feelings

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). Hebrews 10:23.

 The religion of Christ is not a religion of mere emotion. You cannot depend upon your feelings for an evidence of acceptance with God, for feelings are variable. You must plant your feet on the promises of God’s Word ... and learn to live by faith.

 As soon as one begins to contemplate his feelings he is on dangerous ground. If he feels happy and joyous, then he is very confident and has very pleasing emotions. The change will come. There are circumstances that occur which bring depression and sad feelings; then the mind will naturally begin to doubt whether the Lord is with him or not.

Now, the feelings must not be made the test of the spiritual state, be they good or be they discouraging. The word of God is to be our evidence of our true standing before Him. Many are bewildered on this point....

If you confess your sins, believe they are pardoned, because the promise is positive. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Why, then, dishonor God by doubting His pardoning love? Having confessed your sins, believe that the word of God will not fail, but that He is faithful that hath promised. It is just as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill His word and forgive your sins as it is your duty to confess your sins. Your faith must be exercised in God as one who will do just as He has said He would do—pardon all your transgressions....

Oh, how very many go mourning, sinning and repenting, but always under a cloud of condemnation! They do not believe the word of the Lord. They do not believe that He will do just as He said He would do.... You hurt the heart of Christ by doubting, when He has given us such evidences of His love in giving His own life to save us that we should not perish but have everlasting life.

We must trust; we must educate and train our souls to believe the word of God implicitly

-e g white

testimony

For years I dealt with trying to understand why a situation in my life would not change.  I was saved, born again and struggling.  I felt rejected.  I had a broken heart that I thought would never heal.  My emotions had run away from me.  I found myself on a daily emotional rollercoaster ride.

The pain was so great, I felt paralyzed at times.  It was a stronghold on my mind.  I would cry and pray, but I did not have the faith to believe that God could change "ANY" situation.  I walked with my head down.  I had given up.  I could not understand why this situation had not changed.

As years passed by (yes...years!), I began to see that it was a bigger picture than I had ever imagined.  God was trying to teach me something, and I was so focused on what I did not have, that I could not see the awesome things God was trying to give me.  I now can see how God used this situation in my life to teach me unconditional love.  I now can see that God was making me, molding me, building my character, and teaching me integrity. He has given me an identity I never had.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."  (Exodus 20:3)

We have to be careful we don't make little gods out of our loved ones.  I now desire God the way I once craved that relationship.  It is still not the best relationship, but it is a good relationship.  I can say that today, because I am trusting God to mend it, fix it and heal it, like only He can do, in his timing.

Meanwhile, during the meantime, I can't get bitter, I must get better.  I look at all the things I have learned in these years as I dealt with this situation.  I know now that the enemy would have me focus on what is not, instead of what is. I truly know that today.  I know "who" I am in God, and "whose" I am - and that is the most important thing for me.  I must stay focused!

IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD; it's not about me.

Are you on an emotional rollercoaster today?  There are times in our lives when it seems that we are not going forward; but whatever you do, don't step backwards.  When you've done all you can do, stand! (Ephesians6:13)  Be patient and wait for God to do what He has to do.  THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER IS OVER!

-Dorinda Hicks

quit

There once was an older man who went out jogging.  He was running around a track that circled the high school football field while the team was conducting their practice.  When the football players began running their sprints up and down the field, the man said to himself, "I'll just keep run­ning until they quit."  So they ran.  And he ran.  And they kept on running.  So he kept on running.

Finally, in total exhaustion the man had to stop.  When he stopped, an equally exhausted football player walked over to him and said, "Boy, I'm glad you finally stopped, Mister.  Our coach told us that we had to keep running wind sprints as long as the old guy was jogging!"

It seems to me that we can sometimes find ourselves in a similar kind of situation when it comes to anger and conflict.  We have a disagreement with someone and get into an argument.  Voices get raised.  Neither side wants to be the first to give in, to stop speaking in anger.  Everyone has the attitude, "I'll just keep on till they quit."  So the other party stays mad.  So we stay mad.  And on we go, eventually finding ourselves emotionally and even physically exhausted by the ongoing animosity.

