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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
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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
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
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Romans 5:5 - 8
Romans 5:6 - 21
Romans 5:6-11
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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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Wednesday, 19 March 2008
I WANT TO KNOW HIM
Topic: Philippians 3:10
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him" (Philippians 3:10).

Lately, I have been thinking about Jerry McGrath. He was a marvelous singer and performed at many of our Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada staff conferences. He had been in the secular entertainment industry when he was struck down with leukemia and was no longer able to sing. He yielded his life to the Lord and the Lord touched and healed him. After that he used his marvelous voice to serve God.

During every performance, he told the story of his miraculous healing and then would sing, "Lord, I want to know You. Deep within my soul, I want to know You more." When he was finished singing, there was not a dry eye in the audience.

Jerry had experienced the power of Christ's resurrection, but he had also experienced suffering. I wonder, sometimes, why we so often pray and sing for the Lord's power, but abhor the suffering? We need both to make us like Jesus. How have we bought into the philosophy that life should be soft and easy? Christ's life certainly wasn't.

~Father, You know what cowards we are. We want the soft and easy road. Help us to get real, Lord. Enable us not to be surprised when troubles come our way. After all, Jesus did say that in this world we would have troubles. How quickly we forget, Lord! We need you to remind us. Amen.

What are some ways we can really get to know God? Are you willing to give everything over to God so that He can use you mightily? What would be your first step?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:04 AM CDT
Permalink
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
GRACE ALONE
Topic: Galatians 2:21
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:21)

This verse says it all. Jesus died for our sins or He died for nothing; either we are saved by grace or we are saved by works.

It can't be both because if we depend on works we nullify God's grace.

Thus Easter is a good time to remember the foundation of our faith.

Early Christians had to come to the realization that their Jewish heritage of following the law, while valuable, could not save them.

"We who are Jews by birth and not "Gentile sinners" know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." (Galatians 2: 15, 16)

In the same way, those of us who have grown up in a Christian family or culture need to acknowledge that we aren't saved by God's grace plus some good deeds of our own.

"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." (Romans 3:28)

When people add good works as a criterion for salvation, they indirectly say that Jesus' death on the cross wasn't enough. That is not what the Bible teaches.

It is God's grace alone, awe inspiring, costly grace, by which we are saved.

~Thank you God for Your amazing grace that reaches to me. Help me to stand firm on the truth taught in Your Word, that it is by grace alone that I am able to come into relationship with You and be saved from eternal separation from You.

Why is it difficult to accept that we are justified by grace alone? How can we graciously respond to those who believe good works can make themselves right with God?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:04 AM CDT
Permalink
Monday, 17 March 2008
HE CALLS ME FRIEND
"Greetings, Rabbi!" Judas cried, embracing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. With a kiss of death, Judas confirmed Jesus identity to the religious leaders and a gang of ruffians. Jesus, still locked in Judas' embrace, said, "Friend, do what you came for."

Roughly pushed aside by the angry crowd, Judas cowered behind some trees. There he sat, haunted by one word -- friend. Judas, the traitor, the one who sold Jesus to the Pharisees for thirty silver coins -- was considered a friend.

He stumbled away, his job done, his payment jingling in a satchel. Every step, every rattle of those dirty coins reminded Judas of his greed and betrayal. Filled with remorse, he flung the coins at the Pharisees' feet, scattering the silver on the floor. "Traitor! Filthy sinner!" the coins seemed to taunt. "It's done," retorted the chief priests. "We don't want blood money, it's your problem."

Problem? Jesus took care of that in the Garden of Gethsemane. By calling Judas "friend," the betrayal became His issue. Judas was now forgiven; mercy extended in the name of friend.

For Jesus, the word friend is all-inclusive. He included crusty fishermen, shifty tax collectors, abrasive loudmouths and eccentric locus eaters in his circle.  He befriended those who would betray him, deny him, and criticize him. Jesus' friends were as diverse and unique as fingerprints.

Who are your friends? Shake the tendency to surround yourself with only those who have your best interest at heart.  Gather a ragtag band. Then partner with those who hold you spiritually accountable -- now minister to the Judas' in your life.

