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*Disclaimer:
I don't have to believe the way you believe or the things you believe in for me to love you.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say ..."I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible,
But God believes I am worth it.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
So I call upon His name.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not 'holier than thou'.
I'm just a simple person with faults,
Who received God's good grace somehow.
This poem, "When I Say I'm A Christian" was written by Maya Angelou.
Thank you Ms. Angelou for allowing me to copy and use your poem.
To all my brothers and sisters in the Lord...
You ARE somebody and you ARE loved.
Be blessed in Jesus name.
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Married
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Jun 28, 2007 6:33 am
Mood: happy,
1240 Views
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I married my best friend of 5 years.
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The Overcomer's Reward
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Apr 30, 2007 7:21 pm
Mood: eager,
1439 Views
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Faith's Checkbook
C.H. Spurgeon
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)
My heart, be thou stirred up to persevere in the holy war, for the reward of victory is great. Today we eat of heavenly food which falls about our camps; the food of the wilderness, the food which comes from heaven, the food which never fails the pilgrims to Canaan. But there is reserved for us in Christ Jesus a still higher degree of spiritual life and a food for it which, as yet, is hidden from our experience. In the golden pot which was laid up in the ark there was a portion of manna hidden away, which though kept for ages never grew stale. No one ever saw it; it was hid with the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies. Even so, the highest life of the believer is hid with Christ, in God. We shall come to it soon, Being made victorious through the grace of our Lord Jesus, we shall eat of the King's meat and feed upon royal dainties. We shall feed upon Jesus. He is our "hidden manna," as well as the manna of the wilderness. He is all in all to us in our highest, as well as in our lowest, estate. He helps us to fight, gives us the victory, and then is Himself our reward. Lord, help me to overcome.
Amen!!
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Our Group
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Apr 30, 2007 11:41 am
Mood: contemplative,
1208 Views
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by Max Lucado
“Teacher, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of a person. We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group.”
- Mark 9:38 -
John has a dilemma. He and the other disciples ran into someone who was doing great work. This man was casting out demons (the very act the disciples had trouble doing in Mark 9:20). He was changing lives. And, what’s more, the man was giving the credit to God. He was doing it in the name of Christ.
Everything about him was so right. Right results. Right heart. But there was one problem. He was from the wrong group.
So the disciples did what any able-bodied religious person would do with someone from the wrong group. “We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group” (v. 38 ).
John wants to know if they did the right thing. John’s not cocky; he’s confused. So are many people today. What do you do about good things done in another group? What do you do when you like the fruit but not the orchard?
I’ve asked that question. I am deeply appreciative of my heritage. It was through a small, West Texas Church of Christ that I came to know the Nazarene, the cross, and the Word. The congregation wasn’t large, maybe two hundred on a good Sunday. Most of the families were like mine, blue-collar oil-field workers. But it was a loving church. When our family was sick, the members visited us. When we were absent, they called. And when this prodigal returned, they embraced me.
I deeply appreciate my heritage. But through the years, my faith has been supplemented by people of other groups.
A Brazilian Pentecostal taught me about prayer. A British Anglican by the name of C.S. Lewis put muscle in my faith. A Southern Baptist helped me understand grace.
One Presbyterian, Steve Brown, taught me about God’s sovereignty while another, Frederick Buechner, taught me about God’s passion. A Catholic, Brennan Manning, convinced me that Jesus is relentlessly tender. I’m a better husband because I read James Dobson and a better preacher because I listened to Chuck Swindoll and Bill Hybels.
And only when I get home will I learn the name of a radio preacher whose message steered me back to Christ. I was a graduate student who’d lost his bearings. Needing some money over Christmas break, I took a job driving an oil-field delivery truck. The radio only picked up one station. A preacher was preaching. On a cold December day in 1978 I heard him describe the cross. I don’t know his name. I don’t know his heritage. He could have been a Quaker or an angel or both for all I know. But something about what he said caused me to pull the pickup onto the side of the road and rededicate my life to Christ.
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They Saw Jesus
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Apr 21, 2007 1:04 pm
Mood: grateful,
1334 Views
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by Max Lucado
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews.
John 20:19
Picture the scene. Peter, John, James. They came back. Banking on some zany possibility that the well of forgiveness still had a few drops, they came back. Daring to dream that the Master had left them some word, some plan, some direction, they came back.
But little did they know their wildest dream wasn’t wild enough. Just as someone mumbles, “It’s no use,” they hear a noise. They hear a voice.
“Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
Every head lifted. Every eye turned. Every mouth dropped open. Someone looked at the door.
It was still locked.
It was a moment the apostles would never forget, a story they would never cease to tell. The stone of the tomb was not enough to keep him in. The walls of the room were not enough to keep him out.
The One betrayed sought His betrayers. What did He say to them? Not “What a bunch of flops!” Not “I told you so.” No “Where-were-you-when-I-needed-you?” speeches. But simply one phrase, “Peace be with you.” The very thing they didn’t have was the very thing He offered: peace.
It was too good to be true! So amazing was the appearance that some were saying, “Pinch me, I’m dreaming” even at the ascension. No wonder they returned to Jerusalem with great joy! No wonder they were always in the temple praising God!
A transformed group stood beside a transformed Peter as he announced some weeks later: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:56)
No timidity in his words. No reluctance. About three thousand people believed his message.
The apostles sparked a movement. The people became followers of the death-conqueror. They couldn’t hear enough or say enough about Him. People began to call them “Christ-ians.” Christ was their model, their message. They preached “Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” not for the lack of another topic, but because they couldn’t exhaust this one.
