"You will....be led forth in peace" Isaiah 55:12
One of the first things you lose when you step out of God's will, is your peace. So if you don't have peace about it, don't proceed! God's promise is, "You will… be led forth in peace." Many times peace is all God will give you to let you know whether you're on the right track or not, so don't violate the peace rule. Jesus said, "… My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth…" (John 14:27).
The world offers a feeling of peace that operates only when everything's going well. But when the opinions you're getting seem to be confusing and contradictory, when it feels like nothing is going right for you and yet you're able to remain calm, you are experiencing "… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding… " (Philippians 4:7).
You say, "How do I get this transcendent peace?" Peter answers: "… Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you… Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters… are going through the same kind of suffering you are… after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation…" (1 Peter 5:6-10). So, be at peace, don't rush ahead of God, be confident knowing that God cares about what happens to you (1 Peter 5:7).
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Attributes of God
Lord, You have been our dwelling place[a] in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even
from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90: 1-2 (NKJV)
As believers, we desire to know the One we worship. Human comprehension is limited, yet understanding all we can is very beneficial—it deepens our relationship with the Father and helps us to share our faith with others. With that in mind, let’s explore four attributes of almighty God.
1. He is a “person” (Ex. 20:1-6). We were created with the amazing ability to feel, reason, and make decisions. And God has the capacity for emotion as well—Genesis 1:26 says we were made in His image. And the Scriptures frequently make mention of His feelings, like anger and love.
2. The Lord is spirit (John 4:22-24). Because of this, He has no limitations; He isn’t confined to a body or place, so we can worship in His presence at church while others are experiencing Him elsewhere. What’s more, His Spirit indwells each believer, so we can enjoy His presence and guidance anytime, as long as we don’t allow sin to interfere (Ps. 66:18).
3. God is eternal (Is. 40:28). He always was, is now, and forever will be. Nothing existed before Him or will outlast Him.
4. Our Father is unchangeable (Mal. 3:6). His nature and attributes always remain constant. Yes, God experiences variety in emotions, but not in the essence of His character.
What a blessing that our holy Lord would reveal His character to us through the Bible. And how amazing that He makes it possible for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Praise Him for His attributes, and continue seeking to know Him better through His Word.
Be Blessed!!
Dawn
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Attributes of God
June 24, 2010
Daily Devotional
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Attributes of God
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Psalm 90:1-2
As believers, we desire to know the One we worship. Human comprehension is limited, yet understanding all we can is very beneficial—it deepens our relationship with the Father and helps us to share our faith with others. With that in mind, let’s explore four attributes of almighty God.
He is a “person” (Ex. 20:1-6). We were created with the amazing ability to feel, reason, and make decisions. And God has the capacity for emotion as well—Genesis 1:26 says we were made in His image. And the Scriptures frequently make mention of His feelings, like anger and love.
The Lord is spirit (John 4:22-24). Because of this, He has no limitations; He isn’t confined to a body or place, so we can worship in His presence at church while others are experiencing Him elsewhere. What’s more, His Spirit indwells each believer, so we can enjoy His presence and guidance anytime, as long as we don’t allow sin to interfere (Ps. 66:18).
God is eternal (Is. 40:28). He always was, is now, and forever will be. Nothing existed before Him or will outlast Him.
Our Father is unchangeable (Mal. 3:6). His nature and attributes always remain constant. Yes, God experiences variety in emotions, but not in the essence of His character.
What a blessing that our holy Lord would reveal His character to us through the Bible. And how amazing that He makes it possible for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Praise Him for His attributes, and continue seeking to know Him better through His Word.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Daily Devotional
Devotional Archives Subscribe to Magazine
Attributes of God
ShareThis
READ
Psalm 90:1-2
As believers, we desire to know the One we worship. Human comprehension is limited, yet understanding all we can is very beneficial—it deepens our relationship with the Father and helps us to share our faith with others. With that in mind, let’s explore four attributes of almighty God.
He is a “person” (Ex. 20:1-6). We were created with the amazing ability to feel, reason, and make decisions. And God has the capacity for emotion as well—Genesis 1:26 says we were made in His image. And the Scriptures frequently make mention of His feelings, like anger and love.
The Lord is spirit (John 4:22-24). Because of this, He has no limitations; He isn’t confined to a body or place, so we can worship in His presence at church while others are experiencing Him elsewhere. What’s more, His Spirit indwells each believer, so we can enjoy His presence and guidance anytime, as long as we don’t allow sin to interfere (Ps. 66:18).
God is eternal (Is. 40:28). He always was, is now, and forever will be. Nothing existed before Him or will outlast Him.
Our Father is unchangeable (Mal. 3:6). His nature and attributes always remain constant. Yes, God experiences variety in emotions, but not in the essence of His character.
What a blessing that our holy Lord would reveal His character to us through the Bible. And how amazing that He makes it possible for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Praise Him for His attributes, and continue seeking to know Him better through His Word.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, June 21, 2010
God's Prescription for Revival
"If My people who are called by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin and heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
The answer to America's problems is a spiritual one. We need to pray for our country like never before. And we need to reach out to a lost world with the gospel like never before. We need more people hearing about who Jesus is and what He promises. We need to get back to the true God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who sent His Son Jesus Christ to be born in the manger, to die on the cross, and to rise from the dead three days later.
If we turn to back to that God, then He promises He will bless us. But we have not been turning back to Him—we have been turning away from Him. Yet here is the promise of God in Scripture to any nation, including ours: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
But notice to whom God directs His remarks. God didn't say, "If Congress will turn from their wicked ways," or "If Hollywood would turn from their wicked ways. . . ." Rather, God points His finger at His house. He points His finger at you. And He points it at me. He says, "If My people who are called by My name . . . " (emphasis added). There are people in the church today who are living wickedly. And God says, "If you will humble yourself and pray, and seek My face, and turn from your wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive your sin and heal your land."
