Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 31, 2009 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)We are promised that our sufferings will bear a fruit greater than the power of the suffering: we are promised genuine hope that does not disappoint! What glorious fruit! So then is suffering counted by Paul a reason for rejoicing!

COMPELLED BY LOVE

COMPELLED BY LOVE 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:21 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+4:16-5:21Dear Father, invisible but absolutely real,May I be compelled by the love of Christ, convinced that he diedthat I might no longer live for myself but for him, the one whodied for me.So let me not regard Christ from a worldly point of view. I am inChrist. I am a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!I am reconciled to you, my Father, through your Son Jesus. Thankyou for what you did for me - through him!In the name of Jesus I praise and thank you for all your greatmercies and your continuing and constant grace. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.-- Galatians 5:25http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+5:25&transl...THOUGHT:It is one thing to talk about being filled with the Spirit; itis quite another to live under the Spirit's control and directionin our lives. Paul is reminding us that we must do more than talkthe talk; we must walk the walk. The Holy Spirit must guide ourdecisions, determine our morality, and control our speech. Hisfruit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control -- must be in evidence.Paul says to Christians filled with the Spirit, "Live like it!"PRAYER:Holy God, thank you for your gift of your Spirit, who is alivein me. May your Spirit guide my thoughts and mold me to be likeJesus in words and deeds. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SPIRIT OF FAITH

SPIRIT OF FAITH 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+4:13-15Heavenly Father, giver of life and faith,Thank you for the spirit of grace which enables me to believe.May I have the same spirit of faith as he who wrote, "I believed,and so I spoke." I believe too, and so let me speak!I believe (I know!) that you, the God who raised the Lord Jesus,will also raise me with Jesus and bring me into his presence.As your grace extends to more and more people may they pour outtheir thanksgiving - to your glory!In the name of Jesus, who intercedes for me, I praise you for suchwonderful blessings. Amen.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 29, 2009 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)Rejoice, O believer! Rejoice in the unaccountably vast treasure of mercy the Lord showers upon His bride! He is the King of All and is faithful to reward His children. He has given you a throne! A robe of righteousness! A crown of victorious glory! Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is yours by the Father's hand. Give thanks, sing "Hallelujah," and proclaim the joy of His resurrection!

VERSE:

VERSE: Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as areappointed to destruction. -- Proverbs 31:8 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:8&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: God's people in every era are called to defend the rights of theweak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the lives ofthose who are vulnerable. This comprehensive call is the greatreminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we may haveis not ours alone; it is a gift from God to be used to bless thosewho have no power to speak, to defend, or to protect themselves.PRAYER: Father, rouse in your people, rouse in me, a passion to stand upfor those who are vulnerable to abuse, to abandonment, and toattack. Please use us, and especially Father, please use me, to bea redemptive force in the time and the circle of influence in whichI live. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Books of Poetry

The Books of PoetryProverbs 4 Friday: Ezekiel 1-6Saturday: Luke 11-12Sunday: Ephesians 1-31 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. 20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 28, 2009 The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)Not only is the Lord an unbreachable defence to those who find their identity and righteousness in Christ, but He knows intimately each whom He defends. He is aware of our every need and every weakness, and thus, we, His people, can be supremely confident in His ability to bolster us in the face of even the fiercest enemy. Rejoice, O believer, for He is our great shield and high wall of bastion!

GOD'S TREASURE REVEALED

GOD'S TREASURE REVEALED 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+4:7-12Dear Father, powerful sustainer,Thank you for putting your treasure in a cracked clay pot like meso that it will be evident that the treasure is from you, thetranscendent and powerful God, and not from me, the container.Thank you for upholding all who serve you. When I am afflicted inevery way, I am not crushed; when perplexed, I am not driven todespair; when persecuted, I am not forsaken; when struck down, I amnot destroyed.Reveal your immortality through my mortal body. May unbelieverssee the glorious work you are doing in my life.I come as your humble servant, in the name of your only Son. Amen.

The Wisdom / Riches Connection

The Wisdom / Riches ConnectionPastor Andre Butler I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. -- Proverbs 8:17-21 In the Scripture above, the wisdom of God is speaking. In this context, the wisdom of God is very simply the Word of God--the Word that you find written in the Bible, and the Word that He may speak to your spirit. God is teaching you here that where you find wisdom you will find riches. There is a wisdom/riches connection.Wisdom and riches are like Batman and Robin--where you see one, you see the other. But the riches that come with this type of wisdom are not the types of riches that you see in the world today. The world is seeing that their riches are uncertain riches, but the Bible teaches that the wisdom of God will produce durable riches in your life. This means that even when the economy is down, you will still have your riches and when it is up, you will still have your riches. You can be an individual that does not have to participate in the world's economy because you operate on the Word economy. As members of the Body of Christ, we can see increase, even in times of economic recession.You see in verse 20 above that God's wisdom leads us in the way of righteousness. Notice that there is one way to righteousness. All of the other religions in the world are not just different ways up the mountain, as many would have you believe. No, there is only one way to righteousness, and the verse above says that God's wisdom leads you in that way so that you can inherit substance.Now, wisdom leads in the way for reasons other than just that, but here God is emphasizing the inheritance of substance. God is saying that He has given you His Word so that you, as His child, can inherit substance and have full treasures. Now, today you don't have "treasures" so to speak, but you do have a bank account. God has given you His wisdom so that He can fill up your bank accounts. He didn't just say put something in it--He said fill it! The point is, God wants to fill your treasures. You can see very clearly from Proverbs that God's will for you is that you operate in divine wealth. His will is that you don't just have enough, but that you have more than enough, so much so that you don't have room enough to receive it (see Malachi 3:10).You should have so much substance that it will cause the world to look at you and want to know how you received it, and want to know the God that gave it to you!

