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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
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
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
Hebrews 11:17 - 19
Hebrews 11:23 - 29
Hebrews 11:23 -28
Hebrews 12:1 - 3
Hebrews 12:1-3
Hebrews 12:11-15
Hebrews 12:21-24
Hebrews 13:15-19
Hebrews 2:14 -18
Hebrews 3:12-13
Hebrews 3:12-19
Hebrews 3:7-11
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 4:15 - 16
Hebrews 6:9 - 12
Hebrews 7:17-22
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
John 14:15-22
John 14:15-24
John 14:16-21
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
Philippians 1:12 - 14
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
Psalm 1
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
Romans 10:9-13
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
Romans 1:18 - 23
Romans 1:18-25
Romans 1:24 - 32
Romans 1:28-31
Romans 1:8-16
Romans 3:10 - 26
Romans 3:25-31
Romans 3:3,4; Numbers 23:
Romans 5:1 - 2
Romans 5:1 - 9
Romans 5:1-2
Romans 5:1-5
Romans 5:1-8
Romans 5:5 - 8
Romans 5:6 - 21
Romans 5:6-11
Romans 5:6-9
Romans 5:8 - 11
Romans 5:8 -17
Romans 5:8-17
Romans 5:9-15
Romans 6:11
Romans 6:12-18
Romans 6:23
Romans 6:4-14
Romans 7:15 - 20
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
Romans 8:32
Romans 8:33
Romans 8:35-39
Romans 8:9 -14
Song of Solomon 2:15
Titus 1
Titus 2:1 - 8
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Thursday, 29 March 2007
OBEDIENCE: THE KEY TO GOD'S HEART
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Luke 5:1-5
In John 14:15, Jesus said to His disciples, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." He repeated the connection between love and obedience several other times because of its great importance (John 14:23; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6).

When we follow God's agenda, we tell Him, "I love You." Obedience is an expression of love toward God. It enables us to endure trials and difficulties. Also, God pours out His blessings on those who obey.

Consider Peter's example: Jesus asked to use his boat to preach to the crowd. Peter hadn't caught any fish all night. He could have easily given Jesus an excuse, such as, I'm too tired, too discouraged, and I've got a lot of cleaning up to do. Instead, he said yes to Jesus' request. By doing so, Peter took a step into a life of obedience and blessing.

On the surface, lending his boat and helping Jesus didn't appear to be important beyond the moment. But, God had a bigger purpose than a short-term loan. He was going to borrow Peter's life and make him a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19).

Because we can not always see what our Lord has in mind, we may not comprehend the importance of His requests. We could be tempted to change it to fit our plans, to wait for a more convenient time, or to skip it all together. Those actions are never smart.

God rewarded Peter by allowing him to serve in His Kingdom. He wants to do the same for us. How is the Holy Spirit prompting you? What's your response?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:41 AM CDT
Permalink
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
MILITARY LIVES
Mood:  amorous
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3).

Peering through my living room window, I teared up as I watched two men working on my yard. I couldn't help but be thankful. I didn't know them very well. They were from our church, and when they found out that my husband was going to Iraq, leaving me behind to raise our four young children with no family around, they volunteered to help with the next seven months of yard work. They didn't realize what this meant to my husband as this freed him up emotionally, knowing his wife and children were being looked after.

The Word of God calls us to share one another's burdens and build each other up in love. Many people have shared my burdens and loved me during the difficult times when my husband was deployed overseas -- four times during seven years of marriage.

A card, a phone call, and prayer from someone that cared enough meant so much. There were times I could feel the prayers that were being offered up to God for strength, patience, and just to feel His love around me.

I have very good memories of a time that should have been difficult, but ended up in blessing when a friend of mine joined me in the birth of my fourth child. My husband was gone for one year, which left me alone during this personal moment, but this woman drove me to the hospital and stayed with me. I was able to see the love of God at work in her as she, and others thereafter, helped in many ways, including bringing meals to my home from either a restaurant or from their very own kitchen.

Recently, TruthMedia launched a web site called Military Lives.com. This site reaches out to those who are involved directly in the military and to their loved ones.