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Devil’s Toolkit ( Pt 2)
"Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, 'Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen...'" (Acts 13:16)
Yesterday, we took a look into the toolkit of our adversary the devil, considering two of many devices he uses against us in his quest to turn man away from God. First, we discussed Satan's use of our own DESIRES. Second, we contemplated a common tool the devil uses against people of all ages but particularly youth: EVIL COMPANY. Today, let us consider two more of the devil's effective tools against man.
VANITY
Another tool in the devil's toolkit is vanity. Vanity is excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments. In other words, vanity is a vile form of self-centeredness. It can be divided into two broad categories: vanity of position and vanity of possession. Vanity of position is fed by conceit and arrogance while vanity of possession is fueled by greed, covetousness, and carnal desires. The devil knows how to use both. In Genesis 3, the devil appealed to Eve's vanity of position by telling Eve how she would be "like God" if she ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When Eve "saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes" her vanity of possession was being piqued. The devil likewise tried to use vanity against Jesus when he tempted Christ in the wilderness. Vanity led Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14,15). Vanity led Ananias and Sapphira to lie and die in Acts 5. Vanity caused (and still causes) some to "stray from the faith" (I Tim. 6:10). Vanity led many of the Pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests, and elders to reject Christ (cf. Rom. 1:21). Vanity caused Diotrephes to want "to have the preeminence among" the saints in one location (III John 1:9). Rightly did the preacher write numerous times in the book of Ecclesiastes that "all is vanity"!
IGNORANCE
Ignorance is yet another device wielded by Satan in his work against man. Satan simply does not want people to know God's word! If the truth sets us free--and it does (John 8:32)--then ignorance most certainly imprisons us. People will be "destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6). Why else would the devil work so hard to snatch the word away from a person's heart? In Luke's account of the parable of the sower, Jesus explained, "The seed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11). Jesus went on to tell that "the birds of the air" who devoured the seed that "fell by the wayside" (Luke 8:5) represented "the devil [who] comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).
Friends, it is in the devil's best interest that he steals away the seed of God's word before it can take root in the hearts of those who hear. The faster our adversary can do this, the easier his work will be. Therefore, let us make every effort to guard against our adversary and protect the word of God that we have heard; let us strive to be like the psalmist who wrote "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). When one is ignorant of the word of God, they will not have a leg to stand on when confronted with error and false teachings. Truly, they will not even be able to tell the difference! Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame" (I Cor. 15:34). Friends, what shame ignorance is!
Dear brothersd sisetrs, it is important that we realize the tools employed by the devil as he seeks to lure us away from the path of righteousness. If we are ignorant of his devices, he will take advantage of us (II Cor. 2:11). So far we have examined how Satan uses our DESIRES, EVIL COMPANY, VANITY, and IGNORANCE against us.
Tomorrow, we will examine a fifth and final tool I'd like us to consider. In the meantime, I encourage you to examine your life. Are you making the devil's task easier, or are you resisting him with all your might?
Be Blessed!!
Dawn
Yesterday, we took a look into the toolkit of our adversary the devil, considering two of many devices he uses against us in his quest to turn man away from God. First, we discussed Satan's use of our own DESIRES. Second, we contemplated a common tool the devil uses against people of all ages but particularly youth: EVIL COMPANY. Today, let us consider two more of the devil's effective tools against man.
VANITY
Another tool in the devil's toolkit is vanity. Vanity is excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments. In other words, vanity is a vile form of self-centeredness. It can be divided into two broad categories: vanity of position and vanity of possession. Vanity of position is fed by conceit and arrogance while vanity of possession is fueled by greed, covetousness, and carnal desires. The devil knows how to use both. In Genesis 3, the devil appealed to Eve's vanity of position by telling Eve how she would be "like God" if she ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When Eve "saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes" her vanity of possession was being piqued. The devil likewise tried to use vanity against Jesus when he tempted Christ in the wilderness. Vanity led Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14,15). Vanity led Ananias and Sapphira to lie and die in Acts 5. Vanity caused (and still causes) some to "stray from the faith" (I Tim. 6:10). Vanity led many of the Pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests, and elders to reject Christ (cf. Rom. 1:21). Vanity caused Diotrephes to want "to have the preeminence among" the saints in one location (III John 1:9). Rightly did the preacher write numerous times in the book of Ecclesiastes that "all is vanity"!
IGNORANCE
Ignorance is yet another device wielded by Satan in his work against man. Satan simply does not want people to know God's word! If the truth sets us free--and it does (John 8:32)--then ignorance most certainly imprisons us. People will be "destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6). Why else would the devil work so hard to snatch the word away from a person's heart? In Luke's account of the parable of the sower, Jesus explained, "The seed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11). Jesus went on to tell that "the birds of the air" who devoured the seed that "fell by the wayside" (Luke 8:5) represented "the devil [who] comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).
Friends, it is in the devil's best interest that he steals away the seed of God's word before it can take root in the hearts of those who hear. The faster our adversary can do this, the easier his work will be. Therefore, let us make every effort to guard against our adversary and protect the word of God that we have heard; let us strive to be like the psalmist who wrote "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). When one is ignorant of the word of God, they will not have a leg to stand on when confronted with error and false teachings. Truly, they will not even be able to tell the difference! Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame" (I Cor. 15:34). Friends, what shame ignorance is!
Dear brothersd sisetrs, it is important that we realize the tools employed by the devil as he seeks to lure us away from the path of righteousness. If we are ignorant of his devices, he will take advantage of us (II Cor. 2:11). So far we have examined how Satan uses our DESIRES, EVIL COMPANY, VANITY, and IGNORANCE against us.
Tomorrow, we will examine a fifth and final tool I'd like us to consider. In the meantime, I encourage you to examine your life. Are you making the devil's task easier, or are you resisting him with all your might?
Be Blessed!!
