Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
Date: December 31, 2009 9:49 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Trusting God
Trusting God
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....And without faith it is impossible to please God...he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:1, 6)
Scripture Focus: Joshua 2:1-18; 6:25
Rahab must have been scared when she hid and then helped the Israelite spies escape Jericho. If she had been caught, she would have been punished for being a traitor.
Later, when she hung a scarlet cord from her window, did she wonder if her rescuers would really come? Did she wait patiently or pace the floor? She had heard of the God leading the Israelites. Though she didn't know Him, she believed He protected and cared for His people. She felt she could trust Him to do the same for her.
To wait patiently on God is difficult. Sometimes it's easier to rely on ourselves. We want to trust Him, but we feel like the man who asked for his son to be healed. He said to Jesus, "I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
If you believe in your heart but your head says it's impossible, you need to listen to your heart, not your head. Jesus has proved Himself to be trustworthy over and over again. You have no reason to doubt Him and every reason to trust Him.
Insight: Instead of trying to figure things out before trusting God, talk to Him and leave your doubts in His hands. He will not fail you.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
+DEV+ Provision
Date: December 30, 2009 7:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Provision
Provision
“Command those who are rich...not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34
Grabbing her Bible, Lena hurried her children out the door for church. She laid her Bible on the trunk as she helped her sons into the car, then shut the door, and scrambled into the driver’s seat. Thirteen miles later, she pulled into the church parking lot and raced around the car to let the children out. Then she saw it. Her Bible was still on the trunk. It hadn’t moved.
Wonder filled her heart. Only God had kept the Bible there. He knew her circumstances. It was the only Bible she had, and there was no money on hand to replace it. Lena was grateful for God’s provision in this unusual way.
Do we sometimes forget that it is only by God’s provision and care that we get along in this life? We grumble and complain, but even when we forget to be grateful, God continues to provide. He still loves us even though we neglect to thank Him for His kindness. He is willing and able to provide whatever we need when He knows we need it. He is faithful, even when we’re not.
Insight: Learn to be grateful for everyday miracles and you’ll find reasons to thank God for His faithful provision in your life.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Topic: +DEV+ Provision
Provision
“Command those who are rich...not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34
Grabbing her Bible, Lena hurried her children out the door for church. She laid her Bible on the trunk as she helped her sons into the car, then shut the door, and scrambled into the driver’s seat. Thirteen miles later, she pulled into the church parking lot and raced around the car to let the children out. Then she saw it. Her Bible was still on the trunk. It hadn’t moved.
Wonder filled her heart. Only God had kept the Bible there. He knew her circumstances. It was the only Bible she had, and there was no money on hand to replace it. Lena was grateful for God’s provision in this unusual way.
Do we sometimes forget that it is only by God’s provision and care that we get along in this life? We grumble and complain, but even when we forget to be grateful, God continues to provide. He still loves us even though we neglect to thank Him for His kindness. He is willing and able to provide whatever we need when He knows we need it. He is faithful, even when we’re not.
Insight: Learn to be grateful for everyday miracles and you’ll find reasons to thank God for His faithful provision in your life.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
+DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Date: December 29, 2009 9:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Thankful for All Things
“Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 107:1-9
It rained for two gloomy days. I appreciated the rain, but I wished it would stop. Then a friend stopped by. She told me a secret—she loved rainy days especially! She explained that on beautiful, sunny days when her children were small, her farmer husband was always working—plowing or planting, fixing equipment, or mowing. The only time they could go somewhere as a family was on some Sundays or on rainy days.
When I find it hard to praise God for gloomy days, I think about His promise to Noah in a rainbow. He would not destroy the earth in a flood again. We can’t see a rainbow on a perfect, sunny day. It takes rain for it to appear.
Sometimes it takes stormy days or hard times to make me think about all the ways God has blessed me. When I stop and think about it, I realize that God literally floods me with blessings all the time. I’m afraid, though, the thanks I usually express to Him is more like a trickle than a flood. I want to learn to be thankful every day in all things.
Insight: Let’s thank God for all His gifts, even when we aren’t sure they’re blessings. He knows what we need better than we do.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Topic: +DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Thankful for All Things
“Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 107:1-9
It rained for two gloomy days. I appreciated the rain, but I wished it would stop. Then a friend stopped by. She told me a secret—she loved rainy days especially! She explained that on beautiful, sunny days when her children were small, her farmer husband was always working—plowing or planting, fixing equipment, or mowing. The only time they could go somewhere as a family was on some Sundays or on rainy days.
When I find it hard to praise God for gloomy days, I think about His promise to Noah in a rainbow. He would not destroy the earth in a flood again. We can’t see a rainbow on a perfect, sunny day. It takes rain for it to appear.
Sometimes it takes stormy days or hard times to make me think about all the ways God has blessed me. When I stop and think about it, I realize that God literally floods me with blessings all the time. I’m afraid, though, the thanks I usually express to Him is more like a trickle than a flood. I want to learn to be thankful every day in all things.
Insight: Let’s thank God for all His gifts, even when we aren’t sure they’re blessings. He knows what we need better than we do.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
HANDBOOK 2010
HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.
Minnie callahan
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.
Minnie callahan
Monday, December 28, 2009
+DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Date: December 28, 2009 7:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Leading Others to Jesus
"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus." (John 1:41)
Scripture Focus: John 1:35-42
A writer said, "If by my writing I could reach just one soul for Jesus through what I have written, I shall be successful. For if I bring in one, that one will bring in another."
John the Baptist and two of his followers, including Andrew, saw Jesus one day. "Look, the Lamb of God," John told them. Out of curiosity, they followed Jesus. After a day with Him, they were eager to share Him with others. Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and led him to meet Jesus. They both became His disciples.
Nowhere in the Bible do we find how many other people Andrew brought to Jesus. But he brought Peter and, in his lifetime, Peter led many people to the Savior. For example, when Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:41). By one small act, Andrew changed lives.
