STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM

Revival

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:17,18,21

A few years ago I was leading a group from my home church in Canada on a mission trip to Cuba. The church in Cuba had experienced a significant revival movement and the fast-growing house church movement was overflowing with new believers.

In Havana we visited the Baptist Seminary and were delighted to have some time with its elderly president, Dr. Vegilla. He spoke perfect English and shared with us how he had spent five years in Castro’s prison system in the 1960’s just because he was a Christian pastor. He further itemized the pressures the church had experienced at the hand of the regime over the past five decades. Then he smiled and in his very positive style of expression concluded, “But we have learned three things through all of this. We learned not to fear, not to hate and not to harm!”

I have meditated on this statement for some time and concluded that it expresses very succinctly the biblical essence of standing strong through any storm.

Learning “not to fear” infers a development of boldness and courage. Learning “not to hate” implies a focus on love, forgiveness and grace. And learning “not to harm” indicates a commitment to the biblical principles of non-violence and aggressive love.

RESPONSE: Today I want to live in boldness, love and non-violence. I am committed not to fear, not to hate, and not to harm anyone.

PRAYER: Lord, this kind of living is counter-culture. I need Your strength and power to live this way. Help me—as well as Your persecuted church—to keep this as my focus.

A daily devotional message by Paul Estabrooks

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/standing-strong-through-the-storm/

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CAN WE KNOW HIS WAYS?

“Thy way is in the sea, and Thy path in the great waters, and Thy footsteps are not known.” – Psalm 77:19

Visiting the Sea of Galilee is an unforgettable experience. The Lord Jesus walked on the water there, but you cannot see His footsteps. When a boat goes through the ocean, it doesn’t leave a trail does it? When a wagon goes across land, it does leave a trail, but a boat doesn’t.

In this passage in Psalms, what is God saying? That we will never know Him just by studying history—by simply studying what He has done. His ways are mysterious. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

But we can know His ways, for He says in Psalm 103:7, “Hemade known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.” And in Micah 4:2 we find, “And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.”

You can try to make sense of God with all your ingenuity, creativity, and intelligence, but God says we will never know Him that way. We have to lay our intellect in the dust and say to God, “Show me Your ways.”

 www.lwf.org

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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Between Lightning And Thunder

When I was in college, I was pretty busy. I was working part time at a video store (a) during the day and full time at Albertson’s stocking shelves during the graveyard shift. I was also taking a full load of classes while speaking a lot at Young Life. I worried my poor mom so much during those couple years because the only time she would see me was when I’d stumble upstairs for a couple hours of sleep before the next class, speaking gig or shift at work.

Despite all of the busyness, I look back fondly on that time because I learned how to wait on God. I used to read in the Bible about Jesus waiting forty days in the wilderness or Moses waiting forty days to carve out the ten commandments as something quite boring. I mean, you can only pace and skip stones for so long. Hurry up and do something God, I don’t have all day! Waiting is what we do in line at the grocery store. That busy period of my life taught me waiting on God is much more exciting than that. In fact, waiting on God was the most thrilling part of my week.

I remember sitting in my car in the parking lot of Albertson’s before work. I hadn’t slept in a couple days. I remember taking out my Bible and turning to the book of Isaiah and squinting my eyes to one particular verse under my car’s dome light.

“but those who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”(b)

I took God at his word. I turned off my dome light, closed my Bible, and clocked into work. And as I worked, I would wait. But this waiting was a joyful expectancy. A giddy excitement. Like a teenager waiting their turn to jump off a cliff into the water. Like a child peering through the window at lightning flashing in the dark and waiting for the thunder. Like a trapeze artist that has just let go, arms stretched out, waiting to be caught. And while I waited, God would strengthen me. He’d carry me. He’d help me. Every. Single. Time. His faithfulness built a steady reputation in my life that I have leaned on all these years. Now, I don’t think of waiting as a boring obligation. It’s become the best part of my week. Prayer ceases to be a painstaking ritual but a conversation with the One that promised abundant life. Waiting turns my attempts to follow Jesus into an adventure. When I wait on Him, this life opens up to me. I become keenly aware of His ability to do anything and his activity in this world. I heard someone say that grace is best received to those with empty hands. If that’s true, I believe waiting helps me open my hands up. So, I got a lil “waiting” kind of prayer I’d like to share with you: “God, can I be a part of what you’re doing today?” Then wait. And see what happens. I double dog dare you to ask Him that. This life may open up to you. Distractions may become divine moments. Inconveniences may become opportunities. Your answer may be right around the corner. Christianity may become an adventure again. You may find yourself between lightning and thunder.

a. Did you know they used to have video stores?

b. Isaiah 40:31

http://hopefaithlove.com/?p=2926

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LUKE 6:38 BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY

GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU; GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, AND SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER, SHALL MEN GIVE INTO YOUR BOSOM.(Luke 6:38).

