Today's "The Word For Today" with Bob Gass...
Rise Above Worry
"God... is the... controller of all things" - 1 Timothy 6:15 PHPS
We all worry from time to time, but wise people have learned to avoid over-anxiety by following these guidelines. 1) Define the situation clearly. What exactly is it you're worrying about? Be specific. Often when we take time to clarify the problem, a way to solve it will present itself.
2) Face the worst that can happen. Would you lose your job? Your relationship? Your investment? In most cases even if the worst did happen, chances are it wouldn't ruin you. It may be inconvenient or painful, but does it really warrant all the anxiety you're giving it?
3) Resolve to accept the outcome, whatever it is. Most of the stress of worry comes from denial, from not being willing to face the worst that could happen. Once you make up your mind to accept whatever happens, you'll find worry loses its power over you.
4) Work to improve the situation. Renowned neurologist James H Austin said, 'Chance favours those in motion.' Do all you can to ensure the best possible outcome, and '... after you have done everything... stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NIV). Stand on God's promises!
5) Give the problem to God. He's 'the... controller of all things'. The Psalmist said, 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV). Remember, nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
ARE U STRUGGLING FINACIALLY 2.
Are You Struggling Financially? (2)
"... God... will supply all your needs... " - Philippians 4:19 NLT
Here are three more steps you can take to deal effectively with debt. First, start digging yourself out. It's disheartening to find bills piling up on your doormat every day, but you need to know the bottom line. List your debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest. Try to pay as much as possible towards the highest and the minimum towards the rest. Make a start, no matter how long it takes; there's too much at stake not to. Second, model sound financial principles for your children. Be open with them and explain that electricity, food, toys and clothes cost money, and that the reason you're not driving the latest car is because you can't afford it. Your kids are making money memories now, so '... teach them diligently... ' (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV). Third, 'give, and it will be given to you... ' (Luke 6:38 NAS). Suze Orman says, 'One day I was in a terrible funk. I turned on the TV and happened to catch a fundraiser. I picked up the phone and pledged as much as I could. Those people needed money more than me. Immediately I felt like a burden had been lifted. From then on whenever I felt down, I'd give... and I'd feel better. Amazingly in every instance the amount was showered back on me tenfold.' The rewards of giving aren't always financial; sometimes it's the sense of freedom and purpose that comes from doing it. Plus, money should never be so important that you can't let it go. Remember, by helping others you're paving the way for God to 'supply all your needs', and His shovel is much bigger than yours
"... God... will supply all your needs... " - Philippians 4:19 NLT
Here are three more steps you can take to deal effectively with debt. First, start digging yourself out. It's disheartening to find bills piling up on your doormat every day, but you need to know the bottom line. List your debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest. Try to pay as much as possible towards the highest and the minimum towards the rest. Make a start, no matter how long it takes; there's too much at stake not to. Second, model sound financial principles for your children. Be open with them and explain that electricity, food, toys and clothes cost money, and that the reason you're not driving the latest car is because you can't afford it. Your kids are making money memories now, so '... teach them diligently... ' (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV). Third, 'give, and it will be given to you... ' (Luke 6:38 NAS). Suze Orman says, 'One day I was in a terrible funk. I turned on the TV and happened to catch a fundraiser. I picked up the phone and pledged as much as I could. Those people needed money more than me. Immediately I felt like a burden had been lifted. From then on whenever I felt down, I'd give... and I'd feel better. Amazingly in every instance the amount was showered back on me tenfold.' The rewards of giving aren't always financial; sometimes it's the sense of freedom and purpose that comes from doing it. Plus, money should never be so important that you can't let it go. Remember, by helping others you're paving the way for God to 'supply all your needs', and His shovel is much bigger than yours
HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN FOREX
HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN FOREX TRADING
Why Most New Forex Traders Eventually Lose.
Statistics show that the majority of new traders to the Forex rely on technical indicators and black box systems to guide their trades. It seems like every Forex education website offers this type of training. That said it’s only natural for new traders to assume that these systems are the ones you must use if you want to conquer trading the Forex.
And you would be partially right.
These methods are fine if you are the type of person that likes to work with cluttered (not to mention confusing) charts– and if you are perfectly happy being so far-sighted that you trip over things right in front of your face.
I don’t know about you, but I like to see where I’m going.
The problem with technical indicators and black box systems is that they don’t allow you to adapt to sudden changes in the market.
And let me tell you, the Forex market changes daily. Heck, it’s known to change hourly, depending on what’s happening in the world.
To successfully trade the Forex, you have to be able to change with it. Cluttering your charts with indicators and other complicated systems might help you forecast the market – as it exists right now – but what if something changes?
The truth of the matter is technical indicators will not reflect those changes quickly enough. They lag behind. When they don’t reflect those changes right away, you lose.
If indicators are the only tools you have to trade the Forex, when the market dynamic changes, you will not have the tools you need to successfully change with it and allow your trades to reflect those changes.
Commercial Traders Don’t Use Fancy Technical Indicators!
You and I are small potatoes compared to some of the bigger traders. The reason for this is simple. Commercial Traders or “Big Dogs” take huge positions and typically trade 1000’s of lots worth millions of dollars at a time. They trade for governments, banks, and large corporations.
They live by being on the right side of the market, and they can’t afford to make mistakes! These traders "see" major trend reversals sometimes days and weeks before they take place.
But they don’t do this by using fancy technical indicators or black box systems. They know those systems take up too much time, clutter their charts, and hinder their ability to adapt to market dynamics.
Instead, they pay careful attention to price action as they find major support and resistance levels!
DO THEY... MAKE MISTAKE?
YES
Here’s The #1 Mistake Most New Traders Make…
You see, I “cut my teeth” on the Forex way back in 1997, in the days before learning to trade the Forex became an Internet sensation. There weren’t all the online “resources” that there are today, which means there weren’t thousands of people trying to “teach” me different ways to be successful with it – and confusing what can be a fairly simple process.