If each of us can bring one person into His kingdom, it will be worth it, for God can multiply what we do. One by one, they will come to Jesus.
Insight: God's love changes our hearts. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we become eager to share it with other people.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Topic: +DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Leading Others to Jesus
"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus." (John 1:41)
Scripture Focus: John 1:35-42
A writer said, "If by my writing I could reach just one soul for Jesus through what I have written, I shall be successful. For if I bring in one, that one will bring in another."
John the Baptist and two of his followers, including Andrew, saw Jesus one day. "Look, the Lamb of God," John told them. Out of curiosity, they followed Jesus. After a day with Him, they were eager to share Him with others. Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and led him to meet Jesus. They both became His disciples.
Nowhere in the Bible do we find how many other people Andrew brought to Jesus. But he brought Peter and, in his lifetime, Peter led many people to the Savior. For example, when Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:41). By one small act, Andrew changed lives.
If each of us can bring one person into His kingdom, it will be worth it, for God can multiply what we do. One by one, they will come to Jesus.
Insight: God's love changes our hearts. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we become eager to share it with other people.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Sunday, December 27, 2009
+DEV+ Trials
Date: December 27, 2009 9:47 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Trials
Trials
"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all." (James 1:4)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 29:25-30; 30:25-43
Jacob went to stay with his Uncle Laban after his relationship with Esau fell apart. Beautiful Rachel caught his eye and he asked Laban for her hand in marriage. He promised to work for his uncle for seven years for her. On his wedding night Jacob discovered he had married her sister instead. Laban promised him Rachel too, but it cost Jacob an additional seven years of work. Laban cheated Jacob with his wages and didn't keep his promises. Then when Jacob finally decided to go back home, Laban tried to make him stay.
In spite of Laban's tricks, everything he did worked out for Jacob's good because God was in charge. Jacob learned patience and confidence in his abilities. His trials may have been hard to go through, but God used them to mature Jacob.
God took an unruly, selfish young man and turned him into a strong man who became the "father" of Israel. If we will listen and learn as Jacob did through the trials of life, God will make us what He wants us to be.
Insight: The trials in our lives can either push us away from God or bring us closer to Him. Which way will you choose?
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Topic: +DEV+ Trials
Trials
"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all." (James 1:4)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 29:25-30; 30:25-43
Jacob went to stay with his Uncle Laban after his relationship with Esau fell apart. Beautiful Rachel caught his eye and he asked Laban for her hand in marriage. He promised to work for his uncle for seven years for her. On his wedding night Jacob discovered he had married her sister instead. Laban promised him Rachel too, but it cost Jacob an additional seven years of work. Laban cheated Jacob with his wages and didn't keep his promises. Then when Jacob finally decided to go back home, Laban tried to make him stay.
In spite of Laban's tricks, everything he did worked out for Jacob's good because God was in charge. Jacob learned patience and confidence in his abilities. His trials may have been hard to go through, but God used them to mature Jacob.
God took an unruly, selfish young man and turned him into a strong man who became the "father" of Israel. If we will listen and learn as Jacob did through the trials of life, God will make us what He wants us to be.
Insight: The trials in our lives can either push us away from God or bring us closer to Him. Which way will you choose?
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Thursday, December 24, 2009
+DEV+ Symbols or the Real Thing
Date: December 24, 2009 8:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Symbols or the Real Thing
Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!
Symbols or the Real Thing
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 23:1-12
Seeing a man with a gray cross on his forehead on Ash Wednesday reminded me of phylacteries, the little leather boxes containing Scripture that devout Jews wore. They believed they were obeying God, carrying His words with them on their foreheads and arm. But some of them got carried away. The more prominently they wore the phylacteries, the more godly they thought they were. But they apparently missed God’s intent—to memorize and treasure His truths, applying them to their lives.
Symbols can become so important that we lose sight of God. Holding tight to something material may make God seem closer. Wearing a cross or setting angel decorations around a house might make a person feel safer, but trust in symbols isn’t what God wants. He wants us to trust in the real thing—Him, and spend time reading His Word and talking to Him.
Symbols are only “things” with no power. They can’t make us be the people God wants us to be. Only He can do that.
Insight: It’s our relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference in our lives, not the symbols of Him we might wear.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
Topic: +DEV+ Symbols or the Real Thing
Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!
Symbols or the Real Thing
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 23:1-12
Seeing a man with a gray cross on his forehead on Ash Wednesday reminded me of phylacteries, the little leather boxes containing Scripture that devout Jews wore. They believed they were obeying God, carrying His words with them on their foreheads and arm. But some of them got carried away. The more prominently they wore the phylacteries, the more godly they thought they were. But they apparently missed God’s intent—to memorize and treasure His truths, applying them to their lives.
Symbols can become so important that we lose sight of God. Holding tight to something material may make God seem closer. Wearing a cross or setting angel decorations around a house might make a person feel safer, but trust in symbols isn’t what God wants. He wants us to trust in the real thing—Him, and spend time reading His Word and talking to Him.
Symbols are only “things” with no power. They can’t make us be the people God wants us to be. Only He can do that.
Insight: It’s our relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference in our lives, not the symbols of Him we might wear.
You can subscribe to this devotional at: http://groups.google.com/group/michael-inmans-devotionals
AARP Bah Humbug!
This was sent to Mr. Rand who is the Executive Director of AARP..
THIS LADY NOT ONLY HAS A GRASP OF 'THE SITUATION' BUT AN INCREDIBLE COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!
Dear Mr. Rand,
Recently you sent us a letter encouraging us to renew our lapsed membership in AARP by the requested date. I know it is not what you were looking for, but this is the most honest response I can give you. Our gap in coverage is merely a microscopic symptom of the real problem, a deepening lack of faith.
