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Posted on 06/01/2013 3:58:06 AM PDT by JustAmy
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Sounds like a day well spent! :)
Goodnight to All FRiends, and God Bless.
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Now in my sixties, I reflect back on wise spiritual leaders who had a positive impact on my life. In Bible school, God used my Old Testament professor to make the Word come alive. My Greek teacher relentlessly employed high standards to goad my study of the New Testament. And the senior pastor in my first pastoral ministry shepherded me in building vital ministries to help others grow spiritually. Each of these teachers encouraged me in different ways.
King Solomon wisely observed some ways that spiritual leaders can help us grow: “The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd” (Eccl. 12:11). Some teachers prod us; others build solid spiritual structures into our lives. Still others, as caring shepherds, are there with a listening ear when we hurt.
The Good Shepherd has given leaders a variety of gifts: exhorting, developing, and shepherding. Whether we’re a leader or a learner, though, He desires that we maintain humble hearts and a love for others. What a privilege to be led and used by our Shepherd to encourage others in their walk with Him.
Read: Ecclesiastes 12:6-14
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Yes, I saw it. Prayers up!
Thank you Meg!
Prayers up for our dear Amy!
Thank you Meg, that was the first post that alerted me to Amy’s need for prayer.
Thank you for your kind words, TCP! Hope all is going well for you, today!!! (((HUGS)))
Doing fine, thanks.
Sold out of greenhouse plants on Saturday.
Now I can finally plant up my own gardens.
Gorgeous weather in southern WI today (for a change!).
: )
At a Christian men’s conference, I talked with a longtime friend who has encouraged and mentored me for many years. With him were two young men from China, new in their faith and deeply grateful for this man’s faithful friendship and spiritual help. My friend Clyde, nearing 80 years of age, glowed with enthusiasm as he said, “I’ve never been more excited about knowing and loving Christ than I am today.”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals a heart and purpose that never diminished with time: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10). From the root of Paul’s relationship with Jesus came the fruit of his undiminished fervor that others be guided to faith in Him. He rejoiced to share the gospel and was encouraged that others became bolder because of him (1:12-14).
If our goal is merely service for the Lord, we may burn out somewhere along the line. But if our purpose, like Paul’s and Clyde’s and many others, is to know Christ and love Him, we’ll find that He will give us the strength to make Him known to others. Let us joyfully press on in the strength God gives!
Read: Philippians 1:12-18; 3:8-11
Once again a great message from Our Daily Bread. Thank you for your continuing ministry.
BTW, Linda and I are celebrating our 48th wedding anniversary today.
Congratulations! 48 years is great! Blessings to you both and your family.
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Goodnight to All FRiends, and God Bless.
Thank You for those anniversary greetings. Tonight was a busy evening so we are going out for dinner tomorrow evening.
Again, Thank You!
How is behavior altered? In his book The Social Animal, David Brooks notes that some experts have said people just need to be taught the long-term risks of bad behavior. For example, he writes: “Smoking can lead to cancer. Adultery destroys families, and lying destroys trust. The assumption was that once you reminded people of the foolishness of their behavior, they would be motivated to stop. Both reason and will are obviously important in making moral decisions and exercising self-control. But neither of these character models has proven very effective.” In other words, information alone is not powerful enough to transform behavior.
As Jesus’ followers, we want to grow and change spiritually. More than two millennia ago, Jesus told His disciples how that can happen. He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). Jesus is the Vine and we, His followers, are the branches. If we’re honest, we know we’re utterly helpless and spiritually ineffective apart from Him.
Jesus transforms us spiritually and reproduces His life in us—as we abide in Him.
Read: John 15:1-13
Hallelujah! Do we turn to Jesus when we are deciding daily things?
Or do we turn to Jesus for the major decisions?
Do we know Him and what his command are?
We are called to follow Him, and learn of Him day by day, hour by hour, thank you Lord for thy love.in Jesus name amen.
You’re welcome..Enjoy your dinner out, DD.
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