Times & Seasons

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

3 A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

7 A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

8 A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
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I would like to share a beautiful presentation with you on Ecclesiastes 3 recommended by Chris Long. The Canadian Bible Society put the lovely Scripture of the 3rd Chapter to Pachelbel's Canon in the accompanying video...and in so doing really nailed the poetry of The Book. When God's Word is offered in this format, you just can't help but sit back and let it REACH INTO YOUR SOUL. This blessed me and my guess is it will really bless you too.

Just click the below link to watch or copy link & paste in your browser - MAKE SURE you have your sound turned on! Enjoy!

http://www.biblesociety.ca/free_scriptures/escriptures/ecclesiastes3/ecclesiastes3.html

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The Bible - Fiction or Fact?

The Bible - Fiction or Fact? Selwyn Stevens,

What is the Bible? Is it really the written Word of God? First we will look at what this book is and how it came about. The Bible is a collection of 66 separate books which together make a unique and powerful book. The word Bible comes from the Greek 'biblia' which simply means 'books.' The Bible is usually called "The Holy Bible". Holy means to be 'set apart by God.' So The Holy Bible is the Word of God; it does not merely contain the words of God. It is different from all other religious books because God, through the Bible, enjoys letting people know about Himself. The unique design of the Bible is one of the best proofs of its divine inspiration. Many different men at different times wrote their part of this book, without any contradictions. This can only be explained by the Master Author's guiding hand. .

Divine Inspiration

According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is equally inspired. The N.I.V. says "All Scripture is God-breathed...". This refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in His creative capacity. We do not know the actual 'How' of inspiration, but Christians believe that each writer had liberty to use his own personality, education and experience within certain limits. Paul's educated and logical mind is evident in books such as Romans and Galatians. The Holy Spirit watched over every thought, phrase and word to preserve accuracy.

The Test for Approval

Writings which were regarded as divinely inspired were accepted only when the writer was proven to be a True Prophet of God. That means no false prophecies had been spoken by him. This is quite different from unfulfilled prophecies.

The Old Testament

This was completed by 400 BC. The translation into Greek was done by 70 learned Scholars from Alexandria. This was known as the "Version of the Seventy" or the "Septuagint". It was in common use during the time of Christ and the Apostles, and was frequently quoted in the New Testament. The other main version of the Old Testament is called the "Masoretic Text".

How Did The New Testament Come About?

The New Testament completes the true written Word of God for all people and for all time. This means that the Bible is the standard by which we must judge all teaching, doctrine and belief. The Old and New Testaments together are sometimes referred to as the 'Canon,' which means 'standard.' Irenaeus of Lyons, an Elder of the early church, said in 180 AD, "The Scriptures are perfect, in as much as they were uttered by the Word of God, and His Spirit." (note; Jesus was often referred to as 'The Word of God,' see John 1:1).

Along with many others Irenaeus used both Old and New Testaments as 'Scripture' without distinction. The early Church held a number of councils to make decisions on which were divinely inspired writings that could be commended to the growing church. Most New Testament books received official recognition within 100 years of being written. The last few were confirmed at the Council held in Carthage in 393 AD. Each was accepted because of its unmistakeable authority and inspiration. It is both reasonable and fair to suppose that He who inspired the New Testament writers also participated in the formation of it. We may confidently believe that we have in our hands the Word of God, complete and undiluted.

Some of the New Testament books were written to individuals, some to churches or groups of churches. Their self-evident authority and value caused them to be copied and recopied for an ever-widening public. By the year 90 AD many churches had copies of Paul's letters, and by the early second century they had all four Gospels as well.

What Does The Bible Say About Itself?

The writers of the Bible insisted over 3,000 times that their words were the Word of God. The words of Jesus plainly show that many of His arguments and teachings were based on quotations from almost every Old Testament book. As I have studied what the Bible says about itself, a very clear message is evident. It is best summed up in this passage; "Do not add to what I command you, and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you," (Deuteronomy 4:2 NIV). Nowhere does any Scripture even hint at disagreeing or disputing with any other part. This theme goes right through to the end of Revelation, where there is a warning that those who add to the Bible will bring upon themselves all the plagues and curses written in the Bible, and those who subtract from it will find themselves removed from the 'Book of Life' (God's record of those who are saved), and they will miss out on all of the Bible's promised blessings.

Numerous Old Testament writers spoke of the Lord touching their tongue and putting His words in their mouths to speak to the people, for example 2 Samuel 23:2, and Jeremiah 1:9. Many of the Psalms of David and others spoke of the Words of the Lord being pure words which He would preserve for all generations. "The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever," (Isaiah 40:8).

What Is The Scripture For?

Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, said during the Temptation: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God," (Matthew 4:4).

Later on in Matthew 24:35, Jesus said very specifically that heaven and earth would pass away, but "My words will by no means pass away." That is a statement indicating His Deity, for He is clearly stating that His word is the Word of God.

The writers of the New Testament tended to explain more than the Old Testament writers what Scripture was for. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16). "For the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," (Hebrews 4:12). "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (or origin), for prophecy never came by the will of man but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit," (2 Peter 1:20,21).

I was interested to come across one Scripture which I hadn't noticed before, which says that the Scriptures will be the standard of judgement on the last day. "He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day," (John 12:48).

What About The Many Versions?

