Good morning! The guest is Dean Hardy of Canada share this from 9/29/11 "If You Have Faith" devotion. Thank you Dean for sharing this. It really touched me.
Good thoughts Dorothy!
Interesting timing--last night in our Bible study we looked at Galatians 3. Paul talks about the importance of living by faith every day using the example of Abraham. Looking at Abraham's story, we see that though he began his walk with God 'by faith' in following God without question (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10). But then he often tried to fulfill God's promises in the flesh/his own strength--I.e. Going to Egypt because of a famine without asking God about what he should do (Genesis 12:10), lying to protect himself instead of trusting God (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2), worrying about who his heir would be because he still didn't have a son (Genesis 15:1-3), trying to produce an heir through his servant girl (Genesis 16:1-4). In the midst of all this God was trying to teach Abraham how to live by faith every day (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes he got it right (Genesis 21:1-6; 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:11-12; etc), other times he fell back on to his old fleshly/human habits.
In Galatians 3, Paul tells us that Abraham's example teaches us how to live by faith each day. "The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. . . . God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. . . . The Scriptures also say, 'The people God accepts because of their faith will live.' " Galatians 3:6-11 (cp. Habakkuk 2:6) CEV. I have noticed that many Christians understand clearly and believe that salvation comes through God's grace by faith alone, but many do not know how to live by faith after they are saved. This is the continual challenge for us as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's ways.
Serving Abba together, Dean
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
If You Have Faith
Matthew 17:20b
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."
Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)
Have faith in God today!
Dorothy
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."
Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)
Have faith in God today!
Dorothy
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Learning to Lean on Jesus
Here's a guest from Edmonton, Canada with a song, "Learning to Lean on Jesus" so I add verse of John 13:23 and I did little research on "Lean" to give us a little visualize (picture) meaning. Lean means to cast one's weight to one side for SUPPORT ; a feeling of liking; an act of bending. The whole purpose of the song is learning to LEAN on Jesus for SUPPORT. You need Jesus for support. Don't do it alone. Even the disciples were learning to lean on Jesus for support. Just picture yourself like John did in this verses. Oh what a blessing thought of comfort!
John 13:23 "Now there was "LEANING ON JESUS' bosom (front of human chest) one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:25 He (John) then lying on Jesus' breast . . ."
From Pastor Dale + Wilma Boyd respond to devotion (on 9/26 His Strength).
Hello there!
Good devotion!! it reminds me of old song when I was so young. Let me write this song:
Learning To Lean On Jesus
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt
I found peace that is so serene
And all that He asks is a child like trust
And a heart that is learning to lean
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Words & Music: Helen H.Lemmel, 1922
John 13:23 "Now there was "LEANING ON JESUS' bosom (front of human chest) one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:25 He (John) then lying on Jesus' breast . . ."
From Pastor Dale + Wilma Boyd respond to devotion (on 9/26 His Strength).
Hello there!
Good devotion!! it reminds me of old song when I was so young. Let me write this song:
Learning To Lean On Jesus
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt
I found peace that is so serene
And all that He asks is a child like trust
And a heart that is learning to lean
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Learning to lean
Learning to lean
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Words & Music: Helen H.Lemmel, 1922
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Hold Your Ground
1 Corinthians 15:58
KJV: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NCV: So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.
What does the Scriptures has to say when we might be tempted to give up? Some of them came from “The Bible from 26 Translations.” So I am putting some of the words together and would say:
“Since future victory is sure, let us be strong in our purpose and HOLD YOUR GROUND. Let us stand firm and let nothing move you. As we continue to be busy for the Lord and let us always be devoted to the Lord. Let us work for the Lord always and work without limit. Let us be active in the Lord’s service at all times. Why? Because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to open our spiritual eyes and let us see the work of the Holy Spirit and help us to be true to you. After reading the Scripture, I realized that Satan is working very hard to try to discourage us to give up the service of the Lord. Oh Holy Spirit, revive us today and deliver us from Evil One who walk about as Roaring Lion seeking to whom he could destroy. We ask for help and we believe that You will reveal Yourself to us and assure us that You do care and love us so much. Thank You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
May the Lord bless you today!
Dorothy
KJV: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NCV: So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.
What does the Scriptures has to say when we might be tempted to give up? Some of them came from “The Bible from 26 Translations.” So I am putting some of the words together and would say:
“Since future victory is sure, let us be strong in our purpose and HOLD YOUR GROUND. Let us stand firm and let nothing move you. As we continue to be busy for the Lord and let us always be devoted to the Lord. Let us work for the Lord always and work without limit. Let us be active in the Lord’s service at all times. Why? Because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to open our spiritual eyes and let us see the work of the Holy Spirit and help us to be true to you. After reading the Scripture, I realized that Satan is working very hard to try to discourage us to give up the service of the Lord. Oh Holy Spirit, revive us today and deliver us from Evil One who walk about as Roaring Lion seeking to whom he could destroy. We ask for help and we believe that You will reveal Yourself to us and assure us that You do care and love us so much. Thank You, Father in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
May the Lord bless you today!
Dorothy
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fear Not, I Will Strength You
Isaiah 41:10
KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL STRENGTH THEE; yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
NCV: So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I WILL MAKE YOU STRONG and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
AMP: Fear not; [there is nothing to fear] for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed [loss of courage because of fear of what is about to happen; trouble greatly], for I am your God. I WILL STRENGTHEN AND HARDEN YOU [to difficulties]; yes, I will help you; yes I will hold you up and retain [hold; keep] you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice.
Wow! What an awesome promise from the Lord our wonderful God who cares about us. We are in the New Testament time, but we became the chosen servants of God and we can claim the promises of these verses for ourselves. God's word has spoken to us that we must not fear other humans because God is with us.
The word, "harden" means He will make us able to "endure" anything we face. He will give us grace and strength when we need to face all the things that are happening around us. God will help us through times of crisis and He will be our peace. He will also support us and be our advocate, like a lawyer in time of need. God begins doing a good work in us, and let us trust Him to continue until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.
This is my prayer for you:
That your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ. See the good about trusting Him, and realize that it is bad to worry too much. I pray that we all talk about good things God will do for us in Jesus' name. Amen!
Song:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge [get to know] Him and
He shall direct your path.
(Song collection)
May the Lord shine His face upon you and bless you today.
KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL STRENGTH THEE; yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
NCV: So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I WILL MAKE YOU STRONG and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
AMP: Fear not; [there is nothing to fear] for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed [loss of courage because of fear of what is about to happen; trouble greatly], for I am your God. I WILL STRENGTHEN AND HARDEN YOU [to difficulties]; yes, I will help you; yes I will hold you up and retain [hold; keep] you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice.
Wow! What an awesome promise from the Lord our wonderful God who cares about us. We are in the New Testament time, but we became the chosen servants of God and we can claim the promises of these verses for ourselves. God's word has spoken to us that we must not fear other humans because God is with us.
The word, "harden" means He will make us able to "endure" anything we face. He will give us grace and strength when we need to face all the things that are happening around us. God will help us through times of crisis and He will be our peace. He will also support us and be our advocate, like a lawyer in time of need. God begins doing a good work in us, and let us trust Him to continue until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.
This is my prayer for you:
That your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ. See the good about trusting Him, and realize that it is bad to worry too much. I pray that we all talk about good things God will do for us in Jesus' name. Amen!
Song:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge [get to know] Him and
He shall direct your path.
