Sunday, August 30, 2009
point to ponder 12
We always live up our down to our beliefs. Beliefs are tracks which govern our lives. Our engine rolls on them whether we like it our not. If your engine is not rolling on the set of tracks which you say are yours, it's because you have diverted from your track to another track. This track is now your true belief, not the ones you left.
point to ponder 11
Poverty is not about living without. Living without can be fruitless death. Poverty is about needing, it is clearing a space in your heart so that God can fill it
Friday, August 28, 2009
Point to ponder 10
It is time to believe in God-- to understand that what you are is not what God needs. God is all sufficient "I AM" Everything and anything we would ever need. God needs nothing, he has it all
S.T.A.R.T.
s- stop making excuses and blaming others, I am the only one that can ruin my life in how I respond to hurts, dont listen, give up to soon and fail to plan.
t- take an inventory to life- eval experiences
a- act in faith must walk it and move ahead in spite of fear
r- refocus way I think, change my thought change way I act
t- trust God to help me succeed
t- take an inventory to life- eval experiences
a- act in faith must walk it and move ahead in spite of fear
r- refocus way I think, change my thought change way I act
t- trust God to help me succeed
point to ponder 9
Faith isnt just a word. Its real and solid as a steel bar. If you believe in yourself and in God as the source of all your stregnth, there is no limit to what you can do
POINT TO PONDER 8
Using negatives to develop in Him
Life is like a photograph-you use the negatives to develop and God is the ultimate developer
Life is like a photograph-you use the negatives to develop and God is the ultimate developer
One way to remember
DECK OF CARDS
TALK TO THE LORD STUDYING A DECK OF CARDS
ACE-REMINDS ME THERE IS ONLY 1 GOD
2-THE 2 PARTS OF THE BIBLE, OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT
3-REPRESENTS FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST
4-FOUR GOSPELS:MATHEW MARK LUKE AND JOHN
5-FIVE VIRGINS- THERE WERE 10 BUT ONLY FIVE WERE GLORIFIED
6-FOR THE 6 DAYS IT TOOK GOD TO CREATE THE HEAVENS AND EARTH
7-IS FOR THE DAY GOD RESTED AFTER MAKING HIS CREATION
8-FOR THE FAMILY OF NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THEIR 3 SONS AND THEIR WIVES THE EIGHT PEOPLE GOD SPARED FROM THE FLOOD THAT DISTROYED THE EARTH
9-IS FOR THE LEPERS THAT JESUS CLEANSED OF LEPROSY. HE CLEANSED 10 BUT 9 NEVER THANKED HIM
10-REPRESENTS THE 10 COMMANDMENTS THAT GOD HANDED DOWN TO MOSES ON TABLETS MADE OF STONE
JACK- IS A REMINDER THAT SATAN, ONE OF GOD'S FIRST ANGLES, BUT HE GOT KICKED OUT OF HEAVEN FOR HIS SLY AND WICKED WAYS AND IS NOW THE JOKER OF ETERNAL HELL
QUEEN- STANDS FOR THE VIRGIN MARY
KING- STANDS FOR JESUS, FOR HE IS THE KING OF KINGS
COUNT ALL THE DOTS ON ALL THE CARDS, YOU GET 365 TOTAL, ONE FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 52 CARDS IN A DECK: EACH IS A WEEK-52 WEEKS IN A YEAR 4 SUITS REPRESENT THE FOUR SEASONS:SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER EACH SUIT HAS THIRTEEN CARDS-THERE ARE EXACTLY 13 WEEKS IN A QUARTER
SO WHEN YOU WANT TO TALK TO GOD AND THANK HIM JUST PULL OUT A DECK OF CARDS AND THEY WILL REMIND YOU OF ALL YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR
TALK TO THE LORD STUDYING A DECK OF CARDS
ACE-REMINDS ME THERE IS ONLY 1 GOD
2-THE 2 PARTS OF THE BIBLE, OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT
3-REPRESENTS FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST
4-FOUR GOSPELS:MATHEW MARK LUKE AND JOHN
5-FIVE VIRGINS- THERE WERE 10 BUT ONLY FIVE WERE GLORIFIED
6-FOR THE 6 DAYS IT TOOK GOD TO CREATE THE HEAVENS AND EARTH
7-IS FOR THE DAY GOD RESTED AFTER MAKING HIS CREATION
8-FOR THE FAMILY OF NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THEIR 3 SONS AND THEIR WIVES THE EIGHT PEOPLE GOD SPARED FROM THE FLOOD THAT DISTROYED THE EARTH
9-IS FOR THE LEPERS THAT JESUS CLEANSED OF LEPROSY. HE CLEANSED 10 BUT 9 NEVER THANKED HIM
10-REPRESENTS THE 10 COMMANDMENTS THAT GOD HANDED DOWN TO MOSES ON TABLETS MADE OF STONE
JACK- IS A REMINDER THAT SATAN, ONE OF GOD'S FIRST ANGLES, BUT HE GOT KICKED OUT OF HEAVEN FOR HIS SLY AND WICKED WAYS AND IS NOW THE JOKER OF ETERNAL HELL
QUEEN- STANDS FOR THE VIRGIN MARY
KING- STANDS FOR JESUS, FOR HE IS THE KING OF KINGS
COUNT ALL THE DOTS ON ALL THE CARDS, YOU GET 365 TOTAL, ONE FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 52 CARDS IN A DECK: EACH IS A WEEK-52 WEEKS IN A YEAR 4 SUITS REPRESENT THE FOUR SEASONS:SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER EACH SUIT HAS THIRTEEN CARDS-THERE ARE EXACTLY 13 WEEKS IN A QUARTER
SO WHEN YOU WANT TO TALK TO GOD AND THANK HIM JUST PULL OUT A DECK OF CARDS AND THEY WILL REMIND YOU OF ALL YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR
A pastor with guts-- we need more like him