While we have proudly maintained our membership for several years and have long admired the AARP goals and principles, regrettably, we can no longer endorse it's abdication of our values. Your letter specifically stated that we can count on AARP to speak up for our rights, yet the voice we hear is not ours. Your offer of being kept up to date on important issues through
DIVIDED WE FAIL presents neither an impartial view nor the one we have come to embrace. We do believe that when two parties agree all the time on everything presented to them, one is probably not necessary. But, when the opinions and long term goals are diametrically opposed, the divorce is imminent. This is the philosophy which spawned our 200 years of government.
Once upon a time, we looked forward to being part of the senior demographic. We also looked to AARP to provide certain benefits and give our voice a power we could not possibly hope to achieve on our own. AARP gave us a sense of belonging which we no longer enjoy. The Socialist politics practiced by the Obama administration and empowered by AARP serves only to raise the blood pressure my medical insurance strives to contain.
Clearly a conflict of interest there!
We do not understand the AARP posture, feel greatly betrayed by the guiding forces that we expected to map out our senior years and leave your ranks with a great sense of regret. We mitigate that disappointment with the relief of knowing that we are not contributing to the problem anymore by renewing our membership. There are numerous other organizations, which offer discounts without threatening our way of life or offending our sensibilities.
This Presidential Administration scares the living daylights out of us..
Not just for ourselves, but for our proud and bloodstained heritage. But even more importantly for our children and grandchildren. Washington has rendered Soylent Green a prophetic cautionary tale rather than a nonfiction scare tactic. I have never in my life endorsed any militant or radical groups, yet now I find myself listening to them. I don't have to agree with them to appreciate the fear which birthed their existence. Their borderline insanity presents little more than a balance to the voice of the Socialist mindset in power. Perhaps I became American by a great stroke of luck in some cosmic uterine lottery, but in my adulthood I CHOOSE to embrace it and nurture the freedoms it represents as well as the responsibilities it requires..
Your website generously offers us the opportunity to receive all communication in Spanish. ARE YOU KIDDING??? Someone has broken into our 'house', invaded our home without our invitation or consent. The President has insisted we keep the perpetrator in comfort and learn the perp language so we can communicate our reluctant welcome to them.
I DON'T choose to welcome them.
I DON'T choose to support them.
I DON'T choose to educate them.
I DON'T choose to medicate them, pay for their food or clothing.
American home invaders get arrested.
Please explain to me why foreign lawbreakers can enjoy privileges on American soil that Americans do not get?
Why do some immigrants have to play the game to be welcomed and others only have to break & enter to be welcomed?
We travel for a living. Walt hauls horses all over this great country, averaging over 10,000 miles a month when he is out there. He meets more people than a politician on caffeine overdose. Of all the many good folks
he enjoyed on this last 10,000 miles, this trip yielded only ONE supporter of the current administration. One of us is out of touch with mainstream America . Since our poll is conducted without funding, I have more faith in it than one which is power driven.
We have decided to forward this to everyone on our mailing list, and will encourage them to do the same. With several hundred in my address book, I have every faith that the eventual exponential factor will make a credible statement to you.
I am disappointed as hell.
I am scared as hell.
I am MAD as hell, and I'm NOT gonna take it anymore!
Walt & Cyndy
Miller Farms Equine Transport
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO KEEP THIS MOVING FORWARD
"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress & the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution,but overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution."
Abraham Lincoln
THIS LADY NOT ONLY HAS A GRASP OF 'THE SITUATION' BUT AN INCREDIBLE COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!
Dear Mr. Rand,
Recently you sent us a letter encouraging us to renew our lapsed membership in AARP by the requested date. I know it is not what you were looking for, but this is the most honest response I can give you. Our gap in coverage is merely a microscopic symptom of the real problem, a deepening lack of faith.
While we have proudly maintained our membership for several years and have long admired the AARP goals and principles, regrettably, we can no longer endorse it's abdication of our values. Your letter specifically stated that we can count on AARP to speak up for our rights, yet the voice we hear is not ours. Your offer of being kept up to date on important issues through
DIVIDED WE FAIL presents neither an impartial view nor the one we have come to embrace. We do believe that when two parties agree all the time on everything presented to them, one is probably not necessary. But, when the opinions and long term goals are diametrically opposed, the divorce is imminent. This is the philosophy which spawned our 200 years of government.
Once upon a time, we looked forward to being part of the senior demographic. We also looked to AARP to provide certain benefits and give our voice a power we could not possibly hope to achieve on our own. AARP gave us a sense of belonging which we no longer enjoy. The Socialist politics practiced by the Obama administration and empowered by AARP serves only to raise the blood pressure my medical insurance strives to contain.
Clearly a conflict of interest there!
We do not understand the AARP posture, feel greatly betrayed by the guiding forces that we expected to map out our senior years and leave your ranks with a great sense of regret. We mitigate that disappointment with the relief of knowing that we are not contributing to the problem anymore by renewing our membership. There are numerous other organizations, which offer discounts without threatening our way of life or offending our sensibilities.
This Presidential Administration scares the living daylights out of us..
Not just for ourselves, but for our proud and bloodstained heritage. But even more importantly for our children and grandchildren. Washington has rendered Soylent Green a prophetic cautionary tale rather than a nonfiction scare tactic. I have never in my life endorsed any militant or radical groups, yet now I find myself listening to them. I don't have to agree with them to appreciate the fear which birthed their existence. Their borderline insanity presents little more than a balance to the voice of the Socialist mindset in power. Perhaps I became American by a great stroke of luck in some cosmic uterine lottery, but in my adulthood I CHOOSE to embrace it and nurture the freedoms it represents as well as the responsibilities it requires..
Your website generously offers us the opportunity to receive all communication in Spanish. ARE YOU KIDDING??? Someone has broken into our 'house', invaded our home without our invitation or consent. The President has insisted we keep the perpetrator in comfort and learn the perp language so we can communicate our reluctant welcome to them.