Dawn
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Devil's Toolkit (Pt.1)
The Devil’s Toolkit (Part 1)
by Patrick English
"Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, 'Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen...'" (Acts 13:16)
In his ancient treatise on The Art of War, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of soldiers knowing their enemy. As a soldier of Christ waging a spiritual warfare (II Cor. 10:3,4; Eph. 6:12), the Christian would be wise to know his greatest enemy, the devil. To that end, listen to the apostle Paul as he makes a very interesting statement in II Corinthians 2:11 - "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." In Paul's remark, we learn that there are devices--techniques, if you will--that the devil uses in his wicked work against righteousness and those who would pursue righteousness. In the moments that follow today and in our time together during the next two days, let us consider five devices from the devil's toolkit that he uses against those who would learn of God and do His will.
DESIRES
First and foremost, the devil uses our own desires. It is important that we realize this, for different people have different desires. One person may have no desire to steal, become drunk, or commit fornication, but he may have a desire to tell lies. Another person may have no desire to lie, steal, or become drunk, but he may be inclined toward fornication. James describes how sin starts with each of us: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (James 1:14,15). Remember the three B's: Beckon, Bait, and Bend. Satan has no power over us when we are walking in the light, so he beckons us away from the light, playing off our desires. As a person responds to the beckoning of their desires, the bait is laid in the form of temptation. At this point, the tempted individual is in a dangerous position, but still has control. He or she can still use the "the way of escape" provided (I Cor. 10:13). It is only when the individual's will bends, and succumbs to the temptation, that sin is committed and the devil scores a victory. Friends, be mindful of your desires!
EVIL COMPANY
Evil company is another tool used by the devil. Perhaps you've heard the expression, "the right tool for the job." Our adversary knows the importance of using the right tool for the job, and young people should pay attention because evil company is one of the devil's best devices against them. The devil knows how powerful a tool the pressure of one's peers is. All would do well to remember Paul's warning to the church at Corinth: "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (I Cor. 15:33). What is evil company? Evil company is simply company that commits or encourages evil, sinful behavior. Do not equate evil company with the company of strangers. It is easy to think of evil company as only thugs, drug dealers, and gang members, but such is not the case. Evil company can take the form of friends, family, and, yes, even "religious" people! Those who have the most sway over us are the people we know, and I cannot recall a single time where I heard of someone adopting one of the wretched vices of our age from a total stranger. Evil company in the form of the children of Israel pressured Aaron to make a golden calf in Exodus 32. Evil company in the form of Job's wife suggested that he "curse God, and die" in Job 2:9. Other examples abound in the sacred text. Let us be mindful of the company we keep!
Friends, it is important that we realize the ways in which the devil seeks to lure us away from the path of righteousness. Meditate upon these two things today, and tomorrow we will consider two more devices in the devil's toolkit.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
by Patrick English
"Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, 'Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen...'" (Acts 13:16)
In his ancient treatise on The Art of War, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of soldiers knowing their enemy. As a soldier of Christ waging a spiritual warfare (II Cor. 10:3,4; Eph. 6:12), the Christian would be wise to know his greatest enemy, the devil. To that end, listen to the apostle Paul as he makes a very interesting statement in II Corinthians 2:11 - "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." In Paul's remark, we learn that there are devices--techniques, if you will--that the devil uses in his wicked work against righteousness and those who would pursue righteousness. In the moments that follow today and in our time together during the next two days, let us consider five devices from the devil's toolkit that he uses against those who would learn of God and do His will.
DESIRES
First and foremost, the devil uses our own desires. It is important that we realize this, for different people have different desires. One person may have no desire to steal, become drunk, or commit fornication, but he may have a desire to tell lies. Another person may have no desire to lie, steal, or become drunk, but he may be inclined toward fornication. James describes how sin starts with each of us: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (James 1:14,15). Remember the three B's: Beckon, Bait, and Bend. Satan has no power over us when we are walking in the light, so he beckons us away from the light, playing off our desires. As a person responds to the beckoning of their desires, the bait is laid in the form of temptation. At this point, the tempted individual is in a dangerous position, but still has control. He or she can still use the "the way of escape" provided (I Cor. 10:13). It is only when the individual's will bends, and succumbs to the temptation, that sin is committed and the devil scores a victory. Friends, be mindful of your desires!
EVIL COMPANY
Evil company is another tool used by the devil. Perhaps you've heard the expression, "the right tool for the job." Our adversary knows the importance of using the right tool for the job, and young people should pay attention because evil company is one of the devil's best devices against them. The devil knows how powerful a tool the pressure of one's peers is. All would do well to remember Paul's warning to the church at Corinth: "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (I Cor. 15:33). What is evil company? Evil company is simply company that commits or encourages evil, sinful behavior. Do not equate evil company with the company of strangers. It is easy to think of evil company as only thugs, drug dealers, and gang members, but such is not the case. Evil company can take the form of friends, family, and, yes, even "religious" people! Those who have the most sway over us are the people we know, and I cannot recall a single time where I heard of someone adopting one of the wretched vices of our age from a total stranger. Evil company in the form of the children of Israel pressured Aaron to make a golden calf in Exodus 32. Evil company in the form of Job's wife suggested that he "curse God, and die" in Job 2:9. Other examples abound in the sacred text. Let us be mindful of the company we keep!
Friends, it is important that we realize the ways in which the devil seeks to lure us away from the path of righteousness. Meditate upon these two things today, and tomorrow we will consider two more devices in the devil's toolkit.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"Ignoring the Conscience"
READ ~ 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 4:1-2
Are you making certain choices today that your conscience would not have allowed in the past? If that’s the case, you may have become desensitized over time. This is a dangerous place to be.
As we discussed yesterday, God uses our internal “moral compass” along with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to direct our daily choices. The conscience serves as an “alarm system,” intervening when a Christian is about to take part in ungodly behavior. In that way, it offers protection. But sin can throw off the system’s sensitivity.
