I woke up and sent one post. Then I took a nap. When I woke up I thought it was this morning. When I found out it was last night it was too late to round up posts and post them.
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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?Exodus 24
Exodus 24 is a covenant renewal worship ceremony. Because we also meet weekly on the Lord¡¯s Day¡ªnot to inaugurate new covenants each week, but to renew the one new covenant that Jesus himself inaugurated through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension¡ªExodus 24 is uniquely valuable to serve as a pattern for us. Here, we see three principles that ought to shape our own weekly worship.
First, the word of Yahweh must be at the center of our corporate worship. Notice how Moses read and proclaimed all the words and rules of Yahweh from the Book of the Covenant (Ex. 24:3, 7). In response, the people vow to obey: ¡°All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient¡± (Ex. 24:3, 7). In the same way, we ought to hear God¡¯s word read, read his word out loud, sing his words in our songs, and listen to his word preached. Christian worship is word-based.
Second, corporate worship requires sacrificial blood. After Moses reads all the words of Yahweh and after the people vow their obedience, Moses throws half of the sacrificial blood on the altar (Ex. 24:6) and half of it on the people (Ex. 24:8). Importantly, Moses offers two kinds of sacrifices: burnt offerings and peace offerings. Burnt offerings made atonement for the sins of the people (Lev. 1:4), and so this blood ritually cleanses them from sin.
Christian worship also requires sacrificial blood¡ªnot the blood of bulls, lambs, and goats, but the better sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, shed once for all. Christian worship must exalt Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2) as we gather together.
Third, the goal of corporate worship is to enjoy communion with God by eating and drinking with him. Peace offerings, the other sacrifice that Moses makes, celebrated communion with Yahweh. The whole congregation would eat the peace offering as a great communal feast (Lev. 7:11¨C18). It is the peace offering that the elders of Israel eat with God without fear in Exodus 24:9¨C11.1
What a privilege for them to eat in the presence of God¡ªand astonishingly, this is a privilege we share today. Just like for them, the height of Christian worship is to eat and drink with Jesus Christ at the Lord¡¯s Table.
At the beginning of creation, God¡¯s people ate and drank with him freely in the Garden of Eden, and our eternal rest in glory will be marked by a feast at the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6¨C9). Until then, we gather weekly to listen to the word of the Lord, to proclaim salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and to eat and drink with Jesus at his table, just like we see in the pattern laid out for us in Exodus 24.
1 Allen P. Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2006), 180.
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~PRECIOUS PERPLEXED PEOPLE~
~PRECIOUS PERPLEXED PEOPLE~
Sharing an older true event that was in my FB memories this morning.? This lady really touched our hearts that day.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ~PRECIOUS PERPLEXED PEOPLE~ An elderly lady was setting quietly in a wheelchair, in the lobby, when we arrived at our? nursing home ministry, yesterday.? She was a new resident, possibly her first day.? I smiled, spoke to her, and asked her how she was doing.? She smiled back, and said, "Come here," and motioned for me to bend down closer to her, where I could hear her speak.? When I did, she took my arm and in a soft voice, she said, "I can't find me a way to get back home before night time, and I don't know what I am going to do?"? She then quickly asked me, "Can you tell me what kind of place this is?"? I said, "It's a good place they give rehab to those who need it, to people? like you and me, and help take care of others."? She then asked, "If can't find my way home, before tonight, do you know if they have a room, or a bed somewhere here, that I could stay and sleep in?"? I said, "Oh, Yes, Mam, they do have rooms and beds here and they will let you stay, and you will be ok!"? The sweet little lady looked up, with a very perplexed look, and asked me, "But who is going to pay for me staying the night?"? I told her that insurance would probably take care of all the bill and not to worry about it, for she would be ok."