We would welcome your help in ministering to military personnel and their families:

* Share the web site with a friend: http://www.militarylives.com
* Consider becoming an email mentor, offering prayer and encouragement to people who write to MilitaryLives.com. Visit http://www.truthmedia.com/getinvolved/volunteer.html for more info.
* Write and submit articles (especially life stories) for MilitaryLives.com: http://www.truthmedia.com/submissions/
* Join an online prayer time on Wednesday nights (10:30 pm Eastern, 7:30 pm Pacific) for military personnel and their families: http://militarylives.com/contactus/landing.html

Finally, if you know someone in the military, I entreat you to pray for them, especially for those who are going through rough times apart from their loved ones, and for their families, spouses, children and parents. Offer your words of encouragement and practical service -- like yard work. It will mean more than you'll ever know. Let us continue to build each other up wherever we are, however God may lead us.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:51 AM CDT
Permalink
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLE
Mood:  bright
There are many relationship battles that swirl in our homes and our churches. Our own attitudes, past hurts and misunderstandings all play a part in them, yet there is also a spiritual element to relationships that we sometimes over look. When struggles take front and center stage in our lives, spiritual forces are often at work to bring destruction. God reminds us what to do.

"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand...

"Stand firm then with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist, (Lord, please give me understanding of what is true and right in every situation I walk into today.)

"With the Breastplate of Righteousness in place, (Lord, I thank You that I am loved by You and that You have washed my sin away and covered my doubt.)

"and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. (Lord, remind me today to be open to what You want me to do, use my hands and feet and show me people You would have me do something for today.)

"In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Lord, I thank You that by faith in Your power I can be protected from temptation and wrong desires today. Guide me and protect me. Keep me from temptation and increase my faith in You.)

"Take up the Helmet of Salvation (Lord, I celebrate the fact that I am Your child!)

"and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Lord, give me the desire to read Your Word. Help me not to just read it but to obey it as well.)

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Lord, guide my day and gently remind me to bring my problems of the day to You as they arise.)

"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Lord, keep me alert and focused on You today, for You are my hope!) Ephesians 6:10-18

Why is putting on God's armor so important in relationships? How do we put it on?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:08 AM CDT
Permalink
Monday, 26 March 2007
The Only Way
Mood:  a-ok
Franklin Graham talks about the central problem of the human race:

Man has a problem, and it's called "sin." And the Bible says that "From the sole of the foot even [to] the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and...sores: [that] have not been closed, [or] bound up, [or soothed] with ointment" (Isaiah 1:6). That's what God says about the human race. And the only way the heart of man can be changed, the only way your heart can be changed tonight, is to come into a right relationship with God.  And the only way you can have that right relationship with God is through His Son Jesus Christ. You see, Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man [comes] unto the Father, but by me."

Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, the only way to be whole. We're the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. For a free booklet about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call us toll-free at 1-866-JESUS-CARES or click billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:38 AM CDT
Updated: Monday, 26 March 2007 7:42 AM CDT
Permalink
Sunday, 25 March 2007
NO TIME TO PRAY
Mood:  happy
Topic: Luke 11:1
 "One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

Martin Luther was an important and busy guy. The previous sentence may be a gross understatement, considering that Luther is often credited with starting the Protestant Reformation. Even if he wasn't the originator, he was certainly the most prolific and fiery of its early supporters. Despite his hectic work schedule, copious writing, preaching, teaching, and other plentiful tasks, he still diligently made time to pray. He is quoted as saying "I have so much to do (today) that I should spend the first three hours in prayer."

Jesus too was an important and busy guy. (That sentence is clearly an even larger understatement than the one about Martin Luther!) As Savior of the world, Jesus spent His days traveling, teaching, arguing with religious leaders, healing sickness, driving out demons, and proclaiming the salvation available to the world through Himself as God's one and only Son. (Among other things!) Yet "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Mark gives us an example: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35).

The question for us is: If Martin Luther and Jesus Himself made time to pray, how can we possibly say we're too busy?

Jesus begins his teaching on prayer during the Sermon on the Mount by saying "WHEN you pray," not "IF you pray" (Matthew 6:5). It's tough sometimes, because prayer doesn't come naturally for everyone. Speak honestly to God: praise, frustrations, triumphs, fears, and deepest longings. After all, God already knows you better than you know yourself... there's nothing to hide!

Remember that prayer doesn't have to be long or complicated. It doesn't need to be "holy sounding" either. You know what I mean, those prayers with all the right-sounding words that somehow end up sounding hollow. Use the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-6) as a guide, but not as a formula. Don't just pray it rigidly, try to pray spontaneously, from the heart.

Just never use the excuse that you're "too busy." If Martin Luther and Jesus had time for prayer, you do too!

