Faith in God

On Sunday night we had a missionary cottage meeting at our apartment. Our ward Missionary Program has Cottage Meetings once every month or so where our new members of the church and people interested in learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ come. The full time missionaries talked about FAITH.

They quoted from the Book of Mormon Alma 32:21

And now as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therfore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen which are true.


Even though we can't see God he still exists and he loves us and cares about all of his children. He wants his children to learn about him and to become close to him. He wants us all to repent and to obey his commandments so that we can all live with him again.

We finished off our meeting with a game, prayer and refreshments. It was a spiritualy enriched meeting where all who attended where edified and uplifted by the Holy Spirit.


by Queenie1

A Bible! A Bible!

By Queenie1

Are you reading your scriptures? I pondered this question when I was preparing to speak with my clergyman.

I thought about it but then I thought I have so many responsibilities at home, work and church. I thought it’s so hard to read a whole chapter a day every day but I realized that I was only making excuses for myself. I justified in my own mind that I had done some good things to help others and that I didn’t really need to read my scriptures.

Inside my heart felt heavy and I felt this deep longing for something that was missing in my life. I needed something to pick me up to face my daily challenges. I wasn’t quite sure what it was that I needed.

At church over the next several months as I was talking with different friends they had told me how daily scripture reading had changed their lives. They seemed to have a lot more peace and contentment than I did. They also seemed to feel the spirit of the Lord a lot more than I did.

When I went home I started to ponder and think about the changes I seen in my friends lives from daily scripture study. I wondered if it would be good for me too. I wondered if daily scripture study would bring me the positive changes in my life that I so desperately needed! I decided to set a goal and to start reading my scriptures daily. At first it was hard and very difficult but I tried to set a time to read the scriptures daily.

As time has passed I have read my scriptures cover to cover. I have realized that reading the scriptures daily has brought into my life a great peace. My life seems to have more purpose and I seem to be a lot happier than I was before.

Reading the scriptures daily has also given me more knowledge and understanding than I could get from anywhere else. The scriptures are full of life stories and how people chose to live their lives, how they dealt with their problems they encountered. I discovered in the scriptures that the problems the people encountered daily are really not so much different than what I encounter today thousands of years later. Our world is different than in the Bible times but people and their relationships to one another are really the same. There’s a lot to learn and understand from the past and peoples choices that can help us in our lives today here and now.

I look forward to more knowledge and understanding as I continue to read and study my scriptures again and again. Imagine what I will have learned after a life time pursuit of studying the scriptures!

Scripture Treasures - Romans 4:21

by Queenie1

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.




When one realizes that their potential to accomplish something they wish to achieve or some goal that they want to accomplish then that person is able to do it.

It's a matter of state over mind or mind over matter. What you can believe than you can achieve? We first have to believe that we can do it and than we will do it!

Scripture Treasures: Job 3: 1-11

by Queenie 1

After this opened Job his mouth and cursed his day.
And Job spake, and said,
Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived,
Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.
Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day testify it.
As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.
Let the stars of the twilight there of be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day;
Because it shut not up the doors of my mother’s womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.
Why did I not from the womb; why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?




Even Job went through very difficult and trying circumstances in his life. Job also felt like we do and he questioned "Why was I even born?" He went through the feelings of great despair and discouragement that we all feel when times of trouble and discouragement hit our lives.

We all have times of sorrow, pain that we have to deal with. None of us our exempt from these experiences in life as we all go through these life experiences which teach us great lessons. To learn from these lessons of life we sometimes go through such heart wrenching pain and sorrow and we question our existence here on this earth. Job also passed through this before us. We are not alone. Job's example can teach us a lot!

I think that what we can learn from these scriptures is that we all pass through the trials of life as soon as we are born we will have to go through some of life's teachings. We will all feel pain and sorrow and question why we are here or why we were even born at times in our lives!

As we read the scriptures and about Job and his life we can also learn that despite the trials that he endured in this life and after all the suffering that he suffered he was greatly blessed by God! It's as if God wanted to see if he would be faithful to him and when Job endured it well and went on in great faith in God later he was greatly blessed with more than he had when he started!

I think the same is true for all of us that if we pass through all the trials of our lives that we have to live through and we stay true to God through all these circumstances that after the trials are over we will be greatly blessed by God!

Scripture Treasures Romans 15:1-3

by Queenie1


We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them of them that reproached thee fell on me.
　
　
　
　
The people who are strong in faith need to help the weak and build them up to help them become strong. We need to think of others and not ourselves. By helping them become stronger we are helping ourselves to grow in spirit too!
When we help others we also become better people as well. You feel a joy and a peace in your heart and soul that comes over you when you help one another in any way!
Jesus Christ didn’t think of himself because if he did he wouldn’t have died on the cross for our sins. He would not have suffered for us by be beaten, tormented by men, spit upon, degraded in the most cruel ways and finally being lifted upon the cross and dying a very, painful death with nails hammered into his wrists, hands and feet. It was a slow, cruel death! He did that for you and for me so that we can be forgiven of our sins and so we can have eternal life with our father.
Which one of us here would do that much for our brothers and sisters and yet in all this Jesus Christ never did anything for himself as he always thought of others, the poor, the needy, the sick and the weary, the broken hearted. He always wanted to do his father’s will and not his. He put his father above himself and he exemplified how we his brothers and sisters also need to live. Jesus Christ sets the example and all we need to do is read the scriptures and follow the example that he has set as he has shown us the way! We just need to heed what he says and do what he says!

Scripture Treasures – Psalms 94:18

by Queenie 1


When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy O Lord, held me up.
　




When we fall or slip into transgression or sin, Jesus’ mercy his forgiveness and compassion will help us get up again if we will only repent and forsake our sins!

Scripture Treasures - Job 1:21

And said, "Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord.




