Posted on 08/22/2006 7:56:23 PM PDT by JockoManning
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Thanks for your support of God's redemptive truth!
QUOTEMEAL from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/--
There is a great man who makes every man feel small.
But the real great man is the man who makes every man feel great.
-- G. K. Chesterton
Fragrance, by Patrick D. Odum
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?
(2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
It's been said that Stilton cheese, the strong-smelling blue-veined cheese from Great Britain, smells like "old socks." Even fans of the, um, "aromatic" cheese have to admit that it makes its presence known.
No matter how much you enjoy eating it, it's doubtful that anyone would want to wear it as a perfume. The Stilton Cheesemakers Association hopes I'm wrong about that,
though.
The Association has commissioned a perfume maker to produce Eau de Stilton, a perfume inspired by the aroma – or stench – of Stilton cheese. The fragrance is described as featuring a "symphony of natural base notes including Yarrow, Angelica seed, Clary Sage and Valerian."
Well, who doesn't want to smell like yarrow and clary sage?
An association spokesperson said, "Blue Stilton cheese has a very distinctive mellow aroma and our perfumier was able to capture the key essence of that scent and recreate it in an unusual but highly wearable perfume." Unusual but highly wearable; just what that special someone might be looking for in a fragrance. In case you're interested, Eau de Stilton is available on the Stilton Cheesemakers Associate website,
www.stiltoncheese.com.
But they aren't the first to recognize that the same smell that might remind some of old socks might be to others a beautiful fragrance. My wife's uncle enjoys the smell of a skunk – there's no accounting for taste.
And in case you aren't aware of it, we as believers in Christ are just such an aroma. Thinking of the victory procession of a Roman general, with its pageantry and POW's in chains following behind, Paul pictures Christ as the victorious general leading those he has captured, us, in a procession before God. And thinking of the incense offered in thanks to the gods that would fill the air at such a celebration, Paul says that Jesus uses us to spread "the aroma of the knowledge of [God] everywhere." "We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ," he says.
Where believers are, there the aroma of Jesus Christ should hang in the air.
It hangs in the air because where believers are, the gospel of Christ is spoken. The story in which we have put our hope is a story that begs to be told, and so we tell it. In our offices, at school, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, the gospel of Jesus is told. We tell of his love, of his sacrifice, of his resurrection, of our hope in his coming again, and the aroma of Christ permeates the places where we live and work and play and gather.
It hangs in the air because where believers are, the life of Christ is lived. When we serve the weak and overlooked, feed the hungry, minister to the sick, comfort those who mourn, love those who are hated, and take the part of those who are oppressed, we allow Jesus to live in us.
He serves with our hands, walks with our feet, speaks with our mouths, utilizes our resources, and cries our tears. When we forgive those who have injured us, bear the wounds of those who hate us bravely, and welcome into our arms those who have sinned against us, the world around us catches the scent of Jesus. When we refresh those weighed down by their own guilt, when we point them toward the God who forgives their sins and frees them from their regrets, they inhale the aroma of Christ.
Who doesn't want to smell like yarrow and clary sage?
It hangs in the air because where believers are, the values of Christ are held dear. When we live in the present with an eye on the horizon, the world notes the unfamiliar perfume. When we face life and its uncertainties with joy and hope, they sniff the air quizzically. When we noisily celebrate what God has already done, while waiting with anticipation for what he will do, the heady fragrance of the kingdom of God disperses the noxious, choking odors of the world's preoccupation with now and more.
When we give thanks for our bodies and physical sensation without thinking that physical sensation should drive the bus, the aroma of Christ overpowers the rank smell of unrestrained carnality.
Some will smell that aroma, and smile, and realize that this is what they've been waiting their whole lives for. They will detect the base notes of life in the aroma of Jesus. Others will not be so receptive. All they'll smell in the aroma of Christ is death; death of their way of life, death of their illusory and temporary freedom, death of their self-centeredness. They will respond, well, kind of like I imagine I would respond to my first whiff of Eau de Stilton: with aversion, distaste, and avoidance.
That isn't our worry, though. There's an interesting fact about the human sense of smell; we can get accustomed to almost anything. A nose that's trained can pick out pleasant scents even in smells that most of us consider unpleasant.
It's up to God to train spiritual noses. Many who at first find little to appreciate about the aroma of Christ later become connoisseurs. Believers continue to make that aroma known, and God works on training their noses. We can't make our world appreciate the aroma of Christ.
