VERSE:

VERSE:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
-- John 3:3
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+3:3&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
"Fast away the old year passes ..." But we can be new and fresh
and clean (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17). Kingdom people are those who have been
born fresh and new through the power of the Spirit and the grace of
God (cf. John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11). So as we close out
the old year, with its good things and bad, achievements and
failures, successes and disappointments, let's approach the New
Year as Kingdom people. God's mercies are new every morning and our
lives can be made new every day by the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Yes, we have been born again. But each sunrise offers us the
opportunity to be made new, to live in a fresh new way, as God's
grace rekindles our hopes and the Holy Spirit makes us new as we
trust in Jesus our Lord.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, you are holy and righteous. I confess that as
hard as I have tried and as much as I have wanted to be holy and
righteous, without your grace and the empowering presence of the
Holy Spirit, I fail. Thank you for your forgiveness. Please make me
new. As I stand on the threshold of a new year, please empower me
beyond my weaknesses and besetting sins. Open my eyes to your work
in the world around me and use me in your work of grace. Fire my
passion to live fully for your Kingdom and my King, Jesus Christ,
in whose name I pray. Amen.

FILLING THE EARTH WITH GOD'S GOODNESS

FILLING THE EARTH WITH GOD'S GOODNESS

Philemon 1-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philemon+1-16

Dear Father, bestower of freedom,

Thank you for the love and the faith which you have put in your
people. Please help them share this with each other and with the
world. Let this promote the knowledge of all the good that is ours
in Christ Jesus. Put such joy in our hearts and such gladness on
our faces that people will want to know what makes us happy.

Help each of us to render such help and comfort, expressing our
love, that the hearts of all your holy people will be refreshed.
Help us not to make demands on each other, but to entreat, seeking
consent, so that the good we ask from others might not be given
through compulsion but through free will. Help us to bind up broken
relationships. Help us to be willing to step into the breach, to
enable others to make amends, even if it costs us money, effort, or
time.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with our spirits. In his name I
ask. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name...
-- John 1:12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+1:12&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Isn't it incredible that we are called children of God!? But
that is exactly what we are! (cf. 1 John 3:1-3.) We are God's
children. Our Father created the universe with its billions and
billions of heavenly bodies. Our Father paints a new sunset every
day and chases away the darkness every morning. Our Father not only
loves us, but he also claims us as his own and will bring us to his
eternal home. Why? Because we heard his message in Jesus. Because
we received his grace offered in his Son. Incredible! Glorious!
Grace!

PRAYER:
Abba Father, thank you for claiming me as your child through
Jesus, in whose name I praise and thank you. Amen.

WORKING TOGETHER

WORKING TOGETHER

Colossians 4:12-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+4:12-18

Dear Father,

Help us to remember each other earnestly in our prayers.

Help us to stand mature and to be fully assured in your will.

Help us encourage one another to carry our assigned works to
completion.

Help us fulfil whatever ministry we have received in the Lord.

Help us to remember those who are in prison, and those who suffer
in any way for your service.

May your perfect grace sustain and keep all of us.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which
is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
-- John 1:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+1:18&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Jesus is God's greatest message. He not only proclaims and
declares God's love, mercy, and grace; he has made it known. Only
Jesus can display God to us fully, for he is one with the Father.
Yet when we "see" Jesus ministering in the Gospels, we see God. If
we want to know how God feels about us, all we have to do is look
at how Jesus ministers to others. If we want to know what God would
do for us, we can notice what Jesus does to bless others. Jesus is
our window to the Father's heart. So as this year winds down, and
as you stand in the afterglow of Christmas, why not make a
commitment to get to know Jesus better in this coming year by
spending more time with him in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John)? If you do, you will better know God!

PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, for giving me a window to your heart through
the life and ministry of Jesus. Please bless me as I seek to know
you better by knowing, understanding, and following Jesus more
passionately. I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, my
Lord. Amen.

FULLNESS OF LOVE

Colossians 4:2-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+4:2-6

Dear Father, grantor of wisdom,

Help me conduct myself wisely toward outsiders, making the most of
the time.

Let my speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, and may I
always know how to answer.

Help me and all your saints to show ourselves to be a people who
live life to the fullest, because we live in the fullness of your
love shown in Jesus Christ!

In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy
life and to claim all our motives and deeds as your own. Amen.

UNCEASING PRAYER

UNCEASING PRAYER

Colossians 4:2-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+4:2-6

Dear Father, who answers our prayers,

Help me to be steadfast in my praying to you, even to stay awake
that I may pray!

Fill my life with thanksgiving to you.

O God, I pray for all your servants everywhere that you may open a
door for us to proclaim your Word, to declare the now-public secret
- Christ crucified, glorified, and coming - and to make the message
clear, as we ought to speak.

In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy
life and to claim all our motives and deeds as your own. Amen.

RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIPS

Colossians 3:18-4:1
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+3:18-4:1

Dear Father,

May Christian wives and husbands relate to each other as is
fitting in the Lord, with subjection and kindness.

May children obey their parents and may parents not provoke the
children.

May we work at our jobs in ways which will put honoring you above
trying to please someone.

Whatever our tasks, help us to work heartily, serving you.

Help us all to treat each other fairly in all our relationships.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

IN CHRIST, THE FULLNESS OF DEITY

IN CHRIST, THE FULLNESS OF DEITY

Colossians 2:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+2:8-9

Dear Father,

May I never be impressed with the philosophy and empty deceit that
comes out of human traditions which do not agree with Christ.

Keep me from being enticed by teachings that root their knowledge
in the elemental spirits of the universe, the laws of nature, and
in scientism, but not in Christ.

Help us to understand what it means that the very fullness of
deity dwells in our Lord bodily and that we have come to the
fullness of life in him and that he is the head of all rule and
authority.

Help us to hold fast to Christ, who is our head, in whose name I
pray. Amen.

YOU MADE ENDURANCE POSSIBLE!

YOU MADE ENDURANCE POSSIBLE!

Colossians 1:23
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+1:23

Dear Father,

Help me to continue in the faith by holding on to what you have
given and by being stable and steadfast.

Don't let anything move me away from the hope of the Good News
which I heard, which was proclaimed throughout the whole creation
under heaven.

You make my endurance possible by filling me with your Spirit.
Fill me more and more! And thank you for being my Father.

In the name of Jesus and by his authority I ask. Amen

FILLED WITH KNOWLEDGE

FILLED WITH KNOWLEDGE

Colossians 1:9-10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+1:9-10

Dear Father,

Help me and all of your people everywhere to be filled with
complete knowledge of what you want, in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding.

Keep stirring up my spirit to make me want to lead a life worthy
of the Lord Jesus Christ, a full life because it is fully pleasing
to him.

May I bear fruit in every good work. May I daily increase in my
knowledge of you.

In the name of Jesus, our awesome Lord. Amen.

In Need of a Savior

In Need of a Savior
Alan Riley
David Miller, a ministry friend of mine relates the story of the birth of his first child. When his son was born, David was sure that there had never been a child born to man and woman to compare to this special child. "But it wasn't long after we brought him home from the hospital," David relates, "that we realized that the chain of sin was still unbroken!"

