Archive for July, 2008

Funny Friday Quote

{ July 25, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { Funny Friday Picks, July 2008 }
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Funny Friday Quote:  George Washington and that cherry tree (George Jessel)

     A farmer gathered his six sons around him to demand, “Which one of you boys pushed the outhouse into the creek?”  The culprit did not step forward.

     “Now boys,” said the farmer, “remember the story of George Washington and the cherry tree.  It’s true that young George chopped down the tree, but he told his father the truth, and his father was proud of him.”  Whereupon the farmer’s youngest son stepped forward and admitted that he had pushed the outhouse into the creek.  The farmer picked up a switch and whipped his son soundly.

     “But Pa,”  protested the boy tearfully, “you told me that George Washington’s father was proud of him when he confessed to chopping down the cherry tree.”

     “He was, son,”replied the farmer.  “But when George Washington chopped down that cherry tree, his father wasn’t sitting in it.”

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for such a blessed week.  Father, You are so full of grace and I am so blessed to know You as my Father.  Father, I know that I am hopeless and helpless without You.  I pray to be humbled before You so that You can use me to do great things for Your Kingdom.  I pray for those that may not have a personal relationship with You now.  Father, I pray that You stir in them something so great that they will know it’s from You.  I pray for continued guidance and that Your light will light my path.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Mall Walking

{ July 24, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Mall Walking

     I love to go to the mall and sit and watch people.  Each to his/her own has a unique walk.  Some walk according to how quickly they need to get to the stores with the greatest sales.  Others walk the mall just to exercise.  Some enjoy the company of others, so their walk may be a little slower as to not pass the time as quickly.  Either way, everyone has a unique walk and a different purpose for why they are at the mall. 

     “The Bible instructs us:  “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us”(Eph. 5:2) and to “walk in wisdom”(Col. 4-5).  I ask myself, “Does my walk reflect God’s love and wisdom?”  Am I “pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”? (James 3:17)  Do I have love, joy, and peace?  Am I tranquil and strong?  What do others see as I walk by?

     George MacDonald said, “If you who set yourselves to [theorize about] Christianity had set yourselves instead to do the will of the Master, the one object for which the gospel was preached to you, how different would be the condition of the part of the world with which you come into contact.”  How different indeed!

     Is your life making a difference in the lives around you?  Do others see Jesus in what you say and do?” (Roper, David)

Quote of the day:  Author Unknown

“For a Christlike walk, keep in step with Jesus.”

Bible verse of the day:  Ephesians 5:2

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for my walk.   I pray that my walk is a resemblance of Who You are and that others may see You through it.  Father just as James 3:17 stated, may my walk remain pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.  I pray that You continue to guide my walk, that I may follow the path that You are placing before me.  May I continue to walk in love and may my walk be full of wisdom so that it reflects Your Love and Wisdom.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Exercise your Spirit

{ July 23, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Exercise your Spirit

     As we have been in Dallas for a week now, Jeff started his workout regime once again.  Because it is extremely hot here, and we are no longer near a base so that we can go to the gym, he has resorted to running in these temperatures.  He usually waits until sundown when it’s only 90 degrees as opposed to 100+ degrees.  Either way, it is important that Jeff remain healthy and in shape for his job.

     No matter how many times Jeff works out during the week he also recognizes that doing things for the Lord must also become a daily exercise routine or “a workout.”  The two exercises work two different aspects of our life.  “The one exercises his outer man, and the other the inner man.  The difference is that the outer man must labor to gain strength, while the inner man is “strengthened with might by his Spirit.”  As Mrs. Cowman says, this strength is continuous, inexhaustible reserves of power- given to us by God so that we can live a life of obedience.  The workout of our inner man is not so much to build our muscles as to exercise and keep them in shape.  We’re not working out to be strong–we’re working out because we are strong.  Exercising our Spirit gives expression to the power He freely supplies.”

Quote of the day:  Lettie B. Cowman

“The Lord imparts to us that primary strength of character that makes everything in life work with intensity and decision.  We are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.”  And the strength is continuous; reserves of power come to us that we cannot exhaust.”

