tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92549602024-03-12T19:39:14.785-07:00One Spirit"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." ~Ephesians 2:18Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1155834401622928312006-08-17T09:50:00.000-07:002006-08-17T10:06:41.636-07:00Dusting Those Cobwebs...Hey everyone,<br /><br />With Blogger <a href="http://buzz.blogger.com/2006/08/blogger-in-beta.html">getting even better</a> I have decided to make a few temporary changes on the site.<br /><br />The Beta test includes a ton of cool features, (making it much easier to blog) but unfortunately you must fall under <a href="http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=44404&query=beta&topic=&type=f">certain requirements</a> in order to participate.<br /><br />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 href="http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=42590&topic=8939">a Google account</a> in order to join).<br /><br />Thanks for contributing (and reading) and I look forward to the future changes. God bless!Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1155831723828229762006-08-17T09:12:00.000-07:002006-08-17T10:02:26.473-07:00<center><br /><img src="http://www.anichini.net/helpchildren/images/biafran-child.gif" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;">- </span>I</span>n a <span style="font-size:180%;">P</span>osition to <span style="font-size:180%;">S</span>ave a <span style="font-size:180%;">L</span>ife <span style="font-family:webdings;">-</span><br /></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Somehow the driver lost control on a </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">small </span></strong></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">California bridge. In an instant, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the car with a </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">family of </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">four in it catapulted through the railing </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">and </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">into the water. Immediately, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">that car began to </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">disappear beneath the water. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">In those next frantic </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">moments, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the two parents emerged </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">from </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the car, </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">swimming to the top. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Mom had actually been able </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">to </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">free one of her children and help her get out, as well. </span></strong></span></span></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">But their little boy was trapped in the car at the bottom. </span></strong></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Meanwhile, a few passersby had </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">gathered on the bridge </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">above. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">One man, hearing </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the mother's screams for help </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">for her son, dove from </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the bridge and into the water. </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A nurse was actually one </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">of </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">those who also happened to be </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">on </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the bridge that day. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Realizing </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">that the boy was going </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">to need immediate </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">CPR if he was </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">rescued, she shook off </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">her fear and she </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">also </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">plunged into </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the water. After a </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">short time, the man </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">surfaced - carrying that boy </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">with him. </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The nurse immediately </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">began working on him, right </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">there </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the water. His life </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">was saved by two people who </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">certainly </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">had </span></strong></span></span><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">not planned to rescue anyone that day.<br /><br />I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">today about "In a Position to Save a Life."<br /><br />It was very moving to see the mother of that rescued little<br />boy tearfully trying to put her gratitude into words. </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Someone had cared enough to take the risks to save a life </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">just because he happened to be in the right place at </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">the right time to </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">make the difference.<br /><br />If you belong to Jesus Christ, I hope you see yourself in </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">that picture. Like that man on the bridge, you're in a </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">position to do something about a person who's </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">dying - spiritually </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">dying, that is. The Bible describes </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">people </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">without Christ as "those being led away to death" </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">(Proverbs 24:11). And it adds a command, "Rescue those </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">who are being led away to death." </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Who should rescue </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">them? </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Whoever is in a position to reach </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">them. </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">The Bible uses another example to describe those we </span></strong></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">know </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">who don't know our Savior. It says they are "in </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the fire." </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">And, again, it gives a command. "Snatch others</span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">from </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the fire </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">and save them" (Jude 23). Don't just let them </span></strong></span></span></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">die without </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">a chance. Do something to rescue them.