We laughed when we heard David tell that story, but he makes an important point. His child was born with a sinful nature. You and I were, too. We all were. It is a legacy passed down from Adam. Each one of us at some point in our lives makes a conscious choice to disobey God and sin, but that is because we were born with a sinful nature, a bent toward sinning, if you will.

People sometimes get upset with you if you tell them they are a sinner. They think we are judging them, but in reality that is something that we have in common with them. The Apostle Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). John reminded us that if we say we have not sinned we are a liar (1 John 1:8).

The late Rich Mullins (writer of "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord") told the story of getting stranded at an inn while on a hike. To meet back up with his party would require a ten mile walk and he was already spent from the day's hike. He struck up a conversation with a man at the inn and in the course of the conversation, Mullins shared that he was a Christian musician. The man offered to give Mullins a ride to meet his party, but said there was something he needed to tell him first. "I am gay" the man told him. Rich chuckled and replied that he still needed a ride to the drop off point! As he took Rich to meet up with his hiking companions, the man was silent for most of the trip.

Finally he turned to Rich and asked, "Does God hate me?" Mullins wrote that the question, and the heart cry behind it broke his heart. He turned to the man and said, "God loves you as much as He loves me! Yes, God hates the sin in your life, but no more than he hates the sin in my life." The man realized that in Rich Mullins he had found a friend, not a judge. That is how we need to relate to those around us, many of whom are struggling with sin. We aren't better than them, we're just forgiven. When I share Christ with others, I am just one beggar telling another beggar where I found food.

We tend to want to rank sin in order of severity, but God doesn't make such distinctions. It's true that in the Old Testament (Proverbs 6) there is a list of things God despises, but included on that list are lying and sowing discord among brothers. Ever lied before? (If your answer is no, read 1 John 1:8 again!) Sin is sin. It is all rebellion against Him. We are all in need of saving. We are all in need of a Savior.

That is what we celebrate this Christmas season. We need to look beyond all the hype and the materialism of the holiday and focus in on the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. The only child who ever chose to be born. The one who left the glory of heaven to save us from our sins.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 John 1:10-14 (NKJV)

VERSE:

VERSE:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God…
-- Philippians 2:5-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:5-6&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Jesus did not hang on to his heavenly glory, but surrendered it
to save us. Now he asks us to follow his example and share his
heart. He wants us to treat each other as he has treated us,
thinking of others' needs and God's will before our own. Now that's
one revolution I hope I get to see fully happen!

PRAYER:
O Father God, please transform my heart and mind by the power of
your Holy Spirit. I want my thoughts to be your thoughts. I want my
heart's desire to reflect the passions of your Son. I want my will
to be guided by your Spirit. Please forgive my tendency to
ruthlessly hang on to my own importance, my own will, and my own
self-justification, even when I know it is not right or best. Make
my mind more like the mind of your Son. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

SOWING FAITH, HOPE, LOVE

SOWING FAITH, HOPE, LOVE

Colossians 1:3-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+1:3-5

Dear Father, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

We thank you for every brother and sister, young and old, who has
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and who is learning to love all your
saints because of the hope that is laid up for us in heaven.

Thank you for letting us hear about this abiding faith, hope, and
love in your word.

Thank you that your Word was proclaimed to us.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
-- Proverbs 31:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:30&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.

PRAYER:
Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
-- Proverbs 31:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:30&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.

PRAYER:
Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

FOCUSED ON GOODNESS

FOCUSED ON GOODNESS

Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9

Dear Father, praiseworthy God,

Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.

If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!

Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.

O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.

I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.

FOCUSED ON GOODNESS

FOCUSED ON GOODNESS

Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9

Dear Father, praiseworthy God,

Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.

If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!

Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.

O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.

I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.

REJOICE! AND PRAY!

REJOICE! AND PRAY!

Philippians 4:4-7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:4-7

Dear Father, forbearing God,

Let me rejoice in the Lord always! Again I ask this from you: Let
me rejoice always!

Let me be gentle, open to reason, slow to make negative judgments.

Let this forbearing spirit be apparent to everyone.

I know the Lord Jesus is near, so I have no reason to be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, let me present my requests to you.

I believe in you, Father, a God who transcends all human
understanding.

I believe that the peace which comes from you, which transcends
all understanding, will keep my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.

In the name of the ever-near Jesus. Amen.

A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

Philippians 3:16-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:16-21

Dear Father,

I want to join all your holy people in imitating the example of
your apostle Paul, and I want to take notice of people in my own
time who live by the same example.

Thank you, my God, that my citizenship is in heaven, from which I
wait the return of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Father, that he will come to change my lowly body to be
like his glorious body, by the power which enables him to subject
all things to himself.

In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen.

A PRECIOUS PROMISE

A PRECIOUS PROMISE

Philippians 3:8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:8

Dear Father, Keeper of all your promises,

You have promised: "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a
crown of life." Thank you for such a precious promise! You are so
gracious to me!

Help me to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. For his sake I would gladly suffer
the loss of all things - at least I hope I would - and count them
as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

Father, you know my heart. You know that I don't want a
righteousness of my own based on self-sufficient rule-keeping, but
one which comes from trusting Christ.

I want the righteousness that you provide when I commit myself to
your trustworthy care.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Moment of Thanks

A Moment of Thanks
Dr. David Jeremiah
Life is hard, and every day is challenging. You may be wondering just now if you can go on. Perhaps another person is vexing you. Perhaps you've been maligned or criticized. You're discouraged with unanswered prayer. Maybe you're feeling like Elijah under the broom tree, wanting to die.
Try praying with thanksgiving. A thankful attitude is the cure for many emotional ailments. Take depression, for example. What is depression or discouragement except the total collapse of thanksgiving in our lives?
Thanksgiving is also the opposite of discontent. It's easy for us to become disgruntled with various factors in our lives; but let's be like one man who was thankful...
For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
* For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means that I have freedom of speech.
* For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
* For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
* For the taxes that I pay because it means that I'm employed.
* For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
* For weariness at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
* For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
Thanksgiving is the opposite of anxiety. Philippians 4:6: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart. They are mutually exclusive, according to Ruth Graham.
Thanksgiving is also the corrective for sadness and even grief. While working on a message from Psalm 100, my phone rang. It was from a family dear to me. Our children were about the same age and had played together growing up.
The caller told me there had been an accident in the woods, and a portion of a tree had fallen on one of the boys. He'd been pinned for over an hour before the ambulance arrived, and it appeared the young man would be paralyzed from the waist down. His spinal cord had been crushed.
Well, that just destroyed my afternoon. I couldn't get it out of my mind. This was a blond-headed kid, very athletic, full of life; and in one moment, his life was shattered and changed. I wrestled with my own thoughts and emotions until evening, then I placed a call to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Frankly, I didn't know what to say; but I didn't have to say much at all. The boy's father ended up comforting me.
He said, "Pastor, I want you to know that my wife and I are, first of all, thankful that our son is alive. Second, we're thanking God that it wasn't the upper part of his body that was paralyzed. And thirdly, though we don't understand why, we know God is good and that somehow in the midst of this, He has a plan for our son's life that must go beyond anything we can imagine. Though it's hard and we wish it hadn't happened, we have committed it to our God, for He is good."
Is the race of life wearing you down?
Try a moment of thanks.