And God is able to make all grace abound towards; you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)

There’re different levels of prosperity at which God’s people function. Some are in the first level, where they have just enough to get by. Some, however, are on the next level where they have more than enough to take care of themselves, their family and a few others. Then, there’re those who are in the arena of abundance, where they can do so much for themselves and for many others.

However, God’s desire for you is that you move from the realm of abundance into the realm of super-abundance, where you’re financially strong enough to do whatever you want to do that’s good for God and for people, whenever you want to do it, however you want to do it! This is the level of prosperity you should strive to function in, where you’re able to help other. Nigeria, African and the world as a whole need more of such men and women today, who are willing and able to bring succour and relief to the less privileged amongst us.

There’re many orphans, widows, and other needy people that could benefit from your prosperity. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again”. Also, the Bible says the generous man is blessed for giving to the poor (Proverbs 22:9). Our opening scripture describes God’s commitment to you, when you dedicate yourself to a lifestyle of giving; He (God)”…..is able to make all grace (every favour and earthly blessings) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient (possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation)” (2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP).

God’s resources are limitless; His wealth is infinite. As His kids, we’re His heirs; all that He has belongs to us. Therefore, choose to function at the level of super-abundance. The way to press into this realm of prosperity is through giving: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom…” (Luke 6:38). Through giving, you multiply riches and wealth. Keep looking out for opportunities to be a blessing to others, and the Spirit of God, apart from helping you increase your capacity to give more, will cause you to dwell in the realm of super-abundance, where others will benefit from your prosperity.

CONFESSION:

Through my giving, mighty harvests of financial blessings are coming to me, and my capacity to give is increase today by the power of God’s Spirit. I’m a big-time sponsor of the gospel!  The kingdom of God is moving forward because of God’s grace upon my life in Jesus Christ. Amen!

www.rhapsodyofrealities.org

http://bummyla.wordpress.com/2011/08/07/give-and-it-shall-be-given-unto-you-good-measure-pressed-down-and-shaken-together-and-running-over-shall-men-give-into-your-bosom-luke-638/

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HE HEARS US

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories is “Horton Hears A Who”.  We see this kind elephant, Horton, hearing a tiny sound in something like a dandelion.  He soon learns that a whole smaller world of creatures lives in that dandelion.  People don’t believe him, but he keeps listening and speaking to the small creature he befriends.  He goes to great lengths to protect that small world he holds with his trunk.

In the scheme of things we seem, but small and insignificant in God’s creations.  Yet, God, like Horton, sees us as important and worth saving, loving and listening too.   What an encouragement to know that our God hears us when we pray.  When we pray with a humble and right heart persistently before Him, He will hear us. Daniel was just one example to us in the Bible.  In Daniel 10:12 we read,

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.”

Even more encouraging is the fact that God will answer us.  He will send and give us an answer.  We may not be blessed with a great angel coming to bring us the answer like Daniel experienced, but we will receive a response that is just as valid from the Lord.  The key is to be like Daniel.  Be a humble and persistent prayer warrior.

http://wisejunction.wordpress.com/

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GOD’S MORNING MELODY

Joshua 6:26

Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho.

Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho, I much more the man who labours to restore Popery among us. In our fathers’ days the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets; and now there are some who would rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundation. O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build. It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony. We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome; we must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in the olden times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for priests, like owls, hate daylight. Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the priestcraft. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the Pope’s bane and poison? Are we casting abroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, “The devil hates goose quills” and, doubtless, he has good reason, for ready writers, by the Holy Spirit’s blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If the thousands who will read this short word this night will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord’s glory shall speed among the sons of men. Reader, what can you do? What will you do?

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening-charles-spurgeon/

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAITH AND WORKS

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Isn’t it funny how there are basically two kinds of religions in the world? There are those religions of works, which are false religions. And then there is religion by faith, which is true religion. Those are the only two categories: works-based religion and faith-based religion.

Now, a religion of works says do. It tells you that if you accomplish XYZ in your life, you’ve done well. If you haven’t, then you’ve done badly. That’s how works-based religion determines the success of the follower.