You can never have too many friends.

"Lord, just as friends come in all shapes and sizes, so do their personalities. Give me the insight, patience and commitment to love them equally. I want to give of myself, with no expectation of receiving anything in return."

Are there people in your life who are difficult to call "friends"?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:39 AM CDT
Permalink
Sunday, 16 March 2008
YOU ARE THERE
Topic: John 1:11-12
"He came to 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" (John 1:11-12).  

A parade is coming!  You hear the joyful shouts of the crowd of people approaching.

"What's going on?" you ask a bystander.  He cranes his neck.  "It's some man riding on a donkey. I think it may be that Jesus, who goes around healing people!"

You squeeze through the crowd that has gathered around you.  There's no band, no drumbeats.  But the noise is deafening!  Then you break through, and you see Him.  People are throwing palm branches on the road before Him.  Children are all over the place jumping for joy.

"Hosannah to the Son of David!" they're shouting joyfully.  "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!"

"Son of David," someone says.  "He must be the Savior God promised to send--the Messiah!"

As Jesus draws near, you peer at Him.  That's Jesus, the Man who healed your blind uncle!  That's Jesus--the man who healed the lame, the deaf, the lepers--the man who raised that widow's son from the dead!  Your heart leaps for joy.  He is the Messiah, the Savior.  You start leaping for joy and shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David, the Messiah!"

Some Pharisees step up to Jesus and stop Him.  "Teacher," they exclaim, "rebuke your disciples!"

Jesus looks at them soberly.  "I tell you," He says, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!"

You join the great crowd following Jesus.  And suddenly He stops again on a hillock.  As He looks at Jerusalem, tears roll down His cheeks!  Then He says sadly, "Oh, Jerusalem!  If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes!  The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.  They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within the walls.  They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you!"

This prophecy made by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came true in 70 A.D.

You really weren't there that day; but Jesus still offers His salvation to those of us who live today.  Have you yourself received Jesus Christ as your Messiah, as your Savior?

The reason God allowed cruel men to crucify His Son during that terrible week that followed was because "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  And Romans 10:13 declares, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

When God saves us, He transforms our lives.  If we truly know Jesus Christ, we will love, follow, and serve Him, the Holy One who gave His life for us!

Help us to realize what great love you have for us, Lord, and to follow you!

If you could witness Jesus' triumphent entry into Jerusalem, what would you shout out? (Or what would you LIKE to shout out?)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:08 AM CDT
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Saturday, 15 March 2008
PASSING ON OUR FAITH
Topic: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Do you have any Easter traditions? My mother baked paska, a lemon-flavored Russian sweet bread. She passed on her recipe to me, and now I bake it each Easter. But more important than favorite recipes, my parents passed on their spiritual heritage and strong faith in God.

My husband and I, too, want to pass on a godly legacy to our children and grandchildren. One meaningful tradition we started when our children were young was to save our Christmas tree trunk and make it into a cross at Easter. We would cut off the upper one-third of the trunk and nail or wire it to the lower two-thirds to make the cross. Sometimes our children decorated it with a grape-vine wreath to represent a crown of thorns. We displayed the cross beside the fireplace in our living room as a ready witness to share the Easter story with our children and others. This taught them the connection between Christmas and Easter: Christ was born to die.

In this passage, Paul writes to the Corinthians and reminds them what is most important to pass on. He stresses the essentials: The message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. He wants them to believe and receive the gospel as he did and be saved.

What would you like to pass on? Paul's priority is a good place for us to begin.

Risen Lord, thank you for the power of the resurrection and new life it brings in Christ. This Easter season, give me opportunities and courage to pass on my faith to others.

Do we usually celebrate Christmas and Easter as disconnected events? How can we better integrate the two?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:58 AM CDT
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Friday, 14 March 2008
HE WATCHES OVER ME
Topic: Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8

I have seen pictures of it and always wanted to see it, not only because it represents one of the greatest art works in the world, but because it represents all that Jesus is to me, my redeemer, my shepherd and the one who watches over me.

