Sunday, January 27, 2008

Please PRAY


Army Reserve---73,695
Navy Reserve--5,072
USAF Reserve, --7,067
USMC--8,672
USCG---333
Total number activated---94,839

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Help for Healing

Hope For Healing
You are loved and cared for by God. He is constantly at work helping his children recover from the wounds they have received. One of the most important ways God helps his wounded children is by using process and encounter experiences to expedite recovery. A process experience is a Holy Spirit-directed word, meeting, or circumstance that aids wounded in their quest to gain perspective. Process experiences can seem like chance happenings or accidental occurrences. However, in actuality they are planned and directed by God who actively seeks to grant perspective to those in need. Perspective can come by way of a Scripture verse, an internal voice, or even a casual conversation. Such workings seem natural enough, but they are intensely spiritual and wonderfully practical. Process experiences help sort out what happened, so they can make sense of their pain and move on. As an example of this sort of process, look at the story told by Andy, a former associate who had been mistreated and wrongfully terminated by his senior pastor. Weeks after the termination his mind could still not move beyond wondering why the senior pastor had treated him so abusively. It was a mystery that tormented him night and day. One evening, seemingly by chance, Andy met a man who was a long-time friend of the senior pastor. The man told him that years earlier the senior pastor had been terribly hurt by a trusted church member. As a result, from time to time, the senior pastor experienced periods of depression marked by fits of paranoia. This paranoia would often motivate him to make regrettable decisions. After hearing the story, Andy was able to see his former boss in a new light. He thanked God for the experience of talking to this man, because in the process he found perspective.Encounter Experiences Encounter experiences are similar to process experiences, but their purpose is to bring healing. Wounded Pastors also feel great pain due to the mistreatment they received. Trust injuries cut deeply and leave agonizing scars. It is the Lord's will to heal them using means that are both creative and unique. Consequently, thewounded can look forward to experiencing the love and warmth of Christ at every turn. For wounded associates, there is a "balm in Gilead" that soothes and heals. God often sends sensitive and caring people to apply this healing ointment on His behalf. Bill and Phyllis are two associates who experienced an encounter experience that led them to be healed. Bill and Phyllis served a large church as a husband and wife youth pastor team. For a time everything was wonderful. The couple's ministry was fruitful, they were expecting a child, and with the senior pastor's approval they bought their first house. However, suddenly and without warning they were abusively fired. They were blamed for doing things they did not do and accused of saying things they did not say. It was rumored that the pastor wanted to fill the position with someone else, but felt he had to discredit the popular couple to make the change seem like their fault. Worse yet, the severance agreement stipulated that the couple would forfeit an amount of money if they were not out of town in a week. This meant they would not be able to properly say goodbye to friends or even sell their home before it was time to leave. Furthermore, because of the short notice, they were forced to move in with Phllis' parents. Out of time and with no prospects in sight, they left town heartbroken and confused.Bill and Phyllis' encounter experience came ten days after their departure, when two church elders took it upon themselves to seek out the couple. They felt God directing them to offer an apology on behalf of the church. The elders felt horrible about how the couple had been treated. They told Bill and Phyllis that the senior pastor had acted in a wrongful and sinful manner. They pledged to restore the couple's good name and promised to give perspective employers a glowing recommendation. The four individuals wept, hugged, and prayed together. Afterward Bill and Phyllis expressed thanks to God. Because of the encounter, they had experienced His healing touch. As these stories indicate, it is the Holy Spirit's delight to set up process and encounter experiences for wounded staff associates. With this in mind, it is completely appropriate for wounded associates to actively seek God's aid through trusted people who are willing to assist. Forming process and encounter groups, therefore, can be a great help and blessing. Such groups seek to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He works to grant perspective and promote healing.What Process and Encounter Groups Mean for the WoundedProcess and encounter groups give wounded people an opportunity to tell their stories, vent, assess, grieve, and pray. It helps the wounded create a language of pain they can use to give full voice to their complaint. Such groups emphasize being open and honest. For example, one person may be full of praise to God, another weeping, while a third utters a four-letter word to describe the abusive treatment. In process and encounter groups honest expression is encouraged because God loves it when people are real and genuine. He feels the pain of those who have been sinned against. He refreshes and provides forward momentum as they dare to believe Him to be their ever-present help (Ps. 46:1). In process and encounter groups, the Holy Spirit binds up the hearts of the grieving. He helps them avoid self-pity and self-righteousness. It is God's will for wounded for all to rise up from the ashes of mistreatment by the power of the Spirit. As God wipes away their tears, He whispers that He will be their strength and vindication (Ps 37:18-19).
When a church group refuses to meet and pray about anything then that is another story. God will still help those that have been hurt but they may have to move on. A sad thing but sometimes they have to leave the church that they have been in so long to find the healing that they need. We see this often in churches where they are all or mostly "family". The "family" has already made their mind up how things are and will not let anyone on the outside intervene. They would call it interferring. The church that does not allow the "healing" to take place will never trust anyone thinking that they have a right to be that way (better read God's word) that is not Gods way. Don't give up hope. Pray for those that have hurt you and keep on keeping on. note: No sin will enter heaven so we must repent and have NOTHING between us and God. We have to love one another. How can we say we love God and not be able to love the brother.
Let our prayer today be, Father let me love through you" all men "because you gave your life for them just as you did me. Let me not think of myself too highly because I can be wrong. I don't want to miss the rapture.