That was a good thing.
What was even better was that I was fortunate enough to become the protégé of an inside circle of commercial traders who were considered to be the best in the business. I benefited from being taken under their wing, so to speak, and being able to study the methods and formulas they used to trade the Forex.
What I learned from them forever changed my perception on how to trade the Forex successfully.
During my training with the "Big GURUS", I observed the "mechanics" of how the pros make trading decisions. How they scan the market and how they look at their charts. I learned how they time their entries and exits. One thing that stood out for me was their uncluttered charts. They don't have layers upon layers of indicators on their charts like I did – and like you probably have right now.
I realized my emphasis was too much on understanding how to use indicators to find an entry. This is a misplaced emphasis. You probably have heard the saying: “Analysis Paralysis”. This condition occurs when you are stuck in idle because you bog yourself down in so much information and indicators that you cannot make any trading decisions – or worse, make the wrong decision by missing the obvious.
That’s what was happening to me. I’m willing to bet it’s what is happening to you too.
Price Support and Resistance are the Most Important Signals in Trading
Here’s why.
Your chart is like the artificial gyro horizon - an instrument used to inform pilots of the orientation of the aircraft relative to earth. The pilots must know how to read this instrument in order to navigate safely.
Professional traders also use a gyro horizon to see what the market is doing. They are called pivot points. Pivot levels offer traders a frame of reference so he can see what price is doing and more importantly find his support and resistance levels.
Why Most New Forex Traders Eventually Lose.
Statistics show that the majority of new traders to the Forex rely on technical indicators and black box systems to guide their trades. It seems like every Forex education website offers this type of training. That said it’s only natural for new traders to assume that these systems are the ones you must use if you want to conquer trading the Forex.
And you would be partially right.
These methods are fine if you are the type of person that likes to work with cluttered (not to mention confusing) charts– and if you are perfectly happy being so far-sighted that you trip over things right in front of your face.
I don’t know about you, but I like to see where I’m going.
The problem with technical indicators and black box systems is that they don’t allow you to adapt to sudden changes in the market.
And let me tell you, the Forex market changes daily. Heck, it’s known to change hourly, depending on what’s happening in the world.
To successfully trade the Forex, you have to be able to change with it. Cluttering your charts with indicators and other complicated systems might help you forecast the market – as it exists right now – but what if something changes?
The truth of the matter is technical indicators will not reflect those changes quickly enough. They lag behind. When they don’t reflect those changes right away, you lose.
If indicators are the only tools you have to trade the Forex, when the market dynamic changes, you will not have the tools you need to successfully change with it and allow your trades to reflect those changes.
Commercial Traders Don’t Use Fancy Technical Indicators!
You and I are small potatoes compared to some of the bigger traders. The reason for this is simple. Commercial Traders or “Big Dogs” take huge positions and typically trade 1000’s of lots worth millions of dollars at a time. They trade for governments, banks, and large corporations.
They live by being on the right side of the market, and they can’t afford to make mistakes! These traders "see" major trend reversals sometimes days and weeks before they take place.
But they don’t do this by using fancy technical indicators or black box systems. They know those systems take up too much time, clutter their charts, and hinder their ability to adapt to market dynamics.
Instead, they pay careful attention to price action as they find major support and resistance levels!
DO THEY... MAKE MISTAKE?
YES
Here’s The #1 Mistake Most New Traders Make…
You see, I “cut my teeth” on the Forex way back in 1997, in the days before learning to trade the Forex became an Internet sensation. There weren’t all the online “resources” that there are today, which means there weren’t thousands of people trying to “teach” me different ways to be successful with it – and confusing what can be a fairly simple process.
That was a good thing.
What was even better was that I was fortunate enough to become the protégé of an inside circle of commercial traders who were considered to be the best in the business. I benefited from being taken under their wing, so to speak, and being able to study the methods and formulas they used to trade the Forex.
What I learned from them forever changed my perception on how to trade the Forex successfully.
During my training with the "Big GURUS", I observed the "mechanics" of how the pros make trading decisions. How they scan the market and how they look at their charts. I learned how they time their entries and exits. One thing that stood out for me was their uncluttered charts. They don't have layers upon layers of indicators on their charts like I did – and like you probably have right now.
I realized my emphasis was too much on understanding how to use indicators to find an entry. This is a misplaced emphasis. You probably have heard the saying: “Analysis Paralysis”. This condition occurs when you are stuck in idle because you bog yourself down in so much information and indicators that you cannot make any trading decisions – or worse, make the wrong decision by missing the obvious.
That’s what was happening to me. I’m willing to bet it’s what is happening to you too.
Price Support and Resistance are the Most Important Signals in Trading
Here’s why.
Your chart is like the artificial gyro horizon - an instrument used to inform pilots of the orientation of the aircraft relative to earth. The pilots must know how to read this instrument in order to navigate safely.
