Thursday, August 17, 2006

Dusting Those Cobwebs...

Hey everyone,

With Blogger getting even better I have decided to make a few temporary changes on the site.

The Beta test includes a ton of cool features, (making it much easier to blog) but unfortunately you must fall under certain requirements in order to participate.

One of these requirements is that one must not have a group blog (which puzzles me) so I am temporarily reverting this back to a single blog, but as soon as the beta launches will recreate this as a team blog again (although you may need to create a Google account in order to join).

Thanks for contributing (and reading) and I look forward to the future changes. God bless!






- In a Position to Save a Life -


Somehow the driver lost control on a
small
California bridge. In an instant, the car with a
family of four in it catapulted through the railing
and into the water. Immediately, that car began to
disappear beneath the water. In those next frantic
moments, the two parents emerged from the car,
swimming to the top. Mom had actually been able
to free one of her children and help her get out, as well.
But their little boy was trapped in the car at the bottom.
Meanwhile, a few passersby had gathered on the bridge
above. One man, hearing the mother's screams for help
for her son, dove from the bridge and into the water.
A nurse was actually one of those who also happened to be
on the bridge that day. Realizing that the boy was going
to need immediate CPR if he was rescued, she shook off
her fear and she also plunged into the water. After a
short time, the man surfaced - carrying that boy with him.
The nurse immediately began working on him, right there
in the water. His life was saved by two people who
certainly had not planned to rescue anyone that day.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You
today about "In a Position to Save a Life."

It was very moving to see the mother of that rescued little
boy tearfully trying to put her gratitude into words.
Someone had cared enough to take the risks to save a life
just because he happened to be in the right place at
the right time to make the difference.

If you belong to Jesus Christ, I hope you see yourself in
that picture. Like that man on the bridge, you're in a
position to do something about a person who's
dying - spiritually dying, that is. The Bible describes
people without Christ as "those being led away to death"
(Proverbs 24:11). And it adds a command, "Rescue those
who are being led away to death." Who should rescue
them? Whoever is in a position to reach them.
The Bible uses another example to describe those we
know who don't know our Savior. It says they are "in
the fire." And, again, it gives a command. "Snatch others
from the fire and save them" (Jude 23). Don't just let them
die without a chance. Do something to rescue them.

As you think about the people at work today, at school, in
your neighborhood, in your family or the place you shop or
recreate - among those people must be those who have
probably never been to the cross of Jesus to have their
sins forgiven. The only One who can forgive their sins is
the One who died to pay for them. And if they die with
their sins unforgiven, they have no chance of getting
into God's heaven. You know that. You know Christ.
You know them - which means you're responsible.

Living a Christ-honoring life before them is important, but
it's not enough. You have to tell them about Jesus' death
for their sins. They won't guess that because you're a nice
person. The reason you haven't is probably your fear.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45, our word for today from
the Word of God, "Even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a
ransom for many." Our fears are all about "me" - what
might happen to me if I tell them about Jesus; how I might
mess it up. But Jesus abandoned Himself to save us.
Rescuers always do that. They have a greater fear than
what might happen to them. It's what might happen to
the dying person if they don't try to rescue them.

Years ago, God spoke to Moses about His enslaved people
and He said, "I have come down to rescue them ... I am
sending you" (Exodus 3:8, 10). He's saying the same
thing to you about the lost people within your reach. It's no
accident you are where you are, who you are, doing what
you do. God has put you in a position to help save some
lives and help some people be in heaven with you. It's
the most important thing you have to do; the most
important difference you can possibly make with
the rest of your life.


_ By Ron Hutchcraft


Monday, July 10, 2006

Joy Of The Journey

You travel the world
You choose a path
You make your goals
You do the math

You stub your toe
On the bumpy road
The bag on your back
Is too heavy a load

But if you choose
To travel alone
Discomfort you'll get
As you're worn to the bone

So why not ask a friend
To travel along
To carry your luggage
And sing you a song

The joy of the journey
Is sharing the trip
Whether your in a car
Or a horse buggy and whip

Journey with a person
Or journey with a friend
You'll want someone who will
Be there in the end

So why not share the joy
With your Almighty Creator
He'll be there in the end
And He's closer than a brother.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Patience With God

Life is full of problems
So you go to try to solve them

But sometimes they're too large
For you to take charge

So you delegate them to God
And hope He'll give you a nod

And provide an instant solution
To end your unanswered question

But when nothing appears
And you increase your fears

Do not worry, do not fret
And last of all do not forget

That your heavenly Father above
Is watching with eyes of love

He will answer your prayer
With tenderness and care

Do not get angry or discouraged
You need to show a little bit of courage

Have patience with God your creator
And He will fulfill your request or favor

After all, He shows patience towards you
Instead of splitting you in two

With a lighting bolt, or something worse
Displaying His rage with a holy curse

So wait for an answer, and soon you'll know
Whether He says "yes, not yet," or even "no."

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Giving Your All

Give your all
That's what they say
But are they the ones
That have to pay?

To sacrifice
Your last dollar
In that very moment
In that very hour

Giving your all
Hurts future plans
Keeping it all
Is the way of Man

To be very selfish
And to be greedy
Ignoring your friends
Ignoring the needy

But alas, God demands
Mercy and compassion
And wants it demonstrated
With immediate action

Leaving us bankrupt
Making the poor wealthy
Putting others ahead
Making sure their healthy

So that means
I'm in last place
The last to be served
Out of the human race

But perhaps being empty
Is spiritual perfection
In order that I might receive
A more glorious resurrection.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Eternal Pathways

On this lonely earthly plane
Full of laughter, full of pain

We must not falter or forget
Our future day of judgment

For if our path simply consists
Of this life, full of hurt or bliss

Then we are mortals wasting time
Living life without reason or rhyme

With no law to guide earthly affairs
Except the law of "whenever I care."