? She smiled, once again, and her problem was now solved, at least for the moment, anyway.? She still didn't realize this "was" her new home, and had forgotten she had a room somewhere in the building. So many people are in the very same situation, and can't put their thoughts together to even understand their surroundings. God hasn't forsaken these, and they now have others to care for them, like they once cared for their children and grandchildren.? We should not forsake them either, but treat them with respect and dignity, and help try to calm their fears and dry their tears. It must be frightening to go from your home to a new place where you don't? even know where you are, how to get around, or the ones caring for you, as is the state of mind of many dear people. I related this incident to share a Scripture, today, and also a thought we heard many years ago that is so true.? A group of teenage girls were visiting one of these facilities, years ago,? and begin to laugh and make fun of one little elderly lady, who couldn't always think straight.? I know the Lord must have been in the words she spoke when she looked up at all of them, thinking of her age and theirs, and calmly said, "As you are now, I once was."? As I am now, you will become!"? Think about it, as these words are so true!? None of us know what tomorrow will bring.? We should give thanks for today, and thank the Lord if we? have a sound mind and disposing memory, even if forgetful, at times. -SCRIPTURE- "Do not cast me off in the time of old age. Do not forsake me when my strength fails." -Psalms 71-9 ESV. "So teach us to number our days, that we may present, to You, a heart of wisdom." -Psalms 90-12 ESV. +(?`v??)+ .`?.?.?? ¡ï Blessings, Jo Ann Kelly-2016 ? ¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î +J. P's Inspirations ¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î.??. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Two Gates, Two Ways
¡°Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
The broad path is easy to find. In fact, unless you make a conscious choice to avoid it, that¡¯s where you¡¯ll find yourself walking. Most people like this wide road because it¡¯s comfortable, fairly easy, and culturally acceptable.
What those who travel the broad road fail to realize is that it doesn¡¯t lead to life. All the ¡°promises¡± it gives of satisfaction and fulfillment end in disappointment because it¡¯s a path without God.
The narrow way, however, follows the direction and desires of the Father. In Matthew 7:14, when Jesus Christ talked about our options, He said, ¡°The way is narrow that leads to life.¡± And what¡¯s the narrow way? It¡¯s ¡°the way and the truth and the life¡±¡ªin other words, Jesus Himself (John 14:6). Those who enter by the narrow gate of faith in Christ find the peace and joy of a relationship with Him, which truly satisfies the heart.
Which path would you say you¡¯re traveling on today? The narrow way isn¡¯t always easy, but it¡¯s where we¡¯ll find fullness of joy, peace, and righteousness (Psalm 16:11; Ephesians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 1:30). And if we choose Jesus, He promises to be with us throughout eternity.
?Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.
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TAKE TIME Take some time to smell the flowers. As you walk the paths of life. Take some time to ease the tensions. From the challenges and the strife. Take some time to hear the birds sing. As they usher in the dawn. Though the day be just emerging. Too soon it will be gone. Take some time to watch a sunrise. Now and then a sunset too. Just be sure that seeking pleasure. Isn¡¯t all you ever do. Take some time to count your blessings. Though you feel they¡¯re not that great. You will find they¡¯re more abundant. Than you thought, at any rate. Take some time to banish hatred. When and where you can. Just detest man¡¯s evil ways. And not your fellow man. Take some time to love your children. Every moment you are free. The benefits sure exceed. A university degree. Take some time to love your neighbor. And even more important still, Take some time to love yourself. Or not many others will. And if you don¡¯t like that image. Of yourself that others see, Take some time to make some changes. Be the best that you can be. Take some time to help another. Who you think might need a hand. You will find the satisfaction. Leaves you feeling sort of grand. Take some time to live by virtue. In the best way that is known, And respect the rights of others. As equal to your own. Take some time to just appreciate. The fact that you are here, And to know that higher power. And to trust it without fear. If you do these things with diligence. You will eventually be glad. If you don¡¯t attempt to do them. You may one day wish you had. Although this no doubt could impose. Upon your time for seeking wealth, There should be little question. That it could improve your health. And though you might not be as wealthy. Nor drive so fine a car, You¡¯ll find you will be richer. In other ways by far. Your time and mine is in God¡¯s Hands but He has empowered us to use it responsibly.
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Joy of My Heart with Anne Graham Lotz?
Created in God¡¯s Image
God created man in his own image, in the mage of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27, niv
Nothing like man had ever existed in the universe prior to his creation. Through the power of God¡¯s Word, man was brought into existence from nothing. What sets man so distinctly apart from the animals that he required a separate creative process of God? The distinct difference between man and all other animals and life forms is that man was created in the image of God.
