"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13
STAND then in His great might,
With all His strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God.
Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace,
And fortify the whole.
- CHARLES WESLEY
LET every one consider what his weak point is; in that is his trial. His trial is not in those things which are easy to him, but in that one thing, in those several things, whatever they are, in which to do his duty is against his nature. Never think yourself safe because you do your duty in ninety-nine points; it is the hundredth which is to be the ground of your self-denial. It is with reference to this you must watch and pray; pray continually for God's grace to help you, and watch with fear and trembling lest you fall. Oh that you may (as it were) sweep the house diligently to discover what you lack of the full measure of obedience! for, be quite sure, that this apparently small defect will influence your whole spirit and judgment in all things. - JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
By Mary Wilder Tileston taken from "Joy and Strength"
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Resting
"Come apart with me, and rest awhile." Mark 6:31
There is one pause in music of which the untrained singer does not know the value - the pause: it is not the cessation of the music; it is a part of it.
Before the tide ebbs or flows there is always a time of poise when it is neither ebbing nor flowing.
In a Christian life that is to be effective, there will always be the pause and the poise.
The desert has been God's training-school for many of His prophets - Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul. But not all who come from Arabia are prophets; and God has other schools. Before the years of witness, there were the years of stillness. Every witness with a great message has these years. Let not the saints shrink from the discipline and training! The sightless days will mean a grander vision; the silent years, the sweeter song. If the Lord puts you in the dark, it is but to strengthen your eyes to bear the glory that He is preparing for you; if he bids you be silent, it is but to turn your tongue to His praise. Remember that the pause is part of the music.
The great Composer writes the thee
And gives us each a part to play;
To some a sweet and flowing air,
Smooth and unbroken all the way;
They pour their full heart's gladness out
in notes of joy and service blent;
But some He gives long bares of "rests."
With idle voice and instrument.
He who directs the singing spheres,
The music of the morning stars,
Needs, for His full creation's hymn,
The quiet of the soundless bars.
Be silent unto God, my soul,
If this the score He writes for thee,
And "hold the rest," play no false note
To mar His perfect harmony.
Yet be thou watchful for thy turn,
Strike on the instant, true and clear,
Lest from the grand, melodious whole
Thy note be missing to His ear.
Annie Johnson Flint
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
There is one pause in music of which the untrained singer does not know the value - the pause: it is not the cessation of the music; it is a part of it.
Before the tide ebbs or flows there is always a time of poise when it is neither ebbing nor flowing.
In a Christian life that is to be effective, there will always be the pause and the poise.
The desert has been God's training-school for many of His prophets - Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul. But not all who come from Arabia are prophets; and God has other schools. Before the years of witness, there were the years of stillness. Every witness with a great message has these years. Let not the saints shrink from the discipline and training! The sightless days will mean a grander vision; the silent years, the sweeter song. If the Lord puts you in the dark, it is but to strengthen your eyes to bear the glory that He is preparing for you; if he bids you be silent, it is but to turn your tongue to His praise. Remember that the pause is part of the music.
The great Composer writes the thee
And gives us each a part to play;
To some a sweet and flowing air,
Smooth and unbroken all the way;
They pour their full heart's gladness out
in notes of joy and service blent;
But some He gives long bares of "rests."
With idle voice and instrument.
He who directs the singing spheres,
The music of the morning stars,
Needs, for His full creation's hymn,
The quiet of the soundless bars.
Be silent unto God, my soul,
If this the score He writes for thee,
And "hold the rest," play no false note
To mar His perfect harmony.
Yet be thou watchful for thy turn,
Strike on the instant, true and clear,
Lest from the grand, melodious whole
Thy note be missing to His ear.
Annie Johnson Flint
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
A Hope and A Future
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
The love of God a perfect plan
Is planning now for thee,
It holds "a future and a hope,"
Which yet thou canst not see.
Though for a season, in the dark,
He asks thy perfect trust,k
E'en that thou in surrender "lay
Thy treasure in the dust."
Yet He is planning all the while,
Unerringly He guides
The life of him, who holds His will
More dear than all besides.
Trust were not trust if thou couldest see
The ending of the way,
nor couldst thou learn His songs by night,
Were life one radiant day.
Amid the shadows here He works
The plan designed above,
"A future and a hope" for thee
In His exceeding love.
"A future" - of abiding fruit,
With loving kindness crowned;
"A hope" - which shall thine own transcend,
A Heaven the earth around.
Though veiled as yet, one day thine eyes
Shall see His plan unfold,
And clouds that darkened once the path
Shall shine with Heaven's gold.
Enriched to all eternity
The steadfast should shall stand,
That "unoffended," trusted Him
Who all life's pathway planned.
Freda Hambury Allen
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
The love of God a perfect plan
Is planning now for thee,
It holds "a future and a hope,"
Which yet thou canst not see.