But the faith-based religion, the religion of Christ (which is not a religion but a relationship) has already been done. It takes into account the fact that God is so holy and man is so sinful that there’s no amount of good works we can do to even come close to success. That’s why Jesus came… to live the life we couldn’t and give us His righteousness as He took away our sin.

When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” He said, “Done!” The work of salvation has been accomplished. And because of His faithful obedience which took Him to the cross, you can now have life in His name by placing your faith in Him!

CHRIST DID THE WORK YOU COULDN’T DO SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. SO THANK HIM TODAY FOR THAT WONDERFUL GIFT!

Jack Graham and Powerpoint Ministries

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/powerpoint-jack-graham/

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PSALMS 103:20 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Speak God’s Word And Activate His Angels

Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.

Psalm 103:20

Notice that the verse says that angels are “heeding the voice of His word”. Now, who gives voice to God’s Word? We do! Each time we speak God’s Word, we give voice to His Word. And when angels hear His Word given voice, they respond!

The Bible says that at the end of Daniel’s three weeks of fasting and praying for an answer from God, the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel and said to him, “I have come because of your words.” (Daniel 10:12)

So when angels hear you saying, “Thank You, Father, no evil shall befall me nor shall any plague come near my dwelling,” (Psalm 91:10) they will come to your aid because you are giving voice to God’s Word. Even if you cannot quote the verse perfectly, they can still come to your rescue.

This was what happened to a lady in the United States. While walking home after an evening church service, she was attacked from behind by a man and dragged toward a dark corner in an alley. In that frantic state, she remembered only one word from that evening’s sermon. So she shouted, “Feathers! Feathers!” Her attacker released her and fled!

Feathers? What did she mean? She was actually referring to Psalm 91:4 — “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge”. In that state of panic, she remembered only one word — “feathers”, and it was enough to cause her attacker to flee. You see, it is not your ability to quote an entire verse perfectly that releases God’s power, but faith in His Word and His love for you. And one word from Him is enough to send your enemies scurrying away.

However, if you know God’s Word by heart but refuse to proclaim it, the power of His Word cannot be released. The Bible does not say that angels heed His Word. No, it says that “His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word”. So beloved, give voice to God’s Word and see His angels respond. His angels are activated for your benefit when you speak His Word!

Thought For The Day One word from God released through your mouth is enough to send your enemies scurrying away.

Speak Out What You Believe In Christ!

http://www.josephprinceonline.com/2012/03/speak-god%e2%80%99s-word-and-activate-his-angels/

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Greater Love Has No One Than This… Memorial Day.

by Kevin Nunez Memorial Day A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. -Joseph Campbell Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. God bless all the women and men who have served in the past and who are serving in the present. “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” -Billy Graham What makes a person a hero? “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” -Arthur Ashe The ultimate hero is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 ESV Greater love has no one than this, - No higher expression of love could be given. Life is the most valuable object we possess; and when a man is willing to lay that down for his friends or his country, it shows the utmost extent of love. Even this love for friends has been rarely witnessed. It greatly enhances the love of Christ, that while the instances of those who have been willing to die for friends have been so rare, he was willing to die for enemies – bitter foes, who rejected his reign, persecuted him, reviled him, scorned him, and sought his life, 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:6, Romans 5:10. It also shows us the extent of his love that he gave himself up, not to common sufferings, but to the most bitter, painful, and protracted sorrows, not for himself, not for friends, but for a thoughtless and unbelieving world. “O Lamb of God, was ever pain was ever love like thine!” God bless you all! Source: Barnes’ Notes on the Bible Picture: http://packerchatters.com/wp-content/uploads/memorialday1.jpg — Always, for God’s glory and our joy in Him! Kevin Nunez KEVIN NUNEZ@wordpress.com

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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

8 Year-Old’s Explanation of God

Written by 8 year-old Danny Dutton from Chula Vista, CA, for his third grade homework assignment. The assignment was to explain God. I just wonder if any of us could do as well?

One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth.

He doesn’t make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn’t have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.

God’s second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime.  God doesn’t have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this .

Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.

God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad’s head asking for something they said you couldn’t have.

Atheists are people who don’t believe in God. I don’t think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren’t any who come to our church.

Jesus is God’s Son. He used to do all the hard work like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn’t want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn’t know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.

His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn’t have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.

You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.

You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there’s anybody you want to make happy, it’s God.

Don’t skip church or do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn’t come out at the beach until noon anyway.

If you don’t believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can’t go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can.

It is good to know He’s around you when you’re scared, in the dark or when you can’t swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.

But… you shouldn’t just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases. And this is what I know about God.

Story from inspire21.com

http://hopefaithlove.com/?p=155

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