THE ULTIMATE LOYALTY

THE ULTIMATE LOYALTY

Philippians 2:19-3:7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:19-3:7

Dear Father,

Help me to be a Timothy, one who genuinely cares for the welfare
of others.

Help me look out not just for my own interests, but for Christ's.

Help me to be an Epaphroditus, a true fellow worker and fellow
soldier to all others who serve you, risking my life for you.

Help me to be one of the true circumcision, who worship you in
spirit, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the
flesh.

Help me turn my back on all earthly gain and count all things as
loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and serving him.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

A BRILLIANT STAR

A BRILLIANT STAR

Philippians 2:14-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:14-18

Dear Father,

Help me do what is needed without complaining or arguing, so that
I may be blameless and pure.

Let me be your child without fault, a child of God, in a crooked
and perverse generation.

Let me shine like a brilliant star in the night skies of your
universe, as I hold out the word of life.

Make me a source of pride to those who led me to the Lord, so that
they may know that their efforts were not in vain.

Let me rejoice together with all your saints and let them rejoice
with me! Now and for ever!

In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.

FEAR AND TREMBLING

FEAR AND TREMBLING

Philippians 2:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:12-13



Dear Father,

Help me to obey your word, not only in the presence of other
followers of Christ but even more when they are absent, when
there's no one there but me.

Be with me as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling,
lest I should ever think that I have earned it. After all, it is
you, dear God, who is at work within me, both causing me to do your
good purpose and to purpose your good deeds.

In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.

ONE IN SPIRIT

ONE IN SPIRIT

Philippians 2:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:3-11

Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,

Help all of us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility help us count each other better than
ourselves.

May we look out for the interests of each other, not just our own.

Let our attitude be the same as was in Christ Jesus, who made
himself nothing and obeyed you, our Father, even in the matter of
dying.

Help me humbly and obediently to exalt Jesus, even as you have
exalted him and given him a name that is above every name, that
every knee should bow and every tongue confess - to the glory of
you, our God and our Father.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.

UNDIVIDED, INDIVISIBLE

UNDIVIDED, INDIVISIBLE

Philippians 2:1-2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:1-2

Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,

Help me never to be a party to any division within the body of
Christ. Let me be perfectly united in mind and heart with all
others who follow you.

Help me not to be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep me from
misplacing my loyalties with this person or that!

Christ, of whom I am part, is not divided. He is of one mind. So
let me and all his people be together and in agreement.

Let us be like-minded, having the same love, one in spirit and
purpose.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.

Lord Have Mercy

Lord Have Mercy
Scott Williams
Have Mercy On Me is not a phrase that you hear very often. When many of us hear "Have Mercy On Me," we immediately think of the Parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
You know where the Pharisee prayed to God, "Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like those other people--robbers, crooks, adulterers, or heaven forbid, like this IRS Guy, I mean Tax Collector. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income." Meanwhile the Tax Collector slumped in the shadows with his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, "God, Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner."
This story reminds me of the story of a young lady who attends my church. About six weeks ago we had offered for people to come down for prayer at the end of service. This young lady came down and began to share the story of "Livin' la Vida Loca" (livin' the crazy life). She was excited about the fact that she was once that crazy troubled teenager and now she gets to work with troubled youth as a Detention Officer.
As we talked about Juvenile Corrections, I shared the fact that I used to be the Warden of a local Juvenile Correctional Facility. One thing led to anther and I realized that her younger brother used to be one of my kids in the facility. I quickly remembered that I had seen on the news several years back that her younger brother was murdered.
She shared the story of her 19-year-old brother being murdered execution style in 2005. Recalling a knock on the door around midnight one summer evening in 2006, that knock led to her 16-year-old brother going to answer the door. The next thing she remembers is hearing gunshots. One Year after her 19-year-old brother was killed; her 16-year-old brother was gunned down by a group of guys that were coming to kill her.
For years and years she walked around with the guilt that she was responsible for her brothers death. "I felt like I was brainwashed, I was brainwashed into thinking that I was supposed to live that crazy life forever." It wasn't until she quit saying "poor me" and truly humbled herself before the Lord, that things began to change. "I remember getting on my knees, with my face in my hands and tears running down my face."
Understanding that she wasn't worthy, she prayed this prayer "God, I know I'm jacked up and should have probably died instead of my brother. God Make Me Different; Change Me for Real, Lord Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!"
We all need to pray less like the Pharisee and more like the humble Tax Collector and this young lady (modern day tax collector). God I don't just ask for your forgiveness, God Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!
I'll close with these words from Jesus talking about the Tax Collector in Luke 18:14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Sometimes you gotta get down, so that God can lift you up! Lord Have Mercy!

Access to Victory

Access to Victory
Bishop Keith Butler
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1,2 (KJV)

Faith in the blood of Jesus will cause you to win over anything intended to harm you. The protection of the blood covers all of you. God has given us an open door to all the weaponry we need to overcome those obstacles. Because we have access, we have hope for deliverance. The word "access" means entrance. It is through God's grace, which was freely given to us that we received the power of the blood of Jesus. His grace extended to us was evident in the shedding of that blood to give us victory. It is through that grace that we can rejoice because we have an entrance to victory.

Now the Lord will prepare you ahead of time for what He kn ows is coming in the future. The Lord started preparing my church a year ago to overcome fear of recession. I didn't know then what was coming down, but a year ago the Lord had me lead my congregation in saying that there is no recession here. We have been speaking that for a year, and there is no recession at Word of Faith. It is because of our entrance by faith into the grace of God. And it is by His grace that we are still expanding.

It can be the same for you, if you can believe. Say that there will be no recession here (in your house, in your business). But you may say, "I'm experiencing hard times already." Well, you are not without help. Notice what Romans 5:3 says, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience."

This is a time of tribulations, tests, and trials. But we don't cry in them. We glory in them. We rejoice in them because we have hope of seeing God bring us out on top. So while others are worrying in it, we can glory in it because if we glory instead of worry, we will receive the blessing. You may not feel like rejoicing, but do it anyway. It is your key to victory.

You can rejoice knowing that tribulation works patience. Patience is steadfast, not to be moved, constant praise to God--not praising God for the problem, but praising Him for bringing you out. You must do step one before you get to step two. Patience then brings about experience. And that is the experience of victory.

Having experienced one victory, gives you hope for the future. Should hard times ever hit you again, you can confidently say, "God brought me through years ago, and He is doing it right now. So, I'm not even worried about the future. I know He is taking care of me now, and He will take care of me for the next hundred years."

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Mark 5:36

VERSE:

VERSE:
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
-- 2 Peter 3:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Peter+3:18&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord? How about
keeping the tandem targets of grace and knowledge together as your
goal. So often we pursue one or the other. But something seems to
come unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more
important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together
because we see them together in our Savior.

PRAYER:
Holy God, I want to grow to be more like Jesus. I know I cannot
do that without your Spirit's power and my heart's desire. In
addition, dear Father, I want to grow in being a gracious person. I
want to know and experience Jesus' presence in my life. Please
bless me in this holy quest. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES

SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES

Philippians 1:12-20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:12-20

Dear Father,

Take the setbacks of our lives and use them to further the
proclamation of your Good News about Jesus to the world.