(Song collection)
May the Lord shine His face upon you and bless you today.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fear Not, I Am Thy Shield
Genesis 15:1
KJV: The Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’
NCV: The Lord spoke his word to Abram in a vision: “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you, and I will give you a great reward.”
AMP: The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.’
Abram’s name was later changed to Abraham is found in Genesis 17:5. Abraham was in the battle with the kings and he had overcome them. After his battle with the kings, Abraham became troubled and fearful. God came to Abraham in a vision to help him feel assured that God was Abraham’s shield and reward. Abraham went on to talk to the Lord about having no child to carry on to his heir. But God had promised him that he would have a son to carry on. Even though it was impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son in their old age, yet Abraham believed God.
Genesis 15:6 in NCV: Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram’s faith, and that faith made him right with God.
Abraham’s kind of faith that he had trusted God completely even though all odds were against Abraham: his old age and Sarah’s. Abraham’s heart toward God was an enduring trust, obedience and submission. This is the kind of faith that pleased God for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We who come to God must believe that He lives and He is real. We are encouraged to believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
What does this means to me? I see on television so many things that are going on: hurricanes, weather changing, more violence on TV than ever before, people seems restless, and many changes are taking place in USA. This can make us fearful and wonder what future holds for us. God has words for all these things. The Lord is speaking to us: “Fear not, I am your shield, your protector, and I am your great reward. I will reward you for trusting Me with all your heart. Things will happen for you when you trust Me and love Me with all your heart.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for reassurance that You are our shield and our rewarder. Thank You Lord for keeping our eyes only upon You. Keep our heart from becoming fearful. Change them to complete trusting in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!
So keep trusting God today!
KJV: The Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’
NCV: The Lord spoke his word to Abram in a vision: “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you, and I will give you a great reward.”
AMP: The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.’
Abram’s name was later changed to Abraham is found in Genesis 17:5. Abraham was in the battle with the kings and he had overcome them. After his battle with the kings, Abraham became troubled and fearful. God came to Abraham in a vision to help him feel assured that God was Abraham’s shield and reward. Abraham went on to talk to the Lord about having no child to carry on to his heir. But God had promised him that he would have a son to carry on. Even though it was impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son in their old age, yet Abraham believed God.
Genesis 15:6 in NCV: Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram’s faith, and that faith made him right with God.
Abraham’s kind of faith that he had trusted God completely even though all odds were against Abraham: his old age and Sarah’s. Abraham’s heart toward God was an enduring trust, obedience and submission. This is the kind of faith that pleased God for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We who come to God must believe that He lives and He is real. We are encouraged to believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
What does this means to me? I see on television so many things that are going on: hurricanes, weather changing, more violence on TV than ever before, people seems restless, and many changes are taking place in USA. This can make us fearful and wonder what future holds for us. God has words for all these things. The Lord is speaking to us: “Fear not, I am your shield, your protector, and I am your great reward. I will reward you for trusting Me with all your heart. Things will happen for you when you trust Me and love Me with all your heart.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for reassurance that You are our shield and our rewarder. Thank You Lord for keeping our eyes only upon You. Keep our heart from becoming fearful. Change them to complete trusting in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!
So keep trusting God today!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Fear of Evil
Proverbs 1:33
"Whoso hearkeneth (keep on listen carefully) unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Tony: Many things can happen. It is easy to panic when we hear fearful news. God help us to learn to stay "cool head" ... not being afraid of bad things.
Last Sunday at deaf service, we sang the chorus "Just a Little While" and it is a very old song. It was written long we were even born (1921). The song has a meaning. The song is a great encouragement to keep our spirits from being fearful. Always sing something when there are fearful news going on. It lifts our spirit until God filled us with His love and peace.
Chorus: Just a Little While
Just a little while to stay here,
Just a little while to wait,
Just a little while to labor,
In the path that’s always straight,
Just a little more of trouble
In this low and sinful state;
Then we’ll enter heaven’s portals,
Sweeping through the pearly gates.
1. Soon this life will all be over
And our pilgrimage will end,
Soon we’ll take our heav’nly journey,
Be at home again with friends;
Heaven’s gates are standing open,
Waiting for our entrance there,
Some sweet day we’re going over,
All the beauties there to share.
Then Chorus.
(Eugene Monroe Bartlett,1921, Sing His Praise)
So trust God today!
Dorothy
"Whoso hearkeneth (keep on listen carefully) unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Tony: Many things can happen. It is easy to panic when we hear fearful news. God help us to learn to stay "cool head" ... not being afraid of bad things.
Last Sunday at deaf service, we sang the chorus "Just a Little While" and it is a very old song. It was written long we were even born (1921). The song has a meaning. The song is a great encouragement to keep our spirits from being fearful. Always sing something when there are fearful news going on. It lifts our spirit until God filled us with His love and peace.
Chorus: Just a Little While
Just a little while to stay here,
Just a little while to wait,
Just a little while to labor,
In the path that’s always straight,
Just a little more of trouble
In this low and sinful state;
Then we’ll enter heaven’s portals,
Sweeping through the pearly gates.
1. Soon this life will all be over
And our pilgrimage will end,
Soon we’ll take our heav’nly journey,
Be at home again with friends;
Heaven’s gates are standing open,
Waiting for our entrance there,
Some sweet day we’re going over,
All the beauties there to share.
Then Chorus.
(Eugene Monroe Bartlett,1921, Sing His Praise)
So trust God today!
Dorothy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged
Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. [ncv: don’t be afraid and don’t worry].
This was a time when Moses and the people finally came into the “future Promise Land” and the people were scared of difficulties, oppositions and more battles coming up. The word ‘fear’ seems to be very common among people. They were always afraid of many things that they want to go back to Egypt. Why? Because it was their ‘security’ and it was 'safe' for them to ‘stay home.’ But that was not what God wants. He had a bigger plan for them and a better place for His people. The land of the ‘unknown’ was a very fearful thing for them. They were discouraged. So what does the word, fear really mean?
Fear mean being afraid; feeling that danger or evil is near; dread; an uneasy feeling; anxious thought and concern. Dread mean look forward to fear; dislike to experience; fear greatly; fear of something will happen or may happen. Discourage means take away the courage or brave; reduce the hope or have no confidence that thing will work. Fear hinder us from doing something great.
Another scripture in Deut. 1:29,30 “… Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [ncv: Don’t be frightened; don’t be afraid…] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”
God’s words of encouragement were in Deut. 3:22 ‘Ye shall not fear them for the Lord your God shall fight for you.’ The Israelite faced powerful enemies whom they could not defeat them in their own strength. Israel’s natural tendency was to fear the awful consequences [result] of defeat. ONLY BY LOOKING TO GOD, THEY COULD GAIN VICTORY. God’s word encouraged them to look to God who was bigger than the enemies. He showed His power in Egypt and He can do it again for them.
We as believers in Christ do face a lot of difficulties and a lot of battles. BUT the Lord your God will fight for you. God promise to be with you, give you the strength and the power to accomplish or do His will.
Our prayers to God will help us realize that He alone has the strength to heal, and strength to give us the courage to face whatever we need. God in us can do the job He asks us to do. Greater is He that is in you than he [devil] that is in the world.
When you believe, you feel the strength. When you trust God, you sense the blessing. When you love God, you feel the peace and the joy of knowing that He does care for you. Also know that the Lord your shall fight for you [Deut. 3:22].
So trust God today!
PS. Song: "Faith in God"
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea,
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song Collection)
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. [ncv: don’t be afraid and don’t worry].