Professional traders also use a gyro horizon to see what the market is doing. They are called pivot points. Pivot levels offer traders a frame of reference so he can see what price is doing and more importantly find his support and resistance levels.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
ARE U STRUGGLING FINACIALLY
Are You Struggling Financially? (1)
"... I have never seen the righteous forsaken... " - Psalm 37:25 NIV
For many who've lost their jobs or who don't earn enough to live on, debt has become a harsh reality. So much so, that they're afraid to even think about their situation. But burying your head in the sand isn't the answer. With God's help and some common-sense suggestions you can start moving towards financial freedom. A respected financial consultant offers these suggestions. First, be truthful. Before you can change anything you need to know where your money's going. There's nothing to be ashamed of; like an alcoholic entering recovery, the first step is admitting you have a problem. On a card jot down every pound you spend for 30 days. It adds up quickly, '... all... those little foxes... ruin the vineyard... ' (Song of Songs 2:15 NLT). By looking at the big picture, you'll see areas you can cut back. Second, learn from your past experiences. If you don't learn from the past you'll keep repeating it. For example, if you didn't receive many Christmas gifts as a child, it can be tempting to overcompensate with your own kids and end up maxing out your credit cards. Or, growing up in an atmosphere of financial turmoil can make it difficult to talk about money with your spouse. Third, value yourself more than your payslip. Jesus said the important things in life aren't 'things' (Matthew 6:25). Beating yourself up won't help you earn more; it will just blind you to the real blessings in life. Remember, no matter how tough it gets, God is faithful. David said, 'I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging', and you won't either
"... I have never seen the righteous forsaken... " - Psalm 37:25 NIV
For many who've lost their jobs or who don't earn enough to live on, debt has become a harsh reality. So much so, that they're afraid to even think about their situation. But burying your head in the sand isn't the answer. With God's help and some common-sense suggestions you can start moving towards financial freedom. A respected financial consultant offers these suggestions. First, be truthful. Before you can change anything you need to know where your money's going. There's nothing to be ashamed of; like an alcoholic entering recovery, the first step is admitting you have a problem. On a card jot down every pound you spend for 30 days. It adds up quickly, '... all... those little foxes... ruin the vineyard... ' (Song of Songs 2:15 NLT). By looking at the big picture, you'll see areas you can cut back. Second, learn from your past experiences. If you don't learn from the past you'll keep repeating it. For example, if you didn't receive many Christmas gifts as a child, it can be tempting to overcompensate with your own kids and end up maxing out your credit cards. Or, growing up in an atmosphere of financial turmoil can make it difficult to talk about money with your spouse. Third, value yourself more than your payslip. Jesus said the important things in life aren't 'things' (Matthew 6:25). Beating yourself up won't help you earn more; it will just blind you to the real blessings in life. Remember, no matter how tough it gets, God is faithful. David said, 'I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging', and you won't either
SHAMGAR'S SECRET
Shamgar's Secret (1)
"... Shamgar... killed six hundred... Philistines with an ox goad... " - Judges 3:31 NKJV
The Bible says, '... Shamgar... killed six hundred... Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.'(Judges 3:31 NKJV) Shamgar was just a farmer who owned a field, but he was willing to fight for it. His odds weren't good: 600 to 1. But he beat the odds, saved his field, and delivered Israel. So you can start out small and end up blessing others greatly. The Bible says, 'Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin... ' (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). Every oak tree started as an acorn. Tom Monaghan started Domino's Pizza in 1960 with one little shop. He struggled for eight years. When his shop burned to the ground, the insurance company paid him only one cent on the dollar to cover his losses. All he knew was pizza, so he started another shop. He worked 100 hours a week. Up to this point he had only taken one week-longholiday - for his honeymoon. By 1971 he was $1.5million in debt. But he stayed in his field, which was the pizza business, and tried something new. He limited his menu to pizza only, and decided to deliver it hot and fresh to customers at no extra charge. It worked. By 2007, Domino's Pizza had grown to 6,100 stores across the United States and other countries. Today he's one of the richest men in the nation, and he gives most of his profits to charity. What was his secret? He started where he was. He fought for what he believed to be his God-given purpose. And when he got knocked down he got back up.
"... Shamgar... killed six hundred... Philistines with an ox goad... " - Judges 3:31 NKJV
The Bible says, '... Shamgar... killed six hundred... Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.'(Judges 3:31 NKJV) Shamgar was just a farmer who owned a field, but he was willing to fight for it. His odds weren't good: 600 to 1. But he beat the odds, saved his field, and delivered Israel. So you can start out small and end up blessing others greatly. The Bible says, 'Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin... ' (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). Every oak tree started as an acorn. Tom Monaghan started Domino's Pizza in 1960 with one little shop. He struggled for eight years. When his shop burned to the ground, the insurance company paid him only one cent on the dollar to cover his losses. All he knew was pizza, so he started another shop. He worked 100 hours a week. Up to this point he had only taken one week-longholiday - for his honeymoon. By 1971 he was $1.5million in debt. But he stayed in his field, which was the pizza business, and tried something new. He limited his menu to pizza only, and decided to deliver it hot and fresh to customers at no extra charge. It worked. By 2007, Domino's Pizza had grown to 6,100 stores across the United States and other countries. Today he's one of the richest men in the nation, and he gives most of his profits to charity. What was his secret? He started where he was. He fought for what he believed to be his God-given purpose. And when he got knocked down he got back up.
DID OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU
Do Others See Jesus In You?
"... He chose them to become like his Son... " - Romans 8:29 NLT
Bill was a drunk, converted in a Skid Row mission. Before his conversion he had gained a reputation as a tramp and an alcoholic for whom there was no hope. But when he gave his life to Christ everything changed. He became the most caring person at the mission. He spent his days there doing whatever needed to be done. There was never anything he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether it was cleaning up vomit left by some sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets used by men who had left them filthy, Bill did it all with a heart of gratitude. He could be counted on to feed any man who wandered in off the streets, undress him and tuck him into bed when he was incapable of taking care of himself. One evening after the mission director delivered his evangelistic message to the usual crowd of solemn men with drooped heads, one of them came down to the altar and kneeled to pray, crying out for God to help him change. The repentant drunk kept shouting, 'O God, make me like Bill! Make me like Bill! Make me like Bill!' The director of the mission leaned over and said, 'Wouldn't it be better if you prayed, "Make me like Jesus"?' After thinking about it for a few seconds, the man looked up and asked, 'Is He like Bill?' Live, so that others see Jesus in you!
