Stand Fast

Stand Fast

God only knows
God makes His plans
The information's unavailable
To the mortal man
We're working our jobs
Collect our pay
Believe were gliding down the highway
When in fact we're slip slidin' away

Those are the words of Paul Simon. A rather cynical perspective, wouldn't you say? God, powerful as He may be, is removed from the affairs of all of us little people. He doesn't speak to us, hasn't the courtesy to even let us in on His big plan. We simply glide down the highway of life, uninformed, unaware of the profound reality. Life is just slip sliding away. . .so the song goes. Deal with it.

This song could melt some of us into a puddle of melancholy goo. But before we run to the freezer to soothe our inner angst with a pint of Häagan Dazs, we need to hear the words of another Paul.

 "Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved" (Philippians 4:1 NKJV).

How can you stand fast when at times your life feels like it is completely out of control?

Let me answer that question with another question.

 How do you think Paul the Apostle could have the stability to endure all those beatings, storms at sea, stonings, shipwrecks, cold, hunger, attacks against his authority, attacks against his message, attacks against his integrity, and still be a rock?

He gives us the answer in verse 20 of the previous chapter.

"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (NIV).

Okay. . .if that doesn't blow your mind, you didn't get it. Read it again. . .Our citizenship is in heaven!

• And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!
• who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
• will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like his glorious body!

God is able with His power to bring everything under His control! That is how you stand firm in shaky places. You, right down to your littlest concerns, are under His control. So you can take your hands off the steering wheel!

In the big and small things we face in life, no matter if it is a crisis or a petty quarrel, when seen in the context of the hugeness of the universe—and the God who hangs the stars in space and also loves you—this truth should have a stabilizing effect.

If not, perhaps it is because you haven't really believed it is true.

Can you see your life in the view of God's ultimate big picture?

Until you do, you won't have the inner stability to stand firm.

Maybe you need to step outside your front door and look up at the night sky and the vastness of space. If you can see the Big Dipper or Venus, let it thrill you.

Or simply google the Hubble telescope and gaze at the images of the universe. Think about how great and powerful this God is who has etched you on the palms of His hands!

• Remember who you are in Christ.
• Remember all Christ has done for you.
• Remember where you are headed.

Source: Cathe Laurie Harvest Ministries

THE SKINNY ON THE BIBLE

I have posted the link below as found this short movie illustrates how many view reading the bible. May it bless you & inspire you to be encouraged to read God's word.
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THE SKINNY ON THE BIBLE

Skit Guys - Mini-Movies

At the center of our faith is a book that tells the story of God and his activity in the lives of men and women throughout history–yet everyone seems to have their own unique perspective on it.

http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/17213/The-Skinny-On-The-Bible

Because He Loved Us!

"Still He Walked" (By Carrie McCutcheon)

He could hear the crowds screaming "crucify,"

"crucify". . .
He could hear the hatred in their voices,
These were His chosen people. He loved them,
And they were going to crucify Him.
He was beaten, bleeding and weakened . . .

His heart was broken,
But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as He came from the palace.
He knew each of the faces so well. He had created them.
He knew every smile, laugh, and shed tear,
But now they were contorted with rage and anger . . .

His heart broke,
But still He walked.

His disciples had left, denied, and even betrayed Him.
He searched the crowd for a loving face and He saw very few.
Then He turned His eyes to the only One that mattered
And He knew that He would never be alone.
He looked back at the crowd,
At the people who were spitting at Him,
Throwing rocks at Him and mocking Him, and He knew
That because of Him, they could be forgiven and never be alone.
So for them, He walked.

The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through the crowd.
The sounds of His cries echoed even louder,
The cheers of the crowd, as His hands and feet
Were nailed to the cross, intensified with each blow.
Loudest of all was the still small voice
Inside His heart that whispered "I am with You, My Son",
And God's heart broke.
He had let His Son walk.

Jesus could have asked God to end His suffering,
But instead He asked God to forgive;
Not to forgive Him,
But to forgive the ones who were persecuting Him.
As He hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,
He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,
But also, the face of every person yet to be,
And His heart filled with love.
As His body was dying, His heart was alive.
Alive with the limitless, unconditional love He feels for each of us.
That is why He walked.

When I forget how much my God loves me,
I remember His walk.

When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
I remember His walk.

When I need reminder of how to live like Christ,
I think of His walk.

And to show Him how much I love Him,
I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to Him,
And I walk.

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Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."

Malachi 3:3

Malachi 3:3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered,

"Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

A Good Question!

TWO WOLVES (Author Unknown)

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil -

It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good -

It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

"Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
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Our Caring Shepherd

Our Caring Shepherd is Always Beside Us In Our Pain

"As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness." (Ezekiel 34:12)

Scripture is full of images of Jesus as a Shepherd. Psalm 23 has its calming tones. We read in Luke 15 how a shepherd will seek out one of his lambs gone astray and rejoices when it is found. Though often linked with the principle of salvation, this parable can be applied to any of the Lord's own who have gone to seek other pastures.

With this Ezekiel verse, new thoughts came to my mind. I meditated on the challenges that many of us face when we are dwelling with our caring Shepherd, trusting Him and clinging to Him for our strength.

The Lord has countless followers, sheep who depend on Him to meet their needs. In this way, because there are so many, they are scattered – meaning they cover the whole earth. Not one is missed by His watchful eyes even if some choose to wander off.

Those who remain true and do not roam can be crushed with the cares within. These showed up when the day of clouds and darkness sent these sheep into dwelling places unimaginable. Did the Shepherd make some mistake? No.

What I recognize as I read this verse is that our "rescue" is not from our wandering off, nor that we are in need of salvation. Rather we are in specific need of being released from the feelings that can overcome – despair, false guilt, self-condemnation – the things that can bring shadows that may seem to block out the sun of the Shepherd's care.

He is ever near, looking out for each of us as He understands our deepest needs. He is so pleased when we choose to stay near him as well.

Prayer: I lay down in your pasture of care, dear Lord. Help me to receive the light of your love that is ever present. May it shine through any cloud that tries to invade the space that only You can fill. Amen.

About the Author: Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 27 years of living with daily physical challenges. ~~~~~~~~~~

A New Look At Psalm 23

"The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush. . ." (Psalm 23:1, Japanese Translation) Would you like to take a new look at Psalm 23? So often we open up our Bible and the words blur past us. When our heart is hurting or our body is in pain, we can quickly skip over certain passages, such as the words for the 23rd Psalm, because we think we know them already and that we won't get anything fresh out of them today to offer encouragement. It's time like this looking at another translation can help us slow down and look again at certain scriptures. Below are the words to the 23rd Psalm. It was recently read to us and one of my womens retreats, and this translation from the Japanese Bible gives Psalm 23 meaning. In fact, it describes exactly what we need t do with scripture! "He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity." I hope you are blessed as well and that it gives you a new explanation of the 23rd Psalm. Words for Psalm 23 The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush; He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity, He leads me in the ways of efficiency through calmness of mind, And His guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for His presence is here, His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance, He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity, By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility. My cup of joyous energy overflows, Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours, For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house for ever. Author: Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries http://www.restministries.org/

Source: From 'Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals - http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com/

Drink Plenty of Water!

Drink Plenty of Water! (Author Unknown)

I've heard it. I've read it. As long as I have been running, it's always been the same message: "drink plenty of water."

All along most race courses are water stations, and most runners slow down to drink a cup of cool water. Keeping your water level up is critical when you run. If you get slightly dehydrated, you will not run well. If you get moderately dehydrated, you will become disoriented. If you get seriously dehydrated, you can die. It's serious business.

The first year I ran was 1991, and I was inexperienced (also younger, slimmer, stupider, etc.) I passed water stop after water stop, occasionally drinking a swallow or two. I felt good, and I wasn't going to waste precious seconds drinking water, even though it was a hot, humid day.

Big mistake. As I neared the final mile, I "hit the wall." My energy level dropped to zero, I began having to walk some, and I realized I would have to work hard just to finish. I did make it across the line, but only with a tremendous headache and hardly enough energy to walk. It was not much fun.

I learned an important lesson that year. Stopping for water doesn't actually slow you down. In fact, you will run a better race if you do drink water. The bottom line is that your body is simply not designed to function without water.

In the same way, your spiritual stamina depends on stopping for regular drinks of "spiritual water." The dilemma for busy believers is finding time to invest in reading the Word and meeting with God in prayer. Like the runner intent on reaching the finish line, we tend to put off those regular drinks of water until we are totally parched.

But in the long run, you will run a better race if you will stop for spiritual water. In fact, finishing the Christian race at all may depend on it. And runners who don't ever slow down to take a drink often stumble off the course far short of the finish line.

In this year's race, I saw a man become dehydrated just a mile from the finish. Strangely, he didn't seem to recognize that anything was wrong. He was swaying from side to side as he walked, mumbling over and over, "I'm fine. I'm fine." He was so disoriented that he didn't even recognize his own sick condition.

If you let yourself become spiritually dehydrated, you may not even be able to recognize it. Stop today to drink some cool "living water." For serious runners, it's a must.
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