This was a time when Moses and the people finally came into the “future Promise Land” and the people were scared of difficulties, oppositions and more battles coming up. The word ‘fear’ seems to be very common among people. They were always afraid of many things that they want to go back to Egypt. Why? Because it was their ‘security’ and it was 'safe' for them to ‘stay home.’ But that was not what God wants. He had a bigger plan for them and a better place for His people. The land of the ‘unknown’ was a very fearful thing for them. They were discouraged. So what does the word, fear really mean?
Fear mean being afraid; feeling that danger or evil is near; dread; an uneasy feeling; anxious thought and concern. Dread mean look forward to fear; dislike to experience; fear greatly; fear of something will happen or may happen. Discourage means take away the courage or brave; reduce the hope or have no confidence that thing will work. Fear hinder us from doing something great.
Another scripture in Deut. 1:29,30 “… Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [ncv: Don’t be frightened; don’t be afraid…] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”
God’s words of encouragement were in Deut. 3:22 ‘Ye shall not fear them for the Lord your God shall fight for you.’ The Israelite faced powerful enemies whom they could not defeat them in their own strength. Israel’s natural tendency was to fear the awful consequences [result] of defeat. ONLY BY LOOKING TO GOD, THEY COULD GAIN VICTORY. God’s word encouraged them to look to God who was bigger than the enemies. He showed His power in Egypt and He can do it again for them.
We as believers in Christ do face a lot of difficulties and a lot of battles. BUT the Lord your God will fight for you. God promise to be with you, give you the strength and the power to accomplish or do His will.
Our prayers to God will help us realize that He alone has the strength to heal, and strength to give us the courage to face whatever we need. God in us can do the job He asks us to do. Greater is He that is in you than he [devil] that is in the world.
When you believe, you feel the strength. When you trust God, you sense the blessing. When you love God, you feel the peace and the joy of knowing that He does care for you. Also know that the Lord your shall fight for you [Deut. 3:22].
So trust God today!
PS. Song: "Faith in God"
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea,
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song Collection)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Fear Not, I Am With Thee
Genesis 26:24 KJV: The Lord appeared unto him [Isaac] the same night, and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. NCV: The Lord appeared to him [Isaac] that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my servant Abraham.”
There was a reason why the Lord appeared to Isaac and to say to him, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” After I read the chapter 26 of Genesis, it explained the troubles Isaac was having with “the neighbors.” There were famine and Isaac seeks help from Abimelech and he provided the land to Isaac. Isaac was able to sow a good crop and harvest was plentiful because the Lord had blessed him. Isaac became very wealthy and digs the wells again because his father, Abraham had dug several wells during his time. [Philistines had covered the wells with dirt.]
Abimelech was the king of the Philistines and he became worried because Isaac became stronger than him. He told Isaac to leave his place and go somewhere else. Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar and camped there. Every time they dig the wells, there were neighbors of herd men who tried to take the wells from Isaac. Isaac had to move several times and dig another well. It can be very frustrated for Isaac and his herd men who tried to take care of the animals that needed water from the wells. This was when Isaac became fearful of being “pushed around” by neighbors. Isaac wondered if he would ever stay in that land that God had promised him. God saw his fear and came to Isaac and comforted him by saying, “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THY SEED FOR MY SERVANT ABRAHAM’S SAKE.”
God appeared to Isaac and passed on to him the promises made with Abraham. Like his father, Isaac had to learn to live by the promises of God. This was an important part of the covenant promise which was the personal relationship with God described in the words, “I am with thee.” Finally, Isaac had peace with Abimelech when he saw how the Lord blessed Isaac. Isaac’s servants found another well and name it Shebah and name the city, Beersheba. Isaac trusted God.
What does this means? This encourages me to know that when God was with Isaac and He said to me, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” God’s promise is for me and for you. This story should inspire us to trust God when we have problems. If God cares enough to calm Isaac’s fears, God cares enough to calm our fears also. Isn’t He wonderful?
Chorus: Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done!
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No not one!
[Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr.]
There was a reason why the Lord appeared to Isaac and to say to him, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” After I read the chapter 26 of Genesis, it explained the troubles Isaac was having with “the neighbors.” There were famine and Isaac seeks help from Abimelech and he provided the land to Isaac. Isaac was able to sow a good crop and harvest was plentiful because the Lord had blessed him. Isaac became very wealthy and digs the wells again because his father, Abraham had dug several wells during his time. [Philistines had covered the wells with dirt.]
Abimelech was the king of the Philistines and he became worried because Isaac became stronger than him. He told Isaac to leave his place and go somewhere else. Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar and camped there. Every time they dig the wells, there were neighbors of herd men who tried to take the wells from Isaac. Isaac had to move several times and dig another well. It can be very frustrated for Isaac and his herd men who tried to take care of the animals that needed water from the wells. This was when Isaac became fearful of being “pushed around” by neighbors. Isaac wondered if he would ever stay in that land that God had promised him. God saw his fear and came to Isaac and comforted him by saying, “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THY SEED FOR MY SERVANT ABRAHAM’S SAKE.”
God appeared to Isaac and passed on to him the promises made with Abraham. Like his father, Isaac had to learn to live by the promises of God. This was an important part of the covenant promise which was the personal relationship with God described in the words, “I am with thee.” Finally, Isaac had peace with Abimelech when he saw how the Lord blessed Isaac. Isaac’s servants found another well and name it Shebah and name the city, Beersheba. Isaac trusted God.
What does this means? This encourages me to know that when God was with Isaac and He said to me, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” God’s promise is for me and for you. This story should inspire us to trust God when we have problems. If God cares enough to calm Isaac’s fears, God cares enough to calm our fears also. Isn’t He wonderful?
Chorus: Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done!
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No not one!
[Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr.]
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Purpose of Being a Friend by Guest
Be Skillful in your Counsel/Friendship
Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. "the purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. (Proverbs 20:5 NIV) It takes a counselor/friend with loving patience and a discerning spirit to help us what lies deep within our hearts.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov 18: 24 NIV) It is not enough to have a friends, we must have a friend who will "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15)
Often in my ministry, people will approach me or my husband, Terry, or both of us, with personal problems and ask for advice. I , Terry or we try to avoid giving counsel for several reasons:
1. I don't know the people/person
2. I'm not going to be there long enough to continue a counseling relationship
3. A quick chat after a meeting or service isn't counseling
4. I don't want to take the place of a faithful local pastor
Often these are the questions we asked... "Have you discussed this matter with your pastor?" and answers are as common as this as following: "I talked with my Pastor but it didn't do any good." or " I have talked to Pastor but he/she doesn't understand or care about my problems!" "Oh! he/she never listen to me!" (It is then we know it is the person with this problem is the one who isn't taking in heart to listening the counseling of the Lord.) We, both also know that whatever we say will probably do little good! We set out to be a friend, while one might have spiritual sludge will slowly dissipate (vanish) from your heart's harbor(shelter), we do the best we can to show our action like David's prayer "Set a watch, Oh Lord, before my mouth; and keep the door of my lips" (Ps. 141:3). Yielding our hearts to the Lord, what comes out of the mouth originates the heart. We hold on to Proverbs 10:32 the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. A friend who hold these values is indeed a very rich friend to have, holding and speaking words of encouragement and hope.