OPEN STATEMENT OF TRUTH

OPEN STATEMENT OF TRUTH 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+4:1-6Dear Father, powerful sustainer,You have called me to minister your mercy to the world, so let menever lose heart or give up! May I renounce disgraceful,underhanded ways in all forms and refuse to practice cunning or totamper with your word.Let me state truth plainly and thereby commend myself to everyone's conscience in your sight. Even if the message of Good News isveiled to some, it is veiled only to those who are perishing! Openthe eyes of those whom the god of this world has blinded. May theysee the light of the Good News, the glory of Christ, your verylikeness.May I not put forth myself, but Jesus Christ, for I am yourservant, your slave, for Jesus' sake! For you have said, "Let lightshine out of darkness." I invite you to shine out of my heart sothat others will see the light of your glory, the face of JesusChrist, in my life.In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Wisdom's Seven Pillars

Wisdom's Seven PillarsBishop Jim Swilley Wisdom has built her house...hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. She has killed her beast...mixed her [spiritual] wine...set her table...sent out her maids to cry..."Whoever is simple...turn in here!"...[God's] Wisdom says to him, "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed...[forsake the foolish and simple-minded] and live!...Walk in the way of insight and understanding." (Proverb 9:1-6 AMP) You have within you the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)--wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly--Jesus is made unto you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and you are daily growing in it and in revelation ("For I always pray...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him..." Ephesians 1:17 - AMP.Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, and a well-rounded life in Christ comes from embracing each of them.1. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (2 Peter 1:2; Philippians 3:3-10). It's not enough to just know about God...you have to make the effort to get to know Him, and that comes from spending time with Him, communicating with Him on a regular basis, and experiencing a continual manifestation of His presence. God wants to be known, and you can know Him!2. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES. He made his ACTS known to the children of Israel, but He made His WAYS known to Moses (Psalm 103:7). Learning the ways of God is far superior to simply being aware of His acts!3. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his ignorance. Learn to rightly divide the logos Word so that you are able to receive the rhema word (2 Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is found in the written Word!4. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE--the kind that only comes by experience--by learning through trial and error...from your own mistakes...and by graduating maturely and soberly from the school of hard knocks. Jesus LEARNED obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)...Paul LEARNED how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:11). Each new day is a learning opportunity if you know how to look at it correctly!5. Seek to grasp a KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE so that you can deal wisely with them. ("But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all men...He Himself knew what was in human nature [He could read men's hearts]." - John 2:24, 25 AMP). Be wise as a serpent/harmless as a dove...be people-smart!6. Embrace the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF--the truth that God desires in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Find your true self in the revelation of Christ...the more you know Him, the more you'll know you!7. Love PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE--to be, like Moses, "mighty in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). Remember that knowledge is power!

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 22, 2009 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:8-9)If we sow the things of the flesh (that is, the things of sin), then we will reap eternal punishment; but if we sow the things of the Spirit (that is, the things of God), then we will reap eternal happiness and joy! As we sow the things of God and cultivate them we must keep pressing on. It may seem that our work is worthless, but in the end, we will reap eternal life with God. For what better harvest could we hope?

Moments

MomentsPastor Olu Brown The longer I live the more I realize life is filled with moments - moments of pain, moments of joy, moments of triumph and moments of defeat. The writer of Ecclesiastes said it best when life was described in the picture of time: "There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).The other day, I had one of those moments when I thought about my life. I received the news of a tragic accident that claimed the life of five people. In that moment, I reflected.I have often been guilty of taking my moments or my time for granted and filling them with complaints and fears that rob me of my peace. On that day, I realized just how precious every moment called life really is.It does not mean we live in constant fear of losing our lives and locking ourselves in the closet in hopes that tragedy will not find us. It does, however, mean that we open ourselves to life and the varying seasons of life. The good, the bad, through health and sickness, and we breathe deeply. We breathe in, exhale every moment, and give God thanks for that moment. My heart goes out for the families that will forever be changed because of their loss. I pray their strength and I pray their peace. I pray that those who are no longer with us will have rest in Glory. I also pray that those who remain will love every moment called life and live it to the fullest.

READY TO FORGIVE

READY TO FORGIVE 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+1:23-2:11Dear Father, God of forgiveness,Father, help me, when someone sins, to encourage him or her torepent, then to forgive and comfort that person in your love.Help all Christians to affirm such loving forgiveness and tocomfort each other so that Satan will not gain the advantage overus, for we are not ignorant that his designs are that we should beunforgiving.In the name of Jesus and in full confidence of salvation throughhim I ask all these things. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. -- 1 Peter 5:7 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Peter+5:7&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: So often our worries are so heavy because we refuse to put themdown. Let's cast our burdens on the Lord. Let's consciously put ourfuture in his hands. Let's trust our worrisome fears to his care.We know he loves us and longs to sustain and comfort us because ofwhat he has done to save us.PRAYER: Holy God and loving Father, I consciously place my fears,worries, anxieties, and burdens in your hands. I know that I haveso little power to change the outcome of these events andsituations that can cause me to have these anxious feelings.However, dear Father, I trust that you will work what is pleasingto you, and best for me, out of these situations. Forgive me for myanxious thoughts and for letting my own worry become an idol thatrobs you of my full trust. Strengthen and empower me to trust youmore by the power and presence of your Spirit. In Jesus' name Ipray. Amen.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 20, 2009
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:2-4)
From the foundation of the world, God foreknew His children and began to sanctify them through the precious blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. By the stripes of our Lord, we are given the gift of eternal life with all the joy and peace it could possibly present. By His infinite love and mercy, we are promised an inheritance that will never be lost or destroyed. For those who believe, we have been set apart by this remarkable hope of everlasting life with Christ.

The Fear Of The Lord

The Fear Of The LordPastor Paula White In Hebrew, "Fear of the Lord" is translated Yirat Adonai. The root word Yirah expresses many different aspects of how we should regard God: with awe, reverence, wonder, amazement, fear, astonishment, devotion, and awareness of the sacred and awesome mystery of our relation to an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God... When taking into consideration the many ideas expressed by the word "yirah," having a "fear of the Lord" becomes very reasonable. It is actually a call for us to acknowledge God's awesomeness -- in the universe, and in our lives. It is a declaration of our faith in Him, and how we should love and revere Him.It reminds us to experience Him with ever-evolving, daily-renewed love and commitment...to realize and worship with gratitude the preciousness of our relationship with our Creator.In other words: having a "fear of the Lord" is daily-remembering not to take God, and our relationship with Him, for granted. When we respect and regard Him in this manner, it gives our Father His proper place of sovereignty over our lives. Having this kind of "fear of the Lord" is not a command to consider Him as a terrifying, unforgiving, or wrathful God. "Fear of the Lord" doesn't mean being scared of God. When people think, "God is scary!" this perception comes from a distorted perception of the who God is. God has revealed His nature in His Word. From cover to cover in your Bible, you will find that God loves His children and seeks their highest and best good. The apostle Paul described God's nature as having these hallmarks in addition to love: joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 - 23).However, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are the created; He is the Creator.We are finite; He is infinite.We are bound by time and space; He is eternal and ever-present.We know things in part; He knows things in full.We are wise when we welcome the presence of God into our lives. We are wise when we consult God about who we are and what He has planned for us. We are wise when we realize that God is in control. This is why the Bible tells us that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and we are commanded to follow His Word and praise Him in all things, and for all things. So rejoice daily in having a healthy "fear of the Lord." It is a truly a profound expression of our faith in Him - and it brings us into a deeper, fuller, more intimate relationship with our Father, the great "I AM!"