Let such things become a source of encouragement to our brethren
when they see the valor of those who bear up under adversity. May
every hardship spur your people on to boldly speak your word
without fear!

Even when your word is proclaimed for the wrong reason, we
rejoice, for your word of salvation is nevertheless proclaimed.

Father, we rejoice in the way you comfort and remain faithful to
us.

We are thankful that the prayers of our fellow believers rise
night and day for us and for the good of your kingdom.

In the name of King Jesus I ask. Amen.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
by Dr. David C. Cooper
One of the most moving of all biblical occurrences is Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). The story appears only in the Gospel of John. A number of persons asked me why the study notes in their Bibles made reference to the fact that this story does not appear in some of the ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. So, let me explain.
The oldest New Testament manuscripts we have date back between the fourth to sixth centuries (AD). The scholars hand-copied from the originals. We call them the Uncial manuscripts, because they are written in all capital letters. The story of the woman who had been caught in adultery only appears in one of the earliest while six omit it completely and two leave a blank where it should appear. However, it emerges strongly in the later manuscripts of the medieval times.
Jerome included the story in his Latin translation of the Bible (AD 400) and Augustine and Ambrose comment on it in their writings. It appears in all the later manuscripts. It is quoted in a third century book called The Apostolic Constitutions, where it was given as a warning to bishops who were too strict. Eusebius, the church historian, traced its origin back as far as AD 100. Why was it omitted in early manuscripts? Augustine says some removed it because of its scandalous nature. Some thought the story showed Jesus being too soft on sin and thought that people might use it as a justification for sin. After all, the early church was a small island in the ocean of paganism, and needed to learn how to live a holy life. But over time, the story arrived by word of mouth, confirmed by one early manuscript and found its way back into the Gospel of John where it rightly belongs.
The story teaches us how to handle matters of judgment. The story underscores Jesus' statement that follows: "You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father who sent me" (John 8:15-16).
There will always be those among us who try to make Christianity too strict and rigid, so that we always feel like we fall short of the mark. But the good news of Jesus is the message of grace. This magnificent story of grace reminds us that, "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:14).

PARTICIPANTS

PARTICIPANTS

Philippians 1:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:3-11

Dear Father,

Thank you for the great joy I feel about my fellow believers.
Thank you for the partnership we have in your Son Jesus. Thank you
that we are common partakers of your grace. Give us all the grace
to yearn for each other with the affection of Christ.

Help our love to abound more and more, with knowledge and all
discernment, so that we may approve what is excellent, and may be
pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of
righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, to your glory and
praise!

In the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this
rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in
his brother's way.
-- Romans 14:13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+14:13&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
It is so easy to be judgmental of others. We don't know their
struggles. We don't know their situation. Most of all, we don't
know their hearts. When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier
between others and ourselves. We often spread that judgmental
impression to others in gossip. Our stubbornness to only view them
with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, which
can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.

PRAYER:
Father, please be with my attitude toward others. Help me be
more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient
with mine. Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to
those who are weak and struggling. Forgive me for sometimes being a
hindrance to others. Please use me to be a blessing. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

PREPARED TO FIGHT

PREPARED TO FIGHT

Ephesians 6:14-17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:14-17



Dear Father, my support in battle,

Help me stand, having put on my body the garments of TRUTH and the
bullet-proof vest of the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS, having put on my
feet the combat boots of PREPARATION IN THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE, and
besides these, having taken in hand the shield of TRUST IN GOD. (I
feel like I need a gas mask of DISCERNMENT to protect me from the
poison of Satan's propaganda.) Give me the wisdom that comes with
the helmet of SALVATION and the zeal to take up the assault weapon
of the SPIRIT, THE SPOKEN WORD OF GOD.

With all these in place, let me stand my ground . . . and fight!

In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.

The Psalms

The Psalms
Psalms 137-139 Thursday: Ecclesiastes 11-12
Friday: Malachi
Saturday: Acts 19-20

Psalms 137
1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Psalms 138
1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Psalms 139
1
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE

EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE

Ephesians 6:11-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:11-13

Dear Father, warrior against all evil,

May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I
may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, the
commander-in-chief of all evil spirits.

Help me understand that our warfare is not just against flesh and
blood, against mere men. It is against the principalities, the
powers, the rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
armies of wickedness in the heavenly places. It is there that they
do battle against my soul, against you and your Son, against the
heavenly armies, and against all your holy people.

Therefore let me take up all the equipment which you have given
me, that I may be able to withstand Satan's hordes in the evil day,
and having done everything you want me to do, to stand!

In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.

GOOD SPOUSES

GOOD SPOUSES

Ephesians 5:25-33
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:25-33

Dear Father,

Help me to be the good husband that you want me to be. Help me to
love my wife even as Christ loves his church, being willing to give
himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her
by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the
church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Help me to keep your command to love my wife as I love my own
body. Empower me to love her as I love myself.

Help me to live in such a way as to help her in her attempt to be
holy before you. May I always support, encourage, comfort, and
nourish her for her good.

In the name of Jesus, the one husband of the church. Amen.

Why Grace is Amazing

Why Grace is Amazing
Alan Riley
We church folk have a world of our own that we live in most of the time. We have our own language (with words that most people outside of the church don't understand), our own diet (fried chicken for the most part!), our own songs, and our own singers.

Every now and then, something from our world becomes known and popular in the world at large. When this happens, we refer to that singer or that song as a "crossover." Artists like Andre Crouch, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Marvin Sapp have become well-known and popular outside the church world. Songs like "Place in This World," "Butterfly Kisses" and "Never Would Have Made It" have become popular with folks who never or hardly ever go to church.

There is a song that is the ultimate "crossover" hit. It has been sung in every church of every denomination. It has been played or sung at the coronation of kings and at the graveside of paupers. It has been the number one song on the pop charts in both the United States and England. It has been rightly called the most popular song in the world.

The song is "Amazing Grace." And the story behind the song is as remarkable as the song itself.

John Newton was a slave trader who lived a despicable life for most of his early years. After nearly losing his life in a violent storm at sea, Newton He gave his life to Christ. The change in Newton's life was not immediate but gradual. He began to encourage his crew to pray and he saw to it that his human cargo were treated with kindness and gentleness, but it wasn't until years later that God convicted Newton's heart that slavery was sinful, and years more before he would openly oppose the slave trade.

At the age of 28 John Newton suffered a stroke and was unable to return to sea. He later saw that as yet another way God was reaching out to him. Despite his lack of a formal education, in 1764 Newton was ordained as a minister and was offered the a pastorate at Olney in Buckinghamshire.

As time passed, Newton came to realize how abhorrent slavery was in the eyes of God. He was tormented by the thoughts of the suffering he had helped inflict on others, and became with each passing year more and more amazed that God would choose to save him, much less call him into the ministry and use him is His service. Newton became known as a staunch abolitionist and for the rest of his life he worked to end the slave trade in Great Britain.