The insidious process begins if we choose to disobey and then refuse to deal with our rebellion. The conscience warns us repeatedly, but it will eventually become “gummed up” and ineffective if we persist in ignoring the distress signal. When that happens, there are no longer any signals from the heart to point us back toward godliness. In other words, the conscience has become seared.
This situation is akin to removing all traffic lights from a busy intersection: it is a recipe for disaster. If you are at this place, get on your knees and repent, immersing yourself in God’s Word and bathing your life in prayer. Pursue accountability and fellowship with other believers. A healthy conscience is worth the effort.
Are your internal signals in good working order, or have they become muffled? Don’t delay. Scripture warns us that we have a real Enemy who desires to lure us away from godliness and into destruction. God uses a clear conscience to guide, protect, and lead us into His light and peace.
Be Blessed and be a Blessing to One Another!
Dawn
Are you making certain choices today that your conscience would not have allowed in the past? If that’s the case, you may have become desensitized over time. This is a dangerous place to be.
As we discussed yesterday, God uses our internal “moral compass” along with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to direct our daily choices. The conscience serves as an “alarm system,” intervening when a Christian is about to take part in ungodly behavior. In that way, it offers protection. But sin can throw off the system’s sensitivity.
The insidious process begins if we choose to disobey and then refuse to deal with our rebellion. The conscience warns us repeatedly, but it will eventually become “gummed up” and ineffective if we persist in ignoring the distress signal. When that happens, there are no longer any signals from the heart to point us back toward godliness. In other words, the conscience has become seared.
This situation is akin to removing all traffic lights from a busy intersection: it is a recipe for disaster. If you are at this place, get on your knees and repent, immersing yourself in God’s Word and bathing your life in prayer. Pursue accountability and fellowship with other believers. A healthy conscience is worth the effort.
Are your internal signals in good working order, or have they become muffled? Don’t delay. Scripture warns us that we have a real Enemy who desires to lure us away from godliness and into destruction. God uses a clear conscience to guide, protect, and lead us into His light and peace.
Be Blessed and be a Blessing to One Another!
Dawn
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"JUST WALK"
And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:24
Again and again the Bible uses the picture of walking to describe the Christian life. Galatians 5:16 tells us, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Ephesians 5:2 says, "Walk in love." And Colossians 2:6 says, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him." In 1 John 1:7 we read, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
Genesis gives us a great example in Enoch of walking with God. And though there is not a lot about Enoch in the Bible, what is there is fascinating. We read in Genesis 5:24, "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." The phrase, "God took him," could also read, "God translated him" or "carried him over" or "carried him across." Enoch did not have to die like everyone else. He just took a walk one day and went home.
Enoch is an example of how we are to live as last days believers. Notice the Bible doesn't say, "Enoch sprinted with God." Rather, "Enoch walked with God." Walking speaks of regularity. It speaks of doing something over and over.
I was always a good sprinter, but I was never a good long-distance runner. I would have a burst of energy, but then I would give out. In the same way, people will have a burst of energy in their Christian life, but then they crash and burn. They will get up again and go for awhile, only to run out of steam once more. It is better to simply walk with God and be disciplined enough to maintain that relationship.
Are you walking with God? Keep walking. Stay with it. Be regular. Be consistent in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Good Story
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then
they went in and did not find the body
of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:2-3
People tend to remember negative images more than they do positive ones, according to an experiment conducted at the University of Chicago. While people claim that they want to turn away from the barrage of bad news in the media—reports on tragedies, diseases, economic downturns—this study suggests that their minds are drawn to the stories.
Catherine Hankey (1834-1911) was more interested in the “good news.” She had a great desire to see young women come to know Christ. In 1866, she became very ill. As she lay in bed, she thought about all those with whom she had shared the story of Jesus’ redemption, and she wished that someone would visit and comfort her with “the old, old story.” That’s when she wrote the poem that later became a hymn, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story”:
Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in—
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin. Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon; The early dew of morning has passed away at noon. We never tire of hearing the story that because of His great love God sent His one and only Son to this earth (John 3:16). He lived a perfect life, took our sin upon Himself when He was crucified, and 3 days later rose again (Luke 23:44-24:3). When we receive Him as our Savior, we are given eternal life and become His children (John 1:12).
Tell someone the old, old story of Jesus and His love. They need some good news. The good news of Christ is the best news in the world.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"You Belong to God"
So there was Paul in the midst of a tempest. Yet somehow, he had an amazing calm in the midst of this storm. We too have our storms in life, and we wonder how to get through them. Here is one of Paul's secrets to surviving life's challenges. He belonged to God. Again, Paul said, "Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me."
Do you belong to Jesus? It can make all the difference.
Only the follower of Jesus Christ has this confidence. In the Song of Solomon, we read, "My beloved is mine and I am his" (Song of Solomon 2:16).
Over and over in Scripture, we are given the analogy of being in a relationship with God like that of a bride to a husband to whom she is deeply in love with. This reminds us of His affection and love toward us.
But we are also given the analogy of a sheep belonging to a shepherd. In John 10, Jesus told us that He is "the good Shepherd and we are his sheep." This reminds us of His constant care and awareness of our whereabouts.
It's hard to be proud about being compared to a sheep. They are basically defenseless, vulnerable, dim-witted creatures. But when under the care of a loving shepherd, they are safe and content.
We are also given the analogy of a child to his father. Romans 8:15 reminds us, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father'" (NKJV). This reminds us of His tenderness and protection over each one of us.
We are also told in Scripture that we are his very property. We read in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "You are not your own" (NKJV). In the Greek, it is "You are not your own property. You are bought with a price.
If something belonged to a king, it carried his seal. In the same way, 2 Corinthians 1:22 says, "He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us" (NLT).
I read a story about an old gentlemen who known for his godly life. One day, someone asked him, "What do you do when you are tempted, old man?" He replied, "I just look up to heaven and say, 'Lord, your property is in danger.'"
Yes, we are His bride, children, sheep, and property. And when the Devil sees that "I.D. tag," he respects it.
