The Madmen and The Pigs

The Madmen and the Pigs

 ^28-31They landed in the country of the Gadarenes and were met by two madmen, victims of demons, coming out of the cemetery. The men had terrorized the region for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that stretch of road anymore. Seeing Jesus, the madmen screamed out, "What business do you have giving us a hard time? You're the Son of God! You weren't supposed to show up here yet!" Off in the distance a herd of pigs was browsing and rooting. The evil spirits begged Jesus, "If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs."
 ^32-34Jesus said, "Go ahead, but get out of here!" Crazed, the pigs stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned. Scared to death, the swineherds bolted. They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen and the pigs. Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back.

This is from the Message Bible. What really stuck out for me today are the last two sentences. "Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back." WHAT? Does that not sound like 2010? The people were angry because the pigs drowned! Here they had been avoiding a section of town because these two men were so vicious. They avoided going near them and the Healer comes, makes the men new and the townsfolk are angry because pigs died? They valued the pigs more than the human soul. Is that where we are? Think about it. We will save the sea turtles and kill our human babies...

God is still dealing with us on the same issues. Although He does not grow weary in doing good, He must be thinking..."when are they going to learn?".  God, I pray today that you forgive our country and bless America once again. Give us boldness to speak your truth to the nation. Give us strenght to fight the enemy. Gather your people together and lead us as one against whatever is opposed to your Word. In Jesus name!

Are You Ready for Some Football? 5

"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly"

Proverbs 14:29

Did you ever think about the fact that during a football game there are very few fights? With all the hitting and tackling and pushing and shoving the players control their anger. It is part of the game. They understand that if they do not control their anger, the team will be penalized, they can be personally fined or even thrown out of the game. That would be embarrassing for the team and the player and could cause them to lose the game.

God says that if you have control of your anger, you will have great understanding! Before you get upset and yell or say things that are not kind, try to think that if you say what you are thinking you will be penalized. What if what you say causes you to pay a fine? What if what you say throws you out of that relationship? Is it worth it?

Proverbs 10:31
The mouths of those who do right produce wisdom. But tongues that speak twisted words will be cut out.

Think first! Be wise! Speak healing

Psalm 5 - Chuck Girard with lyrics

The video is Psalm 5:1-3 but it is worth reading first and then listen...and listen again. Beautiful song.

Psalm 5

 ¹Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
 ²Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
 ³My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
 ⁴For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
 ⁵The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
 ⁶Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
 ⁷But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
 ⁸Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
 ⁹For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
 ¹⁰Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
 ¹¹But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
 ¹²For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Bring out the God-flavors!

Matthew 5
¹³"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
 ^14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Don't you love that? Bring out the God-flavors and God-colors. Doesn't that give you a more vivid picture? And then the question If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? I just think of the food we eat and how bland and horrible it would be without any salt. When by mistake I buy something that has no salt, I almost gag! Then I check the lable and realize why it tastes so bad. Think of that in the world we live. Things are good because we are the salt that flavors the earth. Take away God and what is left. Untastey, disgusting, nasty ______________ (fill in the blank). Everything would be useless. So, remember you are salt and you make this world better. Share that with the world who is without flavor.

Matthew 5! You Are Blessed

I was reading in The Message Bible today and was amazed how the writing of The Message Bible brought out these verses so clearly! I will be using this chapter for the next few days.

^1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
 ³"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
 ⁴"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
 ⁵"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
 ⁶"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
 ⁷"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
 ⁸"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
 ⁹"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
 ¹⁰"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
 ^11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Be blessed today my friend! Amazing how just when you need it, God ministers with words of understanding. I have read this chapter many times but this day, God really brought out the meaning to me.

A Message from Billy Graham

November 3, 2010 - Billy Graham encourages those who endure hardships.

