Monthly Archives: November 2017

Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Grateful to God 

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But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Gratitude to God is a guarantee for an attitude of humility and happiness. It is hard to be grateful and not be full of joy and contentment. When we reflect on His salvation and grace in Jesus Christ, we are left awestruck that almighty God would freely give us the gift of His only Son. Indeed, grateful Christians never get over the forgiveness and freedom they have in Christ Jesus. Gratitude gives us the right attitude!

How can we renew our thinking each day to be appreciative when so many negative thoughts assault our minds? What is a wise process to keep us praising God for His provision? One way is to recount His blessings by writing them in a journal. Take the time to pen what the Lord has done for you, and your sorrow will turn into a smile of satisfaction. Your glow comes back when you remember Christ’s incredible love and acceptance. When was the last time you spent your entire prayer time just praising and thanking God?

“Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness” (Psalm 150:2).

Perhaps you praise Him in the morning for life and love. Praise Him midmorning for fulfilling work. Praise Him at the noon hour for health and happiness. Praise Him midday for forgiveness and faith. Praise Him at dinner for family and friends. Praise Him before bed for His Word and the wonder of His grace. Praise God, and gratitude will follow.

Your gratitude goes a long way in leading others to be grateful. A grateful life is like a sea of thanksgiving that buoys all boats with hope. Appreciation attracts great people. Your thanksgiving to God for His favor and blessings and for the incredible people in your life sets you up for success. Gratitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy for peace, joy, and love.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Prayer: Dear God, I am so grateful for my salvation in Jesus and for Your generous blessings, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Application: Do I regularly express gratitude to God? Whom can I honor by showing sincere appreciation and thanksgiving?

Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 16:9; Daniel 4:34; 1 Corinthians 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:4

 

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Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Meet the world’s luckiest turkeys

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Wishbone and Drumstick are the luckiest turkeys in America. Wishbone was born last June 28. He weighs thirty-six pounds and has a wingspan of four feet, eight inches. He is said to be partial to the music of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Drumstick was born on the same day. He weighs forty-seven pounds, with a wingspan of five feet. He prefers the band Journey.

How do we know so much about these two turkeys? Because they were chosen to participate in the seventieth annual presidential pardon. They stayed at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in downtown Washington before being pardoned by President Trump on Tuesday. (Per tradition, Drumstick was pardoned publicly; Wishbone was pardoned in absentia.)

Today will be a bad day for forty-six million turkeys, but a good day for at least two.

Fortunately, we won’t be eating other foods the first English colonists consumed. Researchers studying bones in an early seventeenth-century well at Jamestown discovered that the people also ate horses, rats, and snakes during times of privation.

Nor will we be wearing black clothes and buckled hats like the Pilgrims. (It turns out, they didn’t wear them, either.) And I hope we won’t abstain from having fun like the stodgy Puritans. (Actually, they enjoyed laughter and dressed in bright colors.)

As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving today, I’d like you to consider another bird in addition to the famous American turkey.

When I was in Israel last week, I prayed at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. Above me towered the Dome of the Rock, located at the place where Herod’s temple stood in Jesus’ day.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Meet the world’s luckiest turkeys →

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Tough Command

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Many divine commands seem perfectly reasonable. With the Ten Commandments, for example, we easily understand why God forbids adultery, idols, and murder. But elsewhere He gives instructions that ostensibly make little sense. Let’s look at why He calls us to the seemingly impossible task of giving thanks in everything.

The Scriptures clearly teach that giving thanks is meant to be a way of life, not just a seasonal event (Psalm 92:1-2; Phil. 4:6-7). The problem is that we often do not feel appreciative, particularly when facing painful circumstances or faith tests. In fact, expressing gratitude for bad news seems irrational. What seems logical to the human mind, however, cannot compete with God’s greater knowledge of what is best for His children. As a result, we live a successful Christian life only by choosing to thank Him for everything He sends or allows across our path.

The Lord knows that gratitude powerfully impacts the believer. Trials can leave us feeling isolated, but thanking God for His ongoing care or provision reminds us of His constant presence. Equipped with the knowledge that He is in full control, we can submit our will to His. Though our circumstances may remain the same, our attitude is divinely transformed through trust.

The Lord has a purpose for every circumstance He allows in our life, and thankfulness motivates us to seek His purpose. In God’s perfect time, the divine plan is revealed, and then we can tell Him with sincere hearts, “Lord, thank You!”