And just like Paul, we too can say, "I belong to God!"
Be Blessd!
Dawn
Do you belong to Jesus? It can make all the difference.
Only the follower of Jesus Christ has this confidence. In the Song of Solomon, we read, "My beloved is mine and I am his" (Song of Solomon 2:16).
Over and over in Scripture, we are given the analogy of being in a relationship with God like that of a bride to a husband to whom she is deeply in love with. This reminds us of His affection and love toward us.
But we are also given the analogy of a sheep belonging to a shepherd. In John 10, Jesus told us that He is "the good Shepherd and we are his sheep." This reminds us of His constant care and awareness of our whereabouts.
It's hard to be proud about being compared to a sheep. They are basically defenseless, vulnerable, dim-witted creatures. But when under the care of a loving shepherd, they are safe and content.
We are also given the analogy of a child to his father. Romans 8:15 reminds us, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father'" (NKJV). This reminds us of His tenderness and protection over each one of us.
We are also told in Scripture that we are his very property. We read in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "You are not your own" (NKJV). In the Greek, it is "You are not your own property. You are bought with a price.
If something belonged to a king, it carried his seal. In the same way, 2 Corinthians 1:22 says, "He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us" (NLT).
I read a story about an old gentlemen who known for his godly life. One day, someone asked him, "What do you do when you are tempted, old man?" He replied, "I just look up to heaven and say, 'Lord, your property is in danger.'"
Yes, we are His bride, children, sheep, and property. And when the Devil sees that "I.D. tag," he respects it.
And just like Paul, we too can say, "I belong to God!"
Be Blessd!
Dawn
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wake Up, Sober Up, and Suit Up
Wake Up, Sober Up, and Suit Up
via Harvest Minisyries
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet
the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
For 17 years of my life, I lived in an alcoholic home. I spent a lot of time around drunk people. That is pretty much all I saw from morning to night. I observed a variety of drunks and the way they reacted to alcohol, and I noticed something about people who come under its influence: they try and act as though they are not affected by it, and they do stupid things.
Alcohol is not the only thing that can intoxicate us in life. There are many things people come under the influence of and don't even realize it. In speaking of the last days, Jesus warned, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:34–35).
The apostle Paul urged Christians waiting for Christ's return, "But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation" (1 Thessalonians 5:8). To be sober means to be clear-headed. We are to be alert. We are to be awake, sane, and steady—not drunk and sleeping.
There is false teaching today that is designed to entrap you and pull you away from God (see 1 Timothy 4:1). That is why there has never been a time when it is more important for us to know the Bible and to walk closely with God.
We are to wake up, sober up, and suit up with our spiritual armor, because we are in a spiritual battle. And if we fail to realize that, then we will become casualties of war.
BE BLESED!
DAWN
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Crisis Management
Crisis Management
by: Joyce Meyer
God has taught me some valuable lessons about crisis management. Jesus said, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28); He didn’t say run to the phone and call three friends when we face an emergency. I am not against asking people to pray for us, but if we run to people, we won’t find a cure; we will find only a bandage.
We face many challenges and crises in life. Sometimes the crises are major; sometimes they are minor. To avoid living in a constant state of emergency, the Lord impressed on me to seek Him continuously, or diligently. I used to seek time with God once in a while or when my life was in big trouble. Eventually, I learned that if I ever wanted to get out of crisis mode, I needed to seek God as if I were in desperate need of Him all the time—during hard times and during seasons of great blessing.
We often give God low priority when things are going well for us. But I have observed that if the only time we seek God is when we are desperate, He often keeps us in desperate circumstances in order to keep us in fellowship with Him.
God will always rescue and help us when we come to Him. But if we want to stay in a place of constant peace and victory, we must diligently seek Him at all times, as the verse for today urges us to do.
God’s word for you today: Practice good crisis management by staying in fellowship with God at all times.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
by: Joyce Meyer
Surely I know that it will be well with
those who [reverently]
fear God, who revere and worship
Him, realizing His
continual presence.
Ecclesiastes 8:12
God has taught me some valuable lessons about crisis management. Jesus said, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28); He didn’t say run to the phone and call three friends when we face an emergency. I am not against asking people to pray for us, but if we run to people, we won’t find a cure; we will find only a bandage.
We face many challenges and crises in life. Sometimes the crises are major; sometimes they are minor. To avoid living in a constant state of emergency, the Lord impressed on me to seek Him continuously, or diligently. I used to seek time with God once in a while or when my life was in big trouble. Eventually, I learned that if I ever wanted to get out of crisis mode, I needed to seek God as if I were in desperate need of Him all the time—during hard times and during seasons of great blessing.
We often give God low priority when things are going well for us. But I have observed that if the only time we seek God is when we are desperate, He often keeps us in desperate circumstances in order to keep us in fellowship with Him.
God will always rescue and help us when we come to Him. But if we want to stay in a place of constant peace and victory, we must diligently seek Him at all times, as the verse for today urges us to do.
God’s word for you today: Practice good crisis management by staying in fellowship with God at all times.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
:The Blessings of Forgiveness
Devotion:
by Marybeth Whalen
I sat listening to my Bible study leader as she took us through our lesson in Genesis. I should have been paying attention but my thoughts kept drifting back to hurtful words and bad memories. It had been weeks since I had spoken to the person who had said those hurtful things, but the pain was still fresh.
I wanted to move on, but I didn't know how. I was caught and I could not get free. The hurt replayed in my mind over and over, a never ending film-loop of words and actions.
That day in Bible study we covered the story of Joseph. I will never forget as we got to the place where his brothers cowered in front of him after realizing who he was...and what they had done (Genesis 50:18). In that moment I will admit that in my humanness, I wanted Joseph to hurt them as much as he had been hurt. At the very least, I wanted him to turn them away as they deserved. Even though I knew the story, I still hoped for a different ending.
