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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
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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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Sunday, 30 March 2008
NOT JUST WITH OUR MOUTHS
Quick, what do you remember about Jonah?

Did you think of the whale? So did I. But after re-reading the book of Jonah, I realized the whale is one of the least important parts of the story.

Please read Jonah 1 now.

In verse 9 Jonah says "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land." But does he really mean what he says? Let's review:

- Jonah hears a direct, specific call from God, yet flees in the opposite direction (v1-3)

- He sleeps through a violent storm, oblivious to the safety of his fellow travelers (v5)

- Even though the sailors exhort him to pray, there's no evidence that he does (v6)

- He refuses to admit wrongdoing, even when the lot falls on him (v7-10)

- Rather than praying and/or repenting, he asks to die by being thrown into the sea (v12)

Why did Jonah act this way? Maybe he became prideful. He was a Hebrew, chosen as a prophet of God. Perhaps he thought that because he had knowledge of God, that he knew God. But while Jonah ignored the vast knowledge he had of God, the sailors responded to the little knowledge they had and "greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him." (Jonah 1:16)

Jonah claimed to "worship the LORD" but his actions speak louder than his words. Merely saying we "have faith", speaking the words with our mouths, is empty unless the words permeate our hearts. The apostle Paul said "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Meditate on the apostle John's words: "If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." (1 John 2:3-6)

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 12:48 PM CDT
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Saturday, 29 March 2008
OVERCOMING FAILURE
Topic: Romans 7:15 - 20
Victory is God's will for the believer's life. But sometimes we can find ourselves falling repeatedly into the same sin. As a result, our prayer life is marked by broken promises to end wrongdoing. We tell the Lord that we yearn to do what is right, but often our desire wanes when virtue is no longer convenient, pleasurable, or profitable. Many believers become angry with God for withholding victory, but sin is always our choice, not the Lord's.

If a stinging conscience and misery are the result of our decision to sin, why do we continue in wrongdoing? One reason is incomplete repentance. It is possible for us to experience grief, embarrassment, and shame over sin without being truly repentant. The reason is that penitence isn't a matter of weeping or feeling guilty; rather, true repentance is a change of mind about sin so that we agree with God's viewpoint. Then the heart turns in a new direction, opposite from persistent wrongdoing.

The second reason for failure is an inadequate view of our true identity in the Lord. The believer, as a complete child of God, has Christ living within to empower him. When we grasp this truth, we will recognize that sin does not fit who we are and will stop rationalizing our offenses. Our genuine repentance is based upon an honest understanding of our identity.

When we put these two truths together, a powerful tool against Satan and temptation is created. Our Father wants us to be victorious, and we triumph over failure when we remember that Jesus Christ is our life.

How has your faith sustained you during past failures, or successes?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:22 AM CDT
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Friday, 28 March 2008
PRAISE YE THE LORD
Topic: Psalm 150:6
The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. (Westminster Catechism)

Do you realize that if you stop right now and worship God - think about Him, marvel at His attributes, call His name holy, let your heart burst into song, lift your hands, dance... whatever you want - you will be fulfilling the prime reason for your existence? What could be better (or easier)? And on top of that, you have the assurance that your offering is joyfully received.

We were created to worship - to notice the song of the birds, to catch the shape of the clouds, to feel the penetrating heat of the day, to observe the twist of the lips that makes one smile different from another, to catch a drop of rain on the tongue, to hear a humming bird hum, to taste the sweetness of an orange and notice its color - these are far and away the most important observations we can make. And look at how accessible these are!

What we're talking about here is living with an attitude of praise. Anyone can do it - rich or poor, new Christian or old, healthy or sick - we can all unclutter our lives by arranging everything around God and the celebration of why we are here. Nature is doing it unconsciously. Children do it most easily. We need a little instruction - a little prodding - only because we get distracted and we forget.