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:08 AM CDT
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Friday, 23 March 2007
OUR STRUGGLE WITH GUILT
Mood:  lazy
Topic: 1 John 1:5-9
For some of us, guilt is a steady companion. We live under the weight of past mistakes and the fear of future ones. Even if we try to move forward, guilt tags along.

Not all guilty emotions are based in fact. Those that result from breaking biblical or civil law are legitimate. When we sin, the Holy Spirit points out what is wrong and how to correct it. Then, in response to our confession, God offers us forgiveness and cleansing from guilt every single time.

Where does false guilt originate? There are several answers. For one thing, Satan uses it to harass believers. Through lies and accusations, the Enemy seeks to replace inner peace and joy with turmoil and discouragement.

Another source of guilt is legalism, judging conduct according to a precise standard. God's Word establishes the way we are to live, but some Christians and churches impose additional rules. And failure to follow man-made regulations can produce shame.

Childhood experiences can also bring out the negative emotion of guilt. Whether this stems from the aftermath of traumatic events or the feeling we didn't meet parental expectations, a memory can prompt us to judge ourselves harshly as adults. Living under severe criticism can have this effect, too. Perfectionist tendencies can also bring on guilt. They tell us we can always "do more" and "do it better."

Legalism, painful childhood experiences, hurtful comments, and perfectionism are fertile soil for false guilt. If you struggle with self-blame, be sure to check the legitimacy of the source.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:25 AM CDT
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Thursday, 22 March 2007
PEOPLE OF LIGHT
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Matthew 5:14
In the Bible darkness is synonymous with ignorance, deceit, and evil in general, whereas light represents righteousness, truth and understanding.

Jesus told the people, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). This was one of the ways that Jesus revealed Himself as our hope and salvation -- our only way to God in this evil world.

Yet, Jesus didn't stop there. He knew that He was on earth physically for only a short time. Thus Jesus told his followers, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going" (John 12:35).

Jesus came to show that He is the way to God. He brought light into a world full of pain, evil and hopelessness. Then He let His disciples know that they too could show the way to God, by trusting in Jesus.

"Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light" (John 12:36).

We are called to be people of light. Not people who merely do good things, but people who through faith in God become part of God's family -- children of light. Then, when through the Holy Spirit, honesty, integrity and truth shine through everything we do and say, we will show the way to God.

~God, I want to be a child of light. Help me to trust in You, so that You can produce in me the character qualities that reveal who You are.

 How does knowing that Jesus called himself "the light of the world" and then called us, his followers "the light of the world" affect you? How has God been at work in your life to better let His light shine?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:36 AM CDT
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Wednesday, 21 March 2007
HOW OBEDIENCE RELATES TO LOVE
Mood:  amorous
Topic: John 14:21-24
The night before Jesus' crucifixion, He reminded His disciples of the important connection between love and obedience. In John 14:21, Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me." In God's mind, loving and obeying Him are inseparable. We need to think the same way.

What commands are we called to obey? Jesus said that the Law and the Prophets depend on two commandments: First, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Second, He commanded, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37, 39 NIV). When we consistently and thoughtfully study the New Testament, the Holy Spirit reveals how to live out these commands. Every time we follow the Spirit's instructions, we are saying "I love You" to God. When we release a selfish attitude and place someone else first, when we show forgiveness instead of anger, or when we demonstrate a thankful heart in the midst of difficult circumstances, we ex press affection for the Lord. But if we live in conscious, deliberate disobedience to Him, Jesus says we don't love Him.

Jesus' life on earth was one continuous expression of love for the heavenly Father (John 14:31). Following Christ's example requires a heart that desires to please Him, an obedient will, and a mind that consistently seeks divine direction. Develop the habit of asking yourself two questions: First, What does obedience to God look like in this situation? And, second, What additional steps can I take to obey God more fully?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:29 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 20 March 2007
JESUS: STRONG AND WISE
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Luke 2:39-40

An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord will reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects infinite wisdom.

"Done!" says the angel, and disappears in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Now, all heads turn toward the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. At length, one of his colleagues whispers, "Say something."The dean looks at them and says, "I should have taken the money."

How do we get real wisdom? Barring angelic intervention, we must look to God's Word. The first descriptive words (besides prophecy) about Jesus in the Bible describe Him as strong, wise, and full of God's grace.

