Day 128: Good Bad Or Indifferent, A Promise Is A Promise

Day 128: Good Bad Or Indifferent, A Promise Is A Promise

Read: Jeremiah 42:4 - 6, Mark 9:33 - 37

There is one thing in particular that I am noticing over the past week or so and that is this: Our words come so easy, often uttered without any thought or sincerity behind them. When we are confronted with difficult situations or unknowns, we cry out to God saying, “God just show me what I should do and no matter what I will do it.” “No matter what”? Really? Do we really mean those words? What is going on inside the heart that is faced with the worst possible scenario? There are things going on in life that Momma and Poppa never explained to us. We make promises if promises will get us out of crisis. But, promises are not made to be broken. Whatever the consequence they are meant to be kept.

God keeps His. He expects us to keep ours. A Promise Made! Really? Are you sure you want to do that? Are you ready to keep it? Good, bad or indifferent you have now put your feet to the fire of accountability and integrity? Are you really ready to make your word your true bond no matter the consequence? We shall see! Jeremiah 42:5-6 “So they said to Jeremiah, ‘Let the LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not do according to everything which the LORD your God sends us by you. Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we Will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.’”

They came to the prophet Jeremiah asking counsel; while their minds were already decided on what they were going to do that is to seek refuge in Egypt. A person who asks for advice should be honest and not have a predetermined course of action or agenda. As I found out last night at any given time anyone of us can get a phone call from someone asking for much needed assistance. I was only 15 minutes away from dinner when I got a call from someone at the church I attend. Someone had come in off the street seeking somebody to pray for him. As a Spiritual Leader of my church I agreed to come in and help him out. I had no idea of his needs, he was in distress. That is all that mattered to my heart.

I am, and I expect that many of you are as well, as Christians who have accepted the Father Son and Holy Spirit into your heart, you made a promise, perhaps unspoken, but a promise none the less, to do as Mark 9:35 tells us: 'Sitting down, He called the twelve and He said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and be servant of all.” At a time like last night, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit that I made a promise to God, to make every effort to strive to live out the Gospel life and that I was kinda sorta obligated to fulfill a role as a servant of prayer for this young father of four. Good, bad, indifferent, it was for me be obedient to the promise I made to God and neighbor, to set myself aside.

Let Us Pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a promise made is to be a promise kept. In the truest spirit of the Gospel message, let this is my solemn plea, God of power and mercy, only with your help can we offer you fitting service and praise. May we live the faith we profess and trust your promise of eternal life. I humbly ask that You may find favor with me and grant this plea through our One Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3UxfvNbBx0

Here's My Heart - David Crowder - Passion 2013

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This is the best quality video i could find from Passion 2013 of this performance. It's an amazing song! I will email you the song if requested!

Day 127: God Don't Bless Mess

Day 127: God Don't Bless Mess

Read: Psalms 119:1 - 8

Today, I'm feeling whimsical. I am just kinda sorta sitting here feeling free and being swayed back and forth by the rhythm of a song that is rolling around in my spirit. I am not even sure what the words are exactly but I know that I feel really really blessed. I am feeling in tune with but a small wave of heaven's very own orchestra - Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirit Three in One allelu, allelu, alleluuuia. It just keeps flowing rhythmically back and forth through the waves of my life and I just find that I can't help myself nor keep myself from just singing right along with it. Even as I write this devotion it just seems that joy is the only response to a life deeply overwhelmed and blessed by God.

Come on, my friends, let's do some singing this morning. Even if you do not know the words or the tune, just let yourself go and what will be will be: You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD. You are so blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set allelu, allelu, alleluuuia. You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it allelu allelu alleluia. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set allelu allelu alleluia.
Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. Alleluuuia.

REFRAIN: I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of all your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. (Just kinda stick this between the 'allelu, allelu, alleluia' choruses or where ever it might sound better to you! I am not a songwriter by any means and I am very sure God will make this work for you in a way that will both completely surprise and overwhelm you!) The whole point of this exercise is to just have some fun with God. Consider this from God's perspective for a moment. Imagine God is there with you. He desires to sing a duet with you. Come on now, you know you've always wanted to! Take a chance. Sing with Him.

God is looking square into your eyes to the very depths of your being: "How I so long to bless you! To be blessed is to be happy - not a happiness that comes just from a few momentary pleasures, but from the deep abiding joy that can only happen when you rest in my grace and experience my presence. My grace is unconditional, but my song of blessing depends on you. Every day when you wake up, turn your heart upon me and your thoughts upon my Son Jesus and your life song upon my Holy Spirit. I'm asking you to immerse your entire self in my completeness. Come, enter into your new day as a blessed person because you'll always be my beloved for one unchangeable reason: God don't bless no mess."

Let Us Pray: Calm us now, O Lord, into a quietness that heals and listens. Open wide our wounded hearts to the balm of your Word. Speak to us in clear tones so that we might feel our spirits leap for joy and skip with hope as your resurrection witnesses. Gracious God, as we turn to your Word for us, may the Spirit of God rest upon us all. Help us to be steadfast in our hearing, and in our speaking, and in our believing, in our living. Praise The Father, Praise The Son, Praise the Spirit Three In One Allelu, Allelu, Alleluuuuuia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwtne69jb8A
Agnus Dei Michael W Smith ballet
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Agnus Dei - Michael W. Smith Available on iTunes Paradosi Christian Ballet Company performing Agnus Dei at Christ Center in Cashmere, WA May

Agnus Dei Michael W Smith ballet

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Agnus Dei - Michael W. Smith Available on iTunes Paradosi Christian Ballet Company performing Agnus Dei at Christ Center in Cashmere, WA May

Day 126: Birds Of A Feather Flocking Together

Day 126: Birds Of A Feather Flocking Together

Read: Ephesians 4:1 - 6

This is one of those passages that reads as fairly straightforward. Yet, if we are not careful, we can get so caught up in trying to unravel the details that we will miss the big picture. So I decided we’re going to continue to spend our time today trying to focus on the overall idea that Paul is trying so very hard to communicate here. Paul is describing for us in this passage seven things that all believers have in common that make them birds of a feather. But these bonds are much deeper than any ties based on common causes or beliefs, deeper than ties based on common interests, even deeper than family ties. In fact, these are the deepest ties possible because they find their roots deeply imbedded in perfect completeness of God Himself.

A careful consideration of these seven common bonds reveals that they are far more than just some random listing of what we might have in common, but that Paul took the time to actually group them in a manner that reveals the work of all three parts of the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in the lives of believers across all our generational boundaries, economic statuses, nationalities, genders, living statuses, education levels - all birds, without regard to size, color of feathers, beak type, diet. I believe in the premise that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit work in perfect harmony and singular unity of purpose to accomplish the purposes of God - creating one relationship, creating one  community.