I love that song that sings: "I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free; For I know His eye is on the sparrow and I know He's watching me." Happy is the person who not only sings, but feels God's eye is on the sparrow, and knows He watches over them. To be simply ensconced in God is true joy. I have always thought how wonderful it would be to live in a city with such a constant reminder.

When I think about Rio de Janeiro, the first thing that comes to mind is the giant statue of Jesus overlooking the city, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. Located at the top of Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park this great statue stands 2330 feet tall, holding the city of Rio in his arms and is one of the most famous and most visited monuments in the world, so when I landed here yesterday and drove into this beautiful city, my neck strained, looking in every direction for a glimpse of Jesus.

Suddenly around a bend, there He was, with arms outstretched, keeping watch over the city. When I got to my hotel, He was almost watching out the window. When I presided over my board meeting, He was there on the mountain watching our every move.

Christ the Redeemer ("Cristo Redentor" in Portuguese) stands at the top of the 710-meter mountain, a granite dome, overlooking the city, and has become a symbol of the Rio. In it's own right, it is truly one of the world's great works of art, but it is more, as it symbolizes in physical form the presence of Jesus in all Christian hearts in spiritual form.

God is more that a statute or a tangible token. He is our Heavenly Father, and He watches over His children, as this beautiful statue watches over the city. The Bible says that no matter what happens to us, nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39).

For the last two days, I keep seeing Jesus watching over this city. I even drove back out to Corcovado tonight to see Jesus illuminated in the dark, as He is always visible, just as He is always with us. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel  will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4. Truly, it is a sight to behold

But maybe the most beautiful part is that this two thousand plus foot statue of Jesus is build in a public park and the ACLU is no where in sight!

What passages of scripture bring you comfort in times of distress?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:56 AM CDT
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Thursday, 13 March 2008
FAITH DURING STORMS
Topic: Mark 4:38
One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can't dear. I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big sissy!" - Source unknown

Who hasn't questioned God in the middle of a storm? The disciples did. "The disciples woke [Jesus] up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?'" (Mark 4:38) We've all asked that at one time or another. "God, don't you care?" We know that He does, but sometimes it seems as though He's distant as we're battered by raging storms.

We know that God loves us more deeply than we can ever know. It's not a question of whether we will be confronted with storms or not, but rather how we must face adversity: As someone with hope and faith in an all-powerful God. Jesus never promised that we'd have an easy life, but He did promise that he would be with us "always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). If we believe that God is the one "who is, who always was, and who is still to come - the Almighty One." (Revelation 1:8) ultimately what do we have to fear? We may not be all-knowing like God is, but because of Jesus' death on the cross for our salvation, we can be assured that no matter what temporary storms we face, that our place with God in eternity is assured. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

The Lord is my light and my salvation

    so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

    so why should I tremble?

The one thing I ask of the Lord

    the thing I seek most

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

    delighting in the Lord's perfections

    and meditating in his Temple.

For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

    he will hide me in his sanctuary.

    He will place me out of reach on a high rock. (Psalm 27:1,4,5)

Where do you get your strength during the storms of life?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:52 AM CDT
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Wednesday, 12 March 2008
LISTENING CAREFULLY TO GOD
Topic: James 1:22 - 25
The Father said of Jesus, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" (Mark 9:7) Christ warned, "Take care how you listen" (Luke 8:18) and told the crowd to "hear and understand." (Matthew 15:10) Paying close attention is a quality that marks a follower of the Savior.

There are two types of listeners - passive and assertive. At first glance, both will appear to be concentrating; their mindsets, however, are quite different. The inactive listener has his mind partly on other things and gives little thought to hearing from the Lord. In contrast, the conscientious listener comes with an expectation of receiving something from God - guidance, encouragement, or simply His comforting presence. Although they might not consciously realize it, inattentive people are focused on themselves rather than on the Lord. Their lack of focus results in an "entertain me" attitude, which manifests itself in wanting a specific kind of music and a service that makes them feel good. Assertive hearers, on the other hand, are not happy unless they have encountered the living God. He is their primary focus.