Though for a season, in the dark,
He asks thy perfect trust,k
E'en that thou in surrender "lay
Thy treasure in the dust."
Yet He is planning all the while,
Unerringly He guides
The life of him, who holds His will
More dear than all besides.
Trust were not trust if thou couldest see
The ending of the way,
nor couldst thou learn His songs by night,
Were life one radiant day.
Amid the shadows here He works
The plan designed above,
"A future and a hope" for thee
In His exceeding love.
"A future" - of abiding fruit,
With loving kindness crowned;
"A hope" - which shall thine own transcend,
A Heaven the earth around.
Though veiled as yet, one day thine eyes
Shall see His plan unfold,
And clouds that darkened once the path
Shall shine with Heaven's gold.
Enriched to all eternity
The steadfast should shall stand,
That "unoffended," trusted Him
Who all life's pathway planned.
Freda Hambury Allen
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Rope
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man . . . to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23
We were at the foot of Mount Blanc in the village of Chamouni. A sad thing had happened the day before. A young physician had determined to reach the heights of Mt. Blanc. He accomplished the feat and the little village was illuminated in his honor; on the mountain-side a flag was floating that told of his victory.
After he had ascended, and descended as far as the hut, he wanted to be released form his guide; he wanted to be free form the rope, and insisted on going on alone.
The guide remonstrated with him, telling him it was not safe; but he was tired of the rope, and declared that he would be free. The guide was compelled to yield. The young man had gone only a short distance when his foot slipped on the ice and he could not stop himself from sliding down the icy steeps. The rope was gone, so the guide could not hold him nor pull him back. Out on the shelving ice lay the body of the young physician.
The bells had been run, the village had been illuminated in honor of his success; but alas, in a fatal moment he refused to be guided; he was tired of the rope.
Do you get tired of the rope? God's providences hold us, restrain us, and we get tired sometimes. We need a guide, and shall until the dangerous paths are over. Never get disengaged from your Guide. Let your prayer be, "Lead Thou me on," and sometime the bells of heaven will ring that you are safe at home! - C. H. Spurgeon
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
We were at the foot of Mount Blanc in the village of Chamouni. A sad thing had happened the day before. A young physician had determined to reach the heights of Mt. Blanc. He accomplished the feat and the little village was illuminated in his honor; on the mountain-side a flag was floating that told of his victory.
After he had ascended, and descended as far as the hut, he wanted to be released form his guide; he wanted to be free form the rope, and insisted on going on alone.
The guide remonstrated with him, telling him it was not safe; but he was tired of the rope, and declared that he would be free. The guide was compelled to yield. The young man had gone only a short distance when his foot slipped on the ice and he could not stop himself from sliding down the icy steeps. The rope was gone, so the guide could not hold him nor pull him back. Out on the shelving ice lay the body of the young physician.
The bells had been run, the village had been illuminated in honor of his success; but alas, in a fatal moment he refused to be guided; he was tired of the rope.
Do you get tired of the rope? God's providences hold us, restrain us, and we get tired sometimes. We need a guide, and shall until the dangerous paths are over. Never get disengaged from your Guide. Let your prayer be, "Lead Thou me on," and sometime the bells of heaven will ring that you are safe at home! - C. H. Spurgeon
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Friday, November 24, 2006
Surrender
I'm giving you my heart, and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life
And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you
I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain
Surrender - Words and Music by Marc James
This song was sung during our worship service on Sunday. It's a great song and one I get lost in. Yet, when I step out of the emotions it brings forth and read the words I find that I'm ashamed of myself. I'm ashamed because I've often failed to surrender all to the Lord. Do you find yourself singing these words yet start out Monday morning not thinking twice about them? Do you give your all to the Lord or just when it suites your needs and purpose? Is He your last resort when all around you is falling apart? I ask these questions because they're questions I ask myself. I've been pondering what it means to surrender.
How do we surrender to God? I would think you would do this by getting to know Him. Know that He loves you and you are safe with Him. That way you can feel like you can surrender all to Him. The key is KNOWING Him. Part of surrendering your all to God is taking the time to be with Him in His word (the Bible) and in prayer. To fellowship with a body of Believers. To be involved in some type of study with someone else or a group. I agree that it's time consuming and we live in a society that doesn't allow us to slow down. But we have to slow down and go against the flow in order to know God. If we don't we completely miss the whole purpose for what life is all about.
What is your life about? Why are you here? Do you just go through the motions of living but wonder what's the point? Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. If you don’t know Jesus pick up a Bible and read the book of John. Find someone who knows Him and ask questions. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you, to save you and give you eternal life. If you are a Believer your roll in life is to reach out to those who don’t know Him. To share the joy and peace you have because He is in your life. Are you ready to surrender to Him?
