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The Baseball Game-God vs satan Mar 6, 2008 2:28 pm
Mood: Contemplative, 356 Views
I really enjoyed this story and the point was well taken. Hope you enjoy it too.

The Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the 1st pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass. Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what satan throws.

The bases are loaded. The Lord then turns to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to bat stepped Grace. Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen.

But satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground.

Then, it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why.

The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only MY Grace can get you home. My Grace is the only thing satan cannot steal."
6 Comments
My Mastercard Mar 6, 2008 3:58 am
Mood: Advertising, 393 Views
I have all kinds of credit cards, two different Discover's-one for business, one for personal, American Express, VISA, and Mastercard. I use them for my convenience and pay them off each month. My favorite is my NASCAR Mastercard. Each purchase earns me points towards racing collectables, lol. I'm always looking for the best deals-no annual fees, extra protection for luggage and rental cars, etc. But, I have never seen so many benefits than those that come from having the Master's Card.

"That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." - Romans 10:9

By now, I'm sure you have probably seen the catchy television commercials for Mastercard. They start by identifying some things that people can buy with their Mastercard, then show a moment that is priceless and end by saying, "There are some things money can't buy, for everything else there's Mastercard."

I'm just like those agencies promoting their favorite credit card. I'm here to advertise mine. You see, my life is a commercial for others to see. I'm a proud card carrying representative for the MASTER'S CARD.

That's right, the MASTER'S CARD. Let me tell you about it. There are NO finance charges, and NO payments due. My bill has already been covered...it's a prepaid deal. I couldn't afford the price, so Jesus stepped in and paid it for me. My name is written on the the card for all to see. It is accessible twenty-four hours a day from anywhere in the world. You may want to apply for a personal card for yourself. The MASTER'S CARD has so many benefits it's hard to list them all. Let me share some of them with you.

Just for starters there is UNLIMITED GRACE. That's right, there is no pre-set limit to the amount of grace you receive from the MASTER'S CARD. Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places? Then, look no farther than the MASTER'S CARD. It offers the greatest rate on love that has ever been offered.

The MASTER'S CARD gives you access to many "members only" privileges. Want real joy despite the difficulties of life? Apply for the MASTER'S CARD. Want a lasting peace? Apply for the MASTER'S CARD. Looking for something you can always rely on in a jam? The MASTER'S CARD is perfect for you.

Another great thing about the MASTER'S CARD is that it never expires. Once you're a member, you're a member for life...eternal life, that is. And, no annual dues or fees. Membership has its privileges, you know.

How do you receive the MASTER'S CARD? Dial 1-800-ROMANS10:9 "if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." Jesus is standing by right now to take your call.

Don't delay. This great offer won't last forever.
Peace, joy and hope: Invaluable.
Faith, contentment and assurance: Inestimable.
Salvation: Priceless.
There are some things money can't buy. For those, there's the MASTER'S CARD. Friend, why not be an advertisement for the MASTER'S CARD? Let you life be a commercial today for Jesus Christ.

The benefits are PRICELESS!!
12 Comments
Everything You Want To Know About The Holy Spirit Mar 5, 2008 2:58 am
Mood: Praying In The Spirit, 542 Views
I know this is a controversial subject among Christians, but since receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, my Christian walk has been transformed. I have power like never before, a new understanding of scripture, a renewed prayer life, and the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I don't know how I functioned without it. I'm not asking you to believe me, that's why I provided the scriptures for you to read and make your own decision. This is a condensed version of a Bible study I taught on the subject. Feel free to take it or leave it as you feel led, but I will not argue with anyone. I hope you'll consider it, as it will make all the difference in your spiritual life.

1. Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God. He is not some reality less than God or other than God. The Holy Spirit is a Person. He is not some impersonal reality -- an "it" -- such as a force or power. He has all the attributes of personhood such as thinking, feeling, and willing. The Holy Spirit is intensely personal. The Holy Spirit is both the only God and a distinctive Person. One God in three persons is the mystery of the divine Trinity.

2. What is the work of the Holy Spirit?

The work of the Holy Spirit stretches from creation to consummation. The Spirit of God was at work in the original act of creation-see Genesis 1:2; He continually sustains the universe-see Job 34:14-15; He is everywhere, dynamically present-see Ps. 139:v7-8; and through His power the conception of the Son of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary occurred-see Luke 1:35. The Holy Spirit also brings about conviction of sin and by Him the new birth takes place-see John 3:6 and 16:8; He indwells all true believers-see Romans 8:4; He is the agent of ongoing sanctification-see 2 Cor. 3:18; and some day in the Resurrection, He will give life to our mortal bodies-see Rom. 8:11. It is evident that the Holy Spirit is the Person in the divine Trinity who is powerfully at work in relation to all that God has made.