By creating man in His own image, God fixed a gulf between animals and man that will never be bridged. Animals always have been and always will be animals. Man always has been and always will be man. The fossil evidence confirms this. No one has ever found the ¡°missing link,¡± and no one ever will because it¡¯s missing! It doesn¡¯t exist! Since Creation, approximately ten billion human beings have been born, yet there is not a single recorded case of one ever being genetically less than a human being. Man was created in God¡¯s own image with a capacity to know the Creator in a personal relationship. Do you know Him?
God¡¯s Story, (Nashville: W Publishing, 1997).?
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Today You Can ? Today you can choose to count your blessings Or you can count your troubles.
Today you can live each moment Or you can put in time.
Today you can take action towards your goals Or you can procrastinate.
Today you can plan for the future Or you can regret the past.
Today you can learn one new thing Or you can stay the same.
Today you can seek possibilities Or you can overwhelm yourself with the impossible.
Today you can continue to move forward Or you can quit.
Today you can take steps towards resolving your Challenges or you can procrastinate.
You see today the choices are up to you In deciding what you do today.
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JUDY A KNOCK AT THE DOOR, PART 2
Three years ago on a Sunday morning, while looking for a religious program to watch, Judy happened onto Amazing Facts Television. She says, ¡°I loved it. As I listened, I found myself agreeing with what the pastor said, except when he starting saying that Saturday was the Sabbath. At this point I didn¡¯t even know Pastor Doug¡¯s denomination. But I went to my Bible and discovered he was right.¡±
Soon she signed up for the Amazing Facts Bible Study Guides and began completing them and mailing them in. When she finished the introductory lessons, she moved to the advanced lessons, and then the prophecy lessons. She enjoyed them all and found her understanding of Scripture grow tremendously.
One day, two young students who were going through the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) program knocked on Judy¡¯s door. The young men found Judy to be very receptive to discussing the Bible. They provided her with more helpful booklets and DVDs. She says, ¡°Those young men taught me to pray in a meaningful way. I always prayed for my own needs, but they helped me to realize how important it is to give praise to the Lord in prayer.¡±
A few months later the two Bible workers invited Judy to attend a prophecy seminar being held by Pastor Eric Flickinger. She gladly attended. Sometimes, when she couldn¡¯t find transportation, the young men brought her to the meetings.
¡°I attended almost every session. Each evening as I left I would bump into an usher named Larry who asked, ¡®How was it?¡¯ I always smiled and said, ¡®God is speaking to me!¡¯¡±
Judy was eventually baptized and says she loves her new church home.
¡°Where would I be without Amazing Facts! They basically saved my life,¡± Judy shares. ¡°I have found so many answers to my Bible questions. They have led me to my church family. They continue to provide resources so I can witness to my neighbors. If there is one thing Amazing Facts taught me, it was to share my faith. You can¡¯t just sit in front of a television and say, ¡®Amen.¡¯ Amazing Facts has helped me to get out into my community and witness to others.¡±
Reflect: Have you ever knocked on someone¡¯s door and offered to share with them Christian literature? Don¡¯t be offended by negative responses. Your loving response can be used by God to melt hearts.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19
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The Mindset of Jesus Philippians 2:1¨C11
Followers of Jesus initially called themselves ¡°the Way¡± (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22). When the gospel came to Antioch, some people began to refer to them as Christians (Acts 11:26). The label signified that they belonged to the group associated with Jesus Christ. Eventually, the believers adopted it themselves. Today, followers of Jesus still call themselves Christians.
When we claim this title, we are doing more than identifying with a group or a church. We are identifying with Jesus. According to verse 5, it¡¯s our way of thinking that produces a way of being. We are to have ¡°the same mindset as Christ.¡± How do we do this? Paul identifies three characteristics. First, we should remember the love, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion we experienced from Christ (v. 1). Second, we acknowledge what Jesus has done both for and in us (vv. 6¨C11). We must understand the gospel and its implications. Third, we begin to have the mind of Christ when we follow Jesus into His way of life (vv. 2¨C4).