Bible in One Year: Romans 1-3

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Make a Joyful Noise

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Read: Psalm 98

Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 18–19; James 4

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.—Psalm 98:4

Back when I was searching for a church to attend regularly, a friend invited me to a service at her church. The worship leaders led the congregation in a song I particularly loved. So I sang with gusto, remembering my college choir director’s advice to “Project!”

After the song, my friend’s husband turned to me and said, “You really sang loud.” This remark was not intended as a compliment! After that, I self-consciously monitored my singing, making sure I sang softer than those around me and always wondering if the people around me judged my singing.

But one Sunday, I noticed the singing of a woman in the pew beside me. She seemed to sing with adoration, without a trace of self-consciousness. Her worship reminded me of the enthusiastic, spontaneous worship that David demonstrated in his life. In Psalm 98, in fact, David suggests that “all the earth” should “burst into jubilant song” in worship (v. 4).

Verse one of Psalm 98 tells us why we should worship joyfully, reminding us that “[God] has done marvelous things.” Throughout the psalm, David recounts these marvelous things: God’s faithfulness and justice to all nations, His mercy, and salvation. Dwelling on who God is and what He’s done can fill our hearts with praise.

What “marvelous things” has God done in your life? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to recall His wondrous works and give God thanks. Lift your voice and sing! —Linda Washington

Lord, thank You for who You are and for what You’ve done.

Worship takes the focus off us and places it where it belongs—on God.

INSIGHT: Psalm 98 is jubilant in its invitation to praise God. In verses 4-6, the psalmist exalts God as King. He enlists the harp, trumpets, and horn to accompany the human voices lifted in praise and adoration of the sovereign King. In verses 7-9, God is praised for being the righteous Judge. Marvelous word pictures are used to magnify His justice. The fullness of the sea is to roar, the rivers are to clap their hands, and the mountains are to be joyful together. Voice, instruments, and nature join in to praise God. We too can enter into this same spirit by joyfully worshiping the Lord for His mighty power and holy character.

Today ponder how you can worship God who is both our Creator and righteous Judge. Dennis Fisher

 

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Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Finding Gratitude

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Gratitude can be easily forgotten in a world filled with terror, fear, and heightened concern for safety. It is not difficult to understand a pervasive mood of suspicion and guardedness given the regularly disruptive news of violence and tragedy. A hand-wringing anxiety replaces the open-heartedness that accompanies gratitude.

More than this, it can seem naïve or insensitive to articulate gratefulness in the midst of human suffering. How can I be thankful when so many around the world suffer in unspeakable ways? It feels more appropriate to maintain a somber outlook as a way of finding solidarity with those who are hurting. Being grateful for personal “blessing” seems to add salt to the wound.

Perhaps this is why it is always amazing to encounter those who find gratitude to be healing even in the midst of loss and tragedy. A powerful editorial by New York Times writer, David Brooks, introduced readers to Kennedy Odede, a Kenyan man who grew up in the infamous Kibera slums of Nairobi. Odede and his wife, Jessica, have created schools for girls and a community organization called Shining Hope for Communities. In their co-written memoir called Find Me Unafraid, Jessica and Kennedy recount the horrors of life growing up in this slum with all of its abundant evil. Kennedy was molested and abused by a priest, repeatedly beaten by his father, watched friends and family murdered before his eyes, saw others die from drug abuse, and had to survive through petty theft because of constant hunger and poverty. Yet, Brooks described Kennedy as the most joyful person he knows. How can this be, Brooks wondered, given all that he suffered? In an email to Brooks, Kennedy wrote:

“While I didn’t have food and couldn’t go to school or when I was the victim or witness of violence, I tried to appreciate things like the sunrise—something that everyone in the world shares and can find joy in no matter if you are rich or poor. Seeing the sunrise was always healing for me, it was a new day and it was a beauty to behold.”(1)

Continue reading Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Finding Gratitude →

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Key to Possessing Your Promised Land

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For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].— Ephesians 2:10

God wants to lead you into your promised land…after all, you have been recreated in Christ, born anew, that you might live the good life that He prearranged for you. But to follow God into that life, He will have to prepare you first, and that means some things will need to change.

Now, don’t be afraid of the word change; it just means that you stop doing some things you’ve been doing and start doing some things you haven’t been doing. For example, stop thinking negative thoughts and start thinking positively…stop settling in your comfort zone and step out of the boat…stop procrastinating and start taking the opportunities that arise.