All we can do is continue to smell like him.
May our lives continue to spread the aroma of Christ in the places where God has sent us. May his scent so permeate our lives that those who know us cannot help but smell him on us. And may God give those around us the discernment to appreciate the fragrance of life when they smell it.
May the aroma of Christ in our lives be, to the world around us, "highly wearable and unusual."
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 1:8
The Key to Good Success
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
The Key to Good Success
My local newspaper reported that a man and woman who tried to hop a Union Pacific train from North Platte, Nebraska, to Omaha were being held in Dawson County jail on trespass charges. But the couple wouldn't have gotten to Omaha even if they hadn't been apprehended; the train was headed to Kansas City.
Many people who think they're on the train headed for success are really going in the opposite direction. History is awash with examples of men and women who found a form of success, but lived to regret it. It was not what the Bible calls "good" success. Lord Byron, who achieved fame both as a poet and a libertine, wrote at the age of 35:
My days are in the yellow leaf,
The flowers and fruits of love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone.
God's success is far different; it's always headed in the right direction. Joshua was assured that if he lived consistent with what was written in God's Word, he would achieve success--but not just any success. God's promise to Joshua, as well as to you and me, is that if we live by all that is written in the Bible, we will achieve "good" success.
The key to good success is obedience to God's Word. If you conform your life to God's will, as it is revealed in His Word, you'll experience the kind of success that will be a blessing rather than a burden.
Only a good God can give good success.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: Keep A Quiet Heart
A Lesson in Things Temporal
I am upset when things are lost. Even small things. I like to know that things have places and are in them. It's much worse when something like a manuscript is lost. I had worked for a number of weeks on a certain piece, and when I went to do the final rewriting it was gone. It just wasn't anywhere. I looked, then Lars looked, then we both looked. In all the likely and all the unlikely places. We prayed about it, of course, together and separately, but we could not find it. At last I told the Lord that if I did not find it today I would begin again from scratch, as the deadline was closing in. That day Uncle Tom, who was eighty-nine and was staying with us, became very ill. There was no time to think of manuscripts.
The next day we happened to move a piece of furniture and discovered that moths were doing their dastardly work underneath it. Lars went out and bought a can of moth spray and proceeded to fumigate every nook and cranny. The manuscript was behind a desk. It had fallen down and lodged standing up on the baseboard. If Uncle Tom had not gotten sick I would have done a day's unnecessary work on that piece that I was so worried about. If the moths had not taken it into their tiny heads to chew my carpet, we probably would not have fumed up that sheaf of papers until next spring. It was not for nothing that the collect in my church that Sunday (the eighth after Pentecost) was: "O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Thanks again! So much is bump-worthy here, so I'm joyfully bumping it! You've done a good work in posting these things -so many rich testimonies, such a great Cloud of Witnesses! - and we do well to believe the promises, amen! You have encouraged me, and I pray the blessing is returned to thee, full measure, pressed down, overflowing!
Amen. Amen. Amen.
By God's Grace, have done pretty good alright helping the small to feel great.
But I still have an overwhelming tendency to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!
I really appreciate your affirming words.
Blessings all ways, always,
jm
-/\/\- - - - - - -
\ / QUOTEMEAL from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/- - - - - - -
Jesus gives us real eyes, so we can realize, where the real
lies.
-- Michael McInerney
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Psalm 23:4 Joshua 1:9
Strong and Courageous
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Strong and Courageous
A child had to walk each evening past a dark, spooky house. Some adult friends tried to give him courage. One handed him a good-luck charm to ward off the ghosts. Another installed a light at a particularly dark corner near the house. A third took a more spiritual approach, saying, "It's sinful to be afraid. Trust God and be brave!" It was good advice, but not much help. Then one friend said with compassion, "I know what it is to be afraid. I'll walk with you past the house." Instantly the child's fears were gone.
This was what God did for Joshua. Joshua faced the fearful task of leading a group of nomads against the trained armies of established kingdoms. That was enough to make even the bravest man tremble. But God did more than give Joshua a battle plan or a pep talk; He reassured him, saying, "I will be with you wherever you go."