Our friends can often see dangers and detours that are hidden from us. With lovely kindness and much prayer and quick moving in a gentle way, have spoken what needed to be said... Has avoid rages and isolates that could have happen if we had not listen to wise counsel....is a true friend. It is a privilege to have them. They become at times "ointment and perfume delight to the heart and the sweetness of a man's friend given delight by hearty counsel. (Proverb 27:9 NKJV)
We in the Christian World.... Must be careful and be wise in our counsel/friendship. Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume, but sometimes a friend's counsel may not be perfume! It may be acid! Even then, we have nothing to lose! For "as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance(calm control) of his friend" (Proverb 27:17 NKJV) The sparks may fly, but GOD will give us the light that we need. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" ( Proverb 27:6) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverb 18:21) How we accept and apply rebuke is a test of how devoted we are to the truth and wisdom and how sincere we are in wanting to know God's Will.
Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm. Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. In all your ways acknowledge Him (Proverb 3:6) means allow Him to be your friends and God will give you HIMSELF and provide you wonderful friends that will stick with you closer than a brother. Only a true friend will speak wisely, say the right thing at the right time in the right way, are people who store God's truth in their hearts. What a wonderful friend that person is who have God's Goodness in hearts!
Some friends live only for entertainment and try to escape the burden of life. Others live for enjoyment and try to make the most of life. God's dedicated people live for enrichment and discover fulfillment in life as they do the will of God from the heart.
The Question?! Which one are you?
Be a Godly Friend!
Karen Batts
Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. "the purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. (Proverbs 20:5 NIV) It takes a counselor/friend with loving patience and a discerning spirit to help us what lies deep within our hearts.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov 18: 24 NIV) It is not enough to have a friends, we must have a friend who will "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15)
Often in my ministry, people will approach me or my husband, Terry, or both of us, with personal problems and ask for advice. I , Terry or we try to avoid giving counsel for several reasons:
1. I don't know the people/person
2. I'm not going to be there long enough to continue a counseling relationship
3. A quick chat after a meeting or service isn't counseling
4. I don't want to take the place of a faithful local pastor
Often these are the questions we asked... "Have you discussed this matter with your pastor?" and answers are as common as this as following: "I talked with my Pastor but it didn't do any good." or " I have talked to Pastor but he/she doesn't understand or care about my problems!" "Oh! he/she never listen to me!" (It is then we know it is the person with this problem is the one who isn't taking in heart to listening the counseling of the Lord.) We, both also know that whatever we say will probably do little good! We set out to be a friend, while one might have spiritual sludge will slowly dissipate (vanish) from your heart's harbor(shelter), we do the best we can to show our action like David's prayer "Set a watch, Oh Lord, before my mouth; and keep the door of my lips" (Ps. 141:3). Yielding our hearts to the Lord, what comes out of the mouth originates the heart. We hold on to Proverbs 10:32 the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. A friend who hold these values is indeed a very rich friend to have, holding and speaking words of encouragement and hope.
Our friends can often see dangers and detours that are hidden from us. With lovely kindness and much prayer and quick moving in a gentle way, have spoken what needed to be said... Has avoid rages and isolates that could have happen if we had not listen to wise counsel....is a true friend. It is a privilege to have them. They become at times "ointment and perfume delight to the heart and the sweetness of a man's friend given delight by hearty counsel. (Proverb 27:9 NKJV)
We in the Christian World.... Must be careful and be wise in our counsel/friendship. Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume, but sometimes a friend's counsel may not be perfume! It may be acid! Even then, we have nothing to lose! For "as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance(calm control) of his friend" (Proverb 27:17 NKJV) The sparks may fly, but GOD will give us the light that we need. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" ( Proverb 27:6) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverb 18:21) How we accept and apply rebuke is a test of how devoted we are to the truth and wisdom and how sincere we are in wanting to know God's Will.
Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm. Not every friend is a good counselor, so we must choose wisely. In all your ways acknowledge Him (Proverb 3:6) means allow Him to be your friends and God will give you HIMSELF and provide you wonderful friends that will stick with you closer than a brother. Only a true friend will speak wisely, say the right thing at the right time in the right way, are people who store God's truth in their hearts. What a wonderful friend that person is who have God's Goodness in hearts!
Some friends live only for entertainment and try to escape the burden of life. Others live for enjoyment and try to make the most of life. God's dedicated people live for enrichment and discover fulfillment in life as they do the will of God from the heart.
The Question?! Which one are you?
Be a Godly Friend!
Karen Batts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Song: Face to Face
I Corinthians 13:12 KJV For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Moses prophesied about Christ and it was fulfilled after 1,400 years. When Jesus was born, Mary and Joesph looked at Jesus, "Face to face." During His growing years on the earth, people saw Jesus "face to face." Now after 2,000 years we know Christ is coming soon and it will be an exciting time when Jesus comes, we shall behold Him, "Face to Face." The song, "Face to Face" is an encouraging theme that could revive our inner spirit during our worship time to the Lord. Or you could cite it to your inner spirit for a moment of your time. Let the Holy Spirit richly bless you.
Song: Face to Face
1. Face to face with Christ my Savior,
Face to Face what will it be--
When with rapture (joy)I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
Chorus:
Face to Face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!
2. Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming
When His glory shall be seen. [Chorus]
3. Face to face! O blissful moment!
Face to face--to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so. [Chorus]
[Lyrics: Carrie E. Breck; 1Cor.13:12]
May the Lord bless you today!
Dorothy
Moses prophesied about Christ and it was fulfilled after 1,400 years. When Jesus was born, Mary and Joesph looked at Jesus, "Face to face." During His growing years on the earth, people saw Jesus "face to face." Now after 2,000 years we know Christ is coming soon and it will be an exciting time when Jesus comes, we shall behold Him, "Face to Face." The song, "Face to Face" is an encouraging theme that could revive our inner spirit during our worship time to the Lord. Or you could cite it to your inner spirit for a moment of your time. Let the Holy Spirit richly bless you.
Song: Face to Face
1. Face to face with Christ my Savior,
Face to Face what will it be--
When with rapture (joy)I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
Chorus:
Face to Face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!
2. Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming
When His glory shall be seen. [Chorus]
3. Face to face! O blissful moment!
Face to face--to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so. [Chorus]
[Lyrics: Carrie E. Breck; 1Cor.13:12]
May the Lord bless you today!
Dorothy
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Let's Not Be Weary
Galatians 6:9 "... Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Two things I would like to share with you.
First thing, what kind of work should we continue to be doing? The answer is found in Galatians 6:10 NIRV: So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let us make a special point of doing good to those who belong to the family of believers.
One of the jobs to do is to "speak kind words toward others" and that is "sorely" (greatly) needed among the Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord.
And the second thing and listen to this: "Some people plant to please their sinful nature. From that nature they will harvest death. Others plant to please the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit they will harvest eternal life. Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don't give up" (NIRV Gal.6:8-9).
To me this is the word of encouragement because it reminds me that studying God's Scripture, ponder them and share them with you from the Spirit, I will harvest eternal life. And you who listen to God's Word and do them, will also harvest eternal life. Because if I do what my flesh want, it will lead me to feeling "dead in spirit."
I confess that sometimes, I became weary and tired. Blessed Holy Spirit who brought that verse of Galatians 6:9 to me: Let us not become weary ... Ohhh sweet Holy Spirit! Kind words of encouragement! Thank you, Holy Spirit for deliver me from temptation of "lazy flesh." If you have that temptation, quote Lord's Prayer. It helps!
So today, let's say kind words of encouragement to others and the Lord will bless you!
Dorothy
Two things I would like to share with you.
First thing, what kind of work should we continue to be doing? The answer is found in Galatians 6:10 NIRV: So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let us make a special point of doing good to those who belong to the family of believers.
One of the jobs to do is to "speak kind words toward others" and that is "sorely" (greatly) needed among the Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord.