Bible verse of the day:  Ephesians 3:16

“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for providing us daily examples through Your Word on how I should ”exercise” my Spiritual life.  It is through these daily workouts of reading my word and following Your guidelines that I am able to establish a healthy workout that is imperative for my life.  I pray that You continue to show me areas in my life that need improvement and that through Your Grace are able to be changed.  Father, I will continue to praise You with my whole heart and I thank You for this precious day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

What we get out of life depends on what we look for.

{ July 22, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  What we get out of life depends on what we look for.

     “Criag Randall drives a garbage truck in Peabody, Massachusetts.  In a garbage container one day, he noticed a Wendy’s soft drink cup bearing a contest sticker.  Having won a chicken sandwich the week before, Randall checked it, hoping for some french fries or a soft drink.

     Instead, he peeled a sticker worth $200,000 toward the construction of a new home, reported U.S. News & World Report (11/6/95).

     What we get out of life depends a lot on what we look for.  Are we more likely to see each experience as trash or a potential treasure?”

Quote of the day:  Author Unknown

“What we get out of life depends a lot on what we look for.”

Bible verse of the day:  Proverbs 19:11

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that You continue to place inside of me the ability to see people the way that You do.  May my words be pure and may I continue to glorify Your name with all that I am.  Father, You have tested my heart and I pray that You continue to hold up my steps in Your path that I may not slip.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Increasing your faith: Ask and you might just get it.

{ July 21, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Increasing your faith:  Ask and you might just get it.

     Good morning to all of you.  Jeff and I have arrived safely in Dallas.  If I could describe in one word this move, it would be, “WOW!”  Our entire trip was faced with so much opposition, as I usually expect some opposition.  However, what I didn’t know was that Jeff was praying for God to increase his faith.  We had a 26′ foot truck loaded to the max with furniture and boxes, configured like a tetris game.  Added to this overloaded truck was a 6′ trailer, also loaded to the max with boxes.  Nothing new with this move, except for the new trailer that was attached to the truck (and Jeff praying).  As Jeff and my father went to weigh both the truck and trailer, something the military requires, the hitch to the the trailer detached from the back of the truck.  Luckily, we hadn’t actually traveled on the highway, as someone could have been seriously hurt.  As a result, Jeff and my father waited on the side of the road for 3 hours for help.  Everything that we owned was parked on the side of the road, in a moving truck and the unhitched trailer.    Out of thousands of people that work on the base, only 1 stopped and asked if they needed help.   

     Another opposition we faced was packaged neatly, like a gift, enticing us to want to open it quickly.  On the drive down, I received a call from a principal in San Antonio, wanting to hire me for a teaching job.  It had been years since I had applied to this school district, and they were now offering me a job.  It sounded great and almost financially worth it, as our goal is to open our church next year and San Antonio is where we needed to be (according to our plan)… so why not take the job?  Since God placed our entire family together in Dallas (according to His plan), we knew it was best not to split up our family (& what God has brought together) on account of a job or financial gain.  Jeff and I continued to pray and asked God’s guidance through the trip, for we knew the things we’re facing are from the enemy (expected), as these are a direct result of the enemy trying to discourage us from doing God’s work.  There were times in the trip that I was frustrated, wanted to be done with it already, and completely exhausted.  I am so grateful to God for showing us that we are right where we need to be. 

     Although we faced different facets of opposition, God clearly showed us that we didn’t need to focus on those distractions, but to continue to focus on Him throughout the entire move.  It was keeping our eyes on Him that kept the things and us moving forward and many times humorous.  During the week of our move, had we become consumed by all the distractions, like the trailer coming unhitched from the truck, then we wouldn’t have seen the blessing of God teaching me to be faithful during that stressful time–not to mention increasing Jeff’s faith, as Jeff anxiously awaited help for 3 hours on the side of the road.   No matter how difficult your opposition may seem, you can find Peace when you don’t lose sight of God.  Additionally, remember, when asking God to increase your faith, regardless of how it’s offered, accept it, learn from it, and most importantly, find peace in it.  After all, especially when you ask, you might just get it–sometimes to not the way you expect or want it.    

