Praying In Faith

I pray your life is a true testimony of faith in our Father's tender care. When we pray we should always speak of hope and be confident of God's answer! He always answers our prayers... it may not be the answer we want, or His answer may not come when we think it should, but our Father cares for us and will NEVER leave us nor FORSAKE us!

Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Philippians 4:6 "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication (petition) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Sometimes the needs are so great and I feel so insignificant... but our God is the One who loves to answer prayer. He hears our "heart" and knows the needs of each person. If the very hairs on our head are numbered, and if an unimportant bird like the sparrow can not fall without His knowledge, how much more does He care for us and our small prayers!


Luke 12: 6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Psa 4:3 "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him."

Proverbs 15:8 " ...the prayer of the upright is His delight."

James 5:15 "...and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick..."

All prayer offered in faith should be with an unwavering confidence in God, a belief that He will do what is best for the person we're praying for, and we can commit our petition into His hands (We express our earnest wish, and then leave the case with him). The prayer of faith for healing should always be with a thought for it to be the will of God. That is, if God shall deem it best for that person's life and santification. It cannot be taken in the absolute and unconditional sense, for then, if this were true, the sick person would always recover, no matter how often he might be sick ...and he need never die.

There is a vast difference between salvation and santification. Our salvation is secure in Christ Jesus and what He did for us. Our Santification is our walk with God after we are saved. God always uses everything and every situation in our life to make us into the Christian He wants us to be in eternity. What we deem best for us is in the here and now (earthly). What God deems best for us is always for our eternal future (heavenly).

"If it be most for thy glory, and the eternal good of this man’s soul, let him be restored; if otherwise, Lord, pardon, purify him, and take him to thy glory." ~ Adam Clarke (1760–1832)

You may ask about what Jesus said in Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

This promise was a special one, given to the apostles ONLY in regard to working miracles. To them it was true, but it is manifest that we have no right to apply this promise to ourselves. It was desired especially for the apostles; nor have we a right to turn it from its original meaning. There are other promises in, abundance on which we "may" rely in prayer, with confident assurance that our prayers will be heard.

First of all we must pray in God's Will... when we pray apart from God's will we can not be assured our prayers will be answered.

1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS WILL, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

"This is the proper and the necessary limitation in all prayer. God has not promised to grant anything that shall be contrary to his will, and it could not be right that he should do it. We ought not to wish to receive anything that should be contrary to what he judges to be best. No man could hope for good who should esteem his own wishes to be a better guide than the will of God; and it is one of the most desirable of all arrangements that the promise of any blessing to be obtained by prayer should be limited and bounded by the will of God.

The expression, "according to his will," must limit the promise to what will be for the good of the whole. God presides over the universe: and though in him there is an infinite fulness, and he regards the wants of every individual throughout his immense empire, yet the interests of the whole, as well as of the individual, are to be consulted and regarded. In a family, it is conceivable that a child might ask for some favor whose bestowment would interfere materially with the rights of others, or be inconsistent with the good of the whole, and in such a case a just father would of course withhold it. With these necessary limitations the range of the promise in prayer is ample; and, with these limitations, it is true beyond a question that he does hear and answer prayer." ~Albert Barnes (1798–1870)

The main emphasis in 1John 14 and 15 is on God's will, not our own. When we communicate with God, we don't demand what we want; rather we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to His Will, He will listen; and we can be certain He will give us a definite answer.

When we pray for His will to be made known in our lives, He will tell us. As Psalm 143:10 says, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Therefore, start praying with confidence!

Listen to these glorious words from 2 Timothy 4 which Paul wrote from prison right at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; and in the future there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” A special crown, a crown of righteousness will be given to every person who lives his life loving the appearing of the Lord। Will you receive that crown? Are you living your life yearning for the return of the Lord?

My friends, Jesus is coming soon, and I cry from the depths of my heart, “Maranatha!” Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.

In His tender care always,
Dot

Acknowledgements

* A lot of my studies are done using my Life Application Study Bible (KJV) by Tyndale House Publishers and I heavily rely on the explanatory notes for each verse I use because I can not explain them better.

* I often rely on my New American Standard Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers for double checking the meaning of the verses I used in the King James Version. Not that I think the NAS Bible is better than the KJV Bible, but it gives me more insight into some of the KJV Bible verses.

* Most of my studies are done using the E-Sword program from this site: http://www.e-sword.net/ I downloaded all their commentaries and bought others. The maps and teachers aids are so valuable that I can now do a study in half the time I took before. All the quotes from commentaries by great Theologians came from the E-Sword program.

Do Not Judge!

I'm sure you've experienced another person's harsh judgment of something you did, a decision you made, or how you dressed or how you looked. It's painful, isn't it? Anyone with a healthy outlook on life wants to be liked and respected. When someone harshly judges us we begin to question our worth... it's a natural thing to do. This is what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge--or you too will be judged".

This exhortation is pointed against rash, harsh, and uncharitable judgment that tears another person down. It's not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but it's a call to be discerning rather than negative. Jesus said for us to "discern" false teachers (Matthew 7:15-23) and Paul taught us that we should exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1-2), and to trust God to be the final judge (1 Corinthians 4:3-5).

What Jesus is trying to teach here is for us to examine our own motives and conduct rather than judging others. A psychologist will tell us the traits that bother us in others are most often the very ones we dislike in ourselves. Our unbroken bad habits and behaviour patterns are the very ones we most want to change in others. That's why Jesus went on to say in Matthew 7: 3-5 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye".

There are many of us who have beams in our own eyes, and yet do not consider it। We are under the guilt of very great sins, and yet we seem to be unaware of it. We justify ourselves as if we needed no repentance nor reformation. It's strange that we can be in such a sinful, miserable condition and not be aware of it, but the god of this world so artfully blinds our minds, that with great assurance, we say, we can see!

That's why God's Word says in Jeramiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" To himself a man’s heart is an inscrutable mystery। The natural man does not know the plague of his own heart; the Pharisee and perfectionist do not, or they would not say they were without sin; such rant arises from the ignorance of their own hearts. We are only conscious of all the schemes, plans, and purposes that pass in our own mind; and no one can know these things in our mind but ourself. However, to know how deceitful and desperately wicked our heart is ---is beyond our ability to see; apart from God's Holy spirit revealing it to us.

So, we should judge ourself first and then lovingly forgive and help our neighbor। Our own sins ought to appear greater to us than the same sins in others: that which love teaches us to call but a splinter in our brother's eye, true repentance and godly sorrow will teach us to call a beam in our own; for the sins of others must be diminished but our own enlarged.

One last note on this devotion about judging others ...when we are hurt by someone who has judged us wrongly we need to immediately give it over to God for His intervention। God says we should NEVER take revenge on another person!

Romans 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord".

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Do not judge!

(by J। R. Miller, "Judging Others" 1894)


"Do not judge--or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:१

It is better to have eyes for beauty--than for blemish। It is better to be able to see the roses--than the thorns. It is better to have learned to look for things to commend in others--than for things to condemn. Of course, other people have faults--and we are not blind to them. But then, we have faults of our own--and this should make us charitable!


We have a divine teaching on the subject। Our Lord Jesus said, "Do not judge--or you too will be judged." We need to understand just what the words mean. We cannot help judging others. We ought to be able to read character, and to know whether men are good or bad. As we watch men's acts--we cannot help forming opinions about them. The holier we grow, and the more like Christ--the keener will our moral judgments be. We are not bidden to shut our eyes--and to be blind to people's faults and sins.


What, then, do our Lord's words mean? It is uncharitable judgment against which He warns us। We are not to look for the evil things in others. We are not to see others through the warped glasses of prejudice and unkindly feeling. We are not to arrogate to ourselves the function of judging--as if others were answerable to us! We are to avoid a critical or censorious spirit. Nothing is said against speaking of the good in those we see and know; it is uncharitable judging and speaking, which Jesus condemns.