The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit is to point us to all things, including our lives, being made truly complete in Jesus Christ. For me Jesus and the Holy Spirit seem to have this singular tendency toward shyness - the Holy Spirit never calls attention to itself but rather comes in the name of the Son, bears witness of the Son and gives glory to the Son. And Jesus didn’t go around calling attention to Himself either. Instead, He submitted to the Spirit who led Him into the wilderness and He told his Father, “Not my will but yours be done.” I mean what is up with that? It can, no, is very confusing. But just maybe its that shyness that is what draws birds of a feather to flock together. I don't know. I'm just thinking.

I was raised in some ways to believe of God as a proud, mostly arrogant being who could get away with his pride because he was God. However, as I've taken the time to study the Bible, reflect on my own peaks and valley's of life, my time on mountain tops, being married after a thoroughly forever belief in my bachelorhood, I see God differently. God exists as Father, Son, and Spirit in a community of greater humility, servant hood, mutual submission, and delight so much more than you and I can ever hope to imagine or comprehend. Three and yet One. Oneness is God’s own signature. It is the oneness of God that's the model or the basis for the oneness of God’s people. How singularly awesome is that?

Let Us Pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I ask that You move in my heart and mind to grow in the depth and breadth of my understanding of Your grace, Your sovereignty, and Your absolute truth of Your complete Oneness. LORD, please move in my life and draw near to me so that I will desire to draw ever nearer to You. Please begin the work of rewiring the belief system in my brain to get rid of the lies I've accepted and tend to live by. I ask that You shower Your grace down upon me in a personal and profound way. Please help me to accept Your truth and Your Word for all of humanity and for me in particular. Lift the veil of spiritual fog and transform my blindness of pride into crystal clear vision of You and Your divine Word. All things In Jesus Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XhUsJD0w1M

They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love

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This video was inspired when we became homeless for a few months. Those that we met while we were homeless were wonderful people who had hit

Day 125: Birds Of A Feather

Day 125: Birds Of A Feather

Read: Ephesians 4:1 - 6

I so need your help this morning. Let’s see if you can help me complete the following sentence: Birds of a feather [.....]. I believe that we all know the answer is a rather obvious one - that being that they all 'flock together', but permit me to tell you one child's answer: "What kind of bird has only one feather, wouldn't that bird get kinda cold?" When I overheard this exchange in the supermarket between a mother and her five year old daughter, I smiled and almost laughed and thought to myself: 'wow, she's gotta really good point there'! I do not believe I have ever seen a bird with one feather. Now we are all
familiar with that idiom. It indicates community, that people who are similar tend to stick together.

There are all kinds of different types of ties that can bond us together with others for instance: there are family ties. Pick up any photos from a recent vacation or search out your wedding album or one of your parents or grandparents and inside you will probably find a husband and wife of the year contest that so uniquely depicts the ties that bind that husband and wife together. There are ties based on common interests. For instance you can go to just about any sports bar in town next Sunday evening and find a whole bunch of guys and gals just hanging around partying, watching the Super Bowl together because of their common interest in football and all the different flavors of chicken wings.

Looking at our reading this morning, notice how Paul began chapter 4 of Ephesians by describing the unity that the Holy Spirit establishes for followers of Jesus Christ and four attitudes that we need to develop in order to preserve that unity. He’s going to continue that train of thought in verse 4 by describing for us some common bonds that we share with other believers that are the basis for that kind of unity. 'There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (4-6).' The key word in this passage is obviously the word “one”.

This particular word indicates something that is united as one rather than something that is divided or consists of separate parts. It is a word that would be applied to one team, but not to one individual player who is part of that team. Paul uses the word “one” seven times in this passage and I don’t believe that’s an accident. The number seven in the Bible normally indicates completeness – like seven days make a complete week. I’m convinced that the seven “ones” Paul writes about in this passage are truly intended to indicate something that is complete and that is the completeness of our deeply rooted relationship with Father Son and Holy Spirit as the One Body of Christ.

Let Us Pray: Father Son and Holy Spirit, You, the one From whom on different paths All of us have come. To whom on different paths All of us are going. Make strong in our hearts what unites us. Build bridges across all that divides us; United make us rejoice in our diversity. At one in our witness to your peace, A rainbow of your glory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azDgHycR_KQ

We Are One In The Spirit (They Will Know We Are Christians) - as sung by Jack Marti

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This song was sort of an anthem among the Jesus People in the '60s and '70s, but I always had a

Day 124: I Will Gladly Ring My Own Bells Just For Your Approval!

Day 124: I Will Gladly Ring My Own Bells Just For Your Approval!

Read: Hebrews 4:14 - 16, 1 Thessalonians 2:1 - 7

One of the things that fascinates me so about the human experience, is the need for acceptance. In our everyday life’s we have this overwhelming urge to be approved by the people we come in contact with. In school we must do our best in academics or we would be looked upon with unfavorable eyes, both from our peers and professors. At the work place we must act with the utmost dignity and respect, or our own fellow workers and employers would cast a cloud of division from among us. In our homes we must keep a spirit of unity and happiness so everyone approves of your ability to govern your home well; i.e. the bills, the food on the table, the clothes, family peace.

In our everyday lives we seek after approval from people. We long for someone to let us know that they are our friends and they have our best interests at heart. We have a list of things that we do to win someone’s love and compassion. 1. We buy them presents. 2. We'll give them money “out of the blue”. 3. We take them around when they need to travel. 4. We gladly give out Holiday and birthday and anniversary cards. 5. We cook for them. 6. We baby-sit the children. 7. We clean for them. 8. We call them just to see how their doing. And the list goes on and on of the sheer multitude of good deeds we do to win someone’s approval. We will definitely make whatever sacrifices should become necessary.

Even when it comes to family members, we strive to do our very best to make sure the family stays together and loves one another. The saying goes that blood is thicker than water. The things we do to fit in to our own families. Now when we take all of these things into account, we have done our best to be approved of the people, and have built ourselves a good reputation, we begin to use this status to our advantage. We begin to think of all the people on our “good” list and distinguish whose button’s we can push to get ahead of the game of Life. "I have earned it so I therefore I have also deserved it."