The Fear Of The Lord

The Fear Of The LordPastor Paula White In Hebrew, "Fear of the Lord" is translated Yirat Adonai. The root word Yirah expresses many different aspects of how we should regard God: with awe, reverence, wonder, amazement, fear, astonishment, devotion, and awareness of the sacred and awesome mystery of our relation to an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God... When taking into consideration the many ideas expressed by the word "yirah," having a "fear of the Lord" becomes very reasonable. It is actually a call for us to acknowledge God's awesomeness -- in the universe, and in our lives. It is a declaration of our faith in Him, and how we should love and revere Him.It reminds us to experience Him with ever-evolving, daily-renewed love and commitment...to realize and worship with gratitude the preciousness of our relationship with our Creator.In other words: having a "fear of the Lord" is daily-remembering not to take God, and our relationship with Him, for granted. When we respect and regard Him in this manner, it gives our Father His proper place of sovereignty over our lives. Having this kind of "fear of the Lord" is not a command to consider Him as a terrifying, unforgiving, or wrathful God. "Fear of the Lord" doesn't mean being scared of God. When people think, "God is scary!" this perception comes from a distorted perception of the who God is. God has revealed His nature in His Word. From cover to cover in your Bible, you will find that God loves His children and seeks their highest and best good. The apostle Paul described God's nature as having these hallmarks in addition to love: joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 - 23).However, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are the created; He is the Creator.We are finite; He is infinite.We are bound by time and space; He is eternal and ever-present.We know things in part; He knows things in full.We are wise when we welcome the presence of God into our lives. We are wise when we consult God about who we are and what He has planned for us. We are wise when we realize that God is in control. This is why the Bible tells us that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and we are commanded to follow His Word and praise Him in all things, and for all things. So rejoice daily in having a healthy "fear of the Lord." It is a truly a profound expression of our faith in Him - and it brings us into a deeper, fuller, more intimate relationship with our Father, the great "I AM!"

VERSE:

VERSE: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. -- Philippians 1:21 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:21&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: The ultimate question in each of our lives is simply this: do wehave something to live for that is also worth dying for? Paul'sanswer is "Yes!" Christ is the answer, the reason, and the hope.Now if we can get our wills and our hearts to line up with ourcommitments, we can make that same statement, too!PRAYER: O Lord, please forgive me for the things I have done or havesaid that have made the work of Christ in me more difficult to see.For as many years as you give me on this earth, I want my life tobe a living testimony to Jesus and his powerful grace. I do lookforward, dear Father, to the day that Christ comes in victory tobring me home to you. Until that day, please use me in yourservice. I am thankful that no matter what may lie ahead, I knowthat my future is tied to your Son and my Savior. In Jesus' name Ipray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, thathe may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; forhe careth for you. -- 1 Peter 5:6-7 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Peter+5:6-7&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: You've probably had a similar experience to this one. Someoneasks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested, but asyou begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realizethat they aren't really listening and aren't really interested;they're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens theysimply don't know what to do with more. Our Father in heaven,however, says "Cast all your anxieties on me. You can share all ofthem with me, because I genuinely care for you."PRAYER: Father, I have been blessed in so many ways. Thank you so verymuch. I do have some really burdensome things, however, thattrouble me. Please do with the following concerns what is best foreach of the people involved and what brings you the most glory.(Please share your burdens and concerns with the Lord.) I thank youfor listening to my words and my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHRIST, OUR SEAL OF APPROVAL

CHRIST, OUR SEAL OF APPROVAL 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+1:20-22Dear Father,Thank you, my God, that you utter Yes to me. You establish andaffirm my very being through Christ, and not only me but all yourelect people.Thank you for putting your seal of approval on me and giving meyour Holy Spirit in my heart as your guarantee.Thank you for saying Yes to me! Yes in yourself, yes in Christ,yes through the Spirit!Thank you, Father, thank you. How I love you! How I praise yourname on earth in hope that I may someday praise you for ever inheaven.In the name of Jesus I ask this and utter my Yes! my Amen!according to his will. Yes! Amen!

A GOD OF COMFORT

A GOD OF COMFORT
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+1:3-11
Dear Father, great and gentle one,
Blessed are you, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You arethe Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
You comfort us in our affliction, so that we may be able tocomfort others who are in affliction with the same comfort withwhich we ourselves are comforted by you.
You enable us to know that as we share abundantly in Christ'ssufferings, so through Christ we shall share abundantly in comforttoo.
Thank you that our suffering is not meaningless, but is for thecomfort and salvation of others. Thank you for a hope that cannotbe shaken.
Jesus has taught to besiege you with constant prayer. Here we areagain, coming in his name. Amen.