Break up your Fallow Ground, Jeremiah 4:3

Any good farmer will tell you that before one can grow any kind of a garden, one must first plow up the ground where the garden will be.- It is only after the plowing that one can begin the process of sowing and reaping.* So, with that in mind, we will begin our Focus on Farming series.
Jeremiah 4:3 - For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorn
A. BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND
One very important lesson we must learn from these passages focuses on the phrase, "break up your fallow ground," is that fallow ground is either that which, having once been tilled, has long lay uncultivated; or, it is ground that is slightly plowed, in order to be plowed again before it is planted (or sown).
The Church breaks up her own fallow ground, when she stirs up anew the decaying righteousness of her own members...
NOTE: One should not be satisfied with a slight furrowing of the heart; rather, let the land that was fallowed (slightly plowed) be broken up again with a deep furrow of true repentance. In other words, one must not be satisfied with a mere stirring of the heart - there must be a true change of thought and life.
Fact is, too many of us have been long uncultivated in righteousness...
It is time to let true repentance break up our fruitless and hardened hearts; and...
When this is done - and when the seed of the Word of Life is sown in them - worldly cares and concerns will not arise and choke out the good seed like thorns.IMPORTANT: Jeremiah warns that one should not sow the seeds of repentance in unfit soil, but just as the farmer prepares the ground, by clearing it of weeds, and exposing it to the sun and air, before planting the seed, so must you regard repentance as a serious matter, requiring forethought, and anxious labor. To sow in ground that has not been properly plowed one might as well sow on land that is full of thorns - it is time and effort wasted.
James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James saw the human heart as a garden; if left to itself, the soil would produce only weeds.
He urged us to "pull out the weeds" and prepare the soil for the "implanted Word of God."
The phrase "superfluity of naughtiness" gives the picture of a garden overgrown with weeds that cannot be controlled.
It is foolish to try to receive God's Word into an unprepared heart.
It is closely related to a term used of wax in the ear, which impairs hearing, and is therefore especially appropriate in this context.
Moral filthiness is a serious barrier to our clearly hearing and comprehending the Word of God.Wickedness is from a Greek word that denotes moral evil and corruption in general, especially in regard to intent.
It pertains to sin that is deliberate and determined.
It may reside in the heart for a long time before being expressed outwardly, and may in fact, never be expressed outwardly.
Superfluity, in the Greek, can carry the idea of remains, or surplus, in this context it seems better rendered as the "abundance," "excess," or "prevalence" of wickedness.
The idea is that of confessing, repenting of, and eliminating every vestige and semblance of evil that corrupts our lives, reduces our hunger for the Word, and clouds our understanding of it.
When that is done, we can indeed receive "the word of God,"...not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in [us] who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
. HOW DO WE PREPARE THE SOIL OF OUR HEARTS FOR GOD'S WORD?
1. First, by repenting of our sins (I John 1:9).
I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We must get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent.
According to the Greek, this is a once-for-all action.
Why should we do this?
2. Second, by meditating of God's love and grace through His Word, which will cause us to "plow up" any hardness that is within our hearts (Jeremiah 4:3).
3. Finally, we must have an attitude of "meekness" (James 1:21).
Meekness is the opposite of the "wrath" discussed in James 1:19-20.
When you receive the Word with meekness, you accept it, do not argue with it, and honor it as the Word of God.
You do not try to twist it to conform it to your thinking.
If we do not receive the implanted Word, then we are deceiving ourselves.
Christians who like to argue various "points of view" may be only fooling themselves.
They think that their "discussions" are promoting spiritual growth, when in reality they may only be cultivating the weeds.
III. THE FARMER (JAMES 5:7-9)
James 5:7-97 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
James 5:7-9 (The Message)7 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. 8 Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.
James 5:7-9 (The Message)7 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. 8 Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.
If a man is impatient, then he had better not become a farmer.
No crop appears overnight (except perhaps a crop of weeds), and no farmer has control over the weather.
Too much rain can cause the crop to rot, and too much sun can bum it up.
An early frost can kill the crop.
How long-suffering the farmer must be with the weather!
He must also have patience with the seed and the crop, for it takes time for plants to grow.
Jewish farmers would plow and sow in what to us are the autumn months.
The "early rain" would soften the soil.
The "latter rain" would come in the early spring (our February/March) and help to mature the harvest.
Why did he willingly wait so long?
Because the fruit is "precious" (James 5:7).
The harvest is worth waiting for.James pictured the Christian as a "spiritual farmer" looking for a spiritual harvest. He admonishes us to be patient and stay steady and strong (James 5:8).Our hearts are the soil, and the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).
There are seasons to the spiritual life just as there are seasons to the soil.
Sometimes, our hearts become cold and "wintry," and we have to plow up the fallow ground before the seed can be planted.
God sends the sunshine and the rains of His goodness to water and nurture the seeds planted; but we must be patient to wait for the harvest.
