the praise of His people (kjv).Think about the Lord'sattributes and His work in your life. What can you praise Him for today?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Post #108 (Unknown Speaker)
READ Psalm 103
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=NIV
Do you ever wonder why you exist? Day-to-day activities and worries pull in so many directions that most people seldom think about what the goal of life is. But our Creator made us with a purpose: to glorify Him (Isa. 43:7).
In His Word, God is emphatic that we're to testify to His faithfulness and mighty works. Jesus obviously considered this important as well—when teaching His disciples how to communicate with God, He began His well known prayer with adoration (Matt. 6:9).
Why, then, do we give so much attention to petitions but so little to praise? Perhaps some believers consider themselves too busy to spend "extra" prayer time praising the Lord. Others may feel awkward expressing their gratitude. Yet no excuses are acceptable. Psalm 103:2 warns us to remember God's benefits so we will humbly glorify Him. The Psalm also explains how to lift Him up with
our words—specifically, we should praise God for His character and for His work in the past, present, and future (vv. 2-8, 19).
We can also exalt the Lord in other ways. The Old Testament's three primary words for "praise" refer to spoken words, music, and gestures like raising hands and dancing. But we can also glorify Him through our actions, thoughts, and creativity.
|
Praise may be something of a foreign concept to you. But it's the very purpose for which you were created. Notice how the Father is exalted in the Psalms. Then worship Him with praise as you spend time in His presence today.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=NIV
Do you ever wonder why you exist? Day-to-day activities and worries pull in so many directions that most people seldom think about what the goal of life is. But our Creator made us with a purpose: to glorify Him (Isa. 43:7).
In His Word, God is emphatic that we're to testify to His faithfulness and mighty works. Jesus obviously considered this important as well—when teaching His disciples how to communicate with God, He began His well known prayer with adoration (Matt. 6:9).
Why, then, do we give so much attention to petitions but so little to praise? Perhaps some believers consider themselves too busy to spend "extra" prayer time praising the Lord. Others may feel awkward expressing their gratitude. Yet no excuses are acceptable. Psalm 103:2 warns us to remember God's benefits so we will humbly glorify Him. The Psalm also explains how to lift Him up with
our words—specifically, we should praise God for His character and for His work in the past, present, and future (vv. 2-8, 19).
We can also exalt the Lord in other ways. The Old Testament's three primary words for "praise" refer to spoken words, music, and gestures like raising hands and dancing. But we can also glorify Him through our actions, thoughts, and creativity.
|
Praise may be something of a foreign concept to you. But it's the very purpose for which you were created. Notice how the Father is exalted in the Psalms. Then worship Him with praise as you spend time in His presence today.
I Asked God
I asked God : To do away with my vices.
God said No : They are there for to resist them.
I asked God : To complete my body
God said No : Your spirit is complete, your body is only temporary.
I asked God : To give me patience
God said No : Patience is a by product of difficulties. It is not given but learned
I asked God : To give me happiness
God said No : I give blessings. Happiness depends upon you
I asked God : To free me of pain
God said No : suffering makes you go far away from this world and brings you nearer to me
I asked God : To make my spirit grow
God said No : you have to grow by yourself ! But I will prune to make you bear fruit
I asked God : for the things that would make me life life.
God said No : I will give you life, so you can enjoy all things
I asked God : to help me love the others, like he loves me.
God said : oooooh, you finally got the IDEA ... :)
God said No : They are there for to resist them.
I asked God : To complete my body
God said No : Your spirit is complete, your body is only temporary.
I asked God : To give me patience
God said No : Patience is a by product of difficulties. It is not given but learned
I asked God : To give me happiness
God said No : I give blessings. Happiness depends upon you
I asked God : To free me of pain
God said No : suffering makes you go far away from this world and brings you nearer to me
I asked God : To make my spirit grow
God said No : you have to grow by yourself ! But I will prune to make you bear fruit
I asked God : for the things that would make me life life.
God said No : I will give you life, so you can enjoy all things
I asked God : to help me love the others, like he loves me.
God said : oooooh, you finally got the IDEA ... :)
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