God does not promise He will not lead you into fearful situations. He may call you to serve Him in a land far from your friends and family. For most of us this challenge could be frightening. Or God may ask you to stand against the tide of popular opinion on your school board or at a city council meeting. And again your knees may knock and your voice tremble. But just like Joshua, you can do it because God also has given you the solution for your fears: He has given you Himself.
In Christ you have strength for every weakness and the courage for every fear. The psalmist said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death [literally, the valley of dark shadows], I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Ps. 23:4). Are you facing a formidable task? Trust God's presence to dispel your fears and give you renewed strength and courage.
Courage is spelled C-H-R-I-S-T.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: Love Has A Price Tag
Scripture: Acts 27:26
The Path of Lonliness
Shop for Elisabeth Elliot Resouces
Nevertheless We Must Run Aground
Have you ever put heart and soul into something, prayed over it, worked at it with a good heart because you believed it to be what God wanted, and finally seen it "run aground"?
The story of Paul's voyage as a prisoner across the Adriatic Sea tells how an angel stood beside him and told him not to be afraid (in spite of winds of hurricane force), for God would spare his life and the lives of all with him on board ship. Paul cheered his guards and fellow passengers with that word, but added, "Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island" (Acts 27:26, NIV).
It would seem that the God who promises to spare all hands might have "done the job right," saved the ship as well, and spared them the ignominy of having to make it to land on the flotsam and jetsam that was left. The fact is He did not, nor does He always spare us.
Heaven is not here, it's There. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for.
"Running aground," then, is not the end of the world. But it helps to make the world a bit less appealing. It may even be God's answer to "Lead us not into temptation"--the temptation complacently to settle for visible things.
THE MAP REVOLUTION
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahveh. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5,6
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach dearly beloved!
As I write this newsletter, we are on our way back to Israel for what I would term a revolutionary MAP journey to the Philippines . There is so much that happened and will continue to happen that it is hard to put into words! The best I can do is to give you highlights and let the pictures speak a thousand words!
The End Time Shofar Call of The MAP Revolution
The End Time Shofar Call of The MAP Revolution and repentance from Replacement Theology has sounded loud and clear in the Philippines during the first MAP Revolution conference and holy convocation ever held in this land! During the power packed meetings we must have ministered to over 10.000 people and among them at least 6000 youth if not more! In both meetings most everyone flocked to the altar call to repent from Replacement Theology and to receive Y’shua as a Jewish Messiah into their hearts. They repented from ignorance of the Jewish Roots and Torah, or from inherited Anti Semitism. Already from the first meeting there were miraculous manifestations of healings such as diabetes, asthma, knee problems and tumors disappearing. Some of the most touching testimonies came from the youth that were led into forgiving their parents. Many of them wept as they described their dignity restored when they repented from Replacement Theology, and then went ahead to forgive their parents. We could see the marks of tremendous inner healings happening among them as depression and hatred gave room for forgiveness and love!
One of the most moving acts during the conference in the Arts Theatre of Pasay City in Manila , happened when Pastor Richard Muñoz from Naples , Florida called young people to hold the hem of our talits (prayer mantles). As Rabbi Baruch and I stood on stage we had 10 young people around each one of us holding the HEM or the tsitsit. As they did that they began to break and cry and receive huge amount of healing! This went on for over one hour, they would not stop crying. This was the prophetic picture of what The MAP Revolution is all about. According To Zachariah.
“Thus says Yahveh of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’” Zachariah 8:23
The worship was awesome as brother Rick Emanuels from Miami led the band in exuberant prophetic praise crying out Yahweh, Yahweh!
Our beautiful and anointed dancer, Gabriela Broquet, danced to the music of the new CD of Reverend Edward Vincent. In the background a flame of fire and pictures of Israel rolled slowly, bringing the flavor of the Land to the people. She captivated the heart of the Messiah Himself and of the Filipino people with her passion in dance!
The first MAP Revolution Convocation in The Philippines was hosted by sister Grace Gupana director of PG HaleluYAH Tower Ministries. Sister Grace is a business woman with a “Mantle of Esther” for her generation. She was mightily touched last Sukkot, - (Tabernacles) when she toured Israel with Kad-Esh MAP Ministries. She returned to the Philippines a transformed woman ready to tackle The MAP Revolution!
