God Bless You!

When God doesn't seem to answer your prayers, don't hung up. Hang on. The value of persistent prayer isn't for God to hear us but for us to finally hear Him!

To all my readers: HAVE YOURSELF A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!

IS JESUS EXCLUSIVE?

According to Mr Joe Stowell, he once saw Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz on a popular news talk program. The interviewer asked, "Are you one of those who believe that Jesus is exclusively the only way to heaven?" He added, "You know how mad makes people these days!" Without blinking she replied, "Jesus is not exclusive. He died so that anyone could come to Him for salvation."

Christianity is not an exclusive club limited to an elite few who fit the perfect profile. Everyobne is welcome regardless of color, class, or clout. In spite of this reality, Christ's claim in John 14:6 to be the only way to God continues to offend. Yet Jesus is the only way - the only option that works! All of us are guilty before God. We are sinners and cannot help ourselves. Our sin had to be dealt with. Jesus, as God in the flesh, died to pay the penalty for our sins and then rose from the dead. No other religious leader offers what Jesus provides in His victory over sin and death.

The gospel of Christ is offensive to some, but it is the wonderful truth that God loves us enough to come and take care of our biggest problem - sin. And as long as sin is the problem, the world needs Jesus!

Gifts within the Gifts

When God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, He gave us many gifts within the Gift.

Now when people receive the gift of Jesus, they also receive these special gifts, which they could obtain in no other way:

(1) Forgiveness of sin. "In Jesus we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

(2) Teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26)

(3) Eternal life and a home in heaven. John said, "He who has the Son of life" (1 John 5:12). Jesus promised, "In My Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2)

(4) A love like no other. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you... Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:9, 13) (DB08)

Have you received God's indescribable Gift? You only need to ask.

Jesus is both the gift and the Giver of every good gift!

All Things

While a Christian is undergoing trial, he must always keep the final outcome in view. Though the immediate disruptions are very discouraging they are but first steps that can lead to blessing.

For the Christian who loves the Lord, there is a good purpose in every adversity. Sometimes it is not clearly seen in this life, but even then we are able to say through our tears, "While I do not understand, I know that whatever God allows to happen is working for my good (Romans 8:28) - and that includes all things." (DB)

Thot: GOD-SENT CLOUDS ARE FOLLOWED BY HEAVEN-SENT RAINBOWS.

How to Fail Successfully

For us as Christians, failure is never final. This is because the Holy Spirit is constantly working in us to accomplish His purposes. God's standard of success does not coincide with the world's standard. For that reason He does not shield us from the consequences of our actions just because we are His children. He may let us fall on our face, but He always urges us to view the humiliation of defeat as a steppingstone toward maturity. Here are 3 suggestions for turning failure into success:(1) Honestly face defeat; never fake success. (2) Exploit the failure; don't waste it. Learn all you can from it; every bitter experience can teach us something. (3) Never use failure as an excuse for not trying again. You may not be able to reclaim the loss, undo the damage, or reverse the consequences, but you can make a new start - wiser, more sensitive, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and more determined to do right. (DB)

God is always working for our good in every situation, and we must act on that good in order to grow. Knowing how to benefit from failure is the key to success!

Life's direction

There are times where we may receive a very specific instruction from Christ through His Spirit about what we are to do. At other times we appear to be left to work out specific directions for ourselves. But this does not mean that in having to do this we don't hear from Christ. For if Christ has captivated our heart and we desire to please Him above all else, then the struggles that we may experience in coming to particular decisions will not be without Christ's guiding influence. In both clarity and obscurity Christ has promised to be with us! (SD)


From Christ alone must we know what we should do!

