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1 Corinthians 10:1 - 13
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Corinthians 10:15
1 Corinthians 10:6
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Corinthians 11:24
1 Corinthians 11:26
1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13:1 - 3
1 Corinthians 13:4
1 Corinthians 13:5 - 7
1 Corinthians 13:8 -11
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1 Corinthians 15:57
1 Corinthians 15:57 - 58
1 Corinthians 1:10
1 Corinthians 1:18 -25
1 Corinthians 1:4-10
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
1 Corinthians 2:1-2
1 Corinthians 2:16
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
1 Corinthians 3:12 - 15
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1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20
1 Corinthians 6:9 -11
1 Corinthians 9
1 Corinthians 9:24
1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27
1 Corinthians 9:25
1 John 1:3 - 4, 6 - 7
1 John 1:5-9
1 John 2:15 - 17
1 John 2:3 - 9
1 John 3:1-3
1 John 3:14
1 John 4:7-10
1 John 4:7-21
1 John 5:10-13
1 Kings 15:8 -35
1 Kings 19:1-4
1 Kings 19:11
1 Peter 1:13 - 15
1 Peter 1:22
1 Peter 1:23
1 Peter 1:3 - 7
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 2:24
1 Peter 2:9 -12
1 Peter 3:13
1 Peter 4:12 - 19
1 Peter 5:10 -11
1 Peter 5:6 - 10
1 Peter 5:8-9
1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 17
1 Samuel 17:1-30
1 Samuel 17:31-51
1 Samuel 17:8-11
1 Samuel 18:5 -16
1 Samuel 1:1 - 18
1 Samuel 1:1 -18
1 Samuel 1:1-18
1 Samuel 1:19-28
1 Samuel 2:1 - 11
1 Samuel 30:1 - 20
1 Thessalonians 2:10 - 12
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Thessalonians 5:23
1 Thessalonians 5:23 - 34
1 Timothy 4:12
1 Timothy 4:14-16
1 Timothy 5:8
1 Timothy 6:11-12
1 Timothy 6:17-19
1 Timothy 6:6-16
2 Chronicles 20:1 - 13
2 Chronicles 20:1-13
2 Chronicles 20:14 - 30
2 Chronicles 31:20-21
2 Chronicles 33:1-19
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
2 Corinthians 12:7 - 10
2 Corinthians 13:14
2 Corinthians 1:3 - 6
2 Corinthians 1:3 - 7
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
2 Corinthians 4:14-18
2 Corinthians 4:7
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
2 Corinthians 5:1 - 9
2 Corinthians 5:14-19
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 6:11-16
2 Corinthians 7:1
2 Corinthians 9:6 -15
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
2 Kings 6:15-17
2 Peter 1:5-7
2 Peter 2:2
2 Peter 3:14 - 18
2 Peter 3:14-18
2 Samuel 11:1- 5
2 Samuel 7:8 - 22
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - 4
2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
2 Timothy 1:1-6
2 Timothy 1:6 -- 12
2 Timothy 1:7
2 Timothy 1:8-9
2 Timothy 1:9
2 Timothy 2:19 -21
2 Timothy 3:14 - 17
2 Timothy 3:14-17
2 Timothy 4:6-18
Acts 10:1-2
Acts 10:19-20
Acts 10:44
Acts 14:22
Acts 1:11 - 14
Acts 24:24 - 27
Acts 2:1-4
Acts 2:37-40
Acts 2:38-39
Acts 2:42 - 47
Acts 3:12-18
Acts 4:10-12
Acts 8:26-39
Colossians 1:10 - 12
Colossians 1:18
Colossians 1:5
Colossians 1:9 - 14
Colossians 1:9 -14
Colossians 1:9-14
Colossians 2:1 - 9
Colossians 2:9-10
Colossians 3:1 - 3
Colossians 3:1 - 4
Colossians 3:1- 4
Colossians 3:12 - 17
Colossians 3:12-14
Colossians 3:12-17
Colossians 3:18 -21
Colossians 3:18-25
Colossians 3:21
Colossians 3:23-25
Corinthians 15:35 - 42a
Daniel 6
Deuteronomy 31:8
Deuteronomy 4:9
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Ecclesiastes 11:4 - 6
Ecclesiastes 12:11
Ephesians 1:1 - 6
Ephesians 1:1 - 8
Ephesians 1:11 - 14
Ephesians 1:15-17
Ephesians 1:16-19a
Ephesians 1:3 - 14
Ephesians 1:3-14
Ephesians 1:3-6
Ephesians 1:5-14
Ephesians 2:1 - 10
Ephesians 2:14
Ephesians 2:19-21
Ephesians 2:4 - 10
Ephesians 3:11 - 21
Ephesians 3:14 - 16
Ephesians 4:1-3
Ephesians 4:1-6
Ephesians 4:11 - 16
Ephesians 4:17 - 32
Ephesians 4:17-18
Ephesians 4:29 - 32
Ephesians 4:29-32
Ephesians 4:31-32
Ephesians 5:1 - 2
Ephesians 5:1 - 4
Ephesians 5:15 - 17
Ephesians 5:15-17
Ephesians 5:20
Ephesians 5:6
Ephesians 5:8-14
Ephesians 6:1 - 4
Ephesians 6:1- 4
Ephesians 6:10
Ephesians 6:10 - 13
Ephesians 6:10 - 18
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:10-17
Ephesians 6:11-13
Ephesians 6:12
Ephesians 6:13-18
Ephesians 6:14 - 17