<br /><br />As you think about the people at work today, at school, in </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">your neighborhood, in your family or the place you shop or<br />recreate - among those people must be those who have </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">probably never been to the cross of Jesus to have their </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">sins forgiven. The only One who can forgive their sins is </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">the One who died to pay for them. And if they die with </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">their </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">sins unforgiven, they have no chance of getting </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">into </span></strong><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">God's heaven. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You know that. You know Christ. </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You </span></strong></span></span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">know them - which </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">means </span></strong></span></span><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">you're responsible.<br /><br />Living a Christ-honoring life before them is important, but </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">it's not enough. You have to tell them about Jesus' death </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">for </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">their sins. They won't guess that because you're a nice </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">person. The reason you haven't is probably your fear. </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Jesus said in Mark 10:45, our word for today from </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">the Word </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">of God, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">"Even the Son of Man did not come </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">to be served, but to </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">serve, and to give His life as a </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">ransom for many." </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Our fears are all about "me" - what </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">might happen to </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">me if I tell them about Jesus; how I might </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">mess it up. But </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Jesus abandoned Himself to save us. </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">Rescuers always do </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">that. </span></strong><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">They </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">have a greater fear than </span></strong></span></span></center><center><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">what </span></strong></span></span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">might happen </span></strong></span></span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">to them. </span></strong></span></span><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">It's what might happen to </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">the dying person </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">if they </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">don't try to rescue them.<br /><br />Years ago, God spoke to Moses about His enslaved people </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">and He said, "I have come down to rescue them ... I am </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">sending you" (Exodus 3:8, 10). He's saying the same </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">thing to you </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">about the lost people within your reach. It's no </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">accident you </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">are where you are, who you are, doing what </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">you do. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">God has </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">put you in a position to help save some </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">lives </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">and help some </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">people be in heaven with you. It's </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">the most </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">important thing </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">you have to do; the most </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">important </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">difference </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#c0c0c0;">you can </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">possibly make with </span></span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the rest </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">of your life.</span><br /></span></span><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#c0c0c0;"><em>_ By Ron Hutchcraft</em></span> </center><center><br /><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1152542183568835952006-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:002006-07-10T07:36:23.656-07:00Joy Of The JourneyYou travel the world<br />You choose a path<br />You make your goals<br />You do the math<br /><br />You stub your toe<br />On the bumpy road<br />The bag on your back<br />Is too heavy a load<br /><br />But if you choose<br />To travel alone<br />Discomfort you'll get<br />As you're worn to the bone<br /><br />So why not ask a friend<br />To travel along<br />To carry your luggage<br />And sing you a song<br /><br />The joy of the journey<br />Is sharing the trip<br />Whether your in a car<br />Or a horse buggy and whip<br /><br />Journey with a person<br />Or journey with a friend<br />You'll want someone who will<br />Be there in the end<br /><br />So why not share the joy<br />With your Almighty Creator<br />He'll be there in the end<br />And He's closer than a brother.Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1151330109741407712006-06-26T06:34:00.000-07:002006-06-26T06:55:09.820-07:00Patience With GodLife is full of problems<br />So you go to try to solve them<br /><br />But sometimes they're too large<br />For you to take charge<br /><br />So you delegate them to God<br />And hope He'll give you a nod<br /><br />And provide an instant solution<br />To end your unanswered question<br /><br />But when nothing appears<br />And you increase your fears<br /><br />Do not worry, do not fret<br />And last of all do not forget<br /><br />That your heavenly Father above<br />Is watching with eyes of love<br /><br />He will answer your prayer<br />With tenderness and care<br /><br />Do not get angry or discouraged<br />You need to show a little bit of courage<br /><br />Have patience with God your creator<br />And He will fulfill your request or favor<br /><br />After all, He shows patience towards you<br />Instead of splitting you in two<br /><br />With a lighting bolt, or something worse<br />Displaying His rage with a holy curse<br /><br />So wait for an answer, and soon you'll know<br />Whether He says "yes, not yet," or even "no."Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1147869994654176492006-05-17T05:24:00.000-07:002006-05-17T05:46:34.703-07:00Giving Your AllGive your all<br />That's what they say<br />But are they the ones<br />That have to pay?<br /><br />To sacrifice<br />Your last dollar<br />In that very moment<br />In that very hour<br /><br />Giving your all<br />Hurts future plans<br />Keeping it all<br />Is the way of Man<br /><br />To be very selfish<br />And to be greedy<br />Ignoring your friends<br />Ignoring the needy<br /><br />But alas, God demands<br />Mercy and compassion<br />And wants it demonstrated<br />With immediate action<br /><br />Leaving us bankrupt<br />Making the poor wealthy<br />Putting others ahead<br />Making sure their healthy<br /><br />So that means<br />I'm in last place<br />The last to be served<br />Out of the human race<br /><br />But perhaps being empty<br />Is spiritual perfection<br />In order that I might receive<br />A more glorious resurrection.Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1146490890859482672006-05-01T06:24:00.000-07:002006-05-01T06:41:30.886-07:00Eternal PathwaysOn this lonely earthly plane<br />Full of laughter, full of pain<br /><br />We must not falter or forget<br />Our future day of judgment<br /><br />For if our path simply consists<br />Of this life, full of hurt or bliss<br /><br />Then we are mortals wasting time<br />Living life without reason or rhyme<br /><br />With no law to guide earthly affairs<br />Except the law of "whenever I care."<br /><br />But if our pathways go well beyond<br />This mortal life that we are so fond<br /><br />Then our short lives we must give account<br />To the author of the sermon on the mount<br /><br />Who was, and is, and is to come<br />The Son of God, the Almighty One<br /><br />Whose path is eternal, who none can compare<br />No prophet, no teacher, no mortal anywhere<br /><br />So invest your life with careful consideration<br />As we have to give report to the Father of nations<br /><br />Who bought our souls for an expensive price<br />Our God, our Savior, Jesus ChristDarnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1144167375086646682006-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:002006-04-04T09:16:15.100-07:00Trusting In The AlmightyTo delight in God<br />Is to delight in life<br />He fixes our problems<br />He eases our strife<br /><br />Your heavenly Father<br />Waits for you to ask<br />So let go of your pride<br />And let Him finish the task<br /><br />Trusting in the Almighty<br />Means letting go of control<br />Letting him control your destiny<br />And your life's future goals<br /><br />The road may not be easy<br />The path may be very rough<br />But give the LORD your burdens<br />And let God carry <span style="font-style:italic;">your stuff</span>Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1139673951169784722006-02-11T08:05:00.000-08:002006-03-31T02:17:06.086-08:00Satan's Attacks<center><br /><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 234px" height="550" src="http://cc.joensuu.fi/seulaset/palviainen/sunset.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">If you're serving God, satan is going </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">to come against you. I often say you'll </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">never </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">run into someone if you're walking<br />in the same direction. </span></strong></center><center><br /><strong>Update:</strong> Corrected image. ;) ~Darnell </center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1136308262450287482006-01-03T08:55:00.000-08:002006-01-03T09:11:02.476-08:00The Value of a Soul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/questions/20.asp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/heaven.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />What is the value of a soul?<br />Can it be determined by gold?<br /><br />Can you weigh it in a scale?<br />Its value then revealed.<br /><br />Could you exchange it for power?<br />Trade it in this very hour.<br /><br />Could a Seer reveal its worth?<br />Or a mother at its birth?<br /><br />It is valued above the angels...<br />Even above many Cherubiums.<br /><br />For when God holds us in his palm,<br />He writes many books, he sings many psalms.<br /><br />For precious we are in his sight...<br />Us beings of flesh, with little might<br /><br />So cherish your brother, and sister as well,<br />Because us humans are only devalued in hell.Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1134186516156276752005-12-09T19:48:00.000-08:002005-12-09T19:48:36.166-08:00<BODY><A HREF='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4954/422/640/collage2.jpg'><IMG SRC='http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4954/422/320/collage2.jpg' border=0 alt='' style='cursor:hand'></A> <br /></BODY> <a href='http://picasa.google.com/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1134121460436851062005-12-09T01:33:00.000-08:002005-12-09T01:52:01.796-08:00<center><br /><img src="http://www.hellasmultimedia.com/webimages/christ-htm/images/misc/christmas-scene.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /></center><center><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffcc99;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">~<span style="font-family:georgia;">*</span>~</span><strong> <span style="font-family:georgia;">When The Power Of Darkness Rides Master </span></strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">~<span style="font-family:georgia;">*</span>~</span></strong> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></center><center><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#ffcc99;"><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"It is but an hour that is permitted for the triumph<br />of our adversary, a short time, a limited time. It<br />is their hour, which is appointed them, and in which<br />they are permitted to try their strength, that<br />omnipotence may be the more glorified in their<br />fall."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>~ Matthew Henry ~</em></span><br /><br /><br />In Psalm 13:2, David cried out to the Lord - "...how<br />long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"<br /><br />In other words, how long shall he triumph in my<br />distress, please himself with my grief, laugh at<br />my misery, or exult to see me bowed down with care?<br /><br />In Lamentations 1:5 & 9, the Prophet Jeremiah<br />described Judah's enemies as such - "Her adversaries<br />are the chief, her enemies prosper...for the enemy<br />hath magnified himself."<br /><br />He was describing a time when the adversary became<br />the head, had dominion, or gained the advantage.<br />Hence, they trampled upon, triumphed over, and<br />insulted the people of God.<br /><br />And finally, we read how the Lord Jesus Himself<br />depicted a time when the forces of evil were<br />allowed a temporary triumph in His case - "Then<br />Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains<br />of the temple, and the elders, which were come<br />to Him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with<br />swords and staves? When I was daily with you in<br />the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against<br />Me: but this is your hour, and the power of<br />darkness"<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>~ Luke 22:52-53 ~</em></span></strong><br /><br /><br /></span><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Satan, the powers of darkness, and the rulers of<br />darkness in this world were permitted to do their<br />worst - to unleash their malice against the Living<br />Son of God. But they could have never proceeded<br />even a hair's breadth without the permission of<br />the Heavenly Father Who controls all.<br /><br />Like your Master - the Lord Jesus - you may feel<br />as though the forces of evil have been loosed<br />against you or your family at this time. You may<br />have been crying out in your heart the very words<br />of David - "...how long shall mine enemy be exalted<br />over me?" In other words, when is my affliction<br />pain, suffering, distress, heartache, or trouble<br />going to come to an end? Why is everything going<br />wrong for me? Why can't I prosper or succeed like<br />other people? Why am I always under attack? Why am<br />I suffering so?<br /><br />It may be that you are experiencing their "hour<br />and the power of darkness" at this time. God has<br />allowed evil a certain rule over your life. Your<br />enemies may be "chief" - be prospering or magnifying<br />themselves against you - but not for long. Things<br />will not always be this way. It is only for a time<br />an hour."<br /><br />The Scriptures clearly depict inevitable conditions<br />to expect when the powers of darkness are at work. </span></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;"><br />They are as follows:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">1. Lips Will Speak Lies Against You<br /></span><br />Psalm 31:18 - "Let the lying lips be put to silence<br />which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously<br />against the righteous."<br /><br />This is a time when you are vexed by the bold, impudent<br />wicked, scornful, and malicious words spoken against you<br />in order to do you a great mischief.