But if our pathways go well beyond
This mortal life that we are so fond

Then our short lives we must give account
To the author of the sermon on the mount

Who was, and is, and is to come
The Son of God, the Almighty One

Whose path is eternal, who none can compare
No prophet, no teacher, no mortal anywhere

So invest your life with careful consideration
As we have to give report to the Father of nations

Who bought our souls for an expensive price
Our God, our Savior, Jesus Christ

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Trusting In The Almighty

To delight in God
Is to delight in life
He fixes our problems
He eases our strife

Your heavenly Father
Waits for you to ask
So let go of your pride
And let Him finish the task

Trusting in the Almighty
Means letting go of control
Letting him control your destiny
And your life's future goals

The road may not be easy
The path may be very rough
But give the LORD your burdens
And let God carry your stuff

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Satan's Attacks





If you're serving God, satan is going
to come against you. I often say you'll
never run into someone if you're walking
in the same direction.

Update: Corrected image. ;) ~Darnell

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

The Value of a Soul



What is the value of a soul?
Can it be determined by gold?

Can you weigh it in a scale?
Its value then revealed.

Could you exchange it for power?
Trade it in this very hour.

Could a Seer reveal its worth?
Or a mother at its birth?

It is valued above the angels...
Even above many Cherubiums.

For when God holds us in his palm,
He writes many books, he sings many psalms.

For precious we are in his sight...
Us beings of flesh, with little might

So cherish your brother, and sister as well,
Because us humans are only devalued in hell.

Friday, December 09, 2005

 
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~*~ When The Power Of Darkness Rides Master ~*~




"It is but an hour that is permitted for the triumph
of our adversary, a short time, a limited time. It
is their hour, which is appointed them, and in which
they are permitted to try their strength, that
omnipotence may be the more glorified in their
fall."


~ Matthew Henry ~


In Psalm 13:2, David cried out to the Lord - "...how
long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"

In other words, how long shall he triumph in my
distress, please himself with my grief, laugh at
my misery, or exult to see me bowed down with care?

In Lamentations 1:5 & 9, the Prophet Jeremiah
described Judah's enemies as such - "Her adversaries
are the chief, her enemies prosper...for the enemy
hath magnified himself."

He was describing a time when the adversary became
the head, had dominion, or gained the advantage.
Hence, they trampled upon, triumphed over, and
insulted the people of God.

And finally, we read how the Lord Jesus Himself
depicted a time when the forces of evil were
allowed a temporary triumph in His case - "Then
Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains
of the temple, and the elders, which were come
to Him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with
swords and staves? When I was daily with you in
the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against
Me: but this is your hour, and the power of
darkness"

~ Luke 22:52-53 ~



Satan, the powers of darkness, and the rulers of
darkness in this world were permitted to do their
worst - to unleash their malice against the Living
Son of God. But they could have never proceeded
even a hair's breadth without the permission of
the Heavenly Father Who controls all.

Like your Master - the Lord Jesus - you may feel
as though the forces of evil have been loosed
against you or your family at this time. You may
have been crying out in your heart the very words
of David - "...how long shall mine enemy be exalted
over me?" In other words, when is my affliction
pain, suffering, distress, heartache, or trouble
going to come to an end? Why is everything going
wrong for me? Why can't I prosper or succeed like
other people? Why am I always under attack? Why am
I suffering so?

It may be that you are experiencing their "hour
and the power of darkness" at this time. God has
allowed evil a certain rule over your life. Your
enemies may be "chief" - be prospering or magnifying
themselves against you - but not for long. Things
will not always be this way. It is only for a time
an hour."

The Scriptures clearly depict inevitable conditions
to expect when the powers of darkness are at work.

They are as follows:

1. Lips Will Speak Lies Against You

Psalm 31:18 - "Let the lying lips be put to silence
which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously
against the righteous."

This is a time when you are vexed by the bold, impudent
wicked, scornful, and malicious words spoken against you
in order to do you a great mischief.

2. You Are Mocked For Your Faith In God When Answers Do
Not Come

Psalm 42:10 - "As with a sword in my bones, mine
enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me
Where is thy God?"

All day long, the devil comes with his cruel mockeries
intended to discourage any hope in God that you might
have. His malicious taunts make you almost feel as
though you have been forsaken by the Lord Himself. His
words are so painful and cutting at times - they can
be likened to the breaking or crushing of your bones.

3. You Are Treated By Others As a Miserable Fool

Psalm 44:14 - "...a byword among the heathen..."
Psalm 123:3 - "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy
upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of
those that are at ease, and with the contempt of
the proud."

You have sunk so low that no one wants to be around
you any more. You are considered as something low-down
or sorry. You are despised, disdained, and treated in
the most contemptuous manner - especially by those who
are carnal...sensual...lifted up in rank...proud...
affluent...fashionable...self-complacent...living in
self-indulgence, luxury, and easy circumstances...as
well as disregarding God's laws.

4. You are Plunged Into Despair and Destitute Of
All Comfort

Psalm 143:3-4 - "For the enemy hath persecuted my
soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground
he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that
have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit
overwhelmed within me; my heart within me
is desolate."