We came into this life with nothing and we will return to our creator with nothing. Everything we have in this life God has given to us and he can take it away from us again. We really don't own anything everything belongs to our father in heaven. We are all stewards over what we have and he can take it from us at anytime that he wishes.

God created the earth, the planets, the stars, and the heavens and every living thing upon this earth and we are indebted to him for even our lives and our salvation!


Queenie1

Teaching Children To Pray While Teaching Love and Patience

By Zacharias Allred
Published September 25, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Zacharias Allred
Get a free e book on parenting by visiting http://www.teaching-children.org You can also read other free articles about teaching children to pray at http://www.teaching-children.org/teaching-children-to-pray.htmlView all articles by Zacharias Allred
Teaching children to pray is very important. The purpose of prayer is to help your child develop a relationship with the Lord. Teaching your child how to develop love and patience helps them better understand the nature of God. Here are some tips to help you.Praying should be out loud. Your child may not readily understand what praying is. To help try replacing the word "pray" with the word "talk." Encourage them to talk with God. It is said of men of old that they walked and talked with God.Teaching your children love and patience is important when they are learning to pray. These two virtues when practiced keep our hearts soft and teachable. The prophet Samuel was able hear the still small voice of the Lord because his heart was teachable.Part of praying is asking the Lord for the things we want and need. When we teach children what love is we help them feel positive and hopeful about their future. Their prayers will be more uplifting and from the heart.Love is the most powerful
force in the universe. When children are little they may not understand the word "love" but they certainly understand the emotion. You have been there for them from the beginning and you can share with them how God has been there for both of you from the beginning.We all have learned patience when we pray because as we have grown older we have accepted that God does not immediately answer our prayers. A child, however, has not yet learned this. Therefore, we need to teach them patience.Our children can learn to be patient when we set them a good example. When I look at the times I become impatient I see an opportunity to teach my children. When I am driving for example, I do not have to be the first guy there. You can share with your children that this is patient. You are willing to wait a little longer to arrive at your destination just like you are willing to wait on the Lord.When we teach our children to pray we also need to teach them about love and patience. God is love and will always answer our prayers. We must be patient though and be willing to wait for him to answer us.

How to Get Over the Pain of Losing a Loved One

By Jinger Jarrett
Published September 30, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Jinger Jarrett
Did you find these tips helpful? Then visit my site for free meditations and other resources to help you heal: http://www.101christian.com. Read my blog for more tips and strategies: http://blog.101christian.comView all articles by Jinger Jarrett
If I could point to one year in my life that I consider to be the worst, it would definitely be 2005. The death of two of my grandchildren, as well as a whole lot of other things that happened is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.Although it was hard losing my granddaughter Ava, I accepted it with a certain amount of grace. God is far wiser than I am.However, when my grandson Brayden died about six weeks later, I lost my will to live. I wanted to die, and suicide seemed a very real option.How could so much tragedy happen in so short a time?My family is decidedly Christian. We don't take faith lightly. None of us arrived at our faith just by accepting the Bible wholesale without questioning it. I think this is why it irritates me so much when atheists and liberals criticize Christians for taking everything on faith. I don't. Usually, it's that one percent of doubt that forces us to decide whether to accept something on faith.Losing a loved one is never easy, but there are certain things you can do to heal. If you're still grieving after two years, then you definitely have a serious problem that will destroy your life. Seek the help of a mental health professional.For the rest of us, here's what you can do:1. Allow yourself to grieve. Don't be afraid to scream, cry, or get angry. These things are part of the normal grieving process.
Let it out. It's preferable to do it in private. You don't want to hurt anyone or yourself.2. Talk to someone you love and trust. Seek out those who have suffered from the same loss.3. Although I was grieving myself, the loss I suffered was nothing compared to what my daughters suffered. I let them know that it was OK for them to take as long as they wanted to grieve. I also let them know that eventually they would need to make peace with their situations. I made myself available to them as much as they needed. Having them talk about it helped me heal.4. Accept you don't know all of the answers. In spite of what atheists want to claim, science can't explain everything. Besides, do you really want to believe that your loved one came up out of the sludge and is now back in the sludge? Now might be the right time to do your due diligence with issues of faith. I know that all of the soul searching I did during this dark time in my life helped me find answers. It also helped me make peace.5. Don't give up. As your grief process progresses, you'll have good days and bad days. Don't be afraid to be happy or feel joy. Do you really think your loved ones who've died want you to waste your life grieving over them? Although it is necessary to grieve, there comes a time when you need to move on.I read my Bible every day. It strengthens my faith and restores my joy. Someone once said, "If your Bible is falling apart, your life is not." I think it might be time for me to buy a new Bible.

