THE WORD OF GOD - #3

[Eleanor]

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility consider others
better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only for your
own interests, but also to the interests
of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 *** NIV

A CHURCH THAT CARES. :D
Far too often it seems we limit the
significance of church to what happens
on Sunday, but the church is to be so
much more:
It is to be a safe haven, a rescue station,
a place for hurting and broken people, and
a training center for spiritual service.
We are also called to "love others."

It was only a brief little note,
Or a word that was prayerfully spoken,
Yet not in vain, for it soothed the pain,
Of a heart that was nearly broken.

Hope can be ignited by a spark of encouragement. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Philippians 2

[Eleanor]

See to it that no one misses
the grace of God and that no
bitter root grows up to cause
trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:15 *** NIV

DON'T LET IT GROW..... :o
When we hold on to disappointment,
a poisonous root of bitterness begins
to grow.
Let's allow the Spirit to fill us so He
can heal the hurt that causes bitterness.

When angry feelings go unchecked,
They'll mushroom into hate;
So don't let time feed bitterness,
Forgiveness must not wait.

Bitterness is a root that ruins the garden of peace. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Hebrews 10

[Eleanor]

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:
for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's
seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:28-29 *** KJV

SAVOR THE FLAVOR. ;)
In a world where pride and prejudice abound,
Jesus offers us the joy of unity across all the
lines that so easily divide us.
Jesus is the master mixer! In His kingdom,
pride and prejudice are out, and love and
mutual acceptance are the order of the day.

Within the church of Jesus Christ
The joys of unity abound,
When love accepts diversity
And prejudice cannot be found.

Christ's love creates unity in the midst of diversity. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Galatians 3

[Eleanor]

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,
all the days of this meaningless life that
God has given you under the sun, all your
meaningless days. For this is your lot in life
and in your toil some labor under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 *** NIV

MARRIAGE BEFORE LOVE. :o
Biblical love is about our willingness to do
what is good for another. Husbands are
instructed to "love their own wives
as their own bodies.
So walking in obedience to the Lord,
let's keep our marriage vows to love
"till death do us part."

For better or for worse,
Through sickness and through strife;
And by the help and grace of God
We'll keep these vows for life.

Love is more than a feeling, it's a commitment. :mrgreen:

Read - Ecclesiasters 9

[Eleanor]

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap. If we
faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity,
let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household
of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 *** KJV

THE TIME OF ANYONE'S LIFE... :P
Be encouraged by the Word.
Put yourself into the lives of others
for Jesus' sake. You'll experience a
fulfillment beyond compare.

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

We are at our best when we serve others. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Galatians 6

[Eleanor]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world,
but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 *** KJV

A LIVING SACRIFICE. :(
What the scripture says is this:
We are to give up our selfish ways and
surrender ourselves completely to God.
We are to seek to be "holy" in all we do,
to have a godly character which is acceptable
to God.

Here is my heart, Lord Jesus,
I have but one for Thee:
Oh, let my heart be Thine alone,
Thy will be done in me.

A life given fully to God is at the heart of true sacrifice. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Romans 12

[Eleanor]

O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt
you and praise your name, for in
perfect faithfulness you have done
marvelous things, things planned
long ago.
Isaiah 25:1 *** NIV

SILENT HELPER. ;)
No one knows how many times God
has protected us from harm. But when
there is a tragedy, we ask, "Where is God?"
However, when I consider all the wonderful
things that God does silently on our behalf
each day, I realize that my list of praises
should be much longer than my list of petitions.

God's goodness undergirds our lives
In many silent ways;
His blessings are beyond compare,
For them we give Him praise.

God keeps giving us reasons to parise Him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Isaiah 25

[Eleanor]

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual, restore such an
one in the spirit of meekness, considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 *** KJV

KNOW YOURSELF. :oops:
We must never take a superior attitude
toward fellow believers who have fallen.
We must seek to lift them up with a humility
that comes from knowing ourselves.

Let me not judge my fellowmen,
But understand them, Lord, and when
The casting of the stones begins,
Remind me of my many sins.

The sins of others always seem greater than our own. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Luke 18:9-14

[Eleanor]

And straightway Jesus constrained the disciples
to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the
other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
And when he had sent the multitudes away,
he went up into a mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening was come, he was there
alone.
Matthew 14:22-23 *** KJV

WHY PRAY? :?
Many of us don't pray to God on His terms.
If you don't, learn from our Lord's model
for prayer found in Luke 11:2.

If Jesus needed to pray, how can we do less? :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Matthew 14

[Eleanor]

My substance was not hid from thee,
when I was made in secret, and curiously
wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being
unperfect: and in thy book all my members
were fashioned, when as yet there was none
of them.
Psalms 139:15-16 *** KJV

EXPIRATION DATE... :o
As we suffer illness or grow older,
we naturally think more about death.
If we're believers in Christ, we can
be confident that death is an open
door to eternal life with Jesus.
Like the psalmist David, we are
comforted by the truth that the
God who loves us knows our
"expiration date." :(

From Him, who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, or earth or hell?
No - I am His forever.

God's timing is perfect, even in death. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 139

[Eleanor]

For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5 *** KJV

WE ARE CONNECTED. :o
Our obedience to the Lord may seem
insignificant in the big picture, but it
breathes freshness and life into the
spiritual atmosphere of every believer.

We don't live unto ourselves,
We're part of one another;
For good or ill we touch a life
Of sister, friend, and brother.

When believers influence each other for
good, the body of Christ remains healthy. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Romans 12

[Eleanor]

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father
by him.
Colossians 3:17 *** KJV

LOVE, INC. ;)
As grateful followers of Jesus,
we are told to "do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus."
When we represent Him to other people
in word and deed, they should see love,
in the name of Christ.

Teach me to love - this is my plea;
May all the Spirit's graces shine through me;
Tear from my heart all hate, foolish pride;
Help me to live like Christ the crucified.

Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
but have not love, it profits me nothing. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Colossians 3

[Eleanor]

Knowing that he which raised up the
Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by
Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For which cause we faint not; but
though our outward man perish,
yet the inward man is renewed
day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:14, 16 *** KJV

BETTER WITH AGE... :D
Many of us fear aging with all the trouble
it brings.
But when we are gradually stripped of
everything that props us up, whether
wealth, independence, health, dignity,
beauty or all of the above, we are left
with more and more of God.
The older you get, the better you can become! ;)

Although our outward shell decays,
We still can be renewed each day;
Commitment to God's Word and prayer
Give strength that will not fade away.

To get better with age, get spiritually fit. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 2 Corinthians 4

[Eleanor]

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One
of Israel; in returning and rest shall ye be
saved; in quietness and in confidence
shall be your strength.
IsaiaIh 30:15 *** KJV

THE POWER OF MEEKNESS. :shock:
The meek prosper because they are the
ones who have power under control.
You may be trying to live in this world
by your own power. Let God teach
you meekness so that you can live in
and depend on His strength.

We strive to do the will of God
And struggle to succeed;
But we may fail to recognize
God's strength is what we need.

Nothing is stronger than strength under God's control. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Isaiah 30

[Eleanor]

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God:
defend me from them that rise up against
me.
But I will sing of thy power: yea, I will
sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning
for thou hast been my defence and
refuge in the day of my trouble.
Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing
for God is my defence, and the God
of my mercy.
Psalm 59:1, 16-17 *** KJV

HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE :D
Sometimes we may feel as if our lives have
been hijacked by unexpected circumstances.
But take courage, no matter what our trouble,
God is there.

I never walk alone, Christ walks beside me,
He is the dearest Friend I've ever known;
With such a Friend to comfort and to guide me,
I never, no, I never walk alone.

When troubles call on you, call on God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 59

[Eleanor]

Beloved, think it not strange concerning
the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers
of Christ's sufferings: that, when his glory
shal be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13 *** KJV

BOWLING A GOOGLEY. :o
Life is full of times when we are unsuspectingly
"bowled a googley," and we find ourselves
overwhelmed.
Trials are to be expected. Yet we may well be
shocked by the circumstances facing us.
But God is never surprised? He permits our trials,
and He can enable us to respond to them in a
way that honors Him.
In God's strength, we can face life's most
troublesome curveballs.