Outside my window right now is a tree unlike any I have ever seen. It grows out as much as it grows up. Its branches defy gravity, growing horizontally for 20 feet or more before shooting up with heavy branches, as if held up by an invisible hand. This one tree provides shade for five houses. Cut it back and it keeps growing. New shoots are everywhere. What is this tree doing right now? Praising God. It can't help it. It is old and wise and sturdy, yet still putting out new life. It is a living monument to its Creator. God thought this tree into existence and put it here, years ago, for his pleasure and mine. He and I share this tree together. And when it flowers, the buzzing of a thousand bees can be heard in the early morning quietness. It's our tree throbbing with audible praise.

We can do it too. And even more so, because we have mind and heart and body, soul and spirit. We can hum our thanks to our creator with words and meaning, for we were made for this, and we are restless souls without it. Let everything that has breath (and even that which does not) praise the Lord! Praise ye the Lord!

What is your favorite way to give the Lord praise?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:16 AM CDT
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Thursday, 27 March 2008
PRAYER TO THE ONE WHO IS HERE
Topic: Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Every week I meet with a small group of friends from my church. We study a passage or chapter of the Bible, play games, cook food, or just hang out. But we always pray together, and this is a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement for which I am truly greatful.

But I have to admit praying sometimes makes me uncomfortable. I've never been totally comfortable praying. Recently as I sat praying with my small group, my mind started to wander, and I started to think about what prayer means. I know it means "talking to God" but I was hoping for some deeper understanding.

Suddenly a verse suddenly popped into my mind: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)

I had an out-of-the-blue understanding of a simple yet profound truth: When we pray, we must pray as though God is right here with us ... because God IS right here with us!

We need to speak to God as though Jesus were standing in front of us, hanging on every word ... because HE IS!

When we pray our words are not dispersing into the air; they are being heard by God, whose Spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and who hears us because He is with us, not as a vague spirit but as a living person.

Jesus promises that when you pray he is right here with you. Not only that, He promised that He is "with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) When we pray, let's speak to the One who "will never leave you nor forsake you", as though He is right there with you ... because HE IS!

Are your prayers sometimes abstract and generic? How could keeping in mind God's presence with you help keep them personal and specific?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:00 AM CDT
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Wednesday, 26 March 2008
EXPRESSIVE FAITH
Topic: Galatians 5:6
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6)

Tasks we do, ideas we discuss, thoughts we ponder, events in which we take part are innumerable, but there is only one thing in life that counts, one thing that truly matters.

Faith in God is that key element. But it is not an inactive faith. It is faith that responds with action; faith expressed by love.

As James puts it, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead." (James 2:17)

Thus, expressive faith is one in which belief in Jesus for salvation is translated into loving actions toward God and all mankind.

What does faith expressed through love look like?

The best description I have found for faith lived out in love is Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats at the end of the age. Listen to His description of those who are His sheep.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:35, 36)

When His followers were confused about when they did these things for Him, the King explains, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Today, let's express our faith in God by doing these very things for the least and the lonely and the forgotten who surround us.

~God, help me to remember that the only thing that counts is faith expressed by love. Show me today how to put my faith into action.

What are some simple examples of how we can daily express our faith through love? What prevents us from loving actions? Is it our lack of faith?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:54 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008
A LEGACY OF GRASS
Topic: Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

If you are like me, sometimes you think about why you are where you are, what will you do while you are there and perhaps most importantly, what others will think of you after you are gone. It's called a legacy ... what you leave behind.

Some people think of a legacy in monetary or tangible measurement, but the greatest legacy we can give is an intangible one and all of us want to know that when we are gone people will remember us fondly and positively.

Last year, the Florida Senate decided to dress up the Senate Office Building with photographs depicting its history and heritage by displaying action photographs of senators who previously served in office and making sure that there was at least one photograph of each senator.

It's been interesting to see these reminders of days gone by, especially for me, as I have been there in one role or another for over forty years and I knew, recognized or served with most of those who got their mug hung on the wall.

There were dozens of photographs and I didn't see mine at first, though several people commented and laughed about my portrait legacy. I just had to find it, so I went on a photo hunt, up one hall and down another searching floor by floor.