It’s not enough to just read about and talk about the Promised Land. Decide that you are going to possess your promised land. God is good; He will lead you there. Just be willing to follow and accept the positive changes that God wants to bring to your life as He prepares you to be a blessing to others.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Mighty Weapons

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“I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding Him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).

Joe came to share with me how his leader in a particular Christian organization had been most unfair to him. He was being relieved of his responsibilities and replaced by another who, in his opinion, was not nearly as well qualified. As we talked it became apparent that Satan easily could sabotage the ministry.

After listening to Joe’s grievances for some time, seeking to know the truth of the matter, I inquired as to his walk with God. “Is there any sin in your life? Do you know for sure that you’re filled with the Holy Spirit?” Then I brought the other party into private conference and inquired as to his relationship with God. “Is there any sin in your life? Do you know for sure that you’re filled with the Holy Spirit?” Both assured me that they were filled with the Spirit and that they genuinely desired to know and do the will of God. I was convinced that they were both sincere.

How then could two men without sin in their lives and who claimed to be filled with the Holy Spirit be at such odds? I sought further truth. In the meantime, we brought to bear the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. God says that when brothers are at odds we should claim in prayer the release of His supernatural wisdom to resolve the matter, and, finally, claim by faith that Satan will be routed, that all of his influence will be overcome.

The counseling required several hours. I talked to one individual, then the other, then both of them together. Finally, we were on our knees praising God and then embracing each other, and the men genuinely felt that their relationship with each other and with the Lord had been fully restored. Satan had lost another battle. Another miracle had happened. Another tragedy had been averted and the Body of Christ had been spared another scandal.

What are those weapons? A holy life, the Holy Spirit, prayer, the Word of God, faith, truth – these are the weapons of God for supernatural warfare. Learn how to use them for His glory.

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Whenever Satan attacks me, or I observe conflicts in the Body of Christ due to his influence, I will seek to defeat him by using God’s mighty weapons and will teach other Christians how to apply them in times of spiritual battle

 

 

http://www.cru.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God is For You

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Paul asks the question in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” The question isn’t simply, “Who can be against you?” You could answer that one. Who is against you? Disease, inflation, corruption, and exhaustion. Calamities confront us and fears imprison. Were Paul’s question, “Who can be against us?” we could list our foes much easier than we could fight them.

God is for us. God is for us. God is for us! Your parents may have forgotten you, your teachers may have neglected you, your siblings may be ashamed of you; but within reach of your prayers is the maker of the oceans. God! God is for you. Not may be, not has been, not was…but God is! He is for you. Today. At this hour. At this minute. As you hear this, He is with you. God is for you!

From Lucado Inspirational Reader

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

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Denison Forum – Charlie Rose and the epidemic of sexual immorality

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“This is a moment that demands a frank and honest assessment about where we stand and more generally the safety of women. Let me be clear: There is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive.”

With these emotional words, Norah O’Donnell reported Tuesday morning that Charlie Rose, her colleague at CBS This Morning, had been suspended after eight women accused him of sexual misconduct. The network fired Rose yesterday afternoon. PBS canceled his show shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives is facing an ethics investigation.

John Conyers has been representing Michigan’s thirteenth congressional district in Washington since 1965. Now reports allege that he paid over $27,000 to settle a complaint from a woman who claimed she was fired from his staff because she rejected his sexual advances.

Other staff members stated that they witnessed Conyers touching female staffers inappropriately and requesting sexual favors. The congressman has denied the charges: “I expressly and vehemently denied the allegations made against me, and continue to do so.”

This after Sen. Al Franken was accused of inappropriate conduct by a second woman. Senate candidate Roy Moore continues to deny numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Charlie Rose and the epidemic of sexual immorality →

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Causes of Rebellion

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Romans 6:12-14

In God’s eyes, anyone who sins is rebellious, and Scripture tells us we’re all guilty (Rom. 3:23). Now, it makes sense that an unbeliever would choose to act apart from biblical teaching. But what about those of us who have committed to follow Christ—what would cause us to stray from the will of our heavenly Father?

There are two powerful human tendencies that lead to disobedience: doubt and pride. Both can be dangerously misleading.