“The Largest Flag in the World - The Flag of the Philippines ”
Then Yahveh said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called its name, Yahveh-Is-My-Banner;for he said, “Because Yahveh has sworn: Yahveh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-16
Following what sister Grace believed to be an instruction from The Holy Spirit, she launched us into the adventure of “The Largest Flag in the World- The Flag of the Philippines ”. For day and night her team of men and women sowed this huge flag that weighs over 3 tons! They slept on the flag, prayed and cried over it and laid down their lives in order to raise this Philippine flag as a prophetic ensign of YAH calling the nation to restoration! Due to this event we were asked to stay longer and thus we stayed for 10 more days to see this through!
The event would be in the context of repentance and of the importance of blessing Israel as The Key for national salvation. Finally the place of the unfurling of the huge flag had to be moved to the Province of Nueva Viscaya . There in Yordenan Mountain (meaning YAH’S Appointed Mountain !) the flag was raised as hundreds of young people, and some others, gathered to witness and to pray. As the flag was being unfurled strong winds tore the Super Flag and almost tore the heart of sister Grace Gupana, the organizer! So much sweat, pesos and tears had been put into this venture!
Repentance is the KEY
At that point Bishop Dominiquae began to lead all the people present into repentance for the sins of the Philippines including idolatry, witchcraft and the like! The strong winds subsided and the clouds gave way the sun that began to shine brightly! However the tear had happened already! Nevertheless Bishop Dominiquae noticed that the tear formed into a HEART SHAPE in the white part of the flag and she interpreted it as a sign of God’s :love for the Filippinos and for the Philippines ! The white symbolized a call to holiness and purity as the KEY for the revival. Later on the tear in the Flag began to change and it became an exact shape of the entire MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES! YAH kept on writing His message on the torn flag. As we were leaving the site of the event the tear had taken on the shape of a MAP OF ISRAEL to the length of the flag, and a pair of glasses on top of it! The VISION OF ISRAEL NEEDED TO BE RESTORED SO THAT THE PHILIPPINES CAN ENTER INTO REVIVAL. In other words, The MAP REVOLUTION ON THE FLAG OF THE PHILIPPINES! The tear finally settled into the shape of a number SEVEN and this event took place on Shabbat the 16th of September, the SEVENTH DAY OF THE WEEK, YAH’S ETERNAL HOLY DAY!
A PRESS CONFERENCE
Following this dramatic event a press conference was held in the PG Towers where the journalists of the main newspapers and national TV received the explanation of the latest event of the Super Flag. Bishop and Rabbi said that as Israeli Jews they had come to cast a vote for the national restoration of the Philippines; repaying a debt due to the Filippino vote in 1948 that determined that Israel will become a reborn nation in her Covenant Land. Bishop quoted Genesis 12:3 to the journalists and explained that this is THE KEY OF ABRAHAM that determines the blessing or the curse for the nations. Upon the team leaving the Philippines on Wednesday the 20th of September all major Filipino newspapers carried a picture and an article with The MAP Revolution Team on it and their quest for the restoration of the Super Flag and of the nation of the Philippines !
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
This is only the beginning of the story of how YAH will use The MAP Revolution to impact a nation. During The Flag Event we signed a declaration of rededication of the nation of the Philippines to Yahveh, The God of Israel, and to Y’shua The Jewish Messiah!
Wednesday September 20, 2006
DOCUMENTING AN ANCIENT MIRACLE FOR A PRESENT DAY REVIVAL
Our last ministry meeting in the Philippines was in the city of Mabalacat , Pampanga. Where 14 years ago we were used by God to rescue it from being buried under the lahar mud slights of Mount Pinatubos ’ volcanic eruption in June of 1991. We are doing a documentary soon to be released on how The Holy Spirit sent us with a clear strategy to rescue an entire city that was being evacuated and doomed to total destruction! Today the city is thriving as a proof of the miracle that happened 14 years ago when Elohim sent these two Jews to bless the nations! At that time we teamed up with Malou Galang who had been a special friend when we studied in Christ for the Nations Bible College in Dallas , Texas . She was an elder of a church and together with the people they were fasting and praying in order to get direction from God during a time of great distress. The answer came when YAH sent us! Eventually we helped reestablish a new work there with Malou Galang as the appointed pastor under the name of SHIELD OF VICTORY. Shield of Victory has multiplied into 10 churches now. We went to visit “our church” after 10 years of absence. It was a GRAND celebration as we closed the circle by bringing them The MAP Revolution Message with signs and wonders following including a stomach tumor healed!
