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1 Corinthians 10:1 - 13
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2 Chronicles 20:1 - 13
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2 Corinthians 1:3 - 6
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Corinthians 15:35 - 42a
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Deuteronomy 31:8
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Deuteronomy 6:4-7
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Ecclesiastes 11:4 - 6
Ecclesiastes 12:11
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Genesis 1:26-27
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John17:20
Jonah 1
Jonah 1:1-5
Jonah 4
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Joshua 6:1-20
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Luke 10:40 - 42
Luke 10:40-42
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Luke 12:32
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Luke 15:11 - 4
Luke 15:11-32
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Matthew 18:18-20
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Matthew 20:28
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Matthew 6:2-4, NLT
Matthew 6:22 - 23
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Numbers 6:25
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Proverbs 11:24-25
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Psalm 119:1-7
Psalm 119:105-112
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Psalm 119:97 - 104
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Psalm 139
Psalm 144:2
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Psalm 150:6
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Psalm 19:7-11
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Psalm 24:1 - 5
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Psalm 25:15-18
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Psalm 25:4-10
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Psalm 27:1 - 4
Psalm 27:1-3
Psalm 27:14
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PSalm 49:14-20
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Psalm 55:22
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Psalm 89:15-17
Psalm 91
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Psalms 102:24-28
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Revelation 4
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Romans 10:6 - 10
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Thursday, 8 May 2008
FORGETFUL OF JESUS
Topic: 1 Corinthians 11:24
"This do in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:24)

It seems then, that Christians may forget Christ! There could be no need for this loving exhortation, if there were not a fearful supposition that our memories might prove treacherous. Nor is this a bare supposition: it is, alas! too well confirmed in our experience, not as a possibility, but as a lamentable fact. It appears almost impossible that those who have been redeemed by the blood of the dying Lamb, and loved with an everlasting love by the eternal Son of God, should forget that gracious Saviour; but, if startling to the ear, it is, alas! too apparent to the eye to allow us to deny the crime. Forget Him who never forgot us! Forget Him who poured His blood forth for our sins! Forget Him who loved us even to the death! Can it be possible? Yes, it is not only possible, but conscience confesses that it is too sadly a fault with all of us, that we suffer Him to be as a wayfaring man tarrying but for a night.

He whom we should make the abiding tenant of our memories is but a visitor therein. The cross where one would think that memory would linger, and unmindfulness would be an unknown intruder, is desecrated by the feet of forgetfulness.

Does not your conscience say that this is true? Do you not find yourselves forgetful of Jesus? Some creature steals away your heart, and you are unmindful of Him upon whom your affection ought to be set. Some earthly business engrosses your attention when you should fix your eye steadily upon the cross. It is the incessant turmoil of the world, the constant attraction of earthly things which takes away the soul from Christ. While memory too well preserves a poisonous weed, it suffereth the rose of Sharon to wither. Let us charge ourselves to bind a heavenly forget-me-not about our hearts for Jesus our Beloved, and, whatever else we let slip, let us hold fast to Him.

What are some of life's distractions that cause us to "forget" Jesus, if only briefly?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:37 PM CDT
Permalink
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
CHILDREN OF LIGHT
Topic: Ephesians 5:8-14
I love this time of year, when the days are getting longer. We seem to appreciate daylight more after months of darkness. The light gives me more energy in the morning; enables me to see clearly to accomplish my tasks; provides pleasure by allowing me to enjoy outdoor activities into the evening.

As the sun gives us light, so we are to be light.

No longer are we trapped in darkness; no longer do we live fruitless or shameful lives. Instead we are children of light.

Therefore, the Bible summons us to live in accordance with that incredible truth.

First of all, we are to live fruitful lives. The fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth. We are to be beacons of truth and lamps of goodness, shining righteousness to everyone.

The second part of our calling comes as a natural byproduct of the first. When we live righteous and holy lives in this dark world, evil will be exposed.

It is not easy to do what is right when others choose compromise, nor do we like to be exposed. Thus living as children of light will be a difficult road.