If we anticipate that the Lord is going to speak, we will do whatever it takes to remember what He says - we will open our Bibles to sharpen our attention on His Word, and we'll have a pen in hand to record what He reveals. If we expect little or are indifferent to receiving a word from Him, we will not be given much.

The Lord always speaks purposefully. However, He is not always heard. What kind of listener are you?

Is there a special time you can set aside this coming week for doing some listening?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:48 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 11 March 2008
TRY TITHING
Topic: Malachi 3:10

"Bring all the tithes...so there will be food enough...if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won't have room enough to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!??  (Malachi 3:10).

An email with an interesting challenge came to me today. The email read, "I need your help. I am behind on a lot of bills. I am a waitress and each day I try to put back my tithes that I have made that day. But the bill collectors are calling and it seems that I need money to make ends meet. What do I do? I need spiritual help.

Seems like she isn't only struggling with whether to pay bills or tithe. Let me give you the answer I gave her - in the natural way of thinking, tithing doesn't make sense if you are in debt. However let me give you a promise from God:

"Bring all your tithes...if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won't have room enough to take it in. Try it! Let me prove it to you?? (Malachi 3:10).

God promises that if we give Him the first tenth of our income, He will pour out a great blessing on us. This has been our way of life (Marvin's and mine) for all of the years we have been married, and we certainly have been blessed.

But let me tell you a story about another waitress, which illustrates this point. Formerly, I used to lead a Bible study for businesswomen in Vancouver, BC. Our waitress would linger and listen to our discussions. One week, we were discussing tithing and the waitress was very cynical. But the next Sunday, she decided to put? a tenth of her weekly tips into the offering plate at church.

You can imagine her surprise when at the bus stop the next morning she found a wad of bills lying on the ground. God has a sense of humor? - but He does keep his promises. I would encourage you to try it? - He does keep His promises.

Dear Father, You have given us so many gifts we never open. Today, I ask that each woman and man that reads this devotion would give their tithe as soon as they get their pay check and let them be surprised by what you will do in response. Amen.

How have you been blessed in the past by your giving?

Katherine Kehler


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:46 AM CDT
Updated: Tuesday, 11 March 2008 8:47 AM CDT
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Monday, 10 March 2008
HE WHO LENDS TO THE POOR
Topic: Proverbs 19:17
"Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full." (Proverbs 19:17, Msg)

God cares about the poor. He desires for us to be like him: to develop eyes and heart that have compassion on others. Compassion is simply "wanting to help those in need."

Who are the "poor" in our lives? We don't have to travel far to find those who are living in poverty and are in need of help. I'd encourage you to regularly break out of your "bubble" and join a short-term mission team.

But don't slip into the habit of having compassion only for those who live far away. There are also people we encounter daily who are in desperate need.

What about a grieving friend who has experienced a significant loss?

Or your co-worker who is so spiritually poor they continue to choose the world's way to satisfy their need for God?

Who has God been tugging on your heart about?

All that we have in this moment - our possessions, faith, health, relationships - are gifts from God. This verse reminds us that when we give to those in need we are "lending" back to God what is already his.

And then he rewards us. What a deal!

In God's economy 2 + 2 = more than 4. Remember the story of the widow's mite?

Or the miracle in Mark 6 of the fish and the loaves?

Whatever is offered to God (no matter how small it seems to us), he will multiply it in amazing ways.

Though we may have little to offer, God can take what we give him and multiply it to bless others.

"Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full." (Proverbs 19:17, Msg)

What will you do about it: Look around and see who needs a touch from you today. Who needs to talk? Who needs a hug? Who needs to hear about Jesus? Let God use you today to bless others.

Ask God to multiply your compassion.

Who has God been tugging on your heart about?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:28 AM CDT
Updated: Monday, 10 March 2008 8:29 AM CDT
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Sunday, 9 March 2008
FACING YOUR GIANTS
Topic: 1 Samuel 17:8-11
Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 1 Samuel 17:8-11

Hands down, no second thoughts, it has my vote for an Academy Award. It is probably the best movie I have ever seen and the story behind its production is incredible. I am going to see it again..... and again. It is a first class production, good cinematography, good sound, fine acting and a compelling presentation of the Gospel.