One reason why judging is wrong --is because it is putting one's self in God's place. He is the only Judge, with whom every human soul has to do. Judgment is not ours--but God's. "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:12. In condemning and censuring others--we are thrusting ourselves into God's place, taking His scepter into our hands, and presuming to exercise one of His sole prerogatives!


Another reason for this command--is that we cannot judge others justly and fairly. We have not sufficient knowledge of them. Paul says: "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." 1 Corinthians 4:5. Our judgments cannot be anything but faulty, partial and superficial।


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"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee। The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.


In His tender care always,
Dot



"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
~~ HEBREWS 12:1



"Anything that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it."
~~ J। Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918)



Acknowledgements

* A lot of my studies are done using my Life Application Study Bible (KJV) by Tyndale House Publishers and I heavily rely on the explanatory notes for each verse I use because I can not explain them better.

* I often rely on my New American Standard Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers for double checking the meaning of the verses I used in the King James Version. Not that I think the NAS Bible is better than the KJV Bible, but it gives me more insight into some of the KJV Bible verses.

* Most of my studies are done using the E-Sword program from this site: http://www.e-sword.net/ I downloaded all their commentaries and bought others. The maps and teachers aids are so valuable that I can now do a study in half the time I took before. All the quotes from commentaries by great Theologians came from the E-Sword program.

How Do You Really Trust God?

Many times over God has given me opportunities to learn how to trust Him and I pray what I've learned will be helpful to you। I first wrote this devotion for a dear friend's daughter, but God has laid it on my heart to share it with you too. I pray my discovery will strengthen your faith and give you courage to be steadfast in your trials.

All my life I've been a stubborn, rebellious and hard-headed person who never changed the way I handled things until finally God had to totally break my heart. Even after I became a Christian I clung to my old ways of handing my problems and the problems of those I love. My first reaction when I had a problem, or if someone I loved had a problem was to immediately think, "What can I do to remedy this and how can I go about getting this situation under control?" I never learned to wait upon the Lord and I never fully trusted Him for any situation. Oh, I wanted to trust Him... and when I would hear someone say, "I'm trusting God for this" I would think, "How do you do that?" --- or I would say to myself, "Well, that's commendable but while you're 'TRUSTING' God you had better do something about it." LOL

At any rate, as I said above, God finally allowed me to be put in a place where there was nothing I could do or say to remedy a situation that tore my world apart and changed my life forever। A tragedy stuck our family along with some deep seated misunderstandings and for once in my life I knew I was helpless! I felt all alone and abandoned by God. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night with chest pains so bad I would think, "Is the pain from this tragedy going to give me a heart attack?" My mind reeled with ways to try and take care of the situation until I finally gave up and became honest with myself.

I knew part of the problem was my own fault, part was the sudden tragedy but most of the problem was misconceptions of different situations and all of us not handling things the way God wants us to handle them. I also came to understand that in spite of how horrible things seem God does work it all out for our own good.

I discovered though the painful trial I talked about above and though many other trials and heartaches that often when we're in the middle of a spiritual battle we can't see how it will ever end, or even how it can be used for our good. But God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and that He works all things around for our good (Rom. 8:28), our job is to trust Him in the middle of our storms of life in spite of our feelings. I must SAY I trust Him even when I don't have the faith to do so... I must SAY I trust Him even when I feel I'm drowning in a sea of confusion and heartbreak.

It's easy for me to say I love God and trust Him for everything when my life is going good, amen? However, like you, I know it's when I'm down in the trenches of life's battles that I discover how little faith I have... by the same token, it's also a time when I grow in my knowledge of how much I need His grace, strength and courage to survive, Amen?

It's easy to simply say you should trust God in spite of what's happening in your life, but it's TRUE and it's one of the hardest spiritual battles anyone can ever fight and win. I've learned to simply to tell God (out loud) that in spite of my feelings of fear, pain and disappointments I believe He is in control and will work it all out for my good. By saying this out loud I'm being a witness for God, a witness to my own soul, a witness to the angels around me and to Satan who is being allowed to hurt me (God's own purpose for our life).

Am I saying God is the cause of all my troubles? No! Satan and my own bad choices in life are the ultimate cause of my heartaches and trials... However, nothing can come to a child of God without His permission. Remember the story of Job? Our life's battles are not much different in that Satan has to have God's permission to attack us. Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a spiritual battle (when situations seem really bad) I've found that reading the book of Job again gives God an opportunity to reveal more of how He's working in my life.

I've also discovered that God is wanting to use me as His witness to others that He does indeed work everything around for my good. My job is to trust Him for the outcome of my trials. Trusting Him in spite of my feelings is the hard part. I keep saying to myself. "Dot, do you love your Father in heaven enough to keep your mind steady on Him and Him alone when all around you things seem to be falling apart?

Therefore, my humble advice for when you're going through heartache and trials is to continue to stay on your knees, speak in faith, tell yourself and all witnesses (those we see and those in the spiritual realm) that you are going to be steadfast in your faith to rely on your Father in heaven to work all your problems out for your good and the good of all those you love. He is God, He is able, and He will always deliver you!

With good courage say: "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear"--for life or death, for sorrow or joy!

The soul that to Jesus has fled for repose,
He cannot, He will not, desert to its foes.
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to take,
He'll never, no never, no never forsake!

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"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.

In His tender care always,

Dot

Acknowledgements

* A lot of my studies are done using my Life Application Study Bible (KJV) by Tyndale House Publishers and I heavily rely on the explanatory notes for each verse I use because I can not explain them better।

* I often rely on my New American Standard Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers for double checking the meaning of the verses I used in the King James Version। Not that I think the NAS Bible is better than the KJV Bible, but it gives me more insight into some of the KJV Bible verses.

* Most of my studies are done using the E-Sword program from this site: http://www.e-sword.net/ I downloaded all their commentaries and bought others. The maps and teachers aids are so valuable that I can now do a study in half the time I took before. All the quotes from commentaries by great Theologians came from the E-Sword program.

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Through Your Trials And Heartaches

When my precious mother was murdered by my dad I suffered a long and arduous trial of grief (I was only 27 years old). When my husband broke the news to me I suddenly felt like I was a hundred years old and knew my heart would never be the same. The suffering I was going through stayed in my mind for years. I was not a Christian when my mother was murdered but I started longing for the truth. God gave me the desire to know Him and He gave me the courage to accept His plan of salvation. From that moment on I began to heal and to laugh again.

Ten short years later my younger brother was murdered by someone he called a friend। My younger brother had lived with my husband and I after our mother was murdered and he became more like my son than my brother. Oh, the deep pain that pierced my already deeply scarred heart was hard to bear. However, there was one big difference this time because now I was a Christian and I saw things from a different perspective. Although, my heart and mind couldn’t seem to wrap around another murder in our family I was able (by God’s grace and loving hand) to bury my brother without the fear of going crazy. I knew the truth of Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.” and Romans 8:28 “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.”

Yes, I know what deep suffering is because not only have I lost loved ones to murder but I lost a dear and beloved friend to suicide। I have also stood by my youngest daughter and her husband as they buried their first born son (my precious grandson, Riley).

Nevertheless, with all confidence in our Lord and His love for us I can say with absolute surety: no matter your sorrow or pain… if you will lean wholly on God, look to Him for your heart’s comfort and for your mind’s stability, God will see you through your worst fears and horrible tragedies।

You will come away with a victorious attitude and a heart made richer by God’s wisdom.
We weep with those who weep; but we also rejoice with those who rejoice। This is what God has done for me and He doesn’t play favorites… He will do the same for you… Only trust Him.

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NIGHT AND MORNING!
by F.B. Meyer
“Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning।“-- Psa_30:5 (R.V.).
The Night of Doubt—the Morning of Faith। It is indeed a memorable moment in the history of the human spirit, when we suddenly wake up to see that the Almighty is the All-Loving Father, that the righteousness of God is no longer a ground of anxiety and fear, but of assured hope; that He has no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live. What a glad hour it was to Thomas when, after a week of the blackness of darkness, he stood again face to face with Jesus, and learnt that His heart was beating in sympathy, and that His pierced hands were held out to him. Dare to believe that the Love which died for thee is dealing with all the mysteries, misfits, and dark problems of thy life. Weeping may tarry for the night in which you shut yourself in with yourself, but she is only a lodger! Joy will come in the morning, when you open your heart to Christ.