Jesus demonstrated His wisdom time and time again, whether it was when He gave the greatest moral speech in history (Matthew 5-7) or when He shamed the religious leaders of the day who tried to trap Him (Matthew 22:15-33). If we need wisdom, we shouldn't hesitate to ask God for it.
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind" (James 1:5-6). We truly begin to become wise when we realize how little we really know, and how much we have to rely on God; and the only way to know God is through Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:25).

What is the best way to continue to gain wisdom? The only way is to follow Jesus, the One who is full of "grace and truth" (1:17). Who better to follow than the strongest and wisest, God alone? Our teachers, pastors and friends can be an enormous help to us in our walk of faith, but they can never replace God Himself.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:39 AM CDT
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Monday, 19 March 2007
THE PROCESS OF TEMPTATION
Mood:  amorous
Topic: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Many people act like there's no defense against temptation. With the first hint of desire, they immediately throw their hands up and give in. These people fail to realize temptation is a process. And processes can be short-circuited at any stage.

Temptation usually begins in the mind, the source of an active fantasy life. The human mind has the capacity to create entire exchanges and experiences out of nothing. Through fantasy, we can enjoy something without ever bringing it into "the real world." So, people sometimes think if it isn't "real," then it's perfectly harmless. But that's not true.

Fantasy leads to a downward spiral of enslavement. Over time, it becomes boring, and the need for more gratifying fulfillment builds. Ultimately, our thoughts are so wrapped around temptation that it seems impossible to think of anything else. At that point, the desire holds our minds captive. And when our lives become perfectly focused on anything other than God, we're trapped. Because the process of temptation starts in the mind, it can be difficult to escape.

No matter where we go or what we do, we'll never be able to outrun our minds! But we can disrupt the process by filling our minds with God's Word. As you continually feed your imagination a hearty diet of Scripture, the Word will go to work against your fantasies. The Bible is powerful. Trust it to set you free from the burden of temptation.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 6:55 AM CDT
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Sunday, 18 March 2007
THE STRUGGLE WITH TEMPTATION
Mood:  amorous
Topic: James 1:12-15
If there's one thing every man, woman, and child has experienced, it's temptation. We've all seen something new, attractive, and unusual; something a friend has that we don't. And we just want it.

The object of temptation can be almost anything. It might be something material, like a nice house or new car. Or it could be physical, like the effect of alcohol or the rush of a new relationship. And, of course, it could be emotional, like recognition for a job well done.

Whatever the object, temptation demands that we must have it now! Is it good for me? It doesn't matter. Will it benefit me or my family? That's not the issue. Could this hurt someone I love? Who cares?

Temptation knows no loyalty. It's a raging beast that, if left uncontrolled, can bring absolute destruction into your life. Simply put, temptation is an invitation to follow God-given desires beyond His established boundaries.

For example, the Lord gave mankind a precious gift in human sexuality. However, this God-given desire is all too often taken far beyond the boundaries the Creator originally established. Does this mean sexual desire is inherently wrong? Not at all. But, when left unchecked, it can be the starting point for all types of trouble.

Are you allowing a single desire to control your life? Are you continually going beyond the limits of God's approval? Break the hold of temptation. Thank God for the desires He placed on your heart, and ask Him to direct where those desires lead you.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:17 PM CDT
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Saturday, 17 March 2007
UNEXPECTED HEROES
Mood:  energetic
Martin St. Louis, of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL hockey team, is not a big man in stature, but he is in presence. As he led his team to the Stanley Cup in the 2003-2004 season, he also won the Art Ross Trophy (leading scorer), Hart Trophy (most valuable player) and Lester B Pearson Award (outstanding regular season player). It's hard to believe that just a few years earlier, no NHL teams wanted him.

St. Louis is officially listed as 5'9" tall, but is actually probably closer to 5'7". For a regular guy that'd be average, but for a hockey player, that's tiny. Even after an impressive career in the minor leagues, St. Louis wasn't chosen in the first round of the NHL draft. In fact he wasn't chosen during the draft at all, which is definitely a traumatic event for any hockey player. He was later signed by the Calgary Flames, but was soon released as a free agent; the equivalent of a hockey team saying, "We don't want you anymore." Later he signed to Tampa Bay Lightning and looked to be having a great year until a broken leg canceled the rest of his season. Although everything seemed to be against him, and few probably believed it could happen, he persevered and attained amazing success.