3. What is the baptism with the Holy Spirit?

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a distinctive experience referred to in all the gospels and in the Book of Acts. In Acts 1:5, Jesus Himself declared, "John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Accordingly, on the Day of Pentecost the promise of Jesus was fulfilled when believing disciples in Jerusalem "were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance" Acts 2:4.

This baptism with the Spirit did not end with the Day of Pentecost. Years later in Caesarea there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believing Gentiles -- "The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also...speaking in tongues and exalting God" Acts 10:45-46. Thus the promised baptism with the Holy Spirit was again fulfilled -- and continues to be fulfilled to this day.

On this latter point Peter had earlier declared about "the gift of the Holy Spirit" that "The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself" Acts 2:38-39. So to the present day baptism with the Holy Spirit is a continuing promise.

4. What is the purpose of baptism with the Holy Spirit?

Following Jesus' words about the soon to occur baptism with the Holy Spirit, He later added, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...." Acts 1:8. Baptism with the Holy Spirit would result from the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples for power, and particularly for witness to Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Peter later in Acts says of Jesus that "God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power and...He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" Acts 10:38. This close connection between the Holy Spirit and power for ministry is the basic purpose of baptism (or anointing) with the Holy Spirit.

5. How can I receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit?

First, you must be a believer in Jesus Christ. Peter's words on the Day of Pentecost about the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit are preceded by his injunction, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" Acts 2:38. Only those who belong to Christ can be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Second, recognize and affirm that the promise is a continuing promise. "The promise is for you" Acts 2:39. You are not dealing with what may be God's will; you are claiming the unfailing promise of God.

Third, pray earnestly. On one occasion Jesus declared, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock and it will be opened to you" and thereafter added, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" Luke 11:9, 13. You receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit the same way you received Jesus as Lord and Saviour-by faith.

6. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Paul writes about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12. He begins by saying, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware" 12:1 and shortly thereafter declares that "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" 12:v7. Then a ninefold list follows: "For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues" 12:8-10.

There are other lists of gifts in Romans 12:6-8 ("functional" gifts by God's grace) and in Ephesians 4:11-12 ("equipping" gifts from the ascended Christ). However, the list in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 is designated as spiritual gifts (through the Holy Spirit). They are specifically "the manifestation of the Holy Spirit" (verse 12). Outside of prophecy (or prophets) which occurs in all three lists, the gifts of the Spirit are uniquely the operation of the Holy Spirit.

7. What is the fruit of the Spirit?

Paul gives a ninefold list in Galatians 5:22 -- "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

8. What is the difference between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit?

Although there is a ninefold list of both spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit, there are significant differences.

First, the lists are totally different -- there is no overlap between gifts and fruit.

Second, the spiritual gifts are ministry gifts -- "for the common good," hence to serve others; whereas the spiritual fruit refers to the believer's own growth in Christian character.

Third, the gifts of the Spirit may operate at any time "distributing to each one individually just as He wills" 1 Cor. 12:11; fruit takes time to grow and develop.

We need both the operation of the gifts and the maturation of the fruit for a balanced Christian life.

9. What purpose do the gifts serve?

Spiritual gifts are given for the upbuilding of the body of believers: they are "power tools." As the manifestation of the Spirit, they are all supernatural enablements; for example, to speak a word of wisdom, to effectuate healings, to work miracles, to discern various spirits -- all for the benefit of others. When the spiritual gifts operate, the Holy Spirit is directly and powerfully on the scene.

An incidental purpose of the gifts is to bring about involvement of all believers. "To each one is given...." Not to a few -- such as pastors and teachers -- rather each person is to be a channel for some particular manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Everyone is to be actively involved, for the Holy Spirit wishes to manifest Himself not through a few but all.

Finally, the spiritual gifts, being totally different from natural capacities, serve to honor God. God, not man, receives all the praise and glory.

10. Have the gifts ceased to exist or do they still exist today?

Paul writes that to each "is given" not "was given". If the Holy Spirit is no longer in the church at present, then there can be no gifts; but if He is present in power, the gifts are certain to flourish.