Blessing and conflict

We might think that God's blessings should always lead us into the way of peace and happiness. But this is not always the case. God's blessings can also be the preparation for battle, the strength for fight, the provision for the difficult journey, the enabling for the challenge, the power to face the enemy and the grace to resist the temptation. While we may wish for the smooth pathway, even in the rugged places God has promised to go before us. (SD)

PRAYER: Lord, I expected peace, but instead the battle rages. Help me to change my expectation of what ought to be so that i can face reality without bitterness or fear, but with the hope that you will see me through. Amen

Following Christ

The modern follower of Jesus of Nazareth no longer walks the Galilee road with Him. We are to walk many different roads. For some it is the road to politics; for others it is missionary work. Some, in following Christ, embrace a 'secular' career, while others choose a 'spiritual' vocation. All of these are equally important and valid if they spring from the desire to emulate Christ's way of living and doing. The issue is not so much what kind of work we are doing, although some work is clearly inappropriate for the Christian, but whether we are honoring Christ in our work. (SD)

Meditation: The issue is not what road we walk, but who we are following!


'When we are called to follow Christ, we are summoned to an exclusive attachment to His person.'

God's Truth or Man's Fiction?

The Bible's claim that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh has stood the test of many attacks. Cultists try to add or subtract from this vital truth through what they call special revelation. Scoffers deny this biblical assertion outright. And self-proclaimed intellects attempt to redefine or explain it away. But believers need not be intimidated by their challenges. It makes far more sense to trust the message of the Creator than to accept some flimsy theory created by man.

Fellow Christians, be wary of anyone who tries to undermine your faith. To solidify your convictions, meditate upon what the Bible says about the Savior. God said of Jesus, "This is My beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17). And Jesus Himself said, "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). God's Word, not man's fiction, is the final authority about who Jesus is. And you can always trust God to tell the truth!

Opposition to the Bible springs either out of the soil of ignorance or out of the soil of enmity. (DB)

What is a Christian?

The term "Christian" is often misapplied. It was first given to people in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because they "believed, and turned unto the Lord" (Acts 11:21). Many today who have never accepted Jesus as their Savior call themselves Christians just because they have some belief in the Bible.

The Bible makes it clear that by natural birth we are sinners, and that there is no such thing as a "non-born-again Christian." Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). You see, only when a person accepts Christ as Savior does he receive new spiritual life (Ephesians 2:1).

Have you turned in faith to the Lord? If so, you are a Christian - you've been born again! If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life, you aren't a Christian. Why not become one today. (DB)

"I will Trust and not be Afraid"

The Christian need not be plagued by fear. God has made adequate provision for overcoming anxiety, and we can make steps to keep from being controlled by it.

There are times when we are suddenly enveloped by circumstances (recent global financial crisis) that cause fear to grip our hearts. What should we do when that occurs? Our key - immediately putting our trust in God!

The Lord said, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in ME" (John 14:1). Continual reliance on our Deliverer puts up a shield against the haunting fears that would otherwise disturb us.

So whether we turn to God in an emergency or confidently accept each circumstance as coming from His hand, our ever-present Savior is more than sufficient to speak sweet peace to our souls. (DB)

God's Pesence

'You abide with me when all men fail me; You remember and seek me; it is Your will that I should know You and turn to You!'

GOD is not only there when we are alone or in difficulty, for He is always with us in all circumstances of our lives. But in times of distress, we can appreciate anew that our God is ever watchful, faithful and a present help in time of trouble. Though He will especially seek us out, we also need to turn to Him in faith and trust. Turning to God in our time of distress should never be a humiliating experience for us. We should, after all, always turn to Him, even in our times of joy. (SD)


THOUGHT: God's watchful presence is appreciated anew when we most need Him.

Following Christ

"When we are called to follow Christ, we are summoned to an exclusive attachment to His person."

The modern follower of Jesus of Nazareth no longer walks the Galilee road with Him. We are to walk many different roads. For some it is the road of politics; for others it is missionary work. Some, in following Christ, embrace a 'secular' career, while others choose a 'spiritual' vocation.

All of these are equally important and valid if they spring from the desire to emulate Christ's way of living and doing. The issue is not so much what kind of work we are doing, although some work is clearly inappropriate for the Christian, but whether we are honoring Christ in our work. (SD)


Thought: The issue is not what road we walk, but who we are following!

Each New Day!

To acknowledge the presence of God at the start of each day before we encounter our family, friends and workmates not only gives God the right priority, but more adequately equips us to serve others. Our first act is not to do, but to believe; not to give, but to receive; not to speak, but to listen; and not to perform, but to pray. And in the act of prayer we may receive not only God's grace, but also His wisdom and direction. (SD)


Thought: The first moments of the new day are not the time for our plans and worries, not even for our zeal to accomplish our own work, but for God's liberating grace, God's sanctifying presence.