Oh, how hard will we work, how far will we go, what sacrifices will we make, what temptations will we so willingly yield to achieve the singular end of man's approval? What an incredibly heavy burden we will gladly accept upon our shoulders. One of the joys I have about the love of God towards His people is God's approval that was freely opened for us on Calvary, thru the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Jesus. 15 'We have a chief priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he didn’t sin. 16 So we can go confidently to the throne of God’s kindness to receive mercy and find kindness, which will help us at the right time.'

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, I don’t know of a more persistent struggle in life than the issue of how we think about the approval or disapproval of people. You made us for intimate, rich relationships - those beginning with you, and then with one another. But the ways of this world and my growing desire for its approval threaten to overwhelm me. Daily I find myself yielding greater and greater ground to this threat and I am pleading for assistance. By the power of the Holy Spirit, grant us greater assurance that, in you, we already have God’s full acceptance and everlasting approval. Through the Holy Spirit, grant us greater freedom from living as posers, pretenders, and performers. By the power of the Holy Spirit, grant us greater joy in loving and serving others even as you love and serve us. So very Amen we pray, in the beauty, bounty of your name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ
David Crowder*Band - How He Loves (Official Music Video)
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Pre-VEVO play count: 702,013 Music video by David Crowder*Band performing How He Loves

David Crowder*Band - How He Loves (Official Music Video)

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Pre-VEVO play count: 702,013 Music video by David Crowder*Band performing How He Loves (Official Music Video).

Day 123: The Rule Of Your 'Rather'

Day 123: The Rule Of Your 'Rather' - Your Personality versus God's Principle

Read: Hebrews 11:23 - 29, Philippians 2:5 - 13

As I was reading and studying today's Scripture, there was a word and a theme that kept jumping out at me. The theme seemed to be centered around the word 'Rather' from (25): He chose to suffer with God’s people rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a little while. From verse 23, Moses' mother had been presented with a choice of obeying Pharaoh's order and risk his life or hiding Moses. Rather than risk the life of her 'beautiful baby', she risked her own life and hid the child for three months. It is very interesting that this passage is worded the way it is. The people are presented with a chance to choose rather or not they would make significant personal sacrifice. These passages are very significant.

I mean I really believe you should take some time and consider this. There are some things that we would rather do than others - can I please get an Amen here? In my school days I would have rather watched television than crack a book and read my homework assignment. I would rather wait until the very last minute of the very last day to study for a final exam. I would rather eat a whole pepperoni pizza than a plate full of Broccoli. I would rather eat anything else in the world but never my spinach. I would rather go to Hawaii than Iceland. If we are being handed a God given choice to one thing rather than the other, 99 times out of 100 we will choose only what we like, that which is not likely to hurt us.

No pain, No gain? Absolutely positively NOT because I'm very sure I can gain without feeling any of the pain. Look at Adam and Eve. They had a choice obey God or listen to the serpent. Take a bite of the forbidden fruit and a taste of the knowledge of good and evil or saying "Thanks but no thanks I would rather not." Rather than be content with what God had given them (Paradise!) they chose to disobey God because they wanted to have more personal pleasure and comfort, knowledge and power, motive and opportunity for selfish personal and worldly gain. We make choices every day as to who will govern our principle versus personality battles, our 'rather' opportunities, choosing when nobody is looking.

Sometimes, we would rather do wrong do we not? That ¡s when our old nature is in control. But when we let God take over our new nature, through the life teachings of Jesus Christ we would rather take the time to more carefully reconsider, re-prioritize what is for our selfish personal gain looking more toward the needs of others and do His will for the sake of our families, friends and neighbors. His desires become our desires. His way becomes our way. Jesus had his principle versus personality, rather moment when He had that conversation with His Father "would you rather have all the comforts of your heavenly home or would You rather sacrifice all You are for the sake of love? Jesus chose to love.

Let Us Pray: Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I am facing a difficult decision in my life, and I do not know what road to take. You have given me the awesome power to choose freely as well as the intelligence to choose wisely. Inspire me to make the right decision no matter what it may be. Please let me carefully weigh the reasons on all sides from a human point of view, and then rely on your grace for divine help. When the decision has been reached, let me not look back, in the firm knowledge that I've done my part and have made a right decision in your eyes. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acwc_QAkEr8

Mandisa - Lifeline (official Music Video)

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Day 122: It Is Not About The Hand

Day 122: It Is Not About The Hand

Read: Ephesians 4:11 - 16

From another Email that my friends keep sending to me. What is God saying to you?

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want" ~Zig Ziglar

I was in the supermarket one day, and an older lady came down the aisle whom I could barely see over the top of her groceries. I got somewhat frightened because she seemed to be heading straight for me. She screeched to a halt within a few feet of me, peered over her load, wagged her finger, and said, "I left your church. I left your church". So I said, "Well, if it’s my church, I think that was a very wise decision. If it’s my church, I think I’m going to leave too." She said, "Don’t you want to know why I left?" I said, "No, not particularly, but I think I’m going to find out". And I was right. She said, "Young man, You and your church weren’t meeting any of my needs".

I answered, "I do not ever recollect seeing you before, let alone talking to you, let alone knowing your needs. Did you ever tell anyone specifically what your needs were?" She couldn’t recall that she had, so I raised another question. "Can you tell me, if we have 5,000 people sitting in that church, all with your same attitude, how anyone’s needs are going to be met? If you reserve the right to have that attitude, then you must give everybody the freedom to have that attitude. And if everybody who exercises that freedom has that attitude, who on this earth is going to do all the need-meeting?" Standing her ground, she demanded, "Then you tell me who will."

Relieved, I said, "I thought you’d never ask. This is what will work: when people stop sitting in the pew saying, ’They’re not meeting my needs’ and start saying, ’Whose needs can I meet?’ 'Whose needs should I be meeting?' Then unmet needs will be met. When the servant spirit flourishes in a congregation, then they minister to each other as unto the Lord." Ephesians 4:12,13 says to us that '12 Their purpose is to prepare God’s people to serve and to build up the body of Christ. 13 (And) This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, until we become mature, until we (will) measure up to Christ, who is the standard.'

'15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our (own) relationship to Christ, who is the head. 16 He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (v. 15,16)' This is basically saying that we all have a job to do. The human body does not exist to meet the needs of our hands. Our hands exist to meet the needs of the body and in doing so gets its own needs met. The Church (The Body of Christ) does not exist to meet our needs. We exist to carry out the work of the Body in doing so our own needs are met.