Let me challenge you to do something very difficult.  The next time you get in an argument, be the first to give in.  Be the first to stop the yelling and the name-calling.  Be the first to say, "I'm sorry."  It's the quickest way to stop the vicious cycle.

     "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)

flight

"I said, 'Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest - I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.'" (Psalm 55:6-8)

David was a man after God's own heart and a great, anointed king. But in many ways, he was just like us. Psalm 55 is an example. When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.

All of us have had similar urges. When life gets intense and troubles seem to offer no way out, we just want to get out of the situation. Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until His time is right.

God has no scorn for such feelings. He made us and He knows our frailties. He understands our impulse to flee from whatever difficulties we face. But He also insists on our endurance, because it has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish. And there is no way to learn endurance other than simply to endure. We can't learn it in principle or in theory; only trials can teach it to us.

The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endured. Every fear is followed by blessing (Psalm 55:16-18). Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has allowed us to be there to discover His provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

-Sally Garber

forgetting

"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands"  (Isaiah 49:15b-16)

When neighbors moved into a nearby home, they were in their backyard all the time. Barbecues, parties, just hanging out.  Now, a year later, they are seldom outside. The fun and thrill of the new tropical patio has become "old hat".

For us, places, things, jobs, toys, even people and relationships can become routine and lose their sparkle. Sometimes we want something new altogether, more interesting, more exciting.

Some good news is simple, but true, and that is...  "we never become old hat to God".  

His thoughts are ever towards us. He cares for us constantly, and continually. 

We are ever on His mind and in His thoughts, our names are even written on His palms so He will be sure to not forget!

Great, enduring, lasting is His love for us.  

We are not and never will be old hat to our heavenly Father.

That is for sure good news today.

silence

My grandfather would tuck his Bible under his arm and walk through the small town where he lived to Sabbath School and church services. For the last five years of his life, he could not hear, and he never heard a word of any sermon.  Yet, he continued to go.

One day I asked him,"Grampa, why do you keep on going to Sabbath School and church when you can't hear a word that the preacher says?"

"I keep on going." he replied, "even if I don't hear, because I want people to know whose side I'm on."

Do people know whose side you're on?  

Do you want them to know?  

It's time for Christians to take a stand for Christ.  

We must be different from the world if we are to help it. 

Until we make it clear who it is we serve, no one will ever pay attention to us.  

Make sure the world knows whose side you're on.

"...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  (Joshua 24:15)

battles

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy6:12.

There are continuous battles to fight, and we are not safe a moment unless we place ourselves under the guardianship of One who gave His own precious life to make it possible for everyone who will believe in Him as the Son of God, while meeting the strain of Satan’s varied science, to escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. He is fully able, in response to our faith, to unite our human with His divine nature. 

We are, while trusting in and partaking of the divine nature and strengthening our own efforts, proclaiming Christ’s mission on earth to be peace on earth and good will toward men. We are bound to speak of the dangers of the warfare with invisible foes, and to keep the armor on, for we war not merely against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.... Therefore we need to keep under the constant guardianship of holy angels.

To follow Christ is not freedom from conflict. It is not child’s play. It is not spiritual idleness. All the enjoyment in Christ’s service means sacred obligations in meeting oft stern conflicts. To follow Christ means stern battles, active labor, warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our enjoyment is the victories gained for Christ in earnest, hard, warfare.... We are enlisted for labor, “not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27)....

Every soul must count the cost. Not one will succeed but by strenuous effort. We must spiritually exercise all our powers and crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. Crucifixion means much more than many suppose....

It is a constant watchfulness to be faithful unto death, to fight the good fight of faith until the warfare is ended and as overcomers we shall receive the crown of life.

I can see my Redeemer, in whom I have fresh encouragement to trust as a never-failing Source of strength.

-e g white

thoughts

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Psalm 104:34. 

Why not keep your minds fixed on the unsearchable riches of Christ, that you may present to others the gems of truth? In the Word of God there are rich mines of truth that we may spend our whole lifetime in exploring, and yet we shall find that we have only begun to view their precious stores. Sink the shaft deep, and bring up the hidden treasures.