The movie is an action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team ... and himself.

In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure.

However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field ... and off.

The basic theme of the movie is that with God, all things are possible, including a local church producing a major motion picture on a shoestring budget. Overt Christian messages are woven throughout "Facing the Giants," which isn't surprising since the film was co-written and co-produced by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who are the "associate pastors of media" at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga.

A losing season turns around when a football team learns that their purpose is not to win football games, but to glorify God. It is a reminder that a revival can begin with one person and the positive message of Christ. It is a reminder that the major cause of defeat in all areas of life is discouragement.

God created us to be overcomers and the greatest enemy we often have is ourselves. Through God, all things are possible for those who believe in Him. We all have giants in our life, but the positive message of the Bible tells us that we can overcome the giants in our life and it begins when we determine that the purpose of our life is to glorify God.

Think about the giants in your life. Either you have faced a giant or are facing a giant or will face a giant, or a combination of all of the above. When David focused on God, giants tumbled. But when David focused on giants...he stumbled.

Goliaths still roam in our world. debt. disaster. dialysis. divorce. deceit. disease. depression. These super-sized challenges swagger and strut into our lives, pilfering our sleep, embezzling our peace and robbing us of our joy. And while these giants try to dominate our lives, we know what to do! We've learned what David learned, and we do what David did. We become God focused. We pick up five stones. We make five decisions. And we take a swing.    

Are you facing a giant now? What is it? Have you faced a giant recently and triumphed?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:59 PM CST
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Saturday, 8 March 2008
Throughout the World
Billy Graham talks about God's work around the world:

Throughout the world God is mightily at work. Thousands of people daily are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thousands are finding peace with God. Young people who are asking questions—"Where did I come from?" "Why am I here?" "Where am I going?"—are finding answers to these perplexing philosophical questions in a personal faith with Christ. They are finding answers to deep and probing psychological questions as well. Throughout the world God is at work; but the devil is also at work. The terrorism, the battles, the fighting, the wars and rumors of wars, will get worse. But Satan is also at work on the inside of the church dividing and destroying where he can. Nothing can disturb you if you have come to know Jesus Christ as Savior.

As Mr. Graham says, you will find the answers you're searching for when you come to know Jesus Christ as savior. To make that decision today, call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:12 AM CST
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Friday, 7 March 2008
THE CHURCH IS FOR SINNERS, NOT SAINTS
Topic: Matthew 9:10-13

When I first became a Christian at age 22, I thought church was only for perfect people. Or at least people who could act perfectly on Sunday mornings. I didn't understand that the purpose of the church is to give a hand to the sick, not pat the healthy on the back.

Jesus often ate at the same table with "sinners", and when he did, the Pharisees questioned why He did so. Jesus responded by saying  "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."  (Matthew 9:12)  Author Brennan Manning puts it this way:   "The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners".  That's encouraging, because I often don't feel much like a saint. Do saints lose patience with their brothers and sisters in Christ? Lose their temper? Sometimes even lose that passionate fire for the gospel?

The apostle Paul recognized his own moral failures when he says: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." But Paul continued by noting "for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

So at the same time as we acknowledge our sin, by trusting in Jesus' righteous sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we can gather together to strengthen and encourage eachother in our faith, so that we can continually strive towards becoming "perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) 

Never feel unworthy of worshiping God in repentance and faith with your fellow believers, because Jesus welcomes you to His table!

Do you sometimes feel guilty or unworthy of worshiping God? Why do you feel that way?

Darren Hewer


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:04 AM CST
Updated: Friday, 7 March 2008 10:08 AM CST
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Thursday, 6 March 2008
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Topic: Colossians 1:18
"He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything" (Colossians 1:18).