And the second thing and listen to this: "Some people plant to please their sinful nature. From that nature they will harvest death. Others plant to please the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit they will harvest eternal life. Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don't give up" (NIRV Gal.6:8-9).
To me this is the word of encouragement because it reminds me that studying God's Scripture, ponder them and share them with you from the Spirit, I will harvest eternal life. And you who listen to God's Word and do them, will also harvest eternal life. Because if I do what my flesh want, it will lead me to feeling "dead in spirit."
I confess that sometimes, I became weary and tired. Blessed Holy Spirit who brought that verse of Galatians 6:9 to me: Let us not become weary ... Ohhh sweet Holy Spirit! Kind words of encouragement! Thank you, Holy Spirit for deliver me from temptation of "lazy flesh." If you have that temptation, quote Lord's Prayer. It helps!
So today, let's say kind words of encouragement to others and the Lord will bless you!
Dorothy
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Faithfulness Rewards! Guest
Guest from Karen Batts!
Revelation 14:13
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Just because our works don't precede us as our passport into heaven doesn't mean they have no relevancy (no bear) to our future entrance into heaven.
Remember that John is writing to a church under heavy spiritual artillery fire. The church was driven underground. Leaders and laypeople alike were being murdered. John, himself, miraculously survived being boiled alive in oil and was now sentenced to life on Patmos.
The purpose of the Revelation is to communicate HOPE. The early Christians are repeatedly told to NOT GIVE UP. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES were they to compromise or give up. Their faith in and labor for the Lord were not in vain! Their sacrifice counted! Vigilance (watchfulness) would someday lead to victory, faithfulness would be rewarded, and in this context John says that their "works do follow them."
In Malachi, the people asked the prophet if it was really worth serving God? He answered saying that someday God would right all wrongs and justify all inequities (unfairness). Indeed, there is a reward for serving God. DON'T GIVE UP- YOUR GOOD WORKS WILL BE REMEMBERED (Malachi 3:14-4:2 )
In Hebrews 11, God displays His "HALL OF FAME" containing those who were faithful, each of whom He would always remember and never be ashamed of. Faithfulness is rewarded!
In First Thessalonians, there is the Crown of Rejoicing. ( 2:19-20).
In First Peter, there is the Crown of Glory. (5:4)
In James, there is the Crown of Life. (1:12)
Finally in Second Timothy, there is the Crown of Righteousness. (4:8)
If you ever get tired of doing the right thing and feel like giving up - DON'T! No matter what the pressure, never surrender! Hold tight! Hang onto HOPE. Someday your works shall follow you. God will remember your faithfulness!
It's worth it!
Karen Batts
Revelation 14:13
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Just because our works don't precede us as our passport into heaven doesn't mean they have no relevancy (no bear) to our future entrance into heaven.
Remember that John is writing to a church under heavy spiritual artillery fire. The church was driven underground. Leaders and laypeople alike were being murdered. John, himself, miraculously survived being boiled alive in oil and was now sentenced to life on Patmos.
The purpose of the Revelation is to communicate HOPE. The early Christians are repeatedly told to NOT GIVE UP. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES were they to compromise or give up. Their faith in and labor for the Lord were not in vain! Their sacrifice counted! Vigilance (watchfulness) would someday lead to victory, faithfulness would be rewarded, and in this context John says that their "works do follow them."
In Malachi, the people asked the prophet if it was really worth serving God? He answered saying that someday God would right all wrongs and justify all inequities (unfairness). Indeed, there is a reward for serving God. DON'T GIVE UP- YOUR GOOD WORKS WILL BE REMEMBERED (Malachi 3:14-4:2 )
In Hebrews 11, God displays His "HALL OF FAME" containing those who were faithful, each of whom He would always remember and never be ashamed of. Faithfulness is rewarded!
In First Thessalonians, there is the Crown of Rejoicing. ( 2:19-20).
In First Peter, there is the Crown of Glory. (5:4)
In James, there is the Crown of Life. (1:12)
Finally in Second Timothy, there is the Crown of Righteousness. (4:8)
If you ever get tired of doing the right thing and feel like giving up - DON'T! No matter what the pressure, never surrender! Hold tight! Hang onto HOPE. Someday your works shall follow you. God will remember your faithfulness!
It's worth it!
Karen Batts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Fear Not, Thou Shall Not Be Ashamed
Isaiah 54:4-5
KJV: Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. V5 For thy Maker is thine husband; and the Lord of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall be called.
NCV: Don’t be afraid, because you will not be ashamed. Don’t be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced. You will forget the shame you felt earlier; you will not remember the shame you felt when you lost your husband. V5 The God who made you is like your husband. His name is the Lord All-Powerful. The Holy One of Israel is the one who saves you. He is called the God of all the earth.
Dorothy: God was speaking to Israel who was going through some troubled time. They had done evil and worship other gods that God wasn’t happy about. God punished Israel for their sins and allowed the enemies to capture Jerusalem and many people were captive and taken to different countries. They came back home to rebuild Jerusalem. In 70 A.D. Jerusalem was destroyed again. The people of Israel were scattered all over the world. Years later, the Jews from all over the world started coming back to their homeland. It was a time Israel felt ashamed what they had done. God promised a future Messiah and through Him, there would be hope for Jerusalem. Messiah would rule the whole earth some day. Israel will forget their shame. They will realize that all things were meant for good like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God…’ Is it hard to imagine that someday, Israel would not even remember what they had done? God wants to give a new beginning, a new start, a future new heaven and new earth. What more could Israel ask for? They will rejoice forever.
Have you ever felt ashamed and wonder if you would ever forget what you have done in the past? We might say: I wish I had known about this mistake and I would not have to do this at all. Now I feel ‘doomed’ because it isn’t the same as before. I wish I was a better person so I would always do things right. What would God say to us about this?
“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t feel confused why things happened to you recently. Don’t be afraid because you are ashamed of what was happening to you. Don’t be embarrassed about your past and you will not be ashamed. I am working inside of you to be like My Son, Jesus. Like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ Behold, I made all things new. You will not remember all of the past. All things are under the blood of the Lamb who gave Himself for you. You are forgiven. You are washed. You are cleaned. You are in the right standing with Me because the Lamb has given you a robe of righteousness. You need to trust Me in all the word that I have spoken to you. Be at peace with Me. Love Me and Trust Me with all your heart. I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Song: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,
Fill my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.
Verse:
There’s within my heart a melody (song)
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb (troubles) and flow.
[Lyrics & Music: Luther B. Bridgers]
KJV: Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. V5 For thy Maker is thine husband; and the Lord of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall be called.
NCV: Don’t be afraid, because you will not be ashamed. Don’t be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced. You will forget the shame you felt earlier; you will not remember the shame you felt when you lost your husband. V5 The God who made you is like your husband. His name is the Lord All-Powerful. The Holy One of Israel is the one who saves you. He is called the God of all the earth.
Dorothy: God was speaking to Israel who was going through some troubled time. They had done evil and worship other gods that God wasn’t happy about. God punished Israel for their sins and allowed the enemies to capture Jerusalem and many people were captive and taken to different countries. They came back home to rebuild Jerusalem. In 70 A.D. Jerusalem was destroyed again. The people of Israel were scattered all over the world. Years later, the Jews from all over the world started coming back to their homeland. It was a time Israel felt ashamed what they had done. God promised a future Messiah and through Him, there would be hope for Jerusalem. Messiah would rule the whole earth some day. Israel will forget their shame. They will realize that all things were meant for good like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God…’ Is it hard to imagine that someday, Israel would not even remember what they had done? God wants to give a new beginning, a new start, a future new heaven and new earth. What more could Israel ask for? They will rejoice forever.