I DON'T choose to welcome them.
I DON'T choose to support them.
I DON'T choose to educate them.
I DON'T choose to medicate them, pay for their food or clothing.
American home invaders get arrested.
Please explain to me why foreign lawbreakers can enjoy privileges on American soil that Americans do not get?
Why do some immigrants have to play the game to be welcomed and others only have to break & enter to be welcomed?
We travel for a living. Walt hauls horses all over this great country, averaging over 10,000 miles a month when he is out there. He meets more people than a politician on caffeine overdose. Of all the many good folks
he enjoyed on this last 10,000 miles, this trip yielded only ONE supporter of the current administration. One of us is out of touch with mainstream America . Since our poll is conducted without funding, I have more faith in it than one which is power driven.
We have decided to forward this to everyone on our mailing list, and will encourage them to do the same. With several hundred in my address book, I have every faith that the eventual exponential factor will make a credible statement to you.
I am disappointed as hell.
I am scared as hell.
I am MAD as hell, and I'm NOT gonna take it anymore!
Walt & Cyndy
Miller Farms Equine Transport
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO KEEP THIS MOVING FORWARD
"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress & the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution,but overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution."
Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
+DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Date: December 23, 2009 7:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Leading Others to Jesus
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:41)
Scripture Focus: John 1:35-42
A writer said, “If by my writing I could reach just one soul for Jesus through what I have written, I shall be successful. For if I bring in one, that one will bring in another.”
John the Baptist and two of his followers, including Andrew, saw Jesus one day. “Look, the Lamb of God,” John told them. Out of curiosity, they followed Jesus. After a day with Him, they were eager to share Him with others. Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and led him to meet Jesus. They both became His disciples.
Nowhere in the Bible do we find how many other people Andrew brought to Jesus. But he brought Peter and, in his lifetime, Peter led many people to the Savior. For example, when Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:41). By one small act, Andrew changed lives.
If each of us can bring one person into His kingdom, it will be worth it, for God can multiply what we do. One by one, they will come to Jesus.
Insight: God’s love changes our hearts. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we become eager to share it with other people.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list. They are also available on my Blog: http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
Topic: +DEV+ Leading Others to Jesus
Leading Others to Jesus
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:41)
Scripture Focus: John 1:35-42
A writer said, “If by my writing I could reach just one soul for Jesus through what I have written, I shall be successful. For if I bring in one, that one will bring in another.”
John the Baptist and two of his followers, including Andrew, saw Jesus one day. “Look, the Lamb of God,” John told them. Out of curiosity, they followed Jesus. After a day with Him, they were eager to share Him with others. Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and led him to meet Jesus. They both became His disciples.
Nowhere in the Bible do we find how many other people Andrew brought to Jesus. But he brought Peter and, in his lifetime, Peter led many people to the Savior. For example, when Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:41). By one small act, Andrew changed lives.
If each of us can bring one person into His kingdom, it will be worth it, for God can multiply what we do. One by one, they will come to Jesus.
Insight: God’s love changes our hearts. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we become eager to share it with other people.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list. They are also available on my Blog: http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
+DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Date: December 22, 2009 9:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Thankful for All Things
“Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 107:1-9
It rained for two gloomy days. I appreciated the rain, but I wished it would stop. Then a friend stopped by. She told me a secret—she loved rainy days especially! She explained that on beautiful, sunny days when her children were small, her farmer husband was always working—plowing or planting, fixing equipment, or mowing. The only time they could go somewhere as a family was on some Sundays or on rainy days.
When I find it hard to praise God for gloomy days, I think about His promise to Noah in a rainbow. He would not destroy the earth in a flood again. We can’t see a rainbow on a perfect, sunny day. It takes rain for it to appear.
Sometimes it takes stormy days or hard times to make me think about all the ways God has blessed me. When I stop and think about it, I realize that God literally floods me with blessings all the time. I’m afraid, though, the thanks I usually express to Him is more like a trickle than a flood. I want to learn to be thankful every day in all things.
Insight: Let’s thank God for all His gifts, even when we aren’t sure they’re blessings. He knows what we need better than we do.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.They are also available on my Blog: http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
Topic: +DEV+ Thankful for All Things
Thankful for All Things
“Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 107:1-9
It rained for two gloomy days. I appreciated the rain, but I wished it would stop. Then a friend stopped by. She told me a secret—she loved rainy days especially! She explained that on beautiful, sunny days when her children were small, her farmer husband was always working—plowing or planting, fixing equipment, or mowing. The only time they could go somewhere as a family was on some Sundays or on rainy days.
When I find it hard to praise God for gloomy days, I think about His promise to Noah in a rainbow. He would not destroy the earth in a flood again. We can’t see a rainbow on a perfect, sunny day. It takes rain for it to appear.
Sometimes it takes stormy days or hard times to make me think about all the ways God has blessed me. When I stop and think about it, I realize that God literally floods me with blessings all the time. I’m afraid, though, the thanks I usually express to Him is more like a trickle than a flood. I want to learn to be thankful every day in all things.
Insight: Let’s thank God for all His gifts, even when we aren’t sure they’re blessings. He knows what we need better than we do.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.They are also available on my Blog: http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
+DEV+ Provision
Date: December 21, 2009 7:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Provision
Provision
“Command those who are rich...not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34
Grabbing her Bible, Lena hurried her children out the door for church. She laid her Bible on the trunk as she helped her sons into the car, then shut the door, and scrambled into the driver’s seat. Thirteen miles later, she pulled into the church parking lot and raced around the car to let the children out. Then she saw it. Her Bible was still on the trunk. It hadn’t moved.
Wonder filled her heart. Only God had kept the Bible there. He knew her circumstances. It was the only Bible she had, and there was no money on hand to replace it. Lena was grateful for God’s provision in this unusual way.