Let Us Pray: Lord, bless Your people in their work, and give them the energy to reach all of Your children, even the most needful. As Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, may their love “increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.” And grant them also regular opportunities to recharge their own sense of Your love. Lord, grant Your people the grace to carry out their tasks with joy. As Paul prayed for the Colossians, let them be “strengthened with all power” according to Your glorious might, “bearing fruit in every good work.” May Your love shine out through the love of the Church, The Body of Christ, marching forward, in action. Thru Christ our Lord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SExJ9od-0zQ

If We Are The Body

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If Casting Crowns had a music video for "If We Are the Body", this would be it! (Except done way better...)

Day 121: "The Golden Rule"

Day 121: "The Golden Rule"

Read: Matthew 7:12

I have day long obligations to meet so today's devotional effort comes directly from "Listening To God" by Bruce Bickel. Hear and receive these words as though God is speaking directly to your heart.

"My Word contains a number of phrases the whole world uses - usually without understanding their origins. Here is a popular phrase: "Do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12). You call it the "Golden Rule." This little saying speaks volumes about the way I want you to treat others, including those who are not in my family of faith.

The Golden Rule came from Jesus - and notice how He made it a positive statement. Other religions say it like this: "Do not do to others what you do not want done to you." For example, if you do not want another driver to yell at you, you would not aggravate him by your own reckless driving. That is fine, but it really misses Jesus' point.

My Son wants you to do more than avoiding things that harm others. He wants you to do something positive before they have a chance to do something positive for you. Honestly, it is much easier to refrain from doing something harmful than it is to initiate something beneficial. Restraint takes discipline, but generosity requires planning."

Let Us Pray: Holy God, Word made flesh, let us come to this word open to being surprised.
Silence our agendas;
banish our assumptions;
cast out our casual detachment.
Confound our expectations;
clear the cobwebs from our ears;
penetrate the corners of our hearts with this word.
We know that you can, we pray that you will, and we wait with great anticipation. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AXD3Xq6Z6U

Brandon Heath - Jesus In Disguise - Official Lyric Video

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Brandon Heath's radio single, "Jesus In Disguise," from his new album, Blue Mountain, now available

Day 120: Conspiracy of Kindness

Day 120: Conspiracy of Kindness

Read: Romans 12:9 - 21

Today, for some reason allegedly known only to God, the words for today's devotional offering are Conspiracy Theory. According to Wikipedia it explains an event as being the result of an alleged plot by a covert group or organization or, more broadly, the idea that there are important political, social or economic events are the products of secret plots that are largely, unknown to the general public. I guess that it would also hold that alleged perpetrators go through no small amount of pain, impossible lengths and unimaginable sacrifices to make sure that no measure of truth ever comes even close to the surface. The books? They are absolutely fascinating reading and make for even better movies.

However, there is another Conspiracy theory you should be more aware of. 15 'Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.' (15,16). Simply put it is God's grand conspiracy of kindness towards our neighbors and ourselves. And, unfortunately, it is not unlike the theories in the definition listed above. Kindness seems to be a thing of the past. Our culture is swept more and more into the mindset of an “eye for an eye.” Every day there are ceaseless examples of just how cruel people can be toward each other. But, what about this 'conspiracy' thing?

The question that always seems to get asked by skeptics of Christianity is: Can we or do we really make a difference in our society? Are we really 'out there'? The answer is yes and contrary to what others may try so hard to be convinced of, is that we are 'out there', we do very much exist even though our best efforts always seem to be deliberately hidden from the public eye. Maybe it is just humility that keeps us from making too much of a public spectacle of ourselves. I guess the difference that we can make could begin with being more bolder, visible examples of simple Christian kindness. But before I continue let me ask you “What does it really mean to be kind?” What does kindness really mean for you?

First off, Kindness is a calling: 'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.' (Ephesians 4:32). The basic meaning of kindness means to be good, useful and helpful, considerate and gracious in all situations regardless of circumstances. This is indeed a difficult calling to answer but it is an essential one that we must answer to growing more bold, more visible, more like Christ to the one's who are, knowingly or unknowingly called to be our neighbors.
Kindness means that we care for the feelings of others and feel with them, boldly and visibly entering directly into, along side of, the situation with the family, friends and neighbors who suffer and struggle.

Let Us Pray: Lord thank you for the compassion and kindness You have shown to us. I pray that I will follow your example, being compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in your love. Heavenly Father, anoint me, just as you anointed Jesus, so that I can, with sureness of foot and purpose, guided by Your Holy Spirit, boldly and visibly go forth, bringing your help and healing touch to my neighbors. God please help me be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving them, just as in Christ You forgave me. May my efforts make more visible Your Kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven. Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SHhBh6U-cc

"Lord Feed Your Children" By The Gaither Vocal Band (2010)

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from the gaither vocal band dvd "reunited"

Day 119: Birthmarks of a Christian

Day 119: Birthmarks of a Christian

Read: 1 John 5:1 - 12

For today's devotion I am going to continue with expanding on the thought that was begun yesterday. That thought centered on those "Miraculous Ah Ha Moments" when our lives suddenly become transformed through the revelation of truths we had been not fully conscious, slow to learn of or were unwilling to acknowledge, accept or fully grasp the significance of. I am going to do a little reaching out into the real world and say that we have all been in a time and at a place where we have wondered "where on earth have I been?," "why did it take so long for me to realize that ...?" "I should have known about ... but I did not want to believe it." "I so wish I had done it sooner." "What if I ...."

Very few of us learn important things upon first exposure, and even fewer learn to communicate clearly what we have heard only once. If I were to ask you today, what are the marks of a true Christian, I suspect that only a handful of us would be able to list them confidently. Please note that I'm not talking about how one person becomes a Christian but what a Christian looks like. Being able to list the birthmarks of a true Christian allows you to know whether or not the people you meet who choose to call themselves Christians are misrepresenting themselves or not. Just as important, you will know whether you are truly a Christian, who is destined for eternal life with God or need to really know more.

In John’s record of Jesus’ life, John 3:1-8, a Jewish teacher, named Nicodemus, has asked Jesus about spiritual matters, and Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And John lists four marks of one who is born OF God. These birthmarks can be summarized using the acrostics, B.L.O.W., as in the Spirit of God blowing life into us. Let’s look at each birthmark. The B in BLOW stands for Believe that Jesus is the Christ. We see this in verse 1a. The evidence of being born of God is belief that Jesus is the Christ, that is God’s chosen Savior of their lives. Personal belief in a God beyond us is difficult but not impossible. Golden calves, buried treasure don't count as a belief in a 'god' beyond ourselves.

the L stands for Love other Christians as family members. We see this in verses 1b and 2. Jesus said to his disciples in John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This is not about one Christian loving another another Christian. It is love for all whether believers or not. The O stands for Obey God’s commands out of love for God and neighbors. We see this in verse 3. If I really love you, and if I really love God, then love is no burden. True love is not trouble free, but neither is true love troublesome, because the one we love is worth the trouble. W is Win in life and in death. We see this in verses 4 and 5. Live as if life is already won (1 Corinthians 15:51 - 58) Amen.

