SHARING LOVE

This has to be one of the most profound verses in the BIBLE!

Psalm 46:10                       ‘

Be Still and Know that I AM GOD’

Please don’t break this even if you only send it to one person.

Look  at the date when this was started.

NOTICE AT THE   END, THE DATE

THIS CANDLE WAS STARTED.

GONNA GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS

I am not going to be the one who lets it die.

I found it believable – Angels have walked beside me all my life;

and they still do. ********************* This is to all

of you who mean something to me, I pray for your happiness.

The Candle Of Love,

Hope & Friendship

15th of  September, 1998. Someone who                      

loves you has helped keep it alive by sending it to you.                      

Don’t let The Candle of Love, Hope and Friendship                      

die! Pass It On To All Your                      

Friends and Everyone You Love! May God Richly Bless You                      

as you keep this candle burning. I hope it comes back                      

someday again. Please keep this candle alive.

Don’t walk in  front of me, I may not follow.

Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.

Just walk beside me and be my   friend.

 rECj/LJG

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Thoughts for Today

The Scriptures offer a multitude of “one another” commands concerning relationships among believers … encourage one another, be devoted to one another, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, accept one another, instruct one another, serve one another, forgive one another … and on and on. “Love one another” is at the core of all of them.

In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us to love one another as he has loved us. Of course, Jesus’ love is greater than we can even imagine … but he is telling us to follow his example. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He wants us to love others unconditionally—not based on personality or looks or behavior or even our feelings. Unconditionally.

Jesus loved with his actions. He humbled himself, coming to earth as a baby and growing and living among us. Suffering the indignities and torture of the cross. His actions demonstrate the depth of his love in ways words could not begin to explain.

Consider this …

We tend to view love as a feeling, but sometimes the action must come first. Is there someone in your family … your church … your workplace … who just rubs you the wrong way? You know you should love this person, but it would be so much easier if their attitude would change.

Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. To demonstrate love through action—even when we don’t “feel” like it.

Ask him to help you see this person through his eyes. Ask him to help you love this person even if he or she doesn’t “deserve” it. And then step out in faith and love through your actions. As we in the family of God demonstrate our love for each other, even as Jesus demonstrated his love for us, others will “know we are his disciples.” Our love for one another can help draw them to the perfect love of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, help me to love others in the way you love me. Help me to love unconditionally. Help me to demonstrate my love with action—even when I don’t feel like it. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for demonstrating your love in such marvelous ways. In Jesus’ name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D.

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/living-free-every-day/11677056/

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BIBLICIAL HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY

“The Land of Israel” is the Hebrew (or Jewish) name used to denote the area in south-west Asia along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, “the southern Levant.” The borders of this area have been subjected to many changes, the widest including areas in Trans-Jordan and reaching all the way to the Euphrates river. However, the borders of the biblical Israel are usually the sea on the west and the Jordan river on the east.

In biblical times, Israel was called “Canaan,” thus named for the Canaanites populating it. Subsequent to the partition between the monarchies of Judea and Israel, Israel came to denote the northern part of the region and Judah the southern. However, in the Second Temple period the general name “Israel” regained its meaning as the entire region. The name “Palestine” first appears in the 5^th century BCE in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotos, and was adopted by the Muslims following their conquest in the 7^th century CE.

Known as “the land of milk and honey,” Israel is rich with agricultural produce and natural resources. It is blessed with seven species of fruits and crops typical of the region – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranate, olives and dates. Due to the fact that Israel lies on part of the Syrian-African rift, there is a variation of natural settings and climates within a small geographic area: maritime planes, different mountain ridges, the Negev desert, many streams leading water to the Mediterranean sea, the sea of the Galilee (“Kineret”), and the Dead Sea, which is not only a unique natural phenomenon but is also the lowest place below sea level in the world.

For water for agricultural and every-day purposes, Israel is dependant on rain and natural springs, as the Book of Deuteronomy tells us: “a land of hills and valleys, drinking rain water” (Deuteronomy 11:11). Due to this fact, the Bible sees the dependence on rain as a religious one, indicating the care of God for his people, as the next verse tells us: “A land which your God YHWH cares for, the eyes of your God YHWH are always watching it.”