Three Places You Must See on Your Next LDS Tour

By Art Gib
Published October 3, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Art Gib
Fun for Less Tours (http://funforlesstours.com) offers LDS tours and cruises to locations of historical significance to Mormons including Israel, several Native American sites, the Sacred Grove, Liberty Jail, and many more. Art Gib is a freelance writer.View all articles by Art Gib
When thinking about Mormons, most people will think about the state of Utah. In fact, some people might think that Mormonism was founded in Utah and that it is the only place the LDS faithful have ever lived. LDS tours would then, therefore, be a rather boorish ride through Salt Lake City.Quite to the contrary, members of the LDS faith live all over the world. Mormon history actually begins with a family in Jerusalem that travels to the Americas according to the LDS scripture, The Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe to be a true historical document of the people who lived on the American continents thousands of years ago.This means that sites of Ancient America hold significant religious value to the LDS faithful. Other important locations include those pertaining to the Mormon Church's organization in the early 19th century such as Carthage Jail, Palmyra, New York, and Kirtland, Ohio just to name a few.But whether you are a faithful member of the LDS faith, an investigator hoping to learn more, or simply have a historical curiosity regarding the church, we've just barely touched the surface of major spots that one would consider visiting during an LDS tour. Here are a few of the bigger ones along with some detail about why they are important to the Mormon faith.Palmyra, New York and the Sacred GroveJoseph Smith and his family moved near Palmyra while he was a teenager. At the age of 14, Smith claims to have visited a grove where he knelt in prayer to ask which church he should join. It was at that time that Smith claims the Father and the
Son both appeared to him, revealing that he should join none of the existing churches.This experience is commonly referred to by church members as the "First Vision." The grove where it occurred is considered by Mormons to be a sacred spot where God and Jesus Christ visited Earth and appeared to young Smith.Kirtland, OhioSmith and his followers were driven out of New York and Missouri before arriving in Kirtland, Ohio. It was here that Smith's followers built the first Mormon temple, which still stands today. However, Mormon temple ceremonies are no longer held there and, unlike other Mormon temples, it is open to the public.Carthage JailJoseph Smith was elected mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois where he ordered the destruction of a local printing press which published an anti-Mormon newspaper containing false accusations. Smith had hoped it would contain anti-Mormon sentiment. However, it had the opposite effect.Illinois Governor Thomas Ford called on Smith to surrender and stand trial for the destruction of the printing press. Smith, along with several church leaders, turned themselves in and were sent to Carthage Jail for protection until their trial.A mob stormed the jail. After shooting and killing his brother Hyrum, Joseph Smith was shot as he attempted to climb out a second-story window. Smith fell to the ground, still alive. The mob finished the job with four men shooting Smith to death.Carthage Jail, the site of the Mormon prophet's last stand, is a popular and sacred site of Mormons.For your next whirlwind LDS tour, the three locations mentioned above are "must-sees" for anyone interested in Mormon history.

Jesus With The Poor Helps Explain a Scripture Verse

By Douglas Michaels
Published October 9, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Douglas Michaels
Douglas Michaels is committed to help people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He does so by Bible Study, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing in word and deed. More like this at http://mcministries-uninc.blogspot.com/.View all articles by Douglas Michaels
Have you ever read a piece of scripture that just totally baffeled you on its meaning?That happened to me in Luke 12:33 where Jesus says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor." Jesus is addressing His disciples, which means you and me. So what do I possess? I own a coat, a car, my kid's clothes, etc. These are things we need. Renting them is not an option. On the surface this looks like a stupid statement, but the Jesus I know does not make stupid statements. There must be more to this than I am seeing.I began to read commentaries and really try to think this through, but nothing could resolve this statement into a logical, meaningful message. I ran across the story of Tolstoy, who was a wealthy Russian who converted to Christianity and sold all his stuff and gave it to the poor. After a short while the poor had consumed everything and all was gone. Also, the employees of his old farm were all miserable because the new owners were not as benevolent as Tolstoy.I did not find meaning, I found proof! This is a stupid statement!
Jesus with the poor.I asked the Holy Spirit, since he is supposed to be my teacher and I needed teaching. Immediately this thought came into my mind (not words in my ears, but a thought in my head), "God owns everything, we merely manage."This brings us a new question. If I am living as if God owns everything and I merely manage, then what is it I own that I need to sell? Not one thing!And if I am not living this way, then what am I to do? Sell what you think you own, because it has become an idol to you. What do I do with the money from the sale?Give it away, so that you don't get tempted to buy something else that you think you own and fall back into the same idolatrous trap. It is all about ownership. Who is in charge? Looking at the following verse Jesus says, "by doing this we will lay up treasure in Heaven." This is not a one for one exchange where the people who give the most on earth will get the most in Heaven. It is an attitude of how to live, which is equally available and equally beneficial to us all.Jesus with the poor has educated me on the correct attitude toward giving.

Have You Ever Said to God Find Someone Else?

Have You Ever Said to God Find Someone Else?
By Penny Shellswell
Published October 10, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Penny Shellswell
Copyright 2008 Penny Shellswell Jointly leads training courses in Intimacy with the Father. Holy Spirit is stirring believers across the UK to intercession. The goal? Winning the lost and dying of the UK through the setting up of 800 Intercession groups. http://www.outofafrica-uk.orgView all articles by Penny Shellswell
Moses has quite a lengthy chat with God about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and is obviously hearing clearly what God says. But near the end of the conversation Moses says, 'O Lord, please send someone else.' Exodus 4 v 13This seems an incredible thing to say to Almighty God, Creator of the Universe. Though how often do we perhaps say 'No' to God? It is a sad thing that many of us do not clearly hear the voice of God and spend time debating, was it of God, was it my own thoughts or even was it the voice of the enemy? Out of fear of getting it wrong we do nothing, thus in reality saying No to Almighty God.Whereas perhaps Moses had an excuse, in not knowing much about this God that spoke from a burning bush, we do not. Moses only had the basic upbringing of his godly parents and remember, the Law had not yet been given. But God has revealed Himself clearly to us through Jesus. We also have the blessed Holy Spirit and all the Scriptures necessary for knowing Him intimately.The responsibility is ours to want to have that close intimate relationship with Him, for which He is longing. We were created for His pleasure. Again it is our responsibility to spend the time getting to know His voice and to respond to what He says. Jesus said, 'His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.' John 10 v 4The biographies of men like Charles Finney, Rees Howells and many others are exciting testimonies which not only describe their exploits but also the stages
of their learning to recognise the voice of God and so walk according to their instructions. These men counted the cost and gave their all.If Almighty God, our loving Heavenly Father, asked us to do something, do we dare say No? Do we discuss and debate the Word with others? Or do we let it go unsure of who spoke it?It would be a brave man, some might think otherwise, who having developed this level of intimacy with the Father, would dare to say No to an assignment. Michael Howard from Malawi though is just such a man!Having been trained by the Lord and worked closely with Him over many years in war-torn Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Mozambique and Rwanda, the Lord asked him to go to war-torn Sudan.Michael, having spearheaded crusades and seen revivals in many African nations, was sitting quietly in his office in Malawi musing on the goodness of the Lord when he clearly heard, 'I want you to go to the south of Sudan'.Without stopping to think who he was talking to he said, 'Forget it. I'm too busy here'. Then, when the Lord reiterated his request, Michael like Moses, launched another feeble excuse by saying, 'It's another war zone and I'm tired of war zones. Find someone else'.However, if you are truly in an intimate relationship, then you know you don't have a leg to stand on. Needless to say Michael moved to the Sudan!The Lord may not be asking such dramatic things of us, but have we truly set our hearts to know Him, to follow Him and so to obey Him? Anything less will leave us empty and frustrated busily filling the time with our own agenda.