Thought you might enjoy this interestingPrayer given in Kansas atThe opening session of their Senate It seemsPrayer still upsets somePeople. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to openThe new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual genealities, but this is what they heard:
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to askYour forgiveness and to seek your direction and Guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to thoseWho call evil good,' but that is exactly what weHave done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversedOur values.
We have exploited the poor and called itThe lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called itWelfare.
We have killed our unborn and called itChoice.
We have shot abortionists and called itJustifiable.
We have neglected to discipline ourChildren and called it Building self esteem..
We have abused power and called it Politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessionsAnd called it Ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity andPornography and called it Freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored valuesOf our forefathers and called it Enlightenment.
Search us, Oh God, and know our heartsToday; cleanse us from every sin and set us free Amen!
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to askYour forgiveness and to seek your direction and Guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to thoseWho call evil good,' but that is exactly what weHave done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversedOur values.
We have exploited the poor and called itThe lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called itWelfare.
We have killed our unborn and called itChoice.
We have shot abortionists and called itJustifiable.
We have neglected to discipline ourChildren and called it Building self esteem..
We have abused power and called it Politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessionsAnd called it Ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity andPornography and called it Freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored valuesOf our forefathers and called it Enlightenment.
Search us, Oh God, and know our heartsToday; cleanse us from every sin and set us free Amen!
cracked pot
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path. Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house." Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table.
FULL JOY
I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:11 NLTFull joy
In many ways, we live in bleak times. Millions feel disillusioned with life while millions more feel uncertain about the future—especially young people. Many of you in Generation X have been victims of a great social experiment in which parents who never grew up cast aside time-honored moral values and, in the phrase of the 1960s, did their own thing.
Nevertheless, there is someone to believe in, something to grasp, and someone to trust. You need to go to the next letter of the alphabet, to Y—as in "Why do I exist. Why was I created? And what am I living for?"
According to Jesus, you were created for joy. "These things I have spoken to you," Jesus said, "that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
The things Jesus spoke of were His teachings about bearing fruit. We were created to bear fruit for God, which essentially means to become like Jesus: His mind becomes our mind, His purpose becomes our purpose. And there's only one way to produce such luscious fruit, according to Jesus: "Abide in Me" (John 15:4). This is the secret of spiritual growth and the key to overflowing joy. Are you bearing spiritual fruit?
John 15:11 NLTFull joy
In many ways, we live in bleak times. Millions feel disillusioned with life while millions more feel uncertain about the future—especially young people. Many of you in Generation X have been victims of a great social experiment in which parents who never grew up cast aside time-honored moral values and, in the phrase of the 1960s, did their own thing.
Nevertheless, there is someone to believe in, something to grasp, and someone to trust. You need to go to the next letter of the alphabet, to Y—as in "Why do I exist. Why was I created? And what am I living for?"
According to Jesus, you were created for joy. "These things I have spoken to you," Jesus said, "that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
The things Jesus spoke of were His teachings about bearing fruit. We were created to bear fruit for God, which essentially means to become like Jesus: His mind becomes our mind, His purpose becomes our purpose. And there's only one way to produce such luscious fruit, according to Jesus: "Abide in Me" (John 15:4). This is the secret of spiritual growth and the key to overflowing joy. Are you bearing spiritual fruit?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The testimony of presidents
The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:
It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.