Due to your various adverse circumstances, you
find yourself feeling crushed, beaten down, broken
into a thousand pieces, or trampled down into the
ground. You cannot find any comfort, cheerfulness
or hope for your distressed soul. You feel like
someone who has been buried alive. Any hope of
things ever being restored to a state or condition
of happiness, prosperity, life, and peace - as once
was - has simply vanished.

If any or all of the above are true, then the powers
of darkness are having a "heyday" in your life at this
moment. Father God has allowed it for your good and
His glory. However, things will not always be as they
are. You will come out of this.

- Take encouragement from God's Word for you today

Job 20:5 says - " That the triumphing of the wicked
is short..."
Micah 7:8-9 says - "Rejoice not against me, O mine
enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in
darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me...He will
bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His
righteousness."
John 16:20 & 22 says - "Verily, verily, I say unto you
That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall
rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow
shall be turned into joy...And ye now therefore have
sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall
".rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you
Romans 8:31, 35, & 37 says - "What shall we then say to
these things? If God be for us, who can be against
us?...Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ?...Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him that loved us."

The day is coming when the power of darkness will
give way to the Light - none other than the Lord
Jesus Christ. After your warfare is accomplished
your triumph will come.

In the meantime, "be strong in the grace that is
in Christ Jesus" and "endure hardness, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ.'

~ 2 Timothy 2:1 & 3 ~


And don't ever forget - it is but an "hour" that
the enemy has permission to attack. That is but
.a short time...a very limited time.

It's almost over!


May God Bless His Word.




_ Connie

Sunday, October 23, 2005

~* THE GIFT OF HANDS *~






An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat
feebly on the park bench. He didn't move,
just sat with his head down staring at
his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't
acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat
I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting
to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was
ok. He raised his head and looked at
me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking", he said in a
clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just
sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make
sure you were ok", I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean
really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands
and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up
and then palms down. "No, I guess I had never really
looked at my hands" I said, as I tried to figure out
the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have,
how they have served you well throughout your years.
These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and
weak have been the tools I have used all my life
to reach out and grab and embrace life."

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler
I crashed upon the floor.They put food in my mouth
and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me
to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on
my boots. They dried the tears of my children and
caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and
wiped my tears when I went off to war. They
have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to
hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding
band they showed the world that I was married and
loved someone special. They wrote the letters home.
They trembled and shook when I buried my parents
and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle."

"Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out
of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot.
They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in
fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and
washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They
have been sticky and wet, bent and broken,
dried and raw."

"And to this day when not much of anything else of me
works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down,
and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are
the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life."

"But more importantly it will be these hands that God will
reach out and take when He leads me home. And He
won't care about where these hands have been or
what they have done. What He will care about
is to whom these hands belong and how much
He loves these hands. And with these hands
He will lift me to His side and there I will use
these hands to touch the face of Christ."

No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again.
I never saw the old man again after I left the park that
day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face
of my children and wife I think of the man in the park.
I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and
held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face
of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Thank you, Father God, for hands.






_ Author Unknown

Monday, October 17, 2005

At Heavens Gate



At heavens gate
I will await
The future being so vast
But not forgetting the past


For it was through trial
And life that was vile
That I saw victory
Through God's mercy


For he enlightened my path
Showed grace instead of wrath
Guiding my youthful soul
Keeping my spirit whole


And despite my mistakes
The failures and bad breaks
He kept encouraging me still
To stay within his will


I may not have much in heaven
I may only inherit leaven
But this I know at which I'll gasp
I'll have my Jesus in my grasp.

Friday, September 16, 2005

Your Treasure

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34

Where is your treasure?
Does it lie in pleasure?
Is it wrapped around a car?
Is it near, or is it far?

Perhaps it is gold
Silver or clay mold
But whatever it's value
Will it always be around you?

Can you carry it through life?
Throughout the toils and strife
It's value, can you save?
Can it last past the grave?

If not, then your heart will pursue
An item that has no value
Chasing something of waste
Not satisfying your spiritual taste

Choose the eternal instead
The everlasting bread
That the Father above has given
To those who believe he is risen

For the things of this world will pass
And all of the pleasures won't last
But in Christ all things stay new
But in Christ all things stay true

Because eternity is his
And all who remember this
Will find their heart's desire
And there treasure forever acquire

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Forgiveness







Forgive those who have hurt you. Not one person
reading this Devotional today, has not had someone
at some point in your life hurt you. Some of you
may have been physically or sexually abused as a
child by a mother, a father, a relative, or someone
your family knew.
Some of you may have had a wonderful childhood, but
in your young adult life been hurt by a boyfriend or
girlfriend. Some of you may have been the victim of
a horrible crime like robbery or rape.


Still others may have been deeply hurt by your husband
or wife that wanted a divorce. There are many of you
that have been hurt later in life by your children.
Lots of people reading this have been hurt by employers,
business associates, or close friends. Sadly, some of
you have even been hurt by a pastor or someone in your
church. The fact is, EVERYONE reading this today
has been hurt at some point in your life.


As painful as the experience was that caused this hurt
in your life, so many people have compounded that pain
by letting bitterness, even hatred into their life
against the person or people who caused your pain.
Today, I am going to help set you free from this hurt
and pain you have experienced in your life.