"... He chose them to become like his Son... " - Romans 8:29 NLT
Bill was a drunk, converted in a Skid Row mission. Before his conversion he had gained a reputation as a tramp and an alcoholic for whom there was no hope. But when he gave his life to Christ everything changed. He became the most caring person at the mission. He spent his days there doing whatever needed to be done. There was never anything he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether it was cleaning up vomit left by some sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets used by men who had left them filthy, Bill did it all with a heart of gratitude. He could be counted on to feed any man who wandered in off the streets, undress him and tuck him into bed when he was incapable of taking care of himself. One evening after the mission director delivered his evangelistic message to the usual crowd of solemn men with drooped heads, one of them came down to the altar and kneeled to pray, crying out for God to help him change. The repentant drunk kept shouting, 'O God, make me like Bill! Make me like Bill! Make me like Bill!' The director of the mission leaned over and said, 'Wouldn't it be better if you prayed, "Make me like Jesus"?' After thinking about it for a few seconds, the man looked up and asked, 'Is He like Bill?' Live, so that others see Jesus in you!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
HOW TO KNOW GOD
How to Know God
In the Bible, God tells us that he created us to have unending fellowship with him, peace with our fellow man, harmony and joy within our family relationships, and to have dominion over the world in which he placed us. But we chose to go another way.
We learn in the same Bible that we, through our forefathers, chose to live our lives for ourselves, rather than to have fellowship with God. This choice of selfishness lead to our earthly death, to no peace with our fellow man, to disharmony and sadness within our family relationships, and to a lack of proper care of the world in which he placed us. Because of this, our future changed to one of eternal separation from fellowship with God after death, completely without hope of joy or peace.
The Bible goes on to record how God provided the remedy for our chosen path of selfishness. He came to us in the form of his son Jesus Christ. This son lived a life of fellowship, peace, harmony, and joy in full fellowship with God. Though innocent of any wrongdoing, he voluntarily allowed himself to suffer and die as a guilty lawbreaker, and received upon himself the full penalty of our selfishness by death on a cross.
The wonderful conclusion recorded in the Bible is that this Jesus rose from the dead and returned to God. He is forever our representative before God. He enables us today to enjoy fellowship with God, peace with our fellow man, harmony and joy within our family relationships, and to exercise proper dominion over this world in which he has placed us. We need only to pray and ask him to come in and rule in our hearts and lives.
Simply talk to God and say, "Thank you, God, for loving me and sending your Son to die on the cross for the wrongs I have done. I now choose to make Jesus the Lord of my life. Help me to be the kind of person that You want me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
In the Bible, God tells us that he created us to have unending fellowship with him, peace with our fellow man, harmony and joy within our family relationships, and to have dominion over the world in which he placed us. But we chose to go another way.
We learn in the same Bible that we, through our forefathers, chose to live our lives for ourselves, rather than to have fellowship with God. This choice of selfishness lead to our earthly death, to no peace with our fellow man, to disharmony and sadness within our family relationships, and to a lack of proper care of the world in which he placed us. Because of this, our future changed to one of eternal separation from fellowship with God after death, completely without hope of joy or peace.
The Bible goes on to record how God provided the remedy for our chosen path of selfishness. He came to us in the form of his son Jesus Christ. This son lived a life of fellowship, peace, harmony, and joy in full fellowship with God. Though innocent of any wrongdoing, he voluntarily allowed himself to suffer and die as a guilty lawbreaker, and received upon himself the full penalty of our selfishness by death on a cross.
The wonderful conclusion recorded in the Bible is that this Jesus rose from the dead and returned to God. He is forever our representative before God. He enables us today to enjoy fellowship with God, peace with our fellow man, harmony and joy within our family relationships, and to exercise proper dominion over this world in which he has placed us. We need only to pray and ask him to come in and rule in our hearts and lives.
Simply talk to God and say, "Thank you, God, for loving me and sending your Son to die on the cross for the wrongs I have done. I now choose to make Jesus the Lord of my life. Help me to be the kind of person that You want me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
the coming of jesus
The Coming of Jesus’ Hour John 12:12-13 12 On the next day, when the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and cried out: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, (even) the king of Israel.”
John 12:23-24 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
John 12:23-24 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
LOVE THING.
Let's dust off our turntable, and the hash pipe and break out the C.O.B., which is Clive's Own Band, Clive being Clive Palmer, one of the founders of The Incredible String Band, who left after the success of their first album, took his money, and left England to live in alone in India. Later, in the early seventies, living off porridge and crackers in a caravan with Mick Bennett and John Bidwell, he released two 'progressive folk' albums, Spirit of Love and Moyshe McStiff and the Tartan Lancers of the Sacred Heart, which some have called the best folk albums to have ever come out of Britain. Produced with Ralph McTell.
WALKING IN PURITY.
Walking In Purity
"... he will purify... and refine them like gold... " - Malachi 3:3 NIV
When gold is refined over extreme heat the first thing to come to the surface is dross. The next thing to be separated from it is silver, a less precious metal that blends with the raw gold ore. There's an important lesson here. Most of us are unable to separate the good from the best, so Malachi writes, 'He will purify... and refine them like gold'. God does it, because we don't know how! After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David writes, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me' (Psalm 51:10 NKJV). David prays for two things: a clean heart and a steadfast desire to walk in purity.
Personal failure is usually the result of a slow, steady build-up, rather than a single act of disobedience. It happens when we focus on the wrong things and neglect our spiritual life. So God calls us to the place of solitude, a place with no distractions, in order to probe our deepest thoughts and open our eyes to certain issues that need attention. It is here He makes us aware of what we excuse, or try to hide from others. It's here the junk we've collected during the busy hours of our day gets filtered out. With the debris out of the way, we're able to see things more clearly and respond to God's nudgings. There's no way to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with God without the discipline James talks about: 'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands... and purify your hearts... ' (James 4:8 NKJV).