On New Year's Eve, 1773, Newton decided to preach on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. In that passage, King David marvels that God had chosen him. As a part of that sermon, Newton decided to share a poem he had written a year before that was essentially his testimony. The name of the poem was "Faith's review and expectation." We know it today as "Amazing Grace."

The song Amazing Grace is so popular precisely because God's grace is indeed amazing. No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter what you have done or haven't done, we all share the same essential testimony: "I once was lost but now I'm found, 'twas blind, but now I see." All of us, know in our hearts that we did not deserve God's gift of salvation. We all know that it is God's grace - his unmerited favor on us that has brought us to where we are today.

You may not have been as wicked as John Newton and caused great pain and suffering to others, but you know that you are a sinner who was (or is) in need of a Savior. Later in his life, John Newton was quoted as saying, "I know that I was a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." We all know that in our hearts.

God's grace is truly amazing. Aren't you thankful for it?

SUBMISSION

SUBMISSION

Ephesians 5:21-6:9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:21-6:9

Dear Father,

Help all of us who reverence Christ to be submissive to each
other, even as he submitted himself to the people about him so that
he could be their servant-king.

Help wives and husbands submit to each other. Help wives to be
respectful. Help husbands to be loving and considerate.

Help parents and children submit to each other. Help children to
obey their parents. Help parents to act in the best interest of
their children, not provoking them.

Help employers and employees submit to each other. Help employees
render the work for which they are paid. Help employers to be fair,
to show kindness.

Help all your people everywhere to live even as Jesus did.

In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6

Dear Father,

Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.

I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.

Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.

May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6

Dear Father,

Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.

I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.

Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.

May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 5:15-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:15-18

Dear Father,

Help me to be careful about how I live. May I behave not as an
unwise person but as a wise one.

Help me make the most of every opportunity, because the days of
this age are evil. I don't want to be foolish. I want to understand
what the will of the Lord is.

May I never use or abuse alcohol or drugs, which would lead to an
undisciplined and wasted life. Instead, let me be drunk with your
Spirit.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body
of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
-- Romans 6:5-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:5-6&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Paul reminds us that our baptism was more than just a dunking in
water. In baptism, we shared in Jesus' death, burial, and
resurrection. What he did to save us is now shared with us. We die
to sin and are raised to be a new person, cleansed and made holy,
empowered by the Holy Spirit. We have been set free from the power
and the penalty of sin.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for giving me new life in Jesus. I am truly
thankful that my guilt is covered by your grace. I ask for the
power to live my life of freedom from sin. Forgive me for my times
of mediocrity and flirtation with sin. Give me a strong sense of
revulsion toward anything that would pollute my soul or distract my
heart from your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Jesus Is In The Healing Business

Jesus Is In The Healing Business
Pastor Deborah L. Butler
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23 (KJV)

You can draw the anointing of Jesus into your life to the point that it works all the time.

Jesus is in the healing business. We find that out in Matthew chapters 4, 9, 10, and 14. Matthew 14:14 tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion, and then healed all sicknesses and diseases. Now compassion is a manifestation of love. So He taught, He preached, He was moved with love, and He healed. Now, since He is the Son of Love, then He is Love. And you can't separate Him from love. For He is always moved with love. He is always moved with compassion. So He is continually healing us.

Now, your healing is not based on whether or not someone else failed to receive the manifestation of healing. It is based on God's word.

A lot of us don't have our healing because we know somebody that we thought was a great Christian and they didn't get healed. And because we can't measure up to them then we certainly can't get healed. But we need to understand, that is between them and God. You receiving your healing is between you and God. And God has provided for you His Word to read, medi tate upon, believe and receive for yourself. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus, the Son of Love, to save you, deliver you, and heal you. Now, receive your healing today, not based upon another person, but based upon the word of God. Just know that Jesus is still in the healing business.

Scripture References: Matthew 10:38; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 9:35

VERSE:

VERSE:
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God;
in him will I trust.
-- Psalm 91:2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+91:2&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
"In God we trust." That's the phrase written on much of the
money in the United States. It's a great reminder. The financial
climate ebbs and flows, always vulnerable to instability in the
world. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of
life. He is eternal. He desires to bless us. He has earned our
trust.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I can trust my life with
you. Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others. You
are my source of security and strength. Please continue to make
your presence known in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A CLEAN MIND

A CLEAN MIND

Ephesians 5:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:5

Dear Father, Holy God,

You have warned me that I can be sure of this: that no fornicator
or impure person, or one who is covetous (idolatrous!) has any
inheritance in the kingdom that belongs to you and Christ.

Furthermore, keep me from enjoying as entertainment the depiction
of such things in books or magazines, or on the stage or on
television.

Help me to understand that most of what comes through these media
is from the minds and imaginations of unregenerate people, whose
gods are self, money, power, and sensual indulgence.

In the name of Jesus I ask for the purity of mind and spirit that
was in him. Amen.

A CLEAN MOUTH

A CLEAN MOUTH

Ephesians 5:3-4
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:3-4

Dear Father,

Keep me from talking about or thinking about illicit sex and
pornography and covetousness, since you require that your holy
people avoid referring to these things.

Keep me from filthy stories, silly or flippant talk, and any other
kind of conversation not fitting for one who follows you.

Instead, let my mouth be filled with - thanksgiving!

In the name of Jesus I ask for the purity of mind and spirit that
was in him. And I give you thanks. Amen.

IMITATING GOD

IMITATING GOD

Ephesians 4:29-5:2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:29-5:2

Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience,

Let nothing evil come out of my mouth - only what is good for
building others up. Let whatever I say fit the occasion, that it
may impart grace to those who hear.

Don't let me do anything that would grieve your Holy Spirit within
me, by which I have been sealed for the day of redemption. Help me
get rid of all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, and
especially anything malicious. Help me to be kind to others,
tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as you have forgiven me in
Christ.

Father, I want to imitate you, as a loving child would imitate a
father.

And may I walk in love, even as Christ loved me and gave himself
up for me, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to you.

In the name of Jesus who sacrificed himself for my sake. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might.
-- Ephesians 6:10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:10&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Some of our strength to fight evil comes from our experiences in
the past, from the encouragement of others, and from our knowledge
of the truth in the Scriptures. Ultimately, however, our strength
comes from God's mighty power. Paul uses his letter to the
Ephesians to remind Christians that this power is what raised Jesus
from the dead (1:19-20). Through that power in us, God can do much
more than we can ask or imagine (3:20-21). Most important of all,
as we put on our spiritual armor and dedicate ourselves to
spiritual discipline, God blesses us with his power and might. We
can be strong in God's mighty power.

PRAYER:
O LORD God Almighty, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd,
strengthen me with your might and grace so that I can withstand the
attacks and temptations of the evil one. In Jesus' name I ask it.
Amen.

MY NEW NATURE MADE ALIVE

MY NEW NATURE MADE ALIVE

Ephesians 4:17-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:17-21

Dear Father, righteous and holy God,

Help me never to be tempted to live as worldly people live: futile
in their thinking - darkened in their understanding - alienated
from you because of the ignorance within them - hard-hearted and
calloused -given over to licentiousness - greedy to practice every
kind of uncleanness.

