Quote Of The Day

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

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

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 (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

Story of the day:  What’s in you will spill out”

     As Christians, we aren’t exempt from being angry or upset.  God has given us emotions, but the way that we handle the emotions can be a test beyond measure.  I was reading a little story written by Richard De Haan called Inside Out that I thought did a great job in illustrating this example.

     He referred to a missionary by the name of Hudson Taylor who while giving a sermon filled a glass with water and placed it on a table in front of him.  As he was speaking, he pounded his fist hard enough to make the water splash onto the table.  He then explained, “You will come up against much trouble.  But when you do, remember, only what’s in you will spill out.

     That’s worth thinking about, isn’t it?  When we are mistreated or misunderstood, how do we respond?  With loving words, patience, and kindness?  Or are we inclined to retaliate in anger?

     When we live under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will show it by the way we react to the jolting trials and temptations of life.  How we respond to trying, embarrassing situations, that are suddenly thrust upon us is a good test of how much we have grown in grace.

     It is possible to suppress frustration and anger, and to appear undisturbed to people around us.  But if our heart is full of the Savior’s love, we will respond to the jostling of an unexpected trial with genuine patience and kindness.  Like a full glass of water, what’s inside of us will spill over on the outside.”

Quote of the day:  Our Daily Bread

“When trouble grows, your character shows.”

Bible verse of the day:  Mark 7:20

And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I pray that You continue to direct my steps by Your Word and give me understanding according to Your Word.  You are my keeper and my protector.  Father, I ask that You continue to do a move throughout this nation.  I pray for the church in general that mighty men and women arise and start listening to the call that You have for each of them.  Father, we are living in a different time, and as such, I pray that through these times, You will shine through situations and Your Word is spread like wild fire so souls are saved.  Father use me as Your vessel to reach those that don’t know You and continue to build in me, if it’s Your Will, a zeal that will consume me all the days of my life.  Father, I love You and I thank You for this day!  Continue to guide us with our move and as we prepare for an upcoming busy week, may we stay focused on You and look a

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

                                                                                                 Story of the day:  Come

   When a child has gotten hurt, he usually heads straight for the person that can comfort him at that moment.  A caretaker is there to place a bandage on the wound in order that the healing may start.  I have never seen a child run away and not want to get a kiss on the “booboo” or a bandage to mark the spot of the infamous “hurt”.  Instead, the child wants healing and love to comfort them and let them know that everything is going to be alright.  The child comes to the caretaker, because he feels safe and close to them.

   “There are none of us so close to Him but that we may be nearer, and the secret of our daily Christian life is all wrapped up in that one word, “come”.  Nearness is what we are to pursue, and that nearness is capable of indefinite increase.  We know not how close to his heart we can lay our aching heads.  We know not how near to his fullness we may bring our emptiness.  We have never reached the point beyond which no closer union is possible.” (Alexander Maclaren)

   ‘There’s a bumper sticker that says, “If you don’t feel close to God, guess who moved?”  God is always in pursuit of us, and yet we so seldom, “come” to Him.  Instead, it seems, we prefer to “go.”  We may go to church, go to Christian concerts, even go to seminars to hear the greatest Bible teachers.  All of this is fine–after we obey the most elemental instruction of Jesus:  “Come.”‘ (Charles Sheldon) 

Quote of the day:  Christy Povolish

“He is the best caretaker in your life and knows exactly where to place that bandage so that the healing can take place and you can start living.”

Bible verse of the day:  Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

So many times, I want to be that person that wants to go, go, go, and You remind me how simplistic the instructions in Your Word are to just “come”.  Life is so much easier when I just “come” to You and hear the things that You are telling me as I lay my head on You for comfort.  Father it is great that You have gifted many in the ability to speak Your Word, but it does me no good, when I can’t even listen to greatest speaker of all, You.  Father, something great is about to happen in our nation, and across the world.  You are gearing up to do a move so great, that people won’t even understand and they will just want to worship.  Father, I am so excited about starting Your church in Texas.  It’s like our worship pastor’s CD is called, Now, but not yet.  I am ready now, but our time is not yet.  As you continue to prepare us and as we move forward with Your plans in the church, may we soak up all the things that You will have us to learn and equip us with people that are willing to serve for the Kingdom.  I thank You for this day and a hope of tomorrow!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Story of the day:  The Tie that binds

   Today was Jeff’s going away luncheon.  As I began to reflect over the past two years what Dayton, OH has brought to my family, I began to realize just how precious it has been while we have been here and the people that we have all gotten to know.  They have become a part of our family and though it is hard to say goodbye, the lasting memories that we have made, will be with me for a lifetime.  I also know that “Jesus is the Tie that binds” us all together.  And as sad as it may be, I know that we must move forward with the plan that God has set before us so that as a family, we can start to do the Will of our Father. 

   The friends that we have established, now part of our family, have been there to “work together, help each other, defend one another, and encourage each other.”  Any time that we needed something, they have been there to “support us, give us feedback and hold us accountable, to console and counsel us, and to direct us to God.”