Nothing surprises God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Peter 4

[Eleanor]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in
righteousness. That the man of God may
be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 *** KJV

THE REVISABLE EDITION. :o
God's Word is to be obeyed by His people.
We're the ones who need to be "revised"
not the Scriptures.

The laws of God are true and right;
They stand as firm today
As when He put them in His Word
And told us to obey.

To love God is to obey God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 2 Timothy 3

[Eleanor]

When you enter the land the LORD
your God is giving you, do not learn
to imitate the detestable ways of
the nations there.
Deuteronomy 18:9 *** NIV

DESPERATE FOR ANSWERS. :o
When you are desperate for information
about your future, turn to the sovereign
God of heaven. He is the only One who
holds the answers you seek.

Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way?

The what of our future is determined by the who of eternity. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Deuteronomy 18

[Eleanor]

But I would ye should understand, brethren,
that the things which happened unto me
have fallen out rather unto the furtherance
of the gospel. Some, indeed, preach Christ
even of envy and strife; and some also of
good will:
Philippians 1:12, 15 *** KJV

THE SIGN :o
Churches ought to be concerned about building
their congregations. But we must beware of
setting the bar too low by worrying about
members.
The wisdom and grace of Christ are not necessarily
found in conventional wisdom. Good judgment often
requires that we perform counter-intuitive acts of
unselfishness that reflect Jesus' life in us.

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be.

Nothing is more pleasing to God then self-sacrifice that grows out of obedience. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Philippians 1

[Eleanor]

Who knoweth the power of thine anger?
Even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
So teach us to number our days, that we
may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:11-12 *** KJV

SNAPSHOTS OF TIME. :roll:
When all the pictures of our life are laid
on the table, they will reveal our recurring
words and actiions.
What story will they tell? It's worth considering
as we make our choices each day.

God has given life abundant,
Live it fully every day;
Though our time on earth is fleeting,
He goes with us all the way.

It's not how long you live that counts,
but how you live. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 90

[Eleanor]

Therefore God again set a certain day,
calling it Today, when a long time later
he spoke through David, as was said
before:
Today, if you hear his voice, do not
harden your hearts."
Hebrews 4:7 *** NIV

ARE YOU READY? :o
If you were called into eternity today,
would you be prepared to meet God
face-to-face?
Have you opened your heart to Him?
Are your sins forgiven?
Are you ready to go?

Ready to speak, ready to warn,
Ready your souls to yearn,
Ready in life, ready in death,
Ready for His return

God's call may come at any time, so be ready all the time! :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Hebrews 4

[Eleanor]

The wind blows wherever it pleases.
You hear its sound, but you cannot
tell where it comes from or where
it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:8 *** NIV

THE MIDWIFE'S TALE. :o
The Spirit desires to use us in sharing
the gospel so others can experience that
second birth.

God sent the Holy Spirit after
Christ ascended from this earth,
And this we know - He's left us here
To share good news of second birth.

The Holy Spirit is the Christian's source of power. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading ***John 3

[Eleanor]

For we do not want to boast about work
already done in another man's territory.
But, "let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
For it is not the one who commends himself
who is approved, but the one whom the
Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:16-18 *** NIV

THEY ARE THE PROBLEM. :o
When we don't look at our own actions
but instead compare ourselves with others,
we often come out looking good.
But, as Apostle Paul said, it's the Lord's
commendation that counts, not our own
approval of ourselves.

The faults I see in others' lives
Are often true of me;
So help me, Lord, to recognize
My own hypocrisy.

If you must compare yourself with someone, compare yourself with Christ. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 2 Corinthians 10

[Eleanor]

For I do not want you to be ignorant
of the fact brothers, nevertheless,
God was not pleased with most of
them. Now these things occurred
as examples to keep us from setting
our hearts on evil things as they did.
1 Corinthians 10:1, 5-6 *** NIV

TELL ME THE STORY. :(
Old Bible stories teach us of the treachery
of sin, our desperate need to trust God unflinchingly,
and the importance of staying faithful and true
to Him regardless of what happens.
Don't ignore the old stories. You might be
surprised what God wants to teach you
through them.

We learn the blessed Word of God
To fix it firmly in our heart;
And when we act upon that Word
Its truth from us will not depart.

Stories from the past can give us pointers for the present. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Corinthians 10

[Eleanor]

By the gace God has given me, I laid a foundation
as an expert builder, and someone else is building
on it.
But each one should be careful how he builds.
For no one can lay any foundation other than
the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 *** NIV

A PLACE TO STAND. ;)
Allow me this opportunity to suggest two
things to you, the believer:
1. First, find a fellow Christian or two
who can come beside you and hold you
up when troubles come.
One who can pray for you, talk with you,
and remind you that you are not alone.
2. Then rest your feet on the only solid
foundation in life: Jesus Christ.
Life's troubles are too tough to take on alone.
Get some help and find in Jesus a place to
stand.

God often meets our deepest need
With help we gain from others,
From caring members of His church,
Our sisters and our brothers.

Build your life on the solid foundation, Jesus Christ. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Corinthians 3

[Eleanor]

LORD, why castest thou off my soul?
Why hidest thou thy face from me?
I am afflicted and ready to die from
my youth up; while I suffer thy terrors
I am distracted.
Psalm 88:14-15 *** KJV

SPIRITUAL THERAPY :shock: :( :o :roll:
The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual
therapy in process: doubt, paranoia, giddiness,
delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal,
you find it all in the psalms.
From them we learn to bring to God whatever
we feel about Him. I need not paper over my
failures: far better to bring my weaknesses
to Him, who alone has the power to heal.

Do you fear the gathring clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus along.

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 88

[ilj247]

:D

Dear Eleanor;

I find your post inspiring, encouraging and enlightening.

Keep up the good work.

ilj

[Eleanor]

There shall not any man be able to
stand before thee all the days of thy life.
As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee;
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5 *** KJV

THE APPRENTICE. :(
God takes His own time to prepare us
for service.
Sometimes that period of waiting is as
valuable as learning all the needed
strategies and goals.
Joshua's own time to lead was coming,
and when it came, he was able to trust
God's promises to him.

People who become great leaders
Sometimes need to learn
How to serve and follow others,
Then they'll get their turn.

A person who is not willing to follow is not prepared to lead. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Joshua 1

[Eleanor]

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our
spirit, that we are the children of God;
And if children, then heirs, heirs of God,
and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that
we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together.
Romans 8:16-17 *** KJV

GOD'S TRAINING SCHOOL :o
The gospel does not say, "Come to Jesus and
live happily ever after." God's syllabus for His
children's education includes training through
hardships.
The hard times we endure are God's way to prepare
us for greater service for His glory.

So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred,
To eyes made blind because they will not see,
To spend though it be blood - to spend and spare not,
So send I you to taste of Calvary.

We conquer by continuing. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Romans 8

[Eleanor]

Friday - 08-08-08

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,
they will cease; where there are tongues, they
will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will
pass way.
1 Corinthians 13:8 *** NIV

THE GREATEST RACE: :D
In life's most difficult race, the saints
will cross the finish line victorious
through love.

O for a love that knows no end,
A love that's strong and pure,
Reaching afar to both foe and friend,
So deep it will always endure.

Love enables us to walk fearlessly, to run
confidently, and to live victoriously. :mrgreen:

__________________________________________________ ________________________
Saturday - 08-09-08

For you were once darkness, but now you
are light in the Lord. Live as children of
light.
Ephesians 5:8 *** NIV

OPEN THE SHUTTERS. :shock:
When the candles that light up our darkness
are blown out, let's rejoice that God is throwing
open shuttered windows and pouring in the
sunshine of His love.

Afflictions my test me,
They cannot destroy;
One glimpse of Thy love
Turns them all into joy.

We value the light more fully after we've
come through the darkness. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Ephesians 5

[Eleanor]

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show
himself strong in the behalf of those
whose heart is perfect toward him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 *** KJV

THE EYE OF GOD... :shock:
Although we cannot see the eyes of God,
we can be assured that He sees us.
His desire is to show Himself strong to
those who are loyal to Him with their
whole heart.

Precious promise God hath given
To the weary psserby,
On the way from earth to heaven,
"I will guide thee with Mine eye."