There are many versions or translations available, to suit every level of understanding and education. Since the major revisions of the Bible in the 1880's, over 100 new versions have become available. There have been several good reasons why new versions have been needed. One of the most important has been the changing use of words. Some of the versions available, such as the 'Good News' and the 'Living Bible,' are not actual translations but paraphrases. The intent is not to stay with the original meanings of words, but to use word pictures to get the same message across. This has especially benefited those for whom English is a second language.

God Can't Be Limited to One Version!

In summarising the issues involved in the multitude of versions and translations, I would say this; God can never be limited. Even a mis-translation of a version can still be used by God to touch people and to convict them of their sin and to show them their need of a Saviour. There is no evidence that shows God hid His true word for 1800 years and has only allowed this to be found in the past few decades. God's Word is eternal, and no man or government will thwart God's purposes. There used to be a bumper sticker around in the early 1980's which read "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it." It would be more accurate to read "God said it, and that settles it, whether I believe it or not."

Measuring Revelations by The Bible

God may speak to His believing people through prophetic words, visions, dreams and other revelations: but God speaks to all His people most surely through the Bible. All forms of revelation should be weighed against the Bible. These should be put aside if they don't measure up with the Scripture. Our leading for guidance and direction is best summed up by "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things: hold fast to what is good," (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).

So the Scripture - the written Word of God - is the supreme standard by which everything else should be judged and tested.

The Bible Explains "Why!"

Science may have answers to many questions, but that does not make the Bible irrelevant. Scientific explanations answer questions such as 'How?' But the ultimate question is 'Why?' and science cannot answer that. Science has many unproven theories which may differ from Scripture, but the God who created our world also wrote His Word truthfully. Many historical facts recorded in the Bible are now beginning to be proved by new finds in archeology etc.

There are those who teach that the church (or at least their denomination) is the final authority on matters of doctrine and life. All I can say is that the Word of God is infallible and trustworthy, and it is older and more accurate than any denominational church. The Bible is completely reliable and worthy of our reading, believing and obeying.

The Bible is not an idol. The Christian's only desire is to worship and glorify the Lord the Bible reveals. The key to understanding the Bible is Jesus Christ. The unbeliever has difficulty understanding the Bible, and may remain untouched by its message of life and salvation.

The Christian believer accepts the supernatural character of Scripture - it is self-evident. We meet God through its pages, and find pardon, new life and the assurance of eternal salvation. God's Word is true, and "...a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," (Psalm 119:105).

If you have never read the Bible, you may not be aware that God wants to speak to you through its pages. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Your Life is Jesus to Someone

Your Life is Jesus to Someone (Author Unknown)

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35

YOUR LIFE is Jesus to someone,
though tattered and torn it may be.
Though often times weak and unstable,
you're all of God someone will see.

YOUR TONGUE is Jesus to someone.
That idle, insensitive word
reflects to at least one searching heart
an idle, insensitive Lord.

YOUR GOALS are Jesus to someone.
What you put first, they believe,
are the goals of God for the Christian.
Your life is all they receive.

YOUR FAITHFULNESS... that's Jesus to someone.
Their judgment of how God is true,
rests unquestionably in the faithfulness
they see day by day in you.

YOUR LOVE is Jesus to someone --
that someone who is seeking to know
that Jesus will follow and guide and
befriend wherever in life they might go.

SO BEWARE lest others blaspheme God
by what you say or do,
for the only Jesus that someone may see
is the Jesus they see in you.

Reflective Thought

"A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching." - C.H. Spurgeon

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" - Ephesians 4:1-2

Soundness of Speech

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." Prov 12:16

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov15:1NIV)

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." (Prov15:1NLT)

"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire." (The Message)

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:18-20).

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Psalm 34: 4, 6).

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8
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Reflective Thoughts:

If you feel you have no faults......there's another one. ... If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them."

"Isn't it staggering when you think that one sermon on the day of Pentecost produced 3000 people? And we had some cities yesterday where 3000 sermons were preached and nobody was saved. And it doesn't even faze us." -Leonard Ravenhill
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A Gentle Answer (by Kerry S. Doyal)

A Fool-Proven Recipe for Caustic Relationships:

Take one cauldron of an angry person, Stir thoroughly with your own harsh responses, Yields scalding spillage, burns and pain.

As Proverbs 15:1 instructs:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (NIV)

When we encounter hotheads: Miss Miffed Molly & Ticked off Tommy, our response can change or charge the tone & interaction. We can add fuel by striking back, showing them who's all that. Or we defuse the ticking timebomb by wise, gentle replies."

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." (NLT)

How to keep an argument going:-

Don't ignore that comment said in anger - Forget forgiving; fire back - zing 'em good

Such is a scorched earth approach to relationships. You can watch the damaging flames of relational furry set in. Smart - real smart.

Or - Plan B - as in "Best":-

Absorb the cheap shot, the hurtful dig, the rude question - Swallow your pride & tongue as you pray for grace. - Speak peace, answer with gentleness, calmly, if at all

"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire." (The Message)

Prayer: "Lord, as you shut the mouths of the lions & protected Daniel, protect others by helping me keep mine shut. And, as you opened the tomb to bring life, may my open mouth bring healing and life to others in Jesus' name."

More Meaningful Mouth Musings from Prov. 15:

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
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Don't Retaliate - Show Underserved Respect!