In a prison, they have a central lock that can
automatically open all of the cell doors in a
given area. If you have ever been in prison or
watched a prison movie you know what I am talking
about. There is the loud buzz, followed by the
clanking sound of all of the cell doors automatically
opening. Today, many of you are in prison from
the hurts and pains in your life. Today, the
cell door is going to open and you are
going to be FREE!!!


The key to unlocking that door is FORGIVENESS.
As simple as this may seem, it can be one of
the most difficult things in this world to do.
Forgiving someone who has hurt us deeply is one
of the hardest things to do in life. It is not
something that we can even do in our own strength,
but must be done in the strength we get from the Lord.


I realize that many people right now are saying,
"NO WAY, not after what that person did to me."
As a Christian, it should be our goal to be like
our Lord every day. What were some of the last
words Christ spoke from the cross? What was his
last act before dying that horrific death? He
asked God to forgive those who had crucified Him!


When we sin, and we all sin every day, what do we
do? We go to God and ask Him to forgive us. We
do so with the full assurance that He will
forgive us because He has promised to in His
Word. In Colossians 3:13 the Bible tells us
to "forgive as the Lord forgave you."


God's Word is clear that just as Christ forgives
us when we sin against Him, we must forgive those
who sin against us! That is the key to unlocking
the prison door and being free once and for all
from the hurt and pain you have experienced in
your life. FORGIVE the person or people who have
hurt you in your life!


The other problem I deal with each day is people
not being able to forgive themselves. Listen,
the Bible tells us that we have "all come short
of the glory of God." We are all sinners. We
all make mistakes. When you go to God and confess
your sins, the Bible promises us that He not only
forgives us but cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
He not only has forgiven us, but He has
forgotten the transgression. God acts like it
never happened. The point I'm trying to make is
that if God has forgiven you, if God has wiped
the slate clean, if in God's mind the sin never
existed...then you need to forgive yourself.


I love you and care about you so much.
I realize that this is a difficult word
for many of you to hear today, but this
is going to literally change the lives of
those who will receive it...and do it! I
want you to take a moment right now, stop
what you are doing, and take out a piece of
paper and a pen. Literally write down
the name of the person or names of the people
in your life who have hurt you deeply Now,
pray this prayer,

"Dear Father, I come to you today, thanking
you that you love me so much. I thank you
that you are not only a God of love, but a
God of forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving
me of my sins. Father, I come today and
pray that you will give me YOUR strength
to forgive those who have hurt me in my life.
Right now, this moment, I forgive (name/names).
I not only forgive them, but Father, I ask that
you bless them. They need you in their life
and I pray that they will come to have a
personal, intimate relationship with your
Son. Thank you for giving me the strength
to forgive and thank you for setting me free from
the pain in my life. In Jesus precious
name I pray, AMEN!"


I will be praying for each of you today
to pray this prayer. It is time to forgive
those who have hurt you, and it is time
to forgive yourself if need be. Put the hurt
and pain of your past behind you once and for
all and move forward with your life. God
still has much left for you to do and by forgiving
those who have hurt you, you are now free to do
all that He wants to do in and through your
life for His Kingdom!
In His love and service,

Your friend and brother in Christ,




~ Bill Keller ~

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Everyday Choices


The choices we make
The options we take
Define our life
For good or strife

The paths we choose
The friends we loose
Reflect the heart
Our thoughts from start

Our everyday choices
Are nothing but voices
An inner confession
Reflecting our obsessions

But can one choose with confidence
In the absence of Providence?
Relying simply on human logic
Or lucky cultish magic?

Our everyday choices
Are nothing but voices
A path of trial and error
Not evident of the future terror

For this road that we travel
Filled with doubts and gravel
Will one day come to an end
And where will that leave you my friend?

If you are too busy to discover
Your origins beyond your mother
Then the future is a fearful sight
Illuminated by fires from twilight

For we are nothing but decisions
Filled with simple dreams and visions
But unless these reflect destiny
There is no hope for the rest of thee

For where the past and present meet
Eternity will be their to greet
And expose us for who we are
Everyday choices orbiting a star

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

You Must Have Faith!



A million miles in outer space
His eyes softly glance upon that place

Despite the chaos from his view
He gazes his eyes intensely on you

He fought the devils from hell's pit
He will fight any counterfeit

That steals his love from your heart
In order to keep you set apart

He does this daily without thanks
Bestowing blessings from his own bank

In order to see your life succeed
Keeping you in check from the pride and greed

The only requirement he asks of you
Is to keep the faith and simply remain true

Your God is a warrior, defending the helpless
But he can't help you if you choose to remain hopeless

You must have faith in God's ability
To pull you through in all probability

He will not allow his saints to despair
But you must have faith that He'll bring you there

To a land of promise, without worry or fear
And best of all He will be there!

So maintain courage, forever and an eighth
Victory is near, but you must have faith!

Friday, July 29, 2005

Seeking The Things of God







If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right
hand of God.


~ Colossians 3:1 ~


Set your affections on things above,
not on things on the earth.

After listening to a wonderful message
on this subject this morning, the Lord
laid this on my heart.
Too many today are seeking to exalt
themselves and please men rather than
to exalt God. His Word tells us specifically
that we are to seek those things which are
pleasing to Him and which glorify His name.

Our God has given to us, His chosen ones gifts
which we are to use to proclaim Him and His
Word to the lost.We need to be certain that
we use these gifts for His purpose and
righteousness. We must rid ourselves of any
thoughts of selfish gain and self pride.
They are given to us to glorify Him, not self.
Should we use them for any other purpose,
they will be taken from us. God will not
tolerate the sin of selfrighteousness and
self pride. Amen?.....