When most people hear the word church, the first thing they think of is a certain type of building. But let's see what Christ said about the church so that we can understand its biblical meaning.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus proclaimed, "...I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (KJV). He obviously had in mind something much greater than a mere architectural structure. In fact, He was referring to the whole body of Christ, which is comprised of all believers worldwide - everyone who, having trusted Jesus as personal Savior, is a child of the heavenly Father. The church began on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and anointed a group of Jesus' followers. (Acts 2) It will continue until an event referred to as the Rapture of the Church, when every believer in Christ will be caught up to meet Him in the sky. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

The church is not merely a place for social action or fellowship, though these are important aspects of its ministry. Rather, the church is the entire body of Christ, corporately and individually filled and enabled by the Holy Spirit to carry out the task designated by Jesus Himself. In other words, the purpose and work of the church are to bring people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make disciples, instructing them and growing them up in the things of God. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Our responsibility is to obey. Have you asked yourself what role you should be playing in the ministry of the church?

How have your experiences with your own church shaped how you view Christ's body, that is, His church of all believers?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 5:41 PM CST
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Wednesday, 5 March 2008
PERSERVERANCE
Topic: James 1:12
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

Michelle Akers was a member of the Gold-Metal-winning US Women's Soccer Team in the 1996 Olympics. She remains the all-time leading scorer with 92 goals in 109 international matches.

Michelle knows God has a plan for her life. She knows that, even in the face of at least 2 dozen surgeries in the course of her 15-year career.

She?s learned a lot about perseverance during those rough times.

Michelle admits that it was her job to work at accepting His will in order to become the person God wanted her to be.

Friend, you may never become an Olympic champion, but God has a plan for your life too. It starts by being obedient to Him in Bible study and in prayer. Be patient! Ask God to use you right where you are.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

What is the result of perservering faithfully? (Hint: See Romans 5:1-5.)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:46 AM CST
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Tuesday, 4 March 2008
All Have Gone Astray
Topic: Isaiah 53:6
The Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6). Man is like sheep. We wander around blind; we get lost. We're lost from God. We've strayed from God. ...

Jesus tells a story of a lost sheep. This farmer had 99 sheep that were safe, but one had wandered away. He was lost. So this shepherd decided that he was going to go after the one lost sheep. After much searching, he found the sheep. And he called all of his friends together, and they rejoiced because he had found the sheep (Luke 15:4-6). Are you that one lost sheep? Jesus Christ would have died on the cross if no one had been lost but you. God loves you and He's searching for you.

The shepherd lives with his sheep. He gives them food and protection and security. Jesus said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Whatever happens, however sick you may get—you may lose a child, you may lose a father or a mother—Jesus is with you. You're the sheep; He's the shepherd. He loves you, and He gave His life for you. When He died on the cross, God took all of our sins and laid them on Him.

Lord, we thank You for sending Jesus to find us when we had wandered far from You. Help us to stay close to you as we seek out those who are still lost and need to hear of the salvation that you offer them through Christ. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Billy Graham

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:58 AM CST
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Monday, 3 March 2008
HOW HIGH IS YOUR MOUNTAIN
Topic: John 3:1-21
O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain Psalm 30:7

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. Psalm 95:4

The Appalachian mountains begin in Virginia and extend southward all the way into the northern part of Georgia. Called the Blue Ridge because of their often blue hazy color, they have a certain quiet and serene beauty. No part of the range is more beautiful or impressive than the Black Mountain area in Western North Carolina. There are more than eighty peaks above five thousand feet and nineteen above six thousand.

As I looked out today over the ridge and saw peaks too many to count, it looked as if God himself had used the palm of his hand to create ridges and undulations on the terrain and then used a giant brush to add touches of blue, gray and green. How can anyone look at something like that and not believe in a creating God? The Psalms cry out that the "Mountain peaks belong to Him."

Mt. Mitchell is the tallest at 6684 feet above sea level. Today, Beverley and I drove as far as we could and then hiked the rest of the way, finally climbing to the observation deck where it seemed like we could see forever. Next to the observation tower is the grave of Elijah Mitchell, for whom the mountain is named.