To know that God sees us brings both
conviction and comfort. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 2 Chronicles 16

[Eleanor]

Do you not know that in a race all
the runners run, but only one gets
the prize? Run in such a way as to
get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games
goes into strict training. They do it to
get a crown that will not last; but we
do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 *** NIV

TRUE TEAMWORK. :D :P
When someone is won to Christ,
the only loser is Satan.
For Christians, true teamwork is not
about defeating opponents; it's about
recruiting them to join our team.

Tact is the knack of winning a point without making an enemy. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Corinthins 9

[Eleanor]

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant
about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like
the rest of men, who have no hope.
For the Lord himself will come down from
heaven, with a loud command, with the
voice of the archangel and with the trumpet
call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the
clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage each other with these
words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18 *** NIV

"THIS IS IT!" :o
If we have received Jesus as our Savior
we will find ourselves anticipating with
excitement His appearing - eager to
"stir up love and good works" in one
another as we "see the Day approaching."

A little while, then Christ will come;
The glorious hour draws nigh
When He will come to take His bride
To dwell with Him on high.

Christ's Second Coming is as certain as His first. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Thess. 4

[Eleanor]

Then Moses cried out to the LORD,
and the LORD showed him a piece
of wood. He threw it into the water,
and the water became sweet.
Exodus 15:25 *** NIV

THE SAME HAND. :(
If you have a seemingly impossible need
today, remember that the hand that
supplied your greatest need - forgiveness
of sin - is the same hand that can adequately
supply all your needs. Trust Him to accomplish
things that seem impossible.

When our problems overwhelm us,
God wants us to look to Him:
He provides the right solutions,
Lighting paths that once were dim.

Impossibilities compel us to rely on God.

Todays Reading *** Exodus 15

[Eleanor]

The third time he said to him,
"Simon son of John, do you love
me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked
him the third time, "Do you love me?"
He said, "Lord, you know all things;
you know that I love you."
John 21:17 *** NIV

FEED MY SHEEP :(
Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved His sheep,
but if he loved Him. Affection for God's
people in itself will not sustain us.
His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative,
and harshly critical of our efforts to love and
serve them.
In the end, we can find ourselves discouraged,
but not defeated by their response.
The devil is still a defeted foe. He lost the battle
on Calvary when Jesus hung His head and said:
"It is finished."

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

It is love for Christ that will enable us to love His children. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** John 21

[Eleanor]

You, my brothers, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge
the sinful nature; rather, serve one another
in love.
The entire law is summed up in a single
command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:13-14 *** NIV

GATHERING STICKS: :roll:
Perhaps you've been set aside for a while
due to difficult circumstances.
Maybe you've reached the time in your
life when vigorous activity is no longer
possible.
Don't despair. Remember others have been
set aside for various reasons also.
However, do what you can do, even if
simply "gathering sticks."

Start where you are in serving the Lord,
Claim His sure promise and trust in His Word;
God simply asks you to do what you can,
He'll use your efforts to further His plan.

God never puts you in the wrong place to serve Him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Galatians 5

[Eleanor]

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly
loved children and live a life of love, just
as Christ loved us and gave himself up
for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice
to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 *** NIV

CHIP OFF THE OL' BLOCK. :D
Remember, we are saved to bear the
Family resemblance, to become increasingly
more like Jesus and less like ourselves.

O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's teasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Every child of God should have a growing likeness to the Father. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Ephesians 5

[Eleanor]

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for
the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Psalm 84:1-2 *** NIV

IN GOD'S HOUSE. :D
There's something special about praising God
together with His people, and we should take
every opportunity we can to do so.
However, if we can't, we can still express our
love for the living God and our longing to know
Him.
The Lord is pleased and we'll be blessed when
our heart's desire is to be with Him and His
people.

One day that's spent with You, O Lord,
In worship and in praise
Is better than a thousand spent
In less important ways.

A good indicator of our spiritual temperature is our eagerness to worship God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 84

[Eleanor]

Do not lie to each other, since you
have taken off your old self with its
practices and have put on the new
self, which is being renewed in
knowledge in the image of its
Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10 *** NIV

ANOTHER CHANCE. :D
There are saints who know what it means to
be given another chance after past wrongs.
We learn what a personal transformation God
can do.
Nevertheless, know this for sure: The Lord can
and will chisel His image on our flawed lives and
make us beautiful and useful also.

Christ takes each sin, each pain, each loss,
And by the power of His cross
Transforms our brokenness and shame
So that our lives exalt His name.

Our rough edges must be chipped away to bring out the image of Christ. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Colossians 3

[Eleanor]

Now, therefore, fear the LORD, and serve
him in sincerity and in truth;
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the
LORD, choose you this day whom ye will
serve.
Joshua 24:14a-15 *** KJV

ONE SMALL CHOICE. :roll:
Serving God will not always be the
easy choice.
But it is a choice that brings the kind of
consequence we can live with.

I am resolved to follow the Savior.
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

What you will be tomorrow depends on the
choices you make today. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Joshua 24

[Eleanor]

And thou, Solomon, my son, know thou
the God of thy father, and serve him
with a perfect heart and with a willing
mind; for the LORD searcheth all the
imaginations of the thoughts.
If thou seek him, he will be found by
thee; but if thou forsake him, he will
cast thee off forever.
1 Chronicles 28:9 *** KJV

WHOSE SIDE IS GOD ON? :roll:
God is on the side of those who are on His side,
who know His heart and mind and do His will,
not those who insist on convincing God and others
that their way is right.
Instead of jumping into a situation with the
presumption that God is on our side, we need
to be certain that we are on His side.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT! :(
Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are Thine.

It's dangerous to mistake our wishes for God's will. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 2 Chronicles 28

[Eleanor]

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name
in all the earth, who hast set thy glory above
the heavens!
Psalm 8:1 *** KJV

PHENOMENAL! :o
Planet earth is not all about us, but by God's design,
it involves us.
The psalmist marveled at the heavens, but he was
more amazed that the great Creator, whose glory is
above the heavens, included us in His grand plan for
the ages.
To worship any part of God's creation stops short of
giving glory to the One who made it. The Bible lifts
our eyes to see that all creation proclaims the glory
of God, who has showered His grace and love on us
through Christ.

"O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth." :shock:

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

God's glory shines through His creation. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 8

[Eleanor]

And supper being ended, the devil having
now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot,
Simon's son, to betray him;
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all
things into his hands, he riseth from supper,
and laid aside his garments, and took a towel,
and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a basin,
and began to wash the disciples' feet,
and to wipe them with the towel with
which he was girded.
John 13:2-5 *** KJV

THE FOOT-WASHING GOD. :o
We Christians sometimes take God's existence
for granted. We believe what the Bible tells us
about the Eternal Spirit who never begn to be
and whose existence will never end.
But we may wonder sometimes about His character.
If He allows disaster, how could He also be kind and
loving?
However, as we read John 13 thoughtfully, we see
that God is the foot-washing God. His unfathomable,
sacrificial love for us should cause us to surrender to
Him too.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** John 13

[Eleanor]

So whether you eat or drink or whatever
you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 *** NIV

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS! :o
The next time you face a huge task,
remember that God is your strength.
And when you encounter a seemingly
insignificant one, determine to do it
with excellence to the glory of God.

If you have some work to do,
Start this very hour;
You supply the willingness,
God supplies the power.

Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Corinthians 10

[Eleanor]

From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet,
when you, O God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
Surely your wrath against men brings
you praise, and the survivors of your
wrath are restrained.
Psalm 76:8-10 *** NIV

GOD'S RESTRAINT. :o
God will not allow you to be pressed beyond
enduraance. That is His sure promise.
When the lesson has been learned, when
the revelation of God's glory is completed
and your soul has been tried and proven,
then God will raise His hand and save you.
He will say, "No more."

When He leads through some valley of trouble,
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us,
Are part of His lessons in grace.

In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 76

[Eleanor]

My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too
wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned
child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul
within me.
Put your hope in the LORD both now and forever.
Psalm 131:1-3 *** NIV

FOUNDATION OF THE HEART. :o
Our heart is the place where God meets and
relates to us personally. It's where He allows
us to respond to His correction.
Authentic Christianity is the inside-out expression
of this dynamic relationship with Jesus that
provides the strength to live for His glory,
regardless of what is happening on the outside!

Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour;
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.