Self Righteousness

Do you sometimes wear your
feelings stuck out on your
sleeve,
When others fail to bring to you
the applaud you think you should
receive?

Do you give to God the glory that
He's entitled to;
Or do you take the credit for the
gifts He has given you?

My friend if that's the case,
you'd best be careful what you
do;
For if it's self desire you seek
it may come back and destroy
you!

When a person seeks self glory
and let's self pride have it's way;
He is headed for disaster which
will surely come to him one day.

God has a purpose and a plan
which all comes down to this;
If you're serving self instead
of Him, His blessings you will
miss.

When we give God the Glory
for the gifts He gives to us;
His blessings will be had by
those who serve in truth and
humblness.

His purpose for us while here
upon this earth,
Is to glorify Him and His name
and not concern ourselves
with our own self worth!

In Christ's Love




_ Helen Johnson

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Refiner's Fire


The refining process
Defies common sense
It makes one very tense
And holds the mind in suspense
To go through resistance
At God's own insistence
Against our own persistence
It challenges our existence
To have one's soul refined
Pulled apart then combined
Without reason or rhyme
Despite our screams and whines
But little do we know
That this phase helps us grow
So that God can bestow
His glory in us so
That he can shine through
Revealing what is true
And heal the world too
Refining our hearts anew.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Destiny

A cosmic mystery
Was it history?
That called for misery
An act of insanity
To cure the vanity
Of all of humanity
What a tragedy!
Unspeakable savagery
Upon Divinity
Despite His humility
His miraculously ability
He was rejected entirely
And killed unmercifully
But He rose victoriously
Despite the futility
He redeemed man completely
Recreating them spiritually
Rebuilding him mentally
Fulfilling His destiny
Restoring the best of me

Friday, May 27, 2005

The Resume of Jesus Christ







Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord,
Savior and Jesus


Hello. My name is Jesus-The Christ. Many call
me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm
seeking the top management position in your heart.
Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in
my resume.

Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens,
(See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground,
(See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life,
(See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law,
(See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes
upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or
disrespectful. My employer has nothing but rave
reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include:
empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing
the brokenhearted, setting the captives free,
healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and
setting at liberty them that are bruised,
(See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6).
People who listen to me shall dwell safely and
shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability
and power to cleanse you of your sins,
(See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
I encompass the entire breadth and length
of knowledge, wisdom and understanding,
(See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described
as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto
your path, (See Psalms 119:105). I can even tell
you all of the secrets of your heart,
(See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest
Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live,
(See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind
and made a show of them openly,
(See Colossians 2:15).
I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick
and raised the dead! There are many more major
accomplishments, too many to mention here. You
can read them on my website, which is
located at: www dot -- the BIBLE. You don't
need an Internet connection or computer
to access my website.

References
Believers and followers worldwide will
testify to my divine healings,
salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration
and supernatural guidance

In Summation
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident
that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified
to fill this vital position in your heart.
In summation, I will properly direct your paths,
(See Proverbs 3:5-6),
and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47).
When can I start?
Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Send this resume to everyone you know, you never
know who may have an opening! Thanks for your help
and may God bless you!



Tuesday, April 12, 2005

* Seeing Eyes *






Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want
me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered,
"we want our sight."


-Matthew 20:32-33 (NIV)




FOR many months, because of my limited mobility,
my only outings have been slow, 10-minute walks
to the shops. My resentment at being restricted
was spoiling these short trips, until God spoke
to my heart and gave me an idea.



Each time I went out, I tried to notice three
things I hadn't seen before and to record them
in a notebook when I returned. Now on quiet,
lonely evenings, I get out my notebook and
browse through my writing: "Saw my first
spring flowers," "Noticed the beautiful pattern
white clouds made in the blue sky," "Admired Mrs.
W's new baby," "Walked through autumn leaves," "Saw a
rainbow." What a delight the reading makes!



When I count the blessings God has given me, they
seem to multiply. I have learned to "see," and I
often record more than three things that have
caught my attention. Now I look forward to my
visits to the shops. A smile of contentment
has replaced my scowl, and people are more
willing to speak to me. God's blessings
have multiplied.




~ Carol Purves (Essex, England) ~


Thank you, God, for eyes to see, and
for minds and hearts to appreciate
all your gifts.
Amen.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

To Walk In His Way






The way of the Lord is strength to the
upright: but destruction shall be
to the workers of iniquity.

Prov. 10:29.




If from the beginning we had walked
in the counsel of God, thousands
more would have been converted to
the present truth. But many have
made crooked paths for their feet.
My brethren, make straight paths,
lest the lame be turned out of
the way. Let no one follow a
crooked path that some one else
has made, for thus you would not
only go astray yourself, but would
make this crooked path plainer for
some one else to follow.

Determine that as for yourself, you
will walk in the path of obedience.
Know for a certainty that you are
standing under the broad shield of
Omnipotence. Realize that
the characteristics of Jehovah must
be revealed in your life, and that
in you a work must be accomplished
that will mold your character after
the divine similitude. Yield yourself
to the guidance of Him who is
the Head over all.

We are doing our work for
the judgment. Let us be learners
of Jesus. We need His guidance
every moment. At every step we
should inquire, "Is this the way
of the Lord?" not, "Is this the way
of the man who is over me?" We are
to be concerned only as to whether
we are walking in the way
of the Lord.