Krista Jones
11.21.06
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life
And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you
I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain
Surrender - Words and Music by Marc James
This song was sung during our worship service on Sunday. It's a great song and one I get lost in. Yet, when I step out of the emotions it brings forth and read the words I find that I'm ashamed of myself. I'm ashamed because I've often failed to surrender all to the Lord. Do you find yourself singing these words yet start out Monday morning not thinking twice about them? Do you give your all to the Lord or just when it suites your needs and purpose? Is He your last resort when all around you is falling apart? I ask these questions because they're questions I ask myself. I've been pondering what it means to surrender.
How do we surrender to God? I would think you would do this by getting to know Him. Know that He loves you and you are safe with Him. That way you can feel like you can surrender all to Him. The key is KNOWING Him. Part of surrendering your all to God is taking the time to be with Him in His word (the Bible) and in prayer. To fellowship with a body of Believers. To be involved in some type of study with someone else or a group. I agree that it's time consuming and we live in a society that doesn't allow us to slow down. But we have to slow down and go against the flow in order to know God. If we don't we completely miss the whole purpose for what life is all about.
What is your life about? Why are you here? Do you just go through the motions of living but wonder what's the point? Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. If you don’t know Jesus pick up a Bible and read the book of John. Find someone who knows Him and ask questions. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you, to save you and give you eternal life. If you are a Believer your roll in life is to reach out to those who don’t know Him. To share the joy and peace you have because He is in your life. Are you ready to surrender to Him?
Krista Jones
11.21.06
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Giving Thanks
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalm 100
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Our Leaders
"All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth." Psalm 138:4
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the leaders on earth suddenly found their hearts filled with love, and compassion, and justice? What would happen if they all decided that top priority would be to take care of others first? Perhaps then we would have a taste of what God originally intended. We want to believe that our leaders are listening for the voice of God as they make their difficult decisions, but often we can only wonder. Perhaps one day all the kings of earth will stop their quarreling long enough to hear the gentle urgings of God. Until then, it is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for the leaders and ask God that He might work for good in spite of them, when it is impossible to work with or through them.
Prayer: Amidst the chaos of our world, Lord, You are the center of sanity and reason. Inspire our leaders to work together for the greatest good . Help them to do what is pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
Wisdom from the Psalms
www.crosswalk.com
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the leaders on earth suddenly found their hearts filled with love, and compassion, and justice? What would happen if they all decided that top priority would be to take care of others first? Perhaps then we would have a taste of what God originally intended. We want to believe that our leaders are listening for the voice of God as they make their difficult decisions, but often we can only wonder. Perhaps one day all the kings of earth will stop their quarreling long enough to hear the gentle urgings of God. Until then, it is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for the leaders and ask God that He might work for good in spite of them, when it is impossible to work with or through them.
Prayer: Amidst the chaos of our world, Lord, You are the center of sanity and reason. Inspire our leaders to work together for the greatest good . Help them to do what is pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
Wisdom from the Psalms
www.crosswalk.com
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Unanswered?
"Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily" (Luke 18:6, 7).
God's seasons are not at your beck. If the first stroke of the flint doth not bring forth the fire, you must strike again. God will hear prayer, but He may not answer it at the time which we in our minds have appointed; He will reveal Himself to our seeking hearts, but not just when and where we have settled in our own expectations. Hence the need of perseverance and importunity in supplication.
In the days of flint and steel and brimstone matches we had to strike and strike again, dozens of times, before we could get a spark to live in the tinder; and we were thankful enough if we succeeded at last.
Shall we not be as persevering and hopeful as to heavenly things? We have more certainty of success in this business than we had with our flint and steel, for we have God's promises at our back.
Never let us despair. God's time for mercy will come; yea, it has come, if our time for believing has arrived. Ask in faith nothing wavering; but never cease from petitioning because the King delays to reply. Strike the steel again. Make the sparks fly and have your tinder ready; you will get a light before long.
--C. H. Spurgeon
I do not believe that there is such a thing in the history of God's kingdom as a right prayer offered in a right spirit that is forever left unanswered. --Theodore L. Cuyler
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Streams in the Desert"
God's seasons are not at your beck. If the first stroke of the flint doth not bring forth the fire, you must strike again. God will hear prayer, but He may not answer it at the time which we in our minds have appointed; He will reveal Himself to our seeking hearts, but not just when and where we have settled in our own expectations. Hence the need of perseverance and importunity in supplication.
In the days of flint and steel and brimstone matches we had to strike and strike again, dozens of times, before we could get a spark to live in the tinder; and we were thankful enough if we succeeded at last.
Shall we not be as persevering and hopeful as to heavenly things? We have more certainty of success in this business than we had with our flint and steel, for we have God's promises at our back.
Never let us despair. God's time for mercy will come; yea, it has come, if our time for believing has arrived. Ask in faith nothing wavering; but never cease from petitioning because the King delays to reply. Strike the steel again. Make the sparks fly and have your tinder ready; you will get a light before long.