"... he will purify... and refine them like gold... " - Malachi 3:3 NIV
When gold is refined over extreme heat the first thing to come to the surface is dross. The next thing to be separated from it is silver, a less precious metal that blends with the raw gold ore. There's an important lesson here. Most of us are unable to separate the good from the best, so Malachi writes, 'He will purify... and refine them like gold'. God does it, because we don't know how! After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David writes, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me' (Psalm 51:10 NKJV). David prays for two things: a clean heart and a steadfast desire to walk in purity.
Personal failure is usually the result of a slow, steady build-up, rather than a single act of disobedience. It happens when we focus on the wrong things and neglect our spiritual life. So God calls us to the place of solitude, a place with no distractions, in order to probe our deepest thoughts and open our eyes to certain issues that need attention. It is here He makes us aware of what we excuse, or try to hide from others. It's here the junk we've collected during the busy hours of our day gets filtered out. With the debris out of the way, we're able to see things more clearly and respond to God's nudgings. There's no way to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with God without the discipline James talks about: 'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands... and purify your hearts... ' (James 4:8 NKJV).
TODAY'S DEVOTION
Make Allowance (2)
"Make allowance for each other's faults... " - Colossians 3:13 NLT
C S Lewis said, 'Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.' Author Mac Anderson writes, 'A few times in my life I've been wronged. My first reaction... was anger and resentment. I... felt my stomach tie up in knots, my appetite wane, and the joy slip out of my life... like I'd played the first half of a basketball game in steel shoes. In the locker room the coach said, "Try these new Nikes in the second half." Multiply that by ten and you'll understand how it feels to unload your emotional baggage through the power of forgiveness.' Jesus debunked the myth that love is based on feelings. It's an act of your will, and if you love God you'll keep His commandments. It's that simple. If you're struggling to forgive someone who's hurt you, here are some scriptural guidelines to help you.
Don't seek retribution. Instead, '... overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). God said, '... Vengeance is mine; I will repay' (Romans 12:19). Don't rush to judgment. That's not always easy when you're the injured party, but the ultimate Judge said, 'With what judgment you judge, you will be judged... ' (Matthew 7:2 NKJV). Make things right. Jesus said, '... be reconciled to your brother... ' (Matthew 5:24 NIV). Don't wait for the other person to make the first move, you do it. Paul says, 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men... ' (Hebrews 12:14 NIV). Pray for the offender. As much as it goes against your grain, when you '... pray for those who mistreat you' (Luke 6:28 NIV), God gives you the grace to forgive and see them through His eyes
"Make allowance for each other's faults... " - Colossians 3:13 NLT
C S Lewis said, 'Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.' Author Mac Anderson writes, 'A few times in my life I've been wronged. My first reaction... was anger and resentment. I... felt my stomach tie up in knots, my appetite wane, and the joy slip out of my life... like I'd played the first half of a basketball game in steel shoes. In the locker room the coach said, "Try these new Nikes in the second half." Multiply that by ten and you'll understand how it feels to unload your emotional baggage through the power of forgiveness.' Jesus debunked the myth that love is based on feelings. It's an act of your will, and if you love God you'll keep His commandments. It's that simple. If you're struggling to forgive someone who's hurt you, here are some scriptural guidelines to help you.
Don't seek retribution. Instead, '... overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). God said, '... Vengeance is mine; I will repay' (Romans 12:19). Don't rush to judgment. That's not always easy when you're the injured party, but the ultimate Judge said, 'With what judgment you judge, you will be judged... ' (Matthew 7:2 NKJV). Make things right. Jesus said, '... be reconciled to your brother... ' (Matthew 5:24 NIV). Don't wait for the other person to make the first move, you do it. Paul says, 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men... ' (Hebrews 12:14 NIV). Pray for the offender. As much as it goes against your grain, when you '... pray for those who mistreat you' (Luke 6:28 NIV), God gives you the grace to forgive and see them through His eyes
THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
We come into a personal relationship with the Lord when we make life's greatest decision - the turning point referred to earlier. It is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the One who died for our sins, who was buried and was raised from the dead - and to receive him as our Savior and Lord.
THE THREE GREAT PRAYER POINTS THAT WILL TRANFORM YOUR FINNACES
"I rise out of the dust of poverty
by the power in the blood of Jesus"
"Let spiritual magnetic power that attracts
and keeps wealth be installed in my finances in
the name of Jesus."
"I release my finances from the influences, control
and domination of household wickedness in the
name of Jesus"
"O Lord, let all satanic angels deflecting blessings
away from me be completely paralyzed, in the
name of Jesus"
by the power in the blood of Jesus"
"Let spiritual magnetic power that attracts
and keeps wealth be installed in my finances in
the name of Jesus."
"I release my finances from the influences, control
and domination of household wickedness in the
name of Jesus"
"O Lord, let all satanic angels deflecting blessings
away from me be completely paralyzed, in the
name of Jesus"
Friday, July 2, 2010
THREE STAGES IN YOUR WORK WITH GOD
Three Stages In Your Walk With God
"Abraham lifted his eyes... " - Genesis 22:4 NKJV
Three times the Bible says, '... Abraham lifted his eyes... ' They represent three stages in your walk with God: 1) When God reveals Himself to you. 'Then the Lord appeared to him... as he was sitting in the tent door... So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men [angels] were standing by him; and when he saw them, he... bowed himself to the ground, and said '"... do not pass on by Your servant''' (Genesis 18:1-3 NKJV). There must be a moment in your life when you meet the Lord, fall at His feet and say, 'I need you. Do not pass me by.' 2) When God points you in the right direction. '... Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place [of sacrifice]... ' (Genesis 22:4 NLT). God was calling on him to offer up Isaac, the son he loved dearly. What is God asking of you today? Say 'yes,' and you'll never regret it. 3) When God provides in ways that amaze you. '... Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there... was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham... offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son' (Genesis 22:13 NKJV). Notice, Abraham didn't call God 'Jehovah Jireh' when the ram suddenly showed up. No, before there was a ram in sight, before they reached the place of sacrifice, Abraham said, '"God will provide... "' (Genesis 22:8). Faith declares, 'Before I have a need, God has already put in place a divine supply.' Note what Abraham said: '"... In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided"' (Genesis 22:14 NKJV). When you're where God wants you to be, He will meet your every need.