Let Us Pray: Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, Grant, that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-SI_HRWooA

Holy Spirit Rain Down (worship video w/ lyrics)

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Simple worship video we use at church I do not own the songs or the lyrics ! If you download you must own your own legal copy of the audio and be a

Day 118: "A Miracle of Understanding"

Day 118: "A Miracle of Understanding"

Read: Acts 2:1 - 21

Have you ever had one of those...ah-hah... experiences when all of a sudden, out of the blue, something you had not understood no matter how hard you tried, no matter how many times or ways it was explained -- that humorous story you heard on a bus, in your car pool or that one you should have laughed at when your boss told it that everyone else laughed at or that simple truth or perhaps some great truth suddenly, miraculously makes sense? Where was that V-8 drink everyone seems to hold when the light bulb suddenly appears over your head? Yes, that's long winded sentence. But
there are too many facets of life that sing of that "Miracle of Understanding" moment within each of us.

They bring with them a mixed bag of emotions depending on the circumstance. Some are enlightening and bring wisdom and humorous "I should have known that" times. They can also become attached to seriously frightening moments "I wish I had never known that." Some can be extraordinarily life transforming forever moments when a person answers "yes" to "will you marry me", when a couple have their very first child and parents their first grand child and suddenly every thing in the world becomes so much more righteous and heavenly blessed. For those 1st century body of believers: a sound like a violently blowing wind came rushing in and all the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

And the disciples who walked with Jesus on a daily basis went a long time before they had this ultimate ah-hah "I got it now" experience. So, friends and devoted readers we have also come to celebrate the Miracle of Understanding -- which is the birth of the Body of Christ, the birth of Christian Church. Peter, John, James and the rest of the disciples had spent quite a bit of time following Jesus around. He told them over and over again what was going to happen to Him, and why it had to happen that way.
He had fulfilled Scripture---the prophecies from the Old Testament. The disciples had lived with Him, eaten with Him, followed Him.....but they still did not understand Him.

After spending three years living in the presence of God’s One and Only Son....even the disciples still did not get it! But still Jesus had promised them that God the Father would send the Holy Spirit to them. And when that happened He would teach them all things and would remind them “of everything” Jesus had said to them. It would finally make sense. There would a day, not as nearly far off as they believed, They would receive their Miracle of Understanding moment. I wish I could have been there to witness it! The Holy Spirit filled those first Christians. On that day, at that "Miracle Moment", a community of believers understood. How about your "Miracle Ah Ha Moment?" It could be closer than you believe!

Let Us Pray: Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, Grant, that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf7nKgi8Dh4

Jesus Culture with Martin Smith - Holy Spirit (Live From New York) [New Song 2012]

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This is the 12th song on Jesus Culture's new album! You can get the song/CD here:

Day 117: Secret To A Successful Christian Life: Quit Minding Your Own Business

Day 117: Secret To A Successful Christian Life: Quit Minding Your Own Business

Read: Luke 2:40 - 49

Have you ever had someone tell you to mind your own business? I think all of us have had that experience. Usually it happens because someone else believes we are getting involved in things that don’t concern us. We ought not be the kind of people who are always (operative word being 'always') trying to find out what is going on with someone else. But I desire for you to understand and consider that one of the greatest problems in our homes, neighborhoods, communities and churches today is Christians who spend a little too much time minding their own business. You say , if I am not to mind my own business than whose business am I to mind? Perhaps it is time to mind more of God's!!

Let’s look at our text for this morning. Jesus was twelve years old. He was strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Both Joseph and Mary decided Jesus was old enough to travel with them to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. But then it came time to leave. Joseph and Mary headed home not even realizing that Jesus was yet in Jerusalem. They were quite probably travelling with a caravan for the Bible says they supposed Him to have been in the company. When one full day had passed they began to ask people if they had seen Jesus. Vs. 45 tells us that when they found Him not they quickly returned to Jerusalem seeking Him out.

Now imagine how they must have felt. There would be frantic searches, sleepless nights. All of the same emotions and difficulties that parents of today would feel. For three days they did not know where Jesus was. After three days they found Jesus. He was sitting in the temple among the doctors and scholars of the temple. And they were astonished at His understanding and answers. Next, notice what His parents said when they found him. Verse 48: 'When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother asked him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!” Jesus said 'I was minding my Father's business.'

Jesus said to His parents, " I must be about my Father’s business." I pray you to know today that that statement sums up the secret to a successful Christian life. 'I must be about my Father’s business.' You have heard it sung that there is no business like show business like no business I know. Friends, I want you to comprehend that there is no business like God’s business. Yet far too many Christians are more concerned about their own business then they are God’s. They make time for all the things they want to do and squeeze God in here and there. It is the will of God for every believer that we quit minding too much of our own business to start minding God’s business.

Let Us Pray: O Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth, help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right. Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with my fellow men. Help me to truly and more clearly understand their motives and their shortcomings, even as you truly and more clearly understand mine! Help me to be successful in Your Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs1XRyIvEfU

Jesus Culture - Where You Go I Go

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With Lyrics

Day 116: Knowing The Simplest Gift For Life: Obeying Your Thirst

Day 116: Knowing The Simplest Gift For Life: Obeying Your Thirst

Read: John 4:5 - 24, Psalms 63

Emails. We all get them in some form or another on our computers, our smart phone or I Pad. In some form being those we get from accepted sources, those we get from sources of a suspicious nature and down right spam - truest possible junk. Just a few years ago, I received a story forwarded and then forwarded again from a friend of mine. I do not remember specifically why he sent it to me and for whatever reason, I ended up storing it. Something then, I guess, just said keep it for another day. So for whatever reason this morning, as I was reading today's Scripture passage from John, It was sent right back into my spirit. So, in obedience to the Spirit of God, here it is. Drink in it's lesson for your life.
 
A small boy is sent to bed by his father. Five minutes later.... "Da-ad...." "What is it?" "I’m thirsty. Can you bring drink of water?" "No. You had your chance. Lights out." Five minutes later: "But Da-aaad....." "WHAT?" "I’m THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??" "I told you NO!" If you ask me again, I’ll have to come in and spank you!!" So Five minutes later......"Daaaa-aaaad....." "WHAT NOW!" "When you come in to spank me, can you pleeease just bring me a drink of water?" I am not sure why in particular
I recalled this, or its relevance here save maybe some memory of my childhood when I was very thirsty too, Mom said I could not get out of bed and I really truly needed a drink so I could get to sleep.