Prov 12:14 “ From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him”

Most people that work hard realize that hard work not only feels good but also brings reward. Today's Fresh Manna verse says "From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him." It's saying that the work of learning to speak right words with a right heart and attitude is just as important as working hard with your hands or mind. The strenuous labor of speaking right and appropriate words when your emotions don't feel like it or when you just want to spew, promises great reward.

Prov 12:16 says, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."

Did you catch that?

The insult was hurled but the prudent man overlooked it. This person is looking much further than the annoyance. This person is looking through God's eyes of love at the big picture of life. They aren't letting themselves be controlled by the emotional stimulus of the moment. Love, forgiveness, godly perspective, and doing what is right are the core values of someone who keeps themselves in check. This person understands the power of giving respect to the one that doesn't deserve it and consequently, won't retaliate with insults. This person has learned let their words and response be respectful and represent God.

We grow in learning how to speak the truth in love. We learn to hold our emotions in check and keep a respectful attitude. We can't afford to forget that godly communication carries a learning curve. It's a process and takes hard work.

The joy is in knowing that in time, having respect for all people despite what they deserve becomes an instinctive part of your character over time and brings favor and blessing to your life.

Don't be impatience with your lack of success in your efforts to have respect for others. Don't forfeit the process and your efforts. Continue working at it till you get it down. And, don't lose sight of the reward and benefit of learning to speak the truth in love. It is one of the greatest aspects of maturity and will lead you to greater blessing, promotion, and harmony than you could have ever imagined.

Oh yes and one last benefit. You glorify God and influence others with your pattern of good behavior and godly speech!

As Titus 2:7-8 says, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Used with permission: Pastor Tim Burt - Fresh Manna for Tuesday, June 2, 2009 http://www.freshmanna.org
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Reflection Garden

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:10-12
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Intimacy with God

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The word beforehand refers to before the foundation of the world. What the apostle Paul is saying in this verse is that before we were ever born, God prepared good works for us to walk in them. God decided that we would be doing certain things.

Listen to that same verse from the Knox Translation, We are His design. God has created us in Christ Jesus, pledged to such good actions as He has prepared beforehand to be the employment of our lives. I like that.

Paraphrased, "You were designed with a unique purpose, and that is what you should be doing with your life."

In Philippians 3:12, Paul also states, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

The phrase "I press on" literally means "I pursue." What is it that Paul states he is pursuing?

He is pursuing his purpose.

On that Damascus road, Jesus laid hold of Saul of Tarsus, and He did it for a reason. There was a purpose involved. From the day that Jesus Christ laid hold of him, Paul's life became a progressive search to lay hold of the answer to the question, "God, why have You laid hold of me? What is my purpose?"

My point? You have a God-designed purpose in life!

Paul, in Philippians 3:10-12, gives us the other principle for discovering your purpose,

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Paul said, "I am pursuing my purpose," but it was a purpose based on knowing God.

Look at what he said in verse 10, That I may know Him.

The understanding of his purpose came out of that primary desire and pursuit of knowing God Himself and living in intimacy with Him.

Perhaps the most important thing you could do in your life right now is to just lock yourself away, grab your Bible, and go sit at the beach. Find that place of communion with God.

As you get to know Him, you will also discover your own heart and the dreams and desires that God put within you.

They are there. They may be covered with debris, they may be covered with dust, but they are there. You can find out what they are if you will develop that intimate relationship with God.
It is in closeness with God that His breath blows the dust off undiscerned and unrecognized purposes and dreams.

Source: By Bayless Conley - From Answers For Each Day - May 2009 http://www.answersbc.org/
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Reflective Thought: God is speaking today - can you hear what He is saying? Our daily bread is the Word of God - we cannot live off yesterday's manna. ..... The key to hearing the voice of God is learning to saturate and immerse ourselves in the presence of God. When we come into His presence, the rest simply happens. (Ivan Roman)

One of my favourite past times is to go to the local bush, park or beach for a walk with my family - whilst they take off on more strenuous parts of the walk I like to sit on a bench, rock or low wall & meditate on a scripture or quietly pray till they return. These moments are very precious & many a time I have had the company of birds, butterflies & some occasion’s kangaroos.

Below is a link to a beautiful & enjoyable idea 'Prayer Garden' that I came across recently - It would be enjoyed especially by those who are not so fortunate to go outside & for those who would like to spend some time in prayer & reflective thought on God's word. .

I suggest you do not rush as each page has something to click on! Be patient - take each step slowly & spend reflective time in prayer & reading scriptures:

1. Click on the link below (after point 8) when page opens read welcome message & quietly prepare heart for prayer & praise then enter the 'Prayer Garden' & enjoy!

2. Click on sign on gate & read direction & if able start singing & praising!

3. Click on key & drag to lock on gate - Unlock the door with the key - gate will swing open - Click on the little Lighting-bug and follow instructions.

4. When you get to the fountain click on each stone ... pray & reflect!

5. Click on cross read message & pray then follow Lighting-bug pause & reflect & click on each stick

6. Click on the lighting bug to continue to the Table - click on each scroll reflect & pray - then return to table

7. Click on Lighting-bug to continue to 'Journal' click on Key & burning pot reflect & pray!

8. Click on journal on bench before leaving or returning to fountain Enjoy!

Link below for Prayer for the Nations - Prayer Garden:
Click Here: - Prayer Garden

If link above does not work (cut & paste this link in your browser) go direct to http://www.theprayergarden.com/flash.htm

Skipping & Tripping

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NAS

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).
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That Skip-Over Verse - by Laura MacCorkle

Today's verse is one that I like to skip over in my Bible, even though it's highlighted. And underlined. And on a page that's dog-eared.You see, whenever I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,

I can't help but think: Really? Be joyful ALWAYS? And how am I supposed to pray CONTINUALLY? And give thanks in ALL circumstances? Who can do all of THAT?