Then, as I rounded a corner, I saw my face big as life, seated at the dais behind a microphone, pointing my finger and holding a large bag of ..... marijuana! I remember the day it happened. I was chairing a meeting of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, of which I was Chairman and wanted to make a point about the proliferation of marijuana in the state, so I asked the police to go to the evidence room and bring a supply for me to use at the meeting. They did and there I am, forever hanging in the state capitol holding a bag of grass!

Years after I am dead and gone school children will tour the capitol and ask: "Who's the guy holding the grass?" I guess that's my enduring legacy from public service.

Have you ever thought about what kind of legacy you will leave, what people will remember you for or say about you after you are dead and gone? Will they know what you believed in or what you stood for?

Jesus told us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. Live you life so that your life may continue to live after you no longer do.

Are you letting your light shine? What wattage of bulb is screwed into the socket of your life?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:26 PM CDT
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Monday, 24 March 2008
THE RESURRECTION BODY
Topic: Corinthians 15:35 - 42a
Believers throughout history have raised many questions about the Resurrection. In today's passage, Paul answers queries about how the dead are raised and what kind of body they will have. (v. 35)

Paul begins with an agricultural analogy. If a farmer places a corn seed in the ground, it dies and sends up a green stalk rather than a giant seed. In the same way, the resurrection body is an outgrowth of a dead earthly body. The two are linked: the child of God doesn't become an entirely new being after death, but is renewed with a perfected eternal body.

Old friends and loved ones will recognize one another because each Christian retains his or her individuality, just as one star is different from another. But the personality and likeness that distinguishes a person will be perfected in heaven. The bodily resurrection is not a makeover to correct "faults" we might find bothersome - like an image in a mirror, our visible looks will have little importance. The renewed self is meant to uniquely reflect God's glory and His perfection.

Our rejuvenated body will be adapted to the task of glorification. On earth we see that living creatures are designed for their environment. Human flesh cannot withstand cold like animal hide, and small lungs are ineffective underwater where gills function well. Likewise, our heavenly body will be transformed to be perfectly suited for an eternal home.

God lovingly created us as unique and beautiful individuals. Paul says that originality will remain intact, even as God renews us to be perfect reflections of Him.

Why do you think the disciples sometimes didn't initially recognize Jesus after His resurrection?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:54 AM CDT
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Sunday, 23 March 2008
A PRAYER FOR EASTER
Topic: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
"The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'

"In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'

"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

~ Dear Lord,

I come to You today to prepare my heart to worship You. This Easter I thank You for suffering on the cross and demonstrating Your enormous love for me there. Thank You for loving me enough to die for me! Your resurrection is the whole reason for the hope that is within me.

Today, Lord, I want to embrace afresh the reality of what Easter is all about. I want my life to be an act of worship to You. Open my heart to feel Your love and forgiveness this Easter. Help me to take time to allow You to impress upon my heart the magnitude of what You did for me. Thank You that Your death saves me from the penalty of sin and Your resurrection power, at work within me, saves me from the power of sin. Thank You that because of the cross, all the powers of darkness are disarmed and hold no threat to me as I open my heart fully to You.

Thank You for Easter and all that it means for me. Thank You that I can release all of my past sin and hurt to You. Help me to truly learn to leave these burdens of guilt at Your feet. May my life reflect a living hope to those around me. May Your resurrection power flow through me as I embrace Your grace and remember all You are to me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:09 AM CDT
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Saturday, 22 March 2008
DO THIS IN REMEMBERANCE
Topic: 1 Corinthians 11:26

Do you have a Spirit-filled life?

It was Easter. Bob knew they wouldn’t likely get to church. The kids had ball and then they had to get to his mother’s for dinner. The mental check list went on.  Bob knew they were too busy yet he did try to squeeze God in where he could.

I’m sure God knew how easy it would be for us to do just that, squeeze Him into our busy lives. He actually provides a regular reminder for us. He calls us to take part in Communion and with good reason.

“Do this in remembrance of me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

In the business of “doing life” we often forget just what is actually proclaimed by Jesus’ death and His resurrection. It can so easily slip to the background of life and we can find ourselves living in dryness of soul, with divided hearts and sometimes with powerless, defeated lives.