Ephesians 6:4
Ephesians 6:7-8
Exodus 14
Exodus 20:1-12
Exodus 20:6
Exodus 31:13
Exodus 4:10 -13
Exodus 4:2
Ezekiel 3:15-21
Galatians 2:21
Galatians 5:13
Galatians 5:16-26
Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:22 - 23
Galatians 5:6
Galatians 6:1 - 8
Genesis 1-3
Genesis 12:1-5
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 1:5
Genesis 20:1 - 16
Genesis 24
Genesis 2:4-7
Genesis 2:7 - 3:24
Genesis 39
Genesis 3:1 - 24
Genesis 8:15 - 21
Hebrews 10:1- 4
Hebrews 10:35 - 39
Hebrews 10:38-39
Hebrews 10:5 -14
Hebrews 11:1
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Hebrews 11:23 - 29
Hebrews 11:23 -28
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Hebrews 3:12-13
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Hebrews 3:7-11
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 4:15 - 16
Hebrews 6:9 - 12
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Hebrews 7:26 - 27
I Corinthians 10:31-33
I John 3:18-24
I Peter 1:3-9
I Samuel 7:1-12
II Corinthians 13:11-14
Isaiah 12:1-5
Isaiah 14:27
Isaiah 1:18
Isaiah 40:12 - 31
Isaiah 40:27 - 31
Isaiah 40:29 - 31
Isaiah 41:1-9
Isaiah 41:10-13
Isaiah 52:7
Isaiah 53:6
Isaiah 55:6-13
Isaiah 57:10
Isaiah 57:10 - 15
Isaiah 63:7-9
Isaiah 65:18-25
Isaiah 6:1 - 8
James 1:1-8
James 1:12
James 1:12-15
James 1:14-16
James 1:19-21
James 1:2 - 8
James 1:2-3
James 1:22 - 25
James 1:22-25
James 1:5 - 8
James 1:5-8
James 4:7
James 4:7 - 8
James 5:13-18
Jeremiah 29:10-14
Jeremiah 31:10-14
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Job 34:21
John 10:10
John 11:35-44
John 12:24
John 12:35 - 36
John 13:1 - 17
John 13:14-17
John 14:1-6
John 14:13 -15
John 14:13 -17
John 14:13-17
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John 14:16-26
John 14:2 - 4
John 14:21 - 24
John 14:21-24
John 14:22-26
John 14:26
John 14:26-27
John 14:27
John 14:27-31
John 14:6
John 14:6-11
John 14:9
John 15:1-11
John 15:1-5
John 15:1-7
John 15:11-17
John 15:14 - 17
John 15:18 - 21
John 16:20-24
John 16:23 - 24
John 17:1 - 3
John 17:1-12
John 17:20
John 17:20 - 26
John 17:5 - 8
John 19:30
John 1:11-12
John 1:12-13
John 1:6 - 11
John 20:30-31
John 21:1-19
John 21:15-19
John 2:1-2
John 3:1-21
John 3:16
John 3:16 - 18
John 3:16-17
John 3:16-18
John 3:9-15
John 4:14
John 6:16-21
John 6:35
John 6:60-65
John 7:14-18
John 8:1 - 11
John 8:25-28
John 8:31-32
John 8:7
John 9:1-7
John 9:13 -25
John17:20
Jonah 1
Jonah 1:1-5
Jonah 4
Joshua 1:5 - 9
Joshua 1:6 - 9
Joshua 6:1-20
Jude 1:24-25
Judges 13:24-25
Judges 16:1-22
Leviticus 23:3-12
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 10:40 - 42
Luke 10:40-42
Luke 11:1
Luke 11:5 -13
Luke 12:16 - 21
Luke 12:28-34
Luke 12:29-34
Luke 12:32
Luke 13:1-5
Luke 15:11 - 24
Luke 15:11 - 4
Luke 15:11-32
Luke 16:10-13
Luke 17:1 - 6
Luke 19:38
Luke 1:39-44
Luke 22:66-71
Luke 23:32 - 43
Luke 24:45-49
Luke 2:1 - 14
Luke 2:1 - 20
Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:19
Luke 2:39-40
Luke 3:10-11
Luke 4:18
Luke 5:1 - 11
Luke 5:1-5
Luke 5:15 -16
Luke 5:27-28
Luke 6:31-36
Luke 6:46-49
Luke 7:20-23
Luke 9:43
Malachi 3:10
Malachi 3:7-12
Mark 10:17 - 22
Mark 10:46 - 52
Mark 11:1-19
Mark 11:20 - 24
Mark 11:20 - 26
Mark 11:20-26
Mark 11:22-23
Mark 12:28-34
Mark 12:41-44
Mark 14:32-35
Mark 1:16 - 20
Mark 1:32-35
Mark 2:4
Mark 4:35 - 41
Mark 4:35-41
Mark 4:38
Mark 6:1- 5
Matthew 11:23-27
Matthew 11:25
Matthew 11:28
Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew 11:29
Matthew 12:22 - 32
Matthew 12:46-50
Matthew 13:13-14
Matthew 14:22 - 32
Matthew 14:22 - 34
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 16:24 -27
Matthew 16:24-26
Matthew 16:24-27
Matthew 16:24-28
Matthew 18:1-6
Matthew 18:15-20
Matthew 18:18-20
Matthew 1:23
Matthew 20:20 - 28
Matthew 20:28
Matthew 21:20-22
Matthew 21:21-22
Matthew 23:5-12
Matthew 24:36-42
Matthew 25:35-40
Matthew 25:40
Matthew 26:36 - 38
Matthew 26:41
Matthew 27:11- 26
Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew 28:16 - 20
Matthew 28:19 - 20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 3:13 -17
Matthew 4: 21 - 22
Matthew 4:18 - 22
Matthew 4:18-20
Matthew 4:18-22
Matthew 4:19
Matthew 5:1-6
Matthew 5:13 -16
Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 5:14
Matthew 5:16
