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Posted on 12/31/2013 10:31:28 PM PST by JustAmy
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LOL
Thanks, LTOS.
Thank you, Jane. With the MucinexDM, I am at least able to get some sleep. I’ll keep praying for rain to clean our filthy air.
Read: Luke 24:44-53
The Roman paganism of Jesus’ day taught that the actions of gods in the heavens above affected the earth below. If Zeus got angry, thunderbolts shot out. “As above, so below,” went the ancient formula.
Jesus, though, sometimes inverted that. He taught: As below, so above. A believer prays, and heaven responds. A sinner repents, and the angels rejoice. A mission succeeds, and God is glorified. A believer rebels, and the Holy Spirit is grieved.
I believe these things, yet somehow I keep forgetting them. I forget that my prayers matter to God. I forget that the choices I make today bring delight or grief to the Lord of the universe. I forget that I am helping my neighbors to their eternal destinations.
The good-news message of God’s love that Jesus brought to this earth we can now bring to others. That was the challenge He gave His disciples before ascending to His Father (see Matt. 28:18-20). We who follow Jesus serve as an extension of His incarnation and ministry. It is why He came to earth. Before He left, He told His disciples that He would send His Spirit from above to them below (Luke 24:48). He did not leave us alone. He fills us with His power that we might touch lives here below to affect eternity.
Hi Amy!
That is a Chilly Looking Picture!
Stay Warm, My FRiend!
((((HUGS))))
I’m posting snow graphic so I don’t forget what precipitation is.
Just...Wow! I hope we are not headed for another Dust Bowl.
Prayers up for America.
(((((Goodnight, and God Bless)))))
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Read: James 5:7-11
A 2006 survey of more than 1,000 adults discovered that most people take an average of 17 minutes to lose their patience while waiting in line. Also, most people lose their patience in only 9 minutes while on hold on the phone. Impatience is a common trait.
James wrote to a group of believers who were struggling with being patient for Jesus’ return (James 5:7). They were living under exploitation and distressing times, and James encouraged them to “set the timer of their temper” for the long run. Challenging these believers to persevere under suffering, he tried to stimulate them to stand firm and to live sacrificially until the Lord returned to right every wrong. He wrote: “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (v.8).
James called them to be like the farmer who waits patiently for the rain and the harvest (v.7) and like the prophets and the patriarch Job who demonstrated perseverance in difficulties (vv.10-11). The finish line was just ahead and James encouraged the believers not to give up.
When we are being tried in a crucible of distress, God desires to help us continue living by faith and trusting in His compassion and mercy (v.11).
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Happy Friday! Adorable pic ;-)
Thank you for sharing today’s lesson, Rus. We appreciate your dedication.
Have a Happy Friday.
Thanks to all, getting lots of fun greetings today. Great day here on Maui, sunny and warm even up here on the mountain side. Aloha PS, the flower is the Lehua blossom from the Ohia tree, grows in high altitudes here in the islands.
Thanks Amy!
Happy Friday, Meg.
Love your red shoes!!
Take care of the back and have a great day.
Kitty, thank you for another cute good night kitty.
Have a great Friday.
Thank you, Jane.
Wishing you a beautiful Friday and a wonderful weekend.
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