Have you ever felt ashamed and wonder if you would ever forget what you have done in the past? We might say: I wish I had known about this mistake and I would not have to do this at all. Now I feel ‘doomed’ because it isn’t the same as before. I wish I was a better person so I would always do things right. What would God say to us about this?
“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t feel confused why things happened to you recently. Don’t be afraid because you are ashamed of what was happening to you. Don’t be embarrassed about your past and you will not be ashamed. I am working inside of you to be like My Son, Jesus. Like Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ Behold, I made all things new. You will not remember all of the past. All things are under the blood of the Lamb who gave Himself for you. You are forgiven. You are washed. You are cleaned. You are in the right standing with Me because the Lamb has given you a robe of righteousness. You need to trust Me in all the word that I have spoken to you. Be at peace with Me. Love Me and Trust Me with all your heart. I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Song: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know,
Fill my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.
Verse:
There’s within my heart a melody (song)
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb (troubles) and flow.
[Lyrics & Music: Luther B. Bridgers]
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wrestling Prayers for You
Colossians 4:12, 13a
NIV: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you …” NCV: “Epaphras, a servant of Jesus Christ, from your group, also greets you. He always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything God wants for you. I know he has worked hard for you …”
I like the KJV quote: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you…”
“Labouring fervently (Greek, agonize, from which we derive the English word “agonize”) denotes an intense desire, an agonizing, a wrestling, or striving in prayer. Faithful N.T. believers not only continued steadfast in prayer (v.2), but agonized with strong pleading in their prayers. The needs of our families, churches, and the world are no less significant today. We ought to pray fervently, knowing that in our struggles Christ’s power is working mightily in us (1:29). Note: The FULL LIFE Study Bible, D. Stamps.
“Laboring fervently” is the translation of a Greek word from which we get our word AGONY. It was used of wrestlers who in the Greek gymnastic games strained to overcome an opponent. The Merriam-Webster dictionary state: the word, agony means intense pain of mind and body 2: a strong sudden display of emotion: outburst (an agony of delight). WORD HISTORY In ancient Greece a public gathering was called agon. Since the Greeks placed a high value on sports and athletic competition, there were almost always athletic events at gatherings on festival days. The STRUGGLE to win the prize in such contests came to be called ‘agonia.’ This term came also to be used for any difficult physical struggle and then for the PAIN that went with it, physical or mental. Our English word agony, meaning “INTENSE PAIN OF MIND OR BODY,” thus comes from a word that originally meant a happy celebration. Etymology: Middle English agonie “agony,” from Latin agonia (same meaning), from Greek agonia “struggle,” from agon “gathering contest for a prize.”
This is a “cure” for the “lukewarm Christian” who needs to get into wrestling spirit of prayers. I am going through this sense of “lukewarm spirit” or “lazy spirit” atmosphere and I don’t like it. My friend is struggling. She cries a lot and is in a great pain. I didn’t understand why God hasn’t healed her until I read this verse “laboring fervently.” Then I understood that her intercessory prayer was like wrestling in prayer, striving in prayer, agony in prayers, cry a lot in prayers and speaking in tongues prayers for all the Deaf saints. Her agony prayers, “Lord, don’t let the Deaf go to hell without You, Jesus!” That is a true spirit of ‘a Greek wrestler.’ Be of good comfort! If you are going through the similar experience, just know that God is working mightily in you, needing this wrestling prayer’s breakthrough for all of us.
So trust God today.
NIV: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you …” NCV: “Epaphras, a servant of Jesus Christ, from your group, also greets you. He always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything God wants for you. I know he has worked hard for you …”
I like the KJV quote: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you…”
“Labouring fervently (Greek, agonize, from which we derive the English word “agonize”) denotes an intense desire, an agonizing, a wrestling, or striving in prayer. Faithful N.T. believers not only continued steadfast in prayer (v.2), but agonized with strong pleading in their prayers. The needs of our families, churches, and the world are no less significant today. We ought to pray fervently, knowing that in our struggles Christ’s power is working mightily in us (1:29). Note: The FULL LIFE Study Bible, D. Stamps.
“Laboring fervently” is the translation of a Greek word from which we get our word AGONY. It was used of wrestlers who in the Greek gymnastic games strained to overcome an opponent. The Merriam-Webster dictionary state: the word, agony means intense pain of mind and body 2: a strong sudden display of emotion: outburst (an agony of delight). WORD HISTORY In ancient Greece a public gathering was called agon. Since the Greeks placed a high value on sports and athletic competition, there were almost always athletic events at gatherings on festival days. The STRUGGLE to win the prize in such contests came to be called ‘agonia.’ This term came also to be used for any difficult physical struggle and then for the PAIN that went with it, physical or mental. Our English word agony, meaning “INTENSE PAIN OF MIND OR BODY,” thus comes from a word that originally meant a happy celebration. Etymology: Middle English agonie “agony,” from Latin agonia (same meaning), from Greek agonia “struggle,” from agon “gathering contest for a prize.”
This is a “cure” for the “lukewarm Christian” who needs to get into wrestling spirit of prayers. I am going through this sense of “lukewarm spirit” or “lazy spirit” atmosphere and I don’t like it. My friend is struggling. She cries a lot and is in a great pain. I didn’t understand why God hasn’t healed her until I read this verse “laboring fervently.” Then I understood that her intercessory prayer was like wrestling in prayer, striving in prayer, agony in prayers, cry a lot in prayers and speaking in tongues prayers for all the Deaf saints. Her agony prayers, “Lord, don’t let the Deaf go to hell without You, Jesus!” That is a true spirit of ‘a Greek wrestler.’ Be of good comfort! If you are going through the similar experience, just know that God is working mightily in you, needing this wrestling prayer’s breakthrough for all of us.
So trust God today.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fear Not, To Take Mary, Thy Wife
Matthew 1:20b-21 “Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, FEAR NOT TO TAKE UNTO THEE MARY THY WIFE: for which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Story of Joseph from Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7
After Mary came home from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph learned about her pregnancy. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but he felt he had to divorce her secretly. Joseph was a good man and he did not want to disgrace her in public. There was a law that if a woman is caught having a child before marriage; by law the public has the right to stone a woman to death. This troubled Joseph greatly. He had fear in his heart. He didn’t know what to do. Joseph went to sleep and an angel came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” An angel went on to explain about the fulfillment from the prophet who spoke about the virgin shall bring forth a son. The Lord’s angel wants Joseph to realize who this child was. It must have surprise Joseph that it was the Holy Spirit that came upon Mary to have a child be called, Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”
The Lord’s angel helped Joseph to know about the prophecy and help him to remove his “fear.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife. Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named him Jesus. God wanted Jesus to have a family to grow up with. Joseph and Mary had more children so Jesus had brothers and sisters [Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19,20].
Story about the angels and the shepherds from Luke 2:8-20
Luke 2:20 “And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Dorothy: Have you noticed that God encouraged people from time to time, “Fear not”? Why is that? I watched a program, TBN and Rev. Hagee was preaching about the “Wild Horse of Fear”. He talked a lot about what fear can do. God had begin ‘Fear not’ with Abraham, and all through with Isaac, Moses, David, Daniel, Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, disciples, and Peter from Genesis to Revelation. There are many "Fear Not." Fear can paralyze us and not be able to do anything. God does not want to paralyze us so He comforts us not to be afraid. What was the reason we all would fear? Fear of new things and we get scared of new plan that we might not know about. God often does that and God knows it is important to tell us, “Fear not.” He is with us. He will hold us up. He will take care of us. Praise the Lord.