When you open your heart to the Savior, He opens your mind to His Word. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 131

[Eleanor]

A new command I give you:
Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you
must love one another.
By this all men will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 *** NIV

THE KING'S COLORS: ;)
As we interact with fellow Christ-followers,
let's be sure to show our colors [love].
That will honor our King before a watching
world.

Teach me to love as Thou dost love,
And let the whole world know
That Jesus Christ lives in my heart,
His glorious light to show.

Our love for God shows in our love for others. :mrgreen:


Todays Reading *** John 13

[Eleanor]

Your attitude should be the same as that
of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not
consider equality with God something
to be grasped, but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became
obedient to death - even death on
a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8 *** NIV

AN AUDIENCE OF ONE! :o
Food For Thought...
1. Do we clamor for attention and achievement?
2. How would our lives differ if we truly played to
an audience of One?
Certainly our sense of ego and rivalry would fade,
because we would no longer need to worry about
proving ourselves to others.
We could concentrate instead on pleasing God by
living in a way that would attract people to Jesus.

Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything,
To do it as for Thee!

Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Philippians 2

[Eleanor]

For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us, so that through
endurance and the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 *** NIV

COMFORT FOOD. :D
Unfortunately, all is not well with the world,
and no amount of hamburgers and French
fries can make it right.
Real comfort is not the by-product of
specific foods. However, God has given
us His Word to draw us to Himself.
Through relationship with Him, He provides
the comfort we need to live in a broken world.

Jesus is all this sad world needs today;
Blindly men strive, for sin darkens the way,
O to draw back the grim curtains of night,
One glimpse of Jesus and all will be bright.

God's Word is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Romans 15

[Eleanor]

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of
evil.
Some people, eager for money, have wondered
from the faith and pierced themselves with
many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith.
1 Timothy 6:10-12 *** NIV

DON'T RUST OUT! :(
Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like
moisture acting on metal.
However, our capabilities may vary with age,
but pursuing the righteous life to which God
has called us should never end.
DON'T RUSH OUT!

For practical advice on how to keep
spiritually active as we age,
One must keep in contact with the Maker.

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Timothy 6

[Eleanor]

For he has rescued us from the dominion
of darkness and brought us into the kingdom
of the Son he loves, in whom we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 *** NIV

CHANGE OF ADDRESS. ;)
If you have had "a change of address,"
(heart) you should tell someone about what
Jesus has done in and for you.

When we're born again, made new in Christ,
It should be plain for all to see and hear,
That God has changed us from within
and placed us in His family.

When Jesus comes into a life, He changes everything. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Colossians 1

[Eleanor]

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions
from us.
Psalm 103:12 *** NIV

WONDERFUL MYSTERY ;)
All I can really understand is that
I owe unending gratefulness, praise
and honor to the One who bore our
sin, a mystery of inexpressibly good
news.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing.

When God forgives, He removes our sin and restores our soul. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 103

[Eleanor]

Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well,
for so I am.
If I, then, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet, ye also ought to wash
one another's feet.
John 13:13-14 *** KJV

TITLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: :roll: :shock: :( :o
Christ the Lord set the example for all who
would follow Him, confirming that it's not
what we're called, but what we do that
counts.

When Jesus took a servant's towel,
His honor set aside,
He humbly showed us how to serve,
And how to conquer pride.

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.

Todays Reading *** John 13

[Eleanor]

Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that
you do not forget the things your eyes have seen
or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children
after them.
Deuteronomy 4:9 *** NIV

PASS IT ON! ;)
We have the same command to convey
to the next generation the things that
we have seen and heard.
As followers of Christ, we take this command
as one of our greatest responsibilities.

Begin to train the little ones early,
To honor, obey and love the Lord,
To carry on life's pathway,
God's lamp, His holy Word.

If children are to find their way to God, we must point the way. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Deuteronomy 4

[Eleanor]

Thus saith the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways.
Haggai 1:7 *** KJV

LIFE LAB. :(
If God didn't care, He wouldn't ask us
to consider the time and effort we
are spending on diminishing returns.
If He didn't love us, He couldn't remind
us of all that He has given us.
God sees what has happened to us and
knows how much we need to focus on
Him today.

I would live for Thee, Lord Jesus,
Keep my eyes so turned toward Thee
That the world and all its system
May attract no part of me.

When Christ is the center of your interests, life will be in focus. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Haggai 1

[Eleanor]

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers;
for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2 *** KJV

SPARE BEDS... :(
As God's people, we are called to be
hospitable to others as part of our
gratitude for the salvation we have
received from God.

Lord, grant me a loving heart,
A will to give and share,
A whispered prayer upon my lips
To show I really care.

People with a heart for God have a heart for people. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Hebrews 13

[Eleanor]

Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
Some fell upon stony places, where
they had not much earth; and
forthwith they sprang up, because
they had not deepness of earth.
And when the sun was up, they
were scorched; and because they
had not root, they withered way.
Matthew 13:3, 5-6 *** KJV

ROOTS OR SHOOTS? :(
Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are
the source of our strength.
If our roots go deep in the knowledge of God
and our lives are hidden in Christ, we'll be strong,
resistant to blight, and more likely to survive the
storms of adversity.

HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS? :roll:
Lord, keep me from being envious of the
beautiful and the seemingly powerful.
May I use Your resources to put down
roots that will make me strong rather
than branches that will make me attractive.

The roots of stability come from being grounded in
God's Word and prayer. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Matthew 13

[Eleanor]

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and
body be preserved blameless unto the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also
will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 *** KJV

DO YOUR BEST AND LEAVE THE REST... ;)
When pressure periods come and we just
don't have the time we feel we need, we
should do the best we can and then prayerfully
trust God's faithfulness.

Give of your best to the Master,
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service,
Consecrate every part.

Be faithful and leave the results to God. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Thessalonians 5

[Harry Williamn]

I have always sought to avoid religious topics but I am moved tonight to agree with anyone that if there is no

God then the only thing left for mankind is something equivalent to Hell!

[Eleanor]

I have always sought to avoid religious topics but I am moved tonight to agree with anyone that if there is no God then the only thing left for mankind is something equivalent to Hell!

Harry,
The truth is the light. Its Heaven or Hell! It is one place or the other and that choice is up to the individual.
By the way, hell does not have an equivalent. It is just as stated in the Word of God, and His Word is truth. A place of flames and torment, nothing less and nothing more.
Oho Harry, if God did not exist, there would be no "you, me or anything else."
Have a tremendous day. :mrgreen:

[Eleanor]

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God,
in not keeping his commandments, and his
judgments, and his statutes, which I command
thee this day.
Deuteronomy 8:11 *** KJV

THE DANGERS OF SUCCESS: :o
Ironically, success makes it harder to depend
on the Lord.
Sometimes, we prove to be less faithful after
we have received what we requested.
Therefore, we need to beware of the temptation
that success brings. There is grave danger in
getting what we want.

I blindly ask for what I crave,
With haughty heart and will so stout;
He often denies me what I see,
But gives me grace to do without.

There is no failure more disastrous than the success that leaves God out. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Deuteronomy 8

[Eleanor]

Therefore, judge nothing before the time,
until the Lord come, who both will bring
to light the hidden things of darkness,
and will make manifest the counsels of
the hearts; and then shall every man have
praise of God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 *** KJV

COMPLIMENTS GIVEN HERE! :shock:
Could there be any greater compliment than
this from our heavenly Father when we meet Him:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."

What joy will be to hear Him say,
"Rejoice, My child, well done!
You've fought the battles there on earth,
The victor's crown you have won."

Work well done for Christ will receive a "well done" from Christ. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Corinthians 4

[Eleanor]

The man said, "The woman you put
here with me, she gave me some
fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
Genesis 3:16 *** NIV

THE BLAME GAME! :(
When we have done something wrong, we can
either accept legitimate blame for what we have
done or shift the blame to others.
The way that pleases God and results in spiritual
growth is to accept personal responsibility for
our actions.
Irrationally blaming others is no laughting matter.

His eye our secret thoughts behold,
His mercies all our lives enfold
He knows our purposes untold,
You cannot hide from God!

A good test of a person's character is his behavior
when he is wrong. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Genesis 3

[Eleanor]

Do not take advantage of a widow
or an orphan.
If you do and they cry out to me,
I will certainly hear their cry.
Exodus 22:22-23 *** NIV

HEAR THEIR CRY! :(
When the Israelites were in trouble and
cried out to God, He heard their cries
and helped them.
So their memory of oppression and release
was intended to mold their values, attitudes,
and actions toward the powerless in the land.
Let us imitate our Father by hearing the cries
of the needy in our world.