Matthew 5:17 - 19
Matthew 5:23-24
Matthew 5:7 - 12
Matthew 6:13
Matthew 6:19 - 20
Matthew 6:2-4, NLT
Matthew 6:22 - 23
Matthew 6:25-30
Matthew 6:28 - 33
Matthew 6:7, 8
Matthew 6:9-14
Matthew 6:9-15
Matthew 7:24 - 29
Matthew 7:3-5
Matthew 7:9-11
Matthew 8:2-3
Matthew 9:10-13
Nehemiah 1:1 - 2:20
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah 2:1-9
Nehemiah 4:1 - 6:16
Nehemiah 4:1-6
Numbers 6:25
OUR TEXTBOOK
Philippians 1:1 - 18
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Philippians 1:12 - 18
Philippians 1:12-14
Philippians 1:19 - 21
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:9 - 11
Philippians 1:9-10
Philippians 2:1-11
Philippians 2:14
Philippians 2:3 -11
Philippians 2:3, 14
Philippians 3:10
Philippians 3:10 - 14
Philippians 3:13
Philippians 3:20-21
Philippians 3:7 - 11
Philippians 4:10-13
Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:19
Philippians 4:5 - 7
Philippians 4:5-7
Philippians 4:6 - 7
Phillipians 4:6
Proverbs 11:24-25
Proverbs 11:27 - 31
Proverbs 14:15 - 21
Proverbs 18:10
Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 22:1 - 6
Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 23:4-5
Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 28:12-14
Proverbs 28:21-28
Proverbs 29:19-24
Proverbs 2:1-5
Proverbs 31:28 - 31
Proverbs 3:1-4
Proverbs 3:13-26
Proverbs 3:5,6
Proverbs 3:5-10
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 4:14 - 19
Proverbs 5:21
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Psalm 100:1 - 5
Psalm 102:1-7
Psalm 103:1-8
Psalm 103:2
Psalm 107:9
Psalm 10:12-16
Psalm 118:1 - 4
Psalm 118:5 - 9
Psalm 118:5-9
Psalm 119:1 - 7
Psalm 119:1-7
Psalm 119:105-112
Psalm 119:129-136
Psalm 119:15
Psalm 119:41-48
Psalm 119:49
Psalm 119:9 -16
Psalm 119:97 - 104
Psalm 121:7-8
Psalm 139
Psalm 144:2
Psalm 15
Psalm 150:6
Psalm 16:6 - 11
Psalm 16:6-11
Psalm 18:20-26
Psalm 18:30-32
Psalm 19
Psalm 19:1 - 6
Psalm 19:14
Psalm 19:2 - 6
Psalm 19:7-11
Psalm 1:1 - 3
Psalm 23
Psalm 24:1 - 5
Psalm 25:1-5
Psalm 25:15-18
Psalm 25:20 - 21
Psalm 25:4-10
Psalm 27
Psalm 27:1 - 4
Psalm 27:1-3
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 32:1- 5
Psalm 32:1-2
Psalm 32:1-8
Psalm 32:10-11
Psalm 32:8
Psalm 33:12
Psalm 33:12 - 16
Psalm 34:1
Psalm 34:1 - 3
Psalm 34:1 - 7
Psalm 35:1-9
Psalm 37:1 - 8
Psalm 37:1-4
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 3:1-6
Psalm 46
Psalm 46:10
Psalm 48:14
Psalm 49:1-13
PSalm 49:14-20
Psalm 4:3
Psalm 50:7-15
Psalm 51:10-12
Psalm 55:22
Psalm 62:1-2
Psalm 63:1 - 7
Psalm 63:1 - 8
Psalm 63:1-8
Psalm 66:16
Psalm 68:15 - 18
Psalm 68:3-6
Psalm 69:12-14
Psalm 69:13
Psalm 71:9-16
Psalm 78:1-4
Psalm 80:3
Psalm 81:10-16
Psalm 89:15-17
Psalm 91
Psalm 91:1 - 7
Psalm 92:1 - 5
Psalm 9:10 - 14
Psalm 9:10-14
Psalm 9:7-10
Psalms 102:24-28
Revelation 1:1 - 3; 5
Revelation 20-11:15
Revelation 21:22 - 22:7
Revelation 21:22-22:6
Revelation 21:9-21
Revelation 4
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 5
Revelation 8:14-17
Romans 10:6 - 10
Romans 10:6-10
Romans 10:8-13
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Romans 11:36
Romans 12:1 - 2
Romans 12:1-3
Romans 12:1-8
Romans 12:17-18
Romans 12:19-21
Romans 12:9-18
Romans 13:9-10
Romans 14:10-12
Romans 14:12
Romans 15:15-21
Romans 16:1 - 20
Romans 16:17 - 18
Romans 1:16 -17
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Romans 1:18-25
Romans 1:24 - 32
Romans 1:28-31
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Romans 3:10 - 26
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Romans 3:3,4; Numbers 23:
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Romans 7:15 - 25
Romans 7:18-25
Romans 8:1-2
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 - 29
Romans 8:28 - 30
Romans 8:3-15
Romans 8:31 - 39
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Romans 8:9 -14
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Titus 2:1 - 8
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Wednesday, 22 November 2006
WHEN OUR NEEDS ARE OUR FAULT
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Luke 15:11-32
We saw earlier this week that some needs are universal - common to all people. Today, let's focus on something else: those times of great need when we are to blame.