He hears you when you cry to Him...He knows your hurt, your fear and groaning.

by Billy Graham

In a few days I’ll be 92. I would have never dreamed I would live this long. My wife, Ruth, passed away a little over three years ago, and a little bit of me died with her. I miss her more with each passing day. This was Ruth’s favorite time of year. She enjoyed watching the leaves turn and couldn’t wait to build a fire at the first hint of autumn. Always joyful, Ruth brightened up the darkest of days.
Foreboding clouds darken the world this side of Heaven as controversy swirls over the debate “who is a Christian.” USA Today ran an article last month by a professor from the University of Chicago stating, “America’s fastest-growing brand of belief is non-belief.” Confronted with the myriad of religions in the world, it isn’t difficult to see why people are finding it easier to accept them all—or none at all. But having faith in religion only clouds the truth. It brings greater confusion and deeper doubt, because religion can be anything! The Bible indeed sheds light on this dilemma that stirs in the human soul and carries the truth of redemption by the death of our Savior and His glorious resurrection. This is truth—God coming to man in a personal relationship. This is why He sent His Son to earth to redeem the human soul from sin that leads to despair.
The Bible says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7–8, NIV).
Recently Dr. Mark O’Farrell, president of Trinity College in Florida (where I attended Bible school as a young man), sent me the school’s newsletter with a wonderful insight from Scripture. He is graciously allowing me to share this tremendous spiritual application with you as to the state of despair that so many are experiencing today.
The Bible tells of the children of Israel who were enslaved in Egypt. One of their major tasks was to make bricks by an ancient process that required mixing clay and straw. The Egyptian taskmasters stopped providing the necessary straw, ordering the laborers to find their own straw, but with no adjustment in the quota of bricks they were required to produce. What was necessary to accomplish the work was taken away even though the expectation and demands remained the same.
Have you experienced this kind of despair—having to make bricks without straw? The income is no longer there, but the bills keep coming. Resources and workers are cut, but not the workload. Age or health robs strength, but life’s duties remain. A wife or husband is gone, yet family responsibilities continue. What is your straw that has been taken away even though you must somehow still complete the task or fulfill the responsibility?
The Bible says, “The people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. ... God heard their groaning. ... God saw the people of Israel—and God knew” (Exodus 2:23–25, ESV). God knows your heartaches! He hears you when you cry to Him. He knows that your straw has been taken away. He knows your hurt, your fear and groaning. He knows! And He is doing something about it. “I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them” (Exodus 3:7).
May God bless you,
Billy Graham

Are You Ready for Some Football? 4

Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you. Luke 6:38

Leo Lewis graduated from the University of Missouri where he played as a wide receiver. After trying out with the St. Louis Cardinals and playing a year in the Canadian Foodball League, he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1981.

Leo gives all the credit for his ability and talent for playing football to God. Leo says, "When I play football, I play for God. Imagine if your father came to watch you play. You'd want to play your very best and make hi happy. I know, that at every game, my heavenly Father is watching me play. Nothing motivates me more than to please Him by giving my best effort. God not only motivates me to do my best, he also picks me up when I fall short. He's there with me whether I win or lose.. Playing in the NFL, your team can be up one week and down the next. What a joy it is to know that whether our team wins or loses, God, along with my wife and children, will accept me and love me just as I am."

God cares for you just as much as he cares for Leo. he has given you abilities and talents to magnify Him. Will you use them for His glory?

PSALM 4-Give me rest from my trouble! Show me your Favor

I am loving the videos on these Psalms. This video is long and you need to watch it so that you can read the psalm but so worth it. The song playing is an old hymn and so puts your mind in the right perspective. Take the time to watch, read and listen. You will be blessed today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTCcVI8Mm-I

 

 

Psalm 4

For the director of music. A psalm of David to be played on stringed instruments.

 ¹ My faithful God,
      answer me when I call out to you.
   Give me rest from my trouble.
      Show me your favor. Hear my prayer.
 ² How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
      How long will you love what will certainly fail you?
      How long will you pray to statues of gods?
                         Selah

 ³ Remember that the Lord has set his faithful people apart for himself.
      The Lord will hear me when I call out to him.
 ⁴ When you are angry, do not sin.
      When you are in bed,
      look deep down inside you and be silent.
                         Selah

 ⁵ Offer sacrifices to the Lord in the right way.
      Trust in him.
 ⁶ Many are asking, "Who can show us anything good?"
      Lord, let us see your face smiling on us with favor.
 ⁷ You have filled my heart with great joy.
      It is greater than the joy of people who have lots of grain and fresh wine.
 ⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace.
      Lord, you alone keep me safe.