Israel has been inhabited since pre-historic times, with archaeological finds revealing every-day life in pre-history and early historical periods, as well as many finds from the biblical period and later on. It was the home of nomads roaming the desert as well as agrarian societies working the fertile land. From a religious aspect, Israel was the birth-place of Judaism and Christianity and an important part of the Muslim empire, and is considered holy by all three of these religions.

http://blog.eteacherbiblical.com/2008/01/13/biblical-historical-geography-the-land-of-israel/

Click on the map for a close up.  Thanks

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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Characteristics of Love                  TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, how much you know, or how often you go to church. Spiritual maturity is measured by the way you treat other people. It’s measured by the love you allow to operate through you. First Corinthians 13 tells us about the characteristics of love. One characteristic is that it is not rude. That means, when we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you courteous to other people? Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly for you? Are you gentle when you are driving down the highway and someone cuts you off? Are you patient with your family and coworkers? These are all ways we show love. Scripture also tells us that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud. It is not rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails. Notice that these characteristics don’t have anything to do with feelings. That’s because love is a choice. You can choose to walk in love toward people even when you don’t feel like it. Today, make the choice to do what is right. Choose today to show kindness and be courteous to others. Look for ways to cultivate the greatest thing in your life — love! As you do, you’ll move forward into the life of blessing God has in store for you!                  A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so that I can show love to others. Teach me to be patient and kind and treat others the way You always treat me in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria OsteenJOEL OSTEEN MINISTERIES

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1 JOHN 4:7-21 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

More Love

1 John 4:7-21    Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God…

John obviously felt quite strongly about God’s love and us loving one another because he hits the whole topic of love again–full force–in 1 John 4. As I read, the fact that God’s love for us is a given and unconditional came across loud and clear. (Thank you, God!) But as I shifted my thinking over to my love, the realization hit me that yes, while I do love others, there are still plenty of times where my love is conditional.
1 John 4: 11 says: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Think about a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the equivalent of loving like God. Where would you say you land on this scale when it comes to loving others? Why? What can you do to move further up the scale towards that 10?

Tami W.

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/powered-by-4-tami-weissert/11676617/

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IGNORING GOD’S WILL

Romans 2:4a

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience…

My eight year old daughter Amanda came home from school yesterday with news one of her friends, “Gets to watch Hannah Montana [the television show] any time she wants!” With hands on her hips and looking me right in the eye, she asked, “So why don’t I?” Having had this conversation a number of times including complete explanations and open discussion, I retreated into parent-land and said, “Because I said so, that’s why.” Not satisfied, Amanda inquired, “Well what would happen to me if I watched it anyway?” I have to admit I was a little perturbed, not to mention shocked — confrontational rebellion from my normally well-behaved eight year old? I usually didn’t have to deal with this phenomena until the kids were teenagers.
A few minutes further into our conversation I realized Amanda wasn’t really rebelling, she just wanted to know, what bad things would happen to her [or someone else] if inappropriate television shows were watched? In other words, not punishment from Mom or Dad, but why is it bad — how will it hurt her? Those of you who are parents know how challenging it can be to explain to an eight year old all the subtle complexities of unsuitable moral and ethical behavior demonstrated on television, versus our faith in the Lord Jesus and His example.
As I read our passage today, I realized Amanda’s response was not too different from our own when choosing between Biblical direction and instruction versus our own will and demands of the flesh. Do we show contempt for God if we take an approach to life contrary to His teaching? Paul’s answer is yes. We know God’s patience is incredible, but too many people mistake his patience for impotence or indifference. As Amanda’s earthly father I am certainly not powerless or indifferent, and if she rebelled against my will I would be forced to discipline her behavior. How much more caring and powerful is God? Do you think God is unconcerned about what we do? Are you prepared for the consequences?

Whether children or adults, we know small things like what we watch on television can have eternal consequences because of the way it shapes and pollutes our thinking. We also know the things we shouldn’t do — and just because God is patient with us doesn’t mean He isn’t opposed. So what are you going to do about your rebellion? Are you going to keep ignoring God’s will?

