1 Peter 4:1-6,12-16,19 NKJV
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sweet Hour Of Prayer! (Lyrics)
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
V. 2
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
V. 3
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
V. 4
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight.
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize,
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”
Words by William W. Walford, 1845.
This hymn is in the Public Domain.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Thank You Lord (A Prayer)
Job 12:10 NIV
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Dear Lord, my dad passed away on March 25, 2011 and although I’m confident that he is eternally in Your presence, I miss his presence here on earth. Thank you for allowing me to be there for his showing and his funeral. Thank you for sharing his loss with family, relatives and friends. It’s incredible how one life can impact so many people. Dad left not only great memories but a legacy that will remain for generations to come. I’m no longer crying or sorrowful as before. I think I needed to grieve as much as others needed to and I was given the opportunity. Thank You Lord for that. It means a great deal to me. As a few people have said, when someone that close to you dies it leaves a hole in your heart/life. I understand that now because dad was not someone distant from me. He was very close, very close to my heart. Thank You Lord for allowing me and others to move on, to find strength in you, and to have assurance that we will be with him in glory. Lord, I can only give You honor and praise. You are faithful! You are true! You understand our joys and sorrows. In Jesus’ name I give you love, honor and adoration, amen! - JSS
Job 33:4 NIV
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
True Fasting (Part 3)
I believe this fast is what we, as Christians, are called to do today. On a personal note: growing up, my mother instilled some of this principle in me. I, in turn, tailored it in my own fasting. During Lent or on certain feast days, for example, instead of giving up a material thing like meat, candy bars, or a soda, I would help run an errand for someone or clean a part of their house. I often liked or chose this option because I didn’t want to give up food. I didn’t mind giving away my time, my energy or my treasures, but not my food! In fact, I’m still the same way today, although I don’t mind giving up a meal or two.
Last thing, it appears that God will not accept anything that stands in the way of our relationship with Him. A hypocritical fast can and will do that if we allow it. He challenges us to reach out to others, especially those who are in bondage and help bring them to Jesus Christ: the only one who can free them. John 8:36 confirms, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” So, let us institute a true fast of charity and service to others. - JSS
Last thing, it appears that God will not accept anything that stands in the way of our relationship with Him. A hypocritical fast can and will do that if we allow it. He challenges us to reach out to others, especially those who are in bondage and help bring them to Jesus Christ: the only one who can free them. John 8:36 confirms, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” So, let us institute a true fast of charity and service to others. - JSS
Saturday, March 23, 2013
True Fasting (Part 2)
We can see clearly in this passage from Isaiah that God is distinguishing between two kinds of “fasts” in answer to the two initial questions.
The first fast, although it may have contained some sacrifice, self-deprecation, or humility of God’s people, all of it was false, worthless and resulted in wickedness. It was a hypocritical fast. They initiated something considered truly holy but then followed their sin nature. They did what they pleased. They exploited, caused strife, debated, and struck their “fist of wickedness”. God’s response was appropriate and forthright. In essence He said, “You cannot act like this and expect me to hear your prayers. Is this the kind of fast I have decided for you; to pretend like you are truly repentant? Would/could you call this a fast? I don’t and it’s not acceptable!” To say that God is not pleased with His people would be a gross understatement.
But God, through His love, mercy and grace for His people, doesn’t just leave them there. He sets out to explain the kind of fast He has chosen. It’s not a fast comprised of self-abasement, soul affliction or sackcloth and ashes. It’s a fast of freedom and charity to others. The words, “loose”, “undo”, “let”, and “break” are freeing words. Essentially, God is telling His people to help prisoners become free from their chains or bondage of sin. The other fast that he is calling them to is that of service to others. They are to show compassion. This is certainly an antithetical response to what was shown before. Words like, “share”, “bring”, “cover”, signify sacrifice of time and treasure. God’s response? There will be light, healing, righteousness, glory of the Lord and ultimately God will hear their prayers. The relationship will be unhindered.