--C. H. Spurgeon
I do not believe that there is such a thing in the history of God's kingdom as a right prayer offered in a right spirit that is forever left unanswered. --Theodore L. Cuyler
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Monday, November 20, 2006
Be at Peace
Be at peace. Do not fear the changes of life. Rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms. Do not be afraid of what may happen tomorrow, the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and everyday. He will either shield you from suffering, or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
St. Framncios de Sales
St. Framncios de Sales
Friday, November 17, 2006
God's Love
"The love of Christ which passeth knowledge." Ephesians 3:19
We do not really see the ocean. To do that is beyond our power. Through that vista we glimpse a bit of blue water as though God has painted a picture and framed it with hills and trees. But southward and northward on distance-hidden shores stretch waters we have never seen. Bays lie placid by sunlit rocks, and long surges roll in soothing rhythm on smoothly sloping sands. Inlets ripple under tropic moons, and warming currents bear springtime's promise to frozen arctic reefs. Beyond that curved blue line that limits our sight, there rolls an open plain of waters to realms where we have never been, leaving the strands of palmy islands of which we do not know. And this is but the surface! Beneath are miles of depth, fathomless and mysteries beyond the thoughts of men.
God's measureless love is like the ocean. Through the windows of earthly life we catch a gleam. From the valleys of trouble we glimpse, wave on wave. From the headlands of faith we view a broader tide to the line that blends eternity with time. Our happiest days are islands set in its boundless breadth. Yet, as with the ocean, we have never seen it all! Even Eternity cannot reveal its greatness to the wondering hosts of heaven, nor all the universe exhaust the fountains whence it flows.
"We can only see a little of the ocean,
Just a few miles distant from the rocky shore,
But out there-far beyond our eyes' horizon,
There's more-immeasurably more.
"We can only see a little of God's loving -
A few rich treasures from His mighty store;
But out there-far beyond our eye's horizon,
There's more-immeasurably more."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
We do not really see the ocean. To do that is beyond our power. Through that vista we glimpse a bit of blue water as though God has painted a picture and framed it with hills and trees. But southward and northward on distance-hidden shores stretch waters we have never seen. Bays lie placid by sunlit rocks, and long surges roll in soothing rhythm on smoothly sloping sands. Inlets ripple under tropic moons, and warming currents bear springtime's promise to frozen arctic reefs. Beyond that curved blue line that limits our sight, there rolls an open plain of waters to realms where we have never been, leaving the strands of palmy islands of which we do not know. And this is but the surface! Beneath are miles of depth, fathomless and mysteries beyond the thoughts of men.
God's measureless love is like the ocean. Through the windows of earthly life we catch a gleam. From the valleys of trouble we glimpse, wave on wave. From the headlands of faith we view a broader tide to the line that blends eternity with time. Our happiest days are islands set in its boundless breadth. Yet, as with the ocean, we have never seen it all! Even Eternity cannot reveal its greatness to the wondering hosts of heaven, nor all the universe exhaust the fountains whence it flows.
"We can only see a little of the ocean,
Just a few miles distant from the rocky shore,
But out there-far beyond our eyes' horizon,
There's more-immeasurably more.
"We can only see a little of God's loving -
A few rich treasures from His mighty store;
But out there-far beyond our eye's horizon,
There's more-immeasurably more."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Falling
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24
Take that word keep and hold it close to your heart tonight and tomorrow. It is one of the great and magnificent messages of the Gospel - "He is able to keep you from falling." Put into the word you all the weakness, all the unworthiness, all the sinfulness which belongs to man since the fall; yet, He is able to keep you. He does not underrate the disadvantage of its being you when He bids His messengers say He is "able to keep you from falling." It would be impossible, utterly impossible were it not undertaken by Infinite love. Look out, and up, then. Look up "from the depth" - the vast depth of your weakness, perhaps of your mysteriously inherited weakness. Look out of your failure under some temptation, inward or outward, inherited so to speak from yourself, from your own unfaithfulness in the past. Look up, out of your ruined purposes - unto Himself.
Being what He is, Keeper of Israel, God of the promises, Lord of the Sacrifice, Prince of life, present Saviour, indwelling Power, He is able to keep you, that your feet shall not totter. They shall stand "in a large room;" they shall hold on straight, until at last they enter, step by step - for it is one step at a time even then - "through the gates into the city."
"He shall never give thy feet to tottering." - Rev. H.C.G. Moule, D.D.
We may step firmly down up on the temptation which other has crushed for us, and we are conquerors in Him.