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">2. You Are Mocked For Your Faith In God When Answers Do<br />Not Come<br /></span><br />Psalm 42:10 - "As with a sword in my bones, mine<br />enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me </span></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Where is thy God?"<br /><br />All day long, the devil comes with his cruel mockeries<br />intended to discourage any hope in God that you might<br />have. His malicious taunts make you almost feel as<br />though you have been forsaken by the Lord Himself. His<br />words are so painful and cutting at times - they can<br />be likened to the breaking or crushing of your bones.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">3. You Are Treated By Others As a Miserable Fool<br /></span><br />Psalm 44:14 - "...a byword among the heathen..."<br />Psalm 123:3 - "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy<br />upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.<br />Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of<br />those that are at ease, and with the contempt of<br />the proud."<br /><br />You have sunk so low that no one wants to be around<br />you any more. You are considered as something low-down<br />or sorry. You are despised, disdained, and treated in<br />the most contemptuous manner - especially by those who<br />are carnal...sensual...lifted up in rank...proud...<br />affluent...fashionable...self-complacent...living in<br />self-indulgence, luxury, and easy circumstances...as<br />well as disregarding God's laws.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">4. You are Plunged Into Despair and Destitute Of<br />All Comfort<br /></span><br />Psalm 143:3-4 - "For the enemy hath persecuted my<br />soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground<br />he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that<br />have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit<br />overwhelmed within me; my heart within me<br />is desolate."<br /><br />Due to your various adverse circumstances, you<br />find yourself feeling crushed, beaten down, broken<br />into a thousand pieces, or trampled down into the<br />ground. You cannot find any comfort, cheerfulness<br />or hope for your distressed soul. You feel like<br />someone who has been buried alive. Any hope of<br />things ever being restored to a state or condition<br />of happiness, prosperity, life, and peace - as once<br />was - has simply vanished.<br /><br />If any or all of the above are true, then the powers<br />of darkness are having a "heyday" in your life at this<br />moment. Father God has allowed it for your good and<br />His glory. However, things will not always be as they<br />are. You will come out of this.<br /><br />- Take encouragement from God's Word for you today<br /><br />Job 20:5 says - " That the triumphing of the wicked<br />is short..."<br />Micah 7:8-9 says - "Rejoice not against me, O mine<br />enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in<br />darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me...He will<br />bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His<br />righteousness."<br />John 16:20 & 22 says - "Verily, verily, I say unto you<br />That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall<br />rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow<br />shall be turned into joy...And ye now therefore have<br />sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall<br />".rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you<br />Romans 8:31, 35, & 37 says - "What shall we then say to<br />these things? If God be for us, who can be against<br />us?...Who shall separate us from the love of<br />Christ?...Nay, in all these things we are more than<br />conquerors through Him that loved us."<br /><br />The day is coming when the power of darkness will<br />give way to the Light - none other than the Lord<br />Jesus Christ. After your warfare is accomplished<br />your triumph will come.<br /><br />In the meantime, "be strong in the grace that is<br />in Christ Jesus" and "endure hardness, as a good<br />soldier of Jesus Christ.'<br /><br />~ 2 Timothy 2:1 & 3 ~<br /><br /><br />And don't ever forget - it is but an "hour" that<br />the enemy has permission to attack. That is but<br />.a short time...a very limited time.<br /><br />It's almost over!<br /><br /><br />May God Bless His Word.<br /></span><br /></span></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">_ Connie</span></em> </center><center><br /></center><center></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1130096664986095032005-10-23T12:36:00.000-07:002005-10-23T13:07:44.876-07:00~* THE GIFT OF HANDS *~<center><br /><img src="http://www.kendraburton.com/kendra%20burton%20images/kendra%20burton%20art%20mypeace4x6-40.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat<br />feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">just sat with his head down staring at<br />his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat<br />I wondered if he was ok.<br /><br />Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting<br />to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was<br />ok. He raised his head and looked at<br />me and smiled.<br /><br />"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking", he said in a<br />clear strong voice.<br /><br />"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just<br />sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make<br />sure you were ok", I explained to him.<br /><br />"Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and then palms down. "No, I guess I had never </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">really </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">looked at my hands" I said, as I tried to figure out </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">the point he was making.<br /><br />Then he smiled and related this story:<br /><br />"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">how they have served you well throughout your years. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">weak have been </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">the tools I have used </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">all my life </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">to reach out and grab and embrace life."<br /><br />"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">I crashed upon the floor.They put food in my mouth </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">to fold </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">my boots. They dried the tears of my children and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">caressed </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">the love of my life. They held my rifle and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">wiped </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">my </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">tears when I </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">went off to war. </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">They </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">have been dirty, scraped and raw, </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">swollen and bent. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">to </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">band they showed the world that I was married and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">loved someone special. They wrote the letters home. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">They </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">trembled </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and shook when I buried my parents </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">spouse and </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">walked my daughter down the aisle."<br /><br />"Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">fists of anger when I didn't understand. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">They </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">have covered my face, combed my hair, and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">washed </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and cleansed the rest of my body. They </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">dried and raw."