How to Hear God - You Can Hear God, God Wants You To Learn How To Hear Him

By Lynne Lee
Published October 10, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Lynne Lee
You can discover more about how to hear God at http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/how-to-hear-god.html If you would like a free life coaching guide, visit http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/be-your-own-life-coach-now.html and download your free copy of Be Your Own Life Coach Now.View all articles by Lynne Lee
God is speaking all the time and you can learn how to hear God, it is much easier to hear God than you think."For God does speak, now one way, now another, though man may not perceive it." Job 33:14 God is speaking to you in ways you often overlook. He has many ways of speaking and He doesn't always speak in the way that you expect Him to; that is one of the reasons why you don't realise that you already hear God more than you think.Most people hear God through the Bible, His peace, a still small voice, circumstances, other Christians, wisdom and common sense. God speaks in many other ways too.It is important not to get bogged down with how God speaks. The important thing is to expect God to speak and be ready to hear Him speak in unexpected ways.If you want to hear God, the first thing you need to do is learn how to tune in to His voice. The better you get to know God and His ways the easier it is to tune in and recognise when God is speaking.Learning to recognise when God is speaking takes time and effort. The more often you meet with God and talk with Him, the easier it will be to recognise His voice. When you become familiar with God's presence and His voice it will be much easier to hear God speaking.Sometimes you don't hear God because you're not really expecting Him to speak or because you're expecting Him to speak in a certain way. When He speaks in a way you don't expect, it's easy to miss what He's saying.God is full of surprises. Never forget that He isn't human, it's a mistake to limit Him to what you know or expect. You need to be open to God speaking to you in any way He chooses and not just in ways that are familiar.People 'hear' from God in different ways. God's 'voice' isn't limited to words. He speaks through all of His creation.Many people 'hear' God speaking through circumstances or their surroundings. In the Bible, God spoke to people in ways that they could see and experience in their daily lives. God communicated
with people through what was obvious and all around them. He does the same with us today.Larry Randolph tells us"the human body is like a giant ear drum that processes thousands of pieces of information from every spectrum of life" You hear God through all of your senses. The 'sound' of His voice comes in many different ways. There is no set way of hearing God.These are some of the ways God speaks to you and some of the means He uses to get your attention:An inner voiceAn inner witness of the Holy SpiritInspired thoughtImpressionsDreamsVisionsVisitationsConscienceHis peaceWisdomMental picturesPhysical sensesNatureThe heavensSymbolic languageOther peopleProphecyEvents in the secular worldFilmsBillboardsFictionSongsApparent coincidencesCircumstancesHis written wordEven an audible voice, though I have to tell you, that's rare. God often speaks in a combination of different ways; creating a symphony that you begin to hear once you discover how to tune in to God's voice.Psalm 119:105 says that God's word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.I'm sure you have had a Scripture suddenly come into your mind or a Bible reference, which, when you look it up, speaks directly to your situation. God often speaks through His word. You need to read it, study it and meditate on it. It's a lamp to your feet and a plumb line to measure everything by.On the back cover of Larry Randolph's book, 'Spirit Talk', it says,"It was in the garden of Eden that the creator first communed with His creation. Since that time, generations of men have forgotten that God is a talking God, and as a result many live in a vacuum of spiritual silence. Thus, the age-old question: Could the Creator really be speaking today? And, if so, how do we perceive the sound of His Voice?" I hope you're encouraged to believe that God is speaking to you. You can hear God's voice every day, it iss much easier to hear God than you think.

Have You Had Your Chocolate "Son"day?

By Dana Rongione
Published October 10, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Dana Rongione
Dana Rongione is a full-time Christian freelance writer. For faith-filled messages, check out http://www.danarongione.blogspot.com.View all articles by Dana Rongione
Building the perfect ice cream sundae is a creative process. Personally, I like to begin with a hot, fudgybrownie. On that, I place two scoops of chocolate ice cream, topped with nuts, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate cool whip, and if I'm feeling guilty, a shiny red cherry (for the nutritional value, of course). Did you notice a trend? What can I say? I'm a chocolate lover, and if I'm going to make a sundae, I'm going to make it right. After all, sundaes are not served daily at my house. No, they are reserved for special occasions. They are intended for times of celebration.At this point, may I suggest that every day should be a cause for celebration? The very fact that we woke up this morning is reason to celebrate. Life is a precious gift, yet we are often too busy or too preoccupied to notice it. Yes, we perform our daily tasks, but is that really living. Don't get me wrong. I understand that we all have to work or to do things we really don't want to do. But, how is our attitude during these times? Are we resentful that we have to work, or are we thankful that we have the health to perform a job? Attitude makes a big difference.Picture in your mind a celebration. How many smiling faces do you see? How many people look like they're having fun? It's hard to be somber and gloomy in the middle of a party. Isn't it? That is, unless of course, it's a pity party.Now, picture your own life. See yourself doing the things that you do day after day. Are you smiling? Do you look like you're
having fun? Are you enjoying life or simply enduring it?In Psalm 118:24, David says, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Notice, David didn't give any stipulations. He didn't say, "If it's a good day, we can rejoice." He didn't say, "If things go my way, I'll be glad in it." He simply said, "God made the day, so I'm going to rejoice in it." Case closed.David understood the importance of celebrating life. Does that mean David didn't have any problems? Absolutely not! David's life had more twists and turns than a constipated snake. Nevertheless, David knew how to rejoice in the Lord during the good times and the bad times.Some of you may be saying, "But you have no idea how difficult my life is." You're right. I don't know, but God does, and He will help you through those hard times. He promised that He would never leave us and that He would always meet our needs, whatever they may be. Is that not a good reason to celebrate?Now, for those of you who already have the ice cream scoop in hand, let me say that I am not condoning indulging ourselves in an ice cream sundae each day. Instead, let's partake of chocolate "Son"days. Let's celebrate living by spending time with the One who gave us this gift of life. Praise! Thanksgiving! Worship! What a wondrous treat!Christians, we should be the happiest people on earth. If we can't find a reason to celebrate, why would the lost want what we have? We have Jesus, therefore, we have joy. Let's not miss another opportunity to celebrate. Life is may not always be good, but it is always special. Have you had your chocolate "Son"day today?