I did not learn of a Christ like this! I learned of a righteous
and holy Christ.

Help me ever to aspire to live as your holy people live: clear and
decisive in thought - illumined in their understanding - reconciled
to you by knowing your Son - tender-hearted and supple -
self-controlled - hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

Help me to follow him just as I was taught in him - as the truth
is in Jesus.

In his precious name I pray. Amen.

Consider Your Ways

Consider Your Ways
Pastor Paula White
When something bad happens to us, we are often quick to ask, "Why me, God?" Or, when something good happens to someone else, we may ask, "Why not me, God?"
In God's Word, we are instructed to ask questions of ourselves about ourselves when things aren't going as we'd planned or desired. Haggai 1:5 - 6, tells us to "consider your ways" to find the root of many problems:
Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
In other words - if you feel like you're trying and trying, but still not succeeding, it might be time to "consider your ways!"
It's time to consider what you're thinking...what you're saying...and what you're doing. Although asking tough questions of ourselves can be painful, it is also often the key to breaking the mindsets, belief systems, and behaviors that keep us from truly achieving our goals in life.
It's true that you might get uncomfortable looking at yourself with such deep, introspective consideration. You might not like all that you see when you stare long and hard into the depths of your own soul. But you must be willing to identify, and then confront, those things inside of you that continue to keep you from victory. Remember: you can't conquer what you don't confront!
A man once told me it took him two years to venture into his basement after he'd moved into a new home. When he finally descended the staircase, he didn't like what he saw! "I found evidence of critters that had made their way through a broken window screen; there was rust on the water heater that was troublesome; there was debris everywhere, and the critters had made their way into boxes of old clothing and paperwork I'd put there when I first moved in. It was a mess!"
It took the man four weekends and two trips to the city dump to get the basement in good order; but after he'd accomplished the job, he said, "I felt like I'd moved a mountain. Nobody else was aware of the work I'd done, but I certainly slept better at night knowing that I had a reliable water heater, and a clean organized basement I could actually use."
Cleaning out, sorting, or repairing the damage in your inner self is very much like the work that man had to do to clean out his wreck of a basement. It's hard work - and nobody else may see or appreciate what you're doing. But it's incredibly beneficial, and may be the key to restoring order to things in your life that are out of order.
So take the first step and "consider your ways" - to break through to victory, God's way!

Where Do You Stand?

Where Do You Stand?
Bishop Donald Hilliard
"nor standeth in the way of sinners..." Psalm 1:1
Where do you stand? What is your belief system? Have you looked at it, truly examined your beliefs and your actions? If so, are they aligned?
Who you stand with often suggests where you stand, not just physically, but emotionally, philosophically, and yes, spiritually.
If you stand with those who do not believe in one husband and one wife long enough, just like the odor of cigarette smoke, the chances are good that this belief will rub off on you. If you stand in the way of abusers, like the stench of rotten meat, again, it will rub off on you. If you stand in the way of those with questionable morals, like the foul scent from a drunk's blood and bile-filled vomit, it will rub off on you. By the way, how do you smell and where do you stand?
Let's examine ourselves:
1. Take inventory of your beliefs-write down your three main beliefs, and compare them to your behavior- do they match or do you see marked differences?
2. What changes in friends, family, atmosphere are you willing to make in order to "stand" in the right place?
3. Do you have a plan for success- who will help you succeed?

CHRIST'S GIFTS

CHRIST'S GIFTS

Ephesians 4:8-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:8-13



Dear Father, giver of lasting gifts,

Thank you for the gracious gifts bestowed by your Messiah on us
when he descended into the depths for us and ascended into the
heights to reign with you.

He gave us, his church, lasting gifts - apostles and prophets,
evangelists, and shepherd/teachers for the equipment of the saints,
for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Thank you for these gifts given until we all attain the unity he
intends for us: faithful loyalty to Jesus, and full knowledge of
the Son of God himself - to mature manhood- so that we can attain
to the measure of the full stature of Christ himself.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHRIST'S GIFTS

CHRIST'S GIFTS

Ephesians 4:8-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:8-13



Dear Father, giver of lasting gifts,

Thank you for the gracious gifts bestowed by your Messiah on us
when he descended into the depths for us and ascended into the
heights to reign with you.

He gave us, his church, lasting gifts - apostles and prophets,
evangelists, and shepherd/teachers for the equipment of the saints,
for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Thank you for these gifts given until we all attain the unity he
intends for us: faithful loyalty to Jesus, and full knowledge of
the Son of God himself - to mature manhood- so that we can attain
to the measure of the full stature of Christ himself.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Power Of Accountability

The Power Of Accountability
Bonnie St. John
If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.
Going through each devotionals with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it's a mini-prayer meeting!
Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.
You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.
At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not--we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God's joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.
Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?
If you've decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn't available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.
You are on your way!

VERSE:

VERSE:
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in
all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are
in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted
of God.
-- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+1:3-4&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
We are comforted because we are heartbroken. We are comforted
because we need a blessing. We are comforted because God loves us.
We are comforted to comfort others. While each of the above
statements is true, the last is the most crucial one. There is
something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is
shared with someone else. It is that final step in the healing
process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share
the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our
comfort is weak and shallow and limited. Comfort, pass it on!

PRAYER:
O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank
you for knowing my heart, caring about my concerns, and comforting
me when I am wounded. Help me to share your grace, mercy, and
comfort with someone else today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous
shall be desolate.
-- Psalm 34:21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+34:21&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
God has promised a closing time, a reckoning where human power
and influence cannot buy out the truth and where each person will
have to face up to what he or she has done. Evil will overtake
those who have been partners with evil. Those that hate good
people, righteous people, will be condemned in their own hate.
God's righteousness, truth, and justice will not be
short-circuited!

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for making me clean and whole by the purifying
work of your Holy Spirit. Teach me to be righteous. Help me develop
a revulsion for what is sinful and evil. Use me to help someone
caught in the evil one's work to find deliverance. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

WISDOM MADE KNOWN

WISDOM MADE KNOWN

Ephesians 3:9-12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+3:9-12

Dear Father, who gives wisdom so generously,

How thankful I am that the congregation of your people has become
the channel through which your multi-faceted and many-splendored
wisdom will be made known to the principalities and powers in the
heavenly places. It thrills me to know that it was your purpose
eternally to realize this in Christ Jesus my Lord.

Thank you that through him we have confident and bold access to
you.

Help me, help all of your people, not to lose heart over what we
suffer and what our leaders suffer for us. Help us to see this as
our glory!

In the name of Jesus I give you thanks and make these requests.
Amen.

MAGNIFICENT SERVICE

MAGNIFICENT SERVICE

Ephesians 3:1-8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+3:1-8

Dear Father,

Thank you for the great apostle Paul and for his life of
magnificent service. I know that it was through your graciousness
that he was called. It demonstrated the working of your great power
to turn a human life from rebellion to obedience.

Thank you for such a man, who could count himself as the very
least of all your people. Thank you for such humility. He boasted
not of himself but of you! My Father, let me imitate him completely
in this!

Thank you that through him, at least at first, the unsearchable
riches of Christ were proclaimed, to make all men see what was the
plan of the secret which you had kept hidden for ages in yourself,
the God who created all things.