But it is impossible to do this while we indulge an idle, restless spirit, seeking constantly for something that will merely gratify the senses, something to amuse, and cause a foolish laugh.... 

Minds that are occupied with frivolous reading, with exciting stories, or with seeking after amusement, do not dwell upon Christ, and cannot rejoice in the fullness of His love. The mind that finds pleasure in foolish thoughts and trifling conversation, is as destitute of the joy of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain. 

Does not your own experience testify to this? How much peace of mind do you have at the close of a day spent in frivolity, in light and trifling conversation? Can you retire to rest at night, saying, “It is well, it is well with my soul”? ... 

How often when you come into the house of God, into the solemn assembly, your thoughts are turned to that foolish remark which someone has made, to that idle story, or that comical thing which you read or saw. And the thought will come at just such a time as to eclipse a bright ray of the glory of Christ, and you lose the benefit of the heaven-sent light which you ought to receive....

We need to be constantly filling the mind with Christ, and emptying it of selfishness and sin.... Just as surely as you empty your mind of vanity and frivolity, the vacuum will be supplied with that which God is waiting to give you—His Holy Spirit. Then out of the good treasure of the heart you will bring forth good things, rich gems of thought, and others will catch the words.... Your thoughts and affections will dwell upon Christ, and you will reflect upon others that which has shone upon you from the Sun of Righteousness.

-e g white, our high calling, pg115

...........us

On February 15, 1921, there was a doctor who performed an appendectomy. The doctor performing the surgery was Dr. Evan O'Neill Kane, who over his 37-year medical career had performed nearly 4,000 appendectomies, so this surgery was not at all unusual except for two things.

First of all, this was the first time that local anesthesia had ever been used in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed that local anesthesia was safer than putting a patient completely to sleep. Most of his colleagues agreed with him in principle, but they wanted to see first if it would actually work.

So Dr. Kane searched for a volunteer, a patient who would be willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. It wasn't easy to find one. Most people are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.

Finally, though, Dr. Kane found a volunteer, and on Tuesday morning, February 15th, the operation began. The patient was prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic was applied. And as Dr. Kane had done thousands of times before, he cut open the tissues and removed the appendix. The patient had only minor discomfort and recovered quickly, dismissed two days later.

Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a brave volunteer, Dr. Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was an alternative, even a preferred alternative.

But I said there were two facts that made this surgery unusual. I've told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second unusual thing was the patient -- the patient was Dr. Kane. You see, in order to prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.

As unbelievable as that may seem, it is insignificant compared with what Jesus Christ did for us. The Great Physician voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us -- to suffer our pains and feel our fears. Why? So that when you hurt, you will know that you have someone who understands --  your Great Physician -- and you will have confidence to go to him for healing.

"... He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!"  (Philippians 2:7-8)

"Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."  (Hebrews 2:18)

........change.........

     A family went to one of those restaurants where the walls are plastered with movie memorabilia. The grandmother went to see the hostess about reserving a table. When she returned, she found her 10-year-old granddaughter staring at a poster of Superman standing in a phone booth. She looked puzzled.

     "She doesn't know who Superman is?" she asked her husband.

     "Worse," he replied. "She doesn't know what a phone booth is."

     Those of us who are grandparents are very much aware of how much this world is changing. Our grandchildren don't have the slightest clue about many of the the things that were a part of our normal lives -- rotary phones (and party lines!), 8-track tapes, 3.5 inch floppy disks for the computer (that held a whopping 1.5 MB of data each), a television set that only picked up 3 stations (and they went off the air at midnight after playing the national anthem), bottles of milk delivered to your door, clotheslines, and S&H green stamps.

     The truth is, in 50 years most of what we consider "high-tech" right now will be obsolete and forgotten by our grandchildren's grandchildren. What Peter said (quoting from Isaiah) was true -- "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass, the grass withers and its flower falls away." (I Peter 1:24). This world is constantly changing. That can be a scary thing, because it means that the things you depend on today may not be around next week. That creates a degree of uncertainty and fearfulness.