Are These Simple Mistakes Holding You Back From Being Happy?

By Jinger Jarrett
Published October 16, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Jinger Jarrett
Like these tips? Then visit my site and download your free copy of "The Science of Getting Rich": http://www.101christian.com. Read my blog for more tips and strategies for changing your life: http://blog.101christian.comView all articles by Jinger Jarrett
I read in one of Joel Osteen's books that seven out ten people are angry. I must be one of the three that aren't because I really don't see any profit in being angry all the time.What I do know is that more often than not, we only have to go as far as the mirror to find the real culprit who has sabotaged our lives.If you're not happy, or you're angry, or your life isn't what you want it to be, there are things you can do to change it, and you can start doing those things right now.So I have to ask again, are you making these mistakes?1. You dream about the life you want, but you never do anything.The truth is, the Secret doesn't work. If all we had to do was dream what we want, then our dreams would be the real reality. If you want to find true happiness, then start by putting some action behind those dreams. Ask yourself what you want, write it down, and then start deciding now what steps you need to take to reach your goals. Then take those steps.2. You read thousands of books, or take thousands of dollars in courses, but you never do anything.I say this because I've read thousands of books on just about everything. I love to read. Doing nothing more than reading can be quite pleasurable if you're reading for entertainment.However, I have to ask: what have you really learn? That you need another book. Again, the thing you need to do is look
at what you've learned from the experience. Decide what part of what you've learned is helpful and then act on that knowledge.Sir Francis Bacon once said "Knowledge is Power." I say that "Applied Knowledge is Power."3. You blame others for your lack of success because of: you fill in the blank _____________________.No matter the colore of your skin, age, sex, or any other act of birth, we all face challenges. In this area I have learned no one is exempt.If you're waiting for the right circumstances, the right political candidate, or something else, maybe it's time to take a good look at your life. To my knowledge, the Savior came 2000 years ago and not everyone wanted to listen to Him.Acknowledge that we all have struggles. Just don't let those struggles stand in your way. Blame is a useless emotion anyway. It only prevents you from examining the situation objectively and taking action that brings results.4. You know what you want, but you don't know how to get it.This is another of those situations where you will need to take action. Find a mentor, someone who is similar to you who can teach you what you want to achieve. If this isn't possible, find a group or someone online to help you. There are millions of groups and forums on just about any topic you can imagine. Get involved. You may find you have something to offer someone else wants.Regardless of your circumstances, there's always room for improvement. It's part of the human condition. Don't wait until it's too late to take action.

If You Were God What Would You Do To Get Your Attention?