<br /><br />"And to this day when not much of anything else of me </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">the mark </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life."<br /><br />"But more importantly it will be these hands that God will<br />reach out and take when He leads me home. And He </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">won't </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">care about where these hands have been or </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">what they have done. </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">What He will care about </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">is to whom these hands belong and how </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">much </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">He loves these hands. And with these hands </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">He will lift me to His side and there I will use </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">these hands to touch the face of Christ."<br /><br />No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">I never saw the old man again after I left the park that </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">day </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">When my </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">of </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">my children </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">and wife I think of the man in the park. </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face </span></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">of </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">God and feel His hands upon my face.<br /><br />Thank you, Father God, for hands.</span><br /><br /></span><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:courier new;">_ Author Unknown </span></em> </center><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1129612046503586912005-10-17T21:46:00.000-07:002005-10-17T22:07:26.510-07:00At Heavens Gate<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/1600/KingJesus.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/KingJesus.jpg" border="0" /></a><br><br>At heavens gate</div><div align="center">I will await</div><div align="center">The future being so vast</div><div align="center">But not forgetting the past</div> <br><br> <div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For it was through trial</div><div align="center">And life that was vile</div><div align="center">That I saw victory</div><div align="center">Through God's mercy</div><div align="center"> </div><br><br><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For he enlightened my path</div><div align="center">Showed grace instead of wrath</div><div align="center">Guiding my youthful soul</div><div align="center">Keeping my spirit whole</div><div align="center"> </div><br><br><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And despite my mistakes</div><div align="center">The failures and bad breaks</div><div align="center">He kept encouraging me still</div><div align="center">To stay within his will</div><br><br><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I may not have much in heaven</div><div align="center">I may only inherit leaven</div><div align="center">But this I know at which I'll gasp</div><div align="center">I'll have my Jesus in my grasp.</div>Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1126931954349011592005-09-16T21:13:00.000-07:002005-09-16T21:43:47.696-07:00Your Treasure"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34<br /><br />Where is your treasure?<br />Does it lie in pleasure?<br />Is it wrapped around a car?<br />Is it near, or is it far?<br /><br />Perhaps it is gold<br />Silver or clay mold<br />But whatever it's value<br />Will it always be around you?<br /><br />Can you carry it through life?<br />Throughout the toils and strife<br />It's value, can you save?<br />Can it last past the grave?<br /><br />If not, then your heart will pursue<br />An item that has no value<br />Chasing something of waste<br />Not satisfying your spiritual taste<br /><br />Choose the eternal instead<br />The everlasting bread<br />That the Father above has given<br />To those who believe he is risen<br /><br />For the things of this world will pass<br />And all of the pleasures won't last<br />But in Christ all things stay new<br />But in Christ all things stay true<br /><br />Because eternity is his<br />And all who remember this<br />Will find their heart's desire<br />And there treasure forever acquireDarnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1125607618318401342005-09-01T13:36:00.000-07:002005-09-01T14:01:57.956-07:00Forgiveness<center><br /><img src="http://www.heartlight.org/graphics/special/forgiveness_birdfree.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"><strong>Forgive those who have hurt you. Not one person<br />reading this Devotional today, has not had someone<br />at some point in your life hurt you. Some of you<br />may have been physically or sexually abused as a<br />child by a mother, a father, a relative, or someone<br />your family knew.<br />Some of you may have had a wonderful childhood, but<br />in your young adult life been hurt by a boyfriend or<br />girlfriend. Some of you may have been the victim of<br />a horrible crime like robbery or rape.<br /><br /><br />Still others may have been deeply hurt by your husband<br />or wife that wanted a divorce. There are many of you<br />that have been hurt later in life by your children.<br />Lots of people reading this have been hurt by employers,<br />business associates, or close friends. Sadly, some of<br />you have even been hurt by a pastor or someone in your<br />church. The fact is, EVERYONE reading this today </strong></span></center><center><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"><strong>has been hurt at some point in your life.<br /><br /><br />As painful as the experience was that caused this hurt<br />in your life, so many people have compounded that pain<br />by letting bitterness, even hatred into their life<br />against the person or people who caused your pain.<br />Today, I am going to help set you free from this hurt<br />and pain you have experienced in your life.<br /><br /><br />In a prison, they have a central lock that can<br />automatically open all of the cell doors in a<br />given area. If you have ever been in prison or<br />watched a prison movie you know what I am talking<br />about. There is the loud buzz, followed by the<br />clanking sound of all of the cell doors automatically<br />opening. Today, many of you are in prison from<br />the hurts and pains in your life. Today, the<br />cell door is going to open and you are<br />going to be FREE!!!<br /><br /><br />The key to unlocking that door is FORGIVENESS.<br />As simple as this may seem, it can be one of<br />the most difficult things in this world to do.<br />Forgiving someone who has hurt us deeply is one<br />of the hardest things to do in life. It is not<br />something that we can even do in our own strength,<br />but must be done in the strength we get from the Lord.<br /><br /><br />I realize that many people right now are saying,<br />"NO WAY, not after what that person did to me."<br />As a Christian, it should be our goal to be like<br />our Lord every day. What were some of the last<br />words Christ spoke from the cross? What was his<br />last act before dying that horrific death? He<br />asked God to forgive those who had crucified Him!<br /><br /><br />When we sin, and we all sin every day, what do we<br />do? We go to God and ask Him to forgive us. We<br />do so with the full assurance that He will<br />forgive us because He has promised to in His<br />Word. In Colossians 3:13 the Bible tells us<br />to "<em>forgive as the Lord forgave you</em>."<br /><br /><br />God's Word is clear that just as Christ forgives<br />us when we sin against Him, we must forgive those<br />who sin against us! That is the key to unlocking<br />the prison door and being free once and for all<br />from the hurt and pain you have experienced in<br />your life. FORGIVE the person or people who have<br />hurt you in your life!