Here is a secret of endurance when the going is tough: God is producing a harvest in our lives. He wants the "fruit of the Spirit" to grow (Gal. 5:22-23), and the only way He can do it is through trials and troubles. Instead of growing impatient with God and with ourselves, we must yield to the Lord and permit the fruit to grow. Remember, we are "spiritual farmers" looking for a harvest.You can enjoy this kind of a harvest only if your heart is established (James 5:8).
One of the purposes of the spiritual ministry of the local church is to establish the heart, according to Paul in Romans 1:11.
Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, to establish the young Christians in their faith (I Thess. 3:1-3); and Paul also prayed for them that they might be established (1 Thess. 3:10-13).
The ministry of the Word of God and prayer are important if the heart is going to be established.
IMPORTANT: A heart that is not established cannot bear fruit.
A. WHAT THE SUCCESSFUL FARMER DOES
1. Keep in mind that the farmer does not stand around doing nothing: he is constantly at work as he looks toward the harvest.
James did not tell these suffering believers to put on white robes, climb a hill, and wait for Jesus to return.
"Keep working and waiting" was his admonition. * Luke 12:43 - Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.
2. Nor does the farmer get into fights with his neighbors.
One of the usual marks of farmers is their willingness to help one another.
Nobody on the farm has time or energy for disputes with the neighbors.
James must have had this in mind when he added, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged" (James 5:9, NIV).
Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God's people, and this is a sin we must avoid.
If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!
IV. THE SOWER AND THE SOILS (MARK 4:1-20)
Mark 4:3-93 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
This parable helped the disciples understand why Jesus was not impressed by the large crowds that followed Him He knew that most of them would never produce fruit from changed lives, because the Word He was teaching them was like seed Ming into poor.
A. THE SOWER
1. The seed represents God's Word (Luke 8:11) and the sower is the servant of God who shares that Word with others (see I Corinthians 3:5-9).
Paul states in I Corinthians 3:5-9...
I Corinthians 3:5-95 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
NOTE: The human heart is like soil: it must be prepared to receive the seed before that seed can take root and produce a harvest.
Like seed, the Word is alive and able to produce spiritual fruit, but the seed must be planted and cultivated before that harvest will come.
B. THE SOILS
As in that day, so today, there are four kinds of hearts and they respond to God's message in four different ways.
1. The hard heart (Mark 4:4, 15) resists the Word of God and makes it easy for Satan (the birds) to snatch it away.
Soil becomes hard when too many feet tread on it.
Those who recklessly "open their hearts" to all kinds of people and influences are in danger of developing hard hearts (see Proverbs 4:23).
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (The Message) - Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.
Hard hearts must be "plowed up" before they can receive the seed, and this can be a painful experience (Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12).
Hosea 10:12 - Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12 (The Message) - Sow righteousness, reap love. It's time to till the ready earth, it's time to dig in with GOD, Until he arrives with righteousness ripe for harvest.
2. The shallow heart (vv. 5-6, 16-17).
This heart is like thin soil on a rock very typical to Palestine. Since there is no depth, whatever is planted cannot last because it has no roots.
This represents the "emotional hearer" who joyfully accepts God's Word but does not really understand the price that must be paid to become a genuine Christian.
There may be great enthusiasm for several days or weeks; but when persecution and difficulties begin, the enthusiasm wanes and the joy disappears.
3. The crowded heart (vv. 7, 18-19).
This heart pictures the person who receives the Word but does not truly repent and remove the "weeds" out of his or her heart.
This hearer has too many different kinds of "seeds" growing in the soil - worldly cares, a desire for riches, a lust for things - and the good seed of the Word has no room in which to grow.
To change the image, this person wants to walk the "broad way" and the "narrow way" at the same time (Matt 7:13-14); and it cannot be done.
Matthew 7:13-1413 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14 (The Message)13 "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. 14 The way to life -- to God! -- is vigorous and requires total attention.
4. The fruitful heart (vv. 8, 20).
This heart pictures the true believer, because fruit - a changed life - is the evidence of true salvation (II Corinthians 5:17; Gal 5:19-23).
Not all true believers are equally as productive; but from every genuine Christian's life, there should be some evidence of spiritual fruit.
IMPORTANT: Each of the three fruitless hearts is influenced by a different enemy: the hard heart - the devil himself snatches the seed; the shallow heart - the flesh counterfeits religious feelings; the crowded heart - the things of the world smother the growth and prevent a harvest. These are the three great enemies of the Christian: the world, the flesh, and the devil (see Ephesians 2:1-3).Ephesians 2:1-31 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.Ephesians 2:1-3 (Amplified) - 1 AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins 2 In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
A. BROKEN THINGS
READ: Hosea 10:12; John 12:24
Hosea 10:12 - Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
John 12:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
This is not the order of husbandry, according to Barnes' Notes Commentary on Hosea 10:12.
The ground was already plowed, harrowed and sown; and now the Lord tells Israel anew to, "Break up your fallow ground."
Fallow ground lies idle and uncultivated; it is covered with weeds and thorns. The fallow ground of our hearts - that which has been untouched in quite a while - must be broken.It is very important that we understand something...
There is no blessing without effort.
There is no harvest without plowing.
There is no making without breaking.
Before the house is made the tree must be broken.
Before the house is made the rocks must be broken.
Before life there must be death.