I'm sure you probably have a verse or two that you really don't like to read or mull over either. But, conveniently, God has ordained it so that I've had many opportunities to put my skip-over verse into action just this past week ...

When I said "hello ... how are you doing?" in passing to an acquaintance and was greeted with a cold "hello" and a sharp "I'm fine" in response. Ouch. Where's the joy here? What did I do to deserve that kind of treatment? Why doesn't this person like me?

When funny, but certainly unkind, words flew out of my mouth at the expense of someone else and his feelings. Why, oh WHY, did I do that just so I could make fun of them? And feel better about myself? Obviously, I was not praying while saying.

When a friend's van, in which she had just pumped a couple thousand dollars for repairs a few weeks earlier was pronounced "dead" by mechanics. How could anyone be joyful in this type of circumstance? I want to greet these mechanics with a "holy punch" on her behalf. Argh!

When people are difficult just to be difficult and disagree with every factoid or opinion you might share. You say black. They say white. You say grey. They say plaid. Ugh! Am I supposed to be thankful for this? Isn't there some other way I can learn humility? 'Cause I'd be ever so grateful if it was a different circumstance, Lord.

What also stands out to me about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, is that each thought gets its own verse. I think that this week is the first time that has registered with me. It's almost as if Paul wanted to give specific emphasis to each way of living:

Be joyful always - Pray continually - Give thanks in all circumstances

These three directives were part of the "Final Instructions" section in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. He was reminding the church in Thessalonica of how God's people are to live and how our attitudes should not be affected by (or a result of) our circumstances.

This is a hard pill to swallow, folks. At least for me it is. Sure, it's easy to be joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all things when life is going great, when everyone is your best friend and when the blessings (usually material) are just raining on down.

But what about when you've had a week like I just did? How are you supposed to live like this?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).That's the key.

God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is the one who powers me and helps me to live in this way. And this is the kind of living that God wants for his children. It is his will for us, not our own. And it is that which is pleasing to him.

Please don't skip over 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 like I have a habit of doing.

Let it cause you to pause and take some time to assess your current attitude. What is it-or who is it-that's got you not joyful, not praying and not giving thanks?

Ask the Lord to soften your heart and change your attitude. He doesn't want to skip over you. And if you are willing, through YOU he can work wonders!
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God's Will: So Simple it's Hard by Shawn McEvoy

"God's will for my life"... how often have you pondered that notion? Studied it? Read untold books about it? Know people who torture themselves trying to locate it?

Well, here we have an obvious chunk of it, even compact and useful just as we like things to be, tucked away at the close of Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica.

"This is God's will for you...," it says.

Well, yes, it says that, and it sure is pretty - almost poetic - but is it deep enough? Shouldn't there be more? Is it practical?

Okay. Then let's go Old Testament. Prophetic. Action-oriented. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

It's still simple, still bunched in a group of three, still indicating that there's no big mystery way far out there which must be solved before we know how to act or decide, or how God wants us to act or decide. So why do we seek for more?

I think it's because the ridiculously simple, paradoxically enough, is ridiculously hard, and we know it.

G.K. Chesterton famously said, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried."

We could spend a lot of time discussing the ins-and-outs of how easy or hard God's will is, and where else in His Word we can find snippets of it. One woman from my Bible fellowship class is fond of asking during our lessons, "What does that look like?"

Let's ponder on that for a minute here.

The situation is this: you've been sent on a missionary journey via a clear calling from God. The resources were there, the people willing. You are leading your group through a city when you encounter a psychic who keeps taunting you. After a while, through calling on the name of Jesus you cast out the evil spirit within her. Hooray! Score one for the Lord, and your group! But alas, there is no praise here, because those who had been making some cash off the now-set-free woman's powers aren't happy with you. They drag your group before local law enforcement, have you beaten, and thrown into prison.

Hey now! At this point, I am saying, "God, this is NOT your will. YOU made it very clear we were to come on this trip, and we even did a miracle for you! Now we're injured, in jail... I don't even know how I'm going to get home much less continue to be effective for you from here! I want a telephone, I want a lawyer, and I want you to reveal your ACTUAL will, right now, and suffer no more discomfort while doing what you sent us to do!"And with that, my missionary journey would come to a close.

But not the Apostle Paul's, not as we have it recorded in Acts 16:16-40, which is one of my all-time favourite passages.

Paul, who knew God's will better than I, and practiced it, knew to "rejoice always."

And so, bloodied and with his feet in stocks, he sings. Seriously, he sings hymns of praise.

He also knew to "pray without ceasing," and so, in verse 25, that's exactly what you find - Paul and Silas praying... at midnight, even.

The missionaries on this journey got out of God's way by doing the simple things that God had willed for them to do, so that God was free to let fly with His own big, complex, miraculous will for everyone else. An earthquake shakes open the prison, snapping chains in the process. Prisoners, however, stay where they are. A jailer, about to kill himself, holds his sword, and moments later accepts Jesus into his heart. Then his family joins the flock, all because those he had persecuted chose to "love kindness."