"Behind the dim unknown
Standeth God within the shadows
Keeping watch above His own."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Take that word keep and hold it close to your heart tonight and tomorrow. It is one of the great and magnificent messages of the Gospel - "He is able to keep you from falling." Put into the word you all the weakness, all the unworthiness, all the sinfulness which belongs to man since the fall; yet, He is able to keep you. He does not underrate the disadvantage of its being you when He bids His messengers say He is "able to keep you from falling." It would be impossible, utterly impossible were it not undertaken by Infinite love. Look out, and up, then. Look up "from the depth" - the vast depth of your weakness, perhaps of your mysteriously inherited weakness. Look out of your failure under some temptation, inward or outward, inherited so to speak from yourself, from your own unfaithfulness in the past. Look up, out of your ruined purposes - unto Himself.
Being what He is, Keeper of Israel, God of the promises, Lord of the Sacrifice, Prince of life, present Saviour, indwelling Power, He is able to keep you, that your feet shall not totter. They shall stand "in a large room;" they shall hold on straight, until at last they enter, step by step - for it is one step at a time even then - "through the gates into the city."
"He shall never give thy feet to tottering." - Rev. H.C.G. Moule, D.D.
We may step firmly down up on the temptation which other has crushed for us, and we are conquerors in Him.
"Behind the dim unknown
Standeth God within the shadows
Keeping watch above His own."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Born Again
"Jesus replied, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God." "What do you mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus." John 3:3-4
When you have a question, don't you think your teacher should have the answer? Nicodemus was a teacher for all of Israel. But when Jesus said, "You have to be born again," Nicodemus didn't know what this meant. Jesus told him that it is difficult to explain. It is like trying to follow the wind. We can hear and feel the wind, but we don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
By believing in Jesus, a person has a second birth. This is sometimes called the new birth. When it happens, that person is born again. To see this new birth in a person's life, you must look carefully. It's like the wind - very hard to see.
Have you ever seen fruit hanging from a tree? Sometimes it is hard to see because the leaves hide it. A person who is born again has special fruit in his or her life. Look carefully and you may see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That is how you know if a person is born again.
Dear God. I want to please You - help me to grow all of Your good fruit in my life. Amen.
By Daniel Partner taken from "Bible Devotions for Bedtime"
When you have a question, don't you think your teacher should have the answer? Nicodemus was a teacher for all of Israel. But when Jesus said, "You have to be born again," Nicodemus didn't know what this meant. Jesus told him that it is difficult to explain. It is like trying to follow the wind. We can hear and feel the wind, but we don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
By believing in Jesus, a person has a second birth. This is sometimes called the new birth. When it happens, that person is born again. To see this new birth in a person's life, you must look carefully. It's like the wind - very hard to see.
Have you ever seen fruit hanging from a tree? Sometimes it is hard to see because the leaves hide it. A person who is born again has special fruit in his or her life. Look carefully and you may see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That is how you know if a person is born again.
Dear God. I want to please You - help me to grow all of Your good fruit in my life. Amen.
By Daniel Partner taken from "Bible Devotions for Bedtime"
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Bread of Life
"Then the Devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread." But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God." Matthew 4:3-4
Two things we cannot live without are food and water. Even Jesus got hungry. But He knew that people needed two kinds of food. There is food for the body and food for the soul. Everyone knows about the food for out body. Jesus came to teach us about the other food. In fact, it was one of the first things He talked about. "People need more than bread for their life," Jesus said. "They must feed on every word of God."
One day Jesus was out in the countryside. Thousands of people came there to see and hear Him. When it came time to eat, no one had any food. With five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed them all. The same people crowded around Jesus the next day. He told them, "You only came here because I fed you yesterday. But God give you the true bread from heaven."
"Please, give us this bread," they begged.
Jesus answered them, "I am the bread of life. Come to me and you will never be hungry."
No one can go without food. No one should go without knowing that Jesus is their real food.
Dear God. Help me to remember that Jesus is the real Bread of Life.
By Daniel Partner taken from "Bible Devotions for Bedtime"
Two things we cannot live without are food and water. Even Jesus got hungry. But He knew that people needed two kinds of food. There is food for the body and food for the soul. Everyone knows about the food for out body. Jesus came to teach us about the other food. In fact, it was one of the first things He talked about. "People need more than bread for their life," Jesus said. "They must feed on every word of God."
One day Jesus was out in the countryside. Thousands of people came there to see and hear Him. When it came time to eat, no one had any food. With five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed them all. The same people crowded around Jesus the next day. He told them, "You only came here because I fed you yesterday. But God give you the true bread from heaven."
"Please, give us this bread," they begged.
Jesus answered them, "I am the bread of life. Come to me and you will never be hungry."
No one can go without food. No one should go without knowing that Jesus is their real food.
Dear God. Help me to remember that Jesus is the real Bread of Life.
By Daniel Partner taken from "Bible Devotions for Bedtime"
Monday, November 13, 2006
Our Basic Needs
"For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9
Every individual is a beautiful and unique creation, complete with needs and desires specific to his or her own life. Some needs, however, are “universal.” That is, all people experience them their lives.