Thorns and weeds must be plowed under, and the seed must be planted and die in order for the grain to come.
Grain dies so new life will bring forth more grain (John 12:24).
1. Before joy there is weeping (Psalm 30:5).
Psalms 30:5 - For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
2. Life is full of brokenness.
Life starts out with broken toys.
Then life progresses to broken hopes, shattered dreams and unfulfilled ideals.
In marriage there is broken hearts and sometimes broken homes through divorce or even death.
In the final stages of life, we have to contend with broken health.3. But all these say that God is making something new! (See Romans 8:28-29).
Romans 8:28-2928 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Rapture Ready




Let us all take courage We are not left alone,

Surely Christ will come to take His children home,


We’ll have troubles no more, As we make it yonder
Upon that golden shore.
There will be no more heartaches and no more sad good-bys.
For we will all be together with Jesus in the skys
This was why he suffered why He bore our pain
There on that rugged cross that we can live again
He’s saying to us, fear not I’m walking along with thee
To keep you safe from danger till we each other see
Draw close to me my children keeping me on your mind
Always this remember my coming is so near
Could be most anytime.
I promise never to leave you, It was for you I died
I’ll hold your hand and walk with you across the great divide
Lord help us all be ready not one be left behind.
But all be ready to meet you
We pray you draw us closer and keep our eyes on you
We know that any minute your blessed face we’ll see
We’re longing for the rapture to wave this world good bye
And join with those we love meeting in the sky
Up there will be no heart aches peace is all we will find
We’re ready for the rapture now with you Lord forever and none be left behind.

Written by , Katie N. Johnson

Saturday, January 19, 2008

The Veteran

As a young girl, I was taught that the Veteran’s
Were those cogidy old men seen in parades;
Wearing the funny looking hat.
The men who handed out paper poppies in the fall
With frail, arthritic hands.
The grey haired man down the street, who so cautiously,
Meticulously put his flag out on certain holidays.
These men were Veterans. They served in the military
So many years ago, in some land that
I only knew from history books and pictures.

The men who filled the barber shop
And Eagles Lodge, or the VFW on
Friday nights after work.
My uncle, my father said, was a Veteran.
His hand and arms so covered
In black and purple spots,
That I later came to know as
Metal fragments from some
Bomb that exploded next to him
While he was on an island in the Philippines.

Then, my mother told me,
My brother, home from Vietnam was one of them,
A Veteran.
But how can that be,
He’s not old, he’s still in the Navy.
“He’s done time during a war”, my father said,
“He deserves our respect.”

His body now, shows signs of those things
He can never talk about. His mind too,
Hold secrets that I could never understand.
He hurts for a friend that he let
Slip away into the water that day,
Gone, dark and cold, into the sea.

Now, I look into those same eyes,
But this time, those eyes belong to
My son.
My little boy. The round faced,
Chubby little cherub that could always make me laugh.
His eyes now hold such sorrow,
His dreams contain such horrendous images.
In his sleep, he calls out to his brother
“hold on, just a few more clicks, we’ll get you there”
But alas, the road was too long,
The time too great!

Today’s Veteran,
Is still that gentle old man
We see at church every Sunday,
The grandpa holding his grandson’s tiny hand,
He is the father down the street who
Raises and lowers our flag everyday.
Today’s Veteran,
He is also MY SON

written by Andria M. Mocek in honor of
HM3 (AW) Jonathan E. Mocek, US Navy
LCpl Gabriel A. Mocek, US Marine Corps
Richard Skoff, US Navy, Vietnam
Peter Skoff, US ARMY, WWII
And to all those whose names are known only to God!

Gratitude Glass,The gift of Gratitude







"If" more people would take time every day to Thank God for all Blessing in their lives;"If" more people talked to one another about what they are GRATEFUL for;"If" more people gave each other the gift of GRATITUDE;
The world would be more peaceful, joyful, in better harmony with GOD, and a much better place to raise our children.
The Universal Christian Symbol of Gratitude will help people remember to think of all there is to be grateful for. Gratitude glass is a way to give the gift of gratitude. In this fasts moving world people just need to be reminded to say THANK YOU GOD!!!
The Meaning
It starts with Christ and moves in the direction of increase. (from the center out)Through Christ we learn how to live life to its fullest and be grateful for all that God has blessed us with.
The spiral represents the universe(all that is, all that ever was, and all that will ever be)
In this spells God for He created the universe and everything in it.
At the end of the spiral is the Dove in flight, that is the spirit of God who is in all of His children.
The Universal Christian Symbol of Gratitude was created as a visual reminder that it is the Lord we need to be grateful to. It's like when we see a cross (necklace, at church, on the wall or even on a piece of paper) we automatically think of Jesus. Or when we see the fish on the back of a car or drawn in the sand we automatically think: here is a Christian. When you wear a Gratitude Glass pen, have a gratitude window sticker on your car, or show another person your Gratitude Glass, you are carrying the message of gratitude.
The Gift of Gratitude
Giving and Gratitude go hand in hand. When you give to another, it is natural to receive a thank you. Same goes when you receive a gift, it is natural to say thank you. Whether you are giving or receiving, you will still be apart of the feeling of gratitude. Gratitude Glass is a great gift to give to the one you love, or the people you care about, to people you wish to help and anyone in a need of a little gratitude.
Together we can make a difference in someone else's life. Not only can we make a difference in our own lives, the people we are closest to, and strangers we don't even know, but also YOU can make a difference by going to our products page to see how you can help those in need. For every item you buy we will make a donation to one of these Charities:
Save The Children Foundation
Make a Wish Foundation
St. Jude Children's Hospital
SOS Children's Village
Christian Foundation