We have no doubt that this is only the beginning of The MAP Revolution Revival in the Philippines and THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Thank you dear friends and partners for praying for us without ceasing and for supporting us financially as we battle for Israel’s restoration, and the salvation of entire nations! Every one of your prayers and offerings are a SOLDIER in YAH’S End Time MAP Revolution Army! Our team is growing with some amazing vessels both spiritually and professionally and so are our needs. Your support as we lay down our lives for His glory is extremely appreciated!
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by the Messiah Yeshua to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
We love you and care for you, Shana Tova To all!
Your friends in Israel
Rabbi Baruch and Bishop Dominiquae Bierman
Thank you and bttt!
Wow, good insight. Thanks for that.
jm
THE WEDDING SUPPER
MAURICE SKLAR MINISTRIES
Sep 22, 2006
About two weeks ago, early on Sunday morning as I was preparing to go to church, I had a vision. I was caught up into heaven and I saw angels all around me. They were working and making preparations for what looked like a banquet. Everything was white – white canopies, white pavilions, white gazebos, what looked like white silk instead of canvas covering massive outdoor tents with elegant plumes and sashes hanging from white poles. It was clear as I looked around that th ere remained much more work to do.
The Lord then spoke to me and He said, “Do you know what this is?” I replied, “No Sir, but it looks like some kind of big garden party you are getting ready for.” He said, “My son, this is preparations for My Wedding Supper. All of heaven has been waiting for this day. It is almost time for Me to come for My Bride. There is great joy and celebration here in anticipation for the moment when I shall call her out of the earth.”
I was too amazed to say anything. It was so beautiful! The grass was so perfect. The flowers were blooming and the flower arrangements were being gathered from the nearby rose gardens by the angels. I had never seen such bright colors as those that were in those flowers! Everything was perfect wherever I looked. There were white doves that were flying with streamers that they were wrapping around the tent poles. They were in perfect symmetry as they would circle and wrap them. It reminded me of a May Day celebration that I saw once as a child, where there was a pole that was being wrapped in geometric designs by children as they circled it with their streamers. It ended up looking like a candy cane. But these were all in pastel colors of every hue of the rainbow. They were breathtaking to watch!
Then I saw the tables being brought in and placed next to each other. They stretched out under these outdoor tent pavilions as far as the eye could see. As I looked closer, I could see at each place setting there was a golden rectangular nameplate. As I looked, some were intricately engraved with the names of those that were to be seated there. Some of these name plates were encrusted with jewels that sparkled and glowed like there was a bright light shining behind them. Others were just with a plain name. The tables were not fully set, but I saw that it was the most elegant party preparation that I had ever seen. It could not be compared to anything on this earth. There was great joy and excitement in the air. The angels were singing in the most awesome songs as they worked. As I listened a little closer, I thought that I could hear the words as they sang about the righteous deeds of those that were to be seated where they were working.
Then the Lord said to me, “Tell My Bride that I am coming soon! Everything is being prepared. In a little while, all sorrow, pain, sickness, poverty, and every teardrop will be wiped away. There is only a little longer that you must labor. You must work now while it is still time, for the darkness is soon coming upon the earth when all will be in tribulation. Stay ready and remain alert in watching and praying. I will surely come for you, just as I promised in My Word.”
Then I was back in my room again, and I got in the shower to get ready for church.
This is the account of the vision I received earlier this month.
My love to you all in Our Messiah!
Maurice Sklar
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 1:12-14 Psalm 15:4
Promise Keepers
Joshua 1:12-14
And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying, "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.' Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them."
Promise Keepers
In his book Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington described meeting an ex-slave from Virginia: "The man had made a contract with his master, two or three years previous to the Emancipation Proclamation, that permitted him to buy his freedom. While he was paying for himself, his master released him to labor where and for whom he pleased. Finding he could receive better wages in Ohio, he journeyed there. When Abraham Lincoln declared all slaves to be free, however, the man was still in debt to his master three hundred dollars. Even though technically he was freed from any obligation, he still walked back to where his old master lived in Virginia and placed the last dollar, with interest, in his hands. The man concluded, ‘I could not enjoy my freedom until I had fulfilled my promise.'"
Joshua, too, reminded the Reubenites, the Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh that they had made a promise during the days of Moses. In return for being allowed to settle in the peaceful land east of the Jordan, they agreed to join their kinsmen in conquering the land west of the river. It was now time to fulfill that promise.