Yet, because God calls us to live as children of light, we can trust Him to give us the grace and strength to carry out this purpose.

Give examples from your life (or from those who have mentored you) of being a beacon of truth. How have you seen your life go from fruitless to fruitful as you live as a child of light?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:27 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 6 May 2008
LACK OF FAITH IN THE FUTURE
Topic: John 10:10
I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to men.  All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book. - Abraham Lincoln

The headline read: "Survey: Floridians expect life to be worse in five years; no faith in governments to control growth, immigration, cost of living." The article caught my eye as I was scanning the headlines. Two things caught my attention, a feeling of gloom and a lack of faith. It occurred to me that the two sort of go together.

The article noted that people like living in Florida even as they grow pessimistic about the future. That summed up a survey Leadership Florida conducted that polled 1,200 people throughout the state on a range of issues.

A majority said that government has a role to make life better, but a majority also said it is doing a poor job. Strangely, even though a majority said that Florida will be a worse place to live in five years, they still would recommend a friend move to the state.

People surveyed found fault with everything from immigration to education. Respondents also rated homeowners' insurance rates, health care, affordable housing and growth management as other top concerns, but expressed little confidence in government efforts to improve those situations.

Author Gregg Easterbrook has written a best selling book entitled The Progress Paradox, which notes that living standards keep rising, yet people are no happier as a result. What does this paradox tell us about ourselves and our future?

Perhaps it says that we have our comfort index hitched to the wrong wagon. Maybe we are looking for all the wrong things in all the wrong places. Madison Avenue spends billions to get us to spend more to have more. We are encouraged to "keep up with the Jones's, but once we get there, the Jones's refinance and we have to run to catch up.

People today live in finer homes, drive finer cars, eat finer food and yet, somehow, they are basically unhappy. Maybe the answer is to turn to the Bible rather than conventional advertising to make our shopping list.

Jesus said: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10)..... superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above, more than enough, profuse, extraordinary, above the ordinary, more than sufficient.

As you give your total self to God, God gives His total self to you. That is the supreme message of the Bible. This is Bible based joy, the real possibility of health for your total being (body, mind, emotions, relationships), of your material needs being met. Above all, His prosperity brings eternal life. Stop to think about it. What else is there worth having?

As a Christian, what is your prognosis for the future? Really we know not what the future holds, but for the Christian, we know who holds the future and with that assurance, we can have the greatest of optimism.

How do you conceive of the future, both imminent and far-off?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:16 AM CDT
Permalink
Monday, 5 May 2008
EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
Topic: Proverbs 5:21
"Mark well that God doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take." (Proverbs 5:21, Msg)


The 21st verse of Proverbs 5 has a chameleon quality to it: the way you see the verse is colored by the circumstances you find yourself in.

The verse is good news to me if I'm where I think God wants me to be; giving me energy to do what God wants me to do.

But for all of us there are times when the words, "He's aware of every step you take," might make us a bit nervous.

There are times when we think, "Lord, could you look somewhere else right now?" This verse then has the feel of, "He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!"

The truth is -- God is always there. He knows everything we've done and everything we're doing and everything we're going to do. On hearing this some feel massive guilt -- and spend the rest of their lives trying to escape God's "watchful eye."

Great news today! You don't have to live with that burden!! God is a forgiving and loving God!!!

The fact that he sees everything I do shows me how important my life really is. He does not watch me to condemn me, he watches me to love and strengthen me.

Live your life today with the knowledge that even if no one else notices, God does. Even when no one else understands, God does. Even when no one else cares, God certainly does.

God is always watching -- because he loves you.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:54 AM CDT
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Sunday, 4 May 2008
BURNED-OUT ON RELIGION
Topic: Matthew 11:28-30

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

Jesus might have asked: "Aren't you tired and burned-out on all that religious stuff? Look, come walk with me, and I'll help you recover your life -- your real purpose -- and even though it will require some hard, very hard work, you'll be energized by it because you'll be living life to its fullest. You'll be doing exactly what my Father created you to do, and more importantly, you'll be exactly who I want you to be."

In taking on the Jesus-yoke, he is asking us to join the school of Christ. In ancient times, when a student studied under a specific teacher, it would be said that the student took on the teacher's yoke; the student was yoked to the master.

Within that context, consider these words from Jesus: "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:29-30, NLT)

Jesus says, by walking with him, we'll learn how to walk with God. We don't learn from afar; we learn from a caring and committed teacher-student relationship -- caring and committed on both sides.

The Christian walk is not a lesson in how to run off doing things for Jesus while we ignore him. Our Christ-walk is a journey with Jesus, where he is very personal and specific about our growth and spiritual maturity.

What does this mean?

  Are you tired? -- Jesus will teach you how to find rest in God, not a rest absent of stress, but the rest that results from believing in God's faithfulness. Ask God to show you what blocks you from believing fully in his faithfulness, and then ask him to break those blockages down.

  Are you confused? -- Join Jesus at his school of Christ, and watch him, listen to him, ask him to renew your purpose.

  Ask to be teachable -- Tell Jesus you want to be yoked to him, and that you want to learn from him. Ask him to keep your heart teachable.

The word "religion" originally meant re-connection with God. How does Jesus provide the ultimate reconnection with God?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:56 AM CDT
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Saturday, 3 May 2008
PRAISING IN TROUBLED TIMES
Topic: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13
Praise is a celebration of the Lord. But when trouble strikes, celebration seems out of place. The life of faith, though, is frequently contrary to normal human understanding. Jehoshaphat faced his difficulty by applauding God's past work and faithfulness, and by recalling His promises. When we respond in a similar way, we too, will be able to proceed with courage.

Self-pity is the natural human response to troubled times, and rehashing the details and repercussions of our situation only makes it seem more threatening. Praise focuses our attention on God instead. If we are looking to Him for aid, then we can't help but recognize His sovereignty. Every trial comes through His permissive will, which means He has complete control.

Whatever His reasons for allowing trouble into our life, He is faithful to see us through.

Recalling the Lord's gracious acts and focusing on His sovereignty in everyday life reminds us of our dependence upon Him. (vv. 7 - 12) Jehoshaphat expected God to intervene because recorded history showed His willingness to rescue His people. This recognition of Israel's helplessness unleashed God's full power. When believers try to solve problems independently of the Lord, He cannot work freely.

Our praise is limited only by our knowledge. The more we read and study the Bible, the better we understand God's many attributes and assurances. Then, when difficulty comes, we can celebrate His past faithfulness while awaiting His promised help.

Is our praise limited only by our knowledge? Can we have right knowledge, but still find it tough to praise God due to emotional barriers?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:55 AM CDT
Updated: Saturday, 3 May 2008 2:01 PM CDT
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Friday, 2 May 2008
GOD?S GRACE THROUGH TRIALS
Topic: Acts 14:22

"We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

God's people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when He chose His people, that they should be an untried people. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, He included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ's last legacy.

So surely as the stars are fashioned by his hands, and their orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: He has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the "Father of the faithful." Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction.

It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King's vessels of honour are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God's children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have His presence and sympathy to cheer them, His grace to support them, and His example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach "the kingdom," it will more than make amends for the "much tribulation" through which they passed to enter it.

Even when we don't know why we are facing trials, how should we respond to them, in the way God wants us to?

Charles Spurgeon


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:35 AM CDT
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Thursday, 1 May 2008
Immunity

No matter how hard we try to be good, Franklin Graham reminds us that we all fail to measure up to God’s standards...but we do have hope:

We are all guilty, as far as God is concerned. And the Bible says we've all sinned, that we've all come short of God's glory, and that the penalty of sin is death. We want an advocate who can stand before God on our behalf, who can speak on our behalf--24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We want an advocate that will never leave us, never forsake us. That advocate is the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you put your faith and trust in Him? If you have, you know that you have immunity.

To learn how to put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ, call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS CARES. Or click
billygraham.org.


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:18 AM CDT
Updated: Thursday, 1 May 2008 9:21 AM CDT
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Wednesday, 30 April 2008
AMERICA NEEDS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Topic: Exodus 20:6
"and showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments."  (Exodus 20:6)

James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, once said:

"We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of government... (but) upon the capacity of each ... of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

I like that! God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel while they were encamped near Mt. Sinai. God promised the Israelites (and us), He will show love for those who love Him and keep His commandments.

We Americans, especially our government leaders, would do well to memorize and abide by the Ten Commandments.

Today, write down the Ten Commandments. They're found in Exodus 20. Post them prominently. And learn them! Then pray for our nation, especially our leaders, to know and abide by them. America's future is at stake!

As you read through the Ten Commandments, were there any that caught your attention or tugged at your conscience?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:03 AM CDT
Updated: Thursday, 1 May 2008 9:20 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008
We're All Going to Die, But...

Billy Graham speaks about the certainty of death and the security we can have through Jesus:

The penalty of that disease that we have, which is called sin, is death. Physical death—we’re all going to die, everyone. I’ll be there before you, I’m sure. But death is going to hit us all. And the cross says to you, you are a sinner and the result of sin is death. Not only physical death, but spiritual death—separation from God forever.  Jesus called it hell. Yes, there’s a hell on this earth, and there’s a hell to come. And the moment you die you will know. But the cross also shows not only that we are sinners, but it shows us the love of God. God is saying, “I love you, I love you, I love you. In spite of your sins, I love you.” The death of Christ makes the Gospel good news that God loves us.

God does love you, as Mr. Graham has just reminded you. We're the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. To begin a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, call toll free at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click
billygraham.org


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:44 AM CDT
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Monday, 28 April 2008
CHECKING REFERENCES
Topic: Luke 7:20-23
Early in the ministry of Jesus, John the Baptist was hearing about a man who was creating no small stir around the countryside through his words and deeds. So John sent messengers to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" To which Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor" (Luke 7:20-23).

"Yes" or "No" would have been a much easier answer, but Jesus rarely gave easy answers. Instead, He answered the question of his identity with a statement of his miracle-working power and with concrete acts of kindness that made a big difference in the lives of common people. In other words, Jesus had references.

If someone sent a messenger to you and asked if you were a follower of Christ or should they look somewhere else, would you have any concrete evidence to point to as proof of your identity in Christ? Would you have any references you could give them?

I recently attended the fiftieth anniversary of a couple I've known for over thirty years. When one of the other guests, whom I did not know, mentioned that the husband claims I was the one who led him to the Lord, I was taken aback. I appreciated him deeply as a friend, and actually thought he was already a Christian before I met him. We talked a lot about faith and the Bible because I had studied it more than he had up until that time, and he loved to find out what I thought about things. But I must say it was a surprise to receive this news, although I received it with great joy and with a deep sense of gratitude that God did something that significant in someone's life through me. It made me realize I had a reference.

Can you think of any references? People you can point to that have experienced some aspect of Christ in you? I bet you do, and you may not even know it. It will be a joy and an encouragement for you to realize this.

And now that we are thinking along these lines, perhaps we would do well to cultivate relationships now that could become references for us in the future, not because we need them to get into heaven or anything like that (we don't), but because we all long to know that our lives count for something. Let's ask God today for some references, and ask that He might open our eyes to some we may not even know about that are right in front of us.

Who are your references, and how did they become so?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 7:38 AM CDT
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Sunday, 27 April 2008
JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE
Topic: John 6:35
"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."" (John 6:35)

Aren't you hungry? More than a stomach growling for food, more than a heart longing for approval, more than a deep desire to succeed; our spirit aches for something that will satisfy.

Jesus described Himself as bread to help us to understanding that we need Him to live. Bread is nourishment which we eat to survive. In the same way, knowing Jesus and being in relationship with Him gives us the food necessary for life.

"I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If a man eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:48-51)

We receive this "bread that is Jesus' flesh" when we accept the sacrifice He made for our sins. Beyond that initial acceptance, we need to be in constant communion with Jesus.

Just as you wouldn't expect one meal to give you enough energy for a whole week of work, neither can you assume that going to church on Sunday will provide all the nourishment necessary for spiritual life.

We need to be daily feeding on the Word of God.

Jesus goes on to say, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63)

Here Jesus clearly tells us that the Bible is more than merely a collection of wise sayings or encouraging statements. Jesus' words are spirit and they are life!

What does the name "Bread of Life", one of Jesus' many titles, mean to you?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:02 PM CDT
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Saturday, 26 April 2008
EVEN ROCKS CAN TELL A STORY
"... and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

She stands watch high over Hickory Nut Gorge, topped off with a giant Stars and Stripes. As I rock on my deck, I can see her, and her flag, clearly as I gaze across the valley. She is relatively young, as the history of the earth goes, some 535 millions years, give or take a million or two. I first climbed to her summit forty nine years ago this summer and have admired her majesty ever since. They call her Chimney Rock.

As I once again went to visit her a few days ago, while walking in the rock tunnel to board the twenty-six story elevator ride to the top, I saw a sign that caught my eye. It said "Rocks Can Tell a Story," and proceeded to explain how one can examine rocks and find out all sorts of things, including the history of the world. My, how true that is.

Indeed, the planet Earth is made of rock, from the tallest mountains to the floor of the deepest ocean. Thousands of different types of rocks and minerals have been found on Earth. Most rocks at the Earth's surface are formed from only eight elements (oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium), but these elements are combined in a number of ways to make rocks that are very different and each have a different story to tell.

Though the process is slow, rocks are continually changing. Wind and water wear them down and carry bits of rock away; the tiny particles accumulate in a lake or ocean and harden into rock again. Geologists say the oldest rock that has ever been found is more than 3.9 billion years old. Rocks and the history of the earth are synonymous.

But then I thought how rocks have a deep history in the Christian faith. Rocky sites are referred to many times in the Bible as places of refuge. There are frequent images of God as a rock, that is, a source of protection. Titles of God include: the "Stone of Israel" and the "Rock of salvation." In Matthew Jesus' teaching is the rock-solid foundation for life. Peter's God-revealed confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God is the foundation of the church which lays siege to the gates of Hell.

Some of the most striking and beautiful imagery of the Bible is based upon the rocks. They are a symbol of God. "Be thou to me a strong rock a house of defense to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress" (Psalms 31:2-3).

Rocks are used for a foundation upon which to build, because they are strong and do not deteriorate. They are much like to Gospel, as it represents both strength and longevity. Jesus' Word is strong and never changing. It is the foundation upon which we can build a secure life and an assurance of a life to come.

Have you stopped to think what are the foundational rocks of your life? Will they hold and endure? Will they stand against time and the forces of the world? If your rock is Jesus, then your life is secure indeed.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:43 PM CDT
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Friday, 25 April 2008
All Have Gone Astray
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 12:00 PM CDT
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Thursday, 24 April 2008
LOVE IS FRUIT, NOT ROOT
Topic: 1 John 3:14

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love other believers." 1 John 3:14 (GWT)

Our love for others is the fruit, not the root, of our relationship with God. The Apostle John taught that our love for others emerges from our relationship with God, that anyone who is born of God and knows God will love with the love of God. (1 John 4:7, NLT)

In a sense, you could say the process of sanctification -- the movement toward becoming like Jesus -- involves the Eternal One's love cleaning the clutter you've stuffed into the cupboards hidden inside you. God strides confidently through the dust and the grime that builds up because of our sin, and he throws open the shades and wipes down the windows until we "shine like stars in the world." (Philippians 2:15, HCSB)

As God scrubs our insides with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, we pass from "death to life." (1 John 3:14) We are transformed from people who are selective in who and how we love into people who, energized by God's spirit, love one another abundantly and unconditionally.

In faith, we love with the love of God, and in our slow and stumbling walk toward spiritual maturity, we learn that what matters is "faith expressing itself in love." (Galatians 5:6, NLT)

What does this mean?
 