Do we sometimes forget that it is only by God’s provision and care that we get along in this life? We grumble and complain, but even when we forget to be grateful, God continues to provide. He still loves us even though we neglect to thank Him for His kindness. He is willing and able to provide whatever we need when He knows we need it. He is faithful, even when we’re not.
Insight: Learn to be grateful for everyday miracles and you’ll find reasons to thank God for His faithful provision in your life.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.They are also available on my Blog:
http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
Topic: +DEV+ Provision
Provision
“Command those who are rich...not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34
Grabbing her Bible, Lena hurried her children out the door for church. She laid her Bible on the trunk as she helped her sons into the car, then shut the door, and scrambled into the driver’s seat. Thirteen miles later, she pulled into the church parking lot and raced around the car to let the children out. Then she saw it. Her Bible was still on the trunk. It hadn’t moved.
Wonder filled her heart. Only God had kept the Bible there. He knew her circumstances. It was the only Bible she had, and there was no money on hand to replace it. Lena was grateful for God’s provision in this unusual way.
Do we sometimes forget that it is only by God’s provision and care that we get along in this life? We grumble and complain, but even when we forget to be grateful, God continues to provide. He still loves us even though we neglect to thank Him for His kindness. He is willing and able to provide whatever we need when He knows we need it. He is faithful, even when we’re not.
Insight: Learn to be grateful for everyday miracles and you’ll find reasons to thank God for His faithful provision in your life.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.They are also available on my Blog:
http://mike-inman.blogspot.com
+DEV+ Following and Leading
Date: December 21, 2009 12:29 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Following and Leading
Following and Leading
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 5:1-15
The children ran across the lawn, each of them following the leader. Every turn she made, they made. They took exactly the same steps she did. When she turned and ordered them to stop, they immediately halted.
David, Israel’s greatest king, was a man after God’s own heart. He showed his people in word and deed how much he loved God. He wanted to lead his people in the right direction, to serve the one true God. Though he made many mistakes, he pleased God.
Ahab, another Bible king, was David’s opposite. He was cruel and hateful, caring only for himself. Many people went astray as they followed his example.
David led people to God with love; Ahab turned them away from God with hatred. There are always people watching us. Many of them may form their ideas of God’s character by what they see in our lives. May we be constantly mindful of following Him so that we are never responsible for leading people astray.
Insight: Our words and actions have great power to influence others. Let’s make sure our influence leads them toward Christ, not away from Him.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Following and Leading
Following and Leading
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 5:1-15
The children ran across the lawn, each of them following the leader. Every turn she made, they made. They took exactly the same steps she did. When she turned and ordered them to stop, they immediately halted.
David, Israel’s greatest king, was a man after God’s own heart. He showed his people in word and deed how much he loved God. He wanted to lead his people in the right direction, to serve the one true God. Though he made many mistakes, he pleased God.
Ahab, another Bible king, was David’s opposite. He was cruel and hateful, caring only for himself. Many people went astray as they followed his example.
David led people to God with love; Ahab turned them away from God with hatred. There are always people watching us. Many of them may form their ideas of God’s character by what they see in our lives. May we be constantly mindful of following Him so that we are never responsible for leading people astray.
Insight: Our words and actions have great power to influence others. Let’s make sure our influence leads them toward Christ, not away from Him.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
+DEV+ Identified with Our Teacher
Date: December 17, 2009 10:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Identified with Our Teacher
Identified with Our Teacher
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” (Romans 12:2)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12
Hanging on a wall in a professional office we often see a framed diploma, confirming the recipient has been trained at a highly respected institution. The graduate speaks with pride in the well-earned credentials.
In contrast, Jesus, the greatest teacher of all time, was not given the respect and reverence He deserved. He was misunderstood so badly that He was accused of being possessed by a demon.
I wonder, if I had walked this earth with Jesus, would I have been ashamed of Him, afraid to be His friend because He was so misjudged? He knew what was in each person’s heart. He performed miracles, and spoke of God as His Father. He challenged the religious establishment, sometimes speaking harshly to them, and making enemies.
Jesus was “different” because He was linked in perfect harmony with His Father. He made a difference in lives because He had the power to change hearts. How could we be ashamed of Him when He has made such great differences in our lives?
Insight: When we follow Jesus we discover that in His case “different” is the very best thing that ever happened to us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Identified with Our Teacher
Identified with Our Teacher
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” (Romans 12:2)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12
Hanging on a wall in a professional office we often see a framed diploma, confirming the recipient has been trained at a highly respected institution. The graduate speaks with pride in the well-earned credentials.
In contrast, Jesus, the greatest teacher of all time, was not given the respect and reverence He deserved. He was misunderstood so badly that He was accused of being possessed by a demon.
I wonder, if I had walked this earth with Jesus, would I have been ashamed of Him, afraid to be His friend because He was so misjudged? He knew what was in each person’s heart. He performed miracles, and spoke of God as His Father. He challenged the religious establishment, sometimes speaking harshly to them, and making enemies.
Jesus was “different” because He was linked in perfect harmony with His Father. He made a difference in lives because He had the power to change hearts. How could we be ashamed of Him when He has made such great differences in our lives?
Insight: When we follow Jesus we discover that in His case “different” is the very best thing that ever happened to us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
+DEV+ God’s Children
Date: December 16, 2009 10:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God’s Children
God’s Children
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people....I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” (2 Corinthians 6:16,18)
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 1:8-19
Walking alongside his four-year-old son, the young father smiles. His son tries hard to follow him and talk like him, even walk like him. Sometimes, though, the little boy mischievously runs off in another direction. Patiently, his dad finds him, takes his hand, and leads him back to where he should be. Then off they go together.