Alice Dancing Under the Gallows 106 Years Old

Pray that our God is known by Alice. What a special lady. Please watch. It is 12 minutes long but well worth the time.  Praise God for this example of love and forgiveness!

Learn How to Dance in the Rain!

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning how to dance in the rain." -Unknown

Joseph is our example for the quote above. Joseph was faced with many situations where he could have waited and stewed and got upset with the world. I think because we know the end of the story we forget that while Joseph was going through all of the situations he did not know what was coming up! Imagine if he did know that once he was out of one trial, right around the corner as he was doing what whe was supposed to do, there would be another trail. He could have complained about his brothers, his boss, his people and on and on. We never see that in his trials he complains or blames. Could you see him in the middle of the desert walking with a group of foreigners as the clouds roll in and begin to open up with a rainstorm. He is hot, dirty, with a bunch of strangers and what does he do? He dances, dances in the rain! (that is my imagination, no proof of that in the Bible. But if there was a rainstorm I bet Joseph made the best of it!)

Read the end of the story below. Joseph not only was mistreated by many, he showed genuine love.for his brothers who mistreated him. He Had forgiveness in his heart and was filled with joy to see them again. It is a refreshing passage. Enjoy!

Genesis 45:5-15

⁵ But don't be upset. And don't be angry with yourselves because you sold me here. God sent me ahead of you to save many lives.
 ⁶ "For two years now, there hasn't been enough food in the land. And for the next five years, people won't be plowing or gathering crops. ⁷ But God sent me ahead of you to keep some of you alive on earth. He sent me here to save your lives by an act of mighty power.
 ⁸ "So then, it wasn't you who sent me here. It was God. He made me like a father to Pharaoh. He made me master of Pharaoh's whole house. He made me ruler of the whole land of Egypt.
 ⁹ "Now hurry back to my father. Say to him, 'Your son Joseph says, "God has made me master of the whole land of Egypt. Come down to me. Don't waste any time. ¹⁰ You will live in the area of Goshen. You, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you have will be near me. ¹¹ There I will provide everything you need.
   " ' "Five years without enough food are still coming. If you don't come down here, you and your family and everyone who belongs to you will lose everything." '
 ¹² "Brothers, you can see for yourselves that it's really I, Joseph, speaking to you. My brother Benjamin can see it too.
 ¹³ "Tell my father about all of the honor that has been given to me in Egypt. Tell him about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."
 ¹⁴ Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and sobbed. Benjamin also hugged him and sobbed. ¹⁵ Joseph kissed all of his brothers and sobbed over them. After that, his brothers talked with him.

Edwin Markham

 "We have committed the Golden Rule to memory;

let us now commit it to life."-Edwin Markham

Since this is a blog...I can put in a little unrelated comment this morning. As I went to plug in my computer I saw the beautiful black shape of a huge spider. I am still getting grossed out by it! I did kill it with bug spray. Not sure if it was the chemical or the drowning that killed it but I have disposed of the thing. Ich! If he was outside no problem....inside is MY territory. Bye bye big arachnid.

OK, now  the devotional on forgiveness. Hope this doesn't apply to bugs or I am in deep trouble.

We have heard about treating others as we would want to be treated since we were children. Why is it that we must always be reminded of this fact even while we are adults. When does or will it sink in? I think old people finally come to realize this because they don't seem to let things bother them much. We need to absorb that. Think what the world would be like if we were the majority on this matter! Gosh, the world would just be a different place! But, no, we need to be right....give that up for a day. Let everyone else be right. What will it matter? One day...just do it...if it works, make it two days...maybe every Wednesday should be "I Admit It, You are Right Day"  Somebody please call Hallmark! Read the passage below, it is a familiar one so don't just skim through it. Read it contemplate on it and by all means live it! (I am talking to myself here too)

Matthew 18:21-36

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.^[g]
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold^[h] was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
    “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
   “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.^[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
   “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
   “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. ³¹ When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
   “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
   “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Just do it! I know some folks are finding it hard to comment...not sure why but fb me or email daybydaywlinda@gmail.com if you have any comments, quotes, ideas, suggestions or real life examples! Hope to hear from you soon. Now, GO FORGIVE SOMEONE! Today is "You are Right Day"

Plato-"A Work Well Begun is Half Ended"

"A work well begun is half-ended." Plato

As the saying goes perhaps what is stated is true. The hardest part of doing something is getting it started. For me though, starting is the easy part. It is the keeping it going and ending it part that I find hard.