By Penny Shellswell
Published October 30, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Penny Shellswell
Copyright2008 Penny Shellswell Jointly leads training courses in Intimacy with the Father. Holy Spirit is stirring believers across the UK to intercession. The goal? Winning the lost and dying of the UK through the setting up of 800 Intercession groups. http://www.outofafrica-uk.orgView all articles by Penny Shellswell
What more does God have to do to make us sit up and take note? Have these questions ever crossed your mind?Almighty God lives in Heaven. We live on the earth. Yes, it all belongs to Him but He has given us the responsibility of ruling here. As believers, we know, it is only through Jesus that we can have a relationship with our Father.But as a non-believer I used to have times of great joy singing around the house or wherever. There was no specific reason for this joy. No one had given me a present, come to visit me or sent me a letter. I was just full of joy.I realise now that being made in His image, joy is part of the nature that He has put within us. That joy should have caused me to question where it came from. Was He seeking to get my attention? 'The precepts of the Lord are right giving joy to the heart'. (Ps 19 v 8) Wow! There's the reason. So if I had joy it should have caused me to question and search. I regret it didn't. It was many years later before I came to know Him.What about ill health? Is that Father God seeking to get our attention? Again from my own experience of TB and other health problems, I believe the answer is again, yes.Psalm 119 says, 'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word.' 'It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees'. 'I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me.' 'If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.' (v67, 71, 75, 92)What a wonderful understanding of the ways of the Lord. The progression of going astray, doing one's own thing, to learning His ways, coming out the other side and being able to say, 'in faithfulness you afflicted me'. Now recognising that if the law of the Lord had not become his delight he would have perished in his affliction.What a merciful God we have! But is that how we view afflictions?Now He's rattling our cage harder because we have not heeded Him. We have continued to go our own way. So now we have unusual weather patterns, food shortages and financial collapses.At the root of all these problems is one thing. Man. The heart of man is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jer 17 v 9) so we are open to the deception of the enemy. We have lived more for him, the enemy, through our carnal self, than we have for God. God in His mercy and desire that none should perish is making His Presence known in more powerful ways.Are we listening? Are we heeding? Or are we still like ostriches with our heads in the sand saying it can't happen to us?Jesus died and rose again so that we might have a dynamic relationship with Him, Father and Holy Spirit.Do we love Him for what He gives us, in which case we are controlling the relationship or are we passionately in love with Him so that He is our prize and very great reward, so that His heartbeat becomes our heartbeat?We need to develop that level of intimacy with Him so that He's in control of our lives. The
following story vividly demonstrates the power of God to intervene on our behalf if we will give ourselves to Him."I was 'low flying' through the African bush when I came upon a roadblock of communist soldiers. They were bristling with AK47 automatics, rockets, mortars and an array of other weapons. I always drove fast to beat the bullets! As the roadblock loomed up rapidly and I was still cruising at eighty, I asked the Lord, 'Should I run them?' The Holy Spirit distinctly whispered to me, 'No, stop. I will undertake.'As I screeched to a halt before those very aggressive soldiers, my vehicle was instantly surrounded and one young soldier thrust his AK47 through the window right into my ear. Now, in the thinking of the world, I was supposed to be intimidated and full of fear. If there is anything which makes me really angry, it is when somebody points a gun at me.I am certainly not afraid of that. The issue was whether I was going to rule or be ruled in the middle of the African bush. With the barrel of that weapon in my ear and the young soldier shouting, 'Today you die! Today you die!' I slowly turned my head towards him, looked him in the eyes, snatched the barrel away from my face with a sudden move and bellowed, 'No! I will not die, I belong to Jesus.'The soldier fell back from the vehicle in absolute amazement, as did his comrades at my shout. I could see the astonishment written all over their faces.'What's wrong? We have the guns and this man should be afraid! This is not working.'The intimidator suddenly became the intimidated.All natural understanding and behaviour demanded that I should have been terrified but I was not because the peace of the Lord was my portion as a result of delighting in Him and enjoying Him. I became the ruler and inherited the earth. While the entire platoon was jabbering in amazement at the reverse of roles, the captain came out of the bush shouting, 'What's going on here? What's going on?'In almost a chorus, the platoon replied, 'this man refuses to die!' They might have added, for it was apparent by their faces and behaviour, 'And we're confused.'The captain was coming to 'set things in order' but as he reached the vehicle, the same confusion overcame him.The Lord was present and fully in control of the whole situation. I was immensely enjoying myself and eager to see the outcome. The captain had clearly lost the initiative. Then he saw my Bible on the back seat of the car and with a stammer asked, 'Is that a Bible? Do you have one for me? I have not been to church for seventeen years.''Why sure I have a Bible for you. In fact, I have a whole box in the trunk. Just let me get them.'With that I alighted from the vehicle, grabbed the box of Bibles and distributed them amongst the soldiers. Hostility turned to peace and bewilderment to joy as they received the Word in a communist land where the Bible was forbidden. The entire platoon knelt down at my bidding, prayed the sinners prayer and then melted off into the jungle with waves and smiles as if nothing had happened."(Extract from Sermon on the Mount by Michael Howard).Doesn't that excite you? It sure does me. I want that level of intimacy with Him so that no matter what happens I know that He is in control.
If You Were God What Would You Do To Get Your Attention?
By Penny Shellswell
Published October 30, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Penny Shellswell
Copyright2008 Penny Shellswell Jointly leads training courses in Intimacy with the Father. Holy Spirit is stirring believers across the UK to intercession. The goal? Winning the lost and dying of the UK through the setting up of 800 Intercession groups. http://www.outofafrica-uk.orgView all articles by Penny Shellswell
What more does God have to do to make us sit up and take note? Have these questions ever crossed your mind?Almighty God lives in Heaven. We live on the earth. Yes, it all belongs to Him but He has given us the responsibility of ruling here. As believers, we know, it is only through Jesus that we can have a relationship with our Father.But as a non-believer I used to have times of great joy singing around the house or wherever. There was no specific reason for this joy. No one had given me a present, come to visit me or sent me a letter. I was just full of joy.I realise now that being made in His image, joy is part of the nature that He has put within us. That joy should have caused me to question where it came from. Was He seeking to get my attention? 'The precepts of the Lord are right giving joy to the heart'. (Ps 19 v 8) Wow! There's the reason. So if I had joy it should have caused me to question and search. I regret it didn't. It was many years later before I came to know Him.What about ill health? Is that Father God seeking to get our attention? Again from my own experience of TB and other health problems, I believe the answer is again, yes.Psalm 119 says, 'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word.' 'It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees'. 'I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me.' 'If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.' (v67, 71, 75, 92)What a wonderful understanding of the ways of the Lord. The progression of going astray, doing one's own thing, to learning His ways, coming out the other side and being able to say, 'in faithfulness you afflicted me'. Now recognising that if the law of the Lord had not become his delight he would have perished in his affliction.What a merciful God we have! But is that how we view afflictions?Now He's rattling our cage harder because we have not heeded Him. We have continued to go our own way. So now we have unusual weather patterns, food shortages and financial collapses.At the root of all these problems is one thing. Man. The heart of man is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jer 17 v 9) so we are open to the deception of the enemy. We have lived more for him, the enemy, through our carnal self, than we have for God. God in His mercy and desire that none should perish is making His Presence known in more powerful ways.Are we listening? Are we heeding? Or are we still like ostriches with our heads in the sand saying it can't happen to us?Jesus died and rose again so that we might have a dynamic relationship with Him, Father and Holy Spirit.Do we love Him for what He gives us, in which case we are controlling the relationship or are we passionately in love with Him so that He is our prize and very great reward, so that His heartbeat becomes our heartbeat?We need to develop that level of intimacy with Him so that He's in control of our lives. The
following story vividly demonstrates the power of God to intervene on our behalf if we will give ourselves to Him."I was 'low flying' through the African bush when I came upon a roadblock of communist soldiers. They were bristling with AK47 automatics, rockets, mortars and an array of other weapons. I always drove fast to beat the bullets! As the roadblock loomed up rapidly and I was still cruising at eighty, I asked the Lord, 'Should I run them?' The Holy Spirit distinctly whispered to me, 'No, stop. I will undertake.'As I screeched to a halt before those very aggressive soldiers, my vehicle was instantly surrounded and one young soldier thrust his AK47 through the window right into my ear. Now, in the thinking of the world, I was supposed to be intimidated and full of fear. If there is anything which makes me really angry, it is when somebody points a gun at me.I am certainly not afraid of that. The issue was whether I was going to rule or be ruled in the middle of the African bush. With the barrel of that weapon in my ear and the young soldier shouting, 'Today you die! Today you die!' I slowly turned my head towards him, looked him in the eyes, snatched the barrel away from my face with a sudden move and bellowed, 'No! I will not die, I belong to Jesus.'The soldier fell back from the vehicle in absolute amazement, as did his comrades at my shout. I could see the astonishment written all over their faces.'What's wrong? We have the guns and this man should be afraid! This is not working.'The intimidator suddenly became the intimidated.All natural understanding and behaviour demanded that I should have been terrified but I was not because the peace of the Lord was my portion as a result of delighting in Him and enjoying Him. I became the ruler and inherited the earth. While the entire platoon was jabbering in amazement at the reverse of roles, the captain came out of the bush shouting, 'What's going on here? What's going on?'In almost a chorus, the platoon replied, 'this man refuses to die!' They might have added, for it was apparent by their faces and behaviour, 'And we're confused.'The captain was coming to 'set things in order' but as he reached the vehicle, the same confusion overcame him.The Lord was present and fully in control of the whole situation. I was immensely enjoying myself and eager to see the outcome. The captain had clearly lost the initiative. Then he saw my Bible on the back seat of the car and with a stammer asked, 'Is that a Bible? Do you have one for me? I have not been to church for seventeen years.''Why sure I have a Bible for you. In fact, I have a whole box in the trunk. Just let me get them.'With that I alighted from the vehicle, grabbed the box of Bibles and distributed them amongst the soldiers. Hostility turned to peace and bewilderment to joy as they received the Word in a communist land where the Bible was forbidden. The entire platoon knelt down at my bidding, prayed the sinners prayer and then melted off into the jungle with waves and smiles as if nothing had happened."(Extract from Sermon on the Mount by Michael Howard).Doesn't that excite you? It sure does me. I want that level of intimacy with Him so that no matter what happens I know that He is in control.