The father is consistent in making his son mind because he loves him. When the boy makes a mistake, Dad corrects him, then lovingly takes him back in his arms. If the boy falls and hurts himself, Dad picks him up and soothes him.
God is the most loving father of all. He reaches out to us and leads us. When we are wrong, He corrects us and faithfully teaches us the way we should go. When we sin, He deals with us as we need it. Yet He also sees our hurts and disappointments, and comforts us. Could we have a more loving father? He loves us as no one else ever could, and nothing we do will ever make Him stop loving us, simply because He’s our Father.
Insight: With outstretched arms, God chooses to love us, not because we deserve it or have earned it, but because He loves His children.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ God’s Children
God’s Children
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people....I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” (2 Corinthians 6:16,18)
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 1:8-19
Walking alongside his four-year-old son, the young father smiles. His son tries hard to follow him and talk like him, even walk like him. Sometimes, though, the little boy mischievously runs off in another direction. Patiently, his dad finds him, takes his hand, and leads him back to where he should be. Then off they go together.
The father is consistent in making his son mind because he loves him. When the boy makes a mistake, Dad corrects him, then lovingly takes him back in his arms. If the boy falls and hurts himself, Dad picks him up and soothes him.
God is the most loving father of all. He reaches out to us and leads us. When we are wrong, He corrects us and faithfully teaches us the way we should go. When we sin, He deals with us as we need it. Yet He also sees our hurts and disappointments, and comforts us. Could we have a more loving father? He loves us as no one else ever could, and nothing we do will ever make Him stop loving us, simply because He’s our Father.
Insight: With outstretched arms, God chooses to love us, not because we deserve it or have earned it, but because He loves His children.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
+DEV+ Conquering Fear
Date: December 15, 2009 7:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Conquering Fear
Conquering Fear
“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34
Riding a motorcycle can be fun. Driving fast, the wind blows through my hair as I mount hills and race down dirt roads. Danger, however, lurks in every ride. Hitting a slick spot or gravel, I can slide and have a nasty spill.
Fears and dangers of other kinds can surround us, overwhelm, and even paralyze us. We are wise to use precautions when we have valid reason to fear. But some fears are less reasonable. Are there certain places and people that you avoid because of fear? Are there words you need to speak, but are afraid to say them? Do you fear being ridiculed?
Do we keep some fears secret because they are baseless? Truly our fears may seem very foolish to some people, but God understands. We can trust Him. He strengthens our hearts with His words, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). In real danger or in our fear, He teaches us to rely on Him.
Insight: God is greater than any fears or danger we may face. We can conquer all things through Him who gives us strength.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Conquering Fear
Conquering Fear
“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34
Riding a motorcycle can be fun. Driving fast, the wind blows through my hair as I mount hills and race down dirt roads. Danger, however, lurks in every ride. Hitting a slick spot or gravel, I can slide and have a nasty spill.
Fears and dangers of other kinds can surround us, overwhelm, and even paralyze us. We are wise to use precautions when we have valid reason to fear. But some fears are less reasonable. Are there certain places and people that you avoid because of fear? Are there words you need to speak, but are afraid to say them? Do you fear being ridiculed?
Do we keep some fears secret because they are baseless? Truly our fears may seem very foolish to some people, but God understands. We can trust Him. He strengthens our hearts with His words, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). In real danger or in our fear, He teaches us to rely on Him.
Insight: God is greater than any fears or danger we may face. We can conquer all things through Him who gives us strength.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Monday, December 14, 2009
+DEV+ Enjoying the Light
Date: December 14, 2009 8:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Enjoying the Light
Enjoying the Light
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 19
I love to watch the sky. The sun rises and sets. At dawn a fiery ball strikes the clouds with beautiful red, pink, and purple streaks. The evening’s dim light, as it sinks out of sight, fills me with anticipation of another day. At night, the moon and stars give the night sky a soft glow. They all seem to say, “God is here. Can’t you see Him?
There is nowhere on earth where the sun is not shining or the moon glowing at some point. They are universal reminders of God’s power and sovereignty. Their unfailing coming and going right on schedule make us think of our Creator’s faithfulness.
Jesus came to be the greatest light of all, “the true light to every man” (John 1:9). Many people do not recognize or acknowledge His light, but that doesn’t make Him shine any less brilliantly. Those who place their trust in Him discover new light in the dark places of their hearts. He promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12).
Insight: The light of the world, Jesus, gives light to those who love Him to pass along to others in spiritual darkness. Let it shine!
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Enjoying the Light
Enjoying the Light
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 19
I love to watch the sky. The sun rises and sets. At dawn a fiery ball strikes the clouds with beautiful red, pink, and purple streaks. The evening’s dim light, as it sinks out of sight, fills me with anticipation of another day. At night, the moon and stars give the night sky a soft glow. They all seem to say, “God is here. Can’t you see Him?
There is nowhere on earth where the sun is not shining or the moon glowing at some point. They are universal reminders of God’s power and sovereignty. Their unfailing coming and going right on schedule make us think of our Creator’s faithfulness.
Jesus came to be the greatest light of all, “the true light to every man” (John 1:9). Many people do not recognize or acknowledge His light, but that doesn’t make Him shine any less brilliantly. Those who place their trust in Him discover new light in the dark places of their hearts. He promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12).
Insight: The light of the world, Jesus, gives light to those who love Him to pass along to others in spiritual darkness. Let it shine!
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
+DEV+ Breaking Down Walls
Date: December 13, 2009 8:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Breaking Down Walls
Breaking Down Walls
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed.” (Hebrews 11:30-31)
Scripture Focus: Joshua 6:6-20
God’s people stared at the stone walls as they marched around Jericho. Joshua told them they must go around the city once every day for six days while the priests blew their trumpets. On the seventh day they were to march around seven times. Then the priests would blow their trumpets and all the people should shout. Joshua assured them that the walls would tumble down.
