ANOTHER BIT OF USUAL HUMOR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzggPRCmaCQ

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

The Blessings Of Persecution

How in the world anyone could think that they would be blessed for being rejected by sharing their faith?  Isn’t it hard to think of persecution as a blessing?  What’s good about being scorned or ridiculed for telling others about Jesus Christ?

Jesus said that not only are we blessed when we are persecuted, but we are to pray for those who do this to us (Matthew 5:44).  Imagine praying for someone who has hurt you or wants to hurt you.  It’s difficult to believe that you are being blessed when someone hates you.  Believe it because Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man” (Luke 6:22) and “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:11).

The Apostles were disgraced for their witnessing, but they “left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41).  It’s good to remember that they really don’t hate the messenger as much as they hate the message.  The next time someone persecutes you for your sharing the gospel, thank God because you have been blessed for His name’s sake and the spirit of glory rests upon you.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. -  1 Peter 4:14

This daily devotional was written by Pastor Jack Wellman a writer at What Christians Want To Know.  To read more from What Christians Want To Know check out the article below or follow WCWTK on Facebook for daily Christian encouragement:

www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-blessings-20-good-scripture-quotes/

http://jesus-loves-you.org/?p=7510

LEADERS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF JESUS

LEADERS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF JESUS

YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN Jesus said “Feed my sheep”(John 21:15-17).

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

Our Church leaders are Chosen Leaders, handpicked by God and called to suit up and go into themission field on their assigned task to shepherd and guide, and then placed in the unique position to make defining decisions and choices that can have a profound impact on a few or many. Our leaders in the church are called and expected to keep diligent watch over the flock. That is the pattern and designexpected when one accepts their calling knowing it comes with incredible responsibility.

Placed in their care are people who bring many loads of heavy burdens, looking for a way to find peace and joy as they are about this earthly journey. People from all walks of life seeking hope, lost, weary and tired wanting rest, a release from those things that keeps them in bondage.

Our leaders are therefore placed in position to minister to those souls as directed by the Holy Spirit, knowing they hold very fragile children in their hands. They are now given the authority through Christ to shape and mold lives for the kingdom of God, to feed the flock.

Remember, Jesus and how he was crucified outside the city gates–where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God’s alter to cleanse his people.  His sacrifice is a reminder to our leaders as to their purpose and calling, who must walk in obedience, faith and be examples of godliness as he accepts the torch to carry out his mission as assigned. The mission of kingdom building is not one to be taken lightly or for granted because souls are at risk.

Our Leaders are to be visible and able to relate to the needs of their followers, meaning that in order to accomplish their assigned mission they should follow the pattern of Jesus. Scripture puts it this way; let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is–not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking ourShare in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have eyes peeled for the Cityabout to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name  (Hebrews 13:13-15, MGS).

We as seekers of peace and righteousness are to be responsive to pastoral leaders, listen to their counsel because they should be alert to the condition of our lives and work under the strict supervisionof God. We are to contribute to the joy of their leadership, not drudgery; we are to pray for them that they be diligent in their assigned mission.

Our Leaders are accountable to God and its plain in Gods’ Word the responsibility expected of them.  God says,” My sheep were scattered because they were without a shepherd and they became prey when they were scattered; I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock”. (Ezekiel: 34).

After Jesus had risen from the dead and before his ascension as he gave final instructions to his disciples: Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these”, three times.  When he responded “Yes”, Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”(John 21:15-17). This is a reminder to our Leaders, don’t take your calling or position lightly. YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED, CHOSEN.

 http://vineandbranchworldministries.com/2013/05/16/leaders-need-to-learn-how-to-follow-the-pattern-of-jesus/

EXODUS 34:1 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

 

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

– Exodus 34:1 (NIV)

 

Today’s commentary
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Moses had broken the first set of tablets in a fit of anger when he saw the Israelites worshipping at a golden calf that was made while he was meeting with God on Mt. Sinai. Yet even the anger of Moses would not stop the purposes of God. This picture is throughout the Bible—God gives second chances. God’s steadfast love extends to the heavens. His faithfulness to the clouds.

DAILYBIBLEVERSE.ORG

 

 

ROSE AND LINDA’S JOURNAL BRIGHT AND CLEAR

What started as time to share coffee in the morning has turned into Praise and Fellowship with the Lord.  One morning they decided to have prayer, afterwards they noticed everything looked brighter and clearer. Bible study and prayer followed as their way to start the day. Then miracles begin to happen.  Without leaving his home one member got a job.  Financial blessings took place.  Unsaved children were taking part in Bible study.  Saved children were turning back to their roots.  Restoration was taking place in others.  All were aware of changes in their lives.

It all started with a prayer that turned their world and lives into a brighter and clearer day.  That morning after prayer they all noticed how sharp and clear the sky, trees, even the birds looked.  It was like putting on a new pair of glasses.  God though was doing more than that.  He was showing them that by putting Him first, everything comes into focus, bright and clear.

Oh to start our day with Jesus.  Everything brighter and clearer by placing all into His hands.

God Bless

recj/LJG

A BIT OF HUMOR

You have just received the Amish Virus.

Since we do not have electricity nor computers, you are on the honor 
system. 
Please delete all of your files.

I thanketh thee,

Abe

[forwarded by Autumn Mott]

============================

I just wish once someone would call me "Sir" without adding, "You're making a 
scene."

=======================================

MIKEYSFUNIES

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE DAY

The Benefits of Salvation: Saved From God’s Wrath

Romans 5:9-10

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

[Today we return to "The Benefits of Salvation" series with "Part 7: Saved from God's Wrath."]

What is the “wrath” Paul mentions?

It is the wrath of Zephaniah 1:15: “That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness…”

The wrath of Psalm 21:9: “At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.”

Jesus speaks about it in Luke 21:23: “How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.”

All of which point to the final wrath and judgment of Revelation 11:18: “The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great — and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

In our passage today, Paul tells us we have been saved from God’s wrath. Yet He has not only saved us from the penalty of sin for the past, but also the power of sin in the present and the presence of sin in the future. The last two is what Paul speaks about when he says: “…how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

The seventh “Benefit of Salvation” is we are saved from God’s wrath by our faith and belief in Jesus.

Too often I see Christians focused on just what Christ’s death represents — forgiveness of sin. Although critical, I think Paul’s point today is to not forget the equally important power Jesus has given us through the resurrection: victory over sin in the present and the presence of sin in eternity. Have you considered the wholeness offered by Jesus’ sacrifice — for the past, present and future? How does this change your perspective regarding a battle you may be currently facing?

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