God Is Your Mother

God Is Your MotherDr. Zachary Tims, Jr. The Word of God is so amazing as it unfolds the revealed knowledge of God in all of its divine glory. This reflection during the season of celebrating another Mother's Day, embraces the impartation of God's manifested glory within the heart of mothers. The bible even compares a mother in Proverbs 31 as a flawless Ruby. We can trust that in the thorough study of God's Word, it meets every need for every human being on the face of the earth. God desires us to honor our parents, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." Exodus 20:12. It reveals a provisional blessing in the book of Proverbs, "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."Proverbs 1:9. It is again repeated in the New Testament, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." Ephesians 6:1-3A mother has a natural tendency to demonstrate a deep nurturing spirit for her children. Most mother's are pre-wired by the hand of God to love their kids in unconditional and unique ways that only she can do. Despite the dirty diapers, the nighttime crying, and daytime whining, on a sick day or a rainy day, a mother still loves unconditionally and gently rocks her child asleep in her bosom of affection.Jesus acknowledged his mother in His lifetime on earth. He responded to her request for help favorably to provide new wine at a wedding. Even in His deepest passion on the cross, He recognized her need for someone to watch over her. Mothers were created to wear the character of God through their powerful anointing as nurturers. I recently interviewed a mother of identical twins. I asked her to tell me about the uniqueness of each individual child that helps her to recognize them one from the other. Without hesitation, she told me that she knows them by the way they walk, their unique speech patterns and their individual character, despite the fact that they are twins.God's has a multi-faceted personality that reveals even His feminine nature as a Nurturer. He is called El-Shaddai in the Old Testament, meaning the "many breasted one." He is a Provider, a Nourisher and a Nurturer of blessing. He loves you unconditionally as no human being on the earth has the ability to love you, not even a mother. God is a mother. Like the mother of twins, God knows the unique character of His children, although we are many. During the diaper and potty training stages of our new Christian walk to the adult drama we can accumulate through a lifetime, God is still there to love us and nurture us day-by-day unconditionally. Perhaps you never knew your mother, or she has crossed over into eternity. You can know God as your mother. He will nurture you through the seasons of your growth and be there along side of you in the good times and the hard times. His divine ability to identify you as one of His unique children means He will meet you in every area of your need, to nourish and nurture you in ways that only a mother can do.God is your mother.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 15, 2009
Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. (Psalms 45:6)
The Lord is righteous and just; His kingdom will never end!My Prayer: O Lord, I praise You! Thank you for being faithful even when I am faithless! Thank you for allowing me into Your everlasting kingdom. Keep my wandering heart close to You.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 14, 2009 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: (Joel 2:19)In the end. After all the tumult of history is passed. After the suffering of the church is complete. It is then that God promises to exalt His people to the consummation of their full glory! Truly we await that day with all the yearning of our being, crying out with our whole hearts: "How long, O Lord? How long?" The answer, beloved, should keep us well: "Not long, dear children. Not long." Amen and amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have calledthem. -- Acts 13:2 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Acts+13:2&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: When people genuinely worship, when they fast and seek God'swill, he calls them to service and mission. Christian worship isnot an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Weshouldn't get so caught up in the worship experience that we leaveit at the door when we walk away. Instead, we must understand thatour "private" or church worship is to inspire us to public worshipand service in the world during our everyday lives (cf. Rom.12:1-2). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, we shouldalso listen to the words to the songs, the message of theScriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts.God is calling each of us to a special mission in our world!PRAYER: Father, please help me clearly discern your will and follow yourleading while I am worshiping you throughout each day. In Jesus'name I pray. Amen.

DISCIPLINED GIVING

DISCIPLINED GIVING 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+16:1-12Dear Father,Give me the discipline to set something aside from my earningsevery week to subsidize your work around the world.May I then administer this money wisely and honorably. Open widethe doors for effective work for your kingdom.May I willingly give to help your worthy servants. Let me givehospitality and support to those who travel.May your love and the grace of the Lord Jesus be with them and usfor ever and ever. Amen.

NOTHING WILL BE LOST

NOTHING WILL BE LOST 1 Corinthians 15:58 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:58Dear Father,Thank you for the assurance that my work for you will never belost. The Lord Jesus promised that even a cup of cold water givenin his name will not lose its reward.May I be zealous, steadfast, and immovable, always abounding inthe work of the Lord and utterly counting on you.I trust you, Lord, because I believe that my efforts for you arenot in vain. May I always give myself fully to your work, knowingthat anything else I might accomplish in this life will have novalue in eternity.In the name of your son, my Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 12, 2009
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17)
Take heart, O blessed body of Christ! The Lord your God has rewarded your diligent search. He has shown Himself to you. You are granted sight of things unseen—you are granted sight of Christ Himself! Christ, the son of the morning! Christ, the eschatological Lamb! Christ, the fulfilment of all the history redemptive! Glory in Him, O congregation of all believers! For in Him consists your new life, your righteous standing, your power to sanctification, and your promise to heavenly rest! In Him consists all things (Colossians 1:17) and it is to Him that you ought be conformed! So give glory evermore: holy, holy, and surely, holy!

A Mother's Letter

A Mother's LetterElder Marquis Boone Late one night my mother sent out an e-mail that captured my attention. In this email she began to pour out wisdom; and in the email I could hear and feel her heart. In this letter, she began by saying: As a mother, sister, daughter, auntie, cousin, friend, and woman, I'm asking and praying that you all find peace to any situation that is bringing unnecessary stress into your life. Sometimes the situation is just what it is. There is nothing you can do about it! Burger King's slogan doesn't work on everything "you can't always have it your way". You have to free your mind, heart, and body; or you could internally cause your body to develop an illness you really don't want. I challenge you all to take better care of your bodies. Sit down, learn to do less and relax; or your body will shut you down and you will have no choice in the matter!!!My mother continued on in the email to say your job does not dictate your happiness. A failed relationship does not dictate your happiness. You have to make life what you want as God leads, but also remember nothing comes easy. Make the best of a situation, but if it becomes too much it's time to let it go.You solve nothing by sending yourself in circles for someone or something that is not reciprocating your WORTH. Something better is bound to happen, remember when you learn to close a door another one is ready to be opened. Be willing to open that door, it may be the one that sets everything in order! "And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." Genesis 17:16 (NJKV)There is nothing like a mother, wisdom drips from her lips; and kings and queens are birthed from her womb. Mothers are blessed by God; and without a mother we would not be here. I challenge you today regardless of the problem or issue make an effort to call your mother and say thank you or I love you. Life is too short, close a door and get ready to open a new one. I leave you with this poem:My Tears Don't Come Cheap Anymore (By: C. `Tillery BanksI don't want to cry anymore about something that ain't nothing The price of my tears comes high now; They come from a deeper well than before. A well filled with knowledge I didn't have before Filled with visions I have never seen before Filled with emotions I have never felt before secrets I've never known before. Filled with children I have yet to birth Joys I have yet to live and give Magic I have yet to perform Dreams yet to dream Songs to sing that have not been sung Dances to dance And words to rhyme. The well is deep. No, my tears don't come cheap anymore

THE MYSTERY DISCLOSED

THE MYSTERY DISCLOSED 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:51-57Dear Father, keeper of every promise,Thank you for disclosing to us the mystery of what is to come!Keep us looking forward to that moment when we shall all bechanged, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the lasttrumpet.Thank you that some of us will not even have to die but will riseto meet the Savior in the air.Praise be to you, Almighty Father. By your will the last trumpetwill sound. The dead will be raised imperishable. We shall all bechanged. You will make our perishable nature imperishable, ourmortal nature immortal.Then you will bring to pass what is written, "Death is swallowedup in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where isyour sting?"Thanks be to you, gracious Father, for making us more thanconquerors now and for guaranteeing us final victory through ourLord Jesus Christ!In the name of Jesus I lift my voice to you on high. Amen.