  1. Doubt is a mental struggle over whether or not to believe God’s promises. From our limited perspective, we cannot understand how the Lord works. Sometimes His way does not feel like the right path, so in order to obey, we must step out in faith. Then it can feel as though we are jumping off a cliff and trusting God’s invisible rope to hold us. If we listen to our doubt, we will surely transgress.
  2. Pride is the sin that caused Satan to fall from heaven, and it is a deceptive obstacle for believers as well. Pride has to do with thinking that our way is best, putting more faith in our ability than God’s promises, and desiring praise. Anything we do out of pride is rebellion against the Lord.

Whatever the cause, sin never leads to the Lord’s best for our life. God’s way is the only road resulting in fulfillment and peace.

The enemy wants to lure us with doubt and pride—both feel right and are easily justifiable from our human perspective. But believers should follow Joshua’s wisdom instead: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

Bible in One Year: Acts 27-28

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Helicopter Seeds

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Read: John 12:23–33

Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 16–17; James 3

Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.—John 12:24

When our children were young, they loved trying to catch the “helicopter seeds” that fell from our neighbor’s silver maple trees. Each seed resembles a wing. In late spring they twirl to the ground like a helicopter’s rotor blades. The seeds’ purpose is not to fly, but to fall to earth and grow into trees.

Before Jesus was crucified, He told His followers, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . . [U]nless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:23–24).

While Jesus’s disciples wanted Him to be honored as the Messiah, He came to give His life so we could be forgiven and transformed through faith in Him.  As Jesus’s followers, we hear His words, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (vv. 25–26).

Helicopter seeds can point us to the miracle of Jesus, the Savior, who died that we might live for Him. —David C. McCasland

Lord Jesus, we are amazed by Your love. Give us grace to serve You today as we long to do.

Jesus calls us to give our lives in serving Him.

INSIGHT: Our passage today occurs shortly after Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On that day Jesus rode into town on a donkey’s colt as a large crowd, who had traveled to the city to celebrate the Passover, threw palm branches on the road before Him shouting, “ ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” (John 12:12-15). Though Jesus came as a king, He knew that the people cheering Him on were expecting a savior to free them from Rome, not a savior who would suffer for their sins. He was the kernel of wheat who must die so His kingdom could grow (v. 24). Alyson Kieda

 

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Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – WAITING FOR SALVATION’S COMPLETION

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Jude 17–25

Christ’s redemption is both “now” and “not yet.” The past dimension of salvation is also called “justification.” We now stand before God without condemnation; this is an accomplished fact (see Rom. 8:1–2). The present reality is called “sanctification.” The Spirit is working in our lives to make us increasingly like Jesus. The future aspect is called “glorification.” This is when that work will be finished (Rom. 8:29–30).

Waiting on the Lord for salvation’s completion, then, is a complex Christian responsibility. Eternal destinies are at stake, as seen in today’s reading, which contrasts those who do not wait on the Lord with those who do.

People who do not wait on the Lord are “scoffers” (vv. 17–19). They think the Day of the Lord will never come. Rather than living in faith and expectant hope, they “follow their own ungodly desires” and “mere natural instincts.” They lack the Holy Spirit, live by worldly values, and reject God’s truth. Such false teachers mislead and divide the body of Christ.

People who do wait on the Lord are the opposite (vv. 20–21). They live according to God’s truth and values. They grow toward spiritual maturity and pray in the Spirit. They stand firm in the love of Christ, from which nothing can separate us (vv. 24–25; Rom. 8:35–39). They are therefore enabled to wait in sure hope and faith for “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life”—the completion of our earthly pilgrimages!

What about those who “doubt” or “waver” because of false teachers (vv. 22–23)? We’re to show them mercy (which seems like an appropriate way to wait for mercy!). The most merciful thing we can do is share the gospel with them, for if they believe it they’ll be saved from the fires of hell.

APPLY THE WORD

Throughout the journey described in John Bunyan’s allegory Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, is waiting to arrive at the Celestial City, yet his waiting isn’t passive. He learns much at the House of the Interpreter, is tempted at Vanity Fair, imprisoned in Doubting Castle, and more. Read or re-read this timeless masterpiece!

 

http://www.todayintheword.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – What Are You Hoping For?

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Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you. — Zechariah 9:12

I have a question for you: What are you hoping for? What are you expecting in life? Are you looking for something good to happen, or are you expecting to be disappointed?

So many people are feeling hopeless these days. However, Jesus did not die for us to be hopeless. He died so that we could be full of hope.