I Will Rejoice!

At times it seems that everything around you is collapsing. Endeavors you invested in may fail. People to whom you minister may disappoint you. The business or career you worked so hard to build may crumble. These times, as difficult as they are, are opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important to you.

Do things seem to be falling apart around you? You can still praise God! Your praise for HIM does not depend on the success of your endeavors but on God's nature and His love and faithfulness to you. Ask God to help you look past worldly concerns to understand the reasons you have to praise HIM. (EGD)

God Speaks through His Activity

CHRISTIANS habitually seek God's voice through prayer, through His Word, or through His messengers. Yet sometimes we fail to hear God speak through His activity, even though He is working all around us. Unbelievers see God's activity without understanding what they see. God encourages His people to watch for His activity so they will know how they should respond and adjust their lives.

If you want to hear God's voice, look around you to see what He is doing. When you are watching for God at work, what you see will reveal His character, and you will have a fresh understanding of how to respond Him.

If you are sensitive to what God is doing around you, He will clearly speak to you through His activity. You will know that God is at work, because what you see will astound you, and human power and wisdom will not explain it.

Christ Died to Save Sinners

When a person recognizes the awful reality of his sin before a holy God, he may be overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness and despair. He cannot escape the fact that he is a sinner, and he knows he cannot save himself. But there is always hope! You see, it was for sinners that Jesus died, and He can replace, hopelessness and despair with confidence and unbounded joy.

Pride makes it difficult to acknowledge the wickedness in our heart. But admitting our sin is the first step to salvation. Then we must place our trust in Christ and accept His wonderful gift. But remember, only the spiritually needy qualify for God's offer. Sinners are the ones for whom
Christ died! (DB)

"Man is dead IN sin, but JESUS can make him dead TO sin."

Calvary's Cross

Many heart-touching stories were circulated after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. None seems more spiritually significant than that of ironworker Frank Silecchia. As he was helping to recover bodies, Frank noticed two steel beams in the shape of a cross standing upright in the middle of all the debris.

Appointing himself as the curator of that striking symbol of God's love, he often took heartbroken visitors to see it. Many of them were comforted by the silent testimony to the divine Presence in the worst tragedies. One day when journalist Barbara Walters came with tearful friends who had lost a son in the catastrophe, Frank simply led them to the cross.

The answer to the world's terrible pain and evil is not philosophical argument or a theological treatise. The all-sufficient answer is Calvary's cross, where in fathomless grace Jesus, the incarnate God, took upon Himself the burden of our sins and bore them "in His own body on the tree, that we... might live for righteousness." (I Peter 2:24)

If you have not been led to Calvary's cross, let me take you there. He died for you and then rose again. Believe in Him and you will be saved (1 Cor. 1:21) - Vernon Grounds

Christ on the road with us!

Without the word of Jesus for our lives, we may be busy and active, but we cannot be ultimately productive. Nor are we purposefully sustained and encouraged. But in ordering our lives on the word of Jesus, we may find ourselves walking a difficult road. However, on that road we will be kept, for the Master himself is with us. (CR)

Thought: The alternatives are not 'life without the word of Jesus will be easy' and 'life obeying
Christ is hard'. Rather the options are without the word of Christ, we walk alone' and
and in' obeying Him, He is with us'.

Thirsting for the Word

God's truth is like bread to the hungry and like water for the thirsty. God's word is a light for those who walk in darkness, bringing healing and hope for those who are sick or in despair. It is revealed to those who are seeking and guides those who wish to walk in God's ways. God's truth is not for those who know it all, who are self-satisfied and who are curious, but do not want to be changed. From such the word is hidden, for its meaning only comes to those are willingly obey. (CR)

Thought: How long has it been since you've read and followed God's Word? Don't underestimate its benefits. It could mean the difference between health and sickness, between victory and defeat.