To love your neighbor as yourself
Is not an easy task,
But God will show His love through you
If only you will ask.

The closer you are to God, the more you'll have a heart for others. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Exodus 22

[Eleanor]

We have different gifts, according
to the grace given us.
Romans 12:6 *** NIV

CALLED. :D
When you feel impelled to help fill
a need, when you are inwardly driven
to serve, listen to those thoughts.
You don't want to miss God's call.

In gladness I go forth each day
Expectantly to serve and claim
The happiness that service gives
When freely rendered in Jesus' name.

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary work. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Romans 12

[Eleanor]

If anyone does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for his immediate family, he has
denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8 *** NIV

LIFE WORK :o
Not everyone can leave a career or calling
to care for others. Financial realities and
obligations may dictate otherwise.
But is not such love the mark of one who does
the work of God? Did not Jesus promise that
one who gives a cup of cold water to one of
His children "shall by no means lose
his reward.

THINKING IT THROUGH... :roll:
Paul says we are to help those who:
"are really widows."
What does he really mean by that statement?
Who should help before the church does?

True love is doing a good deed, not just a feeling. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Timothy 5

[Eleanor]

My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
The arrogant mock me without
restraint, but I do not turn from
your law. I remember your ancient
laws O LORD, and I find comfort in them.
Psalm 119:50-52 *** NIV

A MEASURE OF HEALING. ;)
Indeed, God has promised that He will wipe
away all tears in heaven, but until then the
healing will be incomplete.
Even in life's toughest circumstances, we can,
with God's help, enjoy a measure of healing.

I have been through the valley of weeping,
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the God of all comfort was with me,
At hand to uphold and sustain.

The God who washed away our sins will also wipe away our tears! :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Psalm 119:49-56

[Eleanor]

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence
of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God,
our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25 *** KJV

END OF CONSTRUCTION. :D
Today, we are in the "construction zone."
But this construction is not a self-centered
process.
We are to show mercy to others and rescue
those in danger of spiritual ruin.
One day our construction will be complete,
a prospect that's worth so much than a smile.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

To build a godly life, let God be the architect
and His Word the blueprint. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Jude

[Eleanor]

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling
before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and
asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will
be saved, you and your household."
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to
all the others in his house.
Acts 16:30-32 *** NIV

WHAT'S YOUR STORY? :roll:
Each of us has the common element of
turnig to the Lord Jesus in faith to be
saved from sin and to receive a new heart
and eternal life.
Can you retrace the steps that God helped
you take in coming to Christ?
"What's your story?"

We once were held by Satan's chains,
Imprisoned by our sin;
Then Jesus Christ delivered us
and made us new within.

We need more than a new start, we need a new heart! :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Acts 16

[Eleanor]

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers
in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which
war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though
they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your
good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:11-12 *** NIV

RESPONDING TO CRITICISM. :(
Criticism can consume our lives to the point
of emotional paralysis, or we can set our
hearts to serve God faithfully undeterred
by the criticism and put our God on display.
When we do that, we don't need to answer
our critics with words, our lives will say all that
is needed.

If we keep doing what is right,
And serving Christ each day,
We need not fear what others think
Nor what the critics say.

The most powerful testimony is a godly life. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** 1 Peter 2

[Eleanor]

I am the LORD, and there is no other,
I have not spoken in secret, from some
where in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
"Seek me in vain," I, the LORD, speak
the truth; I declare what is right.
Isaiah 45:18b-19 *** NIV

HE'S THERE ALL THE TIME. :shock:
You'll find Christ right where He is supposed
to be, in His Word, in prayer, and in the voice
of the Holy Spirit who lives within you.
So, you can rejoice that God is right where
He is supposed to be, and He's waiting for
you right now.

The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His holy Word,
That if we will draw near to Him,
Our faintest heartcry will be heard.

Have we been looking for God in all the wrong places? :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Isaiah 45

[Eleanor]

When he was twelve years old, they went
up to the Feast, according to the custom.
After three days they found him in the temple
courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to
them and asking them questions.
Luke 2:42, 46 *** NIV

A LEARNER :shock:
Jesus' example challenges us to be listeners to
God's Word. We too can become learner-disciples
if we'll keep our hearts open to God's teaching.

Filll me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In Thy child fulfill.

The highest goal of learning is to know God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Luke 2

[Eleanor]

Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:14-15 *** NIV

LEND A HAND. :D
Only God can heal the deep wounds
of the heart, but we can lend a hand.

If I can help some wounded heart,
If I can by my love impart
Some blessing that will help more now,
Lord, just show me how.

No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Romans 12

[Eleanor]

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD,
though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow; though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the
best from the land; but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 1:18-20 *** NIV

NOT GOOD ENOUGH. :o
No one is good enough to get into heaven.
Eternal life is gift. Receive Jesus by faith.

The perfect righteousness of Christ
Is free to everyone,
But we by faith must take that gift
And trust God's precious Son.

No one is good enough to save himself;
no one is so bad that God cannot save him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Isaiah 1

[Eleanor]

Study to show thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the Word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 --- KJV

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD. :?
The phrase "rightly dividing" is a metaphor derived
from the stonemason's craft of cutting stones straight
to fit into their proper place in a building.
Precision with words is essential to an accurate
interpretation of God's Word.
Let's be people who care deeply about what the
Bible says and what it means.

Correctly handling the Word of truth
Takes diligence and care;
So make the time to study it
And then that truth declare.

Rightly dividing the Word multiplies our understanding. :mrgreen:

Todys Reading - 2 Timothy 2

[Eleanor]

My little children, let us not love in word,
neither in tongue but in deed and in truth.
And by this we know that we are of the truth
and shall assure our hearts before him.
1 John 3:18-19 --- KJV

ARMS OF LOVE. ;)
It's unlikely that we will have a dramatic
impact on othrs. Yet, challenged by a persons
willingness to receive help, we can show "in deed
and in truth" we are of Him and we display the
arms of love.

When you see someone in need,
Love demands a loving deed;
Don't just say you love him true
Prove it by the deeds you do.

Compassion puts love into action. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 John 3

[Eleanor]

From the place of his habitation he looketh
upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth
all their works.
Psalm 33:14-15 --- KJV

HE WATCHES OVER US. :geek:
The eye of the Lord may be fearsome,
but we who trust in Him rejoice.
He is not an intrusive "Big Brother"
but our loving heavenly Father who
watches over us.

The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care.

Keep your eyes on the Lord; He never takes His eyes off you. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 33

[Eleanor]

By faith Abraham, when he was called to
go out into a place which he should after
receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and
he went out, not knowing where he went.
But now they desire a better country,
that is, an heavenly; wherefore, God is
not ashamed to be called their God.
Hebrew 11:8, 16 --- KJV

BUILDING A CITY. 8-)
It is a fact of life that every monumental work
will likely be surpassed. Our best efforts can
bring only temporary honor, which all too
soon will be eclipsed by the new and greater
achievements of others.

True greatness does not lie with those
Who strive for worldly fame:
It lies instead with those who choose
To serve in Jesus' name.

A solid foundation gives strength to a building and a life. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Hebrews 11

[Eleanor]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance;
against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 --- KJV

THE POWER OF PATIENCE. :D
Patience is not just a virtue. It is a fruit of
the Spirit which means that demonstrations
of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our
fallen hearts rather than the sweetness of
Jesus in our lives.
However, patience gives us the privilege
of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with
others.

Our wrath uncurbed will not fulfill
God's perfect plan for us;
We must be patient and refuse
To fret, to fume, to fuss.

Be patient. Let us show the world what God is really like. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Galatians 5

[Eleanor]

If ye, then, be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand
of God.
Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 --- KJV

THINGS ABOVE. :o
When we try to imagine the immensity
of God's heavens, our problems indeed
seem trivial. Yet God doesn't think so!
With all the galaxies He has to attend to
God is mindful of us. And not only are we
on His mind, He cares for us.

Bless the Lord and sing His praises,
Bless the Lord now; O my soul;
Join the song all heaven raises,
Let the anthem loudly roll!