And yet, the ending went on just as it had before. Joseph offered his brothers—the brothers that had sold him as a slave—forgiveness. He reached out to them and restored them to a place they didn't deserve. He didn't do it because of them. He did it because of God. He knew what it meant to be forgiven, and he knew the power in extending forgiveness to someone else. I will never forget that moment when God spoke to my heart: "You need to forgive as Joseph forgave."
I will confess I didn't want to offer my forgiveness. God showed me that I was hanging onto my unforgiveness like a burlap security blanket. It was time to offer my forgiveness—not because the person had earned it or deserved it, but because God had asked me to forgive out of simple obedience to Him. Just as He had forgiven me. It was, He reminded me, the least I could do.
In my novel, The Mailbox, the main character Lindsey has several people she must forgive during the course of the story. She learns that there is freedom and peace that is released at the moment we forgive, which makes her eager to forgive even more. This happened to me as well. I heard once that unforgiveness is like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die. Better to walk in the freedom of simply doing what God has asked and let Him take care of the rest. God required me to sacrifice my pride in exchange for the blessing of peace in that relationship. It was definitely worth it and I would do it all over again.
Application Steps:
Reflections:
Why is unforgiveness like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die? Have you ever experienced this personally or seen it with someone else?
Power Verses:
Luke 11:4a, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (NIV)
Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
by Marybeth Whalen
I sat listening to my Bible study leader as she took us through our lesson in Genesis. I should have been paying attention but my thoughts kept drifting back to hurtful words and bad memories. It had been weeks since I had spoken to the person who had said those hurtful things, but the pain was still fresh.
I wanted to move on, but I didn't know how. I was caught and I could not get free. The hurt replayed in my mind over and over, a never ending film-loop of words and actions.
That day in Bible study we covered the story of Joseph. I will never forget as we got to the place where his brothers cowered in front of him after realizing who he was...and what they had done (Genesis 50:18). In that moment I will admit that in my humanness, I wanted Joseph to hurt them as much as he had been hurt. At the very least, I wanted him to turn them away as they deserved. Even though I knew the story, I still hoped for a different ending.
And yet, the ending went on just as it had before. Joseph offered his brothers—the brothers that had sold him as a slave—forgiveness. He reached out to them and restored them to a place they didn't deserve. He didn't do it because of them. He did it because of God. He knew what it meant to be forgiven, and he knew the power in extending forgiveness to someone else. I will never forget that moment when God spoke to my heart: "You need to forgive as Joseph forgave."
I will confess I didn't want to offer my forgiveness. God showed me that I was hanging onto my unforgiveness like a burlap security blanket. It was time to offer my forgiveness—not because the person had earned it or deserved it, but because God had asked me to forgive out of simple obedience to Him. Just as He had forgiven me. It was, He reminded me, the least I could do.
In my novel, The Mailbox, the main character Lindsey has several people she must forgive during the course of the story. She learns that there is freedom and peace that is released at the moment we forgive, which makes her eager to forgive even more. This happened to me as well. I heard once that unforgiveness is like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die. Better to walk in the freedom of simply doing what God has asked and let Him take care of the rest. God required me to sacrifice my pride in exchange for the blessing of peace in that relationship. It was definitely worth it and I would do it all over again.
Dear Lord, help me extend forgiveness to those who have hurt me,
even when I don't feel that they deserve it. The truth is, I didn't deserve
Your forgiveness. Thank You for forgiving me and please help
me forgive others as freely as You do. In Jesus' name
Amen
Application Steps:
Is there someone you need to forgive? Spend time journaling about what's holding you back, then pray and ask God's help in extending forgiveness to that person.
Reflections:
Why is unforgiveness like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die? Have you ever experienced this personally or seen it with someone else?
Power Verses:
Luke 11:4a, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (NIV)
Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
God's Plan for You
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose
them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be
the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:29
Suffering can be used to prepare us for a special task. The greatest example of this is Joseph, who was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery for 20 pieces of silver. But Joseph lived out the truth of Romans 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
His brothers thought they would never see Joseph again, but God, through His providence, elevated Joseph to be the second most powerful man in Egypt, in charge of the food supply. So when a famine hit the land and the brothers of Joseph went to Egypt for grain, little did they know they were standing before the brother whom they had betrayed. They didn't recognize him with the passing of time. And they certainly didn't expect to see him in that position.
But Joseph recognized them, and eventually he revealed to them that he was their brother. They collectively thought, And we are . . . dead. But then he made an amazing statement: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20).
The same is true for us. Even when bad comes our way, God can bring good out of bad. We often isolate Romans 8:28 and don't think of the verse that follows it: "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."
God's end game, God's big plan for you, is not to merely make you happy; it is also to make you holy. God's desire is that you become like Jesus.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Unshakeable Faith"
God is in control of all circumstances that surround the believer. The devil can do nothing in the life of the believer without the express permission of God. But why would God give that permission? Because Satan's attacks will show what you are made of.
A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that has been shaken. And if your faith is real, it will even endure through the worst of circumstances, because character is not made in crisis; it is revealed. For example, when tragedy struck Job, we find him worshiping God, but we find his wife saying, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). Trials, temptations, and crises separate the wheat from the chaff, the true from the false, and the real from the unreal.
Suffering helps us grow spiritually and makes us stronger in our faith. James reminds us, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect (mature) and complete, needing nothing" (James 1:3–4).
Suffering takes our faith from the realm of theory to reality, and suffering brings glory to God. Anyone can be happy when the sky is blue and the sun is shining. But when a storm is hitting, it is a different matter. Satan claimed that Job only worshiped God because God was blessing him. But Job proved that he really did love God, because he worshipped Him before, during, and after the crisis.
God allowed the tragedy in Job's life to strengthen his faith and to prove Satan wrong—and Job passed the test with flying colors. What a rebuke to the enemy. And what a powerful example for us today.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that has been shaken. And if your faith is real, it will even endure through the worst of circumstances, because character is not made in crisis; it is revealed. For example, when tragedy struck Job, we find him worshiping God, but we find his wife saying, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). Trials, temptations, and crises separate the wheat from the chaff, the true from the false, and the real from the unreal.