The Night of Perplexity—the Morning of Vision। We cannot explain all the dealings of God with man, still less the mysteries of the Divine Nature. Clouds and darkness are round about Him, though judgment and righteousness are the habitation of His Throne. But from time to time we obtain some broken vision of His Purpose and Achievement and Objective. Then the voice of Joy rings through our heart; then our mouths are filled with laughter and our tongues with singing! Men call us dreamers, but we count them blind. Sooner or later Christ will come! The power of Satan will be broken and his reign ended. The things that prophets and kings foretold, and died without seeing, shall be realized. The children of Light will lift up their heads, because the time of Redemption will have come. Sorrow and sighing will flee away, and in that glad Morning there will be the shout of Joy!

The Night of Bereavement—the Morning of Reunion। Their stay with us was all too short! We had only begun to fathom their sweetness and beauty. We little dreamed that we would only be allowed to sip the cup of bliss that they had brought into our lives. And then they heard a Voice that called, and saw a beckoning Hand, and they arose and went! He, that height of Weeping! But the Morning of Joy cometh, when we shall see again their radiant faces welcoming us on the other side. In that fair Morning, Joy will be at the full tide, never to recede.

PRAYER
Blessed Christ! The storm is high, the night is dark. Come to me, I beseech Thee. In Thy presence is fullness of Joy. AMEN.

When you become discouraged

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God."-- Psa_42:5, Psa_42:11; Psa_43:5.

I have often been discouraged and I know you have too. It's not a sin to be discouraged... but it is a sin to allow your discouragement to turn your heart away from God. When you're discouraged and you make instant decisions about how to handle whatever caused your discouragement you can be sure your decision will be wrong. Waiting and leaning on God for help is the right way to handle our problems.

Most of my Christian walk was spent with me in control (not God) and every time something bad happened I would make the decisions about how to take care of the problems (I never waited on God, nor did I ask Him how I should handle anything). Looking back I can see all the mistakes I've made and I have to live with the regrets but my Father has used my failures and even my sins for my good.

Tell me, do you panic when something bad happens? Does your mind instantly start trying to figure out how to handle your problems? Do you become angry with whoever or whatever you believe is the cause of your problem? Don't be like I was... dependent only on myself to solve problems. Turn to God and read His Word for directions, help and hope.

One day a tragedy stuck our family and the problems arising from it caused misunderstandings and terrible pain. There was nothing I could to make it go away and nothing I could do to make things right. I couldn't correct all the wrong thinking, or the wrong actions being taken. I was caught in a trap of misunderstandings and there were several people who turned on me like tigers. These people didn't know the whole story and didn't care about my feelings, so they demonized me (one was a young pastor). They didn't even care about doing what God required them to do. I felt like David (Psalm 39 - 42) when his tormentors sought to do him harm and he cried out to God for hope and help. Since I couldn't correct the situation my prayers turned from wanting justice to only wanting to be vindicated... then my prayers became for God's Will to be done even if I was never justified or vindicated.

For the first time in my Christian walk I turned everything over to God and told Him this time I was going to trust Him to take care of it all. It took two years before I saw positive results began to happen. The most important thing was my apology to one of the persons involved and her apology to me. Neither one of us felt we had done anything wrong, but the truth is... we were both terribly wrong because from the start we didn't turn to God and ask Him how we should handle this tragedy and our hurt feelings. We not only sinned against each other but more importantly we sinned against God. The other people involved have never apologized nor admitted they were wrong. However, I don't expect them to apologize... I have placed it all in God's loving hands because only He knows each heart and the intentions of each person involved. I can rest in His arms and know He is the vindicator of us all.

God used this tragedy and the results of all the misunderstandings and hurt feelings for my good. I thank God for all the good that came out of such a terrible and painful tragedy. First and foremost I have learned to trust God and to lean on His understanding (not my own). Now, when something bad happens I run to my Father for comfort and advice... then I wait upon Him to guide me through the situation. Before this tragedy I never understood how to trust Him and I never understood how to wait upon His guidance... and I would never have learned these vital Christian lessons any other way other than to be broken and utterly unable to do anything about it.

Listen, God alone knows your heart and mine (God says our heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9)

"The answer to the question, "who can know it?" To himself a man’s heart is an inscrutable mystery: God alone can fathom it।" ~ Barnes

"The heart is supplanting - tortuous - insidious;" lying ever at the catch; striving to avail itself of every favorable circumstance to gratify its propensities to pride, ambition, evil desire, and corruption of all kinds।" ~ Clarke

We don't know our own heart less-lone anyone else's so we must learn to lean on God when someone hurts us, or when a tragedy stikes. Don't struggle when a painful situation arises or a tragedy hits, and don't panic when you find there's nothing you can do to put things right. This is where God wants you to be so He can break your will and mold it to His. When you fight against whatever is happening in your life you're telling God you don't trust Him for the outcome.

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THE SILVER LINING IN THE DARK CLOUD
by F.B. Meyer (1847 – 1929).

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God."-- Psa_42:5, Psa_42:11

THESE TWO Psalms are evidently one. See how the same refrain rings through them both! They are generally allocated to that sad time in David's history, when the rebellion of his favorite son, Absalom, drove him as an exile beyond the Jordan (2Sa_15:14). But amid the great sorrows that rolled over his soul, there was one glad ingredient. Thrice over the Psalmist encourages himself to Hope!

For many a sorrowful soul, this is a true emblem. Amid all the disappointment and despair of life, there is always one chord of Hope--God! We may stand amid the wreck of our earthly hopes. Through misconduct or mistake, as the result of folly or sin, we may have reduced ourselves and those dear to us to the last degree of misery; but the soul may always turn from its low estate to God, sure that He will have mercy, will abundantly pardon, and will turn again the adverse pressure of the tide.

See how the broken-hearted may still speak of God! This man had grievously sinned. He seemed to have forfeited all claim on God's recognition and care. He had brought shame and disgrace on the cause of religion. All down the years the story of his wrong-doing would give the enemies of truth abundant reason to blaspheme. And yet see how he dares to speak of God! He describes Him as the God of his life, as his Rock, as the Health of his countenance, the God of his strength, and the Gladness of his joy. This is a great lesson! We may change, but God changes never. We may turn our face from Him, or allow some evil thing to loom between ourselves and the clear shining of His face. But he shines on, and when we confess our sins, and put them away, we find ourselves afresh in the clear shaft of His illuminating rays. You may have lost all hope in yourself, your friends, your circumstances, but you must never lose your hope in God.

The past, which can only be viewed with repentance, is forgiven; the present, in which God is willing to be All-in-all; the future, when again the soul shall praise Him with joyful lips. Hope looks into the future. "I shall yet praise Him."

PRAYER:
Our Father, forgive, we pray Thee, our murmuring and discontent, our perverseness and waywardness. Teach us to discern the silver edge of the lowering clouds, and to trust Thy love, which is leading us safely and by a right way to our home. AMEN. ~ Meyer
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"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.

In His tender care always,
Dot

So Often... I'm Like Martha

Below is a devotion by F.B. Meyer (1847 – 1929). I have always enjoyed his devotions but this one was special to me because I've often felt like Martha (not saying I am as practical as she was but I've been known to be like her in my faith). Martha's sister, Mary, seem to easily believe and follow Christ. It's not that I have doubts of my salvation, but, like Martha, I struggle with my daily Christian walk. I often forget to pray as I ought... I often forget to do my Bible study as I ought and I often look at other Christians and think they are lazy in their studies (Remember when Martha went to Jesus to reprimand Mary who wasn't helping her prepare the meal - Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet just absorbing His truths). I think we often forget (caught up in everyday living, working and worrying) and neglect sitting at Jesus' feet (being fed by Him through His Word). At least, I find myself in that awful position...