PTL.ORG

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A PRIVATE LIFE OF PRAYER

 Matthew 6:5-8

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Don’t pray only when you are with other people; develop your secret, private life of prayer!

When you have a special friend, you love doing things with them in a big group of friends. But the best times in the friendship are the times when it is just the two of you. That is when you go deep.

It’s the same with God. He loves to be involved in our meetings, our group times. But it is the inner, secret, private times of prayer that take your relationship to a much deeper level. If you want an intimate walk with God, learn to spend lots of time with Him “in secret”.

 John North and Ambassadors For Christ International

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/time-with-god-john-north/11676999/

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NEAR THE THRONE

Revelation 4:4

These representatives of the saints in heaven are said to be “around the throne.” In the passage in Solomon’s Song where he sings of the King sitting at his table, some render it “a round table.” From this, some expositors—I think, without straining the text—have said, “There is an equality among the saints.” That idea is conveyed by the equal nearness of the twenty-four elders.

The condition of glorified spirits in heaven is that of nearness to Christ, clear vision of His glory, constant access to His court, and familiar fellowship with His person. There is no difference in this respect between one saint and another, but all the people of God—apostles, martyrs, ministers, or private and obscure Christians—will all be seated near the throne, where they shall have a perfect view of their exalted Lord and be satisfied with His love. They will all be near Christ, all satisfied with His love, all eating and drinking at the same table with Him, all equally loved as His favorites and friends even if not all equally rewarded as His servants.

Believers on earth should imitate the saints in heaven in their nearness to Christ. We should be like the elders in heaven, sitting around the throne. Christ should be the object of our thoughts and the center of our lives. How can we endure to live at such a distance from Him? Lord Jesus, draw us nearer to Yourself. Say to us, “Abide in Me, and I in you”; and let us sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

O lift me higher, nearer Thee,
And as I rise more pure and fit,
O let my soul’s humility
Make me lie lower at Thy feet;
Less trusting self, the more I prove
The blessed comfort of Thy love.

Family Bible reading plan

Ezekiel 12

Psalm 51

 Truth For Life

http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/truth-for-life-alistair-begg/11676988/

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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Your words have incredible power!

With your words, you set into motion the direction your life will go. That’s why it is so important for us to get in agreement with God and speak the goodness, favor and blessing of God over our lives.

When you speak words of faith and promise into your life, you are actually calling out the potential God has placed inside you.

Your words have the power to propel you into your destiny.

So many times, people focus on the negative things in life. They don’t realize that they have incredible gifts, potential and talents lying dormant, just waiting to be called into action. Speaking negative words is like dropping an anchor right where you are.

But when you begin to declare the blessings and favor of Almighty God, you’re pulling up that anchor and hoisting your sails. You’re positioning yourself to catch the winds of God’s favor.

Today, it’s time to declare, “I am a strong, equipped, empowered, anointed child of the Most High God. I’m not second-class. I’m not ordinary. I’ve been handpicked by the Creator of the universe. I have great things in my future!”

When you speak life-changing words, the winds begin to shift in your direction. God fills those sails of faith and sets you on a greater course than you could have ever imagined.

Sometimes, it only takes one word — one encouragement — to ignite the greatness on the inside of you.

It’s time to put your shoulders back and begin to declare what God says about you is true.

Today is your day to get in agreement with God and declare that you are who Almighty God says you are.

Victoria and I are so grateful that you are joining with us and supporting us as we accomplish, together, what God has put in our hearts to do. You are such a blessing and an inspiration to us each and every day.

We pray that you will tap into the power of God’s promises. Declare His goodness! Speak life into your situation today. When you do, you’ll be amazed at where God takes you.

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTERIES

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2 PETER 3:1-13 BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Different Time Zones

today’s reading. 2 Peter 3:1-13   This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder…

the blog. By our nature, we’re impatient (some of us maybe a little more than others). We want and like things on our timetable. Peter is tuned into this tendency we have and, as a result, warns us about doubting God’s timetable. He reminds us in verse 8 “that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” But then encourages us in verse 9 with these sweet words: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
So what are some things we can do to help us remember that God’s timetable is different than ours and that His is most important?

Tami W.

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http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/powered-by-4-tami-weissert/11676790/

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