God expects all of us to keep our promises. In fact, the psalmist said that the person who walks with integrity "swears to his own hurt, and does not change" (Ps. 15:4).
Is there a promise that you need to fulfill? Have you made a commitment and not seen it to the end? Now is the time to take your obligation seriously and make good on your promises. Even if technically you're off the hook, people of integrity always do what they promise.
A promise broken is a responsibility left undone.
-/\/\- - - -
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/- - - - September 22, 2006
= = =TODAY'S ARTICLE = = =
It Is Finished, by Paul Faulkner
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. (Matthew 6:33 RSV)
Just before Jesus died, as he was hanging on the cross, he said, "It is finished." I hope that when I come to the end of my life I can say, "It's finished."
Being faithful unto the end is difficult.
I bet you are a lot like me. I love to start things! There's always so much excitement in the prospect of something new. But it's so hard to stay with it until the very end when the job gets bogged down with details and loose ends.
Being faithful unto the end is difficult. The thing we need to do is cut down on the things we start, and seek God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and put everything else second. That way at the end of our lives we can really say, "It is finished." And what we came to do -- and what God sent us to do -- we've accomplished.
God bless your starts and good finishes!
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: Keep A Quiet Heart
Scripture: Psalm 139 James 1:2
There Are No Accidents
My friend Judy Squier of Portola Valley, California, is one of the most cheerful and radiant women I know. I met her first in a prayer meeting at the beginning of a conference. She was sitting in a wheel chair, and I noticed something funny about her legs. Later that day I saw her with no legs at all. In the evening she was walking around with crutches. Of course I had to ask her some questions. She was born with no legs; she had artificial ones which she used sometimes, but they were tiresome, she said (laughing) and she often left them behind. When I heard of a little baby boy named Brandon Scott, born without arms or legs, I asked if she would write to his parents. She did:
"The first thing I would say is that all that this entails is at least one hundred times harder on the parents than the child. A birth defect by God's grace does not rob childhood of its wonder, nor is a child burdened by high expectations. Given a supportive, creative, and loving family, I know personally that I enjoyed not a less-than-average life nor an average life, but as I've told many, my life has been not ordinary but extra-ordinary.
"I am convinced without a doubt that a loving Heavenly Father oversees the creative miracles in the inner sanctum of each mother's womb (Psalm 139), and that in His sovereignty there are no accidents.
"'What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Creator calls a butterfly.' As humanity we see only the imperfect, underside of God's tapestry of our lives. What we judge to be 'tragic--the most dreaded thing that could happen,' I expect we'll one day see as the awesome reason for the beauty and uniqueness of our life and our family. I think that's why James 1:2 is a favorite verse of mine. Phillips' translation put it this way: 'When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders but welcome them as friends.'
"I love Joni Eareckson Tada's quote. When I saw it on the front of Moody Monthly, October 1982, I was convinced she'd penned the words for my epitaph. Now my husband David is aghast to hear me say I want it on my tombstone! Glory be!
People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate who He really is. His power shows up best in weakness. And who by the world's standards is weaker than the mentally or physically disabled? As the world watches, these people persevere. They live, love, trust and obey Him. Eventually the world is forced to say, "How great their God must be to inspire this kind of loyalty."
"Being Christian didn't shield my family from the pain and tears that came with my birth defect. In fact, ten years ago when David and I interviewed our parents for a Keepsake Tape, I was stunned to hear my mother's true feelings. I asked her to tell the hardest thing in her life. Her response: 'the day Judy Ann was born and it still is....' And yet when we as a family look back over the years, our reflections are invariably silenced by the wonder of God's handiwork. Someday I hope to put it in a book and I know it will be to the glory of God.
"Getting married and becoming a mother were dreams I never dared to dream, but God, the doer of all miracles intended that my life be blessed with an incredible husband and three daughters. Emily is nine, Betsy will soon be seven, and Naphtalie Joy is four. I've decided that every handicapped person needs at least one child. They are fantastic helpers and so willing to let me 'borrow their legs' when I need help.
"You as a family have been chosen in a special way to display His unique Masterwork. I pray that your roots of faith will grow deep down into the faithfulness of God's Loving Plan, that you will exchange your inadequacy for the Adequacy of Jesus' resurrection power, and that you will be awed as you witness the fruits of the Spirit manifested in your family."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.