Disbelief surely filled their minds. Could those thick walls fall with just a shout? They remembered God’s guidance through the wilderness. Their parents had seen the Red Sea part; they had tasted the manna in the wilderness. Again and again God had proved He could be trusted.
Is God still able to demolish barriers? To rescue people who are slaves to sin? I have felt His miraculous touch on my heart. He continues to use less than perfect people to do amazing miracles. Should I doubt that He can do anything? After all, He has broken down walls in my life, and continues to do so.
Insight: God’s strong hand is on His children. He continually breaks down and builds up areas in our lives to conform us to His design for us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Breaking Down Walls
Breaking Down Walls
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed.” (Hebrews 11:30-31)
Scripture Focus: Joshua 6:6-20
God’s people stared at the stone walls as they marched around Jericho. Joshua told them they must go around the city once every day for six days while the priests blew their trumpets. On the seventh day they were to march around seven times. Then the priests would blow their trumpets and all the people should shout. Joshua assured them that the walls would tumble down.
Disbelief surely filled their minds. Could those thick walls fall with just a shout? They remembered God’s guidance through the wilderness. Their parents had seen the Red Sea part; they had tasted the manna in the wilderness. Again and again God had proved He could be trusted.
Is God still able to demolish barriers? To rescue people who are slaves to sin? I have felt His miraculous touch on my heart. He continues to use less than perfect people to do amazing miracles. Should I doubt that He can do anything? After all, He has broken down walls in my life, and continues to do so.
Insight: God’s strong hand is on His children. He continually breaks down and builds up areas in our lives to conform us to His design for us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Joys of Muslim Women
Joys of Muslim Women
By: Nonie Darwish
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child; consummating the marriage by 9.
The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused she cannot obtain a divorce. To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Sharia Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the West World (America) Muslim men are starting to demand Sharia Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Sharia law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Sharia Law.
Ripping the West in Two.
Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Sharia law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel . He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed. Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In 20 years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves! Rest assured they will do so... You can look at how they have taken over several towns in the USA .. Dearborn Mich. is one... and there are others.
I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized unless each of us sends it on!
It is too bad that so many are disillusioned with life and Christianity to accept Muslims as peaceful...some may be but they have an army that is willing to shed blood in the name of Islam. The peaceful support the warriors with their finances and own kind of patriotism to their religion.
While America is getting rid of Christianity from all public sites and erasing God from the lives of children, the Muslims are planning a great jihad on America .
This is your chance to make a difference! Pass it on to your email list, or at least those who you think will listen.
This is all found in the Quran, you just need to read it - unfortunately the state run media will not make mention of this, and anyone who watches News other than Fox will not see this.
The religion of peace? Right.
By: Nonie Darwish
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child; consummating the marriage by 9.
The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused she cannot obtain a divorce. To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Sharia Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the West World (America) Muslim men are starting to demand Sharia Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Sharia law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Sharia Law.
Ripping the West in Two.
Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Sharia law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel . He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed. Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In 20 years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves! Rest assured they will do so... You can look at how they have taken over several towns in the USA .. Dearborn Mich. is one... and there are others.
I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized unless each of us sends it on!
It is too bad that so many are disillusioned with life and Christianity to accept Muslims as peaceful...some may be but they have an army that is willing to shed blood in the name of Islam. The peaceful support the warriors with their finances and own kind of patriotism to their religion.
While America is getting rid of Christianity from all public sites and erasing God from the lives of children, the Muslims are planning a great jihad on America .
This is your chance to make a difference! Pass it on to your email list, or at least those who you think will listen.
This is all found in the Quran, you just need to read it - unfortunately the state run media will not make mention of this, and anyone who watches News other than Fox will not see this.
The religion of peace? Right.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
+DEV+ Others First
Date: December 10, 2009 8:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Others First
Others First
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:1-11
William had a costly decision to make. His neighbor had asthma and was reacting to the smoke from his wood-burning stove. Gently, she asked him to turn his furnace back on, relieving her from the frightening asthma attacks the smoke caused. But she left it to him.
William shook his head. He was out of a job for the winter and his truck was broken down. He was burning wood to help save expenses. It was tough, but he didn’t throw another log on the fire. He turned his furnace back on.
Putting someone else’s welfare first pleases our Lord. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” Paul said (2:4). We live on earth with other people. Some sacrifice and compromise is needed to get along. By holding our tongues and thinking of others, we refuse to put another log on the fire of strife. Our attitude will be like that of our Master Teacher, who became a servant, putting others first, though He was God’s Son.
Insight: Fighting for our rights causes conflicts, but humbly putting others’ needs first shows them our Lord’s true nature—unselfish service.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Others First
Others First
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:1-11
William had a costly decision to make. His neighbor had asthma and was reacting to the smoke from his wood-burning stove. Gently, she asked him to turn his furnace back on, relieving her from the frightening asthma attacks the smoke caused. But she left it to him.
William shook his head. He was out of a job for the winter and his truck was broken down. He was burning wood to help save expenses. It was tough, but he didn’t throw another log on the fire. He turned his furnace back on.
Putting someone else’s welfare first pleases our Lord. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” Paul said (2:4). We live on earth with other people. Some sacrifice and compromise is needed to get along. By holding our tongues and thinking of others, we refuse to put another log on the fire of strife. Our attitude will be like that of our Master Teacher, who became a servant, putting others first, though He was God’s Son.
Insight: Fighting for our rights causes conflicts, but humbly putting others’ needs first shows them our Lord’s true nature—unselfish service.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
An Open Letter To Our Nation's Leadership
The following letter read on Glenn Beck's show, is rapidly circulating around the country. Americans everywhere identify with this 53-year-old woman. She has given us a voice.
GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:
"I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. Instead, we are burdened with Congressional Dukes and Duchesses who think they know better than the citizens they are supposed to represent.