Father, forgive me for getting caught up in life's problems and doing Christian "work" and leaving the most important aspect of my Christian walk out. I'm so sorry I've neglected You these past few days. I know you want only the best for me... but like a child, I often think and act like I know what's best for me. Help me become your little lamb... to follow you... to lean on you... to trust you... to allow your word to teach me... to sit and be quiet before your throne of grace. Amen...

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LOVE'S CONFIDENCE!

"His sisters sent unto Him saying, Lord, behold he whom Thou lovest is sick."-- Joh_11:3.

THE LAPSE of years made it possible for the Apostle to draw aside the veil which curtained the happy friendship and fellowship of Christ in the home at Bethany. It was the one green oasis in the rugged wilderness through which He passed to the Cross!
There were diversities in that home, Martha, practical, energetic, and thoughtful for all that could affect the comfort of those she loved and served; Mary, gifted with spiritual insight and tender sympathy; Lazarus, probably a man of few words, quiet and unobtrusive, but Jesus loved each one (Joh_11:5).

The sisters never doubted that Christ would speed at all hazards to save Lazarus after the breathless messenger had brought the tidings of his sickness. Anything less than infinite Love would have rushed instantly to the relief of those troubled hearts; Divine Love alone could hold back the impetuosity of the Saviour's tender heart until the Angel of Pain had finished her work. He wanted to teach His disciples never-to-be-forgotten lessons, and also He was eager for the spiritual growth of the faith of the sisters.

This chapter might be more truly known as "The Raising of Martha," for our Lord enabled her, matter-of-fact and practical as she was, to realize that He was the Resurrection and the Life. He insisted that her faith was an essential condition in the raising of her brother to life. The emphasis is on the word "thou" (Joh_11:40). Our Lord always needs the co-operating faith of some true heart to be with Him when He works a miracle, and He chose the least likely of the two sisters to supply the pivot on which He could rest the lever of His Divine help. As she withdrew her objection to the removal of the stone, her faith suddenly became capable of claiming the greatest of Christ's miracles.

He calls to us also to help our brethren. In many cases those who have received life from Christ are still bound about with grave-clothes, old habits and evil associations cling to them and impede their progress, and He bids us "Loose him and let him go." He asks for our co-operation in the emancipation of those who have been held fast in the power of the Evil One.

PRAYERO God, we rejoice that we can turn to Thee in the midst of great anxiety, and commit all our troubles to Thy sure help. As Thou art with us in the sunlight, be Thou with us in the cloud. Sustain us by Thy near presence and let the comforts which are in Jesus Christ fill our hearts with peace. AMEN.
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What's Really Important?

Several years ago I was unhappy with my home (because it's an underground home with not much light inside - although we did add skylights). I began to complain to my husband and to God about it.

Then I saw this documentary about a couple from North Korea who lived in a village where most everyone was starving and they decided to take a dangerous trek into China to live and work। They felt it was their only hope for the survival for themselves and their three children.

At any rate, they did make the trip and the husband eked out a home for them in the side of a mountain where there was a small cave ( they lived in this cave for almost three years)। I won't go into all the troubles they went through ...only to say they suffered a great deal before they were found and sent back to North Korea where they were sent to prison. They are out of prison now and reunited with most of their children.

Anyway, the reason I'm telling this is because after I saw the documentary I became so ashamed of my attitude and I asked God to forgive me। Now, whenever I even think of grumbling about my home God brings the memory of this family and I thank Him for my blessings. I look about my home and tell myself that at least I don't have to live in a "real cave" and see my family suffer. We are rich beyond imagining with a safe and nice home - plenty of food and other wonderful amenities. Most of all, we are Christians and will one day be in heaven where our "real" riches are stored.

So, what is really important?

Here's what God says:
"Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"-- Heb_13:5.

Below is a commentary on the above verse by F।B. Meyer ( (April 8, 1847 – March 28, 1929) who was a Baptist pastor and evangelist in England.

SUCH THINGS as ye have, plus! The Greek literally means that there is within us an undeveloped power only awaiting the call, and there will be enough। I may be speaking to people who wish that they had more money, or more brains, or more influence. They dream of the lives they would live, of the deeds they would do, if only they were better circumstanced. But God says No! You have present within the narrow confines of your own reach the qualities that the world is wanting. Use them, and be content with the things that you have. You have never explored the resources of your own soul.

"Such things as ye have"--Moses had only a rod, but a rod with God can open the Red Sea। David had only five pebbles, but these with God brought down Goliath. The woman had only a little pot of oil, but that pot of oil with God paid all her debts. The poor widow was scraping the bottom of the barrel, but with God the handful of meal kept her child, herself, and the prophet until the rain came. The boy had only five tiny loaves and two small fish, but with Jesus they were enough for five thousand men, beside women and children. Estimate what you have got, and then count God into the bargain! He never lets go your hand. He will never leave nor forsake those that trust in Him!

Therefore be content! The most glorious deeds that have blessed and enriched the world have not been done by wealthy men। Our Lord had none of this world's goods; the apostles had neither silver nor gold; Carey was only a poor cobbler; Bunyan a traveling tinker; Wesley left two silver spoons. It is not money, but human love and God that is needed. Therefore do not be covetous; do not hoard, but give! Be strong and content. With good courage say: "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear"--for life or death, for sorrow or joy!

The soul that to Jesus has fled for repose,
He cannot, He will not, desert to its foes।
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to take,
He'll never, no never, no never forsake! AMEN

Rape! ...and a Christian Response

Did you know the number of Rapes and Sexual assaults for the year 205 was 188,960? (according to the government's Bureau of Justice Statistics) ( http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cvus/number_of783.htm ).

I know someone who was raped recently and it breaks my heart to know she's going through torment over it. She's been spiritually, emotionally and physically wounded. There's nothing I can do or say to make it go away and there's nothing I can do or say to make her feel "RIGHT" again. I know she's feeling guilty and ashamed. I know she hates to talk about it and she wishes it would somehow all go away. Her self-esteem has been taken away and she feels humiliated and violated. This young lady is the survivor of a previous sexual assault (as a child). So, I know recovery may be much more difficult and I greatly appreciate your prayers for her and her family.

God knows who she is.

She's a Christian and she understands that bad things happen to Christians but her problem is in thinking she deserved this because she believes it's a punishment from God for wrong decisions she's made. Self blame is a serious barrier to healing because feeling shame and guilt produces serious, negative, psychological effects. I pray she will direct all her negative feelings toward the assailant and away from herself!

Because of this happening to someone I love, I want to give you what information I can from human "experts" and then give you Biblical doctrine to stand on when faced with any trauma like this. This information will help you be better equipped to understand the "radical" reactions and unsound reasoning of the person it happens to.

First of all, the psychologist I've read (and what I studied in college) say the person will go through different stages of grief, anger and guilt. These stages of out-of-control emotions happen to anyone who suffers a tragedy. Each person will have these emotions at different times and each stage of their healing process will be different from others because we are all unique in our personalities and backgrounds.

Since rape is a painful, shocking experience it causes the person to want to retreat from the world and they may try their best to make it go away (like not talking about it, not wanting to leave their home and not wanting to press charges against the rapist). The rape victim feels violated and fearful and may become depressed—even suicidal. The victim struggles with feelings like their loss of control and may have changes in appetite, sleep habits or social functions.

Sometimes the rape victim may seem agitated or hysterical or may appear totally calm (still in shock - which could last a long time). The victim may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and dolling simple, everyday tasks. She/he have crying spells, anxiety attacks or show little emotion. The victim may even have poor recall of the rape or other memories. Remember, any response they have is not inappropriate, so don't ever try to tell the person not to feel they way they do (they can't help the way they feel!).

Listen, a victim of rape has been forced to endure a violent, traumatizing experience beyond their control to prevent. In addition to the psychological and physical injuries, the victim is often humiliated and degraded in their dealings with the criminal justice system. They are required to reveal and repeat every painful detail to police officers and investigators; leaving them feeling exposed, embarrassed, humiliated and frightened. The victim is traumatized again when they have to undergo the needed evidence-collection-examination, which is sometimes known as a "rape kit" at a hospital. Therefore, we need to consider these things as we try to help someone who's been a victim of rape.