     Fortunately, Peter goes on to say that there is something that doesn't fade away -- "...But the word of the Lord endures forever." (I Peter 1:25). As the Hebrew writer affirmed, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:18).

     The story is told of a preacher who was out for a walk in the countryside when he stopped by a farmhouse for a drink of water. As he sipped from his glass, he struck up a conversation with the old farmer who lived there.

     As they spoke, the preacher noticed that the farmer's barn had a weathervane on it that was spinning around in the wind, which was picking up. On the weathervane the words "God is Love" were engraved.

     The preacher turned to the farmer and said, "I have to say I don't think that's a very good way to talk about God's love. Are you saying His love is wishy-washy and changes, depending on which way the wind blows?"

     "Not at all," replied the farmer. "That weathervane is saying, 'No matter which way the wind blows, God is Love'."

     In a world that is constantly changing, there are a few things you can always count on.  May your confidence be in God, His word, and His love.  He will never forsake you, and He will never let you down.

-alan smith

angels

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:14. 

One part of the ministry of heavenly angels is to visit our world and oversee the work of the Lord which is in the hands of His stewards. In every time of necessity they minister to those who as co-workers with God are striving to carry forward His work in the earth.... The angelic hosts rejoice whenever any part of God’s work prospers. 

Angels are interested in the spiritual welfare of all who are seeking to restore the moral image of God in man, and the human family are to connect with the heavenly family in binding up the wounds and bruises that sin has made. Angelic agencies, though invisible, are cooperating with visible human agencies, forming a relief association with men. The very angels who, when Satan was seeking the supremacy, fought the battle in the heavenly courts and triumphed on the side of God, the very angels who shouted for joy over the creation of our world and over the creation of our first parents to inhabit the earth, the angels who witnessed the fall of man and his expulsion from his Eden home—these very heavenly messengers are most intensely interested to work in union with the fallen, redeemed race for the salvation of human beings perishing in their sins. 

Human agencies are the hands of heavenly instrumentalities, for heavenly angels employ human hands in practical ministry.... By uniting with these powers that are omnipotent, we are benefited by their higher education and experience. Thus, as we become partakers of the divine nature and separate selfishness from our lives, special talents for helping one another are granted us.... 

With what joy and delight Heaven looks upon these blended influences! All heaven is watching those agencies that are as the hand to work out the purposes of God in the earth, thus doing the will and purpose of God in heaven. Such cooperation accomplishes a work that brings honor and glory and majesty to God. Oh, if all would love as Christ has loved, that perishing men might be saved from ruin, what a change would come to our world!

-e g white, in heavenly places, pg 102

test

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8. 

God selected Abraham as His messenger through whom to communicate light to the world. The word of God came to him, not with the presentation of flattering prospects in this life of large salary, of great appreciation and worldly honor. “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1), was the divine message to Abraham. The patriarch obeyed.... He forsook his country, his home, his relatives, and all pleasant associations connected with his early life, to become a pilgrim and a stranger. 

Abraham ... might have reasoned and questioned the purposes of God in this. But he showed that he had perfect confidence that God was leading him; he did not question whether it was a fertile, pleasant country or whether or not he should have ease. He went at God’s bidding. This is a lesson to every one of us....

There are those who may be in favorable positions ... in all the things of this life, but God may have a work for them to do elsewhere, a work that they could not do among their relatives and friends. The very position of ease and the relatives who surround them may prevent them from developing the very traits of character which God would have them develop. But God sees that to change their position and to send them where their surroundings will be entirely different will be the very best place for them to develop a character which will glorify Him.... 

When we set ourselves where all is convenience and ease, we do not feel so much the necessity of depending moment by moment upon God. God in His providence brings us into positions where we shall feel our necessity of His help and strength.... 

It is stated of Abraham that he looked for a city whose builder and maker is God.... So with every one of us. We are only pilgrims and strangers in this world. We are seeking the city which Abraham looked for, whose builder and maker is God. 

-e g white, in heavenly places pg112

.......rains.........

This past spring when our lone gardenia bush was in glorious full bloom I was so enjoyed seeing it each day. Mornings I would cut a couple to bring indoors, and the lovely fragrance would fill the room.