- JSS
The first fast, although it may have contained some sacrifice, self-deprecation, or humility of God’s people, all of it was false, worthless and resulted in wickedness. It was a hypocritical fast. They initiated something considered truly holy but then followed their sin nature. They did what they pleased. They exploited, caused strife, debated, and struck their “fist of wickedness”. God’s response was appropriate and forthright. In essence He said, “You cannot act like this and expect me to hear your prayers. Is this the kind of fast I have decided for you; to pretend like you are truly repentant? Would/could you call this a fast? I don’t and it’s not acceptable!” To say that God is not pleased with His people would be a gross understatement.
But God, through His love, mercy and grace for His people, doesn’t just leave them there. He sets out to explain the kind of fast He has chosen. It’s not a fast comprised of self-abasement, soul affliction or sackcloth and ashes. It’s a fast of freedom and charity to others. The words, “loose”, “undo”, “let”, and “break” are freeing words. Essentially, God is telling His people to help prisoners become free from their chains or bondage of sin. The other fast that he is calling them to is that of service to others. They are to show compassion. This is certainly an antithetical response to what was shown before. Words like, “share”, “bring”, “cover”, signify sacrifice of time and treasure. God’s response? There will be light, healing, righteousness, glory of the Lord and ultimately God will hear their prayers. The relationship will be unhindered.
- JSS
Friday, March 22, 2013
True Fasting (Part 1)
Isaiah 58:3-9 NKJV
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Trust In The Lord
Psalm 37:1-9 NKJV
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the LORD,
They shall inherit the earth.
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 3:5-6 NKJV
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the LORD,
They shall inherit the earth.
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.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Recreate (Lyrics)
Wide-eyed boy,
Wide-eyed boy,
There’s nothin’ for you,
There’s nothin’ for you.
V. 2
Bright, red dress,
Bright, red dress,
With a bow in her head,
And tears so blue,
And tears so blue.
And tears so blue.
Chorus
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
The world needs it too.
If there’s gonna be a change,
It has to come from you.
V. 3
Towers in the air,
Towers in the air,
Cancer spreads everywhere.
The rivers flow,
The rivers flow.
V. 4
Greed makes the world go round,
Greed makes the world go round,
But love slows it down.
Where do you stand?
Do you understand?
Chorus
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
The world needs it too.
If there’s gonna be a change,
It has to come from you.
V. 5
Father, forgive.
Father, forgive.
Father, forgive.
Wash away our sin.
Wash away our sin.
Wash away our sin.
V. 6
It’s time to live.
It’s time to live.
It’s time to give.
It’s all for you.
It’s all for you.
Chorus
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
Whatever you’re lookin’ for,
The world needs it too.
If there’s gonna be a change,
It has to come from you.
- JSS
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Lord, Ransom And Redeem Us (A Prayer)
Today's prayer: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
Sovereign Lord,
It is my honor to bring ______________________ before you this day, and I ask for your grace and mercy to be poured into their lives as well as my own. I pray that you will save us out of every time of distress and trouble. Break every yoke of the world, the flesh, and Satan from off our necks and tear off our bonds so that we may serve you. Ransom us and redeem us from the hand of those who are stronger than we are.
In your name, I ask you to bless us and our nation with peace and security. Please be with us to save us so that no one will make us afraid. I pray that when you discipline us, you will do so only with justice. Please restore us to health where we have incurable wounds, and heal us where our injuries seem beyond healing. Turn our mourning into gladness, and give us comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Please restore our fortunes and have compassion on us. I pray that you will fully accomplish all the purposes of your heart for each of us. We humbly ask you to once again bring us honor so that we will not be disdained. May songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing come from us.
Bring us near to you so that we in turn will draw near to you. May we devote ourselves to being close to you. Please love us with an everlasting love and draw us to you with lovingkindness. May we find favor in the desert; lead us beside streams of water on a level path where we will not stumble. Refresh us when we are weary and satisfy us when we are faint. Give us hope for our future.