Here is a great page to do research on rape and the aftermath of it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_rape_and_aftermath

I realize some of you will not go to this page (because we are so bombarded with the "check out this page" syndrome), so I'm posting something from the page about what I believe is a very important thing for us to know:

"It has been proposed that one cause of victim blaming is the just world hypothesis. People who believe that the world is intrinsically fair may find it difficult or impossible to accept a situation in which a person is badly hurt for no reason. This leads to a sense that victims must have done something to deserve their fate. Another theory entails the psychological need to protect one's own sense of invulnerability, which can inspire people to believe that rape only happens to those who provoke the assault. Believers use this as a way to feel safer: If one avoids the behaviors of the past victims, one will be less vulnerable. A global survey of attitudes toward sexual violence by the Global Forum for Health Research shows that victim-blaming concepts are at least partially accepted in many countries. Many of the countries in which victim blaming is more common are those in which there is a significant social divide between the freedoms and status afforded to men and women."

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I've given you good information about how the rape victim may feel and act so now let's see what God's Word has to say to us about how to Biblically deal with any trauma.

First and foremost, here's what you can say to a person who is suffering from a tragedy...

"I may not understand what you're feeling but I want you to know if you ever need me I'm here for you." The victim needs to know you love them and care about what has happened (they need empathy along with sympathy). Just being there - perhaps not saying anything - perhaps doing some little something like buying flowers, or a nice card can make a big difference in helping them cope (as they try to process all the different components of the traumatic experience). Having a strong system of friends and family for emotional support can mean a world of difference. So, try to be one who will make a difference for the victim coping with trauma.

We know the "whole world is groaning and travailing together in pain" (Romans 8:21, 22), this pain is universal, affecting all men and women and children everywhere. God did not create the world this way, and one day will set all things right again. In that day, "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 21:4). The Lord Jesus Christ, who was the only truly "innocent" and "righteous" man in all history, nevertheless, has suffered more than anyone else who ever lived.

Heb 12:2 - 3 "We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up."

The sufferings of Christians should always be the means of developing a stronger dependence on God and a more Christ-like character।

God is loving and merciful even when, "for the present," He allows trials and sufferings to come in our lives. “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

"By itself suffering does no good. But when we see it as the thing between God and us, it has meaning. Wedged in the crux—the cross—suffering becomes a transaction. The cross is a place of transaction. It is the place where power happens between God and us." —Joni Eareckson Tada in "When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty"


"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Ps 9.9-10)

No one has suffered more than our Father in heaven. No one has paid more dearly for the allowance of sin into the world. No one has so continuously grieved over the pain of a race gone bad. No one has suffered like the One who paid for our sin in the crucified body of His own Son. No one has suffered more than the One who, when He stretched out His arms and died, showed us how much He loved us. It is this God who, in drawing us to Himself, asks us to trust Him when we are suffering and when our own loved ones cry out in our presence (I Peter 2:21; 3:18; 4:1). —RBC's "Our Daily Bread"

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

"Frequently it is when we are crushed and devastated that the cross speaks most powerfully to us. The wounds of Christ then become Christ's credentials. The world mocks, but we are assured of God's love by Christ's wounds." —D. A. Carson in "How Long, O Lord?"

We know that God can always protect everyone। We know that He has sometimes protected many. We also know that He will often protect some. We know too that God is sovereign and wise, not always choosing to do all of that which He is able to do.

God is able and willing to protect us except that God in His love and wisdom may allow our suffering a horrible tragedy for our ultimate good. We can only explain the tragedies we encounter in the context of the whole counsel of God's Word -- which includes the account of Jesus' death, the story of Paul's thorn in the flesh, and the description of Stephen's martyrdom.

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God says in the book of Peter that He, “cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) God loves you! The Bible also says we should cast all of our anxiety, cares and concerns on God। So, instead of turning away from God when bad things happen, why not ask Him to help you get through the horrible situation?

My friends, Jesus is coming soon, and I cry from the depths of my heart, “Maranatha!” Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.

In His tender care always,
Dot

A Warning to the United States of America

A Warning to the United States of America

by Jason Lovelace
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/L29.html


Key Scripture:
Judges 2.16-17 – "Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so."

The United States has long been a bastion of Christian ideals, religious freedom, and liberty. Everywhere U.S. Military Personnel have gone, fought, bled, and died, freedom has come on their heels, including the freedom to worship as one chooses. Unfortunately in these days of post-modernistic personal subjectivity, anything Christian has become more and more ridiculed, more and more marginalized, and seen more and more of Christian Freedoms curtailed n the name of Separation of Church and State. Could the USA be in God’s crosshairs for judgment? As Israel was judged, time and time again by God for her many trespasses, could God be warning the USA that such is coming to her?

The USA: Founded on Religious Freedom…
Like it or not, believe it or not, nor view it as really true, the United States of America was founded as a place where the worship of God was to be free. The second permanent colony in the USA was established specifically for the purpose of allowing the Puritans to worship God without the interference of the British Crown. In every subsequent colony, religious freedom, the freedom to worship God as one chose, was established. The freedom to worship God is also an inherent and unalienable right of all Americans, as written in the Declaration of Independence and established n the Constitution of the United States of America in 1789. In the first two centuries of the United States’ existence as a nation, God was freely prayed to, Jesus Christ freely spoken of, the Bible freely taught, and worship freely allowed in the US Public forum. Anywhere and everywhere one could travel in the USA, God – though not always followed nor obeyed, was, at the very least, respected. Even early TV Shows, movies, and literature, even if God wasn’t mentioned directly, nor given the proper obedience, He was respected for being God, even in such characters as Otis the town drunk of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show.

They Went a Whoring After Other gods…
A question: Is the USA still a Christian Nation? Is Christianity and Christian Values, and Jesus Christ, still the primary driving force in US Culture today? Looking at American Mainstream Media, one can soon and easily see that the USA is no longer the home to Christian Values that she once was. Today, US post-modern culture continually mocks and marginalizes values that fly in the face of what is fun, desired, and looked upon as civilized. Fifty years ago, a woman who was found to be with child by someone she was not married to, was viewed as one with clouded morals at the very least. In these days, single mothers are the new heroines, supported and upheld as examples of undying courage, unparalleled strength, and models to others. Single motherhood is just one symptom of a culture that has made sex and sexual desire one of its gods. Another example is abortion on demand. In ancient Canaan, the god Molech required the adherent to sacrifice his or her (or their) firstborn child on the altar. In today’s world, more and more expectant mothers are sacrificing their unborn children on the altar of sexual freedom, convenience, and self. More and more of the USA’s workforce and working-age population are sacrificing their values, their consciences, and their families on the altar of big money, corporate power, and/or financial success. It is easy to see that the USA is now a country where every other god under the sun is given privilege and place. Just as Ancient Israel under the judges, and later, the kings, which turned away from God, the USA has also turned away from the God of her forefathers.

Freedom To Worship or Freedom From Religion?
In 1962, the United States Supreme Court, in the landmark case Murray v. Curlett, made the decision to remove administration-sponsored prayer from Public School. Since that time, Jesus Christ and the freedom to worship his name have taken a long and hard slide downward. Where even into the late 1950s and even into the `60s, God was at the very least respected in US society at large, the long slide that leads us to these post-modern 21st century years now sees anything about God, any mention of Jesus Christ, and any quote from the bible ridiculed, mocked, and marginalized to the point that church by and large has become more of a social club than a soul-saving station. This is a fact that is most glaringly seen in mainstream media outlets. Hollywood rarely – if ever – presents the viewing public with anything that remotely uplifts the name of Jesus Christ. Quite often in modern motion picture production, the villain is some crazed maniac who happens to claim being saved and quotes Scripture verbatim. In television, Biblical ideals – once revered and respected — are now mocked, decried as ancient and unnecessary, with only the old, the feeble, the mentally challenged, or the ignorant being portrayed as believing in such. More and more in radio and modern music, every kind of filth and sin is glorified, while God is mocked, moral values defamed, and Christian values torn to shreds and cast out. Where homosexuality was once dealt with as a mental illness, it is now accepted even in many mainstream US Churches. Sex outside of marriage, once decried as totally sinful and immoral by the Church, now has seen some denominations declare that no matter what is done to teach them otherwise, teens cannot control themselves and have given allowances for sexual activity aside from marriage (mainstream media long ago cast aside sexual restraint and sexual purity as something unable to be accomplished [with the former] and only for spinsters and prudes out-of-touch with reality [for the latter]). God has slowly been replaced by something else, and that something else is bringing forth wretched fruit.