George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.
Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.
Abraham LIincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
Ulysses S. Grant
The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:
It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.
George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.
Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.
Abraham LIincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
Ulysses S. Grant
It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.
George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.
Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.
Abraham LIincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
Ulysses S. Grant
The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:
It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.
George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.
Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.
Abraham LIincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
Ulysses S. Grant
The soil of Eden
Our bodies originated in the soil of Eden. It should not surprise us that they are sustained by food that grows from the soil. Every source of food ultimately finds its nourishment in the soil, and that nourishment sustains our bodies. Likewise, our souls were created by the breath of God in Eden; it should not surprise us that the Word of God, which is inspired, or "God breathed," sustains our souls. If we plan to eat food each day to keep our body alive, shouldn't we also plan to feast on God's Word each day to sustain our soul?
Friday, August 21, 2009
point to ponder 7
No matter how much you carry in your wallet, individual moments do not change. Hopes and dreams might, but the string of moments that make up life does not.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Penny
Several years ago, a friend of mine was invited to spend the weekend at her husbands employer's home. As they were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Ann wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure.. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America ' 'No, not that; read further.''One cent?' 'No, keep reading.' 'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?' 'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him.. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me , God is patient and pennies are plentiful! When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized t hat I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
Positive answers
HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Phil ippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive my self'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Phil ippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Phil ippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive my self'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Phil ippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
In the eye of the storm
Our light house- lights to look for and signals to heed:Love God more than you fear hell
once a week let a child take you for a walk
make a major decision in a cemetery
when no one is watching, live as if someone is
succeed at home first
dont spend tomorrows money today
pray twice as much as you fret
listen twice as much as you speak
only harbor a grudge when God does
never outgrow your love for sunsets
treat people like angels, you will meet some and help make some
err on the side of generosity
God has forgiven you, you would be wise to do the same
when you cant trace Gods hand, trust in his heart
dont feel guilty for God's goodness
the book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number
never let the important be the victim of the trivial
live your liturgy
God is never irritated by the candle of an honest seeker
Job-- "I had heard about you before , but now I have seen you"
Faith is not born at the negotiating table, it is not an award given for the most learned, it is not a prize given to the most diciplined, it is not bequeathed to the most religious. Faith is a desperate dive out of a sinking boat of human effort and a prayer that God will be there to pull us out of the water. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourself it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."
Worship is a voluntary act of graditude offered by the saved to the Savior, a thank you that refuses to be silenced.
when God whispers our name
every one knows self denial leads to holiness
Live by following the spirit, the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives
ask God to do what is right
nails didnt hold Christ to the cross Love did
revenge belongs to God, he did not ask us to settle the score or get even
to forgive someone is to display reverence
you cant control how others respond to God, but you can control the way you respond to God
point to ponder 5
Success only has currency for the person who possesses it while that person is alive-there is more to live for
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Who do we seek counsel from
Do you seek the counsel of others?
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.
Proverbs 2:1-7 NLT
Accepting advice
The degree to which people will listen is determined by the degree to which we have wise counsel for them. If you want people to listen to you, you yourself must listen to the right adviser. Like Samuel, listen to the Lord's counsel—read his Word and hear what he says. There is no wiser counselor than he who knows every moment of every tomorrow and knows how you will fit into those moments. If you think you know it all, you probably know less than you think. If, in humility, you recognize how much help and counsel you need, you will likely seek it and get it. No one wants to waste time counseling a fool, because the fool doesn't want counsel. We all enjoy sharing wisdom with the wise, and when we do, we discover new wisdom for our own needs. Proverbs 14:7 tells us that we should stay away from fools if we are looking for wise counsel.
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.
Proverbs 2:1-7 NLT
Accepting advice
The degree to which people will listen is determined by the degree to which we have wise counsel for them. If you want people to listen to you, you yourself must listen to the right adviser. Like Samuel, listen to the Lord's counsel—read his Word and hear what he says. There is no wiser counselor than he who knows every moment of every tomorrow and knows how you will fit into those moments. If you think you know it all, you probably know less than you think. If, in humility, you recognize how much help and counsel you need, you will likely seek it and get it. No one wants to waste time counseling a fool, because the fool doesn't want counsel. We all enjoy sharing wisdom with the wise, and when we do, we discover new wisdom for our own needs. Proverbs 14:7 tells us that we should stay away from fools if we are looking for wise counsel.
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