Consider the Prodigal Son. This young man seemed to have everything he could possibly want. He lived in a beautiful home, had plenty of food, and was from a wealthy and popular family. But, he unwisely set his eye on the one thing he didn't have: prestige. He wanted to be his own man and get out from shadow of both his father and, especially, his older brother. Despite having the finest things in life, he wanted out.

The result? This young man had a wonderful time, but only for a short while. He desired the joys that went along with success. But, he paid absolutely no attention to the responsibilities wealth required. As a result, he drove himself into a world of pain and need unlike any he had ever experienced. And, he had no one to blame but himself.

Hurting, hungry, and alone, the Prodigal knew full well how and where his needs would be met. Then, accepting the blame, he turned his eye toward his father and began the long journey home.

When we are hurting, we often try to find someone else to blame. It can be heartbreaking to discover the fault is actually our own. In those moments, can you, like the Prodigal Son, swallow your pride and turn back toward your Father? If you do, you'll find He's already running out to meet you, ready to supply your needs again.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:08 AM CST
Permalink
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
A KINGDOM - FOCUSED PRAYER MEETING
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Acts 1:11 - 14
Jesus placed great emphasis on the believer's prayer life. He taught its importance by His words and through His actions. At times His prayers were spoken publicly. Sometimes, He withdrew from the crowds to be alone with our heavenly Father. Either way, He demonstrated the priority He placed on talking with God.

Jesus also spoke of the power of united prayer. (Matthew 18:19 - 20). If our church gatherings and small groups were to offer heavenly - minded petitions on a consistent basis, what would our prayer meetings be like? We would focus more closely on God and His kingdom, and less on physical needs. More of us would praise the Lord for who He is, express godly sorrow for our sinful ways (2 Corinthians 7:10), and speak of our gratitude for all He has done.

Our voices would be lifted in praise as we witnessed souls yielding to God, pride giving way to humility, and insensitivity being replaced by loving service. We'd rejoice in our glimpses of God's work in and through our local churches. And, we would be fervently pleading to the Lord for the salvation of the lost and the spiritual growth of believers.

How excited we would be to see God answer our kingdom - focused prayers. Some of us would find it easier to testify about our Savior, others would be filled with His peace when facing trials, and still others would have the strength to stand firm and not compromise. Imagine our church filled to overflowing and becoming the "house of prayer" Jesus said we are meant to be. (Matthew 21:13)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:01 AM CST
Permalink
Monday, 20 November 2006
HEAVENLY - MINDED PRAYERS
Mood:  energetic
Topic: Colossians 1:9 - 14
We are a people belonging to the Lord, and our home is not of this world. For those reasons, our prayers must address kingdom concerns. We need to balance our requests for physical needs with prayers for salvation and the spiritual growth of God's children.

Paul's prayers were all Christ - centered and kingdom - related. He wanted both his fellow Jews and the Gentiles to trust Jesus as Savior. (Acts 17:2 - 4) His prayers for believers were directly tied to Christ and God's kingdom plan. He desired that they know Jesus, pattern their lives after Him, and carry out God's will. We would be wise to have the same goals.

The apostle's prayers were also specific and in harmony with God's will. He yearned for believers to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding, to know God's will, and to walk in a worthy manner. He prayed they would please God, be fruitful, and increase in their knowledge of God.

Paul also asked that believers be strengthened with the Spirit's power and display steadfastness and patience. Our God delights in answering similar prayers because they're part of what He desires for us.

Finally, the apostle didn't ignore the people's physical and emotional needs. Instead, Paul knew God's answers to these prayers in Colossians chapter one would bring believers victory over the situations facing them. They would have strength to persevere and to be good witnesses during difficult times.