Because God gives us everything, we owe Him all our praises. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Colossians 3

[Eleanor]

09-27-08:

At my first defense, no one came to
my support, but everyone deserted
me. But the Lord stood at my side
and gave me strength.
2 Timothy 4:16-17 --- NIV

FAMOUS LAST WORD. ;)
Will our last words show the grace of
Christ or the bitterness of a wounded
heart?
Our answer should impact the words we
use today.

What have you written on memory's page?
Deeds that were done in the Master's name?
Words that were spoken to spread His fame?
What have you written today?

What words will be your legacy? :mrgreen:

__________________________________________________ _______
09-28-09:

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I wil call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2 --- NIV

SHOWING UP. :P
The English word "meditate" derives
from a Latin word that means "to rehearse."
Often our prayers seem like a kind of rehearsal.
Personally, I go over basic notes (The Lords Prayer)
I practice familiar pieces (the Psalms) and try out a
few new tunes.
However, I show up.....

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant's lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.

Prayer is an intimate conversation with our God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 116

[Eleanor]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not, and it shall be given him.
James 1:5 --- KJV

ASK ME NOW! :?
The Internet is a great place to find
helpful information, but there is only
one source of divine wisdom to direct
our steps each day.
The Father invites our sincere requests
anytime, anywhere.

My Lord is ever with me
Along life's busy way;
I trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day.

Be smart, ask for God's wisdom. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- James 1

[Eleanor]

I write these things to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God so that
you may know that you have eternal life.
1 John 5:13 --- NIV

THAT YOU MAY KNOW... :o
This is a true saying: We can't be good
enough, we can never do enough good
things.
But we can be sure of heaven if we simply
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

We cannot earn our way to heaven
By word or work or worth;
But if we trust in Christ to save us,
Then we'll enjoy the new birth.

We are saved by God's mercy, not by our merit,
but by Christ's dying, not by our doing. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 John 5

[Eleanor]

My son, if sinners entice thee,
consent thou not.
Proverbs 1:10 --- KJV

CARDBOARD KIDS :(
We need to protect our children by teaching
them God's Word and training them to avoid
evil influences.
Busy streets are hazardous for our children,
but the enticement of taking an evil path
is far more dangerous.

Children are a heritage,
A gift from God above;
He asks you to protect and care,
And norish them with love.

Tomorrow's world will be shaped by what we teach our children today. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Proverbs 1

[Eleanor]

Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow
we will go into such a city, and continue
there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain;
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the
morrow.
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
James 4:13-14 --- KJV

FOR A LIMITED TIME.... :(
Our opportunities to obey God's promptings
are fleeting. The Bible warns against an
arrogance that assumes endless days will be
available to carry out our good intentions.
However, when we follow God's urging with
our action now, today will be golden.

If God is prompting you today
To help someone who has a need,
Don't hesitate, the time is short;
Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Doing what's right today means no regrets tomorrow. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- James 4

[Eleanor]

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man
will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake
shall find it.
Matthew 16:24-25 --- KJV

A CONVENIENT CHRISTIANITY! :(
Some have tried to make the Christian life
more convenient. They choose to practice
Christianity on Sunday only.
That way they can have the rest of the week
to themselves, to live as they please.

The Christian life is more than just
A prayer of faith made in the past;
It's dedicating every day
To live for Christ and what will last.

Faith in Christ is not just a single step but a life of walking with Him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Matthew 16

[Eleanor]

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who
was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master,
who did sin this man, or his parents, that
he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned,
nor his parents, but that the works of God should
be mde manifest in him.
John 9:1-2 --- KJV

CURIOSITY OR COMPASSION? :?
Feeling curious about somebody's problem?
Shift into Jesus' mode and move past the
point of curiosity to his or her point of need.
Reach out and touch someone's pain.
Show the compassionate love of Jesus in action.

Amid the snares misfortune lays
Unseen, beneath the steps of all,
Blest is the Love that seeks to raise
And stay and strengthen those who fall.

Do you want to be like Jesus? Replace curiousity with compassion. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- John 9

[Eleanor]

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God
which is given me toward you, how that by revelation he
made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote afore in few
words by which when ye read, ye may understand my
knowledge in the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:2-4 --- KJV

ROSETTA STONE! :(
The Rosetta Stone was inscribed with an identical
message in different ancient scripts.
Among them were hieroglyphics and classical Greek.
Using Greek to translate, scholars soon understood
the meaning of the hieroglyphics.
Now, the writtings were no longer a mystery.
However, the Bible is a revelation of the Trinity,
and not a mystery that man must try to figure
out!
God's plans and works for all nations are recorded
in the Word of God.

O glorious mystery of love,
That I, a child of earth,
My dwell by faith with Christ above,
The Lamb of matchless worth!

The Christian's inheritance is guaranteed forever! :mrgreen:

Todays Reding --- Ephesians 3

[Eleanor]

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness
of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19 --- NIV

NOT MUCH IN BETWEEN! :o
A rich and full life is available to all who beleive
in and serve Jesus.
But how many of us experience even a small part
of the abundant life Christ promised to those who
are faithful to Him?
God desires to give us a marvelous beginning with
salvation and a great ending in Glory with much in
between.

Lord, thank You for all that You have done for me,
I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey.
I want to experience as much as I can of You and all
You have to offer to me. Amen

A life given fully to God becomes a God-filled life. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Ephesians 3

[Eleanor]

There are different kinds of gifts,
but the same Spirit.
Thre are different kinds of service,
but the same Lord.
Now to each one the manifestation
of the Spirit is given for the common
good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 7 --- NIV

UNUSED MUSCLES! :roll:
God has givn each believer gifts that are
to be exercised for the common good of
the church.
But when some don't pull their weight,
others far less gifted in those areas
must pitch iin.
Although the body of Christ continues to
function, it is not functioning at its best,
there are some overworked Christians around!

All Christians have been gifted
By grace from God above,
Equipped to build and strengthen
The church in faith and love.

Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 Corinthins 12

[Eleanor]

Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the
altar, and there rememberest that thy
brother hath ought against thee, leave
there thy gift before the altar, and go
thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 5:23-24 --- KJV

EREV YOM KIPPUR ;)
Let our worship be pleasing and acceptable
to God. Let us make every effort to be
reconciled to one another - this very day.

Have you hurt a friend or brother?
Go at once and make things right;
From your heart say, "Please forgive me."
How these words bring God delight!

An offense against your neighbor is a fence between you and God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Matthew 5

[Eleanor]

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:11-12 --- KJV

THE CHAIN OF UNGRACE! :o
1. Forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain,
breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain
bound to the people we can't forgive, held in their
vise grip.
2. Forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in
the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of a great
transformation iin the guilty party, even if a just
punishment is still required.
3. Forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing
the forgiver on the same side as the party who did
the wrong.

NOTE: We are not as different from the wrongdoer
as we would like to think, for we too must ask our
heavenly Father, "Forgive us our debts."

When I consider Calvary's dismay,
The shame, the scorn, the scouring borne by You,
Resentment melts; I am compelled to say,
"Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do!"

He who cannot forgive others burns the bridge over which he himself must pass. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Matthew 6

[Eleanor]

Oh, that men would praise the LORD
for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:21 --- KJV

A HANDFUL OF THORNS. :(
Although we may not be afflicted with
grievous difficulties, all of us face trials
and troubles.
Are we grumbling? or do we refuse to
let our "little handful of thorns" our
troubles, obscure the overwhelming
abundance of our blessings?

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost;
Count your many blessings name then one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Spend your time counting your blessings, not airing your complaints. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 107

[Eleanor]

Jesus answered them, "It is not the
healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
I have not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:31-32 --- NIV

THE ART OF COMMON PEOPLE: :roll:
Jesus lived, loved, and died for wealthy
people too. But by befriending those who
had been demon-possessed, lepers, fishermen,
and even despised tax collectors, the teacher
from Nazareth showed that no one is too poor,
too sinful, or too insignificant to be His friend.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Jesus wants you for a friend. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Luke 5

[Eleanor]

I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 - NIV

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: :roll:
Life should be steady and our example should
cause people to be challengd to hide God's Word
in their hearts to guide their lives.

The Bible will transform our lives
And turn us from our sin,
If we will read it and obey
God's principles within.