<br /><br /><br />The other problem I deal with each day is people<br />not being able to forgive themselves. Listen,<br />the Bible tells us that we have "all come short<br />of the glory of God." We are all sinners. We<br />all make mistakes. When you go to God and confess<br />your sins, the Bible promises us that He not only<br />forgives us but cleanses us from all unrighteousness.<br />He not only has forgiven us, but He has<br />forgotten the transgression. God acts like it<br />never happened. The point I'm trying to make is<br />that if God has forgiven you, if God has wiped<br />the slate clean, if in God's mind the sin never<br />existed...then you need to forgive yourself.<br /><br /><br />I love you and care about you so much.<br />I realize that this is a difficult word<br />for many of you to hear today, but this<br />is going to literally change the lives of<br />those who will receive it...and do it! I<br />want you to take a moment right now, stop<br />what you are doing, and take out a piece of<br />paper and a pen. Literally write down<br />the name of the person or names of the people<br />in your life who have hurt you deeply Now,<br />pray this prayer,<br /><br />"Dear Father, I come to you today, thanking<br />you that you love me so much. I thank you<br />that you are not only a God of love, but a<br />God of forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving<br />me of my sins. Father, I come today and<br />pray that you will give me YOUR strength<br />to forgive those who have hurt me in my life.<br />Right now, this moment, I forgive (name/names).<br />I not only forgive them, but Father, I ask that<br />you bless them. They need you in their life<br />and I pray that they will come to have a<br />personal, intimate relationship with your<br />Son. Thank you for giving me the strength<br />to forgive and thank you for setting me free from<br />the pain in my life. In Jesus precious<br />name I pray, AMEN!"<br /><br /><br />I will be praying for each of you today<br />to pray this prayer. It is time to forgive<br />those who have hurt you, and it is time<br />to forgive yourself if need be. Put the hurt<br />and pain of your past behind you once and for<br />all and move forward with your life. God<br />still has much left for you to do and by forgiving<br />those who have hurt you, you are now free to do<br />all that He wants to do in and through your<br />life for His Kingdom!<br />In His love and service,<br /><br />Your friend and brother in Christ,<br /></span><br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">~ Bill Keller ~</span></em> </center><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1125415282364258622005-08-30T07:43:00.000-07:002005-08-30T08:22:46.273-07:00Everyday Choices<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/1600/hubbless.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/hubbless.jpg" border="0" title="Photo from Biosbcc.net" /></a><br /><center>The choices we make<br />The options we take<br />Define our life<br />For good or strife<br /><br />The paths we choose<br />The friends we loose<br />Reflect the heart<br />Our thoughts from start<br /><br />Our everyday choices<br />Are nothing but voices<br />An inner confession<br />Reflecting our obsessions<br /><br />But can one choose with confidence<br />In the absence of Providence?<br />Relying simply on human logic<br />Or lucky cultish magic?<br /><br />Our everyday choices<br />Are nothing but voices<br />A path of trial and error<br />Not evident of the future terror<br /><br />For this road that we travel<br />Filled with doubts and gravel<br />Will one day come to an end<br />And where will that leave you my friend?<br /><br />If you are too busy to discover<br />Your origins beyond your mother<br />Then the future is a fearful sight<br />Illuminated by fires from twilight<br /><br />For we are nothing but decisions<br />Filled with simple dreams and visions<br />But unless these reflect destiny<br />There is no hope for the rest of thee<br /><br />For where the past and present meet<br />Eternity will be their to greet<br />And expose us for who we are<br />Everyday choices orbiting a star</center>Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1123012749898976712005-08-02T12:35:00.000-07:002005-08-02T13:05:27.683-07:00You Must Have Faith!<center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/1600/GodonThrone.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/GodonThrone.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A million miles in outer space<br />His eyes softly glance upon that place<br /><br />Despite the chaos from his view<br />He gazes his eyes intensely on you<br /><br />He fought the devils from hell's pit<br />He will fight any counterfeit<br /><br />That steals his love from your heart<br />In order to keep you set apart<br /><br />He does this daily without thanks<br />Bestowing blessings from his own bank<br /><br />In order to see your life succeed<br />Keeping you in check from the pride and greed<br /><br />The only requirement he asks of you<br />Is to keep the faith and simply remain true<br /><br />Your God is a warrior, defending the helpless<br />But he can't help you if you choose to remain hopeless<br /><br />You must have faith in God's ability<br />To pull you through in all probability<br /><br />He will not allow his saints to despair<br />But you must have faith that He'll bring you there<br /><br />To a land of promise, without worry or fear<br />And best of all He will be there!<br /><br />So maintain courage, forever and an eighth<br />Victory is near, but you must have faith!</center>Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1122642890297350062005-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:002005-09-01T14:27:51.046-07:00Seeking The Things of God<center><br /><img src="http://www.designsensenyc.net/Grace%20in%20stairway%20w%20candle.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#330000;"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc00;">If ye then be risen with Christ,<br />seek those things which are above,<br />where Christ sitteth on the right<br />hand of God.</span><br /></strong></span><br /></em><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>~ Colossians 3:1 ~<br /></em></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Set your affections on things above,<br />not on things on the earth.<br /><br />After listening to a wonderful message<br />on this subject this morning, the Lord<br />laid this on my heart.<br />Too many today are seeking to exalt<br />themselves and please men rather than<br />to exalt God. His Word tells us specifically<br />that we are to seek those things which are<br />pleasing to Him and which glorify His name.<br /><br />Our God has given to us, His chosen ones gifts<br />which we are to use to proclaim Him and His<br />Word to the lost.We need to be certain that<br />we use these gifts for His purpose and<br />righteousness. We must rid ourselves of any<br />thoughts of selfish gain and self pride.<br />They are given to us to glorify Him, not self.<br />Should we use them for any other purpose,<br />they will be taken from us. God will not<br />tolerate the sin of selfrighteousness and<br />self pride. Amen?.....</span><br /></span><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><em>Self Righteousness</em><br /></span><br />Do you sometimes wear your<br />feelings stuck out on your<br />sleeve,<br />When others fail to bring to you<br />the applaud you think you should<br />receive?<br /><br />Do you give to God the glory that<br />He's entitled to;<br />Or do you take the credit for the<br />gifts He has given you?<br /><br />My friend if that's the case,<br />you'd best be careful what you<br />do;<br />For if it's self desire you seek<br />it may come back and destroy<br />you!<br /><br />When a person seeks self glory<br />and let's self pride have it's way;<br />He is headed for disaster which<br />will surely come to him one day.<br /><br />God has a purpose and a plan<br />which all comes down to this;<br />If you're serving self instead<br />of Him, His blessings you will<br />miss.<br /><br />When we give God the Glory<br />for the gifts He gives to us;<br />His blessings will be had by<br />those who serve in truth and<br />humblness.