Do You Need Spiritual Fuel?

By Dana Rongione
Published November 2, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Dana Rongione
Dana Rongione is a full-time Christian freelance writer. For faith-filled messages, check out http://www.danarongione.blogspot.com. For more information on working from home, check out www.productsupplycenter.com/web62203.View all articles by Dana Rongione
Gas prices. It seems like that's all some people can talk about. You turn on the news, and you hear about gas prices. You pick up the paper, and you read about gas prices. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about it. Does the constant rise in gas prices affect me? Of course. Am I aggravated that it takes more money to feed my car than it does to feed my family? Absolutely. But, how does complaining about it help any of us? How does it help to keep such a negative topic in the forefront of our minds day after day? It doesn't help us at all. In fact, it hinders us from focusing on more important things, like spiritual fuel.I don't know a lot about cars, but I do know that they must have gas before they will run. No fuel, no go! Our bodies work in the same way. God created us in such a way that our bodies need nourishment from food in order to work properly. So, acknowledging what we know about our physical bodies needing fuel, why should we think our spiritual bodies are any different? Why do we often deprive our faith of the fuel it needs to grow and thrive?In Philippians 3, Paul said, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended." In other words, he's saying, "I've not arrived. I still have a lot of work to do on my faith." I think we can all say "Amen" to Paul's statement. I believe we can agree that we have not reached the level of
spiritual maturity that we long for. We possess the faith, but are we fueling that faith?The Bible compares the Christian walk with a race. So, let me ask you this question: how often are you making pit stops? I don't watch much auto racing, but more than once, I've seen a driver lose the race because his car ran out of gas. You can almost hear the conversation he has with himself as he passes that last pit stop. "I can make it a little father. I have enough fuel to finish. If I just keep going, I'll win this thing."Good thought. Bad plan. By not giving his car what it needed, he cost himself the race. Not only did he not win, but he didn't even get to finish the race.Aren't we like that sometimes, too? So busy with our daily demands and weekly routines, we bypass our spiritual fuel. We know we need to read the Bible, but it's often just too difficult to fit in into our schedule. Our daily time with the Lord is interrupted by phone calls, sick children, or job emergencies.Day after day, we struggle through, forsaking our spiritual fuel, then wondering why life is so difficult and why we can't seem to gain any ground in our spiritual walk.God has shown me time and time again that if I will devote the time to fueling my spiritual man, He will give me the time and energy to accomplish everything else on my "to do" list. Try it out. See what happens when your spiritual tank is full. It will cost you some time, but you'll soon discover that it's well worth the price.