The Bible:
Know it in your head, stow it in your heart, show it in your life,
sow it in the world. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 119

[Eleanor]

When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.
Jeremiah 15:16 --- NIV

ERASMUS...... :D
Just like Erasmus the instructor, Jeremiah reflected
the same passion for the Word:
Now, having God's Word in our heart, it allows
us to experience the joy of meditating on it
each day.

More precious than gold is God's Word to me,
Much better than pearls from deep in the sea;
For in the Lord's Word I take gret deligth,
And it is my joy each day and each night.

The treasures of truth in God's Word
are best mined with the spade of meditation. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Jeremiah 15

[Eleanor]

If any man among you seem to be religious,
and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth
his own heart this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and
the Father is this: to visit the fathrless and
widows in their afflication and to keep oneself
unspotted from the world.
James 1:26-27 --- KJV

THE USHPIZZIN: :(
The example of Christ and the words of
Scripture inspire us to care for our hurting
world.
Who's watching us? Our world is watching
"And so is our Lord!"

The church is made up of needy people, including us!
How are we to respond to each other's needs?

When people observe your life, do they see the love of Christ? :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- James 1

[Eleanor]

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us. We have seen his glory, the glory
of the One and Only, who came from the Father,
full of grace nd truth.
John 1:14 --- NIV

JOY TO THE WORLD: :D
For the Jews, "Sukkot is the time of our rejoicing."
For all of us, our time of rejoicing is the birth of
Christ, who brings the joy of salvation to all the
world.

Tidings, glad tidings! God is love,
To man He sends His salvation!
His Son beloved, His only Son,
The work of mercy hath begun.

The date of Christ's birth may be debatable,
but the fact of His life is indisputable. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- John 1

[Eleanor]

But without faith it is impossible to please him;
for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 --- KJV

GOD-OGRAPHY. :o
Finding God is solely a work of God.
Those who seek Him will find Him
because God will give them a heart
to recognize Him as Lord.

I sought the Lord, and aftereward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, as He sought me;
It was not I who found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.

To find God, we must be willing to seek Him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Hebrews 11

[Eleanor]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the
lusts of your father ye will do.
He was a murderer from the beginning,
and abode not in the truth, because
there is no truth in him.
When he speakth a lie, he speaketh of
his own; for he is a liar, and the father
of it.
John 8:44 --- KJV

BREAKING THE SPIN CYCLE. :D
Jesus warns us: He tells us that Satan is the father
of lies, and we know Satan is lying when what he
tells us contradicts God's Word.
Jesus, on the other hand, is the truth.
So, when it comes to sorting out the spin,
our only defense against the spin doctor of
hell is to constantly listen for the voice of
Jesus as we pray and study His Word.
And that's the truth!

The devil is crafty, deceptive, and sly;
He cleverly tricks us to swallow his lie.
But his cunning methods we're sure to discern
If we make God's warnings our daily concern.

God's truth stops the spin of Satan's lies. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- John 8

[Eleanor]

And why do you worry about clothes?
For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them. But seek first his kingdom and
his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:28, 32-33 --- NIV

A HILL TOO HIGH.... :(
Every hill in life is too high if we think
we must climb it all at once.
But no hill is insurmountable if we take
it one step forward at a time.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

God is there to give us strength for every hill we have to climb. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Matthew 6

[Eleanor]

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when
he prophesied about you:
These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain; their teachings
are but rules taught by men.
Matthew 15:8 --- NIV

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING: :(
Jesus reminds us that kingdom righteousness
was not an outside-in job, but an inside-out,
transforming work of God.
Jesus says that people look impressive spiritually,
but their hearts were diseased and distant.
Their talk never matched their walk, thus
producing a standard of hypocrisy.

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.

As we talk the talk, let's make sure we walk the walk.

Todays Reading --- Matthew 15

[Eleanor]

See, then, that ye walk circumspectly,
not as fools but as wise, redeeming the
time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16 --- KJV

DO SOMETHING WITH NOTHING. :?
I suspect that many of us already constructively
use those small increments of waiting time to read
a book, memorize a verse, or pray for a friend.
It's our longer waiting periods filled with uncertainty
and indecision that may leave us anxious and frustrated.
Look for our God-givern opportunities instead of focusing
on the obstacles.
That's the way to do something with our nothing.

Wait and, in waiting, listen for His leading;
Be strong, thy strength for every day is stored.
Go forth in faith, and let thine heart take courage;
There is no disappointment with the Lord.

When you find time on your hands put them together in prayer. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Ephesians 5

[Eleanor]

And the LORD said unto Cain,
Why art thou wroth? And why
is thy countenance fallen?
If thou doest well, shalt thou
not be accepted? And if thou
doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
Genesis 4:6-7 --- KJV

SIN CROUCHES AT THE DOOR. :o
Do you have feelings of jealousy or anger
toward someone?
If so, you have a choice.
If you ignore the internal struggle, it will
only get worse and control you.
But if you bring your anger to the Lord
and ask for His help, in His strength you
will have victory.

When faced with trials from without
Or tempted from within,
Rely upon the Lord for strength
To turn away from sin.

Control your anger or it will control you. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Genesis 4

[Eleanor]

The belovd of the LORD shall dwell in
safety by him; and the LORD shall
cover him all the day long, and he
shall dwell between his shoulders.
Deuteronomy 33:12 --- KJV

ON HIS SHOULDERS. :(
How often like child, I've grown weary, and the
end of my efforts are not even in sight.
But I am learning that I can turn with arms upraised
to my heavenly Father, who walks beside me, and I
can ask Him to carry me.

Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

The God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Deuteronomy 33

[Eleanor]

It is because of the LORD's mercies
that we are not consumed, because
his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 --- KJV

SILHOUETTE... :(
With the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah the
prophet did not despair.
He recognized God's sovereignty in suffering.
He confessed to himself:
"I have hope in God's mercies."
Can you declare the same? :?

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear; not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey.

To see beyond earth's shadows, look to Christ the Light. :mrgreen:


Todays Reading --- Lamentations 3

[Eleanor]

Do not love the world or anything in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him.
For everything in the world, the cravings of
sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting
of what he has and does, comes not from the
Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but the
man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17 --- NIV

SATISFACTION: :roll:
There are three warnings to the saints:
1. The lust of the flesh - the insatiable appetite
to indulge in pleasures that inflame th flesh but
never satisfy.
2. The lust of the eyes - wandering eyes that
continually want more riches and possssions but
always remain covetous.
3. The pride of life - the vain mind that thirsts for man's
applause. But the glory evaporates quickly.

Inner peace springs out of inner purity :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 John 2

[Eleanor]

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us
run with patience the race that is set before
us.
Hebrews 12:1 --- KJV

SHARK TONIC: :shock:
If we are to run the race of the Christian life
effectively, we must deal with sin before it
immobilizes us.
We need to lay side the sin that hinders us
from pleasing Him, starting today.

Start early today to run in the race
That Christians are told they can win;
First wait on the Lord for the strength He will give,
Then lay aside every known sin.

We must face up to our sins before we can put them behind us. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Hebrews 12

[Eleanor]

And the God of all grace, who called you
to his eternal glory in Christ, after you
have suffered a little while, will himself
restore you and make you strong, firm
and steadfast. To him be the power for
ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10 --- NIV

THE RIPENING SELF: :shock:
The God of all grace works in all His children
humbling the proud and exalting the humble,
to make them ripe and sweet.
Our task is to take hold of God's grace to
endure our afflictions with patience, without
growing weary.

Our fruitfulness and growth in Christ
Won't happen instantly,
But meditating on God's Word
Will bring maturity.

Salvation is the miracle of a moment; growth is the labor of a lifetime. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 Peter 5

[Eleanor]

All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own
way, and the LORD hath laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
the chastisement of our peace was upon him,
and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:6, 5 --- KJV

MAKE A U-TURN: :?
No matter how far you've traveled in the wrong
direction, it's not too late to turn around.
God is ready to forgive and restore.
If you're headed down the wrong road,
please, please make a U-turn.

I've strayed, O Lord, and turned aside,
I've disobeyed Your voice;
But now with contrite heart I turn
And make Your will my choice.

No matter how far you've run from God, He's only a prayeer away. :mrgreen:

Today's Reading --- Isaiah 53

[Eleanor]

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from
him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel.
Galatians 1:6 --- KJV

IN YOUR HEAD! :roll:
It's not just false teachers who lead us astray.
Let's face it, you and I can't afford to check
our brains at the door.
In fact, intimacy with Jesus begins with getting
to know Him, and it's the facts about Him that
make us want to get close to Him and know Him
better.