The first is a sense of belonging. Everyone feels the need to “fit in” somewhere. The joy you feel when surrounded by intimate friends and family is powerful evidence of this truth. The discomfort associated with moving to a job or home where no one knows you also reveals how powerful this need is in our lives.
Another universal need is a sense of worth. It’s important for all of us to be able to say, “I matter.” Yet, many people are not convinced this is true. They’re overcome by a horribly disfigured self-image that’s stealing the joy of the Lord from their lives.
A third universal need is a sense of competence. We need to know for certain that we can accomplish what God puts before us. A lack of confidence in His power and provision in our lives can be devastating.
God responded to every one of these universal needs at the cross. We belong because our heavenly Father called us into His holy family. We have worth because Jesus paid such a great price for our salvation. And, we are competent because God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. A breakdown in any one of these areas will have a tremendous impact on your spiritual growth.
Are you struggling with any of these universal needs? If so, lay them before the Lord today. Then, trust Him to make you the complete person He created you to be.
By Dr. Charles Stanley taken from "In Touch Daily Devotional"
Every individual is a beautiful and unique creation, complete with needs and desires specific to his or her own life. Some needs, however, are “universal.” That is, all people experience them their lives.
The first is a sense of belonging. Everyone feels the need to “fit in” somewhere. The joy you feel when surrounded by intimate friends and family is powerful evidence of this truth. The discomfort associated with moving to a job or home where no one knows you also reveals how powerful this need is in our lives.
Another universal need is a sense of worth. It’s important for all of us to be able to say, “I matter.” Yet, many people are not convinced this is true. They’re overcome by a horribly disfigured self-image that’s stealing the joy of the Lord from their lives.
A third universal need is a sense of competence. We need to know for certain that we can accomplish what God puts before us. A lack of confidence in His power and provision in our lives can be devastating.
God responded to every one of these universal needs at the cross. We belong because our heavenly Father called us into His holy family. We have worth because Jesus paid such a great price for our salvation. And, we are competent because God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. A breakdown in any one of these areas will have a tremendous impact on your spiritual growth.
Are you struggling with any of these universal needs? If so, lay them before the Lord today. Then, trust Him to make you the complete person He created you to be.
By Dr. Charles Stanley taken from "In Touch Daily Devotional"
Friday, November 10, 2006
Nothing is Too Hard
"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.
That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.
The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.
That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.
The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Singing
"Break forth into singing." Isaiah 49:13
There is a beautiful story which tells of song birds being brought over the sea. There were thirty-six thousand, mostly canaries. The sea was very calm when the ship first sailed, and the little birds were silent. They kept their little heads under their wings and not a note was heard. But the third day out at sea, the ship struck a furious gale. The passengers were terrified. Children wept. Then a strange thing happened. As the tempest reached it's height, the birds began to sing, first one, then another, until the thirty-six thousand were singing as if their little throats would burst.
When the storm rises in its fury, do we then begin to sing? Should not our song break forth in tenfold joy when the tempest begins?
"I can hear the songbirds singing their refrain
It is morning in my heart;
And I know that life for me begins again,
It is morning in my heart.
"It is morning, it is morning in my heart,
Jesus made the gloomy shadows all depart;
Songs of gladness now I sing,
For since Jesus is my King,
It is morning, it is morning in my heart."
Oh God, wilt Thou teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of eternal Hallelujahs! "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!"
Try singing! Singing in the storm!
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
There is a beautiful story which tells of song birds being brought over the sea. There were thirty-six thousand, mostly canaries. The sea was very calm when the ship first sailed, and the little birds were silent. They kept their little heads under their wings and not a note was heard. But the third day out at sea, the ship struck a furious gale. The passengers were terrified. Children wept. Then a strange thing happened. As the tempest reached it's height, the birds began to sing, first one, then another, until the thirty-six thousand were singing as if their little throats would burst.
When the storm rises in its fury, do we then begin to sing? Should not our song break forth in tenfold joy when the tempest begins?
"I can hear the songbirds singing their refrain
It is morning in my heart;
And I know that life for me begins again,
It is morning in my heart.
"It is morning, it is morning in my heart,
Jesus made the gloomy shadows all depart;
Songs of gladness now I sing,
For since Jesus is my King,
It is morning, it is morning in my heart."
Oh God, wilt Thou teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of eternal Hallelujahs! "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!"
Try singing! Singing in the storm!