Even today, on a cold Saturday morning in January, We all thirst for something… We all thirst to feel loved, We all thirst to experience happiness and joy and we all desperately search for meaning and significance from time to time. And there are those times in life where the thirst just does not go away or does not get satisfied, or we choose to ignore it. Some years ago I remember SPRITE in one of its marketing campaigns had tried to entice the general public to buy with it’s slogan, “Image is nothing. Thirst is everything. OBEY YOUR THIRST!”. (like sugared-up, fizzy, lemon-lime beverage has the ability to satisfy the deep longings of your soul! – Geesh!) "OBEY YOUR THIRST!" Drink from God's Well!

Many people do obey their thirst. They drink up what everyone around them calls love, they pursue what their neighbors call happiness, and they try to find meaning and significance as defined by television or social media sites. A Samaritan woman went to get some water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink of water.” The woman was skeptical of who Jesus was, and why He would make such a request or expect a kindness from one that Jews would never associate with. Jesus replied to her, “If you only knew what God’s gift is and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink. He would have given you living water.” Obeying your thirst? Do you drink of this gift of God's life?

Let Us Pray: Psalms 63

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKioQPEW4do

Casting Crowns - The Well (with lyrics)

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"The Well" is from Casting Crowns' album Come To The Well, now available in stores and on iTunes: http://bit.ly/q2nytx

Day 115: God's Perspective: Finding Your Place In His Body

Day 115: God's Perspective: Finding Your Place In His Body

Read: 1Corinthians 12

This morning as you are taking the time to read and consider this devotion, I want to try to help you to understand one of the greatest truths that is found in the Bible, it is a truly awesome thing that God has done to help us in our Christian life. It is this: It is God’s Plan exclusively made for you! God's plan for you is that you will understand that you matter to Him, that you are an absolutely irreplaceable part of His Body, you, in your very own exclusively unique way not just represent, but you actually become His Hands, His Feet, His voice, His healing agent wherever you are, whoever you talk too…. What an absolutely awesome thought and what an awesome responsibility too!

This morning I so very much want to encourage you with the awesome truth of God's Word, that is you are a living, breathing and vibrant part of Someone in whose very presence and by His hand created all things, created us in His Image. I so much want you to Find Your Place in His Body…. I so much want you to know what your Gift is and then use that Gift for the Glory of God as you strive to find your unique place in God's kingdom. In a culture that does not seem to place very much value on your own niche place, on all the gifts that accompany your uniqueness, God's own perspective, His unique plan where you contribute to building up the Body of Christ with your life.

Isn’t it great that we are not all alike? God has created us all different. Do you see anybody around that looks just like you? Do you know anybody around here that even thinks just like you do? We are all different, the same Maker, just different models. How many here this morning know if the Lakers, Clippers, Bulls or Knicks won or lost or even played yesterday? How many people don’t really care? How many people who are here reading this devotion this morning drink Pepsi? How many Coke? How many people here always get things done on time? How many here wait till the last minute? Please understand, accept that from the very beginning when God created community, He very intentionally created a diverse group of uniquely gifted people.

What I want you to understand is that we are a very diverse group of people, but the Spirit of God living in us, brings us together, molds our hearts together for a common purpose… and we can love each other in spite of our differences…. This is one of the things that marks us as Chrisitians… it makes us wholly unique. Scripture says: 4 'There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5 There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. 6 There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person. 7 The evidence of the Spirit’s presence is given to each person for the common good of everyone. (4-7)

Let Us Pray: Good day, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, fill my spirit, soul, and body with the fullness of Your Presence. You have given us spiritual gifts with spiritual power. Each one is a holy and unique expression of Your Holy Spirit abiding within us and ministering through us. They are a unique part of our identity, and they are necessary to fulfill our destiny. So God, let us be wholly unique, "let us use them."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8

Jason Gray - Remind Me Who I Am (Official Music Video)

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iTunes: http://bit.ly/ulLCW9 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/JasonGray Twitter: http://bit.ly/w45gRP The Remind Me Project: http://on.fb.me

Day 114: God's Perspective And Our Personal Inconveniences

Day 114: God's Perspective And Our Personal Inconveniences

Read: Matthew 6:25 - 34

So, as we continue our journey seeking the high places of God in our life, we turn to a very interesting passage of the Bible. One, for which if there were watchwords for it could be God's perspective and our personal inconveniences. '31 “Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. 33 But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you." Jesus says this very strongly and very truthfully "Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to their life?"

I know this is tough to read because a central part of our human condition centers on our passion and infatuation with the idea we have to be worried about something or it just does not seem life is real with out it. What difference does it make what 'it' is, we feel like we have the absolute right to worry about it. We will defend this 'right' to no end: "don't you dare tell me not to worry about it I can if I want to! So guess what I want to! So there, how's them apples taste?". Worrying is one of the easiest things to do. Worry is like that long lost friend who suddenly seems to show up at the door of your life, ceaselessly knocks on the door, gets accepted inside, then stays awhile, never wants to just go away.

Is that to say we should not ever worry about something? No, absolutely not! I do not believe it possible to give up all our worldly concerns because some inevitably will hit very close to home. We need to worry about things like ours and our families health and well being. Perhaps what is needed is a change of perspective: our own to our God's. Try taking a chair in God's kingdom and looking back over the course of things. Aren’t most of the struggles of this life, especially when viewed in hindsight, nothing more than an inconvenience? You identified it. You considered it's relevance. You now put forth the effort and the time (however long it takes) to address it, then, prayerfully be able to move on.

As my wife tells me when I get into one of my worried state, 'we will live if we do not die trying! So, get over it because God's got it!" We live through the struggles of life, we will grow through the struggles of life and hopefully we will learn from those struggles that they are no more than (Gasp!) an inconvenience. Once we go through them we become empowered. We realize that we will live through that situation if we are called (Gasp!) to face them again. When someone takes a parking space that you are about to pull into, that is not a problem that’s only a (Gasp!) inconvenience? It is a tough thing to switch from our perspective to God's but the change is so very worth it.

Let Us Pray: Psalm 91

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN6v6whg2lk
God is in control
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God is in control by Twilla Paris(album: wow hits 1996) This is no time to fear This is the time for faith and determination Don't lose the vision here carri...