Some day the gifts will cease, as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, "when at last we see the Lord "face to face" But until that glorious day we should be thankful for the ongoing and continuing manifestation of the Holy Spirit, I know I am. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
16 Comments
What's Love Got To Do With It? Mar 4, 2008 4:38 am
Mood: Full of His Love!!!, 639 Views
This is a post I wrote back in November. I felt it appropriate for today also. It's high time we, as Christians, get the picture here, of what Jesus admonished us to do. And, He didn't mean to love ONLY your fellow Christian, He meant for us to love the world, the unlovely, and our enemies. Do you think the world looks at the strife and anger and bitterness in some Christians, and want what we have? NO! They probably sit back and think, "Man, I sure am glad I'm not a Christian!" How powerful is your Christian witness? Without love, it is NOTHING! Don't tell me you're a Christian, because talk is cheap, show me your love.

Love has EVERYTHING to do with it!!!

No, it's not a song made famous by Tina Turner, but it's a Biblical mandate for our lives.
The world is seeking, craving, and desiring love, because love is the energy of life, it gives our life a purpose and meaning. Love is what motivates people to get up each day and strive to do what is right. I believe that love is the single-most characteristic of God, and I think that love is the most important thing to God. This is what Jesus said:
I give you a new commandment, that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this, will all men know that you are my Disciples, if you have love one for another, if you keep on showing love among yourselves.
John 13:34, 35 AMP

Love is the trademark and characterisitic of Christians, or should be. Jesus said that all men would know we are His followers, by the love that is displayed in our lives. The apostle Paul said:
.....faith, hope, and love abide.....but the greatest of these, is love.
I Corinthians 13:3
The GREATEST of these? More important than faith? More important than hope? Are you convinced of the importance of love yet? If not, consider this:
May Christ dwell in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.
That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints, the experience of that love.
That you may really come to know, through experience for yourselves, the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience, that you may be filled unto all fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19
Paul prayed this for the church because he wanted them to REALLY know the love of God by their experience, and not by mere intellect. In all of Paul's wisdom and insight into spiritual things, he knew that a revelation of God's love was imperative to each person's life, because without it, nothing would go properly.
Our faith will not work without love, read this:
For, if we are in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and working, through love.
Galatians 5:6
We are taught that faith is the pinnacle of Christian virtues, it is not possible to please God without it. This scripture says that faith works by love. Want your faith to work? How can we ask God to answer our prayers and have faith that He will do so, if we are mistreating others? (See I John 3:18-23)
It doesn't matter what gifts, talents, and knowledge we possess, without love, it is all futile. Read this:
If I speak in the tongues of men and even angels, but have not love, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing, a useless nobody.
Even if I dole out all I have and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love, I gain nothing.
I Corinthians 13:1-3
This is strong language, but hopefully, it gets your attention. There are many who think that they are really something special because of their vast knowledge, but according to the Word of God, they are NOTHING, unless love is their motive and priority. So what good is all that you know? All you that are so pious, where is your love? What good is your theology, how powerful is your doctrine? Without love, it is NOTHING!
.....we should not deceive ourselves into thinking that we love God, while we hate others.
I John 4:20

Fellow bloggers, varying opinions and beliefs, concerning doctrine and interpretation, is inevitable. Each of us differ in our viewpoints. But, when the viewpoints are presented with strife and contention, refuse to accept them. The method of forcefully shoving a belief down one's throat, is rarely persuasive and does little to change someone's thinking. And when we vehemently protest the doctrines we do not agree with, we should not return an evil word with an evil word, but instead, return our opinion with love.
A couple of wise scriptures in Proverbs say: A soft word spoken, turns away wrath and Being kind and good to your enemies is like heaping hot coals of fire upon their heads.
Would you allow the fruit of love to be made complete in you? Are we not here to be a blessing and encouragement, to be edifying to one another, through the grace of God's love? Or, are we here to cultivate our own agenda? For me, it is the former and not the latter. It's as simple as making a choice, choose to walk in love, forgive easily, and pray for one another, in EVERY need.
That, is the will of God, for all of us.
29 Comments
God's Guidance Is Readily Available-Do You Want It? Mar 3, 2008 5:30 am
Mood: Looking for Guidance, 513 Views
How Does God Guide People?

God's primary means for giving us guidance is the Bible. The Bible is our rule book of faith and practice. It is the Handbook For Life. If we know and understand the scriptures, we will be well on our way to having His guidance. He never guides His people contrary to the clear principles of His written Word.