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Promises
"Therefore it is of faith; . . . to the end the promise might be sure." Romans 4:16
The great devotional teacher of the past century, Dr. Andrew Murray, said, "When you get a promise from God it is worth just as much as fulfillment. A promise brings you into direct contact with God. Honor Him by trusting the promise and obeying Him." Worth just as much as fulfillment. Do we grasp that truth often? Are we not frequently in the state of trying to believe, instead of realizing that these promises bring us into contact with God? "God's promise is as good as His presence." To believe and accept the promise of God is not to engage in some mental gymnastics where we reach down into our imaginations and begin a process of auto-suggestion, or produce a notional faith in which we argue with ourselves in an endeavor to believe God. It is absolute confidence in and reliance upon God through His Word.
By a naked faith in a naked promise I do not mean a bare assent that God is faithful, and that such a promise in the Book of God is faithful, and that such as promise in the Book of God may be fulfilled in me, but a bold, hearty, steady venturing of my soul, body and spirit upon the truth of the promise with an appropriating act. - Fletcher
"The faith that will shut the mouths of lions must be more than a pious hope that they will note bite."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
The great devotional teacher of the past century, Dr. Andrew Murray, said, "When you get a promise from God it is worth just as much as fulfillment. A promise brings you into direct contact with God. Honor Him by trusting the promise and obeying Him." Worth just as much as fulfillment. Do we grasp that truth often? Are we not frequently in the state of trying to believe, instead of realizing that these promises bring us into contact with God? "God's promise is as good as His presence." To believe and accept the promise of God is not to engage in some mental gymnastics where we reach down into our imaginations and begin a process of auto-suggestion, or produce a notional faith in which we argue with ourselves in an endeavor to believe God. It is absolute confidence in and reliance upon God through His Word.
By a naked faith in a naked promise I do not mean a bare assent that God is faithful, and that such a promise in the Book of God is faithful, and that such as promise in the Book of God may be fulfilled in me, but a bold, hearty, steady venturing of my soul, body and spirit upon the truth of the promise with an appropriating act. - Fletcher
"The faith that will shut the mouths of lions must be more than a pious hope that they will note bite."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Step out on the Waves
Step out on the waves
That would crush you!
Step out in the storm
That would hush you!
And you will find,
As you touch the crest
You feared so much,
And walk on its breast,
There was One walking there,
The whole night through,
Walking, watching,
Waiting – FOR YOU!
By Mrs. Charles E Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
That would crush you!
Step out in the storm
That would hush you!
And you will find,
As you touch the crest
You feared so much,
And walk on its breast,
There was One walking there,
The whole night through,
Walking, watching,
Waiting – FOR YOU!
By Mrs. Charles E Cowman taken from "Springs in the Valley"
Friday, November 03, 2006
Out in the Sea
"Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters." Psalm 77:19
God's path is in the sea - just where you would not expect it to be! So when He leads us out by unexpected ways, off the strong solid land, out upon the changing sea, then we may expect to see His ways. We are with One who finds a path as He goes. That is better than having a path already traced out, for it makes us perfectly independent of circumstances.
There is an infinite variety in the paths God makes, and He can make them anywhere! Think you not that He, who made the spider able to drop anywhere and to spin its own path as it goes, is not able to spin a path for you through every blank, or perplexity, or depression? God is never lost among our mysteries. He sees the road, "the end from the beginning."
Mystery and uncertainty are only to prepare us for deeper discipline. Had we no stormy sea we should remain weaklings to the end of our days. God takes us out into the deeps; but He knows the track! He knows the heaven! and we shall arrive.
"And with Jesus Through the trackless deep move on!" - Rev. C.A. Fox
O fathomless abyss of God's rich bounty, of His wisdom, of His knowledge! Who can explore His decisions? Who can track out his paths? - Romans 11:33
God's path is in the sea - just where you would not expect it to be! So when He leads us out by unexpected ways, off the strong solid land, out upon the changing sea, then we may expect to see His ways. We are with One who finds a path as He goes. That is better than having a path already traced out, for it makes us perfectly independent of circumstances.
There is an infinite variety in the paths God makes, and He can make them anywhere! Think you not that He, who made the spider able to drop anywhere and to spin its own path as it goes, is not able to spin a path for you through every blank, or perplexity, or depression? God is never lost among our mysteries. He sees the road, "the end from the beginning."
Mystery and uncertainty are only to prepare us for deeper discipline. Had we no stormy sea we should remain weaklings to the end of our days. God takes us out into the deeps; but He knows the track! He knows the heaven! and we shall arrive.
"And with Jesus Through the trackless deep move on!" - Rev. C.A. Fox
O fathomless abyss of God's rich bounty, of His wisdom, of His knowledge! Who can explore His decisions? Who can track out his paths? - Romans 11:33
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Trials
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Trials are something we all go through. Although it is not easy to experience trials it is essential to our growth as Believers and individuals. Over the weekend I went to my church's women's retreat. This one was unlike any other retreat I've attended. Like past retreats I stayed up too late and ate way too much junk food. But this one was different in the fact that I heard two testimonies that were given from the heart. They were given from deep down where the hurts lie buried and were exposed bare for all to hear. I was touched by how Jesus drew these two women out of their painful past experiences to become the women I know them to be today. Their stories made this retreat real. For that morning the surface Christianity we all see was gone and true faith was shown. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room as we all related to something being said.