The devil wants to steal your hope, and he will lie to you. He’ll tell you that nothing good can happen in your life or that the good things you care about won’t last. If you’re struggling with a difficult situation, he’ll tell you it will never end. But stay full of hope and remember that the devil is a liar. God can change everything!

Our Father is good, and He has good plans for your life. If you will maintain your hope, especially in the midst of troubled and uncertain times, He has promised you “double for your trouble.” So refuse to give up hope. Start expecting God to do something—something good!

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Able to Keep Promises

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“He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything He promised” (Romans 4:21).

Occasionally, I hear people say, “Bill Bright is a man of great faith.” The statement is made because our ministry is involved with millions of Christians from many thousands of churches of all denominations and other Christian organizations in gargantuan undertakings – massive worldwide programs of evangelism and discipleship in which we have, by faith, trusted God for the salvation of at least one billion additional souls for Christ and His kingdom.

As a new Christian, I trusted God for one soul, then six, then ten souls; then hundreds, thousands, millions. And now, after more than 35 years of witnessing His mighty, miraculous power and blessing in response to faith, I am praying and believing God for a billion souls for Christ by the year 2000.

These goals are not built on careless presumptions or figures plucked out of the air in some kind of mystical, emotional, spiritual experience, but they are based upon my confidence in the sovereignty, holiness, love, wisdom, power and grace of the omnipotent God whom I serve and upon His gracious blessings on past efforts that have been undertaken for His glory and praise. No credit should be given to me or to the ministry of which I am a part, but only to the one in whom I place my faith.

Faith must have an object, and the object of my faith is God and His inspired Word. The right view of God generates faith. Faith is like a muscle; it grows with exercise. The more we see God accomplish in and through our lives, the more we can be assured that He will accomplish as we trust and obey Him more.

Bible Reading: Romans 4:13-20

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will place my faith in God alone – not in myself or in other men’s efforts or abilities – and I will encourage others to trust God, too

 

http://www.cru.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God’s Reward

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God rewards those who seek Him! Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus Himself.

And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him. Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus? Christ felt no guilt; God wants to banish yours. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to remove yours. Jesus had no fear of death; God wants you to be fearless.

Jesus had kindness for the diseased and mercy for the rebellious and courage for the challenges. God wants you to have the same. Isn’t it just like Jesus!

From Lucado Inspirational Reader

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

 

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Denison Forum – I was reminded in Israel that religion doesn’t work

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I am returning this morning from leading a study tour of the Holy Land. (Today’s article was posted yesterday before our plane left Tel Aviv.) Each time I travel to Israel, I am impressed again with the beauty, history, and spiritual significance of this singular land.

As our group took communion while looking over Jerusalem, I reminded them that this “Holy City” is venerated by the world’s great monotheistic religions and more than half of the planet’s population. Before us stood some of the most famous structures in these religions.

For Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock comprise the third-holiest site in the world. For Jews, the Western Wall of the Temple Mount is the holiest place on earth. For Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or Garden Tomb is believed to be the location of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Throughout our stay in Israel, we were surrounded by the fervency of religion. Muslims streamed to the Temple Mount for Friday prayers. Jews crowded the Western Wall on the Sabbath. Christians gathered for Sunday worship in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

As I experienced what is arguably the world’s most religious city, I was reminded of the deception of religion.

An illustration from Leonardo da Vinci

To illustrate my point, I’d like you to consider what is now the world’s most expensive painting.

Continue reading Denison Forum – I was reminded in Israel that religion doesn’t work →

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

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1 Samuel 30:1-8

After an exhausting three-day journey, David and his men finally arrived home to find a scene of devastation. Their homes were burned to the ground, and their families were missing. Utter despair engulfed them. David’s distress soon increased when his men’s grief turned into bitter anger and they spoke of stoning him.

Most of us won’t experience this extreme a situation, but we can identify with David’s discouragement. Sometimes despair follows a personal tragedy or loss, but it can also result from the weariness of ongoing daily pressures. Family problems, financial difficulties, and health issues may make discouragement a constant companion. The same can happen with emotional struggles over feelings of unworthiness, failure to overcome an addictive habit, the pain of criticism, or fear of inadequacy.