God is Still a Judge!!!
In these post-modern days, people who are exposed to or presented with their sins usually retort with, “Doesn’t Jesus say ‘Judge not lest ye be judged’? How dare you judge me?!?” Yet the fact of the matter is, these people go on their merry ways totally oblivious to the glaring fact that God will one day judge them, should they remain unrepentant of sin. The Bible is rife with example after example of the Lord God passing judgment and carrying out sentence against the children of Israel for turning away from him. Time and time again, after warning them through his word, through prophets, and through even miracles, God was forced to move his hand of judgment against Israel precisely because of their continual rejection of him. History is further rife with nation after nation being reduced from golden-age glory to ashes of destruction because her people turned away from Jesus Christ, rejected the Bible, and changed from God to false gods. From Ancient Rome, which persecuted the church of Jesus Christ, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain, which once boasted a queen who read her Bible and prayed daily (Queen Victoria) to a nation where Islam is gaining serious ground on the church (which has all but ceased in being the soul-saving station she was ordained to be centuries ago). God still allows disaster when nations reject him; he still pulls his hand of protection away from countries – though historically Christ-loving – which have turned away from him.

Conclusion – For the USA, It’s Just the Tip of the Iceberg.
Many in the United States of America asked this question after the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks: “Is God Judging the USA?” For the USA, those terrorist attacks – as tragic and devastating as they were – were just the very tip of the iceberg. The judgments carried out on Israel, on Egypt, and on every other nation mentioned in the Bible as having turned away from God, are very graphic in nature, and such has yet to fall on the United States. For decades, the United States was the bastion of Christian Values, the haven for all those who desired to be free to worship God without Government interference. As stated above, however, all things Christian are now being herded into a corner and into an area of society that may well be the point of no return. The USA has replaced the God of her Founding Fathers with the false gods of self, convenience, lust, power, sex, and greed. If we, as the citizenry of the United States, do not turn back to God, worse judgments – far, FAR worse – than what we saw on 9/11/01 will take place. God – as he has done with every other nation in history – will remove his hand of protection, and the USA will surely fall just as Rome and every other adanced, technological civilization has fallen when they rejected God. Only a Holy Ghost Revival, the likes of which have not been seen since the 1800s, can possibly save the USA at this point. When Israel turned, she was saved, but when she continued down the path of idolatry and godlessness, she suffered. It will be the same for the USA if we don’t change out ways.

Prayer – Father, we need revival! Bring it to us, the USA, we pray, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Verse to Remember:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
– 2nd Chronicles 7.14

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Drug remedies for spiritual problems:

Drug remedies for spiritual problems:

by Todd Strandberg

http://www.raptureready.com/rr-drugs.html

Each year, mankind spends hundreds of billions of dollars on drugs that provide relief for physical aches and pains. It would be nice if there were wonder drugs that could be applied to common spiritual problems. Thankfully, although we can't find such a quick fix, the Bible provides the only known source that offers cures for afflictions that plague the human soul. The only hindrance is our unwillingness to swallow the medicine that God has provided.


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Prayagra -- Remedy for spiritual impotency

Symptoms: Prayer dysfunction, mental confusion, and a host of other faith-related problems.

Usage: Prayagra's active ingredient is 100 percent prayer. A daily dosage will go a long way towards healing the body and soul.

Prescription: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mat. 26:41).


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Repenticillin -- Helpful in treating persistent cases of diealitis

Symptoms: Sufferers refuse to believe they are spiritually sick and deny the existence of God.

Usage: Along with the forgiving power of the blood of Christ, Repenticillin works instantly at cleansing the soul.

Prescription: "But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die" (Ezek. 18:21).


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Jackasspirin -- The pain remedy that goes straight to the source

Symptoms: People making donkeys of themselves by always wanting to get their own way; swelling caused by bloated pride.

Usage: Apply generously to stubborn mule disposition.

Prescription: "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Gal. 6:3).


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Sudafast -- The quick-acting fasting aid that also benefits the waistline

Symptoms: Gluttony, selfishness, materialism, lack of control of fleshly desires.

Usage: Effective in reducing cravings for worldly goods.

Prescription: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mat. 15:24).


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Beengay -- Treats sexual orientation dysfunction

Symptoms: A tendency to direct sexual desire toward members of one’s own sex; an unusual fixation on fashion design; a tendency to make a grand entrance when entering a room; sufferers bristle at gay stereotypes.

Usage: Generates a strong realization of the eternal consequences of impure sexual thought and acts.

Prescription: "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" (Rom. 1:27).


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Praiselox -- For those times when you just don't feel like praising the Lord

Symptoms: A pessimistic attitude; defeatism; difficulty realizing what God has done for us.

Usage: Praiselox works with the Holy Ghost to remind people that the Lord is the source of our eternal joy.

Prescription: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation" (Heb.. 3:18).


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Lust-X -- Treatment for over-active libido

Symptoms: frequent bed-hopping, sexually transmitted diseases, and broken relationships.

Usage: Drug of choice for controlling impure thoughts. When symptoms appear, take one with a cold shower.

Prescription: "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live" (Rom. 8:13).


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Ibeprayin -- New and improved prayer remembrance formula

Symptoms: The lack of motivation to pray; dusty Bibles; some sufferers say the last time they prayed a lottery ticket was involved.

Usage: Ibeprayin is in the same family of drugs as Prayagra. This drugs works by reinforcing the commitment to pray.

Prescription: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jam. 5:16).


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Slipitor -- Helps promote conviction for chronic backsliding

Symptoms: used for the prevention and long-term treatment of weak faith, nagging doubt, and the God-doesn't-love-me syndrome.

Usage: A regular dosage will remind sufferers that Jesus is the foundation we need to grasp.

Prescription: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin" (Heb. 4:15).


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Declaritin -- For timid believers who have trouble sharing the Gospel

Symptoms: tight lips, week spine, shaky knees and other fear-generated signs.

Usage: Contains the active ingredient: boldness. Use while firmly standing on the Word of God.

Prescription: "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Rom. 10:11).


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Trialinol -- For lasting relief of tribulation fear

Symptoms: A nagging perception that daily trials are beyond our endurance; the desire to cut and run.

Usage: Fortifies the knowledge that true hope is not in this life. Gives strength to overcome hardship.

Prescription: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (Jam. 1:12).

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The Golden Rule

"THE GOLDEN RULE"

1. Where can we find the GOLDEN RULE?
The first place to look is in the Bible: Matthew, chapter seven.

[Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.

Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye?

Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.]

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2. This "rule" serves as a perfect summary of the kind of righteousness the kingdom of heaven expects in respect to MAN'S RELATION TO MAN.

(But what is the "golden rule"? Was Jesus teaching anything new or original by what He stated?)

I. THE "GOLDEN RULE" VERSUS THE "SILVER RULES"

A. Many people believe Jesus was simply repeating what others had already taught.

FOR EXAMPLE...