In the name of Jesus I give you thanks and make these requests.
Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and
saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
-- Psalm 34:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+34:18&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
The LORD is ... ... near! ... present! ... close! How do I know?
He came close in the manger. He walked among us in ministry. He
suffered with us and for us at Calvary. We know that in tragedy,
trial, heartbreak, and brokenness he is near to us to save us. So,
will our hearts be open to him and will we be seeking him to come
near? Don't let troubles or heartache lead you to pull away from
God or doubt his nearness. Let him draw close to you.

PRAYER:
O LORD, please be near me today. Make your presence known in my
life. Father, I also ask that you bless those I know who are
struggling with their faith, and with broken and disappointed
hearts. Please be active in their lives and make your presence
known in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Power Of The Tongue

The Power Of The Tongue
Jothany Blackwood
"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary..." (Isaiah 50:4).
It is amazing that God would empower regular folks like us with the ability to impact people around us in meaningful ways. That he would recognize that we would need access to his power to endure the perils of this journey and use us to speak a relevant Word so his people might be changed.
We have all been given the very real power of uplifting and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ through the Word of God. That means that we have access to the Spirit and power that resides in His Word, and it can manifest itself in our lives. When we speak over our situations, then we must also believe that the things God said will come to pass, especially when there is no evidence of it in present times.
God rarely blesses us just for ourselves, but we are conduits for him to bless his people. He understands that sometimes we need to receive understanding, a renewing word, and a timely prayer from folks whose lives reflect ours in more tangible ways. We can then appreciate that what God places in us is bigger than us and that the gift is to be used to uplift and encourage so that they may also walk in their purpose.
The experiences we have come through, though weary, have made us stronger and we can then translate that knowledge into a pathway for others to find their way.
God sent you ahead in that struggle so you could then return to his people and tell them how to survive it. And more importantly, to survive it whole. God is saying rather than ask why you went through it, recognize that he finally raised his hand to say enough. And to understand that the pain and weariness you are feeling is nothing compared to what the devil had planned for you if God had not stepped in.
See there are others who could not have handled what you went through, who would have given up facing those conditions, who wanted to die from the pain, but because of the Word God planted in you, they were able to continue the journey.
The wisdom that God has given you from your testimony was not just for you, but he trusts us to speak that into people's lives. This is so they may know his power, his love, his grace, and his presence, even when it seems we are alone. We never are alone and he needs you to remind someone of that simple truth.
And though weary from our struggles, it will be our sharing of the life changing power of God in our lives that will make the difference in these uncertain times.

NO LONGER STRANGERS

NO LONGER STRANGERS

Ephesians 2:17-22
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+2:17-22

Dear Father, friend of the far and the near,

I am so thankful that Christ came and preached peace to those who
were far off and to those who were near, so that we both can have
access to you in the one Spirit, that we can enjoy peace together.
It is so wonderful that we who are not Jews no longer have to be
strangers and foreigners.

How good of you, Father, that we now can be citizens with the
saints, that we can be members of your household, Christ's church.

What a wonderful church! You built it on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
in whom the whole structure is joined and grows together into a
holy temple in the Lord.

Thank you that in him even I personally can be built into it in
order to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

NO MORE DIVISION

NO MORE DIVISION

Ephesians 2:14-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+2:14-16

Dear Father, reconciler of humanity,

Thank you for sending Jesus to break down the dividing wall of
hostility between Jew and non-Jew. By the way he lived and the way
he died - in his flesh - he rendered ineffective the law of
commandments given as "decrees."

He lived a life unto you that went beyond obeying commands. He
yielded himself in truly loving obedience from the heart.

Thank you that he did this to create in himself one new man, one
new humanity instead of the two, one Jewish and one not Jewish.

Thank you for the peace and reconciliation we both have in you in
his one body offered on the cross to bring our enmity to an end.

In the name of Jesus, our Peace. Amen.

ALIVE IN CHRIST

ALIVE IN CHRIST

Ephesians 2:4-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+2:4-5

Dear Father, ruler of heaven and earth,

When you raised up Christ, you raised me out of my dead state as
well. You set me on a throne of honor with Christ in the heavenly
places.

What you did showed the immeasurable riches of your grace even to
me - just as you showed your kindness to those called first -
through Christ!

Thank you for being so very, very gracious to me! Salvation by
grace just by trusting in you!

In the name of Jesus and by his authority I boldly ask you to make
of us the completely holy people that you intend as your
inheritance. Amen.

To Gossip Or Not To Gossip
Cindy Beall
Gossip.
I imagine we've all done it at some point in our lives.
The word gossip as a noun means a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others; a rumor or report of an intimate nature. As a verb it means to relate gossip.
Not the most positive of definitions, I'd say.
And we can't forget what Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
I can't tell you how many times I have revealed personal facts about others all in the name of "praying for them". And sometimes? Sometimes I just wanna share some juicy stuff about people, especially if I don't really care for them.
So, how do we do this? Especially us women who tend to be far more relational and sharing.
I think it comes down to motive.
My husband's and my story has been shared not only by our senior pastor nearly eight years ago, but also by my husband in his messages and by me on my blog. Since that time, many others have shared our story with people they know. I even heard a girl say one time about us, "I feel like I'm gossiping." And to her I replied, "Well, don't. We have this story on the worldwide web so I think you're good." :)
However, sharing personal information about someone who has placed his or her confidence in you would be crossing the line. Disclosing negative things about someone just for spite is highly inappropriate as well.
So, what do you do when you want to share some personal and intimate stuff about others for reasons of genuine prayer?
Ask the person. See if they are comfortable with you sharing the information about them. Let them tell you what they want you to share. You'll find that many are open books and don't care what you tell others. Still others will be more private and ask that you share that "they need prayer." If they don't want you to share their lives with others just say, "I really am not at liberty to say anything out of respect for my friend."
People might get offended and the situation may become a bit awkward because of your honesty but really, that is their problem. Don't make it yours.
Whatever the situation, use your discretion and consider how you would feel if the following information was shared about you. That sure might make you adjust what you are about to say.
Is gossip your struggle?
What other suggestions might you share with others about overcoming a desire to gossip?