Story of Joseph from Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7
After Mary came home from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph learned about her pregnancy. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but he felt he had to divorce her secretly. Joseph was a good man and he did not want to disgrace her in public. There was a law that if a woman is caught having a child before marriage; by law the public has the right to stone a woman to death. This troubled Joseph greatly. He had fear in his heart. He didn’t know what to do. Joseph went to sleep and an angel came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” An angel went on to explain about the fulfillment from the prophet who spoke about the virgin shall bring forth a son. The Lord’s angel wants Joseph to realize who this child was. It must have surprise Joseph that it was the Holy Spirit that came upon Mary to have a child be called, Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”
The Lord’s angel helped Joseph to know about the prophecy and help him to remove his “fear.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife. Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named him Jesus. God wanted Jesus to have a family to grow up with. Joseph and Mary had more children so Jesus had brothers and sisters [Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19,20].
Story about the angels and the shepherds from Luke 2:8-20
Luke 2:20 “And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Dorothy: Have you noticed that God encouraged people from time to time, “Fear not”? Why is that? I watched a program, TBN and Rev. Hagee was preaching about the “Wild Horse of Fear”. He talked a lot about what fear can do. God had begin ‘Fear not’ with Abraham, and all through with Isaac, Moses, David, Daniel, Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, disciples, and Peter from Genesis to Revelation. There are many "Fear Not." Fear can paralyze us and not be able to do anything. God does not want to paralyze us so He comforts us not to be afraid. What was the reason we all would fear? Fear of new things and we get scared of new plan that we might not know about. God often does that and God knows it is important to tell us, “Fear not.” He is with us. He will hold us up. He will take care of us. Praise the Lord.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Oh Yes! You Have a Purpose!
The guest is Karen Batts of Illinois sharing her personal testimony.
I was just at Camp Manitoumi in a very tiny town. That old saying, "If you blink your eyes, you missed the town!" That how small this tiny town was, but had a wonderful camp site. A Good size of Deaf came to this retreat, I saw many of my old friends who had 'wealth' with knowledge of God and have such deep love for God. They were a group of them.
A verse came to me while I was there. I was hit with sickness and tiredness that I had to laid down. I had to rest for a bit then I would come out later and chat with many of my old friends. They left and later I woke up. Then I completely understood. With our old body hit with arthritic and our body easily tired out and still this same verse urges me to remember!
In Revelation 1: 9 b "I, John, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Imagine the despair John might have wrestled with. Patmos was an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, unfamiliar food, and unfamiliar accommodations. (Just like we old folks, in this camp, with odd tasting food and water, with ground bit rough to walk on, and a distant to get to one place to another. With some people whom you might not have seen before or have forgotten who they are. Feeling out of place, not belonging in this camp group or ground.)
So John might have been feeling this, "is this the end?" "Can God still use me?" and so on. Oh Wait! Even on Patmos, in the midst of being isolated, alone, and aging, John found purpose and meaning. There!!!!! God gave John the REVELATION! All John had to do was to open up his heart, listen, and write. Satan did everything to 'shut up' John and thought it was a brilliant ideal to throw John in this island of Patmos! HA HA HA Satan could not shut John mouth or his hands! All John did was "Saw, Listen, Wrote it down" the most valuable book in all our books in the Bible. It gives us victoriously means what is to be expected in our last days. And it gets us outfitted and groomed for an eternity of life. Also it gives us to take courage of our "boiling oil of today's tribulation" can be "the anointing oil for tomorrow's triumph!"
So! Old Folks! Take COURAGE! Speak! Sign out your wisdom! Whatever your Patmos, instead of fighting it, EMBRACE it. In life's worst, there is still worth! In the midst of life's desolation's, GOD still sends His REVELATIONS.
Take COURAGE!
Karen Batts
I was just at Camp Manitoumi in a very tiny town. That old saying, "If you blink your eyes, you missed the town!" That how small this tiny town was, but had a wonderful camp site. A Good size of Deaf came to this retreat, I saw many of my old friends who had 'wealth' with knowledge of God and have such deep love for God. They were a group of them.
A verse came to me while I was there. I was hit with sickness and tiredness that I had to laid down. I had to rest for a bit then I would come out later and chat with many of my old friends. They left and later I woke up. Then I completely understood. With our old body hit with arthritic and our body easily tired out and still this same verse urges me to remember!
In Revelation 1: 9 b "I, John, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Imagine the despair John might have wrestled with. Patmos was an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, unfamiliar food, and unfamiliar accommodations. (Just like we old folks, in this camp, with odd tasting food and water, with ground bit rough to walk on, and a distant to get to one place to another. With some people whom you might not have seen before or have forgotten who they are. Feeling out of place, not belonging in this camp group or ground.)
So John might have been feeling this, "is this the end?" "Can God still use me?" and so on. Oh Wait! Even on Patmos, in the midst of being isolated, alone, and aging, John found purpose and meaning. There!!!!! God gave John the REVELATION! All John had to do was to open up his heart, listen, and write. Satan did everything to 'shut up' John and thought it was a brilliant ideal to throw John in this island of Patmos! HA HA HA Satan could not shut John mouth or his hands! All John did was "Saw, Listen, Wrote it down" the most valuable book in all our books in the Bible. It gives us victoriously means what is to be expected in our last days. And it gets us outfitted and groomed for an eternity of life. Also it gives us to take courage of our "boiling oil of today's tribulation" can be "the anointing oil for tomorrow's triumph!"
So! Old Folks! Take COURAGE! Speak! Sign out your wisdom! Whatever your Patmos, instead of fighting it, EMBRACE it. In life's worst, there is still worth! In the midst of life's desolation's, GOD still sends His REVELATIONS.
Take COURAGE!
Karen Batts
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Guest 2 Timothy 1:7
The guest is Karen Batts from Illinois sharing her comments from 9/6 Bread Box devotion. "Receiving your Bread Box today (9/6/11) I am stirred to add comments."
II Timothy 1:7
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy... Paul's situation had changed drastically! He is now in prisoner in Rome and was facing certain death. This was very dark times and hour for Paul.
Yet Paul had great concern about his brother in the Lord... Timothy! Not on himself! Paul wanted and prayed for success of the Gospel ministry to be encouraged... knowing that Timothy is timid, suffered from physical ailments and was tempted to let other people take advantage of him and not assert his authority as a pastor.
In verse 6 Paul reminded Timothy that he had imparted to Timothy the spiritual gift that he will need in his ministry. The Laying on of Hands was a common practice in Paul's days... Verse 7 that God in no way gave us anything to fear about! We have the Spirit of Power, to Love and to Have Self Discipline.
Today! The Holy Spirit and laying of hands has a powerful effect! And it is a gift of God to us and Paul reminded us in the Holy Spirit, we gain talent, training, experience and power! God personally tells us that we have the Spirit of Power, to Love and the Power to Have Self -discipline. What a wonderful power tools coming from God!
What encourage me is that Timothy didn't need to add any more lesson to his learning from Paul...He was already ordained by the elders and received an enabling gift from God when the elders laid hands on him. He only need to STIR UP what he already had inside his life and spirit. This was learned in I Timothy 4:14 which said "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." He needed just to stir it up! Paul was confident of the genuineness of Timothy's faith. The Spirit within him would give all the power needed for the ministry. He could not ask for any more!