1. The HINDU religion taught:

This is the sum of duty: do naught to others which if to thee would cause thee pain.
~The Mahabharata

2. The BUDDHIST religion taught:

Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.
~Udana-Varga

3. The JEWISH traditions taught:

What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.
~The Talmud

4. The MUSLIM religion taught:

No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.
~Hadith

5. The BAHA'I faith teaches:

He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfill.
~The Book of Certitude

6. And Yet Some Other Sources:

Do not do unto others what angers you if done to you by others.
~Isocrates 436-338 BCE

"Tzu-kung asked, 'Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one's life?' The Master said, 'It is perhaps the word "shu". Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire'"
~Analects, 15.24

B. But Jesus' "Rule" was positive, while most of the above are not...

1. Jesus' "rule" requires you to do something favorably to others, while the others only prohibit you from doing something unfavorably to others!
a. Jesus ---> Do unto others what you want them to do to you.
b. Others ---> Don't do to others what you don't want done to you.

2. With the others, all that is required is that you don't harm other people; with Jesus, what is required is that you show kindness to others.

3. Jesus' rule is truly the GOLDEN rule, the others are SILVER rules (of value, yes, but not as much as "gold").

[The only exception appears to be that found in Hadith (the traditions of Islam); but then, some of Islam is admittedly based upon what Jesus taught 600 years before Mohammed.

So we believe what Jesus taught was something new compared to what "uninspired" teachers had taught prior.

But in another sense it was nothing new; rather, in a simple and easy to remember statement, Jesus gives us...]


II. A GUIDELINE FOR RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT TOWARDS OTHERS

A. That was in perfect harmony with the law and the prophets!

1. Just as we have seen in the rest of Jesus' teachings (cf. Mt 5:21-48).

2. This one "rule" summarizes what the Law and the Prophets were all about.

3. Just as the commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself" summed up the Law according to Paul - Ro 13:8-10.

B. A sort of "pocket knife" or "carpenter's rule"...

1. That is, something that is always ready to be used consult a friend, teacher, or book for advice, the "golden rule" can be guide for proper conduct.

2. Treat others as you would be treated, and it is unlikely you will ever do the wrong thing.

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CONCLUSION

1. Even in this way, we find that Jesus did not come to "destroy" the Law, but to fulfill it in every way, including summarizing its righteousness in ways easy for us to understand and apply!

2. Throughout the first twelve verses of Matthew 7, then, there is a continuous theme: the righteousness of the kingdom in regards to man's dealings with man.

3. And what are the basic points?
a. Be careful in your judgment of others.
b. Persevere in looking to God for help in making proper discernment.
c. In your treatment of others, treat them like you want to be treated

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PRAYER

Father help me regard everyone as your workmanship and therefore worthy to be saved. As I deal with others, help me live Your "Golden Rule". God help me be always ready to forgive my fellow man as you forgive me.

As I declare with David : "O Jehovah, my Lord, how excellent is Thy Name in all the earth, who has set Thy glory above the heavens! They are Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers; as for moon and stars, Thou hast ordained them. How great Thou art!" may I continually be reminded of your loving care.

The Golden Rule outline came from: http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/home.htm

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What Is True Christianity?

What Is True Christianity?

This is a serious question and one I will answer, but first, I want to update you on what is happening to my Bible study on prophecy and talk about doing personal Bible studies.

I am putting aside my prophecy study until after we attend a Bible prophecy conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 3rd and 4th. At the end of this blog is a link for you to check out this conference. We would be so pleased if you could attend with us so do consider it, okay?

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Now, let's talk about doing personal Bible studies:


I remember when I was a fairly new Christian and would question my pastor (Vernon George) about different doctrines and beliefs. He usually asked me this question in return: "What does the Bible say about it?" He often advised me to search the Scriptures and then to come to him when I found what I believed was the answer. He also told me not to debate with him about what I believed unless I could back up my opinions with sound doctrine from the Bible.

Like most Christians I was lazy about studying God's Word (I would read my Bible but with no in-depth studies). Therefore, the majority of my opinions about doctrine was based on what I "felt" was right and not on what God's Word said was right. What my pastor was trying to teach me was to NOT depend on my feelings and the current "wisdom" of the day... but to base my opinions on God's Word alone!

I want to know where the pastors are who tell their congregation to search the Scriptures daily (as the Bereans did) for the truth? Have we fallen into the same lazy pattern as some (like I was) who depend on a mere man to explain what is truth rather than on what God's Word says is truth?

Jesus said in John 15 that we need to be pruned so we can bear more fruit. How can God prune us unless we read and study his Word? A fruit-bearing life is a life that prays and studies God's Word.

There seems to be am on-going trend with Christians to try and read the entire Bible in a year (and this is a good thing). So, they start out with one Bible reading system or another but soon give up. This happened to me many times until I discovered one very important truth. First, it's more helpful to do systematic studies on different subjects than to read the Bible through.

Now, I realize I'm on very controversial ground here and if you were to suggest this to most Christians they would disagree (you may even disagree with me).

I have a friend who is a wonderful Christian but she doesn't do Bible studies. Once I talked with her about doing a personal Bible study and she said she had read the Bible through (as though that was enough). It made me wonder how many people have read the Bible through, but don't know a thing about what it says. From the online Bible study group I have I've discovered many have tried to read the Bible through and failed (year after year), but never tried doing in-depth studies ---thus the reason for what I'm saying about Bible studies vs. reading the Bible though.

So, tell me, why is trying to read the Bible through such a failure for most Christians, but in-depth studies are successful? I believe it's because in-depth studies are interesting --- and you know you're learning. Just to read through the entire Bible will not gain you some magical insight into it ...nor will it give you some mystical, "spiritual" strength. It will give you the satisfaction of knowing you've read God's Word in it's entirety (and as I said, that is a good thing)... but that's all you will gain; and I'm not making light of reading the Bible through! Just don't think by reading the Bible through that you will suddenly become a spiritual giant (it just won't happen).

However, doing in-depth studies will gain you spiritual strength and will gain you spiritual knowledge and will gain you confidence in God's Word. So, if you decide to do only one thing concerning the Bible this year... let me encourage you to pick a subject you've wondered about and do a study on it. Then go from there to another subject... you can get ideas from the back of your Bible in the index, or dictionary/concordance.

When you do a study remember the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and no other book is 100% perfect so be careful not to rely too heavily on other books for God's truth. Having said that, I do believe it's a good thing to double check with commentaries some of the Old Saints have written for our benefit.

Dr. Ironside (1876-1951), said, "Every system of teaching can be judged by what it sets forth as to these fundamental truths of the faith. "What think ye of Christ?" is still the true test of every creed. The Christ of the Bible is certainly not the Christ of any false "-ism." Each of the cults has its hideous caricature of our lovely Lord. The "father of lies" deals in half-truths and specializes in most subtle fallacies concerning the Lord Jesus, our sole and sufficient Savior."

Again, reading through the entire Bible is a good thing and something every student of God's Word should do... but beginning a study of God's Word is more important and much more profitable.

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Now, the answer to my question: "What Is True Christianity?"

As a Christian you may wonder why such a question is being asked. But do you really know what true Christianity is?

True Christianity is summed up in this statement:

Placing your faith entirely in the person of Jesus Christ as your savior and trusting Him for your salvation. It's in Jesus Christ alone... nothing more! If your church believes you have to do more than this simple statement to be saved, then your church is in serious error and in danger of being a cult!

Below is a short doctrinal statement of what I believe:

1. I believe in the eternal trinity of the Godhead, There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

2. I believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal, future return to this earth in power and glory to rule over the nations.

3. I believe the Bible is inspired and the infallible and authoritative Word of God.4. I believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit.

5. I believe in the total depravity of man by nature.

6. I believe Salvation is through faith in the crucified, risen and glorified Christ.

7. I believe in one divine baptism, the operation of the Holy Spirit, by which all true believers are made members of the Body of Christ being identified with Him in His death, burial and resurrection.

8. I believe in the in the resurrection of the body.

9. I believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to reign on earth.


If you are trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation then you are a true, born-again Christian.

However, living out your "True Christianity" (your santification) is certainly different than being a "true Christian", and how to live it out can be summed up in these few short verses from Paul's writings. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

Wow! Do you think you can live a life like this 24/7 apart from God? Of course not? But we try, don't we? When we refuse to read and study God's Word it leaves us venerable to all kinds of false doctrine (Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." ). Only God's Word can help us to live out our Christianity the way it's meant to be lived ...in the truth of His Word!