This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Taken from "Focal Point - Bryan Fischer" (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focal-Point-Bryan-Fischer/313269202224) Used with permission.
Sovereign Lord,
It is my honor to bring ______________________ before you this day, and I ask for your grace and mercy to be poured into their lives as well as my own. I pray that you will save us out of every time of distress and trouble. Break every yoke of the world, the flesh, and Satan from off our necks and tear off our bonds so that we may serve you. Ransom us and redeem us from the hand of those who are stronger than we are.
In your name, I ask you to bless us and our nation with peace and security. Please be with us to save us so that no one will make us afraid. I pray that when you discipline us, you will do so only with justice. Please restore us to health where we have incurable wounds, and heal us where our injuries seem beyond healing. Turn our mourning into gladness, and give us comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Please restore our fortunes and have compassion on us. I pray that you will fully accomplish all the purposes of your heart for each of us. We humbly ask you to once again bring us honor so that we will not be disdained. May songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing come from us.
Bring us near to you so that we in turn will draw near to you. May we devote ourselves to being close to you. Please love us with an everlasting love and draw us to you with lovingkindness. May we find favor in the desert; lead us beside streams of water on a level path where we will not stumble. Refresh us when we are weary and satisfy us when we are faint. Give us hope for our future.
This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Taken from "Focal Point - Bryan Fischer" (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focal-Point-Bryan-Fischer/313269202224) Used with permission.
Friday, March 15, 2013
365 Thank You, Lords
Psalm 107:8 NKJV
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 7:17 NIV
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
At the beginning of this year, instead of having resolutions, goals or promises to accomplish for the year, I have decided to do something different. Every day I will recognize and acknowledge in writing something I’m thankful to God for – “365 Thank You, Lords For 2011”. I believe this practice will keep me in a spirit of thankfulness and help me recognize God’s numerous blessings. He is to be honored and praised in our thankfulness! - JSS
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 7:17 NIV
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
At the beginning of this year, instead of having resolutions, goals or promises to accomplish for the year, I have decided to do something different. Every day I will recognize and acknowledge in writing something I’m thankful to God for – “365 Thank You, Lords For 2011”. I believe this practice will keep me in a spirit of thankfulness and help me recognize God’s numerous blessings. He is to be honored and praised in our thankfulness! - JSS
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Unity Among Us (Part 5)
John 17:11 NIV
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:20-21 NIV
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
I am particularly fond of these two scripture passages. Jesus showed a real and genuine concern not only for His immediate disciples but also for those who would eventually follow them as well . How did Jesus do it? He immediately went to His Father in prayer. He didn’t give a nonchalant attitude or arrogant disposition and say to his followers, “Well guys, my work is done here, you are on your own, good luck!” No, he loved them too much for that. They were too important to Him. He was leaving behind those whom he lived with, spoke with, shared intimate moments with, struggled with, broke bread with, laughed with, cried with, and so on. For three years he wrapped His entire life around them. He became one with them and they, in turn, became one with each other. Deep and mutual love created unity. Jesus knew they needed prayer for oneness.