Quote of the day:  Elisabeth Elliot

“God is God.  Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience.  I will find rest nowhere but in His Holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.”

Bible verse of the day:  Job 19:26

“And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When I face times of opposition, give me the strength to not be discouraged.  You are always faithful to me when I am not always faithful to You.  Help me to find peace during my times of opposition regardless of my circumstances.  You are my refuge and my fortress and I will place my entire trust in You.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote: What’s wrong with my wife?

{ July 10, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { Funny Friday Picks, July 2008 }
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Since we will be heading out tomorrow morning and are finalizing the remainder of things here in Dayton (shutting down Internet) I am sending the Funny Friday Quote early.  After today, we will no longer have access to it until we get Internet access in Dallas.  We are so excited to announce that our Pastor will be ordaining Jeff this coming August and thus answering another prayer.  As we begin to see and continue to follow the path that God is placing before us, we can’t wait to start the church in San Antonio, Texas.  We will be a sister church to our current church and look forward to all that God is going to be doing throughout this nation.   We will also be launching Sword Ministries via the internet where it and Quote of the day will fall under our church to become a part of a bigger ministry.    Jeff and I will continue to pray for you all and can’t wait to share more adventures with you.

In Christ’s Love,

Christy:)

Funny Friday Quote:  What’s wrong with my wife?

     “A doctor came into a hospital room and told the patient’s husband to wait outside while he examined his wife.  A few minutes later the doctor came out and asked a nurse’s aide if she could get him a pair of pliers.  She did, and he went back into the patient’s room.  Five minutes later he came out and asked for a hammer, the anxious husband demanded to know what was wrong with his wife.  “I don’t know yet,” the doctor said.  “I can’t get my bag open.” (Executive Speechwriter Newsletter)

Bible verse of the day:  Mark 6:31

“And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest while.”  For there were many coming and going, and they did not eve have time to eat.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today ends another week and begins another weekend.  Father, as we head out today, I pray that You continue to guide us for Your Will and show us the things that we need to know for today.  Give us peace as we head into a new area, a new adventure waiting, and new people that we get to meet.  Father, I pray for individuals that don’t know You as their Lord and Savior.  Continue to speak into their hearts and may they hear that ever so gentle voice calling them.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Every child of God has equal access

{ July 10, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Every child of God has equal access.

     We often see preferential treatment in high class eating facilities, hotels, and designated areas that if people are willing to pay top dollar for can get the “priority” treatment. 

     Richard De Haan writes in Equal Access, Pastor Stuart Silvester told me of a conversation he had with an acquaintance who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport.  He asked the pilot if he ever encountered problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets.  His friend responded, “My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to the airport as anyone else–even the jumbo jets!”

     Pastor Silvester than made this spiritual application:  “It’s the same with prayer, with the believer’s approach to the throne of grace.  No matter who we are or how small we are in comparison with others or how low our situation in life, we take a back seat to on one.  On one is given priority treatment.”

     In a world that offers preferential treatment, it’s encouraging to know that every child of God has equal access to the Father in Heaven.  The psalmist said, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

     With the assurance, we can “come boldly to the throne of grace” in prayer, knowing that our loving God will never turn us away.”

Quote of the day:  Author Unknown

“Prayer is an open line to Heaven.”

Bible verse of the day:  Hebrews 4:16

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that I can come boldly to Your throne and You will never turn me away.  Just as the writer today wrote, it is encouraging to know that I have just as equal access as anyone else and when I call upon You in truth, You are always near.  I thank You for this day and as we finalize the things here in Dayton, I pray that the trip tomorrow goes smoothly, and for safe travel.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Why is this happening to me?

{ July 9, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Why is this happening to me?

     Whenever we get into a desperate situation and find ourselves at what seems to be “rock bottom”, we always seem to question God and ask Him, “Why is this happening to me?”  I found a great story that illustrates this scenario in a loving way.