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Prayer Request

There's a song that says "Let me talk to my father for you and if I know my father, here's what he'll do, He will lay at your feet all the things you pursue, It's no bother for my father will do it for you".
Brother Farris has been preaching on prayer. Below are just a few of the 128 scriptures that I found on prayer. You may comment on this page and I promise that we will take your request to our Father for you. Also you may give a praise report and that would bless me!


1 Kings 8:45Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause
1 Kings 9:3And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually
Revelation 5:8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Revelation 8:4And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 Timothy 4:5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
James 5:15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

A Fishermans Obedience and Worship

1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[
b] the nets for a catch."
5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.


The experience recorded in John 21 surely reminded Peter of a previous encounter with Christ in a fishing expedition at the beginning of his walk with the Savior. Read about it in Luke 5:1-11 from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips.
One day the people were crowding closely round Jesus to hear God’s message, as he stood on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Jesus noticed two boats drawn up on the beach, for the fishermen had left them there while they were cleaning their nets. He went aboard one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to push out from the shore. Then he sat down and continued his teaching of the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Push out now into deep water and let down your nets for a catch."
Simon replied, "Master! We’ve worked all night and never caught a thing, but if you say so I’ll let the nets down." And when they had done this, they caught an enormous shoal of fish—so big that the nets began to tear. So they signaled to their friends in the other boat to help them. They came and filled both boats to the sinking point. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell on his knees before Jesus and said, "Keep away from me, Lord, for I’m only a sinful man!"
For he and his companions (including Zebedee’s sons, James and John, Simon’s partners) were staggered at the haul of fish that they had made. Jesus said to Simon: "Don’t be afraid, Simon. From now on your catch will be men." So they brought the boats ashore, left everything and followed him."
What are your observations about lessons and truths from this story for Peter and us concerning ministry and evangelism?
• The Lord’s commands and our obedient responses -_____________
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• The promised results implied in His commands -________________
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Supernatural Shepherding

This week’s message turns our attention to those we are serving and shepherding as chaplains. As Dr. Brandon noted in his message, John 21 begins with a reminder about Christ’s commission to reach the lost.
Read John 21:1-14. Jesus transforms a failed fishing trip into a classroom about His indispensable role in supernatural ministry.
v. 5 – Jesus required them to admit their own _______________. Have you ever "fished all night and caught nothing" in ministry (v. 3)? What have you learned from Christ in times of ministry failure, or, what good came from your struggle? ____________________________________
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v. 6 – The disciples __________ His word and _________it. When we spend time daily with Christ hearing His word, we also find His grace and strength to obey it. The result is His supernatural presence and power in our ministry. In your experience, what are the contrasts in ministry "on your own" and ministry when you are prepared and empowered by hearing and obeying Christ?
Ministry On My Own
Ministry Empowered by Christ
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1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

Monday, January 7, 2008

My Hearts Desire! PERSONAL (but you can read)

I have several desires, #1 is to be where God wants me to be at all times. I know he is coming to get his children and I don't want to be left behind.
The next is to do all I can for our Marines, Army, and all our service men and women everywhere. I wanted to send JERKY to those in Irac. I couldn't afford very much of the store bought so I began to pray about it. I had never made Jerky but I knew that I could do it. I began to tell folks about my desire and ask if anyone had a food dehydrator. I got an email from someone that GAVE me a almost new one and it has extra trays! Well you can't make jerky without meat so I ask God to provide the meat. I looked at Walmart and found seasoning. I bought a box and some ground chuck and a package of ground turkey and tryed it. Well I was so excited! It turned out wonderful but I found out to send any kind of homemade jerky anywhere that i would need special bags and I needed to get all the air out. I heard about a tool that was at Walmart by the foil and bags. It was perfect. It's battery operated. I was still asking God about deer. I knew that I could not keep buying meat. My heart was so full. It seemed the desire was getting bigger and bigger. Well a friend gave me 2 whole deer!!!Then my brother gave me 8 shoulders and 3 hind quarters!!! Then I told the Lord that I was so happy and I ask a friend if he knew anyone that had a grinder. He didn't say anything but yesterday he said to get all the meat together that today we are taking it to another friends hose and they have what we need and said that we could use it anytime. We have an appt early and after that away we go to grind deer meat!!! Ant God good, HE'S BETTER THAN THAT! My husband says that I am "jerky happy" and he's right I certainly am.
Wow He does give us the desires of our heart..