Express your faith with love -- We reveal our faith when we express it as love, extending God's unconditional love to all people, even those who are difficult to love. We express our faith with love, not by the rules we keep.

Let God love through you -- No matter how loving you try to be, you will eventually run out of love when you try to love in your own strength. Let God's unlimited, unconditional love energize you.

Ask for a deep "Jesus love" -- Ask God to help you receive and then share his unconditional love. Name someone you specifically have trouble loving and ask God to develop in you a deep "Jesus love" for that person -- a love based upon God's strength and not your own.

How will non-Christians identify you as a follower of Christ?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 12:04 PM CDT
Updated: Thursday, 24 April 2008 12:05 PM CDT
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Wednesday, 23 April 2008
YOU ARE SPECIAL
Topic: Genesis 1:26-27
"Naturalism" (the belief that the natural world is all there is) would lead us to believe that human beings are nothing more than generic parts in the machine of the universe and on par with dogs, frogs, and logs. Are we special and uniquely blessed by being made in the image of God like the Bible says?

When we ponder God's creation of humankind, we note that He breathed life into us (Genesis 2:7) and made us "in His own image" (Genesis 1:27). Utterly unique among God's creation, we have been given a tremendous gift: The capacity to know the glorious God who created us. How unique is the human race among the various galaxies that comprise our universe?

The probability of a planet anywhere in the universe fitting within all 153 parameters [required for life] is approximately 10-194. The maximum possible number of planets in the universe is estimated to be 1022. Thus, less than 1 chance in 10172 (100 thousand trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion) exists that even one such planet would occur anywhere in the universe. (Dr Hugh Ross, PhD Astrophysics, University of Toronto)

The odds of a planet like ours existing anywhere in the universe, let alone containing life like ours, is infinitesimally small. Science has merely reconfirmed God's word: We are special.

How awesome that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Even though we are totally undeserving, God's mercy is still offered to all those who are willing to repent and accept it.

When you are feeling insignificant, or afraid, or unloved, remember our Lord's words: "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7) You are special, and greatly loved by God.

How has God made you utterly unique, even shaping you through tough times, to be who you are today?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 6:51 AM CDT
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Tuesday, 22 April 2008
FORCING VIEWS
Topic: Psalm 66:16

"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me." (Psalm 66:16)

I'm sure you've heard it said: "No one has the right to force their views on someone else!" Well, ask yourself, "Where would I be today if the person who introduced me to Christ had "minded her own business?'"

You can share Christ in a gentle spirit of love. You aren't "forcing" your views on anyone. When you speak gently and lovingly - the hearer is free to listen, change the subject, or even move away. My husband, Bill, brings many to give their hearts to Christ. Whenever he finds himself in this kind of situation, he prays silently that God would bind Satan and allow the person to hear the message and make a free choice.

It's most definitely a spiritual battle, but be assured: If Satan is causing problems - he's worried!

How can we respond if we're accused of "forcing our views" on others? (Isn't the person who tells us to "stop forcing our views" actually trying to force their views on US by telling us not to spread the Good News?)

Vonette Bright

Campus Crusade for Christ


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:22 AM CDT
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Monday, 21 April 2008
WORSHIP ON THE GO
God doesn't desire more of our time sometimes; he desires more of our attention all the time.

Ever feel frustrated because you hear messages about getting closer to God and you definitely desire this for yourself, but you are inundated with so much to do already that this only makes you feel guilty because you are too busy for God? I think we all feel this at one time or another.

Some of you may need to carve some time out of your busy schedule for more specific time to be with God, but that isn't necessarily the only answer to this question. Look at the following Scriptures:

"I have set the Lord always before me." Psalm 16:8

"My eyes are ever on the Lord." Psalm 25:15

"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1

Reading these words makes you wonder if these are the words of a monk who had nothing else to do but devote himself to God. Actually, they are the words of David, king of Israel, a great ruler and warrior. How did he manage to run a nation and keep his eyes on the Lord at all times? The only conclusion is that he did this while he did everything else. It's a continual awareness of God that we are talking about here, not necessarily more time devoted to spiritual pursuits.

I once saw a sign that read: "Your god is what you pay attention to." You see, I believe you can pay attention to God while you are doing everything else. It's all about doing everything for God and seeing God in everything we do. It's about bringing God into the boardroom, the exercise room, the living room, and the bedroom. Now of course he's already in all these places but we're talking about being aware of his being there at all times. That's what it means to set the Lord always before us.

Worship is a frame of mind that always has God in the picture. We don't need church, or Bible study, or devotions to remind us about the Lord if we're already aware of him all the time.

These opportunities then become more precious to us because we can devote all our attention to that which we have been aware of all along.

What distractions prevent you from paying attention to God?


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 10:00 AM CDT
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Sunday, 20 April 2008
THE NEGATIVE POWER OF REJECTION
Topic: Ephesians 4:29-32
As a pastor, I have had many wounded children in my office. They might be adults, but the little boy or girl inside of them still grieves over a parent's lack of acceptance.

Parents have considerable power to negatively shape a child's life by making him or her feel rejected. Without the steady foundation of unconditional parental love, such kids become adults whose entire life experience is shaped by their earliest feelings. These walking wounded cannot trust in others- care for them - they are waiting for the rejection that they believe is inevitable. Friendly advice is often heard as criticism, and even a forgotten birthday may be seen as a sign of dislike.

Right now many parents are saying, "I love my kids, I accept them!" Rejection, however, can be subtle. For example, parents may think they're providing guidance by suggesting more conventional music choices, different clothing styles, or an altered appearance. But this type of criticism is often received as an attack on the child's personhood - an indication that he or she isn't measuring up. The same sort of thing can happen at a Little League game. If Dad says, "You would have hit that pitch if you had watched the ball as I taught you," his son's delicate ego hears, "If you performed better, I'd be happy with you now instead of irritated."

Unwise criticism can be interpreted as rejection, leaving a child feeling unloved or unworthy of love. On the other hand, discipline and instruction, which are necessary for children's maturity, confront their actions and attitudes while communicating a parent's acceptance.

Have you been unfairly criticized in the past? How have you handled it?

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:57 PM CDT
Updated: Sunday, 20 April 2008 1:58 PM CDT
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Saturday, 19 April 2008
POLAR BEAR THEOLOGY
Topic: John 12:24

I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. (John 12:24, HCSB)

When the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy was a boy, he and his friends started the White Polar Bear Club. There was only one requirement for becoming a member - you had to sit on a stool in the corner and not think about a white polar bear for thirty minutes.

You can imagine the difficulty of meeting this entrance requirement, particularly if you sat there thinking, I must not think about a white polar bear; I must not think about a white polar bear. No matter what I do, I must not think about a white polar bear.

And I think that's what many of us do when we think about dying to self in order to be alive in Christ. (Galatians 2:18-21) We try to become 'dead' to temptations, to distractions, to the world by repeating, "I must die to self; I must die to self."

And that is like trying to not think about a white polar bear for thirty minutes.

We see how natural it is for a grain of wheat to fall to the ground and die, knowing it will provide a huge harvest that will benefit many people. But then we struggle - consider it unnatural - to follow the command of Jesus - to die to self' so that we will then be alive in Christ.

And so we begin to focus on the dying when we should focus on the living - on the Jesus-life within us that makes us fully human. Without the life of Christ within us, we live unnatural lives; it is only when Christ lives and works within us that we are transformed into the whole and complete and natural person of God's design.

What does this mean?

- Focus on the life of Christ within - In other words, don't look at the things to which you're supposed to be dead; instead, look at the life of Christ within you - look at the power of the Almighty at work in and around your life.

- You become the ?real you' when you connect to Christ - God didn't design you to live apart from Him. You become fully human, the person God created you to be, when you die to self and become alive in Christ.

What does it mean to "die to self" in order to more fully follow Christ?

Jon Walker


Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:48 AM CDT
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