The Power of the Gospel

The words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels are strangely powerful. They turn our values upside down. The wise are to be childlike. The powerful are to become servants. The weak are strong. Those who have nothing receive the blessings of the kingdom. The outcasts are welcomed into God's family. Those who acknowledge their sins are forgiven. These words not only challenge us, but invite us to live that kind of reality. And in living such a lifestyle we cannot but affect the world. (CR)

Thought: The strange words of Jesus call us to experience life in a new way!

Christ the Victor!

JESUS the faithful Son of the Father endured that shameful cross and was raised with honor through God's power. His victory is a reality in which we can share. It frees us from the power of the law with its regulations that points us in the right direction, but cannot empower us to live by its precepts. Christ's victory frees us from sin's power which enslaves us to do even the things we don't want to do. And Christ has robbed the evil one of his power. Light and not darkness, freedom and not enslavement, obedience and not rebellion now become a radical possibility for those who put their trust in Christ the Victor! (CR)

In Christ, light and not darkness can become norm for our lives and for the world.

The second Adam

JESUS has taken His stand in the place where I should be standing but have failed. He was obedient where I refused to listen. He was faithful where I was wayward. He was resolute where I was wavered. He was forgiving where I was bitter. He pleased His Father where I pleased myself. He bore my sin and shame while I was the guilty party. He is the true Saviour, doing for me what I could not do for myself. Yet, surprisingly, He welcomes and embraces me and empowers me to become like Him.


Thought: If Christ would not be for us, who then would be? (CR)

Lord the Whole of our Life

We are quite happy for Jesus to add something to our life. We have no problem in accepting His blessings. We are less happy, however, for Him to take something away. What is even more startling is when the call of Jesus causes a deep rupture in our previous lifestyle and calls us to new priorities and concerns. This orientation may well shake our previous securities, but can only lead us to a new state of blessedness and growth. (CR)

If Jesus Christ cannot challenge us to adopt new priorities, then He does not touch the central issues of our lives. Christ's lordship is not only over our spirituality, but also over our social and economic priorities!

Head and Heart

Knowing Christ has everything to do with acknowledging Him with our mind. To know Christ is never an anti-intellectual affair. But knowing Christ is also a matter of the heart. By faith we know Him, but by His Spirit we also experience His love and presence. Thus our understanding of Christ also comes from that mysterious work of His Spirit which at times is beyond words. If we think that we contain the living Christ within our words and our theology, we have grasped far less than we realize.(CR)

PRAYER:

Lord, may I learn more of You through the eyes and ears of the heart. May my intellectual understanding of You, my Savior, also be enlarged. And may I learn more about You in the experiences of life and the mysterious working of Your Spirit.

God, the Great Initiator!

"If we ask how we should begin life with God, the Scripture answers that God has long since begun life with us. If we ask what we can do for God, we hear what God has done for us. If we ask how we can live without sin before God, the forgiveness of all sins in Jesus Christ is announced to us.'

We don't begin with God; he begins with us. Before we seek God He is already at work in our lives. He is the one who acts first and what we do is a response to His prompting and love. We are often not aware that God is ahead of us in this way. It is usually in retrospect that we make this discovery. This can only cause us to be thankful, for God was there with us even when we did not know it. (CR)

How to Know God!

According to Genesis 6 (OT), Noah lived in a time of terrible wickedness, yet he kept himself from all the evil around him. He must have known the Lord in a close, personal way, for he was called a man who "walked with God." When we speak of knowing the Lord, we have in mind much more than simply learning some facts about deity. We are referring to a lifetime dedicated to becoming more and more familiar with God's glory and attributes.

KNOWING GOD takes time. First we must receive Jesus Christ as Savior, and then we must learn all we can about Him through studying God's Word and fellowshipping with Him each day. Getting acquainted with God means talking with Him in prayer, trusting Him, obeying Him, and receiving daily His gracious provision. That's what it takes to know God the way Noah did!(DB)


KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES IS ONE THING, KNOWING THE AUTHOR IS ANOTHER!

Where the Grass is Greener

DISCONTENT is one of our worst enemies. The insatiable appetite for more possessions, the relentless desire to get ahead, and the driving urge to outdo others all lead to unhappiness.