Today, Stir up the gift that God has given to you... Be a blessing to your elders leaders and show that God is still doing mighty things that we are still learning/seeing each time we are together. Show the Spirit of Power, to Love, and Power to Have Self-Discipline being cultivated in our Deaf World today. Use them! And Develop them in the ministry wherever God puts us in.
Be Stir up! Be in Power! Be in Love! And finally Be in Self-Control. Go for it!
Karen Batts
II Timothy 1:7
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy... Paul's situation had changed drastically! He is now in prisoner in Rome and was facing certain death. This was very dark times and hour for Paul.
Yet Paul had great concern about his brother in the Lord... Timothy! Not on himself! Paul wanted and prayed for success of the Gospel ministry to be encouraged... knowing that Timothy is timid, suffered from physical ailments and was tempted to let other people take advantage of him and not assert his authority as a pastor.
In verse 6 Paul reminded Timothy that he had imparted to Timothy the spiritual gift that he will need in his ministry. The Laying on of Hands was a common practice in Paul's days... Verse 7 that God in no way gave us anything to fear about! We have the Spirit of Power, to Love and to Have Self Discipline.
Today! The Holy Spirit and laying of hands has a powerful effect! And it is a gift of God to us and Paul reminded us in the Holy Spirit, we gain talent, training, experience and power! God personally tells us that we have the Spirit of Power, to Love and the Power to Have Self -discipline. What a wonderful power tools coming from God!
What encourage me is that Timothy didn't need to add any more lesson to his learning from Paul...He was already ordained by the elders and received an enabling gift from God when the elders laid hands on him. He only need to STIR UP what he already had inside his life and spirit. This was learned in I Timothy 4:14 which said "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." He needed just to stir it up! Paul was confident of the genuineness of Timothy's faith. The Spirit within him would give all the power needed for the ministry. He could not ask for any more!
Today, Stir up the gift that God has given to you... Be a blessing to your elders leaders and show that God is still doing mighty things that we are still learning/seeing each time we are together. Show the Spirit of Power, to Love, and Power to Have Self-Discipline being cultivated in our Deaf World today. Use them! And Develop them in the ministry wherever God puts us in.
Be Stir up! Be in Power! Be in Love! And finally Be in Self-Control. Go for it!
Karen Batts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Spirit of Fear 2 Tim. 1:7
2 Timothy 1:7
KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
NAS: For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. AMP: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity—of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear—but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
NCV: God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
Dorothy: If God did not give us a bad and fearful spirit then who did? Satan! Satan tried to shoot his arrows of many kind of bad fears. God wants us to know that He does not try to put bad fears in us. Hebrews 13:5b-6a in NCV: God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never forget you.” So we can be sure when we say, “I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper.”
What does this means to me?
Love is a powerful thing. If I am fearful, I will remember that love is missing. So I would quote: God does not give me spirit of fear. He gave me power to overcome my bad fears. He gave me love through the power of Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit helps me to have self-control. I pray for my friends too. Amen. May you be blessing today.
Poem: The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He hath anointed me to sing.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He has anointed me to bring.
The gospel to all, great or small.
To open prison’s door, and that what’s for.
To set the captive free, and the blind to see.
The lame to walk, and the dumb to talk.
To heal the brokenhearted, and to lift up dishearten.
To set at liberty and that is for me.
Once I was bruised, but now I am used,
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
(Dorothy Callies)
KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
NAS: For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. AMP: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity—of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear—but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
NCV: God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
Dorothy: If God did not give us a bad and fearful spirit then who did? Satan! Satan tried to shoot his arrows of many kind of bad fears. God wants us to know that He does not try to put bad fears in us. Hebrews 13:5b-6a in NCV: God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never forget you.” So we can be sure when we say, “I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper.”
What does this means to me?
Love is a powerful thing. If I am fearful, I will remember that love is missing. So I would quote: God does not give me spirit of fear. He gave me power to overcome my bad fears. He gave me love through the power of Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit helps me to have self-control. I pray for my friends too. Amen. May you be blessing today.
Poem: The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He hath anointed me to sing.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He has anointed me to bring.
The gospel to all, great or small.
To open prison’s door, and that what’s for.
To set the captive free, and the blind to see.
The lame to walk, and the dumb to talk.
To heal the brokenhearted, and to lift up dishearten.
To set at liberty and that is for me.
Once I was bruised, but now I am used,
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
By the Spirit of the Lord…
(Dorothy Callies)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Come Unto Me
Song: Come unto Me
1. Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,
“O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest;
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear;
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”
Chorus:
Come unto Me; I will give you rest;
Take my yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.
2. Are you disappointed, wandering here and there,
dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care?
Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast?
Bring your case to Jesus, He will give you rest.
(Charles P. Jones)
Matthew 11:28,29,30 Jesus said,
KJV: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
NCV: “Come to me, all of you who are tired and
have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept
my teachings and learn from me, because I am
gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest
for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept
is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”
AMP: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-
laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest—
I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek)
and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest—
relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed
quiet—for your souls. (Jer.6:16) For My yoke is
wholesome (useful, good) not harsh, hard, sharp or
pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant; and
My burden is light and easy to be borne.”
1. Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,
“O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest;
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear;
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”
Chorus:
Come unto Me; I will give you rest;
Take my yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.
2. Are you disappointed, wandering here and there,
dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care?
Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast?
Bring your case to Jesus, He will give you rest.
(Charles P. Jones)
Matthew 11:28,29,30 Jesus said,
KJV: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
NCV: “Come to me, all of you who are tired and
have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept
my teachings and learn from me, because I am
gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest
for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept
is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”
AMP: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-
laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest—
I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek)
and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest—
relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed
quiet—for your souls. (Jer.6:16) For My yoke is
wholesome (useful, good) not harsh, hard, sharp or
pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant; and
My burden is light and easy to be borne.”
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Greatest, How?
Matthew 23:11
KJV: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NCV: Whoever is your servant is the greatest among you.
Mark 10:42-45
NCV: Jesus called them together and said, "The non-Jewish people have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."
Serve means to help; be useful; be what is needed. What Jesus was saying to His disciples about how to a become servant was to be useful and helpful to others. Jesus was useful and helpful to others through God's Word, through healing touch and other things. Like the song interpret: If you want to be a great person, then learn how to become useful to others. God would open up a river that flows from inside of you because you already start giving yourself to others. This is what God's kingdom is all about, serving others.
God bless you today!
Dorothy
Song: If You (Want to) Be Great.
If you would be great in God's Kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all,
If you would be great in God's kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
Learn to be servant of all;
Learn to be servant of all.
I'll open up a river
when thou art a giver
and learn to be servant of all.
(Author unknown)
KJV: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NCV: Whoever is your servant is the greatest among you.
Mark 10:42-45
NCV: Jesus called them together and said, "The non-Jewish people have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."
Serve means to help; be useful; be what is needed. What Jesus was saying to His disciples about how to a become servant was to be useful and helpful to others. Jesus was useful and helpful to others through God's Word, through healing touch and other things. Like the song interpret: If you want to be a great person, then learn how to become useful to others. God would open up a river that flows from inside of you because you already start giving yourself to others. This is what God's kingdom is all about, serving others.
God bless you today!
Dorothy
Song: If You (Want to) Be Great.
If you would be great in God's Kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all,
If you would be great in God's kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
Learn to be servant of all;
Learn to be servant of all.
I'll open up a river
when thou art a giver
and learn to be servant of all.
(Author unknown)
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