God is in control

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God is in control by Twilla Paris(album: wow hits 1996) This is no time to fear This is the time for faith and determination Don't lose the vision here

Day 113: Our Expectations Versus God's Expectations

Day 113: Our Expectations Versus God's Expectations

Read: Deuteronomy 10:10 - 13, Exodus 3 - 4

There is a passage of Scripture that was placed before me this morning that just seems to be a natural extension of the devotion from yesterday "who may go up the Lord's mountain?" I got to thinking about something after a very healthy discussion of expectations at last nights Bible Study. In particular, it was regarding God's very own expectation of His people whom He lead from Egypt to the foot of Mount Sinai that He might give them a second set of stone tablets with His ten commandments. Moses said before his people: (10) 'I stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights as I did the first time. Once again the Lord listened to me and agreed not to destroy you.'

'As I did the first time'? Wait a minute! How many times had Moses been called to the mountain top?
I mean, how many times did God expect an 80 year old Moses to climb over jagged rocks, perched on high cliffs, balance along narrow paths looking down into gorges below carrying with him all the provisions he would need for living and surviving 40 days of wilderness heat and 40 days of very cold nights? I mean, I really desire that you would take some time to seriously consider the enormity of the task that Moses was expected by God to do? What was on God's mind or in His heart when He called Moses up each time? Exercise? Joy at Moses' expense? A test of Moses' obedience, his character?

Scripture is not really clear about why God expected Moses to do these things. The first thing I thought of was that it was what Moses expected of himself to meet the expectations of being in, remaining in and deepening of a close personal relationship with God who had called him away from the burden of life as a fugitive on the run, a burden of a life governed by deep un-revealable secrets, a life of lost potential, a life of unfulfilled purpose, a life of mediocrity in a far away land, away from your family.
This is the life Moses, raised by Pharaoh to be a Prince, perhaps even an expected role as future Pharaoh of the land, left behind in Egypt when he killed the Egyptian.

Moses fled into the desert expecting who know what? Death? Miracles of water or food? Expecting to be an unknown, lost and anonymous soul? No relationships except the animals he would have to fend off to survive? No human companionship to be found anywhere? Or perhaps worse yet, the expectation that there was no hope to be found anywhere at anytime for any reason? Probably true! Even for us today when we reach a place in our lives when life seems to suddenly reverse its course and it appears there is no way out any time soon. I am not even sure if Moses had any expectation that he would find a saving God. But I believe God expects He will find us finding Him and being grateful for it.

Let Us Pray: Psalm 27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgM3nokGVqg

WHISPERS OF MY FATHER - ANCIENT WORDS by Michael W. Smith with Lyrics

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https://www.facebook.com/WhispersofMyFather

Day 112: Who May Go Up The Lord’s Mountain?

Day 112: Who May Go Up The Lord’s Mountain?

Read: Psalms 24, Isaiah 2:1 - 5

This morning I desire to continue our theme "A View From The High Place" from yesterday. Let us move on to what might be the next question on people's minds. I believe that question would probable be: "Okay, tell me, who may go up the Lord's mountain? Who may stand in His holy Place? (verse 3)" The basic idea is, “how can we stand in the presence of the LORD?” Whether he was referring to the physical temple in Jerusalem or heaven - it doesn’t specifically state and probably does not matter because El Elyon, God Most High, will always be found in both. We come the earthly temple, that we may find the true path to the heavenly one through Christ.

The main question is - how do we get in the presence of the LORD? The only way is by getting ourselves into shape, getting 'psyched out', work hard to put ourselves thru a rigorous training program, find others who are willing to take the time to train and or mentor us, practice gradually climbing up other smaller mountains, then climbing the 'big one', The Mountain Of God. Easy, right? No problems, right? Oh okay, then lets move on. Oh, wait a minute, I just thought of something! I do not guess it is too big a thing, but here we go: The only problem is, we have huge weights tied to our backs in the form of all that luggage with all those supplies, and all that equipment.

And so the Psalmist asks - Who may go up the Lord’s mountain? Who may stand in his holy place? Prayerfully consider the relevance of these 'Rock' climbing credentials: In today’s Psalm David lays out four things needed to ascend the hill of the LORD. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false (24:4). I felt that these first two were intimately connected, and I’ll show you why. That term “clean hands” is a neat illustration - just in the physical sense. At any given time your hands can have millions of disease causing bacteria on them. Your hands are the hardest body parts you'll have to keep clean. 

 

In the same spiritual way - our hands have an intimate connection with our hearts. So, what does this say about the cleanliness of your heart? 2) Who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Both of these sins have to do with God’s reputation. God is known as a “jealous” God - in the sense that he will not share his glory with any other false god. He demands your exclusive worship and devotion. 3) He must be a willing seeker and searcher for the face of God (24:6). If the person is
not willing to do what they need to do to genuinely open their hearts to the new, the training program cannot begin. Finally, they must lift up their heads and make ascent.

Let Us Pray: Psalm 121

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wer0cXhpNq4

Come Let Us Go up to the Mountain

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Day 111: El Elyon, God Most High: A View From The High Place

Day 111: El Elyon, God Most High: A View From The High Place

Read: Psalms 18:30-36, Habakkuk 3:17 - 19

Have you ever been high? I mean what is the highest you have ever been in your life? I mean really high? I have been incredibly high on more than a few occasions and I have discovered that it adds a certain clarity to your vision, there is very little like the experience of standing high above the crowd and being able to see for miles. O wait a minute, I just realized something about what I just said and how I just said it. My spirit just got the distinct impression that some of you might misinterpret what I was talking about when I asked about being 'high'. What did you think I meant? I realize that the question opens the door to a few heads being scratched such as regarding the use of illicit drugs.

But, no, this has never been the case at any point in my life. What I was referring to were the geographical high places - valley overlooks, tall hills, high mountain roads, top of the Empire State Building, The Washington Monument, The Grand Canyon, sky rides at amusement parks and so on. I apologize for having opened the door to this misinterpretation. But that is how it is too with biblical interpretation of mountains and high places. Looking through the Bible there are very frequent references mentioned. It seems like throughout the scriptures that the high points often happen on mountain tops. It was Mount Sinai that God met with Moses gave him the Ten Commandments.