God will honor and uphold every
true-hearted, earnest soul who is
seeking to walk before Him in
the perfection of Christ's grace. He
will never leave nor forsake one
humble, trembling soul. Shall we
believe that He will work in our
hearts? that if we allow Him to do
so, He will make us pure and holy, by
His rich grace qualifying us to be
laborers together with Him? Can we
with keen, sanctified perception
appreciate the strength of His
promises, and appropriate them, not
because we are worthy, but because
by living faith we claim
the righteousness of Christ?

There is nothing so great and powerful
as God's love for those who are
His children.




~ Ellen G. White Estate ~


Monday, March 21, 2005

~~~ A Heart for God ~~~






He Gave His All
He is so marvelous, He is
so glorious,
Oh how I love to praise
His precious name;
The lamb of God, the only
son of God,
and for us this lamb was
slain!

He gave His life, shed His
precious blood,
took our place at calvary;
He hung on that cross,
and for us paid the cost
Through His great love,
from sin we can be free!

When we repent of our sin,
and let Him dwell within,
He'll pardon all our of sins
and iniquities;
He will live in our heart
and from us never part,
All our fears and doubts,
He will release!

I'm so thankful He came,
praise His Holy name
Now Jesus is life and breath
to me;
Every breath that I take is
for His precious sake,
and I'll serve Him throughout
eternity!


"He died that I might live"




~ Helen Johnson ~


Thursday, March 17, 2005

I AM CALLING YOU






* I Am Calling You Closer *



Child, I am calling you close to Myself.
This is a time and a season where I am
equipping you for that I have called you
to do. I have much for you to do, but I
will not send you out unprepared. I prepare
you and when I send you, I will go with you.
And My Spirit dwells within you; He is more
than adequate to handle anything that will
come your way. And the closer you draw to
Me, the better I am able to prepare and equip you.


One of the things I want to do is to teach you
how to recognize and respond to My Spirit's
leading. He will give you wisdom and He will
show you what to do in all situations. And He
will supply supernatural empowerment and anointing
when they are needed. But child, you have to
respond to Him. You have to yield to Him and to
do whatever He directs you to do. My power and My
anointing are only available to those who are
submitted to My will and who are doing My kingdom
purposes with Me. If you want to move with Me in My
power and purposes and see My glory, then you must
yield fully to My Spirit as He leads and directs
you. That means you must know how to recognize My
Spirit's leading and direction.


Child, you learn to recognize My Spirit and hear
His direction as you draw closer to Me. For it is
in that place of intimacy that you come to truly
know Me and you learn to recognize My voice. It is
in that place of intimacy that I transform your
thoughts and desires to better synchronize with
My own. It is in that place of intimacy that I
am able to make you secure in My love for you, and
it is in that place of intimacy that I am able to
reveal Myself to you.


Child, do not be afraid to draw close to Me. Yes,
I know that at times it can seem frightening, for
I will reveal the hidden secrets of your heart as I
shine My light into your darkness. But I do not do
this to condemn you -- rather I do it to dispel
that darkness that it have no more power over you.
As you come before Me and draw near to Me, I will
also draw near to you. I am truth and My truth will
begin to saturate your heart. I am life and I am
liberty, and as you begin to draw near to Me, My life
and My freedom and My joy will begin to flow through
you. I will remove from you those things that hold you
back. And in that place of intimacy, I will form you
into a vessel of honor and I will pour My glory and
My love into you.

And when I send you out to perform My will and to
accomplish My purposes, you will find that I am not
far from you. I will be very close to you for I will
go with you. And you will be able to perceive My
nearness and to hear My direction because of this
intimacy time that you have spent with Me.

So child, draw close to Me and allow Me to refresh
you and to re-form you. Allow Me to transform you
and to shine My light into your darkness, that I might
dispel the things that limit you and that hold you
back. Allow Me to saturate you in My love and allow
Me to reveal Myself to you more clearly.

Child, I am calling you closer. Respond to My call
and draw near to Me.





_Faith Dube_Mar 1, 2005

Sunday, March 06, 2005

~ I Give My Heart ~







My son, give me thine heart, and let
thine eyes observe my ways.


~ Prov.23:26 ~


The Lord says to every one of you,
"My son, give Me thine heart." He
sees your disorders. He knows that
your soul is diseased with sin, and
He desires to say to you, "Thy sins
are forgiven." The Great Physician
has a remedy for every ill. He
understands your case. Whatever may
have been your errors, He knows
how to deal with them. Will you
not trust yourself to Him?

The blessing of God will rest upon
every soul that makes a full
consecration to Him. When we seek
for God with all the heart, we shall
find Him. God is in earnest with us,
and He wants us to make thorough
work for eternity. He has poured
out all heaven in one gift, and there
is no reason why we should doubt His
love. Look to Calvary. . . .
God asks you to give Him your heart.
Your powers, your talents, your
affections, should all be surrendered
to Him, that He may work in you to
will and to do of His good pleasure,
and fit you for eternal life.
When Christ dwells in the heart,
the soul will be so filled with His
love, with the joy of communion with
Him, that it will cleave to Him;
and in the contemplation of Him, self
will be forgotten. Love to Christ
will be the spring of action. Those
who feel the constraining love of
God, do not ask how little may be
given to meet the requirements of God;
they do not ask for the lowest
standard, but aim at perfect conformity
to the will of their Redeemer. With
earnest desire they yield all, and
manifest an interest proportionate
to the value of the object which they
seek It is the submissive, teachable
spirit that God wants. That which gives
to prayer its excellence is the fact that
it is breathed from a loving,
obedient heart.




_ Ellen G. White Estate

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Asking God to Come into Our Lives!






Avoid using the words 'If only...' and 'I should
have...'. These can destroy
your peace of mind and even your health.