Second, guidance comes from a knowledge of God Himself. We need to know what pleases Him and what displeases Him. There is no substitute for walking with God, sharing with Him, and talking to Him daily.
And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11
When you walk and talk with Him daily, you will experience His direction AND His correction. You will come to know what His desire is (see Psalms 25:9, 32:8, Proverbs 11:3). This relationship develops over a period of time, not instantaneously, although we'd all like it to be that way. Through constant use, your senses become sharpened, so that you know good from evil (see Hebrews 5:14). Spiritual maturity forms a basis for guidance.

A third key to God's guidance is found in the book of Proverbs, here we read: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5
This means that you are not only to know God, but to trust Him implicitly. Every aspect of your life is to reflect His sovereignty over you. "In all your ways acknowledge Him" means in your work, in your family, in your personal life, in your thought life, in your recreation, in your blogs, in everything you do, you acknowledge that God is in control of you. Then, lean not on your own understanding. If you think you know all the answers, if you have everything all figured out, then you are leaning on your own understanding. If you trust God, acknowledge Him in the way that you live, and do not lean on your overconfidence or past experience. I'm guilty of that, basing things on past experience, and we can't do that, as things are not always the same as they WERE. Let Him guide you in each individual situation.

You must have knowledge of the scriptures, a personal knowledge of God, and the knowledge that you are living each day in tune with Him, expecting His guidance. Finally, to have His guidance, you need to be filled with His Spirit. The Bible says, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God"
Romans 8:14
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the Truth. For He will not speak His own message, but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father, and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come.
John 16:13
In the book of Acts, there are recorded instances where the Holy Spirit gave personal guidance. He said to do this or not to do that. He gave revelations. And He still does all these things! He guides by means of specific scriptures that suddenly come alive for you. He guides by bringing people to you providentially to give you advice and counsel. He guides through circumstances. And, He guides by speaking into your thoughts.

There are many other ways that God can guide you. Personally, I ask for billboards, lol. You have to train yourself to be receptive to hearing that still, small voice, observing when doors are opened AND when doors are closed, and really listening to and objectively consider what Godly people have to say. You have to be willing to acknowledge that the circumstances that come your way, have His approval, no matter how difficult they may be. He has a purpose in ALL things and can make ALL things for your good. And, you have to spend time in prayer regularly, fellowshipping with Him, getting to know Him, and opening up your heart to Him. If your heart and life are centered on God, His Word, and His Holy Spirit, you can rest assured that He will direct your path.
17 Comments
New Scientific Evidence Supports Giving Mar 2, 2008 5:02 am
Mood: Obedient, 452 Views
Since God taught me the principle of tithing, my income has quadrupled! Coincidence, you say? No way, Jose! Now, I know this is going to stir up a hornet's nest, as I've read a few blogs that infer that giving is under the old covenant and we don't need to nor are we required to give under the new covenant. That concept is either ignorance or selfishness. Does that mean that it's OK to murder and steal, because that was under the old covenant? Get real!
God admonishes us to be givers throughout His Word. And, if you don't believe His Word, consider these findings:

A new book out explains how giving not only makes you rich - it makes you healthier and happier.
There is now scientific evidence supporting the Scriptures that discuss the benefits of charitable giving. In 2006 Americans gave away $295 billion. That's greater than the gross domestic production of Sweden.

So, Who Are America's Biggest Givers?

The stereotype holds that conservatives are mean and don't care about the poor, and that liberals who do care for the poor give more. But in his book, "Who Really Cares", economist Arthur Brooks says that's not the case.
"The average conservative-headed household gives 30 percent more money to charity than the average liberal-headed household, despite earning six percent less income," Brooks said.
Brooks also found that the biggest givers in America are religious people from traditional families.
"If there's one question I can ask you that will predict more than any other whether or not you're going to be a giver, it's whether or not you attend your house of worship weekly," he said.
Brooks says that after religion, the biggest predictor of giving is a person's attitude about the role of government.
About one-third of Americans want the government to take care of the poor and tax the rich more in order to do so. But Brooks says those who oppose this view are the real givers by more than 4 percent.
"So people who believe that the government should not be re-distributing money might seem awfully hard-hearted to the political left in this country, but they're putting their money where their mouths are," Brooks said.
And they're not just giving to their churches.
Brooks says religious people are just as likely to give to secular causes as well, giving 50 percent more money each year to social welfare charities than the average secularist.