And then the rains came. Overnight every single flower was washed away. 

They had a beautiful marriage for sixteen years and two sweet children. Late one afternoon, coming home from the grocery store, she was hit broadside by a truck that ran a stop sign and killed her instantly. And then the rains came.

He was 28 years old with a promising future. One drizzly afternoon they found him. His parents were devastated. It was the day the rains came.

She went into work, business as usual, when her superior walked in and said, "Clean out your desk; I'm sorry but we are cutting back".  And then the rains came.

The rains don't last forever although when we're in the midst of a storm it surely feels like they will. It's a fact there is always a rainbow when it rains, even when we don't see it. 

! The sun/Son is always shining behind the heavy rain clouds. 

The loss of the flowers on the gardenia bush was no big thing, just a miniscule blip on the radar, as was the lovely crop of wild sunflowers that were drowned and flattened by a flash flood. They did serve as an illustration, however, and a reminder that when we have our hopes and plans dashed we have a God of the 'suddenlies' who can turn things around (Genesis 50:20). The Lord will redeem what has been lost for you (Joel 2:25). It's a promise, we can count on it. Thank you, God.  

That is good news.

-sally i kennedy

missed!

They were looking for a Lion,
He came as a Lamb,
     and they missed Him.

They were looking for a Warrior,
He came as a Peacemaker,
     and they missed Him.

They were looking for a King,
He came as a Servant,
     and they missed Him.

They were looking for Liberation from Rome,
He submitted to the Roman cross,
     and they missed Him.

They were looking for a fit to their mold,
He was the mold maker,
     and they missed Him.

What are you looking for?
    Lion?
    Warrior?
    King?
    Liberator?

They were looking for their temporal needs to be met,
He came to meet their eternal need,
     and they missed Him.

He came as a Lamb to be sacrificed for your sin.
     Will you miss Him?

He came to make peace between God and man.
     Will you miss Him?

He came to model servanthood for all mankind.
     Will you miss Him?

He came that we might have true Liberty.
     Will you miss Him?

He came to give you eternal life.
     Will you miss Him?

When we submit to the Lamb,
    we will meet the Lion.
When we join with the Peacemaker
    we will meet the Warrior.
When we work with the Servant
    we will meet the King.
When we walk with the Submitted
    we will meet the Liberator.
When we concern ourselves with the eternal
    we will have the temporal.

If Jesus is not fitting into the mold you have, then come to the mold maker and get His new one. Submit to His plan for your life and you will see your eternal need met first, then all the other things you have need of will be taken care of as well. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

-author unknown

leaving

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  (Jeremiah 31:25)

Many years ago our first grader, little white suitcase in hand, was ready to leave in search of a better place. She had been invited to go to her room to think over some behavior, and apparently thought it the perfect time to pack up and get out of Dodge. I watched from the window as she doggedly made her way to the end of the sidewalk. At the street corner she sat down on the little suitcase, pondering her next move.

Have you ever had a day where you are just ready to throw in the towel and say, "Enough's enough!"?  A redundant question, as we all have had, or will have. It's just part of life. We never know what kind of curve we might be thrown, as much as we plan things out. Some days you feel like packing up, cashing it all in and running away to a south seas island.

A geographic change doesn't work, though. And as often as we've heard the saying, 'When you get lemons, make lemonade', that doesn't always do the trick either.

I walked outside and walked back home with my daughter; the moment had passed and everything was fine.

God has a great message for us in how to handle times like that. The message is He wants to handle it for you. All you have to do is come to Him. In Matthew 11, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened...and you will find rest, relief, ease, refreshment, recreation and blessed quiet for your souls." Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we know His Word is true and He makes good on His promises.

The next time you think of packing up and running away, remember there's somewhere to go and Someone to go to first.

That's good news.

"The Lord is my shepherd... he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul."  (Psalm 23:1-3)
-sally i. kennedy

? out

As he was drilling a batch of recruits, the sergeant saw that one of them was marching out of step. Walking up next to the man as they marched, he said sarcastically: "Do you know they are all out of step except you?" 

"What?" asked the recruit innocently. 