Lord, help me to stop punishing
myself for past mistakes and live
in the peace of the present.



S C R I P T U R E F O R T H E D A Y

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you;
search, and you will find; knock, and the door
will be opened for you. For everyone who
asks receives, and everyone who searches finds,
and for everyone whoknocks, the door
will be opened."

~ Luke 11:9-10 ~



M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y

"Behold, I shall stand at the door and knock.
If any person hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in and remain with that person
and that person with me." The knocking of
God's spirit, asking God to come into our lives,
is due to no merit of ours, though it is in
response to the longing of our hearts. We can
keep a listening ear, an ear bent to catch
the sound of the gentle knocking at the door of
our heart by the spirit of God. Then we can open
the door of our hearts and let God's spirit come in.



P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y

I pray that I may let God's spirit come into my heart.
I pray that it may fill me with an abiding peace.





~ Marilyn Christine ~

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Tasting the truth...

"For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth."
~2 Corinthians 13:8



Though rough and sharp

Though hard and cold

It warms the heart

Because it's bold

Though loved and loathed

Though sought and sold

It will last forever

And is better than gold!

Though God ordained

And prophets foretold

It is here forever

It's origins of old

The truth is firm

It you can not mold

Don't bet against it

You might as well fold!




When God paves the way

Listen to his voice

It's better to obey

He holds a better choice.

Selah!

Thursday, February 17, 2005







~**~ DIVINE PROTECTION ~**~



We have been given protection,
In all the storms this life may bring.
We have One who wraps his loving arms around us.
As He holds us close, our hearts can sing.

God does not isolate us from life's problems,
With it's many trials and storms.
He insulates us from the effects,
Which could cause us alarm.

We have a shelter in time of storm,
A refuge to which we can run.
We believe in the power of prayer;
In the name of Jesus, God's only begotten Son.

With Jesus as our Captain,
Our vessel will sail smooth.
The wind and waves obey His words.
God directs every move.

Divine protection is a promise,
When we abide in Him.
Jesus is our Savior and Lord.
He is our Dearest Friend,

No harm shall come nigh our dwelling.
No plague shall cause us fear.
There is One who knows and cares.
Jesus will always hold us near.




_ Jo Ann Kelly © 2005

Tuesday, February 08, 2005






~*~ YE MUST ~*~



A man lived a long, full life and was
on his deathbed. A group of people stood
at his bedside. He was asked the
question, "What really matters most in
life now that you are about to die?" The
man, who was very wealthy, successful,
respected and honest said in a whisper,
"Ye must." The people wondered what he
was trying to say. The man spoke
again, speaking a little
louder, "Ye must." The people were
still puzzled. Finally, in his last
breath, the man said, "Ye must". Then
he died.

An incredible silence fell over the
room. Nobody understood what the man
was trying to say. After a few
moments, a young orderly appeared at
the door. He asked if something was
wrong. Someone replied, "He just
died." Then a person in the room
cried out, "His last words were, You
must." Another person added, "Yes,
he kept saying, it sounded like, You
must." The man at the door smiled and
said, "I understand." The people in
the room quickly took note. One of
them asked, "What was he trying to say?"

The young orderly told them, "Last
night I shared the gospel of Jesus
Christ with this man. I told him the
whole Bible could be summed up in
one verse. It is John 3:7 and it
says, "Marvel not that I said
unto thee, ye must be born again'. And
last night that man believed by faith
sincerely in Jesus, confessed his
sin, and was truly born again". Then
a person in the room commented, "But
why are you smiling, this man just
died." The young orderly replied, "I
am smiling because the Lord is so
gracious. He gave this man one
blessed day...to share his faith."




~ by Dave Christiano ~

Friday, February 04, 2005

Tasting the LORD

"O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him."



"O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him."



"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]."


~Psalms 34:8-10



How true is this
That we often miss
Our chances to relate
With the God of fate
We seek our own ways
Gaining our own praise
But those things fade
And our souls downgrade
But if wee seek the source
There will be no remorse
For his spirit tastes good
As we always knew it would
So stop pretending your alone
Crying on the phone
Contact your Creator
Your Holy Father and Maker
And he will restore your spirit
Read his word--don't fear it!
For in God there is life
His spirit conquers strife
So go ahead, and pray
He is waiting for you today
He doesn't care what you have done
He just wants you to come to His Son.
Selah.

Friday, January 28, 2005

Morning Prayer







You are ushering in another day

Untouched and freshly new.

So here I come to ask You God

If You’ll renew me too?

Forgive the many errors

That I made yesterday

And let me try again dear God

To walk closer in thy Way

But Father, I am well aware

I can’t make it on my own.

So take my hand and hold it tight

For I can’t walk alone.


AMEN


Thursday, January 20, 2005







Often when Satan has failed of exciting
distrust, he succeeds in leading
us to presumption. If he can cause
us to place ourselves unnecessarily
in the way of temptation, he knows
that the victory is his. God will
preserve all who walk in the path of
obedience; but to depart from it is
to venture on Satan's ground. There
we are sure to fall.




~ Ellen G. White Estate ~

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Psalms 91:1

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalms 91:1

What a foolish thought
That I had found
To think I ought
To leave the holy ground

Away from my Maker
Into strange fields
From my Caretaker
And the power he wields

In the deserts I went
Away from the throne
Without his consent
I went on alone

But adversity came about
They confused my vision
Fillling me with doubt
And my mind with delusion

And when hope was gone
And I felt alone
God corrected my wrong
And brought me before his throne

Now my path is clear
I am living without regrets