"Abraham lifted his eyes... " - Genesis 22:4 NKJV
Three times the Bible says, '... Abraham lifted his eyes... ' They represent three stages in your walk with God: 1) When God reveals Himself to you. 'Then the Lord appeared to him... as he was sitting in the tent door... So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men [angels] were standing by him; and when he saw them, he... bowed himself to the ground, and said '"... do not pass on by Your servant''' (Genesis 18:1-3 NKJV). There must be a moment in your life when you meet the Lord, fall at His feet and say, 'I need you. Do not pass me by.' 2) When God points you in the right direction. '... Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place [of sacrifice]... ' (Genesis 22:4 NLT). God was calling on him to offer up Isaac, the son he loved dearly. What is God asking of you today? Say 'yes,' and you'll never regret it. 3) When God provides in ways that amaze you. '... Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there... was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham... offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son' (Genesis 22:13 NKJV). Notice, Abraham didn't call God 'Jehovah Jireh' when the ram suddenly showed up. No, before there was a ram in sight, before they reached the place of sacrifice, Abraham said, '"God will provide... "' (Genesis 22:8). Faith declares, 'Before I have a need, God has already put in place a divine supply.' Note what Abraham said: '"... In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided"' (Genesis 22:14 NKJV). When you're where God wants you to be, He will meet your every need.
FIVE SIGNS OF A DYING CHURCH.
Hello and Praise the Lord....
Every pastor would love to see positive consistent growth through their efforts. Everything within us yearns to see the Kingdom of God advance within our given ministry.
Many of us have the opportunity to attend conferences every year where we get convicted and stirred up in our hearts to do more for God. We oftentimes leave those conferences with newfound passion and desire. Yet, how often do you go home intending to do what you heard at a conference only to discover you don't really know how?
If I had 100 ministers in front of me right now, the thing that I would be trying to get across is HOW:
1) to recognize when momentum is being lost.
2) to recognize what is causing the momentum to be lost.
3) to stop the thing that is causing the loss of momentum.
If we could do those 3 things, we would gain so much ground! Every church experiences seasons of growth and seasons of decline. However, the growth can and should always be greater than the decline. That is God's will.
How Do you Identify a Loss Of Momentum?
Here are 5 sure signs that your church has lost the momentum God intends for it to have.
* Attendance Loss
People stop attending and inviting others. They don't feel the same passion they felt when they first started attending or the burning desire they had when they were young. Quite frankly, they are not excited about their church or what is happening there.
* Attendance Leveling
I hear a lot of preachers say something like, "We've been running 300 quite regularly lately". They say that like it's a good thing, but in reality that's a bad thing. They've been running 300 for the last five years. That's not momentum...
* Offerings Have Recently Dropped
If people have stopped paying their tithes or regular giving to the church, that means that either they don't trust their minister with the money or they don't share the ministry's vision for their church. As a result, they're not being a supporter financially.
* No hanging around/fellowship after service
Every church I have been a part of, has always had wonderful fellowship of the members and their guests after the worship service had ended. Many are the times that the person locking the building up, had to tell people it's time to leave so he could go home. Have you noticed over the years that some people like to scurry out the door and leave immediately, instead of staying for a while and enjoying fellowship with their brothers and sisters in the Lord?
* Youth Group numbers declining.
Young people have a keen ability to recognize something that is real from something that is false. At least when it comes to faith, and whether or not people really love them or not.
Whether they know it or not, the young people of our generation are seeking after parental figures and role models. If the church is loving, caring, and reaches out to these young people, it will most likely have a Youth group that is growing exponentially.
======
Do you recognize any of these challenges in your Church Chinonye?
======
Did you know that it is in God's nature and part of his eternal plan, to create and maintain momentum in His Church?
Maintaining momentum is a vital key to growing a successful church.
Even if you are experiencing growth right now, you need to understand why.
If you don't understand why, you are just one small decision away from losing it
James Smith and David Church have teamed up to write a book called....
"Momentum in Ministry"
By reading this book you will find....
1. Keys to consistent numerical, spiritual and financial growth.
2. How to become the Church that God Designed.
3. How to attain everything that God has promised for yourself and your ministry.
4. How to create momentum.
5. How to maintain momentum.
6. How to use timing to your advantage.
7. How to build momentum for your altar service.
If you've EVER asked God for the answer to some of the challenges discussed in this email, perhaps He's brought this resource to you today...
I encourage you to visit www.pastoralhelps.com/momentum-in-ministry today and decide for yourself if this is something your church could really be blessed by.
Every pastor would love to see positive consistent growth through their efforts. Everything within us yearns to see the Kingdom of God advance within our given ministry.
Many of us have the opportunity to attend conferences every year where we get convicted and stirred up in our hearts to do more for God. We oftentimes leave those conferences with newfound passion and desire. Yet, how often do you go home intending to do what you heard at a conference only to discover you don't really know how?
If I had 100 ministers in front of me right now, the thing that I would be trying to get across is HOW:
1) to recognize when momentum is being lost.
2) to recognize what is causing the momentum to be lost.
3) to stop the thing that is causing the loss of momentum.
If we could do those 3 things, we would gain so much ground! Every church experiences seasons of growth and seasons of decline. However, the growth can and should always be greater than the decline. That is God's will.
How Do you Identify a Loss Of Momentum?
Here are 5 sure signs that your church has lost the momentum God intends for it to have.
* Attendance Loss
People stop attending and inviting others. They don't feel the same passion they felt when they first started attending or the burning desire they had when they were young. Quite frankly, they are not excited about their church or what is happening there.