Giving Changes Our Brains

"What we find is that basically, charitable giving changes our brains. There's evidence that we reduce our stress hormones and improve our level of endorphins, which is to say the chemicals in our brains that makes us feel good. This leads us to be more effective and happier in our lives. We can't help but become more successful and effective when we give," Brooks said.
Brooks says giving also makes you more prosperous. Many of the rich claim it's the secret to their success.
"John D. Rockefeller even said that. He said 'God gave me my money to use as I see fit for the good of my fellow man.' He honestly believed, that the day he stopped giving was the day he would start to get poor because God would take his money away from him," Brooks said.
As an economist, Brooks said he used to think you had to have money before you could give it away.
"Turns out that's wrong," he said. "When I started actually looking at the data on this, the entrepreneurs, the successful people and the religious folks throughout history have been right all this time. Because what you find is - when you give -- you can count on, not necessarily right now, but sooner or later - a significant pay back, return on your investment," he said.
"What I'm saying is, that it's an amazing thing - the science backs up the Scripture," he said.

Giving is Good for America

Brooks says charitable giving is also good for America as a nation.
"When Americans on average give more, we can actually feel the impact in an increased GDP -- we get better national growth. This is one of the reasons that the U.S. is a richer country than other countries - because Americans give more," he said.
According to Brooks the average American gives 3.5 times as much money to charity as the average Frenchman, seven times as the average German, and 14 times per year as the average Italian.
"The only country that comes even remotely close to the U.S. is Israel, (what a coincidence) but everybody else is far behind," he said.

The Bible is VERY clear about the principles of tithing, and the ONLY place you'll find God saying, "Prove Me in this", is in reference to giving. He has proven it to me, my life is a perfect example of what God will do when we give, with a cheerful heart. I went from poverty to prosperity, not just financially, but also in other ways. I know the concept seems backwards, "Give, and it shall be given unto you", but isn't that how most of God's principles work? Initially, there was no money to give, as I was raising 3 kids alone. I started with a dollar, is there anyone here that can't come up with a dollar? If so, email me, and I'll sow a seed in your life. I also included my kids in this process, they not only watched me give, but they began giving from their weekly allowance, and to this day, they are prosperous too. As He gave me more, I gave more, and I discovered, you can't outgive God! I challenge you to be obedient to His principles of tithing, not just for a day or a week, but for your lifetime, and watch what God will do. He WILL "open up the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing you cannot contain!"

Hallelujah!!!
6 Comments
The Kingdom of God Is NOT A Place Mar 1, 2008 12:25 pm
Mood: Understanding, 566 Views
Every time I saw the words "kingdom of God" or "His kingdom" in the Bible, I thought it was referring to a place. In my mind, I envisioned that place to be heaven. But, when I substituted the word "heaven", in some places, it didn't fit. For example, where it talks about it being more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom, than a camel going through the eye of a needle. That just didn't make sense to me, as I'm sure there will be rich Christians that go to heaven. Upon further study, I discovered that I was wrong in my thinking.

A kingdom is a "place" where a king rules. The Kingdom of God is wherever God reigns over the lives of His subjects. The Kingdom of God is not visible or pyhisical, because God is not visible or physical. It is a spiritual kingdom. This is what Jesus said:
Nor will people say, Look! Here it is! or, See, it is there! For the kingdom of God is within you, in your hearts, and among you and surrounding you.
Luke 17:21

Jesus gave us, in the Lord's Prayer, a petition to God: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer shows the priority Jesus gave to the Kingdom of God. Can we not say that the Kingdom of God will come on earth when the will of God is as respected here as it is in heaven, when the visible world totally reflects the invisible world? I think we can. In the Kingdom of God, everything is subject to God's power, instantly, with no question. In the visible world, there is resistance to God's will.

The Kingdom of God is eternal. It is the place where all Christians ultimately will dwell. At the present time, it is an invisible kingdom here in our midst. Wherever there are those who honor the King, and wherever the Spirit of the King is, there is the Kingdom of God.

Ultimately, the kingdom is more of a methodology rather than a tangible location. The kingdom is where God's way of doing things, His way of being, is followed. So, that scripture I referred to simply means that it is harder for a rich man to enter into God's way of doing things, than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Now, it makes more sense, because if you're rich, and you love money, you won't be able to follow God's way of doing things.