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PERSEVERENCE

PERSEVERENCE 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:29-34Dear Father, rewarder of all who diligently seek you,Thank you for Jesus, whose life not only taught us how to live,but whose resurrection proved that you have power over death. Thankyou for the assurance of resurrection, for without it we would haveno reason to persevere.His resurrection is why I believe in my own future resurrection.All my hopes are pinned on him. Were it not for this, I would liveas do unbelievers, who say, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow wedie."May I live according to Christ's righteousness through the powerthat raised him from the dead. And may I never forget the promiseof resurrection.In the name of Jesus I lift up this prayer. Amen

PERSEVERENCE

PERSEVERENCE 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:29-34Dear Father, rewarder of all who diligently seek you,Thank you for Jesus, whose life not only taught us how to live,but whose resurrection proved that you have power over death. Thankyou for the assurance of resurrection, for without it we would haveno reason to persevere.His resurrection is why I believe in my own future resurrection.All my hopes are pinned on him. Were it not for this, I would liveas do unbelievers, who say, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow wedie."May I live according to Christ's righteousness through the powerthat raised him from the dead. And may I never forget the promiseof resurrection.In the name of Jesus I lift up this prayer. Amen

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 9, 2009
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
One of the most intimate relationships God created can be found between a parent and a child. Parents naturally find satisfaction and enjoyment in nurturing and loving their children daily. As believers, we have the incredible privilege to share that same cherished relationship with our Creator. He is our loving Father who tends to our every need and longs for us to be near Him. This remarkable privilege is only attainable by faith in Jesus Christ who destroyed the separation between man and God with His blood. Through the beautiful gift of Christ, we are given the excellent honour of the title, "the sons of God," and given a place in the heavenlies.

Put Action to Your Faith

Put Action to Your FaithBishop Keith Butler For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26 (KJV) Angels are God's servants for us. And God has given them an awesome assignment in taking care of His children. Angels strengthen us. Angels are involved in healing and deliverance. Angels give revelation from God. They also do battle. Angels help at the time of death, and they are involved in protecting the living. Angels can even look like men and women. Angels also deliver messages and give direction concerning the future. Angels are encamped all around us to deliver and defend all that fear God.In understanding the ministry of angels you must put your faith into action to activate them in your life. How do you do that? Just lift up your hands right now and say, "In the Name of Jesus, I thank You, Father God, for the ministry of angels. In Jesus' Name, I believe what Your Word says about the ministry of angels.""I thank You, Lord, that they are sent for me to help me, an heir of salvation. Now, Angels, in Jesus' Name, go produce my words. Go do what I just said. Cause circumstances to turn in my favor. I am going to bless the Lord with my mouth. I'm going to boast in the Lord and magnify Him with my mouth.Angels are with us all the time.A Word From the Lord: "And now you will say,I know the Lord has sent an angel my way.And now because I know these things,I will act and sing, and my praises will ring.I'll go before God with a hop in my step,And I'll laugh and rejoice no matter what comes against me to try and stop me in the middle of my way.I know that God is on my side,and there is nothing the enemy can do.For an angel of God is there to see me through and through.So, rejoice, O people, and give Him praise and glory,Because God has provided for what you need in this time of Glory!Yes, it's the age when things are being restored.And even the ministry of angels shall once again come to the fore!"Study References: Psalm 103:20; James 2:20

VERSE:

VERSE: He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he thatrefuseth reproof erreth. -- Proverbs 10:17 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+10:17&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Discipline is not only important to us, but also to those whoare influenced by our actions. So often we undervalue the impact ofour personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us ina circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influencefor those around us. To choose what is foolish, to ignore godlycorrection, not only jeopardizes our own future, but also thefuture of others.PRAYER: Father, humble and correct me gently. I know I am weak and notwhere I want to be spiritually. Mature me with your Spirit andcorrect me with your Word, your shepherds, and your discipline.Make my influence a blessing to those you have placed around me. InJesus' name I pray. Amen.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 8, 2009 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]. (Psalms 34:10)They whose power lies in the strength of their limbs shall ever be dismayed. They whose trust lies in the might of their youth will always hunger for greater. Yet the satisfaction the godly is met now and forever. Bask in His goodness, O believer! Return time and again to the bounty of His lovingkindness!

In the Secret Place of the Most High

In the Secret Place of the Most HighDr. Frederick K.C. Price Psalm 91:1-10 says,1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.8 Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;This means sickness and disease will not come near your house, provided you dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and abide under the shadow of the Almighty.This passage goes on to say in verse 11: For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.You may be afraid of flying on an airplane, of going outside at night, or of any number of other things. Fear is a terrible thing; there is nothing worse than being afraid. But you do not need to be afraid because your Heavenly Father has given "His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Every one of us has a guardian angel. That angel has been keeping you from getting your head blown off many times over. He will keep you alive when you are a sinner, so that you can be saved. Notice that verse 11 says you have angels, plural. Not only do you have angels, but the Bible says God will give His angels charge over you. This means He commissions them to mount guard over you.However, the angels cannot do anything for you to the fullest extent possible unless you are willing to believe they are there, count on them and expect them to work for you. You have to dare to believe it, dare to take God at His Word, and dare to confess it. Once you do this, amazing things will happen.Psalm 91:12-13 continues:12 In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. These verses let us know that the devil and every demon are under our feet.Psalm 91:14-16:14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."My advice to you, friend, is to get this Word in you. Then confess it, and dare to make it personal. Say out loud, "I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and I abide under the shadow of the Almighty. A thousand can fall at my side, and 10,000 at my right hand, but no evil shall come near me, because I dwell in the secret place of the Most High." It is this kind of faith confession that makes God's Word work and puts the power into operation in your life.