At every step of the journey, Paul, Silas, and their companions chose to walk humbly, give thanks, and do what was just (speaking of which, once officially released, Paul did have some words of justice regarding their citizenship and treatment for the magistrates).

It's absolutely amazing to me the ways that God plans to accomplish His Will (big "W") on earth.

His will in my life has already been decided. It is my job to walk humbly, get out of the way, always be in prayer, always rejoicing no matter what situation I'm in.

But how often do we come back to the same situation, sitting in my car, simple traffic jam, me needing to be somewhere, telling God, "Did you not ordain that I should do such and such today? Or get this amount of work done so I can spend this amount of time with my family? Then this is on you unless you make such-and-such happen now!"

Sigh... how many miracles have I missed?

No, God's will for my life isn't difficult to know. It's just frustratingly hard to do if self is at the centre. And that's the crux of the very question itself, "What is God's will for MY life?"

Perhaps when we get out of the way, we shall see better.

How long will it take to learn the lesson that even if I know I am doing God's will it doesn't mean everything will appear to go smoothly along the way?

That there are purposes I either don't know or am unwilling to consider could be a part of inconvenience?

If you're like me, start learning today by making note of every story in the Bible that suffers a delay, interruption, inconvenience or other problem before the payoff.

(Hint: start with guys like Joseph, and Abraham...)

Source: Laura MacCorkle & Shawn McEvoy Senior Editors Crosswalk - May 5, 2009 Crosswalk Faith Update http://www.crosswalkmail.com/
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Reflective Thought: Jesus said, "People ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18: I).
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Weapons Of Warfare

Jewels to Meditate & Reflect upon:

* 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

* 2 Timothy 3:12-17 ESV

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go onfrom bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

* Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

* Psalm 86:11, NIV

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.

* Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.* "Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

* Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

* 1 Peter 1:25, KJV

But The Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

* John 14:26

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
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Weapons Of Warfare - The Word of God

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan (see Luke 4:1-13),

He overcame the devil using the one weapon of THE WORD OF GOD.

Rather than arguing directly with Satan's suggestions, as many Christians try to do, Jesus simply quoted the Word of God as it applied to the suggestion.

When Satan tried to suggest a course of action for Jesus to prove his divinity and simultaneously satisfy his hunger, Jesus answered,

"It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'" (Luke 4:4).

This silenced the enemy and ended the discussion on that point.

Jesus used the Word of God once for each of the three main temptations which every son of man must face.

These are: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Once we have overcome these fully, we have overcome Satan.

The apostle John wrote, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14).

We see then that we are called to grow up to the stage of being "young men", in whom the Word of God abides, and "no longer children, tossed about by every wind and wave of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).

It is when, through much study and meditation on the Word of God, that word comes to live in us, and consume our thoughts, that we will be strong in the Lord.

Jesus promised that if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will ask what we desire, and it will be done for us (John 15:7). This will include victory over Satan. Much more can be written on the power of the Word of God to overcome the devil. Make sure you get into the Word of God for yourself.

Source: Weapons Of Warfare (Part Message - 2004) - spiritual-warfare.net The rest of this message can be found in "Prayer Reflections" Archive 2006 -
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Accordion Christians

I recently heard a preacher (I've forgotten which one) speaking about what he called "accordion Christians".

Accordion Christians are the ones who fold under the least amount of pressure and make a lot of noise as they fold. I had never heard the expression before; I don't know if it is one of his originals, or just a regional expression I hadn't come across before. His remark was said a little tongue in cheek and there is some merit to it, but at the same time it is heart breaking.

You see many people in the church, and many of those who left the church who would fit that very description. Why do people who hear the life giving message of Jesus Christ and accept Him fall away from the truth?

Often times, it is because as other believers and as a church we have failed them. We treat salvation as the goal and not the entry point. As wonderful as being accepted by Father and forgiven of all our sins is, that's just the beginning of a life long journey.

Jesus sent us forth to gain new converts Matthew 28:19 NIV Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

But the commission doesn't stop there. We're called to teach them as well. Matthew 28:20 NIV and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

While the church is called to teach, individual members also we have an ongoing call from God to learn more about Him. The responsibility doesn't just fall to pastors and elders, we can't blame them alone; we must take responsibility for ourselves.

We need to learn what the Bible has to say for ourselves and share that with one another. We're called to go to God for wisdom.

James 1:5-8 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

That means more than just a quick prayer. It means reading and studying the Bible for yourself.

.......... Dig out the book and read it. Read it over and over until it makes sense.

Attend a solid Sunday school or Bible study and read some more. There is no reason to fold under pressure. God has equipped us for everything we will face in life. He is there to walk with us. We simply need to get familiar with His Word to understand better who He is and who we are in Him.

Grab the Bible, blow the dust off it and begin to see what God has to say. He has wonderful plans for your life; let Him tell you about them. There is power in the Word. There is wisdom in the Word. There is truth in the Word. There are promises for your life in the Word. I know I've said it before in other issues of Gleanings, but studying the Word is such a vital part of the Christian walk that it can never be over emphasized. Until next time, read the Word, READ the Word, READ THE WORD.

Used With Permission 2001-2009 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin, Gleanings From The Word Ministries International http:/gleaningsfromtheword.com Issue #3267
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The Word of Life - Patricia Lake

But The Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25, KJV

How wonderful and reassuring to know that in an age of shifting sands, crashing financial institutions and a crumbling economic climate, the Word of the Lord, in contrast, is strong, solid, reliable and dependable.

In the book of Samuel the Scriptures tell us that the word of God was precious in those days, because the sins of Eli's sons, and the consequent sins of the people, threatened to extinguish and annihilate all that was God-fearing in the nation. 'And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision' (1 Samuel 3:1). 'And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the LORD called Samuel:' (1 Samuel 3:3-4).

God preserved and protected the essence of His truth in the heart of one who was willing to listen to his Word, even though a child, and speak the Word of His truth and subsequently turn the nation of Israel from their waywardness. God always has a remnant.

To the prophet Zechariah, God said 'But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers?' (Zechariah 1:6).

His Word is for today! - it is arresting and transforming; but it also transcends the generations and endures forever. This is why Jesus encourages us to build our house (our lives) on His Word, because the storms of life - not to mention the ravages of sin - would surely take their toll if we built on the wrong foundation.

This Word which is sharper than any two edged sword, will correct us when we are wrong, it will stop us in our tracks, and will guide our foot steps along the precarious pathway of life with all its pitfalls. And finally, if we heed its instructions and cautions, it will deliver us safely to our destination. It's this Word that still sustains the laws of the universe, so you know you can depend on it!

Today, whatever difficulties, uncertainties or disappointments you are facing, - know this - His Word will be a lamp unto your feet, and a lightunto your path (Psalm 119:105) - because Christ Himself is The Word - the solid rock, reliable and dependable. No sinking sands!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your Word. Help me to always remember that living according to your Word is the safest and most dependable way to live. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Devotional from Ellel Ministries International - Seeds of The Kingdom - Today's Writer : Patricia Lake www.seedsofthekingdom.com
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Learning from Trees, by Alan Smith

The following (edited) ideas are entitled "All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees." The author is not known to me.

It's important to have roots. - In today's complex world, it pays to branch out. - If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.- Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows. - Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. - Grow where you're planted. - It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer. - Avoid people who would like to cut you down. - You can't hide your true colours! - It's more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in the very first Psalm:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV).

The Psalmist says that a godly person is like a tree in three very important ways.

First, he is planted -- he's got his roots put down deep, he's fortified, stable.

Second, he bears fruit -- he develops godlike qualities in his character and life.

Third, he doesn't wither -- he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities of a tree planted by the rivers of water.

(c) 2008 Alan Smith Used by permission. This devotional was reprinted from Thought for the Day http://www.TFTD-online.com
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Reflective Thought: Serving but Starving (A Word With You by Ron Hutchcraft)

One day I was talking with the owner of a local pizza restaurant; a place where I am known all too well. I was there at the tail end of their rush hour, and let me tell you, this place is a zoo for about 90 minutes around noon.
It was slowing down and the owner finally was able to stop to talk with me. When he asked me how I was doing, I said, "Well, I'm doing a lot better now. I had lunch!" The owner said, "I know what you mean. If I wait very late to eat lunch, I start to get shaky." I told him, "Well, I guess you're in a good place then."

Actually, he corrected me. He said, "Sometimes we are so busy serving it that we don't have time to eat it ourselves!"

A lot of us have experienced what my restaurant owner friend was talking about - being so busy serving that we don't have any time to get fed ourselves - spiritually, that is. Hey, it happened to Martha, didn't it? It's happened to me way too often, and probably to you, too.

Martha's experience is described in Luke 10:38, our word for today from the Word of God.

"Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'

"Now, Martha's busy serving Jesus. Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to Him. Which is better?

Most of us make-it-happen, get-it-done types would instinctively gravitate to the doing stuff rather than the being stuff. But Jesus says, "Mary has chosen what is better."

I think we've all been Martha-ed...maybe you are right now. You get so busy serving Jesus that you have no time to be with Jesus. It's like my pizza friend. We're so busy serving spiritual food to others that we're actually eating less of it ourselves.

Now that's backwards! The more people are looking to you, the more you have to be with the Lord yourself.

But, frankly, it's easy to let your spiritual health become a victim of ministry. In fact, serving God's Word without experiencing God yourself is a prescription for burnout!

There's a danger in studying God's truth only to prepare lessons, Bible studies, sermons and missing the purpose of studying it, which is to have your life changed through applying it to your everyday life. There's a danger of becoming someone who leads others to experience the Lord while you're slowly becoming a spectator yourself. And you can so fill your life with Christian meetings, Christian positions, and Christian activity that it feels like knowing the Lord.

BUT, in fact, those activities have slowly crowded out that precious private time with Jesus. And that time is the fuel for any valid ministry!

So you may be serving others while starving yourself. Soon that's going to lead to a Martha Meltdown.

Ministry is supposed to be the overflow of your own time with the Lord, not a righteous substitute for it.
So if you feel yourself growing weak and tired, frustrated, and negative while you're serving your Lord, don't blame the work and don't blame the customers.

You probably have not taken time to feed yourself spiritually - to really be with Jesus. You don't want to lose your closeness to Jesus in the middle of serving Jesus.
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Revival is not some emotion or worked-up excitement; it is rather an invasion from heaven which brings a man to a consciouis awareness of God." Steven Olford.
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There is a secret place inside us where God dwells. When we abide with Him in the Spirit in that secret place, we will see the evidence of His presence with us.

"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High God, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

We have the greatest calling to fulfill in all the universe: to live for and with Christ.

We are not expected to attain Christ's likeness without God's power living and working through us. We can do nothing without living every moment under the shadow of the Almighty. His shadow is the shelter of His presence, and we can abide with Him there if we dwell in the secret place.

The secret place is not a physical place like it was in Samuel's day. Our secret place is in our own hearts.

We can go anywhere and still focus on Him in our spirit and be in the secret place of the Most High. We might be at work, yet we can enter into the presence of the Lord by simply going to the quiet place in our spirit and find Him there waiting for us. It is in this place where the Lord speaks and we listen.

Source: Victoria Boyson (part message) Friendship with God Speaking Life Ministries
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Under His Shadow Pam Smith

I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Song of Solomon 2:4, NKJ

Fruit grows in our lives when we sit under the Lord's shadow, in a position to receive. It's fruit from a relationship with Him. It's for others to enjoy but it's the fruit of His love to us. His love brings joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22).

He makes our lives sweet. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Do you delight in being under the Lord's shadow? Or are you sometimes too busy. I know I am.

Yet when I come and sit in that place and I don't rush away, I wonder why on earth I didn't come sooner because the fruit is so sweet.The Lord always gives me something fresh when I sit there. His mercies are new every morning and He makes 'all things new'. He gives me that childlike awe of discovering something beautiful that He's revealing in my life or in His Word.

A fruitful life is like the snowdrops, the blossoms of snow that appear in Spring and cover the ground. Or it's like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water - a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.

We are told we need at least five portions of fruit a day to help keep physically healthy. God's fruit keeps us healthy in spirit and full of life.

Song of Solomon 4:16 says, 'Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits.' Some of the fruit that the Lord grows in our lives is just for Him alone to enjoy and receive the glory. I wonder what the twelve kinds of fruit are on the Tree of Life that we read about in Revelation 22:2. It has a new crop every month, with leaves that will heal the nations. But I do know that 'eye has not seen, nor ear heard what wonderful things the Lord is preparing for those that love Him'.

Prayer: Lord, may I take great delight as I draw close to You. Help me to grow the sort of fruit in my garden that You will enjoy. Amen.
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A Promise to remember: You Look Great - By: Dr. Harvey Schneider

For a number of years I was employed as a salesman. I sold products used for filtration to plants producing edible oils, paper, fertilizers, juices, solids recovered from sewerage and many other industries that work with solid / liquid separation.There were fourteen southeastern states in my territory.

Most Sunday evenings I packed a suitcase with a week's worth of clothes and on most Monday mornings left the house in my car to make sales calls. Friday late afternoon I would return home and spent the weekends with the family.

Each year I spent roughly seventy thousand miles in a car on the road. Having just become a Christian when I took the sales job it was a time of real spiritual growth since I listened to sermons on cassette tapes and Christian radio while driving from plant to plant.

Evenings in motels were filled with Bible reading and Bible study. As I read and had questions about what I had read I found that Jesus' promise that He would send the Comforter to His disciples after He went to be with His Father was still true.

One evening in a motel room I discovered the promise; "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

I prayed, "Father, thank you for Jesus/ promise that the Comforter, your Holy Spirit, will teach me, one of His disciples, all things and help me to remember what He has taught me."

.I found after believing that promise that when I had a question that the Holy Spirit would speak to me giving me answers when I asked questions about my Bible reading. If you have never claimed the promise of John 14:26 and John 15:26 I suggest you do it now.

One Friday morning in Florida as I got dressed, I was looking forward to making the day's sales calls and getting home that night and spending the weekend with the family.

As I put on the last shirt from the suitcase I noted that the collar and cuffs were frayed and that it should have been discarded and put in the rag bag. As I looked at the tie in the mirror as I tied it I noticed that there was a food stain on it and thought that it too would need to be cleaned or discarded. As I slipped on my blazer the button came off in my hand as I buttoned it "What a sorry salesman you are today," I thought.

When I got to the motel checkout the young man behind the desk said, "My, don't you look spiffy today."

As he processed the check out I mentally questioned his intelligence believing that I perhaps should go straight home without making any calls.

The voice of the Holy Spirit said, "This is the way you will be greeted in heaven. 'Don't you look good today.'
"It really got my attention. As God's friend, although clothed in the rags of my unrighteousness, He would see me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus and there is nothing better then that.

I left the lobby almost walking on air buoyed up as an overcomer knowing that it was going to be a great day.It is not our worldly clothing that our friends and the Lord see. It is our spiritual clothing provided by the blood of Jesus that brings the comment, "My, you look good today!"

Source: A MOMENT TO CONSIDER Servant Soldiers Ministries Daphne, Alabama MexSchneiders@ServantSoldiers.com
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Believe God's Word in Your Heart and Confess it with Your Mouth The Lord told Joshua: "Be strong and courageous and be careful to do everything that is written in God's word. Don't turn to the left or the right" (Joshua 1:7).

If God's Word says, "Sin shall not have the mastery over you," (Rom.6:14), believe it and confess it. Don't turn to the left or the right. That means: Don't reduce the breadth of that promise. Don't reduce it to include only some sins. At the same time, don't make it to mean more than what it says. Don't say that we can be as perfect as Christ was, on this earth. We cannot be sinlessly perfect on this earth. That is not what that promise says. It is referring only to victory over what we know to be sin (conscious sin). We can be fully like Christ only when He returns. 1 John 3:2 is very clear on that. So let's not go beyond Scripture, and let's not believe less than what Scripture promises. Becoming like Christ can be compared to occupying the whole land of Canaan or to climbing a very high mountain. When we are converted, our sins are forgiven and our past is blotted out. But we are still enslaved by many sins. We could compare it to coming to the foot of this mountain. Then we begin to climb this mountain. The top of the mountain is perfect likeness to Christ. We will reach there only when Christ returns. But we don't have to live at the foot of the mountain defeated by sin - perpetually. No. The Bible says, "Let us press on to perfection" (Heb.6:1).

We are exhorted in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to "perfect holiness in the fear of God."

We should not be afraid of the word, "perfection". We must press on to it. Paul said towards the end of his life, "I have not yet reached the top. But I am pressing on" (Phil.3:12-14).

The Lord is now saying to many of us, "You have stayed at the foot of this mountain long enough. Now climb it. Press on." So let's not turn to the left or to the right.

"This book of God's word shall not depart from your mouth" (Joshua 1:8). We should have God's word in our heart. Here we see that we also need to have it in our mouth. We must confess the promises of God's Word with our mouths.

The trouble with many Christians today is that they are confessing the things they are lusting after. They say, "I confess that I will get a large house. I confess that I will get a better job. I confess that I will get a good car"!!

Instead of confessing all that, let us confess God's Word: "Lord, I confess that I will overcome anger. I confess that I will overcome lusting with my eyes completely. I confess that I will overcome the love of money." These are the things that we should be confessing with our mouths. But the Devil doesn't want us to confess these. And so he makes us confess our lust for material things.

You can't build the church with people who are interested in material things. You can build the church only with people who are interested in heavenly things and a godly life. Don't attract the wrong type of people to your church by offering people earthly prosperity. Does God's word promise you that He will give you a house or a car? No.

God's Word promises that you can overcome sin, that you can come into a life where you rejoice in the Lord always - 24 hours a day - without being depressed, discouraged or defeated - always triumphant, always rejoicing and always giving thanks, in everything and for all people. This is the new covenant life (Canaan's land flowing with milk and honey) that the Bible promises.

Confess it then and say, "Lord, this is the life I want to live all my days."

That's the life I wanted to live, when I was a young Christian and saw what the Bible offered me. But when I looked at the Christian leaders around me, I saw that they were defeated by sin. So I said, "Lord, I don't want to judge them. That's not my business. But I don't want to look at them as my examples either. I want to look at God's Word alone. I want to look only at Your promises. I want to look at Jesus as my only Example."

I was defeated for many years as a believer. But once I saw my inheritance in Christ, I kept on confessing the promises of God in Scripture - that promised me a life of constant joy and constant victory.

God finally gave me the desire of my heart. That is how I want to live now, and that is how I want to live when I am 70, when I am 80 and when I am 90 - until the end of my life.

So don't let God's promises depart from your mouth. If you preach this message, you may find at times that you are a lone voice for God in the midst of popularity-seeking preachers. Don't get discouraged. God will stand by you until the end.

Joshua was commanded to meditate on God's Word day and night.We are not to meditate on the need of the heathen. That looks like a good thing to meditate on. But you can't help those heathen, if you don't meditate on God's Word day and night. God promised Joshua both prosperity and success, if he did that (Joshua 1:8). The real "prosperity gospel" is one where our lives become prosperous and successful in a heavenly and spiritual way. 'Prosperity and success' are the two things that everyone in the world seeks for. But they don't seek for these in the way God says in Joshua1:8.

Source: Zac Poonen WORD FOR THE WEEK 8 February 2009 Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore, India http://www.cfcindia.com
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An undivided heart

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name. Psalm 86:11, NIV

What a prayer! It's a prayer about God's ways, God's truth, and it's about God's desire for my heart and yours.

It's a prayer that God will definitely answer, because it's the way He wants me to live.

To learn God's ways and to walk in God's truth is all about lifestyle. It's ongoing transformation - by having my mind renewed. Then my daily decisions can line up with God's will and purposes more and more. It's the way to freedom.

An undivided heart is a heart fully committed to God and to His will. An undivided heart is set on God and is willing to submit to Him in complete surrender. It's a heart like the heart of Jesus, who loved the Father and only did what the Father commanded Him (John 14:31). Jesus is seated on the throne of the undivided heart and He reigns there as Lord. True love, obedience and service can only come from an undivided heart.

We are told, 'love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength' (Deut 6:5).

Love for God must be exclusive. It can't be shared with other gods. He alone is worthy of the highest devotion and praise. This kind of love is a response from the heart that has experienced the wonder of God's unconditional love. God doesn't simply love in words - His love has been expressed to the fullest extent in the sacrifice of His Son Jesus.

We are told 'Obey the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul' (Deuteronomy 30:2).

In the Bible true obedience is not forced - it's the fruit of love. Real obedience is sometimes costly; it takes risks and leaves the consequences to God. Jesus said, 'If you love me you will obey what I command' (John 14:15).

We are told 'Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul' (Deuteronomy 10:12).

This is service which is rooted in love for God and obedience to God. Service from an undivided heart has nothing to do with striving, nor does it seek recognition or reward. It springs from a living relationship of love and obedience with the living God. Do you have an undivided heart, or are there areas in you which need to be re-committed to the Lord?

Prayer: Today, Lord, please give to me an undivided heart to love You, obey You and serve You in the way You desire. Amen.

Devotional from Ellel Ministries International - Seeds of The Kingdom - Today's Writer : Margaret Silvester www.seedsofthekingdom.com
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