God often chooses unexpected people. In 1 Samuel 16:6-7, Samuel was sure God would choose Eliab to be the new king of Israel. But God tells him, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT) Instead of Eliab, whom Samuel wrongly judged to be "the one" based on outward appearance alone, God chooses the simple shepherd David.

All throughout the Bible, we see God choosing unexpected people to be heroes: Moses (who had a speech impediment), David (the youngest and scrawniest of his family), Matthew (a despised tax collector), Peter (a hothead who couldn't hold his tongue) ... and us. It doesn't matter if we aren't the fastest, strongest, smartest or best-looking people around. In fact, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27) and Paul boldly says, "for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Samuel judged by outward appearances, but God does not. Instead, He is impressed by the condition of our hearts: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). If you ever feel inferior because you aren't the fastest, strongest, smartest or best-looking person around, don't worry: God often raises up the most unexpected heroes.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:03 AM CDT
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Friday, 16 March 2007
THE STRUGGLE OF THE FLESH
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Galatians 5:16-26

Modern culture encourages doing whatever comes naturally, without any regard for the consequences. But the apostle Paul said those who live with the Holy Spirit, believers, are at war with "the flesh." Although we've been given a new spirit and heart, we're still in our flawed and imperfect human bodies. This means we can still be tempted by desires outside of the Lord's will.

Unfortunately, some Christians believe victory over flesh is a one-time deal. Back when Dr. Stanley was a boy learning about biblical principles, he says no one explained that Christians conquer sin moment by moment. When he heard talk about sanctification and "doing away with sin," Dr. Stanley thought that one day, later in life, he'd have a spiritual experience that would rid his life of temptations. Sadly, some people's faith never grows past waiting for that "magic" event. And, in the meantime, they're frustrated by their failure to be good Christians.

Even after three years in the constant company of Jesus, the disciples couldn't live the Christian life on their own. Knowing they were too weak in the flesh to faithfully teach the Gospel or set a godly example, Jesus commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit.

This third person of the Trinity provided them with strength, guidance, and wisdom. Nothing has changed. Apart from God's Spirit, we cannot overcome fleshly desires and live in God's will. But, with the Spirit, we're assured of fulfillment and peace as we serve the Lord.

Charles Stanley

intouch.org


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:17 AM CDT
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Thursday, 15 March 2007
A LESSON IN OBEDIENCE
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Matthew 16:24-26
Jesus spoke frequently about obedience. But today's followers sometimes misunderstand His lesson for the disciples in Matthew 16. Maybe this is because people naturally tend to avoid self-sacrifice and suffering-the frequent companions of obedience.

Self-service is the greatest enemy of obedience. Submitting to the Lord's will requires a person to deny himself of anything that doesn't fit God's plan. That means refusing those things which are evil. And, on occasion, we may also have to give up a desire that isn't in God's will for us but is okay for someone else. Just because something isn't sinful, that doesn't make it right for everyone.

Self-denial that is carried out in service to the Lord can also be described as death to self. We need to be willing to forfeit our desires and ambitions so we can submit to God's will. Then, we can surrender our selfishness and find a new existence as the Lord's servant. This new life should be marked by obedience and the Christ-like attitude we see in Luke 22:42, "Father... not My will but Yours be done."

A believer committed to an obedient lifestyle is determined to do God's will, even when it causes pain or loss. Sometimes, that means we may tearfully obey. And, other times, we'll beg Him for the strength to submit. But godly obedience causes our tears to dry and our hearts to know the peace that comes only from being a good and faithful servant to a loving Master.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:34 AM CDT
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Wednesday, 14 March 2007
THE STRENGTH TO OBEY
Mood:  lazy
Topic: Mark 1:32-35
Jesus Christ was perfect and sinless. But still, He expects flawed and sinful people to follow His example of total obedience to the Father (Luke 14:27). The idea of perfection is intimidating. But Christ's expectation is reasonable when we understand His example of how to have the strength to follow God.

Jesus learned obedience moment by moment, just like us (Hebrews 5:8). Each day presented new opportunities to follow His Father's plan. The Lord was fully God, but He was also fully man. Jesus had all the temptations and internal struggles that go along with being human. That's why we read so often in the Bible about Jesus slipping away from the crowds to spend time alone with the Father. Talking with God and meditating on the Word were essential for Him to make right choices.

Jesus also had help from the Holy Spirit, who visibly came to Him at His baptism in Matthew 3:16. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:14 that, through the Spirit, Christ made Himself a sacrifice to God for mankind's sin.