Despair can afflict anyone unexpectedly, but the Lord doesn’t want us to linger in a fog of depression. We often can’t avoid the situations that lead us into discouragement, but we do have a choice whether to stay in that condition. Instead of caving in to misery, David chose to strengthen himself in the Lord. He recognized that God was the only one who could give him the proper perspective on the problem and provide the guidance he needed.

When you’re discouraged, where do you turn? Perhaps the last thing you want to do is read Scripture and pray—initially, the passages may seem like meaningless words, and your prayers might feel empty. But if you persist in crying out to God, you’ll eventually experience His comforting strength.

Bible in One Year: Acts 25-26

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Take a Number

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Read: John 14:15–27

Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 14–15; James 2

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.—John 14:27

We have an ancient cherry tree in our backyard that had seen better days and looked like it was dying, so I called in an arborist. He checked it out and declared that it was “unduly stressed” and needed immediate attention. “Take a number,” my wife, Carolyn, muttered to the tree as she walked away. It had been one of those weeks.

Indeed, we all have anxious weeks—filled with worries over the direction our culture is drifting or concerns for our children, our marriages, our businesses, our finances, our personal health and well-being. Nevertheless, Jesus has assured us that despite disturbing circumstances we can be at peace. He said, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27).

Jesus’s days were filled with distress and disorder: He was beleaguered by His enemies and misunderstood by His family and friends. He often had no place to lay His head. Yet there was no trace of anxiety or fretfulness in His manner. He possessed an inner calm, a quiet tranquility. This is the peace He has given us—freedom from anxiety concerning the past, present, and future. The peace He exhibited; His peace.

In any circumstances, no matter how dire or trivial, we can turn to Jesus in prayer. There in His presence we can make our worries and fears known to Him. Then, Paul assures us, the peace of God will come to “guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). Even if we’ve had “one of those weeks,” we can have His peace. —David H. Roper

Dear Lord, thank You that I can come to You with every care and Your peace will guard my mind.

In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.

INSIGHT: Are you struggling today? Thank God that you can take your cares to Him in prayer and ask Him to help you commit your situation to His care.

 

http://www.odb.org

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – The Face that Won’t Go Away

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Thomas Grüter has always had trouble putting names with faces. But unlike most of us who might have trouble recollecting the name of the man who just said hello, Grüter’s trouble lies in recognizing the face of the man who just said hello—even if it is his own father’s. His condition is called prosopagnosia or “face blindness,” and until recently the disorder was thought to be exceedingly rare. But new research led by a team that included Grüter himself shows the disorder is surprisingly much more common.

Those affected with prosopagnosia are not forgetful or inattentive, nor are they the social snobs they are often accused of being. When it comes to faces—even their own—they see very little that distinguishes one from another. The part of the brain that signals face recognition simply does not respond. As a result, they may greet acquaintances as strangers, struggle to keep up with plots in movies, and have difficulty finding their own children at school pick-up time. “I see faces that are human,” notes one woman of her condition, “but they all look more or less the same. It’s like looking at a bunch of golden retrievers: some may seem a little older or smaller or bigger, but essentially they all look alike.”(1)

The more I think about what it would mean to live unable to recognize faces, the more I am amazed at our ability to do so at all. Human faces are so complex, differing in both great and minute details. Our faces change with expression or circumstance, angle or shift of light; they are transformed by emotions, altered by different situations, and slowly transformed with age. Given the intricacy of the task, it is phenomenal that we should be able to recognize so many faces so effortlessly in the first place.

Continue reading Ravi Zacharias Ministry – The Face that Won’t Go Away →

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Follow the Ark

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Commanding the people: When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being borne by the Levitical priests, set out from where you are and follow it.— Joshua 3:3

Are you facing any new opportunities right now? Whatever those opportunities may be, it’s always important to “follow the ark.” What do I mean by that? Well…sometimes we can hang on to old, stale situations in life, simply because they are familiar to us, and we’re really just afraid of getting into uncharted territory. And then there are times we can sense something new ahead of us and we just want to step right into it—before it’s God’s time for us to do it.

In Joshua 3:3, God talks to Israel about following the Ark of the Covenant. The ark represents the anointing of God…the presence of God…the will of God. It’s very important for us to learn to follow the will of God and not our own will or the will of others.

God has a plan for you and me, and the only way to see that plan unfold is to follow the ark, or the will of God, and not our flesh, other people or our emotions.

Remember today that whatever God’s will is for your life, He will provide the way for you to accomplish it.

 

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