There's nothing wrong with trying to improve our situation in life, as long as we first establish the right values. But if we expend all our efforts simply keeping up with someone else, we should reevaluate our goals. We must learn to be thankful for what God has given us, and to be content with what we have. Only then will we realize how green the grass is on our own side of the fence!

"Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from few wants."

Treasures in Dark Clouds!

Christians often learn more in times of darkness and trial than in the pleasant sunlight of prosperity. God may visit us shrouded in a thick, impenetrable cloud when He has something very important to teach us; yet we will never enjoy the treasures of His grace unless we master the lessons He brings us in those gloomy days of distress. Even when we feel the loneliest and most forsaken, GOD IS NEAR. Let's approach our difficulties without flinching, for beyond the blackness of our most severe trial God's special blessing awaits us.

God cometh in that cloud!(Exodus 19:9) For beyond each cloud of trial is the rainbow of God's grace.(DB)

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME!

A common complaint today is that with the coming of the computer we often feel depersonalized. Why? Because more and more we deal with faceless machines that do not recognize us as individuals, but as numbers to be processed as rapidly as possible. And when the computer malfunctions, it sometimes seems impossible to get things sorted out. The computer just won't "listen to us." When we feel this way, JESUS' words as recorded by John are especially comforting. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep" (John 10:14). We are not numbers to Him; in fact, HE CALLS US BY NAME.

Do you feel neglected? Have friends let you down? Does it seem that even the Lord has forgotten you? If so, take comfort in this: The Savior knows who you are and where you are and what you need. You are not just a number to Him. He knows your name! (DB86)

Give Attention to Details

Sometimes Christians get so involved with the large, impressive responsibilities of life that they neglect the important little details. They may be caught up in planning a major plan or overseeing a major project, but they ignore the smaller tasks that seem minor by comparison. They no longer find time for Bible reading or for seeking the Lord's will in prayer.

Christian, how is it with you? Do you neglect to pray about decisions? Do you fail to give a "thank you" when it is due? Are you letting little things slide? Remind yourself often of the importance of giving attention details. (DB84)

"He accomplishes great things who pays attention to little things."

God's Sufficient Grace

Human strength is a strong deterrent to trusting in Christ. When we rely on our own strength, resources, and knowledge, we assume we can handle situations without help from God. We tend to divide problems into(2)categories: problems that we know require God's help and problems we think we can handle on our own.

If you feel strong in an area of your life, BEWARE! Often your strength, rather your weakness, hinders you from trusting God. God will bring you to a point of weakness if that is what it takes to bring you to trust in Him. Do not despise your weakness, for it leads you to trust in God's strength.


And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (EGD98)

Abraham Lincoln's Faith

God tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him "(Heb. 11:6). We may be morally correct, receive high marks for our contribution to society, and even be faithful in performing religious duties, but none of these things qualify us for Heaven. Only faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, who died as our substitute, can open the door to salvation.

Abraham Lincoln was a great man and a great President. But many do not know that only in the first few months of his life was he saved by putting his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Moody Monthly Magazine pointed this out in an interesting article. It stated: "Abraham Lincoln was raised in a fine Christian home. He once said of his mother, ' I remember her prayers and they have always followed me.' In his youth, Lincold showed great interest in the Bible and spiritual truths. He memorized large portions of Scripture and read such works as Pilgrim's Progress. Yet in his adulthood, he strayed from his godly training. But with the burdens of the Civil War pressing down upon him, President Lincoln began to experience a change of heart. Not long before he died, he was asked 'Do you love Jesus?' He replied, 'When I left Springfield, I asked the people to pray for me. But I was not a Christian! When I buried my son, the severest trial of my life, I still was not a Christian. But at Gettysburg I consecrated myself to Christ. Yes, I now can truly say I DO LOVE JESUS!'"

Friend, don't rely on your upbringing, your good works, or your church membership. Like Lincoln, put your faith in the Lord Jesus and be assured of eternal life! HGB

The Hand that Gives - Gathers!

The Bible teaches that we should provide for others when they appeal to us in a time of extreme need. The Lord Jesus directly commanded it when He said, "Give to everyone who asks of you.." The same truth is also found in Ecclesiastes 11:2 where we are instructed to "give a portion to seven, and also to eight." We are not only told to look after our own personal needs, but we are also to be concerned about the pressing needs of those around us.