Take steps to make your prayer life more heavenly - minded than earthly - bound. Start by praying today's verses for yourself and people you know.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:54 AM CST
Permalink
Sunday, 19 November 2006
OUR BASIC NEEDS
Mood:  energetic
Topic: Psalm 107:9
Every individual is a beautiful and unique creation, complete with needs and desires specific to his or her own life. Some needs, however, are "universal." That is, all people experience them in their lives.

The first is a sense of belonging. Everyone feels the need to "fit in" somewhere. The joy you feel when surrounded by intimate friends and family is powerful evidence of this truth. The discomfort associated with moving to a job or home where no one knows you also reveals how powerful this need is in our lives.

Another universal need is a sense of worth. It's important for all of us to be able to say, "I matter." Yet, many people are not convinced this is true. They're overcome by a horribly disfigured self - image that's stealing the joy of the Lord from their lives.

A third universal need is a sense of competence. We need to know for certain that we can accomplish what God puts before us. A lack of confidence in His power and provision in our lives can be devastating.

God responded to every one of these universal needs at the cross. We belong because our heavenly Father called us into His holy family. We have worth because Jesus paid such a great price for our salvation. And, we are competent because God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. A breakdown in any one of these areas will have a tremendous impact on your spiritual growth.

Are you struggling with any of these universal needs? If so, lay them before the Lord today. Then, trust Him to make you the complete person He created you to be.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:47 PM CST
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Saturday, 18 November 2006
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAITH AND OPTIMISM
Please read Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Now compare the definition of faith above with this dictionary definition of "optimism": "A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation."*

The two words' definitions seem superficially similar. Both mention "hope," and both talk about having confidence that things will turn out well. But where does the optimism of someone who doesn't know Christ find its foundation? On what basis can someone who doesn't know Christ be reasonably optimistic? Surely not from observing the world around us. Pick up any newspaper, and most of the news you'll find will be quite depressing. By mere observation of our fallen world alone, no optimism could reasonably be found.

A Christian's *faith*, however, in contrast to *optimism*, is "assurance" based on evidence, not blind optimism. By knowing the living God and His divine promises, we know that no matter how bad things may look, God is ultimately sovereign and in control. "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!" Paul assures us, quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32). We know that amongst God's people, He "will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:3,4) God has proven again and again by His historical acts in the Old Testament (such as the Exodus) and the New Testament (the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus) that He provides the firm foundation upon which to base our faith.

Unlike some who follow their own whimsical, baseless optimism, followers of Jesus can take real comfort. We do so not because of blind optimism, but instead because of our faith in God and His firm foundation: His mighty works, and His words: "Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

* (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004.)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:30 AM CST
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Friday, 17 November 2006
RAISING THE LEVEL OF OUR PRAYERS
Mood:  happy
Topic: Ephesians 3:14 - 16
Last week, we began looking at raising the level of our prayers. Through the apostle Paul's petitions, we learned the importance of knowing God intimately, giving thanks for the spiritual health of others, and praying for their spiritual growth. Ephesians chapter three provides further insight into what sets his prayers apart from ours.

First, it's Paul's posture in prayer. Humility marked the apostle's requests. He knew it was not superior knowledge or the eloquence of his words that caused God to hear and respond. His prayers were heard because of Jesus. Likewise, our physical posture during prayer doesn't matter to the Lord, but our heart attitude does. A submissive mindset is of great value to Him. Physically kneeling in prayer isn't worth much when we're standing tall and proud on the inside. And despite having an impressive list of credentials, Paul did not make himself the center of the conversation. (Philippians 3:3-8) His focus was always on the Father and Jesus.

The basis of Paul's prayers also set them apart from ours. The foundation of Paul's prayer life was the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 3:14-16, he declared the fatherhood of God, the one from whom His whole family in heaven and earth derives its name. Paul also prayed for God to strengthen the saints with power from the glorious riches found in Christ through the Holy Spirit. He asked the Lord to do something for the Ephesians based on His inexhaustible capacity and matchless power.

When we want to act on someone's behalf, the most powerful thing we can do is pray. Spend time every day in concentrated communication with God.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:44 AM CST
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Thursday, 16 November 2006
PEACE WITH GOD
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Romans 5:1 - 2
Author and Bible teacher Kay Arthur says, "Sin will take you further than you ever want to go." She is right. The enemy entices us to sin. When we do, we suddenly find we have drifted further from God than we would have thought possible.

A lack of peace often indicates that there is something wrong within a person's life. It could be that he is believing Satan's lie by thinking that God has abandoned him. Nothing could be further from the truth. God's love for us is eternal.

Another reason we lose our sense of peace is because of sin. The way to reclaim the joy and peace that sin has stolen is to humble ourselves before the Lord in prayer and ask Him to forgive our transgressions.

The psalmist wrote: "Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. . . . Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:1,12).

King David wrote these words to the Lord after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. Anguish over his sin motivated David to pray for forgiveness and for the restoration of the joy of his salvation.

God heard David's prayer and restored him. The Lord will do the same for you. His peace and joy awaits those who turn to Him.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:12 AM CST
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Wednesday, 15 November 2006
IS IT A NEED OR A DESIRE?
Mood:  hungry
Topic: Romans 8:32
In the fourth chapter of Philippians, Paul declares that God will "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (v. 19). When we read that passage and apply it to our daily lives, we must be careful to interpret it correctly. For that to happen, we must understand the difference between "needs" and "desires."