     Cindy Kasper writes in Growth Persuasion, “My Uncle Lester, who lives in Florida, was discouraged by the lack of fruit on his grapefruit tree.  Someone told him he needed to whack the trunk of the tree a few times with a board.

     Apparently, there is some truth to this unusual method of encouraging growth.  One gardening expert says:  “At times, the flowering hormone in the tree seems to get stuck and no flowers appear.  Carefully persuade the tree to flower by shocking it.  Hit the trunk…several times, which will cause small bruises in the bark.”  This advice may stimulate growth.

     When trouble comes into our lives, we sometimes feel as if we’ve been hit broadside.  We feel desperation and then we wonder, Why is this happening to me?

     One possibility is that God is using a painful experience to get our attention.  In Psalm 119:71, David wrote, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.”  And Hebrews 12:11 says that chastening “yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.”

     Is God using pain in your life to lovingly persuade you to change?  The season of trouble may not be easy, but if we let ourselves be trained by it, new growth will result as we become more like His Son”

Quote of the day:  Author Unknown

“Affliction for God’s people can be the pruning knife to prepare us for greater fruitfulness.”

Bible verse of the day:  Philippians 3:10

“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Just as a parent disciplines a child out of love, I know that You do the same for me.  Father, just as David wrote that it is good to be afflicted so that I may learn Your statutes.  I pray that You continue to prune me with a preparedness of attaining greater fruit.  The pain in my life that I have experienced has taught me a lot, and with these experiences I am now able to share them with others that they too may know that You delievered me from them and that You held true to Your Word.  Father, I pray for those that may be asking the question, Why is this happening to me?  I pray that they too will see You in the situation and seek You for their answer.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Commitment

{ July 7, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { July 2008 }
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Story of the day:  Commitment

     “Do you sometimes wish that others had the same commitment to getting something done that you do?  Do such feelings cause you to grumble and complain?  Remember the disciples of Jesus and how often they had let Him down?  They often didn’t understand what He was doing.  They couldn’t stay awake for prayer, Peter denied the Lord, Thomas doubted–and yet Jesus remained faithful to them.  He was able to do so, because His first priority was the mission God had given Him.

     If God has given you a work to do, you may ask God to supply others who can help, but press on in obedience, even in the absence of helpers.” (Nick Harrison)

Quote of the day:  Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“When you have helpers, see all your helpers in God.  When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers.  When you have nothing but God, see all in God; when you have everything, see God in everything.  Under all conditions, stay thy heart only on the Lord.” 

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 54:4

“Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my helper.  Thank You for sending those to help that are part of the plan that You have set before me.  Father, just as Spurgeon has said, let me see You in everything that I do.  The people that You send to help, may I see You in them.  May I continue to press on in obedience so that I can move forward with the mission that You have set before me.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote

{ July 4, 2008 @ 1:29 } · { Funny Friday Picks, July 2008 }
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Funny Friday Quote (Happy 4th!!):  Medical Terms Defined

Benign:  What you be after you be eight.

Artery:  The study of paintings.

Bacteria:  Back door to cafeteria.

Barium:  WHat doctors do when patients die.

Caesarean section:  A neighborhood in Rome.

G . I. Series:  World Series of military baseball.

Hangnail:  What you hang your coat on.

Labor pain:  Getting hurt at work.

Medical staff:  A doctor’s cane.

Nitrates:  Cheaper than day rates.

Recovery Room:  Place to do upholstery.

Tablet:  A small table.

Terminal illness:  Getting sick at the airport.

Tumor:  More than one.

Urine:  Opposite of you’re out.

Bible verse of the day:  Charles Stanley

“Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

It is so important that when I speak to choose my words carefully so that I might be a hope and an encouragement to those around me.  Father, let my soul live, according to Your Will, that I shall praise You all the days of my life.  I pray for a safe weekend, and for safe travel for my parents that are flying in from Dallas.  Continue to give us rest through this move and may we continue on this road that You have set before us.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

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