Jesus has a spotless record of obedience, even obedience unto death. He drew strength and wisdom from His Father and the Holy Spirit. We can do the same. We serve a living God who delights in meeting us to give instruction, direction, and warning. He provides a constant Companion to keep us safe and offer wisdom. When we experience daily fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, it will empower us to obey.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:42 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 13 March 2007
BEING GOD's CHILD
Mood:  amorous
"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" (John 1:10-13).

Many people have negative memories of their childhood (or present) relationships with their parents, particularly their fathers. So when the Bible speaks of God as our Father, we may cringe at the language, recalling our earlier hurts or present pains. It may be difficult to think of God as "Father," even though the Bible is clear that all who "believe in His name" become "children of God" (John 1:12). We should take care that our view of God is not colored by our experiences with other people. God Himself, the good, loving, caring and faithful Father, is the standard of measure, not the other way around.

But what does it really mean to be a "child of God?" We are not sons and daughters of God in the same sense that Jesus is Son, for Jesus is "God's one and only Son" (John 3:18). In the same way that there are many fathers in the world but only one Father in heaven, God has many sons and daughters in the world, but only one begotten Son, Jesus.

However, the metaphor of being children can help us understand our new relationship with God that occurs when we are "born again" (John 3:3).

We do not become God's children by our own deeds, because "in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith" (Galatians 3:26), just like we are not physically born by our own effort.

Therefore, what should our response be when, by God's grace, we become His children? We are told to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" (Ephesians 5:1). In fact, we know that "The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister" (1 John 3:10, The Message). This is not a rigid requirement of a strict and unyielding usurper, but rather indicates the willing response of someone who has been reborn and considered a true legitimate child of our gracious and loving God.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:55 AM CDT
Updated: Wednesday, 14 March 2007 7:41 AM CDT
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Monday, 12 March 2007
A STRANGE TIME FOR FEAR
Mood:  amorous
Topic: 1 Kings 19:1-4
"Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, 'May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.'

"Elijah was afraid  and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD," he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Normally, we think of fear in terms of failure. We tend to become afraid when we experience a major setback and feel inadequate. Or, we may be shaken when we make a big mistake and think there's something wrong with our judgment. These are the times when we would almost expect fear to strike, right?

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah demonstrated a radically different attitude when he experienced one of the most dynamic victories in all of Scripture. Armed with only his unflinching faith in the Lord, he faced down 850 false priests. God moved mightily and destroyed the idolaters, bringing glory to Himself throughout Israel.

But right after this confrontation, when his faith should have been at its strongest, Elijah became scared. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet learned that the evil queen Jezebel had called for his death. Apparently forgetting God's mighty victory just moments before, Elijah ran away. How could this be?

Elijah's story reminds us that our failures may not pose the greatest danger to spiritual growth after all. Potential for destruction may actually lie hidden within our successes. When our confidence is at its peak, we can sometimes turn our eyes away from the Giver of strength. Instead, we focus on ourselves.

Your victory is always in God's hand. Don't be fooled. He may work in, around, or through you to accomplish His purpose. But it's always His victory. Have you been distracted by success? Turn your eyes back to God. All praise, glory, and freedom from fear are His.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:14 AM CDT
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Sunday, 11 March 2007
OBEDIENCE: HOW TO CONQUER OUR FEARS
Mood:  amorous
Topic: Psalm 27:1-3

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation?
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life?
       of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
       to devour my flesh,
       when my enemies and my foes attack me,
       they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
       my heart will not fear;
       though war break out against me,
       even then will I be confident.

Dr. Stanley has walked with the Lord for more than six decades. He's read the Bible cover to cover many times, preached thousands of sermons, and written pages and pages of study material. But here's something that may surprise you. In spite of all that, sometimes he's afraid. And Dr. Stanley thinks you probably have similar experiences with fear. We live in a scary world!

You may feel frightened by failure, ridicule, loneliness, or something else entirely. Dr. Stanley says, sometimes out of nowhere, he begins to fear not being ready to preach an upcoming service. Early in the week, he may get a nagging feeling that he's unprepared to deliver Sunday's message. He says that uneasiness can continue throughout the week.

In response, he prays harder, studies longer, and reads his Bible more closely. Dr. Stanley is driven to do absolutely everything he can to succeed whenever he stands to proclaim God's Word. Long ago, he decided not to let worry stop him from doing God's will. But, before he takes his stand against fear, Dr. Stanley has to admit it's there. That's the key to conquering feelings of anxiety.