This blog is a great example. I love writing it. I can sit here and write 1, 2 or 3 at a time sometimes. But the days where I run out of momentum it is a struggle to keep it going. Starting is easy but ending does not always work out right.

In God's Word, one of my favorite verses comes from Philippians 1:6 " being confident of this that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

This quote starts out with the fact that we as believers can be confident of the words that follow. "He", (God) who began a good work (you) will carry it (God will carry it) until it is completed." No where in the verse does it say He leaves you to finish it on your own. He is therefore with you until the end and He is working on getting it all complete. He knows the outcome. Have confidence that whatever you are doing right now, even if you don't seem to understand where or why you are where you are....He knows, He cares and He has it all under control.

So Plato, a work well begun is half ended if you choose to look at it that way. But I say, a work well begun is in God's plan and if it is given it's full time, God will bless it.

Imagine if Plato was correct and God's work of a sunrise was the best of the day...it is beautiful but sometimes falls short of the blessings during the day,  the sun set or the prayers fulfilled in the night.

Pass this blog on to a friend. They might need the encouragement. You never know!

Are You Ready for Some Football?3

It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little than to be rich and have trouble. Proverbs 15:16

A few years ago there was an Atlanta Falcons player that had great wealth and fame. He was well known, well liked and played exceptionally well. He had a great treasure! But then, because he did not fear the Lord, he did some things that were not acceptable. He eventually lost his job, lost his reputation and created a lot of turmoil. How much better would it have been if he had honored God? Remember that wealth does not necessarily bring happiness.

Psalm 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AECyKry2kQ

Wow! This song in the video not only follows the psalm in word but really helps bring the meaning. It ministered  to me...let the Word of God minister to you this morning.

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 

 ¹Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.  

²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.  

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  

⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.  

⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah

Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross

Michael Altshuler-"You are the Pilot!"

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."

I like this quote but I do have a little issue with it if you are looking at it from a Biblical point of view. I understand that what Michael Altshuler is saying that you pretty much have control of your own destiny. Ah ha...but really, not....

Consider the How the  following verses affect the fact that you will have bad news...and bad times-
Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I heard the other day that if God is your co pilot you should change positions! God is the pilot of your life and my life! Allow him to be in control. Take strenght from the verses above. He has not changed nor will he. He began a good work, he is not done yet. Just call to him, he has not left you alone!

Then, if you're totally relying on God, then as co pilot, don't stay in the bad situation. Fly out of it and get on with what God wants you to accomplish in this life!

Last but not least, as we travel through this life, whether we are in a good time or bad, remember this verse: Galatians 6:9-10 "Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don't give up. So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let us make a special point of doing good to those who belong to the family of believers."

Jacob Riis-encouragement

When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it-but all that had gone before.-Jacob Riis

Isn't that the truth! Think about it...so many times we live our day with one "blow" after another touching and affecting our lives. Without realizing it people deliver "blows" to our soul. Some are on purpose, others are just careless words or deeds and still others "blows" go by unnoticed except by the receiver.

God's Word is a place of comfort and peace. But, He also delivers "blows" to our soul because sometimes.....we need it. He says in His Word "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
John 15:2. So He prunes you if your good to make you better and He prunes you if your bad to make you better. Either way, you are pruned if you do and pruned if you don't!

Hurt is going to happen. It is what you do with that hurt that determines where you go. And remember the next time someone throws a "blow", that hurting people hurt people. Inside they may have had 100 blows by someone and they are ready to give up. One more blow and they may be ready to split in two.