   I am grateful that God created us to want to “have relationships, share His love with others, and not to keep it to ourselves.”  God Himself has promised “to be our friend” and because He has chosen this for us, we should remember that friendships are “gifts from Him and as such, we should receive His gifts with gratitude, and to remember that we too can be a gift to someone who needs a friend, and because He is the Tie that binds” (Weidemann) us together, we will maintain those friendships.

Quote of the day:  Loretta Girzartis

“If someone listens or stretches out a hand or whispers a word of encouragement or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.”

Bible verse of the day:  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for friends!  Thank You for bringing them into my life and for allowing me through them to see another part of You.  You have been so gracious in blessing us with such great friends and mentors that I hope to take all that I have learned from them and share it with others.  Father, if having friends means Heaven will be even a tiny bit like this, than I can only imagine what Heaven will be like.  I pray for blessings to each of them and for the friends that we have yet to meet.  I thank You especially for Your friendship and for always standing beside me and always encouraging me when I am discouraged.  Give us strength this day and peace to know that this move is for Your Will and another stepping stone to reach others in need of You.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Story of the day:  No one wants to be chosen last!

   After Jeff and I had painted one of the rooms in our home, we decided to go outside and enjoy some of the cooler weather that Dayton has been offering.  We were watching the neighborhood kids, which included our kiddos, playing kick ball.  As they prepared their teams, and the team captains started choosing players for each of their teams, it got me to thinking about when I was younger and when we would play ground games.  “The good players were chosen first, and no one wanted to be chosen last. 

   I think sometimes that we’re used to playing favorites.  Teachers have pets, bosses have fast-track employees, and just about everyone has a best friend.

   Considering our experience, we might assume that God acts the same way–that He favors certain people because of ability, personality, physical attributes, social standing, or some other identifying characteristic.  (Peter certainly felt that way–he was sure that the Gentiles were unclean.)  This assumption may lead us to wonder about God’s feelings toward us and perhaps, even to doubt our relationship with Him.

   But God revealed the truth to Peter:  God doesn’t act that way.  That is, “God doesn’t show partiality.  Instead He accepts people “in every nation”  The only qualification for acceptance is that they honor and revere Him and obey Him.

  Are you feeling rejected, put down, or alone?  Know that God accepts you, affirms you, and stands by you.  And through his Son, Jesus, He gives you eternal life, regardless of your height, beauty, weight, strength, gender, talent, ability, or nationality.  He has chosen and accepted you.” (veerman)

Quote of the day:  Oswald Chambers

“When we choose deliberately to obey Him, then He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist us with all His almighty power.”

Bible verse of the day:  Acts 10:34

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You don’t show any partiality towards people.  Thank You that You have chosen me and it was my choice to honor, revere, and obey You.  Father, I am so grateful to You for all that You have shown to me.  Let me not carry the attitude of arrogance for doing Your Will.  I pray for humility everyday and a humbling of my life in order that Your Will is carried out.  May people see You through me and those that don’t know You, may a spark be lit in each of them that they may have a relationship with You.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

                                                                                                                 Story of the day:  He is your Superhero

   Our youngest son loves to act out scenes from movies.  His favorite to act out always seem to be the superheros movies.  As we watch the movies together with him, and he stands next to the television, a 3D Joshua appears beside the screen, playing out each part that the superhero acts out, routine by routine. 

   So many times, “in comic strips and cartoons, masked superheros answer calls for help from those in distress.  They rush quickly to the rescue at the first sign of trouble.  We know, of course, that such characters exist only in fiction and in our imaginations.  But, at times, we want the cartoons to be true, especially when facing complex issues, giant problems, and difficult conflicts.  We want someone to hear our frantic cries and run to our side.”

   In Psalms 145:18-19 which says: The Lord is near to all who call upon Him; To all who call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and save them.  “David faced overwhelming obstacles and dangerous enemies many times in his life.  He learned to ask God for help.

   These passages in Psalms declare that, in fact, someone is listening.  Not an imaginary hero with superhuman powers, but a real person with all power a authority is standing near, ready to save.  And more than simply rescuing individuals from temporal plights, the Lord almighty, saves for all eternity.

   God knows your situation and your desires.  He stands close and ready to help.” (Veerman)  Let Him be your superhero!

Quote of the day:  Mary Jane Watson-Spiderman 2

“Isn’t it about time someone saved your life?”

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 in time of need.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for always standing by and ready for help.  Father, may I call on You as David did, relying on Your strength, for all areas in my life, not just the bad.  Continue to be my Superhero that I may share You with the world, so that they may know You as their Superhero as well.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote:  Toni Sortor

   “Long, long ago an old Indian chief was about to die, so he called for Geronimo and Falling Rocks, the two bravest warriors in his tribe.  The chief instructed each to go out and collect buffalo skins.  Whoever returned with the most skins would be the new chief.

   About a month later, Geronimo came back with one hundred pelts, but Falling Rocks never returned.  Even today as you drive through the West you can see signs saying:  Watch out for Falling Rocks.”

Bible verse of the day:  John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the peace that You give to me.  It is the peace that helps me stay focused and my heart to not become troubled.  Father, I trust in You as You continue to show me Your ways and teach me Your paths.  Continue to lead me in Your truth that I may live a life that is pleasing to You.  Father, my heart goes out to those that don’t know You as their Lord and Savior.  May lives continue to be changed and souls saved. I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen