Posted on 05/31/2014 9:32:56 PM PDT by JustAmy
Congratulations. He’s cute.
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Amen!
:-)
Thank You LUV for posting “How Great Thou Art.”
This was the first solo I sang in church on a Sunday evening service. It’s one of my favorites!
Read: 1 John 1
Chad Pennington is a former American football player who has suffered multiple career-threatening injuries. Twice, his injuries forced him to endure surgery, months of physical therapy, and weeks of training to get back onto the field. Yet, both times he not only returned to playing but he also excelled at such a high level that he was named Comeback Player of the Year in the National Football League. For Pennington, his efforts were an expression of his determination to return to football.
Spiritually, when sin and failure break our relationship with God and sideline our service, determination alone is not what restores us to rightness with God and usefulness in His kingdom. When we are sidelined because of sin, the path to a comeback is confession as well. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
For us to be able to recover from our spiritual failings, we are absolutely dependent on the One who gave Himself for us. And that gives us hope. Christ, who died for us, loves us with an everlasting love and will respond with grace as we confess our faults to Him. Through confession, we can find His gracious restorationthe greatest of all comebacks.
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou biddst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Elliott”
Confession is the path that leads to restoration
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Heavenly Father Thank Thee for Thy mercy, grace, loving kindness, forgiveness, and goodness. Amen. Amen.
There is a God.
God provided us a way to know Him. The Scriptures. His attributes, commands, instructions and teaching are in His WORD.
We are to repent in truth, and turn from our evil ways. Man continues to want to be his own God. It is a story all through the Holy Bible, telling us of such works of Satan. Satan is called an angel of light. Many are deceived by him.
We are more and more causal, seemingly unconcerned about knowing God and living according to His Word. We see changes in faith and teaching from our pulpits.
God help us to know Thee. Give us incite into Thy Word that we may grow in the image of Jesus Christ. Nothing is more important in this life. Thank Thee LORD for all that we are and hope to be ... pleasing to Thee. Amen. Amen
We pray for the peace of Israel, Jerusalem, for the lost, the persecuted believers, the captives, the broken hearted. Forgive us our transgressions, and deliver us from evil. We praise and adore Thee ever. Amen.
Read: Matthew 27:32-44
When Kelly Steinhaus visited Harvard Square to ask college students what they thought of Jesus, the answers were respectful of Him. One said He was a person who took care of people. Another said, He sounds like a cool guy. Others rejected Him outright: He was just a guy. I dont think He was the Savior. And I do not accept any faith system that says, I am the only way to God. Some people thoughtfully question who Jesus is and some reject Him.
As Jesus faced death 2,000 years ago, many people mocked the idea that He was anyone special. They put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS (Matt. 27:37). Those who said, You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! (v.40) were doubting His power. The religious people even said, He saved others; Himself He cannot save (v.42).
In His death, Jesus may have seemed powerless. But when we read the whole story, we see that He gave His life willingly. He proved Himself to be the Son of God and limitless in power as He burst forth from the tomb. Grasp the value of His death and behold the power of His resurrection. Hes the Savior of the world!
Over the top!
Read: Psalm 3
My friend handed me a tall glass of water and told me to hold it. The longer I held it, the heavier it felt. Finally my hand grew tired, and I had to put the glass down. Ive learned that worry can be like holding that glass, she said. The longer I worry about something, the more my fears weigh me down.
King David knew about fear. His whole life had been turned upside down. His son Absalom had stolen the allegiance of the nation of Israel from him and was attempting to take the throne for himself. David didnt know who was loyal to him and who was against him. His only option seemed to be to run. He said to his servants, Make haste to depart, lest [Absalom] overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us (2 Sam. 15:14).
In a psalm that David may have written while he was fleeing for his life, he wrote: I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill (Ps. 3:4). In the midst of his fear, David looked to the Lord. God showed him grace and restored him to the throne.
There are plenty of worries that can weigh us down. But as we release them into Gods strong hands, He will help us through our trials.
The New Testament teaches us through the words of Paul and Peter to be anxious about nothing but to pray and to cast our cares on Him (Phil. 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7). Today's passage illustrates that principle by example. David, surrounded by trouble and enemies, prayed and then "lay down and slept." Then he "awoke, for the Lord sustained [him]" (Ps. 3:5). By praying to God about his cares and concerns, David was able to proclaim, "Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people" (v.8).
Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-7
Max runs a small farm as a hobby. Recently when he checked on the cows he is raising, he was surprised to see a newborn calf! When he bought the cattle, he had no idea one was pregnant. Sadly, the mother cow had complications and died shortly after her calf was born. Immediately, Max purchased some powdered milk so he could feed the calf from a bottle. The calf thinks Im its mother! Max said.
The tender story of Maxs new role with the calf reminded me of how Paul likened himself to a caring mother in dealing with the believers at Thessalonica: We were gentle among you, he said, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children (1 Thess. 2:7).
Paul adopted a nurturing attitude when teaching people. He knew believers needed the milk of the word for spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2). But he also gave special attention to the concerns of those he cared for. We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, Paul said, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God (1 Thess. 2:11-12 niv).
As we serve each other, may we serve with the tender loving care of our Savior, encouraging each other in our spiritual journey (Heb. 10:24).
Thank you, Rus, for Our Daily Bread...Amen
Hi Meg! Did you see the pic of my grandson Micah?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3162293/posts?q=1&;page=301#336
Yes I did... loved the pictures...see my post at 336
Have a wonderful Independence Day
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Read: John 15:1-13
In the US, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays, picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence.
Independence appeals to all ages. It means freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others. So its not surprising that teenagers talk about gaining their independence. Many adults have the goal of being independently wealthy. And senior citizens want to maintain their independence. Whether anyone is ever truly independent is a discussion for another time and placebut it sounds good.
Craving political or personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual independence is problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence. Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).
Far from being self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set us free. Every day is our dependence day.
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Happy Independence Day to all!
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