A need is something that is essential for us to develop into who God wants us to be or to accomplish the things He calls us to do. On the other hand, a desire is something we think will bring enjoyment to our lives. The key word here is "enjoyment." It describes a temporary pleasure. We tend to want things that will bring us happiness for a season and then fade away. It's important to note there's nothing wrong with a desire, as long as it is within the will of God and is an outflow of a Spirit - filled life.

Our wonderful, adoring heavenly Father loves to shower His grace upon us. (Matthew 7:11) However - and this is critical - we must remember that God never promises to supply all of our desires. He surely provides many of them, but only at His discretion and for His own glory. So, your inability to acquire a large - screen television, for example, is certainly no indicator that God is unfaithful!

What do you need in order to become the person God has called you to be? What do you desire that will help you gain more enjoyment in life? Make a list of these things, and make both categories a regular part of your prayer life.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:34 PM CST
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Tuesday, 14 November 2006
OBSTACLES
Franklin Graham points out that there is one key barrier that blocks us from God:

What are the obstacles preventing you from coming to Jesus Christ? It's sin. Sin separates us from God. Sin prevents you from having a relationship with God. You say, "But, Franklin, I have prayed before and it's like praying to that concrete wall over there. I don't believe that God hears me." You see, sin prevents your prayers from reaching God. Sin blocks your relationship with God. I don't care what you have done, I don't care what sins you've committed, God will forgive you. He will because He loves you.

Jesus Christ gave his life for you on the cross. And he's willing to forgive you if you come to him by faith. We’re the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. For a free booklet on how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, call us toll-free at 1-866-JESUS-CARES or visit billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:59 AM CST
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Monday, 13 November 2006
AFTER DEATH, WHAT THEN?
Mood:  amorous
Topic: 2 Corinthians 5:1 - 9
Scripture teaches that whoever has placed faith in Christ will live forever with Him. What happens immediately after a believer's death? Does his soul enter heaven right away, go to sleep until the resurrection, or suffer for certain sins before coming into God's presence?

In writing to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul referred to the dead as being asleep. Some think this means the soul exists in a state of "suspended animation" until the resurrection. However, Jesus told the thief on the cross that they would be together in paradise that very day. (Luke 23:43) "Paradise" refers to being in God's presence, not asleep.

Another group believes in eternal life but thinks that before we go to heaven, additional cleansing through punishment is required for some sins. Scripture is clear. Jesus paid the price for all sins; His work of atonement was finished on the cross. (1 Peter 3:18) Those who have received Jesus as Savior move immediately from life on earth to life in heaven.

Scripture also shows that people who die without Jesus go into torment, where they will suffer until they stand before the Great White Throne in judgment. (Luke 16:22 - 23) Since belief in Christ is the only way to be listed in the book of life, the lake of fire will be their final destination. (Revelation 20:11 - 15) This is a hard truth for many who seek to deny there is a hell, condemnation, or eternal judgment.

Knowing our ultimate destiny will give us the confidence to face difficulties. And understanding the end of those who deny Jesus should motivate us to pray for and witness to them.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 12:17 PM CST
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Sunday, 12 November 2006
THE CROSS' IMPACT ON DEATH
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Genesis 3:1 - 24

Death is a reality we all must face, and yet we do our best to ignore it. We naturally prefer to focus on living today, not dying. But God wants us to understand some important spiritual truths about death.

Scripture says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). "One man" refers to Adam who, along with Eve, broke the only command God had given them: "But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2:17 NIV). They were driven away because of their disobedience. Consequently, their intimacy with God was broken, and they faced physical death in their future. Because of sin, our mortal bodies will die also (Romans 6:23) - there is no escape unless Jesus returns while we're still alive.

Spiritual death, which is the separation of a person from God, resulted from the first sin. As Adam's descendants, we are born into that state - "dead in [our] trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), and we remain spiritually dead unless we unite with God through faith in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:22) By receiving the Savior, we are reconciled to our heavenly Father, and we are guaranteed eternal life with Him. (John 3:15)

Followers of Christ need not fear death. While our bodies will die, we are promised everlasting life in heaven. The cross has transformed death: once an ending of life, it is now a doorway opening into Jesus' presence.

Praise the Lord! 

For our loved ones who have already passed on if they accepted Christ before they died then they are now with our Father in Heaven and we can rest assured that we will see them soon! If you have not yet made that commitment, then today is your day.

Let today be the day that you can be confident that when you die, you will also be in the presence of the Lord and be able to see your loved ones again.

Just say this prayer to God and mean what you say:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:12 PM CST
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Saturday, 11 November 2006
WISDOM FOR GOOD HEALTH
Mood:  spacey
Topic: 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27
Because God cares so much for your body, let's review some simple ways to look after yourself physically.

First, pay close attention to what you eat. Your body will use whatever food you eat - whether good or bad - as fuel. You alone must decide what kind of fuel you wish to consume. When you fill your body with the wrong things, you are limiting its efficiency, energy, and overall potential.