"I said -- they are all out of step except you!" thundered the sergeant. 

The recruit replied, "Well, sarge, you're in charge -- you tell them!" 

I understand how that recruit felt because there are times that we as Christians look around at the world and we are out of step with everyone else. As we walk with Christ and live by the Spirit, that causes us to say and do things that are very different from what the world does. Everyone else seems to be agreed on how to walk, but we are out of step. 

We may be tempted to think (like the sergeant above) that we are the ones who need to change to get in step with everyone else. But (like the recruit above) we aren't the ones who need to change. And we need to continue to walk in step with the Spirit regardless of how those around us walk.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Eph. 5:8)

"Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." (I Peter 4:4, NLT)

"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." (I John 2:6)

If you feel like you're out of step with the world, don't let it bother you. Just make sure you're in step with God. 

-alan smith

 

! sting

A vacationing family drives along in their car, windows rolled down, enjoying the warm summer breeze of the sunny day.  All of a sudden a big black bee darts in the window and starts buzzing around inside the car.  A little girl, highly allergic to bee stings, cringes in the back seat.

If she is stung, she could die within an hour.

"Oh, Daddy, " she squeals in terror, "it's a bee!  It's going to sting me!"

The father pulls the car over to a stop, and reaches back to try to catch the bee.  Buzzing towards him, the bee bumps against the front windshield where the father traps it in his fist.  Holding it in his closed hand, the father waits for the inevitable sting.  The bee stings the father's hand and in pain, the father lets go of the bee.

The bee is loose in the car again.  The little girl again panics, "Daddy,it's going to sting me!"

The father gently says, "No honey, he's not going to sting you now.  Look at my hand."

The bee's stinger is there in his hand.

"Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55)

Jesus says to us, "Look at my hands."

He has Satan's sting,

the sting of death,

the sting of sin,

the sting of deceit,

the sting of feeling worthless.

Jesus has all of those stingers in His hands.

When you see that nail-scarred hand, realize that, on your behalf, Jesus took all the pain that Satan could throw at Him.  He reduced Satan to a big black bee that has lost its stinger.  That's the victory that Jesus won for you!

 

 

Author unknown

? sight

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Romans 8:24.

Our Saviour asks the question, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8), implying that true faith would be almost extinct. It is too true that the spirit of doubt, criticism, and faultfinding is destroying confidence in God’s Word and in His work. It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand or appreciate the work of God. All who desire to doubt or cavil will find occasion.... Those who in humility of heart follow the light as it shines upon them will receive clearer light, while those who refuse to obey till they can see all occasion for doubt removed, will be left in darkness.

God gives us sufficient evidence to enable us to accept the truth understandingly, but He does not propose to remove all occasion for doubt and unbelief. Should He do this, there would no longer be a necessity for the exercise of faith; for we would be able to walk by sight. All who with a teachable spirit study the Word of God May learn therefrom the way of salvation, yet they May not be able to understand every portion of the Sacred Record.... Whatever is clearly established by the Word of God we should accept, without attempting to meet every doubt which Satan May suggest, or with our finite understanding to fathom the counsels of the infinite One, or to criticize the manifestations of His grace or power....

If we seek in humility to learn the will of God as revealed in His Word, and then obey that will as it is made plain to our understanding, we shall become rooted and grounded in the truth. Said Christ: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine” (John 7:17)....

Let us draw nearer and nearer to the pure light of Heaven, remembering that divine illumination will increase according to our onward movements, qualifying us to meet new responsibilities and emergencies. The path of the just is progressive, from strength to strength, from grace to grace, and from glory to glory.

-e g white, in heavenly places

forgive

"I'll never forgive him. I told him I would never forgive him."

The elderly lady spoke softly, but with resolve, as the nurse brought her her nightly medication. The lady's expression was troubled as she turned away, focusing on the drape wrapped around her nursing home bed. This brief exchange revealed a deep, deep hurt.

She told of how her brother had approached her bed, accusing her of taking more than her share of family heirlooms following their mother's death. He spoke of various items, ending with "the berry spoon." He said, "I want the berry spoon." For the forty years since the mother's death he had hidden his feelings, and now they erupted.

She was both hurt and angered by his accusation and vowed never to forgive him. "It's my spoon. Mother gave it to me," she defended herself. "He's wrong and I won't forgive him."

Standing at her bedside, the nurse felt her own spirit soften and grieve. A spoon - a berry spoon! In the bed lay a woman given two months to live - just sixty days - and she would face eternity and never see her brother again in this life. Her mind and spirit were in anguish, and her only remaining family ties were broken over a berry spoon.

As the nurse returned to her station she was drawn deep into thought: "How many berry spoons are there in my life? How many things, as insignificant as a spoon, in light of eternity, separate me from God - and from others? How does a lack of forgiveness keep me separated from my family?" She asked God to search her heart. "How many berry spoons are there in my life?"

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25)

-author unknown

famine

Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” – Genesis 42:2b

F. B. Meyer in his book, The Life of Joseph, describes a time in the life of the 12 sons of Jacob in which they were driven from their lives of self-satisfaction to an unlikely place to save their lives. Many years earlier they had thrown their youngest brother into a pit, then sold him into slavery. Thirteen years later he became the second most powerful person in Egypt. Now the world was experiencing a famine, and Joseph controlled all the stored grain of Egypt.

As long as the hills were green and the pastures clothed with flocks, as long as the valleys were covered over with corn and rang with the songs of reapers, Reuben, Simeon, and the rest of them would have been unconcerned and content. But when the mighty famine came, the hearts of these men were opened to conviction. Their carnal security was shattered. They were being prepared for certain spiritual experiences they would never have dreamed. And they were being prepared for the meeting with Joseph. This is how God deals with us; He breaks up our nest, He loosens our roots, He sends a mighty famine that cuts away the whole staff of bread. Then, at such times, weary, worn, and sad, we are prepared to confess our sins and receive the words of Christ when He says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28).

A missionary once said, “There is a place where we will all be obedient.” Joseph was a type of Christ in the Old Testament. The famine was an event designed to bring the brothers to repentance and a saving knowledge, physically and spiritually. It created the circumstances that led to freedom for these men, for they had been in bondage to a wicked crime against their brother for many years. It was the forgiveness from Joseph that led to that freedom.

Is your life passing through a time of famine? Are your supplies limited? Is God leading you into directions that you would not normally seek? Perhaps this is God’s hand creating circumstances for His purposes. Now is the time to look attentively as He directs you to unlikely sources.

sanctuary

“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people….” – Haggai 2:2

Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God’s house.

God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is raising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts.

“But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,” declares the Lord. “Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the Lord, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty. “This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear” (Haggai 2:4-5).

The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith.

Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and “be strong, all you people of the land.”

-june kiwia

....burdens

I read once about a missionary who was living in Africa.  He was disturbed over something he was seeing.  The women walked around with heavy loads of wood piled on their backs.  Their husbands, on the other hand, carried nothing more than a walking stick and walked several yards in front of them.  It was considered an honor for the women to carry these heavy loads for their husbands.

Feeling sorry for them, this missionary saw a need for some wheelbarrows.  So he sent a telegram back to the United States, ordering 200 of them to be shipped immediately.  When they arrived, he showed the women how to load the wood in the wheelbarrows.

A few weeks later, he returned to the village to find the wheelbarrows all parked in a neat row -- unused.  He asked, "Why aren't you using them?"  One woman explained, "Well, you see, when we got the wheelbarrows loaded and all of that up on our backs, they were just too heavy!"

That incident suggests the way a lot of people have experienced religion.  It holds out a promise to them of a fuller, richer life where all their problems will disappear.  In reality, it just brings additional burdens -- one more thing to do, one more thing to worry about.

That's the way, in fact, that the Pharisees saw religion -- a list of rules to be kept, a pile of commands that they saw as their responsibility to enforce.  Jesus rebuked them, saying, "You load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." Luke 11:46

But Jesus offered something that the Jews found nowhere else - a relief from those burdens.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Do you find that religion is a burden for you, or have you discovered the "rest" that Jesus intends his followers to know?

-alan smith