It was on Mount Ararat that the Ark came to a rest when the flood waters subsided. It was on Mount Carmel that the prophet Elijah faced off against the priest of Baal and proved to them the power of God. And Jerusalem is often referred to as God’s Holy Mountain. Time and time again we read several references in the Psalms to mountain tops and high places and what the Lord does, or is fully capable of doing for us if we only accept that possibility and grab hold of it as our own, take ownership of it: 'He makes my feet like those of a deer and gives me sure footing on high places.' (18:33). 'He makes my feet like those of a deer. He makes me walk on the mountains.' (3:19b)

In the New Testament we are often told that Jesus went up to the Mountain to pray and we read in Mark 9:2-3 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. And people often talk about Mountain top experiences meaning a high point in their life whether it is spiritual, relational or in regard to their career reaching some 'ultimate' pinnacle. But the bible is clear that God’s blessings, including heaven, are available for all God’s people and His people are people who've a deepening desire for a higher relationship with Him.

Let Us Pray:

Psalm 121:1 - 2
1 I look up toward the mountains.
Where can I find help? [for ..... and identify and surrender your joys and concerns]
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa1hABLMzDE
I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman | With Lyrics
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I lift up my eyes to the hills... where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the

I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman | With Lyrics

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I lift up my eyes to the hills... where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the

Day 110: "Their Victory Comes From Me" declares the Adonai Hoshia

Day 110: "Their Victory Comes From Me" declares the Adonai Hoshia

Read: Isaiah 54:11 - 17

Happy Sunday after a Raven victory that will take its rightful place in the great halls of the most legendary football games ever played. Such an awe inspiring one of a kind performance from Ray Lewis and the rest of the team and coaching staff. It is likewise a victory for the Lord as Rays source for getting the team all worked up for their awe inspiring performance in victory came from Isaiah 54:17:
 

'No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed.
You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you.
This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants.
Their victory comes from me,” declares the Lord.'

"Their victory comes from me," declares the Lord, Adonai Hoshia, The Lord of Victory.

Everyone wants victory in life, don’t they? Most people want to be successful in what they do. Athletes, train hard for years to be victorious on the field or in the arena. Lawyers, go to school for years and they spend untold hours on each case in hopes of winning a victory in the court room. But though most want to have victory -- the truth is many lose, for every team holding the winners trophy there are many more who do not.... And For every win in the court room, there is a corresponding loss. And even though life is far from a game and it is not a courtroom, there are still winners and losers. There in the center, on any competitive field one wins, one loses

Most people want to be a winner in life, they want to be victorious, they want to be successful... But the truth of the matter is that for many the winner’s circle is a very seldom visited place. Some Christians never live in victory because we never fully comprehend the total victory of Jesus and our ability by faith to appreciate all He has done for us. ABC Wide World of Sports use to come on with the words “The Thrill of Victory and the agony of defeat.” There is nothing as exciting as winning. The taste of victory in our lives is sweet. Victory is essential to our health and happiness. It is essential to our self esteem and our Christ - centered esteem to know God has won.

Defeat is destructive to our lives, and remaining in defeat can destroy our faith. It is not God’s will for your life to walk in defeat, but it is His will for you and I to rise-up. To Live in Victory you must think Victorious. 1. Gloom breads failure - It is impossible to live in victory without a victorious concept: Scriptural: 1 Corinthians 15:57 'But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcomes the world,
but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? "Their Victory comes from me" God.

Let Us Pray: Adonai Hoshia, Lord of Victory, thank you for Your protection, not just on the athletic fields but in all fields of competition especially our lives. Thank you for caring so much about Your children that You would send Your Son, Jesus Christ to the cross, that in His resurrection, to defeat our greatest enemy 'death', raising us, and all those who come to believe in You, up to eternal life with You. For You are the Resurrection and the Life. You are the Victory that will always see us through. Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wWynUbEYg0

VICTORY CHANT for Praise and Worship

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Jesus! From sacrificial Lamb to mighty Lion! Wow Worship Orange CD various artists

Day 109: What Manner Of Man Is This?

Day 109: What Manner Of Man Is This?

Read: Matthew 8:23 - 27

This morning, let's go on a journey through the sights and sounds of our minds. I am asking you to shut your eyes for a short time and let your mind go. Just sit back and relax. No, I am not trying to hypnotize any of you from afar. No it is nothing like that. I desire that you take a few moments or a few minutes, for you to place an image of your favorite musician, actor or actress or perhaps it might even be a sports figure or anyone else who has been extraordinarily influential in your life. Perhaps it may even be a hero type - someone you would most like to imitate, even model yourself after. Have someone on your mind? What would it have been like to be in their presence witnessing history?

Remember those iconic short news reel clips of The Beatles getting off the plane for their first musical tour of the United States? Remember all those screaming fans just waiting even for a glimpse of them. Jumping around all over the place holding their hands against the sides of their head shaking and shouting and screaming? Some even fainted or I guess more accurately swooned. How about those short clips of the great Elvis Presley in concert when he started to swing those hips? How about the iconic images of the Apollo 11 space crew landing on the moon and Neil Armstrong walking on the moon surface "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." This was where I wanted to be!

Iconic images that you just wished you could have been there to witness. Have you ever tried to imagine what Christ Jesus must have been like in person? Have you ever wondered how He must have carried Himself, or how His voice must have sounded? It must have been wonderful to walk and talk with the Savior, when He was upon the earth. The disciples had the privilege of walking and talking with Jesus, and I’m sure they never fully learned all there was to know about His person and nature. The Scripture even indicates that at times, the disciples were utterly amazed, puzzled by their Rabbi. This would be especially true during their early days walking with Him.

What manner of men were these to be in these one of a kind historic moments at these particular times? Observers, yes. Participants, willing or unwilling, yes all true. Were they thinking about their impacts on the pop culture of the time? Could have. Were they thinking in terms of their impact on history, that would end up in a book? Arguably doubtful. In our text, we read of just such a time when the disciples were totally bewildered and amazed by Jesus. They had not yet come to the full realization that Jesus was not just some smart, new miracle worker who had come on the scene but rather, He was the Son of God. Imagine the moment when we will realize it too.

Let Us Pray: Rabbi Jesus, what is it that keeps us from recognizing you? When we are so full of ourselves, it is all too easy to block you right out of our lives. Perhaps we are guilty of being slow of heart when we don’t recognize you in our neighbor, or in the guise of the poor or the dispossessed. Or Our eyes and ears have become so crammed with the sights and sounds of living or surviving the storms that we simply fail to see you or to recognize your voice. Rabbi Jesus, help us to empty ourselves of all that hinders our awareness of your presence with us. By Your grace O Lord. Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSH3Q6O_7w8
Tenth Avenue North - The Struggle (with lyrics)
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The title track from Tenth Avenue North's new album, The Struggle, now available in stores and on

Tenth Avenue North - The Struggle (with lyrics)

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The title track from Tenth Avenue North's new album, The Struggle, now available in stores and on iTunes: http://itun.es/i6jW4wC