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. That’s why He calls us to regularly remember Him; to keep proclaiming, in our individual lives, the truth of what His death on the cross means to us each day. Proclaim it out loud… right now…

I proclaim I am forgiven! (Thank You, Lord! You alone know how I need You.)

I proclaim I am loved! (Thank You Lord that Your love is unconditional.)

I proclaim I am cleansed! (Thank You Lord that my past is now behind me.)

I proclaim that by His grace I have all that I need! (Thank You Lord for Your grace and mercy to help me in my time of need!)

Do you believe it? The very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power that will be at work in your life as you believe and proclaim these truths. Welcome the celebration at the Communion table this Easter. Have your heart refreshed with forgiveness and wholeness, as you believe the truth of what God says about you, His child.

~ Father God, Amaze my heart today with the truth of these proclamations. Thank You for the hope Easter revives in my heart! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let Your resurrection power flow in new ways in my life. Help me to remember the power, in Your death and resurrection that is mine every day. Help me to grow into all You have planned for me to be and to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Can you boldly make the proclamations made in this devotional? If not, what’s holding you back?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:07 AM CDT
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Friday, 21 March 2008
IT IS FINISHED
Topic: John 19:30
One Easter Sunday service, my friend was intrigued with the large wooden cross covered in red squares of paper standing beside the altar. I explained how on Good Friday service our pastor had spoken about Jesus' last words from the cross: It is finished.

"What did Jesus finish for you?" he had asked his congregation. "On the red square inside your bulletin, write out what Jesus finished for you personally, then come to the front and pin your paper to the cross," he had said pointing to a rough wooden cross sprawled across the steps to the altar.

"What did you write?" my friend asked.

"Condemnation."

She looked puzzled.

"For most of my life I've felt like no matter how hard I try, I'm not measuring up," I said. "I think it had something to do with being the oldest in the family."

"I'm not clear about the meaning of condemnation," she said. "Does it mean something like a curse?"

Startled, I looked into my friend's earnest face. I hadn't thought of it like that before, but yes, feelings of inferiority had trailed me all my life. This sense of failure is like a burden of guilt that keeps you from moving ahead. It keeps you from believing in yourself. It prevents you from realizing God's best for you.

"And did it help-- going to the front?"

I nodded. "It was like driving a truth home to myself," I said. "The fact that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Now when self doubt raises it's ugly head, I will silence my fears with, "Never mind, Jesus put an end to that. God believes in me. He has called me by name and in Christ I'm a new creation. With Christ's life flowing through me, I can do it.'"

What would you put on the red square of paper?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:20 AM CDT
Updated: Friday, 21 March 2008 9:22 AM CDT
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Thursday, 20 March 2008
HE IS NOT HERE; HE IS RISEN
Topic: Matthew 28:1-10

Go deeper with God

A recent Discover Channel documentary boldly proclaimed that the "Lost Tomb of Jesus" had been found, including an ossuary (bone box) which purportedly contained the remains of Jesus himself. The documentary was derided by both Christian clergy and secular scholars as being misleading and deceitful, the conclusion being that this was not, nor was it ever, Jesus' tomb, and rather another example of sensational journalism.

However, as believers in God's Word, we know that this sort of discussion is foolishness from the start. In Matthew's gospel we read:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven ... The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ... So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." (Matthew 28:1-10)

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." When the women heard this, they were "afraid yet filled with joy". This is likely because, while they had knowledge of the events that had occurred, they had not yet met the risen Christ. When Jesus appeared to them for the first time in his renewed, transformed body a short time later, he said to the "Do not be afraid."

As you reflect upon Jesus' resurrection during this Easter period, consider his glorious reappearing which assures us that "By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also." (1 Corinthians 6:14) In repudiation to the "Lost Tomb of Jesus", the angel proclaims "He is not here; He is risen." Do not be afraid, as someone who does not know Jesus personally, but instead open your heart to experience the joy that flows from a fully formed relationship with the God who lives.

What would you like to say to God today? Take some time to pray and tell God what has been weighing on your heart.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:58 AM CDT
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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
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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
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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
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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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