VERSE:

VERSE: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neitherhave entered into the heart of man, the things which God hathprepared for them that love him. -- 1 Corinthians 2:9 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:9&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacation.They imagine how great those things could be. Christians lookforward to heaven and dream of seeing the Lord face to face, ofbeing reunited with those we love who have gone home to the Lordbefore us, and of sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels. Butwe can't even begin to imagine the great things that God hasprepared for us. They are far more glorious than anything we candream or imagine. So let's anticipate being surprised and live withpassion for the cause of the Kingdom knowing that any loss, anywound, any trouble, will "not be worth comparing to the glory to berevealed in us" (Rom. 8:18).PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for preparing a place of glory for me withyou in heaven. I believe it is far greater than anything I couldever imagine. Thank you, Jesus, for going back to heaven to preparethat place for me. I look forward to the day I stand in yourpresence and praise you with the angels. In Jesus' name I praiseand thank you. Amen.

LOOK TO THE END

LOOK TO THE END 1 Corinthians 15:26 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:26Dear Father, destroyer of every enemy,Help me to look to the outcome, to the end of things, when Christwill deliver the kingdom to you after destroying every ruler, everyauthority, and every power.Enable me to keep my eyes on his victory, for he must reign untilhe has put all enemies under his feet.Motivate me to focus on the time when even the last enemy, Deathitself, will be destroyed by our Lord.In his name I pray. Amen.

Angels 101

Angels 101Janet WiebeSt. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20 (KJV)I had a dream. In this dream, a friend, her little daughter, another person, and I, had gone out to the movie theatre. We were having trouble finding the entrance. I also had the feeling that undercover FBI agents were following us. The impression I had was they were there protecting us from stalkers. I separated from my friends to find out from the locals where the entrance to the show was.As I was returning to my friends, I saw one of the "agents". I walked up to him as if he were an old friend, for that is how it felt. I playfully asked why he was stalking us. He protested that he wasn't with us all the time, so it wasn't actually stalking. He indicated that they were keeping an eye on us from time to time to keep us from harm. I woke up and realized that the "FBI agents" were guardian angels. Some people speak about guardian angels quite a bit. I had only really heard about them by watching movies when I was growing up. In my dream I was disappointed that the guardian angels weren't hovering over us every minute of every day, as I had supposed such angels were to do. But I am quite content that I was "visited" by one in a dream. I feel a little bit more aware.Numbers 20:16 says, "And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt." (KJV)Father, we thank You for Your love and for Your angels, to help us in our need and to remind us of Your Living Word for us. Help us to truly know the reality of all that You have to offer us, including angels to minister to us in our need. Thank You that angels are real and not just an abstract thought, and that You are reality itself, the I Am. We love You and we adore You.

VERSE:

VERSE: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let himshew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. -- James 3:13 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+3:13&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Wisdom isn't shown by our "book learning," smart comments, orarrogance. No, true wisdom is shown by the godly character of ourlives lived with humility and kind deeds.PRAYER: O Father, make me wise like Jesus. Please give me the ability tomore fully know your will and more faithfully live it with kindnessand humility. May the words of my mouth and the actions of my lifeplease you and bring your grace to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart fromevil. -- Proverbs 3:7 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+3:7&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Let's keep this simple. First, we need to admit that with thecomplexities and perplexities of life that even the smartest of usis not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome inholiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace; he is far beyond usand all we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses ofglory. Finally, let's stay away from anything that smacks of evilknowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates usfrom God.PRAYER: All wise and gracious Heavenly Father, your wisdom is matchless,your grace unfathomable, your holiness incomparable, and your lovebeyond comprehension. Thank you for all of your many blessings andgifts, but most of all I thank you for your gift of accessibilityto those of us who have no right in your presence but who areinvited here by your loving mercy. Please strengthen my will towithstand temptation and deepen my wisdom to see evil for what itis. Please empower me in my desire to stay far away from evil andits influence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Psalms

The PsalmsPsalms 60-62
Thursday: Job 41-42Friday: Jeremiah 42-46Saturday: Luke 5-6
Psalms 60
1
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
2
Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
3
Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
4
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
5
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
6
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
7
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
8
Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
9
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
10
Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
11
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
12
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Psalms 61
1
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
4
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
5
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
6
Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.
7
He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8
So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
Psalms 62
1
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Is That An Angel?

Is That An Angel?Tanya James Lately, it seems that I have been hearing a lot of complaints from people about other Christians. How rude and disrespectful they can be...or how unloving and ungrateful they seem. Some blame it on the state of the economy ... or where they are in their walk with Christ. As we know this behavior isn't just in the church, you watch the news and see all the senseless crime - random lives being taken, children being abused, elderly people being taken advantage of and it's all very heartbreaking.All of this got me thinking about a particular scripture that says:"Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Hebrews 13:1 -2One thing I am confident of is that if one KNEW they were in the presence of angels, there would be a serious attitude shift taken place. I think we can all agree that we would be on our best behavior around and towards that angel. I mean, who would dare purposely mistreat an angel right ...??So perhaps if we took that scripture to heart, and treated EVERYONE we come in contact with as though they could possibly be an angel, a major shift would still take place.You would see people showing genuine love and respect for their family, their neighbors, the clerk at the grocery store, the bank teller, our supervisors, our employees ... even the conversations with the bill collectors would flow a lot more smoothly.Wouldn't this change of mindset put us a little closer to being in line with Christ and the way He treated people? He didn't look down on anyone or treat one person as a lesser being over another.Would one be able to abuse another if they were treating them as though they may be an angel? Would one fly off the handle and cuss out a co-worker if they were treating them as though they may be angel?How would our relationships with our spouses, our children, our families change if we treated them as though they may be an angel?Just a thought ... a thought worth giving a try ... even if they are not angels, I believe you will create a more peaceful environment around you ... and you can't lose there!