Second, exercise is vital to a healthy body. You may say, "Well, I just can't do that." Yes, you can; it is a matter of discipline. You may not enjoy exercise, but your body needs it. If all you can do is walk, then walk!

Third, wisdom about health requires examining your attitude. How's your outlook regarding yourself, your life, and other people? A positive attitude affects the body by freeing it of stress.

Finally, spending time in prayer and Bible study affects physical well - being. You were created to be in relationship with God; it only makes sense, then, that actively engaging in this relationship and realigning your mind and spirit toward Him can have beneficial effects on the body He created for you.

Many people attempt to separate spiritual life from the physical. This is not what God intended. If you truly believe your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20), then you must realize that failing to maintain your health is both a physical and a spiritual problem. What is the Lord saying to you about the way you care for your body?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 6:07 PM CST
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Friday, 10 November 2006
SOME OF YOU
Mood:  amorous
Now Playing: Praise God for His Holy Spirit to help us!
Billy Graham talks about how we can be born again:

Now some of you would ask the question, "What is the new birth?" The Holy Spirit convicts you of your sin, disturbs you about the fact that you’ve sinned against God. And then, secondly, the Holy Spirit regenerates you. That’s when you’re born again. And then, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your heart, to help you in your daily life. You don’t leave here alone without any help. The Spirit of God goes with you from now on, to give you assurance, to give you joy, and to produce fruit in your life, and to teach you the Scriptures.

This assurance, joy and new life are yours when you come to God through faith in Jesus Christ. We’re the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. For a free booklet about how to be born again, call us toll-free at 1-866-JESUS-CARES or visit billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:18 PM CST
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Thursday, 9 November 2006
YOUR BODY - GOD's TEMPLE
Mood:  hug me
Topic: 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20
The world's primary interest in the body is how it looks on the outside: How can it be shaped differently? How can it become more attractive or gain more attention? Regrettably, by worldly standards, success is often dependent on the condition of our bodies.

In contrast, how do you think God views the human body? Do you believe that He is interested only in the soul and spirit, or would you expect Him to be concerned about our physical bodies as well?

Despite many popular misconceptions, the Lord is intimately concerned with our human bodies. The apostle Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20, in which He declares that "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you." Again in 2 Corinthians 6:16, Paul describes the human body as the temple of God. The context of this passage reveals many of the same errors in thinking that are common today. The Corinthian people had a low view of the body. They believed that it was unimportant and even described it as a tomb in which the soul is incarcerated.

Paul's response is dynamic. He essentially cries out, "No! The body is not a tomb - it is a temple!" It merits our respect and esteem in the same way that the most holy place of worship deserves upkeep.

The biblical viewpoint is crystal clear: your body is the temple of the living God. This should say something to you about its value and the way you ought to treat it. Furthermore, you should take God's words as a warning against abusing, misusing, or ignoring your own body.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:14 AM CST
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Wednesday, 8 November 2006
When things are tough, how do you turn your life around?
Mood:  hug me
Here’s Franklin Graham, with the problem and the solutions:

Maybe you're someone who feels that your life is in a million pieces; and somehow you wish you could just start all over again, have a new beginning. You can right now. But there's a problem. You see, the Bible says that we have all sinned and come short of God's glory and that the penalty of sin is death. Sin is disobedience to God. But the Bible says that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." God loves you. God wants to forgive you. God wants to give you a brand-new beginning, a brand-new start right now.

Come to God by faith in Jesus Christ. He’ll put the pieces of your life in place. We’re the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. For a free booklet on what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, call us toll-free at 1-866-JESUS-CARES or visit billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:55 AM CST
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Tuesday, 7 November 2006
THE CROSS
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Matthew 27:11- 26

The cross - the universal symbol of Christianity - has great meaning to God. First of all, through Jesus' death, the Father proclaimed the value of every single human being. He gave His only Son that "whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Second, it meant a great cost. Holy God separated Himself from His beloved Son while Jesus bore the weight of mankind's sin. (Matthew 27:46) Third,the redemption of man was accomplished. Jesus' shed blood purchased us from slavery to sin and reconciled us to God. (1 Peter 1:18,19) Finally, divine justice was carried out on the cross.

God declared that death is the debt owed for sin. (Ezekiel 18:20) However, God requires an unblemished sacrifice (Deuteronomy 17:1). We could not adequately pay our own penalty because we would only die in our sin. For holy God to forgive us, a sufficient substitute had to be found - one who qualified to pay for our disobedience. Jesus, the only one who was without sin, willingly took our place and assumed responsibility for our debt. All our iniquity - past, present, and future - was placed on Christ, and God's judgment upon us was carried out against Him.

The meaning of the cross was experienced firsthand by Barabbas, the notorious prisoner who was condemned to die. God's innocent Son was substituted for him, giving the criminal freedom. Like Barabbas, we've had our death sentence commuted, and, though unworthy, we have been set free in Jesus. Today, the cross continues to offer life and freedom to the undeserving.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 12:48 PM CST
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Monday, 6 November 2006
THE HEART OF THE CROSS
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Romans 5:8-17
There is an old gospel song that contains these words: "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He wash'd it white as snow." There is a message God wants us to hear whenever we think of the Cross of Christ, and that is Jesus paid it all.