I am living without fear
Because by his throne I now sit.
Selah.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Start Over!







When you've trusted Jesus and walked His way
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way,
Start Over!

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why,
Start Over!

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
And now you're all alone and it's up to you,
Start Over!

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong;
And now your grandchildren have come along,
Start Over!

When you've prayed to God so you'll know His will
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill,
Start Over!

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it,
Start Over!

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you're feeling blue
God Gives a January just for you,
Start Over!

Starting Over means "Victories Won"
Starting Over means "A Race well run"
Starting Over means "The Lord's Will Done:
Don't just sit there . . .
Start Over!




_ by Peslalz


Saturday, January 08, 2005





~*~ My Hand in God's Hand ~*~



Each morning when I wake, I say,
"I place my hand in God's today!"
I know He'll walk close by my side
my every wandering step to guide.

He leads me with the tenderest care
when paths are dark and I despair,
no need for me to understand
if I but hold fast to His Hand.



My hand in His! No surer way
to walk in safety through each day.
By His great bounty I am fed!
Warmed by His love, and comforted.

When at day's end I seek my rest
and realize how much I am blessed,
My thanks pour out to Him, and then
I place my hand in God's again.




~ by Florence Scripps Kellogg ~

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Just Love







Our new Saint Bernard puppy, Buddy just keeps
growing and growing. He is already nearing the
eighty pound mark and I know that he has another
hundred to go after that before he is full
grown. The biggest thing about him
though, seems to be his heart.

Although, he prefers the company of my wife
and daughter to anyone else he still seems
to have more than enough love to share with
the rest of us. Buddy doesn't hold his love
back for anyone be they man, woman, dog,
or cat. Buddy loves the whole world and he
seems to take his greatest joy in sharing
that love with everyone he meets.

I only wish that one day I will be able
to love as easily and freely as Buddy
does. I hope that one day my entire life
will be a gift of love: given freely and
with joy. I hope that one day my love
will be free of all judgement, all
fear, and all conditions. I hope that
one day my love will be as pure as
this puppy's love and as strong and
beautiful as the love God
gives me everyday.



Mother Teresa once said: "We have
been created to love and be loved."


God made us to love. When we refuse
to love we slowly kill the beautiful
soul within each of us. When we refuse
to love we exist without really living.
When we refuse to love we deny the true
purpose of our lives here on Earth and
waste the precious time that
we are given here.

Let us all follow the advice of a wise
dog I know and just love. Let us give
up our worries, struggles, and fears
and just love. Let us abandon our
prejudices, hatreds, and judgements
and just love. Let us live the way
that God meant for us to live
towards Him, ourselves, and our
neighbors and just love.

By just filling our hearts and
souls with love and sharing that
love with everyone everywhere we
can make our lives blessed and
make this world a better, more
beautiful, and more loving place.




~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~


Monday, January 03, 2005

Are you walking with HIM today?


Dear Daughter of God,

What is it you are searching for? Why are you changing yourself to get what you think you need? You are just perfect the way I made you...make no changes to get the attention of anyone...you have stolen My heart with your eyes..."You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart With one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace." - SofS 4:9 With Me by your side you are never alone. Seek me and I will guide you to "the one" who will love you here on earth.Wait for Me to guide you to "the one" who will be the spiritual leader in your family.


Ladies, Wait for the Lord to open that door. Trust me...we think sometimes that we have everything handled, but to be honest we have no idea truly what we need. The character, personality, and passion for the Lord we would truly need in our husband to be. I thought I knew what I wanted in a husband..and God has given me so much more. I couldn't have asked for better...The wait is worth every second...knowing God has placed this person into your life is amazing and most of all a God send...God walked him into my life and He can do the same for you. Just don't stop walking through life fearing that you will miss the chance of meeting that mystery guy...God will walk you onto that path at the time He feels you will handle it with maturity and wisdom...and the guy is waiting for you just the same...


One thing I would like to say...Don't lose focus on what the Lord has called you to do with your life...the guy will come at the right time...for your life and his life as well. also the Lord could be preparing him...you might be ready, but the guy may not be...pray for him...he might not even be saved yet...pray for his salvation...he might be falling back...pray for him the return to Christ...much pray is to go into this part of your life...


About 3 years ago I broke up with a guy I thought I would marry..boy was I blind to what the Lord was doing in the life of my love...He had just come to know Christ...A new believer...growing...I praise the Lord for opening his eyes...Pray for your future husband, Ladies! They need our prayers...they will be the spiritual leaders of this generation and they need to know we are behind them the whole way...even before we knew them...I have no doubt they would do the same for you as well...I know he did for me... 


A woman who walks with the Lord is what they are praying for...I long to be the daughter, sister, wife and mother God had created me to be...what about you? I am praying for you, ladies...Stand Strong!!

Friday, December 31, 2004

Welcome Back!







I knelt to pray but not for long
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.

All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do
That was my constant cry
No time to give to souls in need

But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down ...
But never found the time"