Suffering helps us grow spiritually and makes us stronger in our faith. James reminds us, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect (mature) and complete, needing nothing" (James 1:3–4).
Suffering takes our faith from the realm of theory to reality, and suffering brings glory to God. Anyone can be happy when the sky is blue and the sun is shining. But when a storm is hitting, it is a different matter. Satan claimed that Job only worshiped God because God was blessing him. But Job proved that he really did love God, because he worshipped Him before, during, and after the crisis.
God allowed the tragedy in Job's life to strengthen his faith and to prove Satan wrong—and Job passed the test with flying colors. What a rebuke to the enemy. And what a powerful example for us today.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Benefits of Adversity
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul spells out the benefits of going through hard times. Yes, there are actually benefits. Take a moment today and look at them:
(1) "So that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" (2 Corinthians 1:4). Mike Murdock says, "Only the broken become masters at mending." He's right! Built into any problem that forces you to grow or find a solution - is the medicine that can make others whole. When you can say, "I've been there," people listen. Experience is one of your greatest assets - and God never wastes it.
(2) "That we should not trust in ourselves" (2 Corinthians 1:9). Anything that causes you to turn to God and lean harder on Him - is a blessing! Paul says, "He satisfies every need there is… He is not far from any one of us… " (Acts 17:25-27). Yet it's only when we lose a marriage, or a loved one, or a job, or our health, or our peace of mind, that we turn to Him. Every act of God in your life is designed to do two things: (a) to bless you, and (b) to increase your dependence on Him. Think about it!
(3) "That thanks may be given" (2 Corinthians 1:11). Do you remember what your life was like before you met the Lord? David said, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness… (Psalm 107:8). You need to stop today, lift up your heart, and begin to praise God for all He has done for you. Where would you be without Him? It doesn't bear thinking about - does it?
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Be Blessed!
Dawn
(1) "So that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" (2 Corinthians 1:4). Mike Murdock says, "Only the broken become masters at mending." He's right! Built into any problem that forces you to grow or find a solution - is the medicine that can make others whole. When you can say, "I've been there," people listen. Experience is one of your greatest assets - and God never wastes it.
(2) "That we should not trust in ourselves" (2 Corinthians 1:9). Anything that causes you to turn to God and lean harder on Him - is a blessing! Paul says, "He satisfies every need there is… He is not far from any one of us… " (Acts 17:25-27). Yet it's only when we lose a marriage, or a loved one, or a job, or our health, or our peace of mind, that we turn to Him. Every act of God in your life is designed to do two things: (a) to bless you, and (b) to increase your dependence on Him. Think about it!
(3) "That thanks may be given" (2 Corinthians 1:11). Do you remember what your life was like before you met the Lord? David said, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness… (Psalm 107:8). You need to stop today, lift up your heart, and begin to praise God for all He has done for you. Where would you be without Him? It doesn't bear thinking about - does it?
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, June 4, 2010
" The Secret Ingredient"
People of God, adversity comes in many shapes, forms and fashions. Everyone will face adversity, but not everyone will conquer it. The difference between facing and conquering adversity is knowing the secret ingredient. The secret ingredient is powerful; it's a weapon; it's articulate; and it's a producer of victory. This ingredient is called "praise".
For some of us our life is missing the secret ingredient. It is not necessarily because we do not have it, but because we really don't know how powerful it is in making us more than conquers. One of the strangest things about this season of your life is that it seems like it lasting forever. One of the purposes God has for our lives is that we grow to maturity in our praise to Him. I believe that God is trying to get His people to a level of praise where we won't question His doing, but will praise Him regardless of the present. That's why many of us can't sleep at night because God is disturbing your spirit and telling us to praise Him right in the middle of the situation.
This is why you sit in the car and just go to crying and you don't know why you're crying. God is pressing you. When God calls you to greatness He disturbs your spirit; He disturbs your surroundings; He shakes the very foundation that you stand on and presses you and develops you. However, what He is inserting you into is a place where all you can do is pray and praise.
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" Psalms 34:1 (NKJV)
Praise will allow you to see breakthrough in many areas of your life. Having praise in your mouth not only confuses the enemy, but also confuses people around you who know what you are going through. This secret ingredient is so powerful that it becomes a weapon and pulls down strongholds; it casts down arguments; it casts down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and it brings every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. When you add praise you go from facing adversity to conquering adversity.
Today, add the secret ingredient of praise to every area of your life, continually. No matter how it looks my sister and no matter what they say my brother. Remember, praise will help you become more than a conquerer. Start praising and watch the Lord be magnified in your life. (Psalms 35:27-28)
-(via Pastor Marquis Boone)
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
For some of us our life is missing the secret ingredient. It is not necessarily because we do not have it, but because we really don't know how powerful it is in making us more than conquers. One of the strangest things about this season of your life is that it seems like it lasting forever. One of the purposes God has for our lives is that we grow to maturity in our praise to Him. I believe that God is trying to get His people to a level of praise where we won't question His doing, but will praise Him regardless of the present. That's why many of us can't sleep at night because God is disturbing your spirit and telling us to praise Him right in the middle of the situation.
This is why you sit in the car and just go to crying and you don't know why you're crying. God is pressing you. When God calls you to greatness He disturbs your spirit; He disturbs your surroundings; He shakes the very foundation that you stand on and presses you and develops you. However, what He is inserting you into is a place where all you can do is pray and praise.
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" Psalms 34:1 (NKJV)
Praise will allow you to see breakthrough in many areas of your life. Having praise in your mouth not only confuses the enemy, but also confuses people around you who know what you are going through. This secret ingredient is so powerful that it becomes a weapon and pulls down strongholds; it casts down arguments; it casts down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and it brings every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. When you add praise you go from facing adversity to conquering adversity.