Do you of know of someone that needs a bag of groceries? Would that large underprivileged family at the end of the block enjoy some delicious meal you could provide? If so, do that deed of kindness today! Remember, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." (Prov.19:17) (HGB)



"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4

What is your Priority?

Putting Christ first in our lives brings satisfaction that lasts!

To be successful and to be an effective witness for Christ, we, as believers, must keep each aspect of our life in the proper order of priorities. No matter what we aspire for, our having ceaseless longings and desires, to climb the ladder of success, consider this.. first matter of business must always be, God's business!

Our awesome God knows that we have earthly needs (Matt. 6:32), and He knows that you have tasks to do here on earth. But think of this thing: ...He expects us to give Him first place and to seek His righteousness above all else!

What is your priority, my Friend?

Time Alone With God

Did you know that God wants to spend time alone with you? (John 4:23)

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he becomes a member of God's family . .
a child of God. . he can call God his father! (Galatians 3:26 Living Letters) Any good father wants to spend time with his children - sometimes with all of them together . . but often with each one alone. That is the way that a person gets to know another person well - by spending time alone with him.

So the best way to get to know your Heavenly Father is to spend time alone with Him. He has made it clear that He is interested in us who are His children.

Whatever the time, be consistent in meeting Him, Jesus rose early to pray... and He went somewhere that was quiet - a good idea for us!

There is no ritual to your time alone with God ... any more than there would be in spending time alone with an earthly parent.

And He is looking forward to spending some time alone with you tomorrow and every day! (BGEA 77)

May this inspirational message help you strengthen your fellowship with our Lord Jesus!

Begin the Day with Hope

While we usually wake up each morning anticipating the activities of a new day, sometimes we experience feelings of dread. After a night of fitful sleep, we may feel ill-equipped to face the problems we expect to encounter. Dark, depressing thoughts can quickly overwhelm us. Instead, look forward in faith to God, backward in gratitude for His mercies and forward in expectation of His mighty deliverance. Thus, we could enter the new day with hope!

Christian friend, some mornings you and I will wake up to a very difficult day. When this happens we can either give in to despair or follow the example of King David in Psalm 3:5, 6.

Faith, gratitude, and expectation will enable us to face the most trying day with strong confidence in God!" (HVL)

"Times of Silence"

The silence of a moment would often bring the words of Psalm 46:10 to mind: "Be still. and know that I am God." Also, in Habakkuk 2:20... the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him."

But there are other times of silence when GOD speaks to us. Sooner or later we lie sleepless as a result of illness, grief, or anxiety. These can be precious moments of quiet solitude when we tell the Lord we love Him and want Him to speak to us. In the stillness, we can learn lessons we'd learn in no other way. We experience a new peace - a fresh sense of His presence. But we need not wait for a sleepless night!

Let's set aside some time today to be silent before God!!! - (HVL)

The quiet hour is the power hour.

"Times of Silence"

Devotions that Work

Devotions. Quiet Time. Bible Study. Many titles and many different approaches, but one purpose: to keep us in touch with God and His Word. Time alone with the Lord can be hampered by busy schedules, shortened by interruptions, or neglected by apathy. But personal devotions are essential for spiritual growth and effective service. Perhaps you feel that way, but you've been spending more time in working at devotions that you have in learning from them. If so, it may help to divide your time into several segments.

PRAYER. As you begin your quiet time, ask God for guidance and freedom from distraction. This will help to quiet your heart and prepare you for fellowship with Him.

BIBLE READING. Make God's Word the very heart of your devotions, for it is the source of all truth, and a guide for living. Bible study will be ineffective without a method of Scripture selection, so choose a basic approach--verse by verse, thematic, or possibly a character study (like King David). Keep the passage short, and read it slowly and thoughtfully.

DEVOTIONAL READING. With the Scripture passage firmly in mind, turn to a guide such as Our Daily Bread (available in any Christian Bookstores) or devotional commentary. From these you can get helpful insights and practical applications.