What unlocked the doors of the apostles’ hearts?
Simple. They saw Jesus. They encountered the Christ. Their sins collided with their Savior and their Savior won! What lit the boiler of the apostles was a red-hot conviction that the very One who should have sent them to hell, went to hell for them and came back to tell about it.
Hallelujah!!!!
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Some or The Sum
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Apr 19, 2007 1:14 pm
Mood: thoughtful,
1345 Views
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KneEmail:
Sum
"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
DOES MY PREACHER preach some of God's Word or the Sum of God's Word...?
When preachers preach on first principles but fail to preach on moral issues, they are preaching some, but not the sum of God's Word. When preachers preach on the love, grace, and mercy of God, while never bothering to mention His holiness and severity (Rom. 11:22), they are preaching some of God's Word but not the sum of God's Word. Likewise, when preacher's focus exclusively on "doctrinal" preaching while failing to address the subjects of brotherly love, grief, overcoming discouragement, joy in Christ, security in Christ and forgiveness, etc., they are preachers of some of God's Word, but not the sum of God's Word. And finally, when Church leaders muzzle the preacher from preaching on certain controversial issues they are showing respect for some of God's Word, but not the sum of God's Word.
Paul did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4). We are to do no less! Are you embracing just some of the Word, or the sum of God's Word? (BJ Clarke)
KneEmail: "The sum of Your word is truth; and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever" (Psm. 119:160 ESV).
Bible reading for 04.19.07: 2 Samuel 21 - 22
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The Duck & the Devil
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Apr 19, 2007 11:58 am
Mood: thankful,
1412 Views
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There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes" But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."
Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Thought for the day and every day thereafter?
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)...whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.
He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for
forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.
Remember God is watching and He sees everything!
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Parable of the Sparrows
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Apr 17, 2007 6:04 am
Mood: exanimate,
1391 Views
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Daily Encounter
D. Innes
"Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God ... not on earthly things."1
Once upon a time a loaf of bread fell from a bakery truck and as it hit the ground a crumb broke loose. Three sparrows all eyed the crumb and swooped down to grab it, but began fighting over it.
Eventually one of the sparrows succeeded in scooping up the crumb in its beak and flew away with it—hotly pursued by the other two sparrows. A frenzied aerial fracas took place until the crumb was completely consumed.
The only thing these sparrows saw was the crumb. None noticed the loaf still on the ground.
How often we consume our energies squabbling over trivialities while the true riches of life go unnoticed and escape us. And how often we concentrate our energies on non-essential issues while the needs of the hurting are neglected and the lost go to hell!
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the wisdom to see and the good sense to major on the majors and not get carried away majoring on the minors. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."
1. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV).
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Not A Talent Search
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Apr 11, 2007 3:15 pm
Mood: thankful,
1430 Views
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KneEmail:
Search
"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
TELEVISION SHOWS LIKE American Idol have become a global phenomenon...
Millions wait anxiously to find out who will be the next singer eliminated in the musical talent hunt.
Some call it "a new concept in entertainment," but it's hardly a new idea. As a boy, I remember watching Ted Mack's Original amateur Hour. That show was followed by the bizarre talent hunt The Gong Show in the 70s, and then by Star Search in the 80s. It is an ongoing theme of television to search for someone unknown and make him or her famous.
Dreams of fame and fortune, however, are not at the heart of the search that is truly timeless. That search is God's own pursuit of hearts that are available for His work in the world. In Isaiah, the Lord asks: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? And then we read Isaiah's ready response: 'Here am I! Send me' (6:8 ).
God is not seeking the most qualified or talented; rather, He is seeking hearts that are surrendered to Him. He is seeking those who are available, dependable, and willing to be used. In those lives, God will show Himself strong, and He will be glorified. Are you available? (Bill Crowder)
KneEmail: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isa. 6:8 ).
Bible reading for 04.11.07: 2 Samuel 1 - 2
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There Is No Excuse
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Apr 11, 2007 11:10 am
Mood: courageous,
1432 Views
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From my Daily Encounter:
D. Innes
The Sense of a Supreme Being
"For the truth about God is known to them [all mankind] instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God."1
Dorothy Bull asks:
Why does the earthworm always look clean,
When you consider where it has been?
How does the butterfly with new-formed wings
Know how to fly with such cumbersome things?
Where does the spider keep all its thread?
Who put the web-pattern into its head?
How does the ant carry food twice its size,
And store for the winter? Who made it so wise?2
We can say it was chance or we can say it was God. No matter what we say, belief in God is instinctive. Every person is born with an innate sense of a divine, all-powerful Supreme Being. To act on this belief, however, is a choice. We basically believe what we want and choose to believe.
Sometimes doubts are genuine and cause us to think, and that is good. But sometimes they are a smoke screen to hide a moral problem ... we fear that if we come to Christ, believe in him and accept him as our Savior, we will have to give up some things we know instinctively are wrong.
Thus it is choice, not chance, that determines our beliefs and therefore our eternal destiny. As God's Word says, "Choose today whom you will serve."3
Indeed, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."4
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, if You have planted in the heart of all mankind a sense of Your divine being, please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will see and know that You are indeed the God of all creation. In so doing please give me the courage this day to truly serve and live for You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer, gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."
1. Romans 1:19-20 (NLT).
3. Joshua 24:15 (NLT).
4. Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV).
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Why Oh Why
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Apr 10, 2007 7:00 pm
Mood: curious,
1541 Views
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Why, Why, Why
do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "Lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
And my FAVORITE......
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
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To link to this blog (Rebekka) use [blog Rebekka] in your messages.
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