Educated at Yale, Mitchell became a professor at America's first state university, The University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. When not in the classroom, he was in the field conducting studies in physical geography, particularly the measuring of mountains. At the time, Grandfather Mountain was assumed to be the highest point in the region, but previous trips to the area had persuaded Mitchell that the Black Mountains were higher.

Through the use of barometric pressure readings and mathematical formulas, Mitchell figured the highest elevation of the range to be 6,476 feet, higher than that of Grandfather Mountain. Subsequent visits to the Black Mountains in 1838 and 1844 led Dr. Mitchell to calculate the height of the peak at 6,672 feet - amazingly, only a mere 12 feet in error according to modern calculations. Dr. Mitchell challenged conventional wisdom and proved it wrong.

But, Mitchell was more than a geography professor. He was also an ordained Presbyterian minister who preached the Gospel all over North Carolina. When I visited the small museum near the summit, I was attracted to a tract that had been among his possessions printed by the National Tract Society in 1855, entitled "How Can I Be Saved?"

It reminded me of another inquisitive person from long ago, when a man named Nicodemus asked what he could do to be saved. At that time, conventional wisdom among the chosen people believed that salvation came through good works and abeyance of the law, but Jesus came to challenge conventional wisdom and to provide a better way.

I would like to have heard a message preached by Dr. Mitchell as he waived the little tract I saw displayed in the case and told people how important it was to be saved. It was important then and it is important today, a hundred and fifty years later.

Some things never change.

Yepper, being in the mountains really is a spiritual experience.

How would you answer Nicodemus if he asked you what it means to be "born again"?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:29 AM CST
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Sunday, 2 March 2008
A SAFE PLACE TO RUN

What are you running from?


"The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety." (Proverbs 18:10, CEV)

I'd always heard that the Great Wall of China was an amazing structure. When we visited China to minister to the churches I had an opportunity to see for myself.

It IS amazing! Nothing but walls and gates and towers for as far as the eye can see. Mile after mile after mile of fortification and protection.

Proverbs 18:10 tells us that God is a strong tower! God is our protector! Not mile after mile, but trial after trial. Moment after moment, hour after hour, circumstance after circumstance, surgery after surgery, disappointment after disappointment, God is a strong tower.

He is faithful and trustworthy. If you read through the pages of history recorded in Scripture you see time and time again God's faithful hand in saving his people. Just the very NAME of God emanates strength. It is in his name that we have power, victory, faith, hope and love.

I like that phrase, "The righteous run to it and are safe." (NIV)

Do you run to God to find safety? Often we look instead to things or people to sedate our anxieties.

Today, when you find yourself becoming anxious about the cares of life, run to him.

Don't wait, don't walk, RUN to your Heavenly Father who waits with open arms to give you safety and comfort.

Ready, set, go!

Point to ponder: God is your Protector and your Strong Tower -- trial after trial.

"The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety." (Proverbs 18:10, CEV)

What will you do about it: The next time you start worrying, don't run to your friends or some other diversion. Instead, run to God and ask him to help.

Thank God that there's nothing you face without him. Thank him for his love and protection.

Where do you see examples in the Bible of people running to God during times of distress?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:03 AM CST
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Saturday, 1 March 2008
What happens when you become a Christian?

He gives you new powers, new directions, new visions, new dimensions of living, when you come to know Him. He once said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, [the preaching of] deliverance to the captives, [the] recovering of sight to the blind, [and] to set at liberty them that are bruised". Good news for the poor! Good news for the suffering! Good news for the enslaved! Good news for the blind! Christ can indeed cope with the social problems of the world if we have the capacity. And He gives that capacity when we come to Him and accept Him as Savior.

As Mr. Graham says, you become new when you come to Jesus Christ by faith, and accept him as Savior. To make a decision of faith today, call at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll-free, at 1-866-JESUS-CARES. Or, click billygraham.org.

Billy Graham


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:48 AM CST
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Friday, 29 February 2008
THE TRUTH ABOUT FEELINGS
Topic: Philippians 1:9-10
... And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ .... (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV)

Submitted now for your consideration: Pamela, a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a prayerful Christian. This morning, her husband, Richard, left a tender note on the bathroom mirror, inviting Pamela to join him for lunch at their favorite restaurant.