There's no shame in admitting your fear. In Psalms, King David makes this confession several times (Psalm 34:4; 55:4-5). But, his confession is wrapped in prayer, acknowledging the Lord's power over his fears and his enemies.

That same power is available to you today. God wants to cast out the fear and doubt in your life. Are you willing to go before Him today and admit your greatest fears?

Charles Stanley


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:48 AM CST
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Saturday, 10 March 2007
FORGIVENESS: THE LIFE OF PETER
Mood:  hug me
Topic: John 21:15-19
Imagine Peter's distress when Jesus told him, "Peter - this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know Me!"

"No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" (Matthew 26:34-35). However, God does not lie, and Peter eventually fled with the rest of the disciples (Matthew 26:56). A short time later, as Jesus' accusers spit in His face and hit Him with their fists, Peter proceeded to deny Jesus three separate times, even swearing by God's name that he didn't know Jesus (Matthew 26:69-74). Peter was not only lying, but by taking an oath he was essentially saying, "May God strike me dead if I am lying!" (Jesus spoke strongly against oaths in Matthew 5:33-37.)

If this were how the story ended, it would be a tragic tale of defeat.

However, we know from the Book of Acts that Peter did indeed later become a leader of the church. Somehow Peter's defeat was redeemed!

After hearing the rooster crow, Peter remembered Jesus' words, and "went away, crying bitterly" (Matthew 26:75). Peter was anguished by his denial, and repented; at that point he didn't have a clear idea that Jesus would be resurrected. When later Jesus appeared after His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him; three times Peter had denied, and three times Peter reaffirmed his faith. Jesus accepted Peter, and called him to again follow Him: "Jesus told him, 'Follow me'" (John 21:15-19).

The lyrics for Third Day's song "Can't Take the Pain" creatively delve into how Peter might have felt during the ordeal:

"No, I didn't see this one coming
It suddenly snuck up on me
I can't say you didn't tell me so
I can't say you didn't warn me
I can't take the pain of knowing that I left you I can't bear the shame of knowing I was wrong But I'll take the blame for everything that I've done I can't take the pain of leaving you alone Of leaving you alone

"I was there when they accused you
but I guess I was too afraid
Not just once and not just twice
But three times I denied your name
I never thought I'd get even a second chance But you've given that and so much more And then for every time I ever did deny You ask me if I love you, You know I do, Lord

"So I'm off to follow in your steps
it won't be easy, it's safe to say
There are only two roads I can walk on down The road less traveled is the one you paved

"Lord, You took the pain even though I left You And You took the shame and You made it all Your own Why'd you take the blame for everything that I've done?

"Lord, You took the pain
You and You alone, You and You alone."

God is love, and no matter what, God always welcomes back anyone who honestly repents. Regardless of how many times we fail, God will always call us back to follow Him again. "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:8-9).

Why do you think Peter denied Christ so vehemently? What defeats has God redeemed in your life?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:56 AM CST
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Friday, 9 March 2007
HOW TO HANDLE OUR FEAR
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Isaiah 41:10-13
A believer is captive to fear only when he or she chooses to be. Some people actually organize their life (or at least portions of it) around avoiding anxiety. But God's children don't have to live in that kind of bondage. His key to our shackles is trust.

At some time, fear enters the life of every believer. But it doesn't need to remain long. To confront and overcome our concern, we must first acknowledge its presence. Ignoring anxiety, or trying to work around it, will likely cause us to step out of God's will.

After we have admitted to being afraid, the next thing we must do is identify the nature of our fear. Sometimes, we feel anxious without knowing the reason. But the Holy Spirit can reveal why we are being held captive.

Next, we must begin the process of defeating fear's hold on our lives. What better tool could there be for breaking chains than the Bible, the "sword of the Spirit" as it's called in Ephesians 6:17. God's Word speaks to our individual fears. Use a concordance to find specific practical help. Or, for more general encouragement, turn to Isaiah 41:10. Read and memorize this important promise.

When I feel anxious, I take Isaiah 41:10 back to God by praying, "Here's what You said, and I believe You because You never lie. So I will trust You, Lord, to work in this situation." Trusting God is the ONLY way to be free from fear. Decide whether you are going to believe God and His promises or be chained by your emotions.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:30 AM CST
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