Bill Maher and Oprah Jealous God

By Douglas Michaels
Published October 15, 2008
Christianity
Rating: Unrated
Douglas Michaels
Douglas Michaels is committed to help people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He does so by Bible Study, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing in word and deed. More like this at http://mcministries-uninc.blogspot.com/.View all articles by Douglas Michaels
Bill and Oprah have something in common. They are both hung up on the Bible verses that say, "God is a jealous God." There are about six of them, all in the Old Testament. The problem is due to the way the negative connotation of the word "jealous" is predominate in our society today. However, there is a positive and a negative side to the word. Both sides are noted in scripture. In Gal 5:20 jealousy is listed as an act of a sinful nature. There are many other acts listed here as well, but the fact that jealousy is a sinful act would negate it from being an attribute of a Perfect God.In 2 Cor 11:2 Paul refers to a jealousy for others, indicating a relationship that he is zealous to keep. This positive attribute would certainly be consistent with a Perfect God.So the word "jealous" actually means an exclusive single-mindedness of emotion which may be morally blameworthy or praiseworthy. The good or the bad connotation is dependent upon whether the object of the jealousy is the self or a cause beyond the self. If the object is the self then envy is the rusult. That would be inconsistent with a Perfect God.If the object is a cause beyond the self then the result is a single-minded pursuit
of a good end. That would be consistent with a Perfect God.Bill and Oprah's problem with the word jealous is now a stumbling block for many people. My hope is that you will take the time to consider the fuller meaning and not let it be a stumbling block for you.A good example might be in order. My best example would be the marriage covenant, where a jealousy for the exclusiveness of the relationship is a necessary condition of its permanence. Who in a marriage would not want the other person to be jealous for them. Did you see the difference there. The little word "for" instead of "of." Oprah says she can't believe that a God would be jealous of her. Hence the mistake. God is jealous "for" her, not "of" her. He desires a relationship with her and with Bill Maher and with you. Just to quickly answer another of Bill Maher's questions. If God can destroy the devil then what is He waiting on? He is waiting on you Bill. He is giving you the most opportunity to admit that you are a sinner and not worthy of being in the presence of a sinless, omnipotent God. He is waiting for you to accept the fact that God has paid your sin penalty for you, which is death, through Jesus Christ who died for you.Once you die, or God steps in to defeat the devil once and for all, then it will be too late.

Wisdom or folly? You Choose

Who is she?

"She is as awesome as a goddess, as playful as a small child, as comfortable as a mother's arms, as challenging as a prophet, as satisfying as a table laden with food, as mysterious as a lover hidden among the lilies."

She, of course, is Wisdom.

Isaiah 55 (Invitation to the Spiritually Thirsty) speaks the same message to that of Proverbs 1-9, though it is the LORD who speaks. This proves the synonymity of the LORD and Wisdom. Until we approach both simultaneously we cannot think like God, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8 TNIV)

The final chapter of Proverbs' introduction gives opposing parties the chance to faceoff.

Wisdom stands in the blue corner and her table is adorned with game and scented wine; her servant-girls have personally issued the virtuous invitation: "You who are simple, turn in here... lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight." (Proverbs 9:4a, 6 NRSV)

Standing in the red corner is Ms Folly. Her table is bare and looks simple: bread and water. But her invitation is deceptive. She says, "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." (Proverbs 9:17 NRSV) Those going Folly's way will end up dining with the dead.

Wisdom knows most will reject her offer, even some so-called godly people. She has seen so many go to their dire ruin for rejecting her attractive and ever-sensible offer.

The last chapter of the introduction to Proverbs has the motif of 'the last chance--make your choice' about it.
And this is how life works. At different junctures throughout we're asked to consider and then decide regarding wisdom. Time and again we'll make the wrong decision--and we pay for it; but God, in his eternally long-enduring grace continues to dish up the same offer. Only when we're physically dead will it be too late.

The point is when will we finally choose to accept it?

Copyright © 2009, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved.

Steve Wickham is a registered safety practitioner (BSc, MSIA, RSP) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min). He also has training and leadership Diplomas. His passion in vocation is facilitation and coaching; encouraging people to soar to a higher value of their potential. Steve's key passion is work / life balance and re-creating value for living, and an exploration of the person within us. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham

Nothing Compares to You, Wisdom (Proverbs 8)

What's the most valuable thing to you? What is it that keeps you awake at night, worried? What determines your priorities? I bet the answer to these questions is not 'seeking wisdom.' Yet it's what Proverbs says is the most important task of life; the gaining of real biblically spiritual, moral wisdom.

Chapter 8 of Proverbs features the second of Lady Wisdom's three main speeches in Proverbs 1-9; the last one is in chapter 9. She cries out for all to listen to her, not just the simple, the mocker, the fool; although there is--in reality--a simpleton, mocker and fool within all of us, situationally at least.

There are four parts to Wisdom's Proverbs 8 speech:

1. An introductory section (verses 4-11)

Nothing compares to Wisdom. In 1990, Sinead O'Connor had a major hit with the song Nothing Compares to You. The lyric, "I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard, but I'm willing to give it another try," fits with our yearning for wisdom. It's a rocky journey.

Wisdom, in truth, is entirely dependable and faithful. She will never not return more than we invest. It may be a rocky journey, the life toward wisdom, but we'll reap a harvest of good if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

2. An informative section on the character of Wisdom (verses 12-21)

How do we know if we truly want Wisdom if we don't ever get to know her and what she's about? She, like God, loves certain things and hates other things. For instance, she says, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me." (Verse 17 Amplified)

We discover early on that those who have their priorities set in the right order seek Wisdom first and foremost. It is the process of investing in our own blessing; a blessing that propagates onto others--"streams of living water will flow from within" that person out into their world and onto those around them (John 7:38). These will begin to live from the eternal context.

3. An autobiographical history lesson on the origins of Wisdom (verses 22-31)

It is in this section we learn where Wisdom is from. She's from God, from the very origin of his being. If God is love (and he most certainly is i.e. 1 John 4:8) and Spirit (John 4:24), he must also be truth, and wisdom. The character of Wisdom and God are inseparable. Wisdom has been from everlasting. The creation of the world is based in Wisdom.

4. Wisdom concludes with her authoritative, stern warning to 'embrace her ways.' (Verses 32-36)

"Those who embrace these my ways are most blessed. Mark a life of discipline and live wisely; don't squander your precious life." We must be awake and alert to Wisdom each morning and throughout... when we find her we "find life, real life, to say nothing of God's good pleasure." (quotes from The Message.)

But, those who reject Wisdom (God) injure themselves and flirt with death.

Copyright © 2009, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved.

Steve Wickham is a registered safety practitioner (BSc, MSIA, RSP) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham