2 Corinthians 4:4
"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4
In the book The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, a devil briefs his demon nephew, Wormwood, in the subtleties and techniques of tempting people. Through the letters the devil says that the objective is not to make people wicked but to make them indifferent. Satan cautions Wormwood that he must keep the patient comfortable at all costs. If he should start thinking about anything of importance, encourage him to think about his luncheon plans and not to worry so much because it could cause indigestion.
And then the devil gives this instruction to his nephew: "I, the devil, will always see to it that there are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with people who do not care."2
And perhaps, just perhaps, Wormwood is having profound success among far too many Christians in the West today, for only a small percentage give of their time, their talents, and their tithe to God for his work on earth—and even fewer give or do anything for world missions and for reaching the lost around the world with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ.
And so the devil is still delighted with the work of Wormwood.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please forgive me for and deliver me from the sin of indifference and that of not caring for the needs of the destitute and the homeless, the persecuted church in other lands, and my lost neighbors across the street and around the world. Please help me to love you and to love others as you loved and gave yourself for me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
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Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Jeremiah 31:3
Jeremiah 31:3
"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3
I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important to me," and so on.
I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.
I love to tell how, early one morning about 5AM, I slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleep—as he looked like an angel—so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in all sincerity, "Is that you, God!?"
I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "No, it's not God, but he sent me to tell you that."
On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?"
As quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part of God's eternal plan."
And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why we are here on earth.
And as God wanted my son to know that he is loved by God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven't already done so, I trust and pray that you will realize this today!
For help to accept God's love and forgiveness click on: www.actsweb.org/articles for the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian—without having to be religious."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or hindering my being fully open to your love. Help me to accept your love and, in turn, communicate it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."
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"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3
I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important to me," and so on.
I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.
I love to tell how, early one morning about 5AM, I slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleep—as he looked like an angel—so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in all sincerity, "Is that you, God!?"
I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "No, it's not God, but he sent me to tell you that."
On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?"
As quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part of God's eternal plan."
And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why we are here on earth.
And as God wanted my son to know that he is loved by God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven't already done so, I trust and pray that you will realize this today!
For help to accept God's love and forgiveness click on: www.actsweb.org/articles for the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian—without having to be religious."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or hindering my being fully open to your love. Help me to accept your love and, in turn, communicate it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."
ImageGraphy.blogspot.com
ImagesEver.blogspot.com
Awesome Poems
Google.com/site/UyirKavithai
Picasaweb.google.com/BALAatCount
Mark 9:23-24
Mark 9:23-24
1. Self-Belief
1. Self-Belief
Jesus said, "'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" Mark 9:23-24
Today I want to talk about having a healthy (not conceited) belief in yourself and in God's purpose for you.
Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known author and psychologist says, "An individual's self-concept [what he believes about himself] is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, the choice of friends, mates and careers. It's no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image [self-belief] is the best possible preparation for success in life."
A healthy self-belief is not an egotistic "I'm the greatest" attitude. Such an attitude is self-deception and a cover for deep insecurity and self-unbelief. Believing in yourself includes knowing and accepting your weaknesses as well as your strengths and believing with God's help that you can overcome your weaknesses and develop and use your strengths.
One very successful woman, a well-known entertainer, didn't have much going for her. She would never have won a beauty contest and at age 38 was living on welfare. After reading Claude Briston's, The Magic of Believing, and beginning to believe in herself, Phyllis Diller's life took a dramatic turn. One gift she had was the ability to make people laugh. Once she believed this, she didn't allow what she didn't have to stop her using what she did have.
Jimmie Durante was another entertainer who wouldn't have made a fortune with his looks. But he capitalized on his weakness and turned it into one of his greatest strengths. He didn't focus on his physical attributes—what he didn't have—but on his strengths—what he did have—and put these to good use because he believed he could.
You and I can do the same.
For an even stronger and healthier sense of self-belief know that no matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally and unconditionally, wants to forgive your every sin and wrongdoing, and has a God-given purpose for your life that he wants you to fulfill! All I ask is that you believe in yourself exactly the same as God believes in you.2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have a wonderful purpose for my life. Thank you, too, that you believe in me in that you never expect me to do more or less than what you have planned for me to do. Like the father in today's Scripture text, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Dale Carnegie writes, "If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they possess, they would stop worrying. Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars … or your two legs … or your hands … or your hearing? Add up what you do have, and you'll find that you won't sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours if you can appreciate yourself."
Years ago when I was a student in Chicago and driving a CTA passenger bus in the summer, I was greeted by a very refined elderly woman passenger who tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, you're a millionaire!" That was news to me because I was working three jobs at once to put myself through college. However, after a pause, the lady continued, "You have your health!"
She had a good point. Counting our blessings, as Carnegie suggests, is not going to take away our problems but it certainly can help us handle them much better—especially if we daily give God thanks in (not for) every circumstance—good or bad.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to daily count my blessings and give me a thankful heart for all of these—especially when, instead of keeping my eyes on you, I look at my problems and start worrying about what I am going to do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Dale Carnegie writes, "If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they possess, they would stop worrying. Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars … or your two legs … or your hands … or your hearing? Add up what you do have, and you'll find that you won't sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours if you can appreciate yourself."
Years ago when I was a student in Chicago and driving a CTA passenger bus in the summer, I was greeted by a very refined elderly woman passenger who tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, you're a millionaire!" That was news to me because I was working three jobs at once to put myself through college. However, after a pause, the lady continued, "You have your health!"