Today, add the secret ingredient of praise to every area of your life, continually. No matter how it looks my sister and no matter what they say my brother. Remember, praise will help you become more than a conquerer. Start praising and watch the Lord be magnified in your life. (Psalms 35:27-28)
-(via Pastor Marquis Boone)
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Thursday, June 3, 2010
"From Tragedy to Victory"
It is easy for us to read Job's story and critique him at certain points. But we need to keep in mind that Job never read the Book of Job. He didn't know it would turn out well in the end. He didn't know about the conversations between God and Satan. He didn't know why everything was happening. All he knew was that one day, it all was going beautifully, and the next day, the bottom dropped out with no real explanation that he could see. Yet Job persevered in his faith and integrity.
We are told in James 5:11, "We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy." God's plan finally ended in good, but Job could not see that midstream.
There are things about life that we don't understand. God can bring good out of bad. It doesn't mean that bad becomes good, because bad is bad. But it does mean that God can bring good despite bad, and our tribulations can bring forth good things. As Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."
Before disciplining a child, a parent sometimes will say, "This will hurt me more than it will hurt you." Meanwhile, the child is thinking, Yeah, right! That is how we feel when we are being disciplined or are going through hardship. It hurts. But it also brings forth something good.
God can take the greatest of tragedies and turn them into the greatest of victories.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
We are told in James 5:11, "We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy." God's plan finally ended in good, but Job could not see that midstream.
There are things about life that we don't understand. God can bring good out of bad. It doesn't mean that bad becomes good, because bad is bad. But it does mean that God can bring good despite bad, and our tribulations can bring forth good things. As Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."
Before disciplining a child, a parent sometimes will say, "This will hurt me more than it will hurt you." Meanwhile, the child is thinking, Yeah, right! That is how we feel when we are being disciplined or are going through hardship. It hurts. But it also brings forth something good.
God can take the greatest of tragedies and turn them into the greatest of victories.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
" For He Is Good"
From the depths of heartbreak and loss, the Bible tells us that Job worshiped: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
If you only worship the Lord when you feel like it, then you are not going to worship very often. There always will be something, whether it is tragedy looming, an illness, or problems with your children. Whatever it is, we still should praise God, regardless of how we feel. After all, the Bible does not say, "Give thanks unto the Lord when you feel good." Rather, it says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" (Psalm 118:1).
God was there for Job, and He will be there for you. He who stirred up the storm is the hiding place in it. He who allowed the storm has been in it himself. Whatever comes into your life has been either created or allowed by God. God did not create Job's suffering, but He allowed it. We don't know the reason, but we do know that good things came out of it.
At the end of the Book of Job, we read that what Job lost was restored and then some. Even so, it wasn't a tidy ending like we might see in a Hollywood movie. Job had suffered. Job grieved the sons and daughters he lost. Yet God was with him through it all. God gave him the strength to get through it, and he will give us the strength to get through our tragedies as well.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
If you only worship the Lord when you feel like it, then you are not going to worship very often. There always will be something, whether it is tragedy looming, an illness, or problems with your children. Whatever it is, we still should praise God, regardless of how we feel. After all, the Bible does not say, "Give thanks unto the Lord when you feel good." Rather, it says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" (Psalm 118:1).
God was there for Job, and He will be there for you. He who stirred up the storm is the hiding place in it. He who allowed the storm has been in it himself. Whatever comes into your life has been either created or allowed by God. God did not create Job's suffering, but He allowed it. We don't know the reason, but we do know that good things came out of it.
At the end of the Book of Job, we read that what Job lost was restored and then some. Even so, it wasn't a tidy ending like we might see in a Hollywood movie. Job had suffered. Job grieved the sons and daughters he lost. Yet God was with him through it all. God gave him the strength to get through it, and he will give us the strength to get through our tragedies as well.
Worship God because He is worthy of your worship—
regardless of your circumstances. That is
what Job did, and that is what we need to do.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
"Remember The Sacrifice"
In honor of my dad and the countless other soldiers and their families who sacrifice everydy, so that we might remain free.....
Every Memorial Day, we remember those who have died in the service of their country. In the United States, a place where such remembrances carry a deep and emotional significance is Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, DC. Arlington is a serious place where, due to the passing of aging war veterans and the ongoing conflicts around the world, there are currently about 25 military funerals every day.
This is particularly difficult for The Old Guard—members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment who serve at Arlington. It is their task to bear the bodies of the fallen and honor their sacrifice. The members of The Old Guard never forget the price of liberty—for they are reminded of it every day.
Believers in Christ have been given the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of what our freedom from sin cost the Lord Jesus Christ. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we fulfill His command to “do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24). But in the sober celebration of the sacrifice of Christ there is joy. For we need not leave our remembrances at the Lord’s Table. Living our lives for the Savior can show the world that we will never forget the sacrifice He has made for us.
Remembering Christ’s death for us should cause us to live for Him.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Every Memorial Day, we remember those who have died in the service of their country. In the United States, a place where such remembrances carry a deep and emotional significance is Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, DC. Arlington is a serious place where, due to the passing of aging war veterans and the ongoing conflicts around the world, there are currently about 25 military funerals every day.
This is particularly difficult for The Old Guard—members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment who serve at Arlington. It is their task to bear the bodies of the fallen and honor their sacrifice. The members of The Old Guard never forget the price of liberty—for they are reminded of it every day.
Believers in Christ have been given the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of what our freedom from sin cost the Lord Jesus Christ. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we fulfill His command to “do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24). But in the sober celebration of the sacrifice of Christ there is joy. For we need not leave our remembrances at the Lord’s Table. Living our lives for the Savior can show the world that we will never forget the sacrifice He has made for us.
Thank You, Lord, for dying for me On the cross of Calvary;
Help me always to remember what You did to set me free. —Sper
Remembering Christ’s death for us should cause us to live for Him.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
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