* Attendance Leveling
I hear a lot of preachers say something like, "We've been running 300 quite regularly lately". They say that like it's a good thing, but in reality that's a bad thing. They've been running 300 for the last five years. That's not momentum...
* Offerings Have Recently Dropped
If people have stopped paying their tithes or regular giving to the church, that means that either they don't trust their minister with the money or they don't share the ministry's vision for their church. As a result, they're not being a supporter financially.
* No hanging around/fellowship after service
Every church I have been a part of, has always had wonderful fellowship of the members and their guests after the worship service had ended. Many are the times that the person locking the building up, had to tell people it's time to leave so he could go home. Have you noticed over the years that some people like to scurry out the door and leave immediately, instead of staying for a while and enjoying fellowship with their brothers and sisters in the Lord?
* Youth Group numbers declining.
Young people have a keen ability to recognize something that is real from something that is false. At least when it comes to faith, and whether or not people really love them or not.
Whether they know it or not, the young people of our generation are seeking after parental figures and role models. If the church is loving, caring, and reaches out to these young people, it will most likely have a Youth group that is growing exponentially.
======
Do you recognize any of these challenges in your Church Chinonye?
======
Did you know that it is in God's nature and part of his eternal plan, to create and maintain momentum in His Church?
Maintaining momentum is a vital key to growing a successful church.
Even if you are experiencing growth right now, you need to understand why.
If you don't understand why, you are just one small decision away from losing it
James Smith and David Church have teamed up to write a book called....
"Momentum in Ministry"
By reading this book you will find....
1. Keys to consistent numerical, spiritual and financial growth.
2. How to become the Church that God Designed.
3. How to attain everything that God has promised for yourself and your ministry.
4. How to create momentum.
5. How to maintain momentum.
6. How to use timing to your advantage.
7. How to build momentum for your altar service.
If you've EVER asked God for the answer to some of the challenges discussed in this email, perhaps He's brought this resource to you today...
I encourage you to visit www.pastoralhelps.com/momentum-in-ministry today and decide for yourself if this is something your church could really be blessed by.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
CHECK OUT THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
"I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself. . . .”
Isaiah 44:24 (NAS)
If you look carefully, the sky can be incredibly revealing and richly interactive. Once I saw a sun dog on a blustery winter day—two bright smears of light flanking the sun, caused by blowing ice particles reflecting its rays.
Out watching a lunar eclipse one evening, my neighbor and I waved at the moon in a teasing attempt to see our own shadows there! How humbling it was to see earth’s curve creep across the moon’s face.
After reading a story about a “dream pillow” cloud, my grandchildren and I had great fun selecting our favorite clouds for dreaming on.
When an Alaskan June midnight sun set on my daughter’s birthday, I congratulated the glowing pink clouds, calling “It’s a girl!”
How mesmerizing to watch the northern lights flash emerald across the Alaskan arctic night and imagine that emerald rainbow around God’s throne (Revelation 4:3).
God has sunk His wealth in the sky, there to see 24/7. But something is not there yet. Jesus said of His return, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27, NAS). The sky will one day dazzle us with God’s richest treasure: Jesus, our Majestic Savior, Bright Morning Star, Redeemer and Friend. He’s the best reason to keep looking up.
“O beautiful, for spacious skies,” Lord, the backdrop for my interaction with You and the panorama for Your triumphant return!
Isaiah 44:24 (NAS)
If you look carefully, the sky can be incredibly revealing and richly interactive. Once I saw a sun dog on a blustery winter day—two bright smears of light flanking the sun, caused by blowing ice particles reflecting its rays.
Out watching a lunar eclipse one evening, my neighbor and I waved at the moon in a teasing attempt to see our own shadows there! How humbling it was to see earth’s curve creep across the moon’s face.
After reading a story about a “dream pillow” cloud, my grandchildren and I had great fun selecting our favorite clouds for dreaming on.
When an Alaskan June midnight sun set on my daughter’s birthday, I congratulated the glowing pink clouds, calling “It’s a girl!”
How mesmerizing to watch the northern lights flash emerald across the Alaskan arctic night and imagine that emerald rainbow around God’s throne (Revelation 4:3).
God has sunk His wealth in the sky, there to see 24/7. But something is not there yet. Jesus said of His return, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27, NAS). The sky will one day dazzle us with God’s richest treasure: Jesus, our Majestic Savior, Bright Morning Star, Redeemer and Friend. He’s the best reason to keep looking up.
“O beautiful, for spacious skies,” Lord, the backdrop for my interaction with You and the panorama for Your triumphant return!
MASTURBATION AND ME.
I KNOW ONE CAN HELP ONE STOP MASTURBATION. SO I WILL LIKE THOSE WHO ARE REALLY OUT TO SAVE A SOUL TO POST THEIR COMMENT ON HOW ONE WHO IS A VICTIM BE LIBERATED.
READERS COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOMED.
THANK YOU. HAPPY PEOPLE.
READERS COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOMED.
THANK YOU. HAPPY PEOPLE.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
FIVE WAY TO PRAY
1. Answered Prayer
The Psalms are models of the sort of praying Jesus recommended to his disciples, in which one believes that one’s prayer has already been answered. Select a psalm to use as a model for your own about some problem in your own life. Substitute your own worries and complaints for those of the psalmist and search your life for your own evidence that your prayer has already been answered. Be as concrete as you can both in describing your issue and in affirming God’s attention to the matter.
2. Give Thanks
In downtown Dallas, on a little triangle of public space called Thanks-Giving Square, sits the beautiful little Chapel of Thanksgiving, a coiled concrete building topped with an ascending spiral of stained glass that serves as an interfaith shrine to the universal human urge to give thanks. I learned about the chapel’s existence after a depressed and religion-hostile friend, overwhelmed with thankfulness for finally finding a good job after a multiyear search, happened upon it and deposited in the chapel’s glass Prayer Bowl a card expressing her gratitude and relief. Set out your own prayer bowl—perhaps to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or Thanksgiving—in which to collect you and your guests’ thanks and thereby invite God into your collective company.