Paul said love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things and endureth all things. I think we need to expound upon those words so you won't misunderstand what Paul was meaning.

Gill says in his commentary on these verses:
1 Corinthians 13:7 -

Beareth all things,.... The burdens of fellow Christians, and so fulfils the law of Christ, which is the law of love; the infirmities of weak believers, and the reproaches and persecutions of the world: or "covers all things", as it may be rendered, even a multitude of sins, as charity is said to do, 1 Peter 4:8 not by conniving at them, or suffering them to be upon a brother; but having privately and faithfully reproved for them, and the offender being brought to a sense and acknowledgment of them, he freely forgives them as trespasses against him, covers them with the mantle of love, and industriously hides and conceals them from others;

believeth all things; that are to be believed, all that God says in his word, all his truths, and all his promises; and even sometimes in hope against hope, as Abraham did, relying upon the power, faithfulness, and other perfections of God; though such a man will not believe every spirit, every preacher and teacher, nor any but such as agree with the Scriptures of truth, the standard of faith and practice; nor will he believe every word of man, which is the character of a weak and foolish man; indeed, a man of charity or love is willing to believe all the good things reported of men; he is very credulous of such things, and is unwilling to believe ill reports of persons, or any ill of men; unless it is open and glaring, and is well supported, and there is full evidence of it; he is very incredulous in this respect:

hopes all things; that are to be hoped for; hopes for the accomplishment of all the promises of God; hopes for the enjoyment of him in his house and ordinances; hopes for things that are not seen, that are future, difficult, though possible to be enjoyed: hopes for heaven and eternal happiness, for more grace here and glory hereafter; hopes the best of all men, of all professors of religion, even of wicked men, that they may be better and brought to repentance, and of fallen professors, who declare their repentance, and make their acknowledgments; he hopes well of them, that they are sincere, and all is right and will appear so:

endureth all things; that are disagreeable to the flesh; all afflictions, tribulations, temptations, persecutions, and death itself, for the elect's sake, for the sake of the Gospel, and especially for the sake of Christ Jesus.

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Christians everywhere are being wooed away from the knowledge and dependence on God's Word simply because pastors are not encouraging them to "study to show themselves approved, as a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth". Pastors and churches today are producing biblically illiterate Christians who have no accurate basis for discerning biblical truth from error. Sadly, the majority of Christians rarely do any kind of Bible studies even when encouraged to because they prefer to get their biblical doctrine from some other source.

An in-depth Bible study for a gem of truth is so worth the time and effort because it not only helps cement your doctrine, but it also pleases God. Let me quickly add that an in-depth Bible study isn't taking up your Sunday school lesson and reading it through. Although I have to say, that would be a great beginning (and something most Christians never do). We must be like the Bereans: Act 17:11 "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so."


"And searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so: they did not dispute with, and cavil at the apostle, as the Thessalonians Jews first did, Act 17:2 nor did they receive the word, right or wrong, or with an implicit faith; but they immediately betook themselves to reading and searching the writings of the Old Testament, to see whether the things which the apostle preached, concerning the Messiah, his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead, were agreeable to them, or no; determining, if they were not, to reject them, but if they were, to embrace them, as they did, John 5:39, and this they did continually day after day. They were neither backward to hear and receive the word, nor slothful to examine it." (From Gill's commentary)

Your dependence on God's Holy Spirit to lead you into His truth and having good Bible study aids is essential to helping one understand the more troublesome parts of God's Word. We can listen to a sermon one hour and forget it the next but if we have the right books we can always go to them for help and understanding. Don't trust any book you see in a Bible book store either! Remember, Christians from every walk of life and of different faiths go to Bible book stores to buy books. The store is there to sell all so-called Christian books to those who will buy them. Want to know what books to invest in? Go to your pastor and ask him for a list, or email me and I'll send you a list of books I depend on.

Dr. Richard Baxter (1615-1691 ) said: "Books we may have at hand every day and hour; when we can have sermons, but seldom and at set times. If sermons be forgotten, they are gone; but a book we may read over and over, till we remember it: and if we forget it, may again peruse it at our pleasure, or at our leisure. So that good books are a very great mercy to the world: the Holy Ghost chose the way of writing, to preserve His doctrine and laws to the Church, as knowing how easy and sure a way it is of keeping it safe to all generations, in comparison of mere verbal traditions."

And Dr. Baxter's guide to the value of a good book is asking oneself these four questions:
1. Could I spend this time no better?
2. Are there better books that would edify me more?
3. Are the lovers of such a book as this the greatest lovers of the Book of God and of a holy life?
4. Does this book increase my love to the Word of God, kill my sin, and prepare me for the life to come?

Dave Hunt said: "The chief error today in the evangelical church is that experiences (feelings, emotions, passions, intuitions, etc.) have become the guide for entering into and attempting to establish true spirituality. Rather than subjective feelings and emotions being present as a result of one’s adherence to sound doctrine, they have become the judge of whether or not something is truly Christian. Instead of testing a teaching or practice or situation by the Word of God, the arbiter becomes "how one feels about it." This puts the human imagination in the seat of judgment. That thought alone should provoke an emotion in the heart of every Bible-believing Christian: sheer horror! Doctrinally however, it’s even more frightening."

How true this is!

In Book of Proverbs we are told, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). In other words, if a man goes by what he thinks or feels, independently of what God has declared, as the way of sin and wickedness does, there is a great deal of company in it, it is a broad road, and is pleasant, and seems right, but it leads to destruction; so the way of the hypocrite and Pharisee that trusts to his own righteousness, and despises others, and even the righteousness of Christ; or does not submit to it, but tramples upon him, and counts the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and so is deserving of sorer punishment than the profane sinner; yet on account of his good works, as he calls them, fancies himself to be in a fair way for heaven and happiness; so Popery, through the pomp and grandeur and gaudiness of worship, through the lying miracles of the priests, and the air of devotion that appears in them, seems to be a right way; (From John Gill's commentary --- John Gill was born in 1697 and died in 1771).

Surely we would do well to take these words seriously! We will one day stand before our Lord and what shall we say about how we treated His Holy Word? Will we say we just didn't have enough time to study it? Will we say we depended on our pastor to expound upon the Bible and that was enough? Will we say we read it through but didn't study it? Will we have to say we didn't have daily prayer and Bible reading? Will we say we believed reading the entire Bible through was good enough?

I want to say, "Lord, I studied to show myself approved as a workman who is not ashamed. I relied on Your Holy Spirit to lead me in my studies and when You spoke to me from your word I obeyed."

I want to hear my Lord say: Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

I do want to hear this from God with all my heart but that doesn't mean I keep my nose in the Bible all the time... or even that I study as often as I should. But God's Word is important enough to me to desire it's knowledge and feel it working in my heart to lead me into His eternal truths. One thing I've experienced is when I put down my Bible and neglect it for a few days... I soon find myself reacting the wrong way to troublesome situations; do you have the same problem? Let's not neglect what many have shed their blood for, and God has left us for instruction and spiritual growth... His Holy Word, the Bible!


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Bible Study Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma:
http://www.prophecywatch.com/Confer07Page2.htm\

Hope to see you there!

There is a call of God's Holy Spirit upon us to commit their lives to holiness. And then to yearn, yearn, yearn for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Listen to these glorious words from 2 Timothy 4 which Paul wrote from prison right at the end of his life: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; and in the future there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

A special crown, a crown of righteousness will be given to every person who lives his life loving the appearing of the Lord. Will you receive that crown? Are you living your life yearning for the return of the Lord?

My friends, Jesus is coming soon, and I cry from the depths of my heart, "Maranatha!" Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

I treasure each one of you along with your prayers, encouragement, loyalty to my Bible studies and tolerance of my humanity. God bless you!

"The Lord bless thee, and, keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace " ~ Numbers 6:24-26.

In His tender care always,
Dot