The order is important here. We must know and experience Jesus before we can imitate Him. No doubt this is why Paul spends the bulk of these verses describing the nature of Christ¡¯s work. At its heart, we see a series of actions where Christ ¡°made himself nothing¡± (v. 7). Theologians have written volumes about this phrase. But Paul explains what he means by it in the verses that follow. Jesus made Himself nothing by taking on human nature and humbling Himself to the point of death on the cross (vv. 7¨C8). Because He did this, ¡°God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name¡± (v. 9).
>> The path that Jesus took is also the path of the Christian¡¯s life. We do not imitate Christ so that we can be saved but because we were saved by Jesus who ¡°made Himself nothing.¡±
Pray with Us Our identity is in You alone, Lord. Before we identify as Calvinist or Armenian, complementarian or egalitarian, or by any other doctrinal or denominational distinctive, remind us that all things are subordinate to being one with You.
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GIVE GOD THE GLORY
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Jesus alone is to be exalted. Whatever may be the ability or the success of any one of us, it is not because we have manufactured these powers ourselves; they are the sacred trust given us of God, to be wisely employed in His service to His glory. All is the Lord's entrusted capital. Why, then, should we be lifted up? Why should we call attention to our own defective selves? What we do possess in talent and wisdom is received from the Source of wisdom, that we may glorify God. . . .
Pride of talent, pride of intellect, cannot exist in hearts that are hid with Christ in God. . . . Then let us humble ourselves, and adore Jesus, but never, never, exalt self in the least degree. . . . If the motive of all our life is to serve and honor Christ and bless humanity in the world, then the dreariest path of duty will become a bright way-- a path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.
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? 5 puzzle links
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=34cd75a4133d&pieces=81
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=29caf29a15bc&pieces=80
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2a1f3afc38f2&pieces=80
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=159e8d8e326a&pieces=81
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2798a48b2412&pieces=80
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Today we are in chapters 7 and 8 of Ten Godly Leadership Essentials. post
Today we are in chapters 7 and 8 of Ten Godly Leadership Essentials. post
Today we are in chapters 7 and 8 of Ten Godly Leadership Essentials. Let¡¯s pull out our booklets and discover the next two essentials of godly leadership. Here¡¯s the PDF. And as we near the end of our current adventure together, let¡¯s make sure we finish strong and receive all that God has for us.?
Many people may have a moment of faith, but are you one of the few in it for the long haul? Life is a marathon¡ªnot a sprint! You¡¯re going to need to have faith over a prolonged period of time. And as with every essential, that will only happen through your relationship with God. I know, relationship with God again? Seriously? Yes, seriously! Every good thing in our lives as believing Christians is birthed from our relationship with Jesus. Like a waiter who¡¯s serving a table, watching to refill drinks and fulfill the diners¡¯ needs, we too must watch the Lord and actively wait for Him to give us our next marching orders. Only then will you renew your strength, rise up on wings like an eagle, and run without growing weary (Is. 40:31)!?
Did you know, in your spirit there is no quitting? Each one of us must come to the place where there is no way out, where no matter what, we¡¯re committed to following God. ¡°If you¡¯re someone who¡¯s ready to give up, you¡¯re not walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), which means you¡¯re operating in the flesh and have been running on your own steam and power¡± (Ten Godly Leadership Essentials, p. 35). You¡¯ve got to burn the bridges behind you¡ªthose plans other than God¡¯s plans¡ªso that there is no plan B or plan C if things don¡¯t work out (Heb. 11:15). In this place, you¡¯ve truly come to the end of yourself and to the beginning of the more that God has for you!?
Let¡¯s put this into action. Here are three practical, easy steps you can take:?
Search the Scriptures: Find all the verses mentioned in chapter 7, reread each one, and meditate on them. Take your time. What is God speaking to you through them??? Pray and ask for His guidance: When you¡¯re praying, take a moment and ask God for His guidance. Ask Him to help you walk in the Spirit and in patience.? Remember His faithfulness: Make a list of all the times in your life that you¡¯ve experienced the Lord¡¯s goodness and faithfulness. Now thank God for each of those moments, and if you can¡¯t think of anything to be thankful for, then start by thanking Him for the breath you just took, and the next one, and the next one. God is faithful and He¡¯s never given up on you, so be encouraged to never give up on Him and the plans He¡¯s got for you. Decide in your heart right now that you won¡¯t quit¡ªno matter what!?? ? As we approach the last two chapters, remember that this is a journey. You¡¯re on the adventure of your life with the Maker of the universe. Embrace your true identity as a leader and let your relationship with the Lord produce godly leadership in you!?