Why do we experience trials? It's a painful question we often ask ourselves as we experience them. I personally have been through a fair amount of trails. During each trial I was alone, hurting, angry and scared. Why was God putting me through this now? Didn't He love me enough? If He loved me He would save me from this painful experience.
Why? Because the things we experience make us who we are. They give us a testimony that can be used to reach out to others going through their own trials. Because through trials we learn to trust in God more and grow to know just how much He cares for us. Why did I experience all I did? Because it has trained me to be who I am today and for the future trials I'll experience. Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trail and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." If you know anything about Helen Keller, you'll know that she achieved much despite being unable to hear or see. She was one who knew what suffering and trials were all about and yet, she never let them destroy who she was. She allowed them to teacher her who she could be and gave her a voice to help others.
If you are going through a trial at the moment, DON'T GIVE UP! Cling to what you know is true. When you feel like you are alone remember that Jesus loves you and is with you. Turn to someone to help see you through this moment in time. If you've experienced painful trials in the past be more willing to open up to others and help them. How can we help others not feel like we did if we don't open ourselves to them? Imagine what life would be like if we didn't always go around saying we're fine and started to be real? There is someone out there who has been through what you're going through. Now take it a step further and realize that even Jesus understands because He experienced everything before you did. That's why He knows what you're going through. I encourage you to read His testimony in the Gospel of John to see for yourself.
You are NEVER ALONE.
Krista Jones
11.1.06
Trials are something we all go through. Although it is not easy to experience trials it is essential to our growth as Believers and individuals. Over the weekend I went to my church's women's retreat. This one was unlike any other retreat I've attended. Like past retreats I stayed up too late and ate way too much junk food. But this one was different in the fact that I heard two testimonies that were given from the heart. They were given from deep down where the hurts lie buried and were exposed bare for all to hear. I was touched by how Jesus drew these two women out of their painful past experiences to become the women I know them to be today. Their stories made this retreat real. For that morning the surface Christianity we all see was gone and true faith was shown. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room as we all related to something being said.
Why do we experience trials? It's a painful question we often ask ourselves as we experience them. I personally have been through a fair amount of trails. During each trial I was alone, hurting, angry and scared. Why was God putting me through this now? Didn't He love me enough? If He loved me He would save me from this painful experience.
Why? Because the things we experience make us who we are. They give us a testimony that can be used to reach out to others going through their own trials. Because through trials we learn to trust in God more and grow to know just how much He cares for us. Why did I experience all I did? Because it has trained me to be who I am today and for the future trials I'll experience. Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trail and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." If you know anything about Helen Keller, you'll know that she achieved much despite being unable to hear or see. She was one who knew what suffering and trials were all about and yet, she never let them destroy who she was. She allowed them to teacher her who she could be and gave her a voice to help others.
If you are going through a trial at the moment, DON'T GIVE UP! Cling to what you know is true. When you feel like you are alone remember that Jesus loves you and is with you. Turn to someone to help see you through this moment in time. If you've experienced painful trials in the past be more willing to open up to others and help them. How can we help others not feel like we did if we don't open ourselves to them? Imagine what life would be like if we didn't always go around saying we're fine and started to be real? There is someone out there who has been through what you're going through. Now take it a step further and realize that even Jesus understands because He experienced everything before you did. That's why He knows what you're going through. I encourage you to read His testimony in the Gospel of John to see for yourself.
You are NEVER ALONE.
Krista Jones
11.1.06
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Amazing Love, How Can It Be?
When Christianity says that God loves man, it means that God loves man: not that He has some 'disinterested', because really indifferent, concern for our welfare, but hat in awful and surprising truth, we are the objects of His love, You asked for a loving God: you have one. The great spirit you so lightly invoked, the 'lord of terrible aspect', is present: not a senile benevolence that drowsily wishes you to be happy in your own way, not the cold philanthropy of a conscientious magistrate, nor the care of a host who feels responsible for the comfort of his guests, but the consuming fire Himself, the love that made the worlds, persistent as the artist's love for his work and despotic as a man's love for a dog, provident and venerable as a father's love for a child, jealous, inexorable, exacting as love between the sexes. How this should be, I do not know: it passes reason to explain why and creatures, not to say creatures such as we, should have a value so prodigious in their Creator's eyes. It is certainly a burden of glory not only beyond our deserts but also, expect in rare moments of grace, beyond our desiring; we are included, like the maidens in the old play, deprecate the love of Zeus. But the fact seems unquestionable.
C.S. Lewis taken from "The Problem of Pain"
C.S. Lewis taken from "The Problem of Pain"
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