In these trying times, we need to be especially aware of these things. Be overly anxious to say a good word to someone. Look for ways to do a good deed.

I would love for you to share comments on this page! If you have done a good deed or had a good deed done to you-Share it with the rest of us! Encouragement is always good.

Why We Need Each Other

I will admit...this is not my writing. I found it on http://www.freechapel.org/ website as the devotion for Sunday October 24, 2010. It was to great to leave alone. We need each other. It is true, it may not be your problem right now but eventually we will all suffer if we don't help bear one anothers burdens.

Why We Need Each Other

“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak.”            1Th 5:14 NAS

A mouse looked out through a crack in a farmhouse wall and was distraught to discover a mousetrap. When he went to tell his buddies, the chicken said, “Sorry pal, not my problem.” The pig said, “I’ll pray for you.” The cow was busy and said, “Come back later.” Dejected, the mouse was left alone to handle his problem. That night a poisonous snake got caught in the mousetrap and when the farmer’s wife went to investigate she got bitten. She developed a raging fever, and everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup. So the farmer took his axe to the barn for the main ingredient! As his wife’s condition deteriorated and neighbors gathered, he had to butcher the pig to feed them. Finally she died. So many people came to the funeral that he ended up slaughtering the cow to make dinner for them all. In the end everybody lost!

The Bible says, “Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Ro 15:1 NAS). Before deciding somebody else’s problem has nothing to do with you, read this: “If one member suffers, all the members suffer” (1Co 12:26 NKJV). You can’t sit on the sidelines while someone’s hurting; tomorrow it may be you! We are told to “Share each other’s burdens” (Gal 6:2 NLT). When one of us is threatened we’re all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry.

NFL-Baltimore Ravens

Since the Cleveland Browns are in the AFC North, I thought I could share some biblical insight for each team name…I will try not to be biased…especially for the Baltimore Raisins…oh sorry, Ravens. Must I remind you that this “raisins” team originally moved from Cleveland? Feel free to watch this three minute video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFuN3-DbM9w

Ravens are very symbolic in the Bible. My pastor has a sermon about ravens and doves. www.freechapel.org . The raven is a scavenger and hunter.  Pretty much eats garbage. Maybe I should just stop there….

No, here is a verse that sheds a good light on life! Ponder on this verse today-Luke 12:24  "Think about the ravens. They don't plant or gather crops. They don't have any storerooms at all. But God feeds them. You are worth much more than birds!”

Are you worried about a job loss? Are your bills piling up? Is God who he says he is? Has he changed? You are worth much much more to God and if he is who he says he is, God will provide. It is hard, I know. Trust me at this point in my real estate career….I know. But, I have this opportunity to tell you that you are worthy and He is able. Trust him, easier said then done sometimes but that is the basis of our faith. Believe and do not doubt.

Psalm 2

Today you can listen and read! Let it be absorbed into your soul.

Psalm 2

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

 ¹ Why do the nations rage,
         And the people plot a vain thing?
 ² The kings of the earth set themselves,
         And the rulers take counsel together,
         Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
 ³ “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
         And cast away Their cords from us.”
       
 ⁴ He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
         The Lord shall hold them in derision.
 ⁵ Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
         And distress them in His deep displeasure:
 ⁶ “Yet I have set My King
         On My holy hill of Zion.”
       
 ⁷ “I will declare the decree:
         The LORD has said to Me,
         ‘You are My Son,
         Today I have begotten You.
 ⁸ Ask of Me, and I will give You
         The nations for Your inheritance,
         And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
 ⁹ You shall break^[a] them with a rod of iron;
         You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
       
 ¹⁰ Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
         Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
 ¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear,
         And rejoice with trembling.
 ¹² Kiss the Son,^[b] lest He^[c] be angry,
         And you perish in the way,
         When His wrath is kindled but a little.
         Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him

Robert K. Greenleaf

“Purpose and laughter are the twins that must not separate. Each is empty without the other.” Robert K. Greenleaf

Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

Romans 8:28 We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Ah, this quote from Robert K. Greenleaf is pretty easy to apply. Think about pursing your purpose in life only as you go on your journey…no fun, no laughter, no happiness. How would you keep on that path? What would the final outcome produce?  So purpose without laughter would be horrible!