<br /><br />His purpose for us while here<br />upon this earth,<br />Is to glorify Him and His name<br />and not concern ourselves<br />with our own self worth! </span></strong></center><center><strong><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">In Christ's Love<br /></span><br /></span></center></strong><center><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">_ Helen Johnson</span></em> </center><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1122529278444457592005-07-27T22:21:00.000-07:002005-07-27T22:42:39.930-07:00Refiner's Fire<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/1600/goldrefine.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/goldrefine.jpg" border="0" title="Photo from keison.co.uk" /></a><br />The refining process<br />Defies common sense<br />It makes one very tense<br />And holds the mind in suspense<br />To go through resistance<br />At God's own insistence<br />Against our own persistence<br />It challenges our existence<br />To have one's soul refined<br />Pulled apart then combined<br />Without reason or rhyme<br />Despite our screams and whines<br />But little do we know<br />That this phase helps us grow<br />So that God can bestow<br />His glory in us so<br />That he can shine through<br />Revealing what is true<br />And heal the world too<br />Refining our hearts anew.Darnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1120012371342382052005-06-28T19:17:00.000-07:002005-06-28T19:41:28.976-07:00Destiny<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/1600/salvador_jesuscross.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/868/449/320/salvador_jesuscross.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> A cosmic mystery<br />Was it history?<br />That called for misery<br />An act of insanity<br />To cure the vanity<br />Of all of humanity<br />What a tragedy!<br />Unspeakable savagery<br />Upon Divinity<br />Despite His humility<br />His miraculously ability<br />He was rejected entirely<br />And killed unmercifully<br />But He rose victoriously<br />Despite the futility<br />He redeemed man completely<br />Recreating them spiritually<br />Rebuilding him mentally<br />Fulfilling His destiny<br />Restoring the best of meDarnell Claytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10892014932718500845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1117214497398456602005-05-27T10:11:00.000-07:002005-05-27T10:28:18.130-07:00The Resume of Jesus Christ<center><br /><img src="http://www.deeptruths.com/images/Jesus2.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">Address: Ephesians 1:20<br />Phone: Romans 10:13<br />Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord,<br />Savior and Jesus</span><br /></span><br /></strong><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>Hello. My name is Jesus-The Christ. Many call<br />me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm<br />seeking the top management position in your heart.<br />Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in<br />my resume.<br /><br /></strong><strong><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Qualifications</span><br /></span>I founded the earth and established the heavens,<br />(See Proverbs 3:19)<br />I formed man from the dust of the ground,<br />(See Genesis 2:7)<br />I breathed into man the breath of life,<br />(See Genesis 2:7)<br />I redeemed man from the curse of the law,<br />(See Galatians 3:13)<br />The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes<br />upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">Occupational Background</span><br />I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).<br />I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or<br />disrespectful. My employer has nothing but rave<br />reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)<br /><br /></strong></span><span style="color:#663333;"><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">Skills Work Experiences</span><br /></span>Some of my skills and work experiences include:<br />empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing<br />the brokenhearted, setting the captives free,<br />healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and<br />setting at liberty them that are bruised,<br />(See Luke 4:18).<br />I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6).<br />People who listen to me shall dwell safely and<br />shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).<br />Most importantly, I have the authority, ability<br />and power to cleanse you of your sins,<br />(See I John 1:7-9)<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">Educational Background</span><br />I encompass the entire breadth and length<br />of knowledge, wisdom and understanding,<br />(See Proverbs 2:6).<br />In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom<br />and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).<br />My Word is so powerful; it has been described<br />as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto<br />your path, (See Psalms 119:105). I can even tell<br />you all of the secrets of your heart,<br />(See Psalms 44:21).<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">Major Accomplishments</span><br />I was an active participant in the greatest<br />Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).<br />I laid down my life so that you may live,<br />(See II Corinthians 5:15).<br />I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind<br />and made a show of them openly,<br />(See Colossians 2:15).<br />I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick<br />and raised the dead! There are many more major<br />accomplishments, too many to mention here. You<br />can read them on my website, which is<br />located at: www dot -- the BIBLE. You don't<br />need an Internet connection or computer<br />to access my website.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">References</span> </span><br />Believers and followers worldwide will<br />testify to my divine healings,<br />salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration<br />and supernatural guidance<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#996633;">In Summation</span><br />Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident<br />that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified<br />to fill this vital position in your heart.<br />In summation, I will properly direct your paths,<br />(See Proverbs 3:5-6),<br />and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47).<br />When can I start?<br />Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).<br /><br />Send this resume to everyone you know, you never<br />know who may have an opening! Thanks for your help<br />and may God bless you!</strong></span></span></span><span style="color:#663333;"><br /></span><br /><br /><center></center></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1113310493440977252005-04-12T05:44:00.000-07:002005-04-12T06:00:20.726-07:00* Seeing Eyes *<center><br /><img src="http://p.webshots.com/ProThumbs/31/51031_wallpaper280.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong>Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want<br />me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered,<br />"we want our sight."</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>-Matthew 20:32-33 (NIV)</em><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br />FOR many months, because of my limited mobility,<br />my only outings have been slow, 10-minute walks<br />to the shops. My resentment at being restricted<br />was spoiling these short trips, until God spoke<br />to my heart and gave me an idea.<br /><br /><br /><br />Each time I went out, I tried to notice three<br />things I hadn't seen before and to record them<br />in a notebook when I returned. Now on quiet,<br />lonely evenings, I get out my notebook and<br />browse through my writing: "Saw my first<br />spring flowers," "Noticed the beautiful pattern<br />white clouds made in the blue sky," "Admired Mrs.<br />W's new baby," "Walked through autumn leaves," "Saw a<br />rainbow." What a delight the reading makes!<br /><br /><br /><br />When I count the blessings God has given me, they<br />seem to multiply. I have learned to "see," and I<br />often record more than three things that have<br />caught my attention. Now I look forward to my<br />visits to the shops. A smile of contentment<br />has replaced my scowl, and people are more<br />willing to speak to me. God's blessings<br />have multiplied.</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">~ Carol Purves (Essex, England) ~</span></em><br /></center><center><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#003300;">Thank you, God, for eyes to see, and<br />for minds and hearts to appreciate<br />all your gifts.<br />Amen.<br /></center></span><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1111676403600652622005-03-24T06:55:00.000-08:002005-03-24T07:00:03.606-08:00To Walk In His Way<center><br /><img src="http://www.ecards4u.com/images/greetings/religious/big/friday3.gif" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#00cccc;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="color:#66cccc;">The way of the Lord is strength to the<br />upright: but destruction shall be<br />to the workers of iniquity.<br /><br />Prov. 10:29.</span><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br />If from the beginning we had walked<br />in the counsel of God, thousands<br />more would have been converted to<br />the present truth. But many have<br />made crooked paths for their feet.<br />My brethren, make straight paths,<br />lest the lame be turned out of<br />the way. Let no one follow a<br />crooked path that some one else<br />has made, for thus you would not<br />only go astray yourself, but would<br />make this crooked path plainer for<br />some one else to follow.<br /><br />Determine that as for yourself, you<br />will walk in the path of obedience.<br />Know for a certainty that you are<br />standing under the broad shield of<br />Omnipotence. Realize that<br />the characteristics of Jehovah must<br />be revealed in your life, and that<br />in you a work must be accomplished<br />that will mold your character after<br />the divine similitude. Yield yourself<br />to the guidance of Him who is<br />the Head over all.<br /><br />We are doing our work for<br />the judgment. Let us be learners<br />of Jesus. We need His guidance<br />every moment. At every step we<br />should inquire, "Is this the way<br />of the Lord?" not, "Is this the way<br />of the man who is over me?" We are<br />to be concerned only as to whether<br />we are walking in the way<br />of the Lord.<br /><br />God will honor and uphold every<br />true-hearted, earnest soul who is<br />seeking to walk before Him in<br />the perfection of Christ's grace. He<br />will never leave nor forsake one<br />humble, trembling soul. Shall we<br />believe that He will work in our<br />hearts? that if we allow Him to do<br />so, He will make us pure and holy, by<br />His rich grace qualifying us to be<br />laborers together with Him? Can we<br />with keen, sanctified perception<br />appreciate the strength of His<br />promises, and appropriate them, not<br />because we are worthy, but because<br />by living faith we claim<br />the righteousness of Christ?<br /><br />There is nothing so great and powerful<br />as God's love for those who are<br />His children.</span><br /><br /><br /></span></strong></center><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></p><center> </center><center> </center><center><br /></span></strong><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">~ Ellen G. White Estate ~ </span></em></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1111397909541386622005-03-21T01:34:00.000-08:002005-03-21T01:41:44.570-08:00~~~ A Heart for God ~~~<center><br /><img src="https://www.sharemation.com/unknown76/lord1.jpg?uniq=-crduxc" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663300;">He Gave His All<br />He is so marvelous, He is<br />so glorious,<br />Oh how I love to praise<br />His precious name;<br />The lamb of God, the only<br />son of God,<br />and for us this lamb was<br />slain!<br /><br />He gave His life, shed His<br />precious blood,<br />took our place at calvary;<br />He hung on that cross,<br />and for us paid the cost<br />Through His great love,<br />from sin we can be free!<br /><br />When we repent of our sin,<br />and let Him dwell within,<br />He'll pardon all our of sins<br />and iniquities;<br />He will live in our heart<br />and from us never part,<br />All our fears and doubts,<br />He will release!<br /><br />I'm so thankful He came,<br />praise His Holy name<br />Now Jesus is life and breath<br />to me;<br />Every breath that I take is<br />for His precious sake,<br />and I'll serve Him throughout<br />eternity!<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"><span style="color:#990000;">"He died that I might live"</span><br /></span></span><br /><br /></strong><br /></center><center><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:+0;">~ Helen Johnson ~</span></em> </center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9254960.post-1111063635772009342005-03-17T04:41:00.000-08:002005-03-17T04:47:15.776-08:00I AM CALLING YOU<center><br /><img src="https://www.sharemation.com/unknown76/je01.JPG?uniq=tyoduv" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666600;">* I Am Calling You Closer *<br /><br /><br /><br />Child, I am calling you close to Myself.<br />This is a time and a season where I am<br />equipping you for that I have called you<br />to do. I have much for you to do, but I<br />will not send you out unprepared. I prepare<br />you and when I send you, I will go with you.<br />And My Spirit dwells within you; He is more<br />than adequate to handle anything that will<br />come your way. And the closer you draw to<br />Me, the better I am able to prepare and equip you.<br /><br /><br />One of the things I want to do is to teach you<br />how to recognize and respond to My Spirit's<br />leading. He will give you wisdom and He will<br />show you what to do in all situations. And He<br />will supply supernatural empowerment and anointing<br />when they are needed. But child, you have to<br />respond to Him. You have to yield to Him and to<br />do whatever He directs you to do. My power and My<br />anointing are only available to those who are<br />submitted to My will and who are doing My kingdom<br />purposes with Me. If you want to move with Me in My<br />power and purposes and see My glory, then you must<br />yield fully to My Spirit as He leads and directs<br />you. That means you must know how to recognize My<br />Spirit's leading and direction.<br /><br /><br />Child, you learn to recognize My Spirit and hear<br />His direction as you draw closer to Me. For it is<br />in that place of intimacy that you come to truly<br />know Me and you learn to recognize My voice. It is<br />in that place of intimacy that I transform your<br />thoughts and desires to better synchronize with<br />My own. It is in that place of intimacy that I<br />am able to make you secure in My love for you, and<br />it is in that place of intimacy that I am able to<br />reveal Myself to you.<br /><br /><br />Child, do not be afraid to draw close to Me. Yes,<br />I know that at times it can seem frightening, for<br />I will reveal the hidden secrets of your heart as I<br />shine My light into your darkness. But I do not do<br />this to condemn you -- rather I do it to dispel<br />that darkness that it have no more power over you.<br />As you come before Me and draw near to Me, I will<br />also draw near to you. I am truth and My truth will<br />begin to saturate your heart. I am life and I am<br />liberty, and as you begin to draw near to Me, My life<br />and My freedom and My joy will begin to flow through<br />you. I will remove from you those things that hold you<br />back. And in that place of intimacy, I will form you<br />into a vessel of honor and I will pour My glory and<br />My love into you.<br /><br />And when I send you out to perform My will and to<br />accomplish My purposes, you will find that I am not<br />far from you. I will be very close to you for I will<br />go with you. And you will be able to perceive My<br />nearness and to hear My direction because of this<br />intimacy time that you have spent with Me.<br /><br />So child, draw close to Me and allow Me to refresh<br />you and to re-form you. Allow Me to transform you<br />and to shine My light into your darkness, that I might<br />dispel the things that limit you and that hold you<br />back. Allow Me to saturate you in My love and allow<br />Me to reveal Myself to you more clearly.<br /><br />Child, I am calling you closer. Respond to My call<br />and draw near to Me.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">_Faith Dube_Mar 1, 2005</span></em> <center><br /> </center></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1