Daily Disciplines for a Burning Heart

Daily Disciplines for a Burning Heart
Recall Dr. Brandon’s testimony in his message for this week concerning his daily pursuit of a burning heart:
I want to tell you a personal secret. This is a spiritual goal for my life every day. When I falter or fail to experience this, the day lacks freedom, freshness and fullness until I do.
We need to let every day be a day in His presence, whoever we are. In Psalm 27 David says, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (which really means His presence), all the days of my life (which means every single day, this very day, and even this moment), to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
Then Dr. Brandon challenged us with these practical, daily disciplines necessary in order to have the consistent experience of a burning heart.
• Make this your priority every day.
• Make it your love relationship with the Lord.
• Be willing to get up early enough for this to happen.
• Let this be a special appointment with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
• Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him—do not rush!
• Prayerfully meditate on God’s word every morning.
• Trust Him for His presence living in you, and thank Him for a burning heart!
Read Romans 12:1-2. As you read these verses will you present yourself to the Lord to seek Him daily for a burning heart of loving fellowship with Christ? By His grace and depending on His strength, join many other Marketplace Chaplains and staff in making this commitment for the remainder of our "40 Days with the Master" emphasis. Pray for your fellow Chaplains and other MChapUSA staff in their pursuit of Christ.

A Week of prayer by all Assembly of God churches Jan. 6-12, 2008

Central Truth:
Prayer provides the opportunity for us to have conversations with God that will transform our lives.
Key Verse: Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray.
The story is told of a young girl who was saying her bedtime prayers while her parents knelt beside her. "Dear God, bless Mommy and Daddy and my little brother, Tommy. God, I would really like a pony, but if You can’t get me a pony, a kitten would do. Amen."
Religious people have studied prayer for centuries in hopes of developing specific guidelines for making it effective. Today, many doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals focus on its miraculous impact on people. So often prayer is approached from a theoretical perspective that ignores the divine aspect of communion with God.
Simply put, however, prayer is conversation with the Heavenly Father that changes our lives. Whether it takes the form of a little girl’s simple request or a great scholar’s articulate intercession, this basic definition remains the same. What’s most important is that we learn how to pray as Jesus did. In today’s study, we will do just that as we examine, from Luke 11, the passage known as "The Lord’s Prayer."
Study the Scriptures
1. Get alone with God.
Read Mark 1:35–39 and Matthew 6:5–7.
On one occasion, after healing many sick people and delivering others from demons, Jesus set off from Peter and Andrew’s house early in the morning. (See Mark 1:35–39.) He found a quiet place to pray while it was still dark. Upon awakening, Peter and several others went to find Jesus. When at last He was located, they exclaimed that there were people looking for Him. Caught up in the busy events of the day, they didn’t understand the important relationship between prayer and ministry.
Yet Jesus knew quite well that there were others in need. And now, refreshed by His time with the Father, He was ready to continue in ministry. Instead of returning to Peter’s house, He wanted to go other places to preach the good news of God’s kingdom. So He travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in Jewish religious centers and casting out demons. Prayer helped equip Jesus to fulfill His purpose for that time in His life. Prayer didn’t distract Him from that purpose; rather, it prepared Him for that purpose.
Ask: Why do you think people sometimes struggle to balance a consistent prayer life with the "busy-ness" of their lives? (Note that we live in a "multitasking" society, which is constantly seeking ways to get as many different things done as possible. Sadly, this type of mindset can creep into our prayer lives. If we’re not actually doing something else while we pray, we’re tempted to think about other things. Jesus’ example is key; we need to set aside special time devoted only to our Heavenly Father. In that quiet place, apart from all distractions, we can share the deepest thoughts of our hearts as we also listen for His voice.)
There are other reasons to pray privately as well. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rebuked hypocrites who loved to pray in public places to be seen by others. (See Matthew 6:5-–7.) Because they were more interested in public recognition than honoring God, Jesus said the only reward they’d receive would be that temporary, fleeting recognition—which was no reward at all. It’s important to note that Jesus wasn’t condemning prayer in public places. Indeed, corporate prayer is practiced by God’s people throughout the Bible. However, praying before others to appear righteous makes our prayers empty and meaningless. That’s why Jesus told His followers to find a private place for prayer. We are wise to follow His words, for in these moments we can be fully open and honest before God—not worrying about what others may think of what we say.
Activity: Sincere Prayer
Distribute blank sheets of paper and pens or pencils to students. Have them divide the paper into two sections and begin listing, in one section, qualities of sincere prayer. Then instruct them to use the other section for a list of terms that might describe hypocritical prayer. For example, sincere prayer is God-focused, loving, honest, and humble. Hypocritical prayer can be selfish, dishonest, self-righteous, and judgmental. Take time to discuss their lists.
Ask: "Where can you go to find a private place of prayer?" (Brainstorm ways students can make solitary prayer a part of their Christian lives. It might mean finding a specific room of the house where they can be alone undisturbed. There may be specific times each day when they can count on freedom from distractions. Whatever the case, it’s important that they make a place for private prayer.)
2. Focus on God’s glory.
Read John 17:1–5,13–21.
These verses record a portion of Jesus’ prayer shortly before His crucifixion. In it Jesus talked to the Father about the completion of His mission. His death would not represent a failure or a horrid mistake, for it would ultimately bring glory to the Father. God’s plan for humanity’s salvation from sin was about to reach its climax. In that sense, the events of the following hours would reveal God’s glory, power, and grace like never before.
Jesus then turned His prayer toward the needs of His disciples. Just as He had been hated by the world, now His disciples—including us—would be hated as well. In the New Testament, the word "world" often represents those who are opposed to God. But note that Jesus did not pray that we would be removed from the world. Rather, He prayed that we would be protected from Satan’s godless plans as we do God’s work in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are not like unbelievers in mind or spirit. Our lifestyle and priorities are totally different. Jesus prayed that we would stay separate from the world’s influences even as we minister within it. We are here to glorify God and bring others to Him by working together for that single purpose.
Ask: "What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about prayer? Jesus’ prayer provides us with two important principles that can impact our prayer lives.
• First, prayer should glorify God rather than elevate self. It’s tempting to see prayer as merely a means by which we get what we want while eliminating the unpleasantries of life. It’s certainly true that God wants us to pray about our needs, whether big or small. But we must keep our eyes on the higher purpose. God has given us life and salvation to bring glory to Him and His kingdom. This ought to be the focus of our prayers.
• Second, when our prayers are God-centered, they will reflect a sincere submission to His plan for our lives. Our prayer lives must include the recognition that we will face spiritual battles and be forced to make sacrifices because of our faith. The world will reject and even resist many of the principles and convictions we stand for. That’s why it is important to pray that God will be glorified in and through us, no matter the consequences.
Discuss how the witness of individual Christians, as well as the Church as a whole, would be impacted if our prayers better reflected Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
3. Follow the example of Jesus.
Read Luke 11:1–4.
Back in the time of Christ, many rabbis would teach their followers patterns of prayer. One day when He had finished praying, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded with a powerful and familiar pattern for our conversations with God, known as the Lord’s Prayer.
Ask: "What is the primary focus at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer?"
Jesus made it clear in the beginning of His prayer that our conversations with God must include a time of focusing on Him and His kingdom. As we pray for God’s honor and glory to be made known in this world, our selfish requests are replaced with petitions that honor God. In this way, we show true signs of maturity in our walk of faith. The will of God should always be foremost in our minds when presenting our needs in prayer.
Note the specific phrases Jesus cites, the particular words He uses:
• Father... indicates the loving relationship we share with God as well as His position of authority over us.
• ...hallowed be your name... demonstrates God’s concern for reverence of Him and His kingdom. Our prayers ought to include an expression of desire that we do not dishonor Him.
• ...your kingdom come... represents a passion within our prayers for eternal, spiritual priorities, including the growth of God’s kingdom in our world and the return of Christ.
• ...your will be done on earth as it is in heaven... (see Matthew 6:10). In Matthew’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer, we see the priority of God’s will reflected in our prayers. The denial of our own will in favor of God’s will demonstrates a genuine, sincere submission to Him.
Discuss how our prayer lives will be impacted if we adopt the "kingdom mindset" seen in the first part of the Lord’s Prayer. Note that our prayers will expand beyond merely sharing needs, which, while important, is only a portion of what prayer is about. Prayer, in Jesus’ model, actively seeks spiritual priorities and victories. It honors God by recognizing Him as the King of Creation with a sovereign plan for us as well as the world.
Ask: "What specific types of needs did Jesus teach us to pray for in Luke 11:3,4?