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking.

To stay on track, let God guide your thinking :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Galatians 1:6

[Eleanor]

Have ye not known? Have ye not heard?
Hath it not been told you from the beginning?
Have ye not understood from the foundatiions
of the earth?
It is He who sitteth upon the circle of the earth,
and the inhabitants thereof are like grasshoppers;
Isaiah 40:21-22, 25 --- KJV

PERSPECTIVE: :roll:
The prophet Isaiah changes our perspective
by asking the above questions:
Nonetheless, just as a bird is never bigger
than a mountain, no problem is ever bigger
than God.
It's all a matter of changing our perspective.

The problems that we face each day
Can seem too much to bear
Until we turn our eyes to Christ
And trust His tender care.

We worship a God who is greater than our greatest problem. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Isaiah 40

[Eleanor]

But without faith it is impossible to please him;
for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 --- KJV

GOD-OGRAPHY :?
Finding God is solely a work of God.
Those who seek Him will find Him
because God will give them a heart
to recognize Him as Lord.

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, as He sought me;
It was not I who found, O Savior ture;
No, I was found of Thee.

To find God, we must be willing to seek Him. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Hebrews 11

[Eleanor]

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 --- NIV

WHO IS YOUR GOD? :roll:
In love, the heavenly Father provided the way
to Himself through His perfect Son Jesus who
died to pay the penalty for our sin.
There is only one true God. He is holy and
has provided the only way of eternal life
through Jesus.
Is He the God you are trusting in?

To get into heaven, it's who you know that counts. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Deuteronomy 6

[Eleanor]

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near;
Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the
unrighteous man his thoughts, and let
him return unto the LORD and he will
have mercy upon him; and to our God;
for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith
the LORD.
For as the heavns are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 --- KJV

"GIMME IT! :o
What we think is best may not necessarily be the
best that God desires for us. We need to seek
the Lord for His directions.

We can't presume to know what's best
When we begin to pray;
So we must ask, "What honors God?"
Then seek His will and way.

If God doesn't give us what we ask for,
we can be sure that He has something far better. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Isaiah 55

[Eleanor]

The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 --- NIV

CLASS PARTICIPATION: :shock:
First, we must be eager students, ready to
accept God's teaching, guidance and help.
Therefore, it's time to enter God's classroom
and listen and learn from Him.
When we do, we'll look at God with renewed
love and at the world with renewed concern.

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine.
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.

Careful meditation on the Scriptures makes for a
closer walk with the Savior. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 119:129-136

[Eleanor]

A new command I give you; Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 --- NIV

GOD'S CATALOG. :o
Jesus prayed that His followers would be unified
so the world would know that God sent Him and
loved them as God loved Him.

What does the world see in us
That they can't live without?
Do they see winsome qualities
And love that reaches out?

As a Christian, you are "God's advertisement."
Do people want what they see in you? :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- John 13

[Eleanor]

Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will
serve. But as for me and my household, we will
serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:14 ---NIV

CHOOSING OUR LEADER: :roll:
Everyone serves some kind of god.
Whom will we choose to have rule
in your heart today?

Thy will I choose; I give to Thee
All of the life Thou gavest me;
Thy will I choose, no life I ask
Except to do Thy given task.

Each day we choose the one we will follow in life. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Joshua 24

[Eleanor]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 --- KJV

EXPLORATORY PROCEDURE: :shock:
You know, God's Word is like a laryngoscopy.
It invades the unseen areas of our lives, exposing
the diseaded and damaged spiritual tissue that
trouble us.
Allow me to say this: What are you waiting for?
With God's Word you don't need an appointment
to get things fixed up. The Divine Surgeon is ready
to meet your every need whenever you are.

Ever present, truest Friend,
Ever near Thine aid to lend,
Guide us as we search the Word,
Make it both our shield and sword.

Let God's Word explore your inner being. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Hebrews 4

[Eleanor]

For even the Son of Man did not
come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom
for many.
Mark 10:45 --- NIV

SERVE OR DIE! :o
If we do not serve, we will die.
Jesus came and He served us,
not only did he serve us, but He
gave his life for the souls of men.

THINK IT THROUGH. :?
What did James and John seek? - Mark 10:35-37
What did Jesus say about the world's authority? - Mark 10:42
How are followers of Christ to be different? - Mark 10:43-45

If you want a field of service, look around you. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - Mark 10

[Eleanor]

Hasten, O God, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.
Psalm 70:1 --- NIV

WAITING. :?
What we wait for, however, is far
less important than what God is doing
while we wait.

Be still, My child, and know that I m God!
Wait thou patiently - I know the path you trod.
So falter not, nor fear, nor think to run and hide,
For I, thy hope and strength, am waiting by thy side.

God stretches our patience to enlarge our soul. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Psalm 70

[Eleanor]

But God hath chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise; and
God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to confound the things which are
mighty;
1 Corinthians 1:27 --- KJV

FLAWED AND FRAIL. :(
The Lord is not looking for superheroes.
He uses those of us who are flawed and
frail, so that He can show His strength
and grace. He wants those with a willing
and available heart.

It's not in the flash of the style that you hone,
Or all the degrees you've compiled;
The Savior is looking for servants who own
The warm, willing heart of a child.

In God's service, our greatest ability is our availability. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- 1 Corinthians 1

[Eleanor]

But what can I say?
He has spoken to me, and he himself
has done this. I will walk humbly all my
years because of this anguish of my soul.
Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit
finds life in them too.
You restored me to health and let me live.
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered
such anguish.
In your love you kept me from the pit
of destruction; you have put all my sins
bebind your back.
Isaiah 38:15-17 --- NIV

THEY NEVER MEET: :o
Are you concrned about your sins?
Through Jesus' death on the cross
God is able to say, "What sins?"
But He will do that only if you put
your faith in His Son.

"Oh, East is East and West is West,
And never the twain shall meet."
So far has God removed our sins:
Salvation is complete.

We invite defeat when we remember what we should forget. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Isaiah 38

[Eleanor]

Like a club or a sword or a sharp
arrow is the man who gives false
testimony against his neighbor.
Proverbs 25:18 --- NIV

GOSSIP-FREE ZONE: :roll:
Gossip feeds into our natural desires to feel
superior to others and to belong or fit in,
so combating it in our personal lives can be
a challenge.
But if we choose to love through prayer,
our lives can be a gossip-free zone.

Lord, forgive us for speaking carelessly
about others to make ourselves look better.
Help us to think before we speak.
Teach us to be loving with our words.
Amen.

You can never justify gossip. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading --- Proverbs 25

[Eleanor]

Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 --- KJV

NO GREATER LOVE. :o
We honor the memory of those who paid the
ultimate price for freedom. And it is important
to remember and honor the Christ who died for
a dying world.
Truly there is no greater love than this.

There is no greater love than that of Christ above,
That made Him stoop to earth, become a Man,
And by His death provide redemption's plan;
There is no greater love.

The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - John 15

[Eleanor]

Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan
the secretary, "I have found the
Book of the Law in the temple of the
LORD."
2nd Kings 22:8 --- NIV

OUT OF OBSCURITY.... :o
People today get excited about discovering
the scribbles of Civil War soldiers.
How much more exciting it is to discover
the words of Almighty God expressed in
the Word made flesh, Jesus the Messiah.

The treasures of the Word of God
Are great beyond compare;
But if we do not search them out,
We cannot use what's there.

The Bible is old, but its truths are always new. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading - 2nd Kings 22

[Daveed]

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility consider others
better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only for your
own interests, but also to the interests
of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 *** NIV

A CHURCH THAT CARES. :D
Far too often it seems we limit the
significance of church to what happens
on Sunday, but the church is to be so
much more:
It is to be a safe haven, a rescue station,
a place for hurting and broken people, and
a training center for spiritual service.
We are also called to "love others."

It was only a brief little note,
Or a word that was prayerfully spoken,
Yet not in vain, for it soothed the pain,
Of a heart that was nearly broken.

Hope can be ignited by a spark of encouragement. :mrgreen:

Todays Reading *** Philippians 2

I am so much in love with you. :)