The Sideshow

The Sideshow
Milan Ford
As a 33-year old, some may find it strange that I happen to be a big fan of 70's music. Not exactly sure how I actually became one.
I used to think it was because of all those crazy space outfits the bands back then would wear. Or maybe it was because many could argue that the 70's were the last decade real instruments were used or played by artists on stage. You can blame my generation for that.
One thing is for certain: the artists back then were great at telling stories through their music.
A great example of that talent was the 1974 classic hit, Sideshow. By far, one of my favorites. Who can ever forget that famous circus melody and barker announcement, followed by the legendary falsetto voice of Ted Mills, who sung these words ever so softly:
Step right up, hurry, hurry before the show begins, my friends
Stand in line, get your tickets, I hope you will attend
It'll only cost you fifty cents to see
What life has done to those like you and me
Then I first heard those words as a child, I (in ignorance) got excited. An avid fan of the circus, I just knew the singer would begin to talk about some of the trademark attractions I had come to expect and enjoy every time I went to "the big top."
But then came these words:
See the man who's been cryin' for a million years, so many tears (So many tears)
See the girl who's collected broken hearts for souvenirs
It's more exciting than a one man band
The saddest little show in all the land
What? Did I miss something here?
What happened to the human cannonball?
The tightrope walkers?
And of course, those incredible tiger-tamers?
What kind of circus act could have possibly caused all this pain? It took me a while, but I think I found one.
"For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?" (James 3:7-10v)
God has given us all a unique commission to bring forth fresh water to a world dying of thirst.
But more often than not, the water our tongues produce has a tendency to become bitter at times.
As believers, we all have been guilty of using our tongues to lift up prayers and songs of worship to a loving God, while at the same time, using them to attack out friends, family members, co-workers, and yes, even our church leaders.
Let's just be honest for a second; Our tongues can create quite a sideshow.
Like never before, our nation is looking for men and women of wisdom. They're looking for people whose tongues are so fixated on the love and kindness of our God that no matter the circus act, we are always able to give the world a better show.
Remember This: The power our tongues have can change the very course of someone's life.

I challenge us all today to examine the words we speak. The jokes we share. The emails we receive. And the ones we decide to forward. The world is taking notes on the kind of acts we are producing.
Don't miss an opportunity to show the world what life in Christ had done for you and me.
Step right up. Hurry, hurry!

DEAD IN SINS

DEAD IN SINS

Ephesians 2:1-3
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+2:1-3

Dear Father, King of the Ages,

Thank you for the new life you have infused into my being. I once
was dead because of the misdeeds and sins in which I walked,
following the course of this world, following the
commander-in-chief of evil, the spirit that now energizes all who
disobey.

Among these lost people - and as a lost person - I once lived in
the passions of my flesh. I followed the desires of my body and the
passing whims of my mind. I was by nature a doer of evil doomed to
destruction, like the rest of mankind.

But you were rich in mercy! Because of your great love with which
you loved me - even when I was dead through my misdeeds - you made
me alive together with Christ! It is by your undeserved kindness
that I am saved!

In the name of Jesus and by his authority I boldly ask you to make
of us the completely holy people that you intend as your
inheritance. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
-- Psalm 34:14
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+34:14&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid
things out of our life, but if we do not actively pursue what is
good then a worse evil will rush into the void. (cf. Mat. 12:43-45)
Let's be a people eager to do good and with a passion to "wage
peace."

PRAYER:
O Father, let me be an instrument of your peace. Where there is
hatred, use me to share your love and grace. Where there is injury,
sin, and brokenness, use me to bring healing, forgiveness, and
comfort. Please, Abba Father, use me to do your good work in my
world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he
may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking
guile.
-- Psalm 34:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+34:12-13&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
God reminds us that our words and the way we use our speech
greatly impact the quality of life we enjoy. Nothing cuts short a
vibrant life like evil speech and lies we tell. They set loose a
force of deception and damage that we cannot control. This
unleashed power not only damages those about whom and to whom we
speak, but they eventually boomerang and come back and bring their
deadly payload back into our own lives. Let's be people who speak
what is right, good, wholesome, holy, true, and a blessing. (cf.
Ephesians 4:20-5:12)

PRAYER:
Holy and Righteous God my Father, purify my heart and cleanse my
words of all deceit, slander, vulgarity, wickedness, untruth,
exaggeration, mean-spiritedness, distortion, guile, and words that
wound. May the words of my mouth and the intentions of my heart be
pleasing to you, O God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dirty Dishing
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26
My grandfather, Dr. Carl James Murphy, was a journalist, editor, civil rights leader, community leader and publisher of the Afro American Newspaper headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Every time I had an opportunity to visit him in his Morgan Park basement library, there was a sign tacked above his desk.
It said, "Even a fish wouldn't get caught if he kept his mouth shut". It was good advice in those transitional times in the final decades of the 20th century, and it is good advice now in the genesis of the 21st century.
There are times when we need to keep a rein on our tongue as the epistle attributed to James suggests. This is especially true when tempted to do a little dirty dishing. Dirty dishing is the time-honored ritual of sharing the sordid details about co-workers, family and friends with other people in public or behind closed doors.
Sneaky emails, unsigned letters or in-person declarations bring to light what was deep, dark and hidden away from public consumption.
Dirty dishing is downloaded personal information that becomes the fodder for conversation around the proverbial water cooler. It is interesting indiscretions shared over lunch or on the golf course with a few good friends. It is juicy gossip about rivals and competitors that cast them in a negative light.
It is the low down that can knock down someone from the lofty heights of respectability.
True or false, juicy gossip has a way of getting around. It can spread faster than a California wildfire or the flu virus on a crowded airplane. It can move quickly through the choir loft and the administrative offices of a congregation. Who did what, where they did it, and with whom can be the number one topic of discussion from the secretarial pool to the loading dock.
People of faith who become more enthralled by the gossip than the gospel are often the ones who spread it. When it reached the front page of the Afro, my grandfather would respond, "Even a fish wouldn't get caught if they kept their mouth shut" or as James indicates religious people must put reins on the tongue.
Dirty Dishing may make some people feel powerful. They have information that others do not. Information that can kill or boost a career or company. Some people even feel important because they "got the goods" on someone.
In reality, dealing in dirt impinges the integrity of your religion, according to James. Using the tongue for less than noble conversations can end up being loose lips that get you caught like a fish.
Loose lips can sink a career ship. When you share the sordid details about other people, it smudges your credibility. Motives are questioned and those who hear you dish the dirt will begin wondering what you are saying about them.
An old saying says that a dog that brings a bone carries a bone. Be careful when someone brings you a gossip bone. When you respond and add you own information, you may find that the gossip bone goes on to the next person with your comments in tow.
Do not be tempted by a bit of gossip. Keep your mouth shut and refuse to add fuel to the fire or co-sign onto the grapevine. Do something to help the person caught in the crosshairs information that may or may not be true. Take the high road and squelch ugly rumors about other people. Defend those who are maligned by malicious vicious smear tactics. The tongue has the power to hurt and the power to heal.
There may be times when you must speak up about something you know to be true. The Bible encourages us to speak the truth in love which means, as Michael Eric Dyson writes in Can You Hear Me Now?, to tell the truth gently.

THE GLORY OF GOD

THE GLORY OF GOD

Ephesians 1:20-22
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+1:20-22

Dear Father, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory.

Help me grasp something of your glory as I compare my experience
to the great power which you displayed when you raised Christ from
the dead. You made him sit down at your right hand in the heavenly
places, far above every rule and authority and power and dominion.

Help me understand even more as I contemplate the fact that you
lifted Jesus' name above every other name that is named, not only
in this age but in the age to come, and that you put all things
under his feet.

In the name of this magnificent Savior. Amen.

The Gospels Early History

The Gospels Early History
Acts 9-10 Sunday: James 1-3
Monday: Deuteronomy 7-9
Tuesday: II Chronicles 29-32

Acts 9
1
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
23
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
26
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
32
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.



Acts 10
1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
7
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8
And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
9
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10
And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
17
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
18
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
21
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
23
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.