Then, if you think about laughter that has no purpose…it’s not funny. It is kind of annoying actually. So do not separate the laughter from the purpose either. Below are two verses that give us permission to laugh and our purpose is to praise Him for the great things He has done. Then our purpose in God’s plan is working for good! Good includes laughter!

Take time today to focus on God’s plan for your life and add a little laughter to it today. To get you started I added a video I found on youtube that absolutely made me crack up. The American soldiers are trying to teach Afghan soldiers how to do jumping jacks. It is hilarious.  Enjoy! Please share with me funny video links you come across. It is great to start the day with something fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx1AJF3DCFo

Woody Hayes

Isn’t it interesting that we all do have the same amount of time in a day, a week, a month and a year yet some people get a lot accomplished and some seem to be running and accomplishing hardly anything at all. What are you doing with your time? Do you give your time to the Lord?

Here are a few ways to spend a few moments at the beginning of your day-

*Each morning when you wake up know that something good is going to happen and say it! “Something Good is going to Happen Today”

*Then read or listen to something funny! We should never get too busy to laugh

*Thank God for providing the opportunity coming your way

*Thank Him for something He has already done

*Compliment your spouse, child or parent

*Read from God’s Word

*Go out of your way to do something for a stranger!

You can add to this list. Just be aware of how you are spending your day. Do more things that matter and let go of the things that don’t. People matter!

Woody Hayes said “The only thing even in this world are the number of hours in a day. The difference in winning or losing is what you do with those hours.

God’s Word says in James 4:13-15 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Make a difference today-do something for someone else.

Browns are "playing" Steelers

No comment on the title. No comments at all....

The following is from a devotional I did for Free Chapel's children's ministry monthly devotional on football. (http://www.freechapel.org/)

"He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Proverbs 13:18

If you are to be a part of a football team you have a lot of work to do BEFORE you actually get to play the game. Every day you need to be at practice, do drills lift weights, eat healthy and learn the plays. if you are late to practice or do your drills incorrectly, your coach, who want you to be your best, may tell you to change your attitude, to be at practice on time "or else", or to do a drill over.

If you choose not to listen to the instructions you will eventually be cut from the team or asked to leave. If you choose to listen to the instuctions you will grow stronger and become a better player. That is what God wants from you. Listen to His instructions and you will be stronger and become better for His team,  the Kingdom of God. Choose not to obey His commands, don't read your Bible, don't attend church-and you will hurt your team. Choose wisely!

PSALM 1

My friends, sometimes it is just as soothing to the soul to meditate directly on the word of God. No stories to go along with it, no explanations, just read this out loud and rest in His greatness. You are blessed! Watch this video and be refreshed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DVrTk80Ps

Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.
 ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.
 ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.
 ⁴ Not so the wicked!
       They are like chaff
       that the wind blows away.
 ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
       nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
 ⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
       but the way of the wicked will perish.

Jim Rohn

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. -Jim Rohn

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have hleped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:10-12

When I was a preschool teacher one of my favorite stories to tell the children was The Three Billy Goats Gruff. They loved it. I had a bridge made out of wood and four wood characters- three billy goats: small, medium and large, and a mean, ugly troll. When the first two small billy goats tried to cross the bridge the troll would come out and scare them and make them go back to where they were. They were afraid to cross the bridge because the troll would get them and eat them! Until, the large billy goat came. The large billy goat was not afraid of the mean, ugly troll. As a matter of fact, he kicked that mean, ugly troll into the river and he floated away never to been seen again. Then at that time, all three billy goats were able to cross the bridge.

Think of that in our lives today. We have a bridge to cross to get to the next step in our faith, in our finances and in our family life. We come to the bridge and sometimes there is a mean, ugly troll that is hiding. When we take those first few steps to cross, we lose our focus and the mean, ugly troll looks so big and intimidating. What does that mean, ugly troll look like to you today? Is it an illness? Is it a house payment? Is it not being in love anymore? What is it?