Keep seeking truth,? Your Discipleship Guide?
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2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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¡°Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name." We all have things to be thankful for. Across the years of my life I have come to realize that we have far more to praise God for than to complain about what we do not have. If you are like me, you will recall individuals who seem to be committed to be the biggest complainers in their sphere of influence. It is possible to spot these people by the way others seem to go out of their way to avoid them. These people are not known to be ¡°praise people¡± but rather complaining people. I for one have a desire to be known as a person of praise. In every situation of life I want to search for something to praise God for and then - - PRAISE HIM! Are you a person of praise? I urge you to begin immediately to praise the Lord for the day He has given us and the opportunity to serve Him with joy and gladness in our heart and a smile on our face. SMILE AWHILE! It will be a blessing to a world that is filled with too many frowns! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions! ?
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Through Gates of Splendor
Through Gates of Splendor Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Psalm 100:4 Fifianna Su, 9, lives with her family in a one-hundred-square-foot room in San Francisco, but last Easter she and her mom were invited to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. The invitation came from the Chinatown Community Development Center, which received three tickets to the event. Nonprofit organizations and donors paid their way, and the mother and daughter arrived at the White House on a bright, sunny day, along with approximately thirty thousand others. Afterward, Fifianna¡¯s mother told The Washington Post, ¡°She knows that her dream, her future¡is more than just the space we¡¯re living in right now.¡±1 Recommended Reading: Psalm 100 Sometimes our world can seem very small and our pressures very large. But by grace, we have constant access through the gates of the Lord and into the courtyard of the King of kings. We can always come with thanksgiving and praise. Our Lord is the One who can satisfy the desires of our heart. Lean on Him. Because of His resurrection, He can give you levels of personal satisfaction the world can never afford. Right now you can enter His gates with joy and His courts with praise! Everything if given to God can become your gateway to joy. Elisabeth Elliot Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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¡°LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. ¡± ¡ªPsalm 119:156 As Christians, we are either progressing or regressing. We are either going forward or going backward. The moment we stop our forward momentum is the moment we begin our backward regression. It¡¯s the moment we start going in the wrong direction spiritually. Of course, we all have those times as believers when we stumble, when we trip up. There are times when we make the wrong decisions or think the wrong thoughts. When this happens, we need to repent, of course. But we also need revival and refreshment in our spiritual lives. And there¡¯s refreshing power in the Word of God. The psalmist David wrote, ¡°The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple¡± (Psalm 19:7 NLT). If we want to be growing Christians, then we need to be Bible-studying Christians. We want to build our lives on Christ and His Word. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave this summary statement: ¡°Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won¡¯t collapse because it is built on bedrock¡± (Matthew 7:24¨C25 NLT). Every life will be tested. Every one of us will face storms as followers of Jesus. So, let¡¯s make sure that we build on the right foundation, which is a relationship with Jesus Christ. But we must also study the Word of God. As we read, study, memorize, and dig into the Bible, it will refresh us spiritually. Don¡¯t build your Christian life on experience. Don¡¯t build it on fickle emotions. Rather, build your life on Jesus Christ and God¡¯s Word. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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? Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. Our tendency to focus on the negative greatly affects our perspective. It narrows our vision and minimizes our expectations. When Peter and John approached the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, Peter said, ¡°Look at us¡± (Acts 3). The crippled man looked up, expecting them to toss a few coins in his cup. Was he in for the most amazing surprise of his life! When we major in the minor, it limits our ability to see beyond the problem to a God Who holds the solution. Even though this man must have heard the miraculous stories of Jesus and his disciples as he laid daily at the temple gate, when Peter and John stood before him, he could only hope for some change. Since the disabled were prohibited from entering the temple to worship, God sent Peter and John to meet him outside. In the presence of the Lord, the lame leaped to his feet, forever changed. Jesus stands before you to ask, ¡°What is the one thing that I can do for you today?¡± Will you shake your cup and hope for a few coins? Or will you lift your eyes to see a Savior Who is well able to meet every need? Ask out loud and with expectancy! The supernatural is commonplace to Him. He longs to give good gifts to you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you stop thinking small when it comes to the Creator of the universe. More than a few coins, may you expect the supernatural, life-changing move of God in your life. May you never settle for less! In the name of Jesus¡ Amen. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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A CLASSIC MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE
A CLASSIC MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. The King of the Time of the End Up until this point in chapter eleven, the 135 prophecies that deal with the Persian and Grecian empires have been fulfilled with minute precision-every event verified and documented by the rigors of both religious and secular history, and culminating with the "end days" of the wicked Antiochus Epiphanes (164 B.C.). Now, however-beginning with verse 36-we find ourselves in new territory. Here we suddenly confront prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled. Nothing here can be related to previously predicted and fulfilled historical events, which means we are now stepping into areas that speak of a yet-to-be-fulfilled future-specifically the life and times of the Antichrist who will wield his worldwide influence for seven years as he and his worldwide reign lead up to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. As this Antichrist of the Great Tribulation is described in Daniel's revelation, we learn again that he does as he pleases, magnifies himself above every god, speaks terrible things against God, and prospers until the "indignation" is finished (Revelation 14:10). He will be an absolute dictator who, like a child, demands his own way and expects to accomplish all his objectives on his own terms. The Antichrist will blaspheme the one true God and will do monstrous things against the God of gods. You'll recall that the same thing was said of his predecessor-the little horn of Daniel 7:25. In simple terms, the Antichrist will be a madman who claims he is deity, one who will run the "end-time show" in an attempt to obliterate Israel. The Scripture also adds that he will not "regard the desire of women" (v. 37). Some scholars have suggested this to mean that the Antichrist will not engage in the normal physical desires which a man has for a woman. This idea, however, does not fit the context. More in line is the thought that this is a specific urge or craving the women of Israel had to become the mother of the Messiah, fulfilling Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 9:6-7. Therefore, because the Antichrist hates God-and hates Christ-he has no regard for the Savior, the desire of women for centuries to bear and deliver the Messiah. The Antichrist will hate Jesus so much, and become so violently opposed to everything for which He stands, that he not only refuses to bow down and worship the Savior, but also executes those who do (Revelation 13:15; 20:4). Some have suggested that the Antichrist will be a Jew who has departed from the God of his fathers, Yahweh. However, this cannot be the case because according to prophecy he must emerge from the revived Roman Empire and must therefore be a "son" born within the European Union. It's my belief that we can expect the Antichrist to be a Gentile who defects from his religious upbringing and becomes an avowed believer in, and promoter of, the philosophy of the New Age movement. I encourage you to pay careful attention to this movement in the days ahead as you see its power manifested around you. Remember that New Age thipking is much more harmful than a few innocent crystals, shamans, incense-burning bookstores, Tarot cards, and some mystical, put-you-to-sleep music. Pay particular attention to the words that advocates of the New Age movement use, such as "you are little gods," or "you can be like a god," or "you can make your own happiness," or you need to do nothing more than center yourself in your own consciousness," along with a constant repetition of the phrase "I am," a not so subtle suggestion that they regard themselves as good as miniature gods. These words and phrases put them on the precipice of blasphemy, and create an apostate atmosphere in which the Antichrist will feel very much at home. We who have ears to hear must remember that God is revealing these final truths to Daniel. Today this book is now open and unsealed. The predicted events are happening and "the time of the end" has arrived. Not only is the Antichrist a great opponent of almighty God and His people, but he is also a great deceiver. He comes as a man of peace, making a binding covenant with Israel at the beginning of the seventieth seven of years. This pact will tie Israel so tightly to the Antichrist that Israel will, for all practical purposes, be an "arm" of this revived Roman ruler in the Middle East. Therefore, any attack on Israel will be regarded as an attack on the Antichrist himself. But when Israel is later attacked by Egypt and Russia (kings of the South and the North) we will begin to see the pact with Israel for the sham it really is. How deceitful will the Antichrist be? Daniel 11:38 says, "He shall honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver and with precious stones, and pleasant things." The Antichrist will get his own way because of his ability to beguile virtually all the nations of earth with his smooth tongue and New Age-like thinking, wresting the entire world under his control. The gods he honors will be New Age gods, people, and personalities, all minor gods of whom he, the Antichrist, is chief. It will be a Robin Hood scenario where he takes