Jesus continued His model for prayer by instructing us to pray for our needs. But His example went beyond the obvious and superficial to include four important areas:
• Give us each day our daily bread. God is concerned about our everyday, temporal needs. Note that we are to focus our hearts on what is needed today. He doesn’t want us to become anxious about the days ahead, knowing that He will provide. (See Matthew 6:33,34.)
• Forgive us our sins... This phrase begins the portion of Jesus’ prayer that highlights spiritual needs and includes our relationship with God as well as others (noted in the following section). It’s important to make repentance a regular part of prayer, and be willing to humble ourselves before God when we do sin. It’s the only way we can maintain the kind of walk with Him that He desires.
• ...for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. In Matthew 6:14,15, Jesus taught that forgiveness from God depends on our willingness to forgive others. It’s wise, then, to make our relationships with others a matter of consistent prayer. If we’re unwilling to seek restoration in situations where hard feelings exist, our prayer lives—and our walk with God—will suffer.
• Lead us not into temptation. We need spiritual protection and power from God at all times to stay victorious in the battles we will face. Satan is continually looking for ways to defeat us, and we need God’s deliverance from these evil influences (Matthew 6:13). It’s important to remember that God doesn’t tempt us toward sin (James 1:13). He does, however, allow us to experience testing for the purpose of growing our faith. The prayer here is that we do not find ourselves in a test that our faith cannot survive—a prayer that is made more understandable in connection with the Matthew 6:13 prayer for deliverance.
We need God’s continual protection and deliverance from Satan. That’s why our prayers must focus attention on the Father and His strength to provide for our salvation. We surrender ourselves to Him and give Him honor as the One who is above all. In this way we are humbled and He is glorified; we are transformed and He is exalted. It’s a foundational part of prayer that will show spiritual results now and throughout eternity.
Ask students to take a few moments for self-evaluation, pondering this question: "In what ways does my prayer life follow the example given by Christ in the Lord’s Prayer? In what ways does my prayer life fall short of the example given by Christ?" Challenge students to think about the content of their prayers. Talk about some reasons why our prayer lives might get out of balance. Discuss ways to maintain a balanced prayer life that follows the model given to us by Christ.