LIFE THROUGH CHRIST

LIFE THROUGH CHRIST 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:21-23Dear Father, worthy God,You have declared that just as death came through the sin of oneman, so life comes through one man's resurrection from the dead. Asin Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Buteach in his own order: Christ first, then at his coming we whobelong to him.Thank you, Father, for the assurance you gave by raising him up.Thank you that his resurrection is our resurrection! Thank you forthis revelation of the order in which it will come.In the name of Jesus I offer you this thanksgiving and praise forthe most wonderful events of history, Christ's resurrection andours. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know mythoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me inthe way everlasting. -- Psalm 139:23-24 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+139:23-24&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested. But Godknows us through and through. He has been with us from ourconception and will work with us through the grave and beyond. Solet's invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, andeven scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not there to condemn orpunish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to hiseternal grace. PRAYER: Search me, O God. I know that my heart is not always pure and myways are far from perfect. Search me, O God, for I need yourpurifying presence. Search me, O God, for I want you to set thecourse and the destination of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Angels Watching Over Us

Angels Watching Over Usfrom PCC Web The Reverend John G. Paton, a missionary in the New Hebrides Islands, tells a thrilling story involving the protective care of angels. Hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters one night, intent on burning the Patons out and killing them. John Paton and his wife prayed all during that terrorfilled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see the attackers unaccountably leave. They thanked God for delivering them. A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Jesus Christ, and Mr. Paton, remembering what had happened, asked the chief what had kept him and his men from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, "Who were all those men you had with you there?" The missionary answered, "There were no men there; just my wife and I." The chief argued that they had seen many men standing guard-hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords in their hands. They seemed to circle the mission station so that the natives were afraid to attack. Only then did Mr. Paton realize that God had sent his angels to protect them. The chief agreed that there was no other explanation. Could it be that God had sent a legion of angels to protect His servants, whose lives were being endangered?"This illustration was taken from Billy Graham's book on angels. It certainly sounds familiar, doesn't it? When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (1 Kings 6:14-17). Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created (Psalm 148:2-5). ...The morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy (Job 38:7). Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 5, 2009
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. (Mark 11:22-24)
The incredible strength and majesty of our God! He has the might to move mountains and does so through even our smallest faith. When we place our trust in Him, He molds us as He gives us the desires of our hearts.

RESURRECTION HOPE

RESURRECTION HOPE 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:12-20Dear Father, confirmer of truth,Strengthen me against all that Satan and the world can bringagainst me. Confirm my understanding of what you did inresurrecting Jesus and what you will do in resurrecting me and allyour saints.If there is no resurrection, I know that the gospel is false, myfaith is in vain, I am still in my sins, those who have fallenasleep have perished, and you have been misrepresented as havingraised Jesus from the dead.If we Christians have hope only for this life, then we are to bepitied - for our suffering is for nothing.But we know that you have raised Christ from the dead, as thefirst fruits of them who have fallen asleep.In the name of Jesus I offer you this thanksgiving and praise forthe most wonderful events of history, Christ's resurrection andours. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth toall men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. -- James 1:5 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+1:5&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: So often we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences forour actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom that not onlyhelps us make wise choices, but also gives us the ability to actand react with grace and wisdom. Before we face each day, before weface challenging situations, before we make challenging decisions,let's seek God's face and ask for his gift of wisdom.PRAYER: Holy Father, I need your wisdom to help me make the rightdecisions in the challenges and situations that will confront metoday and every day. Please pour your wisdom into my heart and headso that my actions, words, and choices will not only be pleasing toyou, but also a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray.Amen.

The Books of the Law

The Books of the LawExodus 29-32
Tuesday: II Samuel 20-24Wednesday: Psalms 60-62Thursday: Job 41-42
Exodus 29
1
And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,
2
And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.
3
And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.
4
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
5
And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
6
And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
7
Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
8
And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.
9
And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
10
And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.
11
And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
12
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
13
And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
14
But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.
15
Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.
16
And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.
17
And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head.
18
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
19
And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.
20
Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
21
And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.
22
Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
23
And one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the LORD:
24
And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them for a wave offering before the LORD.
25
And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
26
And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
27
And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:
28
And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering unto the LORD.
29
And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.
30
And that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy place.
31
And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
32
And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
33
And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
34
And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.
35
And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.
36
And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
37
Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.
38
Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.
39
The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
40
And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering.
41
And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
42
This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.
43
And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.
44
And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office.
45
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
46
And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.
Exodus 30
1
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
2
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
3
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
4
And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal.
5
And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
6
And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
7
And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
8
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
9
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
10
And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
11
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
12
When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.
13
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
14
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
16
And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
17
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18
Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
19
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
20
When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:
21
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
22
Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
23
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
24
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:
25
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
26
And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,
27
And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,
28
And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.
29
And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.
30
And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
31
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.
32
Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.
33
Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.
34
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35
And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
36
And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
37
And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
38
Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
Exodus 31
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
3
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
7
The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
8
And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
9
And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
10
And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
11
And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
12
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14
Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16
Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
17
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Exodus 32
1
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
2
And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.
3
And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
4
And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
5
And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
6
And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
7
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
8
They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
9
And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
10
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
11
And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
12
Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
13
Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
14
And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
15
And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
16
And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
17
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
18
And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
19
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
20
And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
21
And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?
22
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
23
For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
24
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
25
And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)
26
Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
27
And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
28
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
29
For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.
30
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
31
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
32
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
33
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
34
Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
35
And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

Daily Promises

Daily PromisesBlue Letter BibleMay 4, 2009 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)Praise be to our loving Father for his grace and kindness toward His repentant children! Though we stand the sin-stained sons of fallen Adam. Though we wallow in the soul-corrupting death-reek by which we were even conceived. Though we bear our lives forth in the habits of wickedness to which our base natures are so accustomed, still does the Lord remain ever faithful to forgive those who ask it of Him! Still does the Master of all look kindly upon His children, ever resurrecting their hearts to new life! Still does the Father of all glory count us, who are worthless of our own measure, to be worthy the sacrifice of the very Son of heaven! Praise Him again! Praise be to the King of all creation, most merciful and true!

CHRIST IN MY HEART

CHRIST IN MY HEART 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:1-11Dear Father, God of the living,Thank you that Christ's revelation of himself within my soul asLord of my life and as the living Spirit of truth and holinesstestifies that he is not dead but alive forevermore.Thank you that he lives in my heart.By your grace, and by my faith in what you did, I am what I am.The resurrection is preached and I believe it. Thank you, Father!Thank you that I don't have to believe that death ends it alleither for Jesus or for me!In the name of Jesus I come, thanking you for your resurrectionpower and asking that I may live so as to always have hope ofsharing in it. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with hisbrethren. -- Acts 1:14 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Acts+1:14&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Jesus' resurrection changed everything! The women who were sofaithful to him through the crucifixion and resurrection are there,obediently praying in expectation. As we might expect, Jesus'mother is there praying as well. But look carefully and you willsee Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing him, now prayingin expectation of their risen brother's release of power throughthe outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but notidly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expectingthe great work of the risen Jesus which will be done through them!God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus praywith expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group ofthose who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work tobe done through you.PRAYER: Almighty and all-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seekto encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that youwill bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirringamong those who are hungry but don't yet recognize their hunger isfor Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring ofgrace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus'name I pray. Amen.

Angels of God on Your Side

Angels of God on Your SideBishop Keith Butler For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Exodus 23:23 (KJV) Much of what God said He did it through the ministry of angels. When the children of Israel went into the Promised Land as recorded in the Book of Joshua, they went up against the very first nation or group of people they had to drive out, and it was Jericho. The city of Jericho was surrounded by a wall so wide that six chariots could race side by side on top of that wall.God told Joshua, "I want you to march around that wall once every day for seven days. On the seventh day I want you to march around it seven times and then blow the trumpet, and the walls will fall down." (Joshua 6:3-5) But how is it that the walls fell down flat? When the people obeyed God and did what He said to do, guess who knocked the walls down? The angel that took them into the land to drive out the Amorites, Hittites, and the other "-ites" who were there. That land didn't belong to those "-ites", and God sent an angel to fight the battle for the children of Israel.The Bible tells us that those who were under the Old Covenant do not have a better covenant that we do under the New Covenant. Whatever they had in the Old Covenant, we have it in the New Covenant and more (Hebrews 8:6). And the angels that fought those battles for God's people in the Old Covenant and knocked down walls, will fight battles and knock down walls in our covenant, too.Remember that God said, "I'll send that angel to go in front of you. I'll send that angel to be with you. And I'll send that angel to take you into the place that's prepared for you, and he will fight for you."Angels were involved in helping the children of Israel get back what the devil had stolen, And they will do the same for us today.Scripture References: Joshua 6:3-5; Hebrews 8:6

EYEWITNESSES

EYEWITNESSES 1 Corinthians 15:5-10 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+15:5-10Dear Father, God of real history,Thank you for the testimony of eyewitnesses who saw Christ aliveafter his crucifixion: Cephas, the twelve, more than five hundredbrethren, and James. Thank you for the testimony of the apostlesand for Paul.I am grateful that I am not following cleverly devised myths, butthe reality of history! I believe their testimony! And yours!In the name of Jesus I come, thanking you for your resurrectionpower and asking that I may live so as always to have hope ofsharing in it. Amen.

ALL THINGS IN ORDER

ALL THINGS IN ORDER 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+14:26-33Dear Father, God of intelligibility and peace,When we come together and each of us has something to contribute,may everything be done to build up the body. Let us do things oneby one, or by pairs or triplets at most, so that all may learn andbe encouraged.For you, our God, are not like the pagan gods, a god of confusionand hysteria, but are a god of peace. Let us honor you by doingthings decently and in order.Submitting to your commands of peace and order, I ask this inJesus' name. Amen.

ALL THINGS IN ORDER

ALL THINGS IN ORDER 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+14:26-33Dear Father, God of intelligibility and peace,When we come together and each of us has something to contribute,may everything be done to build up the body. Let us do things oneby one, or by pairs or triplets at most, so that all may learn andbe encouraged.For you, our God, are not like the pagan gods, a god of confusionand hysteria, but are a god of peace. Let us honor you by doingthings decently and in order.Submitting to your commands of peace and order, I ask this inJesus' name. Amen.

Unity Through Disunity

Unity Through DisunityMilan Ford "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (Letter From A Birmingham Jail)Wow.Before proceeding any further with this devotional, I encourage you to read over the above quotation once more. The power of those words most certainly demand it.{Don't worry - I'll wait}Powerful words, don't you agree?On yesterday, I took some time out and read all 6,932 words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter From A Birmingham Jail. What is (in my opinion) one of the most brilliant and compassionate collection of words ever written, the circumstances that led King to write this letter that day were rooted in the shallow understanding and lukewarm acceptance that many southern white church leaders had regarding the civil rights movement at that time.King along with many other freedom fighters were being accused by them of precipitating violence and disorder by leading several marches against the racial injustices occurring in Birmingham.This deeply saddened King, who after being placed under arrest by the Birmingham police, made the decision to unveil his heart to the white church leaders who were upset at his actions. With the love of Christ being the common denominator, he set out to turn his adversaries into his advocates. His call for unity and an end to injustice was heard around the world.A powerful letter indeed.This month, we celebrate the 45th anniversary of this powerful letter. Yet, as a young leader, I am sometimes concerned that we as a Body of Christ have yet to achieve the UNITY King aspired to.While I am quite certain that perspectives range on this from person to person, I'd like to suggest this one thought for us all to consider today:Perhaps it is not UNITY that we should be striving for alone.But rather DISUNITY as well.In Isaiah 43:18, these words are found: "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing." And in Hebrews 10:9, these words are found: "God takes away the first, so that He may establish the second."While our country indeed has matured incredibly from its once insidious past as it relates to matters of race, many are still surprised that Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in America.Yet believe it or not, this is in no way a surprise to God. In order to achieve the kind of UNITY God desires for us to have as believers, our churches must examine those things we no longer need to be doing.How will we ever see what NEW things God has in store for us as believers, if we do not allow Him to challenge us to take away some of the OLD things that keep our churches segregated?Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our comfortable preferences of worship?Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from some of our methodical forms of preaching?Are we willing to DISUNIFY ourselves from a few of our traditions that may be causing others (of different races or nationalities) to feel unwelcome?This simple and timeless truth convicts me time after time: CULTURE trumps VISION.The integrated greatness of our God will always be overshadowed by our culturally segregated safe houses. Culture is indeed something we should celebrate, but it can become dangerous when institutionalized. Narrowing the church's mission as either black or white must come to an end.Today, I believe God is looking for a grey church. One that has discovered that we can (at times) only gain to the degree that we are willing to let go. May we all strive for such maturity.