So, the next time you consider the kingdom of God, you'll know it's God's way of doing things, and the kingdom of heaven, a place.
18 Comments
Shattered Beyond Repair Mar 1, 2008 5:15 am
Mood: Remolded and Repaired, 606 Views
The vase was knocked to the ground and shattered into many pieces. It was so badly broken that I was sure it could not be repaired. But that vase was a very special vase and I knew that I didn't want to throw it away but that I had to fix it. I knew that I didn't have the skill or ability to fix it but, that perhaps an expert potter did. So I gathered up all the pieces and took them to one, and asked him if he could put the vase together again.

That vase was my life, in all of its brokeness. I went to the Master Potter and said, "Why have You allowed me to be broken? I cannot be used by You now -- I am like the vase the potter rejected -- damaged and no good. Please, just let me die."

But the Master Potter had other plans. He said to me, "The vase cannot say to the potter -- 'why have you made me this way?'"
And He quoted Romans 9:20-21-.....Will what is formed say to Him that formed it, Why have you made me this way? Has the Potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same mass, for beauty and distiction and honorable use, and another for menial or ignoble and dishonorable use?
He said, "It is through your brokenness that I can use you. Now, I can take the pieces and remold the vase and make it into what I want it to be."

He showed me that the broken pieces were guilt, shame, unforgiveness, fear of failure, rejection, perfectionism. And He said, "I am going to transform these pieces into acceptance, love, forgiveness, peace, and excellence."

That made me hope again, as there was very little hope left in my life. But I was impatient because I wanted the process to be quick, easy, and painless, and I wanted to be used by Him NOW. But I found that the process hurt very badly and sometimes I didn't think that I could bear the pain. During the process, I wanted to quit and give up many times.

Again the Lord spoke to me and He said, "Be patient, My child. I have plans for you but you must wait for My timing. Right now, I want to mend you and fill you, so that when the time is right you can share with others that which I have given you. I know how badly you have been hurt but you must trust Me. Then, He gave me Hebrews 13:5-.....God, Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, not give you up, nor leave you without support. I will NOT, I will NOT, I will NOT. I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let you down or relax My hold on you. Assuredly NOT.
"But I will lead you and guide you and if the way is too rough, I will carry you. Your job is just to follow."

To trust and surrender, often so very difficult, most times for me, seemingly impossible, and yet the only way that the vase can be repaired. "Help me, Lord, to yield my life to You, the Master Potter, so that You can reshape me and remake me into what You would have me to be so that I may be used by You."

Then, He gave me Proverbs 3:5-6, Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with ALL your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In ALL your ways, know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain, your paths.

Using what He gave me, got this shattered vase through the repair process, and made me into the beautiful vase that the Master Potter created me to be. Will you give your brokeness to Him?
21 Comments
ABC's For Parents Feb 29, 2008 12:03 pm
Mood: In The Way They Ought To Go, 525 Views
A-lways trust your children to God's care.

B-ring them to church.

C-hallenge them to high goals.

D-elight in their achievements.

E-xalt the Lord in their presence.

F-rown on evil.

G-ive them love.

H-ear their problems.

I-gnore not their childish fears.

J-oyfully accept their apologies.

K-eep their confidence.

L-ive a good example before them.

M-ake them your friends.

N-ever ignore their endless questions.

O-pen your heart to their love.

P-ray for them by name.

Q-uicken your interest in their spirituality.

R-emember their needs.

S-how them the way of salvation.

T-each them to work.

U-nderstand they are still young.

V-erify your statements.

W-ean them from bad company.

eX-pect them to obey.

Y-earn for God's best for them.

Z-ealously guide them in Bible truth.

My favorite is "Z", as I believe it was the single-most important thing I ever taught my son. He is currently teaching his children "Z" also.
18 Comments
Satan's Instructions To All Demons-Keep Them Busy! Feb 29, 2008 4:56 am
Mood: Busy, 507 Views
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church." We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth." "We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior." "Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken." "So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."
"This is what I want you to do", said the devil: "Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we Do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children." "As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice." "Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." "To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly." "This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers." "Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day." "Invade their driving moments with billboards." "Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives."
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night." "Give them headaches too!" "If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive." "Have them return from their recreation exhausted." "Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God! 's creation." "Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus." "Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!" 'It will work!"
It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get more busy and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme?

You be the judge! Does "busy" mean:
B-eing
U-nder
S-atan's
Y-oke?
16 Comments
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