Keep on, keeping on. The troll is nothing. He has been stepped on and thrown in the river by many others. You have become fearful of nothing. God has already gone over the bridge and conquered the troll in your life. All you have to do is remember your faith and keep going. Be diligent. Don’t lose focus! On the other side is the green grass just waiting for you.

Helen Keller

Psalm 8:3-4

When I consider your heavens,
       the work of your fingers,
       the moon and the stars,
       which you have set in place,

 What is man that you are mindful of him,
       the son of man that you care for him?

Man is such a complex being. When you stop to think about every cell that makes up our bodies, or how conception creates a baby inside a woman’s womb it is hard to believe unless we have faith in an all knowing, all powerful God.

He created us in His likeness. He desires our love for Him. He placed inside of us a future and a hope and He wants us to be successful. What we choose to do with the hope and our future, God has allowed us to determine. He is with us all the way but we need to have faith in Him. Trust him and do not be afraid.

Helen Keller has every reason to be bitter about the life she had to endure with no sight, no sounds and no speech. But, she determined in her heart, that she too has a hope and a future. She became an author. She learned how to speak with her hands. Of all people she could have found an excuse for not doing anything and everything. But she did not stop. Below is a quote from this famous American.

No Pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. -Helen Keller

Trust God and do not delay. Do not put off what you know you can do. For if you become pessimistic there may be an undiscovered cure, an unwritten novel, an undeveloped relationship or a missed opportunity.

Mary Kay Ash

Psalm 139:1-2

Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
      You know all about me.
 You know when I sit down and when I get up.
      You know what I'm thinking even though you are far away.

God has created us with the capability to do amazing things. Our minds let us think, dream, reason and experience emotions. It is the organ that controls body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. It absorbs information about the world around us. It handles our physical coordination like walking, talking, standing and sitting.

Those are proven items you know about your brain. You can search the web and find information about how the mind controls your body. What is also true but hard to prove is that God gives you ideas. Your mind dwells on them. Some people act on those ideas and some do not. Below is a quote from the founder of Mary Kay cosmetics.  

Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless. –Mary Kay Ash

God is with you and He has given you the ability to do what your heart desires. The thoughts you have, God already knows. Once you acknowledge your desires, step out and act on those ideas remembering to give the glory to God. Have the faith to believe that God wants you to be one of those priceless people who implement the ideas in your heart.

H E L P ME!

Matthew 5:41

Suppose someone forces you to go one mile. Go two miles with him.

Matthew 5:42

"Give to the one who asks you for something. Don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow something from you.

The patient is not moving. The wound is open and carefully the surgeon removes the broken heart and as he is nearly finished the patient’s nose glows red and the room explodes with a “BUZZ”!!! It is the sound no one wants to hear! Be glad it’s only the game of Operation! The surgeon is your dad! The patient, Cavity Sam, is just a piece of cardboard on top of a silly box with a current running through its metal parts. It is fun even though it is not very easy.

There are several internal ailments that may have to be removed to gain points to win the game. A broken heart (100 points), butterflies in the stomach (100 points), writer’s cramp (200 points) and bread basket (1000 points). When physical hurts are in a game it is fun. When they happen in real life it could be painful. If it happens to a friend or family member it could be scary.

Sometimes when a friend is going through a physical trial we don’t know what to do or what to say. We all know someone right now that does not feel good. Maybe they had surgery like Cavity Sam. Maybe they have lost a job and have become depressed. Perhaps they are involved with a divorce. Daily there are so many wounds to our soul.

Be an encourager today. You have probably thought about someone while reading this that could use some encouragement.

What can you do?

*Hand write a note. Send it in the mail…have we forgotten how to do that?

*Call them on the phone so they can hear your voice and you can hear theirs.

*Bring them a meal, bake some cookies, bring a bag of groceries

*Watch their children at your house so they can have an hour to do whatever they want

*Wash the car of an older adult

*Walk next door or down the street and mow someone’s grass

PAY IT FORWARD

What can you say?

Psalm 86:5-The Lord is forgiving and good abounding in love
Psalm 100:5-The LORD is good and his love endures forever; He is faithful

Psalm 106:1-Give thanks to the LORD

James 4:10- The Lord will lift you up.