from the rich and gives to the poor-an activity for which he will receive uncritical, rave reviews. He will heap masses of money and an abundance of material things upon the have-nots of the world, and they will honor and follow him as so many lemmings over the precipice until he ultimately gets what he wants. But watch out, because at that point this E.U. Pied Piper will rid himself of his most ardent followers. Revelation 13:1-18 is an important reminder of the global extent of this dictator. For your easy reference, I'm listing the entire passage. It's important that you read this text in its entirety because of its detailed predictions of what this "beast," or Antichrist, will resemble: And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Here is a "beast" who will be killed and then resurrected as Christ was (Daniel 11:45; Revelation 12:3). To ensure that his power base remains unchallenged, he will insist that the mark 666 be given to all-rich and poor, free or bond. This mark on their foreheads or in their right hands will be mandatory for buying something as simple as a loaf of bread. Unknown to many Christians, these numbers, in various forms, are already being prepared as identification tags on products going in and out of the European Union. Recently, one thousand Greek Orthodox priests and nuns conducted protest marches in Athens against an upcoming I.D. they claim contains the number 666. Things are moving at a quickening pace, but none of what we are presently experiencing could possibly be understood until our time-the "latter days." Until then, Daniel would remain a "sealed book," closed until the time of the end. Only at that appointed time would the book be unsealed and revealed-its mysteries brought to light. That hour has arrived. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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We have this treasure from God, but we
We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies. We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of death so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies that die. So death is working in us, but life is working in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NCV) ?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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The Ten Most Powerful Things In The Universe
In a world of terrorism, dictatorships, and weapons of mass destruction, can the events that happened 2,000 years ago on a hillside near Jerusalem actually make a difference in our lives today? Does the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross and His bodily resurrection three days later still have the power to defeat the enemies of all that is good and right? The answer is a triumphant "Yes!"
It is important for us to remember that the last words Jesus spoke before His death on the cross were, "It is finished." The debt of our sin had been paid in full. Yet even though the work of redemption was finished, Jesus was not finished. Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God. The power of God is greater than any power that exists in the world today. More than any army, more than any weapon, more than any ruler, Jesus Christ is Lord over all and has power over all.
The following is a list of the ten most powerful things in the universe that are available to you today as a believer in Jesus Christ.
?.The Power of the Blood of Jesus - Nothing else can bring you forgiveness.
. The Power of the Gospel - Nothing else can save your soul.
. The Power of the Cross - Nothing else can deliver you from the slavery of sin.
. The Power of the Word - Nothing else can bring you transforming truth.
. The Power of the Kingdom of God - Nothing else can keep you from evil.
. The Power of the Holy Spirit - Nothing else can conform you to Jesus' image.
. The Power of the Resurrection - Nothing else can give you eternal hope.
. The Power of Prayer - Nothing else can move the hand of God.
. The Power of Grace - Nothing else can freely give you all you need.
. The Power of Faith - Nothing else can keep you till the end.
Finally, be assured that Jesus Christ is presently at the right hand of the Father, that He has a name that is above all names, that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, that all enemies are under His feet, and that His government and peace will never end. He will soon rise from His throne and return to this earth to rule in righteousness. Until that day, continue to look up, for your redemption draws near.
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Daily in Your Presence - Aug. 15
Day 228
SUPREMACY
So that in everything
he might have the supremacy.
Colossians 1:18
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, everything I have done and everything I am point to My supremacy. I am the One who orchestrates the hands of Congress; I am the One who turns the hearts of leaders. I am the One who established My church.? I am the One who created all things. I am the One who once destroyed the world by flood; I am the One who defeated every wicked army. And I am the One who loved you so much that I died for you¡ªto become your supreme Lord.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Lord, Your name, Your reputation, Your heritage, Your nature ¡ªall demand the respect and honor of Your subjects. You have supremacy, Lord. My home is Your castle; my heart is Your home. My worship belongs to You alone.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Jesus' supreme sacrifice on the cross settled the question of God's love forever.
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Momsooky