Furthermore, Jesus intentionally prayed for their protection. They were certainly going to need it. He knew that they were about to confront an unbelieving and hostile world. He asked that they be protected by the power of God’s name or more succinctly, of who God is; His character. Jesus was given God’s character They could call on Him for help. - JSS
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Prayers For Our Nation And Our Military
"God of the Nations, unitedly we bow before Thee again for a minute of reverent prayer. We praise Thee that Thou hast made and preserved us a nation. And for thy continued guidance we pray. Give strength to all in the struggle for righteousness, courage to those who, on the far-flung battle-line, face danger for the cause of liberty. Bless abundantly those who at home give of themselves that at last peace and good-will may prevail. And hasten, O living God, the time when Thy kingdom shall come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” 51 –Rev. Dr. Herbert Braun, Dales Memorial Church, Philadelphia, PA
“Merciful God, we pray Thy blessing on our loved ones who have joined the armed forces of our country. Grant them the strength and courage to endure and the grace to fight against the forces of evil without hatred. When righteousness and justice shall have won the victory, may our loved ones return to their homes, to their Church, and to all of us–sound in body, mind and spirit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 54 –Rev. Dr. Melville Hugh Way, United Church of St. Luke and St. John, Baltimore, MD
“Our Heavenly Father, we praise and thank Thee for the countless blessings bestowed upon us. At this time we draw near to Thee in prayer. Be gracious unto us and bless us. Watch over our loved ones who have gone from our homes to defend all that is noble and just. We find peace in the assurance that they cannot go beyond the reach of Thy loving care. Bless our country and give peace again to the world in Thy good time. Amen.” 178 –Rev. Dr. Clyde Koehler, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, Evansville, IN
- Taken from A Minute of Prayer: A Prayer for Every Day in the Year submitted by Protestant Ministers, Catholic Priests and Jewish Rabbis. The numbers represent page numbers. This book is in the Public Domain.
“Merciful God, we pray Thy blessing on our loved ones who have joined the armed forces of our country. Grant them the strength and courage to endure and the grace to fight against the forces of evil without hatred. When righteousness and justice shall have won the victory, may our loved ones return to their homes, to their Church, and to all of us–sound in body, mind and spirit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 54 –Rev. Dr. Melville Hugh Way, United Church of St. Luke and St. John, Baltimore, MD
“Our Heavenly Father, we praise and thank Thee for the countless blessings bestowed upon us. At this time we draw near to Thee in prayer. Be gracious unto us and bless us. Watch over our loved ones who have gone from our homes to defend all that is noble and just. We find peace in the assurance that they cannot go beyond the reach of Thy loving care. Bless our country and give peace again to the world in Thy good time. Amen.” 178 –Rev. Dr. Clyde Koehler, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, Evansville, IN
- Taken from A Minute of Prayer: A Prayer for Every Day in the Year submitted by Protestant Ministers, Catholic Priests and Jewish Rabbis. The numbers represent page numbers. This book is in the Public Domain.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Unity Among Us (Part 4)
Jesus also served God in this situation by honoring Him in at least two ways. One was Jesus’ denial of food. It states that he fasted for forty days and forty nights. Although the scriptures don’t record it, I believe that Jesus denied His flesh in order to be in closer communion with His Father. In other words, He was following the advice He would later give to His disciples: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” This honors God because He put Him first.
The second way Jesus honored God was by quoting the very words of God. Three scenarios are recorded where Satan tried to tempt Jesus. During all three times, Jesus’ responded with the most powerful weapon He had, God’s Holy Word. He didn’t use a sword, an army, magic, His own strength...none of that. He used God’s truth and that was all He needed. Jesus served God by recognizing, utilizing and exercising the words that came from His Father. - JSS
The second way Jesus honored God was by quoting the very words of God. Three scenarios are recorded where Satan tried to tempt Jesus. During all three times, Jesus’ responded with the most powerful weapon He had, God’s Holy Word. He didn’t use a sword, an army, magic, His own strength...none of that. He used God’s truth and that was all He needed. Jesus served God by recognizing, utilizing and exercising the words that came from His Father. - JSS
Monday, March 11, 2013
Unity Among Us (Part 3)
The second attribute of the Trinity to consider is that they graciously served one another. One example that comes to mind is the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4: 1-13. Matthew states, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” At first glance it doesn’t seem like Jesus was “graciously served” (except maybe to the lion’s den), does it? But if we read further in scripture we would see that this incident occurred just before Jesus’ public ministry. I believe the Holy Spirit was preparing Christ, strengthening Him to be ready for the great challenges leading up to his death on the cross. So, the Spirit served Jesus and Jesus reciprocated by obeying the Holy Spirit’s leading. - JSS
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Unity Among Us (Part 2)
The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit, as expressed in the previous passages, consist of certain strong attributes. The first attribute which seems obvious is that they are always present together. They never exist apart from one another. While they each have distinct roles, personalities and importance, their nature is never separated nor can it be. To put it another way, they are the sum of their parts. Also, each person in the Trinity reinforces their unified presence both verbally and physically (ie: “You are My beloved Son…”, And the Holy Spirit descended…, three that bear witness, “I and the Father are one.”). God’s Word seems very intentional in constructing our minds to think in threes, especially when we focus on each one individually. - JSS
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Unity Among Us (Part 1)
Matthew 3:16 NKJV
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
Luke 3:22 NKJV
And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
1 John 5:7 NKJV
For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
Luke 3:22 NKJV
And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
1 John 5:7 NKJV
For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Hear The Pennies Dropping (Lyrics)
V. 1
Hear the pennies dropping,
Listen while they fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
Chorus:
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 2
Dropping dropping ever,
From each little hand;
‘Tis our gift to Jesus,
From His little band.