From the first time man sinned in the Garden of Eden, God has required a payment for sin. The Bible calls this payment atonement. Old Testament saints atoned for their sins by offering a sacrifice to God. But for the sacrifice to be acceptable, certain requirements had to be maintained. For example, man could not approach the altar of God without a priest to intervene for him. Even then the sacrifice had to be made according to the law given to Moses.

The point of all of this was to maintain a sense of awareness that God is holy and that sin is something only He could remove. But there is another thread woven into the fabric of atonement: the eternal love of God.

Even after man disobeyed God and sinned, the Lord continued to love him, so much so that God began a divine quest to restore the sweet fellowship man had once enjoyed with Him. Jesus is the only way to experience this restoration today. He is the Lamb of God - the perfect atonement for our every sin. We can enjoy the goodness of God today because Jesus has paid it all!

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:45 AM CST
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Sunday, 5 November 2006
HANDLING CRITICISM WISELY
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Philippians 2:1-11
How should we face the upsetting comments of other people? What is the right response to criticism?

First, when criticism arises, you should maintain a quiet spirit. Do not become loud and defensive, and restrain any outburst that "feels" right at the moment. Some people may argue, "Well, I just have a short fuse. That's how God made me." This is a poor argument; we cannot blame the Lord when we fail to control our own bad temper. Such responses are unhelpful, unhealthy, and unacceptable.

Second, we should not attempt to defend ourselves immediately. Pride - not genuine honesty and reflection - usually motivates this response. It is wise, whenever possible, to allow time for the initial shock and irritation to pass before offering any defenses or theories.

Third - and this is a tough one - we must ask the Holy Spirit to show us if the problem is our fault. Are the accusations true? Is it possible that a loving friend was led by God to reveal something unpleasant about us? We do not like to think that we are ever wrong; however, we know that as sinful men and women, we cannot be right all of the time. For this reason, there is always a chance that a conflict in our lives may actually be our fault. When people care enough about us to confront us in this way, we should be gracious in accepting their perspective.

The Lord often speaks to us through other people. If He is trying to communicate something to you through a brother or sister in Christ, challenge yourself to be open to His message - even if it hurts.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:06 PM CST
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Saturday, 4 November 2006
RESPONDING TO GOD's HOLINESS
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Isaiah 6:1 - 8
A beautiful sunset, a multicolored rainbow, and the first blooms of spring all elicit a positive reaction in us. In a similar way, God's holiness is so magnificent that it causes people to respond in various ways.

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of the Lord's moral purity and separateness. He saw God seated on a throne in all His glorious splendor and cried out, "Woe is me, for I am ruined!" (Isaiah 6:5). A glimpse of divine perfection caused Isaiah to recognize the depths of his own sinful condition and to acknowledge the holiness of God. Simon, who became the disciple Peter, had a similar reaction to Jesus. When Jesus miraculously filled the fishing nets to overflowing, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!'" (Luke 5:8). However, the religious leaders of the day had a different attitude. The more they heard Jesus' preaching and saw His work, the angrier they became.

We are Christ's ambassadors to a hurting world, and there are varied reactions to our presence. Those who are not abiding in Christ will experience what I call "holy heat." People who have rejected Jesus may act as if we are trying to force them to believe in Jesus. And Christians living in rebellion toward God will become uncomfortable around those abiding in Jesus; they may even ignore or criticize obedient believers or the local church.

God wants us to live out our faith in the workplace, in our communities, and at home, regardless of others' reactions. Has your faith permeated the many areas of your life?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:39 AM CST
Updated: Saturday, 4 November 2006 7:58 AM CST
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Friday, 3 November 2006
THE HOLINESS OF GOD
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Revelation 4:1-11
GOD is without sin. There is no evil in His thoughts, motives, or actions. Because of His holy character, He is against all iniquity. He doesn't hate the sinner, but He despises the sin.

The heavenly Father's holiness is revealed not only in His moral purity but also in His separateness from all evil and transgression. Because of His righteous character, He cannot tolerate or ignore sin. His justice requires that wrongdoing be paid for, and the only acceptable payment is death. (Romans 6:23)

What bridges the gap between holy God and sinful man? Only faith in Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. The Son of God, having lived a sinless life, died to pay our sin - debt in full and to provide a way for each of us to have a relationship with righteous God. The heavenly Father, having accepted Jesus' payment for sin, invites everyone to become His child.

First, we must acknowledge our unworthiness and helplessness to pay for our own sins. Then we must confess our sins, asking Him to pardon us based on the fact that Christ fully paid our sin - debt after suffering God's wrath, condemnation, and judgment in our place. God justifies us the moment we receive Jesus as our personal Savior - the Judge of all humanity declares we are no longer guilty. He accepts the transfer of our guilt to His Son, who stood as our substitute. God credits not only Jesus' sacrificial death to us, but also His righteousness.

Pardoned of all our sin. Clothed in Jesus' righteousness. Made a child of holy God. These are three reasons to praise and thank the Lord every day.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:55 PM CST
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