Pamela eyes the clock throughout the morning, anticipating meeting her life-long love at 1 p.m. She's excited and feeling extraordinarily loved by her husband, so she leaves for the restaurant early in order to buy Richard a small gift. She splurges more, buying two balloons, which float up from the ribbon wrapped around the present.

As she pays for the gift, she looks in her purse and notices she's left her cell phone at home -- again. No matter, it's 12:30 and in a few short minutes she'll be with Richard, giving him her undivided attention. Who needs a cell phone in moments like that?

Pamela arrives at the restaurant first and patiently waits for Richard to arrive. What she doesn't yet know is that Richard has been in a horrible traffic accident and was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:24 -- about the time Pamela was tying the balloons to the bow, buoyantly anticipating the approaching romantic rendezvous.

The point to this sorrowful snapshot is that our feelings don't always reflect the truth. Pamela is soaring high on her feelings of love, even though her husband is already dead. The truth is bearing down on her, and it will immediately alter her feelings when it hits -- but her feelings are not yet in line with the truth.

Imagine Pamela as she waits for her husband, and he does not arrive. She's forgotten her cell phone, so she waits. After a while, she becomes annoyed; after 20 minutes, she's irritated and hurt. Her feelings still do not line up with the truth.

After 40 minutes, she begins to worry. This just isn't like Richard. Maybe something has happened. She asks to borrow the restaurant's phone, and she calls Richard's office, but is transferred to his boss. He says, "Pamela, we've been trying to reach you. There's been a terrible accident ...." The truth and Pamela's feelings collide.

The fact is, God gave us feelings. There's nothing wrong with them. As one of my friends often says, "Feelings are just feelings." Sometimes they reflect the truth; oftentimes they don't. They can provide positive insight, such as when our fear warns us of nearby danger, or they can give us social discernment, like when we realize we're falling in love.

But your feelings do not define the truth. Only God defines the truth. You may feel worthless, but the truth is you are uniquely created by God, who loves you deeply. You may feel like you can walk on water, but the truth is you can only do that if Jesus calls you from the boat. You can't; God can.

Just as the Apostle John tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1-3), Paul teaches us to discern the truth through knowledge and deep insight, not through our feelings. He writes, "... and this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ ...." (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV)

Eugene Peterson, in The Message paraphrase of the Bible, translates it like this: "... You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush ...." (Philippians 1:9b-10a MSG) Otherwise, you end up in a life "shaped by things and feelings, instead of God." (Colossians 3:5 MSG)

Your feelings are from God. They are a gift, and there is no need to avoid them or be ashamed of them. Yet God never meant for our feelings to be the gauge that measures your life and how you live it. Your feelings are not designed to define you or interpret the situations you now face. Only God's truth can define you, and only God's truth can pass judgment on the circumstances of your life.

The great and best Good News is this: God's truth is a person -- Jesus Christ, our Lord.

What does this mean?

~ You are not your emotions -- You are not defined by your emotions. You are defined by God. You may feel worthless, but God says you are wonderfully and fearfully created in his image. You may feel like you've failed God, but God says you are accepted in the beloved and that he loves you no matter what you've done.

~ God uses your feelings -- God may use your feelings to reveal a piece of your heart that you need to turn over to God; he may use your feelings to draw you closer to him. Paul speaks of feeling like a wretched man, and that draws him deeper into the grace of God. Your feelings of hopelessness in a situation may be what God uses to show you that you're hanging your hopes on the wrong thing -- because he is a God of hope, and it is a hope that will not disappoint.

~ Your obedience is based on the truth, not feelings -- The facts may appear daunting, but it is up to God to interpret the facts, not you and your feelings. God calls us to be obedient to the truth, not the way we feel. In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis says that if you don't love someone, act as if you do, and your feelings will catch up.

Do you give feelings their proper place rather than treating them as  truth or disregarding them all together?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:35 AM CST
Updated: Friday, 29 February 2008 9:22 AM CST
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