Chorus
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 3
Now while we are little,
Pennies are our store;
But when we are older,
Lord we will give thee more.
Chorus
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 4
If we have no money,
We can give Him love;
He will own our off’ring,
Smiling from above.
Words by F. H. De Witt and William J. Kirkpatrick, 1890
This hymn is in the Public Domain
Hear the pennies dropping,
Listen while they fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
Chorus:
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 2
Dropping dropping ever,
From each little hand;
‘Tis our gift to Jesus,
From His little band.
Chorus
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 3
Now while we are little,
Pennies are our store;
But when we are older,
Lord we will give thee more.
Chorus
Dropping Dropping (2x),
Hear the pennies fall;
Ev’ry one for Jesus,
He shall have them all.
V. 4
If we have no money,
We can give Him love;
He will own our off’ring,
Smiling from above.
Words by F. H. De Witt and William J. Kirkpatrick, 1890
This hymn is in the Public Domain
Thursday, March 7, 2013
God Will Not Forsake Us (Part 2)
Psalm 94:17-19 NIV
Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Romans 11:1-2 NKJV
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Romans 11:1-2 NKJV
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
God Will Not Forsake Us (Part 1)
Isaiah 62:11-12 NKJV
Indeed the LORD has proclaimed
To the end of the world:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Surely your salvation is coming;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.’”
And they shall call them The Holy People,
The Redeemed of the LORD;
And you shall be called Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.
Psalm 94:14 NIV
For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
Psalm 94:17-19 NIV
Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Indeed the LORD has proclaimed
To the end of the world:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Surely your salvation is coming;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.’”
And they shall call them The Holy People,
The Redeemed of the LORD;
And you shall be called Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.
Psalm 94:14 NIV
For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
Psalm 94:17-19 NIV
Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Engage The World In Faith
If we claim to have Christ within us and represent Him then we must engage the world. The world must not be allowed to engage us so as to stain our relationship to our Heavenly Father. We must truly believe that He is greater in us than he that is in the world. So, we need to step out, project ourselves onto and from the stage of life: be salt and light to a dying world. It begins with each one of us personally before it can occur corporately. It is a very personal call of our faith. We must touch others in love and allow the opportunity for them to experience the Savior. – JSS
1 John 5:4-5 NKJV
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
We need to be transformed from thermometers to thermostats. The thermometer merely registers the temperature of its surroundings; the thermostat changes the temperature.
Taken from Abundant Living, pg. 154, by E. Stanley Jones, edited by Dean Merrill, Summerside Press. Used with permission.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
We need to be transformed from thermometers to thermostats. The thermometer merely registers the temperature of its surroundings; the thermostat changes the temperature.
Taken from Abundant Living, pg. 154, by E. Stanley Jones, edited by Dean Merrill, Summerside Press. Used with permission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)