Activity: Prayer List
Distribute blank pieces of paper and pens or pencils to students. List on the board the different emphases of prayer Jesus highlighted in the Lord’s Prayer, as noted in the lesson above. (i.e., recognition of God as Father, reverence for God, passion for eternal priorities, surrender to His will, prayer for provision, prayer for forgiveness, prayer for the willingness to forgive, and prayer for spiritual protection and deliverance.) Ask students to note specific requests from their lives that would fall into each of these areas. (For example, "I need to exhibit a greater reverence for God in the way I talk about religious topics at work"; "I need to forgive my neighbor for the times he’s been inconsiderate about my property, causing bitterness on my part.") Encourage them to place their lists in their Bibles as a prayer reminder in coming days, then commit to making these requests a matter of consistent prayer.

Friday, January 4, 2008

The Suffering servant

In Luke 24:27 we read that Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Likely one of those passages was Isaiah, chapter 53. Read Isaiah 53:1-12.
Now read Isaiah 53:4-6 again, making it personal between you and your Savior. Read slowly, attentively, thoughtfully, several times:
Surely you have borne my griefs and carried my sorrows; yet I esteemed you stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But you were wounded for my transgressions; you were crushed for my iniquities; upon you was the chastisement that brought me peace, and with your stripes I am healed. Like a sheep I have gone astray; I have turned to my own way; and the Lord has laid on you all of my iniquity.
A major theme of Christ’s instruction for the two disciples on the Emmaus road was the necessity of His sufferings (Lk. 24:26). Perhaps as they heard Him describe Himself as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, they also saw themselves in Isaiah’s testimony as the recipients of the benefits of his suffering. No wonder their "hearts burned within them."
Nothing ignites the heart of the believer more than a fresh awareness of the sacrificial, personal love of the Savior. As Paul said in Galatians 2:20c – "He loved me and gave himself for me!" Meditate on this truth and let it fill and permeate your heart today.
Write a worshipful, grateful, loving response to Christ for His love for you personally
Thank you Father for saving me. For reaching way down to a young girl and helping her out of the middle of a family that didn't know you or have any interest in you. Thank you for giving all my family a chance to get to know you. I love you and I know that it has been because of you that I have a mind to serve you. Father you know the changes that took place over the years and especially in 2007. This is a new year and I pray for a new me! In my heart I want to please you and love others like you love me. Please forgive me for anything that shouldn't be in my heart and help my eyes see all souls as you see them. I believe that this is a day of love and forgiveness. We must love one another as you love us. Thank you for this priviledge of writing even if no one but you sees it. You are my life. Father lead me where you want me. Let me know what I should do in all things. I must move forward. Let it be where you want me because I could never be happy unless I am in your will. Teach me to love and not withdraw from anyone.
It's in your name and for your glory that I ask these things and that I praise you from my heart. As I go to LeTourneau today let some soul need a smile or a hug or a prayer and make my eyes to see and not miss it. AMEN

Experiencing The Love of God

Experiencing the Love of God
Read Luke 7:36-50
The burning heart of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus was partly due to their enlightened understanding that they were recipients of the blessings of Christ’s suffering, as He taught them from the Scriptures. Their burning heart of love for Christ was the result of His sacrificial, burning heart of love for them, and their awareness of that divine love. Jesus taught this same truth in Luke 7 to the Pharisee named Simon.
Simon did not love Jesus less than the woman because he had fewer sins. No, he had a multitude of sins—of the worst kind—legalistic, religious hypocrisy, among many others. Rather, he had no love for the Lord Jesus because he neither saw his sins nor his need to be forgiven of them. In vivid contrast, the woman loved Jesus with unashamed abandon. J. C. Ryle explains the cause and effect in the woman’s actions:
Her many tears, her deep affection, her public reverence, her action in anointing His feet, were all traceable to one cause. She had been forgiven, and so she loved much. Her love was the effect of her forgiveness—not the cause; the consequence of her forgiveness—not the condition; the result of her forgiveness—not the reason; the fruit of her forgiveness—not the root. . . . Forever let this mighty principle laid down by our Lord . . . sink down into our hearts. . . . It is one of the secrets of the kingdom of God. The only way to make men holy is to teach and preach free and full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The secret of being holy ourselves, is to know and feel that Christ has pardoned our sins.2
In Jesus’ parable (vv. 41-42), the favorable position is the greater debtor (500 denarii) with much love, not the lesser debtor (50 denarii) with little love. We move toward the 500 denarii debtor not by sinning more, but by a greater, deeper recognition and confession of our sins. As a believer matures the focus of sanctification moves from the outward, obvious sins to the inward, hidden heart sins of petty attitudes, wrong beliefs, spiritual idolatries and even sinful feelings. When we see the greater depth and breadth of our sins and the corresponding love of God for us in Christ, the result is greater love for our Savior. Such awareness, confession and repentance should be part of our daily pursuit of a burning heart.
Father today help me love those that don't love me. I can love those that love me without even thinking about it but today I am going to be at a place where some of the people resent and have problems with me. Please give me a heart to love them. Father please let my spirit come under subjection to you and nothing be in my heart but pure love for all I see. Thank you. Amen