3. Make It a Ritual
When my daughter Charlotte was little and I used to clean her room, I often found under her pillow or on her desk little scraps of paper rolled up into tiny scrolls and tied with bits of colored thread. I should have honored her privacy, probably, but I couldn’t resist unrolling and reading them. Sometimes they were little scriptural passages with which she was admonishing herself, like “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Other times they were prayer requests in her own words. What always impressed me was the pomp with which she offered up these prayers: the careful handwriting, usually in a colored pen that matched the thread; the rolling up of the paper; the tininess of the scroll, which made it seem the more precious. Make a small formal ritual of your own for offering up prayer in a special way. Alternatively, incorporate scripture into some routine record you regularly keep, such as a dietary or exercise account or a desk calendar.
4. Use Variety
Experiment with different types of prayer than the ones you usually employ. If you are in the habit of freeform prayer, try out various forms of composed prayer. Use the Internet to find composed prayers—perhaps of another denomination or even another faith—that might house your own thoughts. Pray the prayer of someone in scripture, such as the father in Mark 9:24 NRSV, who wanted Jesus to heal his son’s seizures but struggled to believe Jesus really could and prayed, “Help my unbelief!” Pray forth a passage of scripture that has meaning for you. Try repeating just one line of a longer prayer, such as “Thy will be done.” Alternatively, write down and memorize your own prayers to use and reuse on specific occasions.
5. Compose a Prayer in Another's Behalf
Intercessory prayer has always been difficult for me. I tend to forget others’ prayer needs and, deep down, not care about them as much as I do my own. I also struggle to see problems from others’ points of view. Serendipitously, solving a prayer problem in my advanced grammar course helped me experience prayer for others in a new way. Many students struggle academically in that class and some take great comfort in praying communally before important tests. Others, however, don’t like to lose a second of the allotted time. To address their conflicting needs on the final exam, I routinely compose a prayer on my students’ behalf and affix it to the test for them to read, or not, at their leisure. In this way, I pray long in advance of their need. Also, my prayer shapes the way I see the test while it’s still in the making. I always find myself newly aware of my students and their struggles when I pray in this way. My students not only appreciate the prayer but say it helps them see their own situation through my eyes. Try composing a written prayer for another in advance of an upcoming difficulty and then share it with that person.
The Psalms are models of the sort of praying Jesus recommended to his disciples, in which one believes that one’s prayer has already been answered. Select a psalm to use as a model for your own about some problem in your own life. Substitute your own worries and complaints for those of the psalmist and search your life for your own evidence that your prayer has already been answered. Be as concrete as you can both in describing your issue and in affirming God’s attention to the matter.
2. Give Thanks
In downtown Dallas, on a little triangle of public space called Thanks-Giving Square, sits the beautiful little Chapel of Thanksgiving, a coiled concrete building topped with an ascending spiral of stained glass that serves as an interfaith shrine to the universal human urge to give thanks. I learned about the chapel’s existence after a depressed and religion-hostile friend, overwhelmed with thankfulness for finally finding a good job after a multiyear search, happened upon it and deposited in the chapel’s glass Prayer Bowl a card expressing her gratitude and relief. Set out your own prayer bowl—perhaps to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or Thanksgiving—in which to collect you and your guests’ thanks and thereby invite God into your collective company.
3. Make It a Ritual
When my daughter Charlotte was little and I used to clean her room, I often found under her pillow or on her desk little scraps of paper rolled up into tiny scrolls and tied with bits of colored thread. I should have honored her privacy, probably, but I couldn’t resist unrolling and reading them. Sometimes they were little scriptural passages with which she was admonishing herself, like “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Other times they were prayer requests in her own words. What always impressed me was the pomp with which she offered up these prayers: the careful handwriting, usually in a colored pen that matched the thread; the rolling up of the paper; the tininess of the scroll, which made it seem the more precious. Make a small formal ritual of your own for offering up prayer in a special way. Alternatively, incorporate scripture into some routine record you regularly keep, such as a dietary or exercise account or a desk calendar.
4. Use Variety
Experiment with different types of prayer than the ones you usually employ. If you are in the habit of freeform prayer, try out various forms of composed prayer. Use the Internet to find composed prayers—perhaps of another denomination or even another faith—that might house your own thoughts. Pray the prayer of someone in scripture, such as the father in Mark 9:24 NRSV, who wanted Jesus to heal his son’s seizures but struggled to believe Jesus really could and prayed, “Help my unbelief!” Pray forth a passage of scripture that has meaning for you. Try repeating just one line of a longer prayer, such as “Thy will be done.” Alternatively, write down and memorize your own prayers to use and reuse on specific occasions.
5. Compose a Prayer in Another's Behalf
Intercessory prayer has always been difficult for me. I tend to forget others’ prayer needs and, deep down, not care about them as much as I do my own. I also struggle to see problems from others’ points of view. Serendipitously, solving a prayer problem in my advanced grammar course helped me experience prayer for others in a new way. Many students struggle academically in that class and some take great comfort in praying communally before important tests. Others, however, don’t like to lose a second of the allotted time. To address their conflicting needs on the final exam, I routinely compose a prayer on my students’ behalf and affix it to the test for them to read, or not, at their leisure. In this way, I pray long in advance of their need. Also, my prayer shapes the way I see the test while it’s still in the making. I always find myself newly aware of my students and their struggles when I pray in this way. My students not only appreciate the prayer but say it helps them see their own situation through my eyes. Try composing a written prayer for another in advance of an upcoming difficulty and then share it with that person.
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