She had a good point. Counting our blessings, as Carnegie suggests, is not going to take away our problems but it certainly can help us handle them much better—especially if we daily give God thanks in (not for) every circumstance—good or bad.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to daily count my blessings and give me a thankful heart for all of these—especially when, instead of keeping my eyes on you, I look at my problems and start worrying about what I am going to do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Monday, May 4, 2009
Joshua 1:7-8
"Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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."
Brett Blair wrote, "A few years ago … [Mr. X, a well-known media personality] made headlines when he said the Ten Commandments were obsolete. He went on to say, 'We're living with outmoded rules. The rules we're living under are the Ten Commandments, and I bet nobody here even pays much attention to 'em, because they are too old. When Moses went up on the mountain, there were no nuclear weapons, there was no poverty. Today, the Ten Commandments wouldn't go over. Nobody around likes to be commanded. Commandments are out.'
"Mr. X then modestly offered his own version which he called the 'Ten Voluntary Initiatives.' … Listen to his first two: #1, 'I promise to love and respect planet Earth and all living things on the earth, especially my fellow species.' Not bad. #2, 'I promise to treat all persons everywhere with dignity, respect and friendliness.' What was intriguing about this second Initiative was that he violated it a few minutes later by bashing Christians. He called us losers and bozos. He later apologized." (Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com, Oct. 2002. Adapted from a sermon by Dr. David E. Leininger.)
Could you imagine the State calling the laws of the road: "Voluntary Initiatives"? Half of us would be dead or maimed for life already.
Some time ago someone said the following about Nietzsche who declared that God was dead:
Nietzsche: "God is dead."
God: "Nietzsche is dead."
Mr. X will also go the way of all such "prophets" as will all who discard the Ten Commandments and God's universal moral laws.
In America today (as in many other parts of the world) many "believe that there are no 'moral absolutes.' Many hold to a philosophy of 'moral relativism.' One poll found that 67% of Americans do not believe in moral absolutes. Among 'Baby Busters', those born between 1965 and 1983, the percentage was even higher at 78%. Even 62% of professing Christians said that there was no absolute standard of right and wrong. (Alan Carr, Sermon: "Ten Commandments." From www.eSermons.com.)
We have taken God's Word and prayer out of our schools. Many are trying to do away with and prohibit any public display of the Ten Commandments. Others are determined to take the words "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance. These same people sarcastically ask Christians when we see senseless violence, random shootings, vicious killings, and acts of terrorism, "Where is your God now?"
God is where he always was and is. It is we who have left God and discarded his commandments, and we are reaping what we have sown.
"James Madison, the 4th President of the United States said this, 'We stake the future of this country on our ability to govern ourselves under the principles of the Ten Commandments.' " (Ibid.)
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your commandments and your universal moral laws which are for our safety, protection, and survival. Help us as a nation to see that we have sown the wind and are reaping a whirlwind. Please have mercy on us and send us a great awakening and a revival of the Spirit that we so desperately need. And start you work in me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Brett Blair wrote, "A few years ago … [Mr. X, a well-known media personality] made headlines when he said the Ten Commandments were obsolete. He went on to say, 'We're living with outmoded rules. The rules we're living under are the Ten Commandments, and I bet nobody here even pays much attention to 'em, because they are too old. When Moses went up on the mountain, there were no nuclear weapons, there was no poverty. Today, the Ten Commandments wouldn't go over. Nobody around likes to be commanded. Commandments are out.'
"Mr. X then modestly offered his own version which he called the 'Ten Voluntary Initiatives.' … Listen to his first two: #1, 'I promise to love and respect planet Earth and all living things on the earth, especially my fellow species.' Not bad. #2, 'I promise to treat all persons everywhere with dignity, respect and friendliness.' What was intriguing about this second Initiative was that he violated it a few minutes later by bashing Christians. He called us losers and bozos. He later apologized." (Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com, Oct. 2002. Adapted from a sermon by Dr. David E. Leininger.)
Could you imagine the State calling the laws of the road: "Voluntary Initiatives"? Half of us would be dead or maimed for life already.
Some time ago someone said the following about Nietzsche who declared that God was dead:
Nietzsche: "God is dead."
God: "Nietzsche is dead."
Mr. X will also go the way of all such "prophets" as will all who discard the Ten Commandments and God's universal moral laws.
In America today (as in many other parts of the world) many "believe that there are no 'moral absolutes.' Many hold to a philosophy of 'moral relativism.' One poll found that 67% of Americans do not believe in moral absolutes. Among 'Baby Busters', those born between 1965 and 1983, the percentage was even higher at 78%. Even 62% of professing Christians said that there was no absolute standard of right and wrong. (Alan Carr, Sermon: "Ten Commandments." From www.eSermons.com.)
We have taken God's Word and prayer out of our schools. Many are trying to do away with and prohibit any public display of the Ten Commandments. Others are determined to take the words "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance. These same people sarcastically ask Christians when we see senseless violence, random shootings, vicious killings, and acts of terrorism, "Where is your God now?"
God is where he always was and is. It is we who have left God and discarded his commandments, and we are reaping what we have sown.
"James Madison, the 4th President of the United States said this, 'We stake the future of this country on our ability to govern ourselves under the principles of the Ten Commandments.' " (Ibid.)
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your commandments and your universal moral laws which are for our safety, protection, and survival. Help us as a nation to see that we have sown the wind and are reaping a whirlwind. Please have mercy on us and send us a great awakening and a revival of the Spirit that we so desperately need. And start you work in me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
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