MEDITATION. Reread the Scripture and allow each truth you find to become a part of your thinking. This will help you get a grasp of God's Word. Also, as you notice key verses, memorize them for later reference (example: John 3:16).

PRAYER AND APPLICATION. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you implement what you've learned. Then as you get into your day, put into practice any words of advice or wisdom you discovered in your meditation. Especially helpful are short statements that capture the day's theme.

Make a habit of learning and growing in the Lord each day. (I DID!!) Then, instead of just working at devotions, you'll have devotions that work. (DB '84)

A Gift from God!!

The Bible tells about the kind of gift that shows the generosity of the giver... (1 Peter 4:10).. it is the manifold Grace of God!!!!

GRACE is undeserved favor. It is the free kindness that comes from the Lord. It includes all the help the Lord offers those who wait upon Him. Grace is experienced not only as the favor of His forgiveness, but also as the energy and ability He gives to enable His people (we) to live His way!!

The Grace of God gives us to serve HIM is absolutely free!! It surpasses anything this world has to offer - and it's ours for the asking.

The only limit to God's grace is the limit we put upon it!

Jesus is All You Need!

The Lord Jesus has promised to help His children (those who accepted Him as Lord and Saviour) in time of trouble. Having victoriously endured the most severe testings that could be visited upon any man (when He died on the cross for the sins of man), He understands what Christians feel and can satisfy their deep spiritual longings.

Christ is our wellspring of grace and is able to meet every need of every believer!!
Yes, "in every human need Christ is my all...for Jesus is all I need!!"
In hours of distress and trouble, we can look to Jesus and by faith, we will receive His inexhaustible wellspring of grace, for HE IS OUR SUFFICIENCY!!

Christ does not always take us out of trials and troubles, but we know deep down in our hearts that He does take us through them!!

A man penned these words of testimony: "Am I wounded? Jesus is balm. Am I sick? He is medicine. Am I poor? Jesus is wealth. Am I hungry? He is bread. Am I thirsty? He is water.
Am I in debt? He is my surety. Am I in darkness? He is my sun and shield. Must I face black clouds and a gathering storm? He is an anchor both sure and steadfast. Am I being tried? He pleads for me as my perfect Advocate!! JESUS IS ALL YOU NEED!!

Jesus is Alive!!

I wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY RESURRECTION!
Praise God for Jesus' resurrection always allows us a fresh start!

Triumph over trial!!

Most of us find it difficult to sing in the time of sorrow, suffering, and trial. Yet, if we would understand that God has a reason for either ordering or allowing every pressure and trials we face, rejoicing would readily flow from our hearts!

If we have bitter disappointments, painful suffering, and shattering sorrow, if accepted in faith, can be a means of strengthening our character. Start to praise God for all the pressures...stop sighing and start rejoicing because you triumph over trial! Give your grateful song of praise to Jesus!!!

Cheer Up!

All around us are discouraged people - perhaps even in our homes. Today, let's look for ways to give them that needed encouragement!

True, everyone who deserves our praise should be recognized, but without flattery. As Book of Proverbs 12:25 says that..."heaviness in the heart of man weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." And we should never say that something is good when it's otherwise. Yet no matter how imperfect a person may seem or how poorly he performs, we can always find something good to praise him.

A kindly word that was lightly spoken may stilled the pain of a heart that was nearly broken. So, if you see someone who need more encouragement give him one of yours!

Smile Today

Need Help?

Heard the word "incopability?" It's a coined word to describe the symtoms of man who had become so rundown, rockbottom and depressed that he felt he could no longer face life. Nothing's wrong physically but just can't cope with life anymore. (DB 83)

Many times in the past we've experienced persecutions, cast down or even afflictions, yet we can conquer "incopability." First, we have to learn and be optimistic that we're able to overcome the stresses of everyday life. Be confident and not lose heart because there's always an available solution in every problem we encounter. Second, list down your pressures that you feel may cause you pain and hurting. Third, find refreshment and comfort to deal with your stresses.

The good news is God is for us and in us, orchestrating our lives to look ahead to the future!
He gives hope for the hopeless, strength for the weary, peace for the striving, freedom for the oppressed! It is available to anyone who will receive it!! This is free!!!