Matthew 5:4-God will comfort you.

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In my Chutes and Ladders post, I got a comment from a friend that she did not know the game and would not purchase it for her children when they were small because she thought there were a lot of parts. So, in case there are followers that are not familiar with How to Play Operation, Here are the rules copied from Wikipedia-

In "Operation" there are two sets of cards: Doctor and Specialist cards. The Specialist cards are dealt out evenly amongst the players at the beginning of the game.
Players take turns to pick Doctor cards, which offer a cash payment for removing a particular ailment, using a pair of tweezers connected with wire to the board. If a player successfully removes the ailment they collect the amount shown on their card. However, if the tweezers touch the metal edge of the opening during the attempt (closing the circuit), a buzzer sounds, the patient's nose lights up red, and the player loses their turn. The player holding the Specialist card for that piece then has a try, getting double the fee if they succeed. Since there are times when the player drawing a certain Doctor card also holds the matching Specialist card, s/he can be tempted to purposely botch the first attempt, in order to succeed on the second try, for double value.
The winner is the player with the most money after all the pieces have been extracted.
The game can be difficult, due to the shapes of the plastic ailments, and the fact the openings are scarcely larger than the ailments themselves.

Mr Potato Head

Mr Potato Head

Proverbs 15:13
A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

“The eyes are the mirror of the soul” is a famous saying. If you are really interested in how someone is feeling you will be able to see in their eyes whether they are excited, fearful, sad or happy. By looking at someone’s eyes you can really see what they are feeling. Sometimes they say they are ok but you see in their facial expression that they are not ok. Sometimes friends want to hold you in suspense by holding back the excitement inside of them but you can tell by their expression that they are not telling you some good information.

God created us emotional creatures. We feel sadness, joy, excitement and embarrassment. He knows what we are feeling even when we try to hide it. Sometimes we try to hide it from those around us but if we are around those who know us well, it is pretty hard to hide our feelings.

Think about Mr. Potato Head. He surely can not hide his feelings. When you take his mouth and put it in as a smile, he looks happy. When you take the mouth and put it in upside down, it creates a frown and he looks sad. Be aware of people’s eyes and facial expressions. Sometimes they may be telling you something without even using words.

When you feel down remember that God is always with you and He is available to you. Call to Him. Share your feelings and thoughts with Him. After all, like Mr. Potato Head, we can not hide our feelings from God. He already knows what we are thinking. He also has the answers to all of our fears. He has the words to comfort our hurts and He has the knowledge to encourage us when we are going strong. God is our all in all!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Are You Ready for Some Football? I have joined a football pool with one of the lenders I use. It doesn't cost anything, which is good, because I haven't won anything yet. As a matter of fact, I haven’t even come close. Perhaps it is my method of choosing the teams. You see, the way I choose the winners has nothing to do with the teams EXCEPT for two. I choose the Cleveland Browns to win every week. AND, I choose whichever team is playing the Pittsburg Steelers. That is it. That is all I care about. Then for the rest of the selections I either choose all on the right one week, all on the left the next, every other one and so on, ….probably a little less technical then the others in the football pool.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwkl5q6AaS8

Just in case you get a little more attached and emotional about “your team”. Whether they win or lose, in the grand scheme of things, is irrelevant. It is only our walk with God that will continue to influence our lives for the rest of the week. These times we are living in seem to be especially hard. People around us are hurting. Struggles in all areas are defeating so many.  But, take heart! We know the one who has overcome!

Let me encourage you today with this-we are currently playing the game but the score isn’t even close. We have already won. Meditate on these words and celebrate your victory!

Psalm 44:5-7 

 ⁵ Through you we push back our enemies;
       through your name we trample our foes.

 ⁶ I do not trust in my bow,
       my sword does not bring me victory;

 ⁷ but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.

 
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 5:5
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Revelation 1:8   "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," says the Lord God. "I am the One who is, and who was, and who will come. I am the Mighty One."

Revelation 1:9  I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus' royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us.

Today, once again I am rooting for the Browns! Sorry Atlanta friends!