There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut-job am I? Well, these briefly are the views and issues for which I seek representation:
One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. I'm not a racist. This is not to be confused with legal immigration.
Two, the STIMULUS bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you No, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.
Three: Czars. I want the circumvention of our constitutional checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution, and honor it.
Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There are many conflicting opinions and it is too soon for this radical legislation. Quit throwing our nation into politically-correct quicksand.
Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision that will burden me, my children, and grandchildren. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night without even reading it. Slow down! Fix only what is broken -- we have the best health care system in the world -- and test any new program in one or two states first.
Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. More is not better! Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real [Constitutional] obligations. Why don't you start there.
Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes -- how did they pull that one off? Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with any of our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.
Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs -- and that is the only redistribution of wealth that I hate my employers? And what do you have against shareholders making a profit?
Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.
Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Every company must sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. (Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid?) We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.
Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.
Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Slow down and get some input from nonpoliticians and experts on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed-reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.
I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is needless urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending of our tax dollars.
From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on bringing our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.
We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone... and we are now looking at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic freedom spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.
Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution, and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them.. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you.
If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming.
“We the people are coming."
GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:
"I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. Instead, we are burdened with Congressional Dukes and Duchesses who think they know better than the citizens they are supposed to represent.
There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut-job am I? Well, these briefly are the views and issues for which I seek representation:
One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. I'm not a racist. This is not to be confused with legal immigration.
Two, the STIMULUS bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you No, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.
Three: Czars. I want the circumvention of our constitutional checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution, and honor it.
Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There are many conflicting opinions and it is too soon for this radical legislation. Quit throwing our nation into politically-correct quicksand.
Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision that will burden me, my children, and grandchildren. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night without even reading it. Slow down! Fix only what is broken -- we have the best health care system in the world -- and test any new program in one or two states first.
Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. More is not better! Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real [Constitutional] obligations. Why don't you start there.
Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes -- how did they pull that one off? Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with any of our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.
Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs -- and that is the only redistribution of wealth that I hate my employers? And what do you have against shareholders making a profit?
Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.
Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Every company must sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. (Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid?) We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.
Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.
Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Slow down and get some input from nonpoliticians and experts on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed-reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.
I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is needless urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending of our tax dollars.
From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on bringing our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.
We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone... and we are now looking at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic freedom spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.
Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution, and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them.. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you.
If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming.
“We the people are coming."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
+DEV+ Learning to Share
Date: December 9, 2009 8:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Learning to Share
Learning to Share
“I have received...the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:18-19)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:10-19
Larry and his wife lived next door to Ed, an elderly man, grouchy and distant. But every time Larry’s wife baked a pie or cake, she took a piece to Ed. Grudgingly, he took it. Gradually they became friends and Larry began to help Ed whenever he needed it.
Larry had a job at a local factory. When they went on strike, Larry found extra jobs. As winter set in jobs became scarce. Using coal for heat was expensive, so they bought little and used it sparingly until finally they could afford no more coal.
When Ed learned of their predicament he ordered a whole load of coal, paying for it himself.
Larry and his wife had a special lesson from their Master Teacher. They had given to Ed as an expression of their love for Christ, unreceptive as he seemed to be. Then Larry and his wife learned the joy of receiving as God met all their needs.
Christ has individually-designed lessons to help us share His love as we lift burdens of others. Then He helps us accept the ways He meets our needs.
Insight: As we learn to love others and share their burdens, we demonstrate God’s kindness. Then we are surprised at how God blesses us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Learning to Share
Learning to Share
“I have received...the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:18-19)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:10-19
Larry and his wife lived next door to Ed, an elderly man, grouchy and distant. But every time Larry’s wife baked a pie or cake, she took a piece to Ed. Grudgingly, he took it. Gradually they became friends and Larry began to help Ed whenever he needed it.
Larry had a job at a local factory. When they went on strike, Larry found extra jobs. As winter set in jobs became scarce. Using coal for heat was expensive, so they bought little and used it sparingly until finally they could afford no more coal.
When Ed learned of their predicament he ordered a whole load of coal, paying for it himself.
Larry and his wife had a special lesson from their Master Teacher. They had given to Ed as an expression of their love for Christ, unreceptive as he seemed to be. Then Larry and his wife learned the joy of receiving as God met all their needs.
Christ has individually-designed lessons to help us share His love as we lift burdens of others. Then He helps us accept the ways He meets our needs.
Insight: As we learn to love others and share their burdens, we demonstrate God’s kindness. Then we are surprised at how God blesses us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
+DEV+ A Hiding Place
Date: December 8, 2009 5:52 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Hiding Place
A Hiding Place
“I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul...for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” (Psalm 143:8-10)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 143:7-12
Do you have a hiding place, somewhere to go and rest in Jesus’ presence? My bedroom is my regular hiding place, but the kitchen is also a hiding place. In the bedroom, I sit where I can read the Word and write my thoughts. Sometimes there I just sit and listen silently, waiting to hear my Master Teacher speak to me.
In the kitchen as I wash dishes I look out the window. I see rabbits run through the garden, hiding under flowers and nibbling on plants. At night I sit on the kitchen floor, staring up at the sky and marveling at the stars and moon. I feel so close to God I could reach up and touch His face.
The best hiding place we can have is that wonderful quiet place deep in our soul where our Savior lives. There we can listen to Him, shielded by His love. Protected from our worries and fears, we slip into His presence, held secure in His love.
The Master Teacher waits for you to take time to go to your hiding place today. There you can leave the world behind and rest in His love.
Insight: Christ wants time with you, with your mind on Him rather than on the things that occupy your busy schedule. Invite Him in. He’ll come.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ A Hiding Place
A Hiding Place
“I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul...for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” (Psalm 143:8-10)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 143:7-12
Do you have a hiding place, somewhere to go and rest in Jesus’ presence? My bedroom is my regular hiding place, but the kitchen is also a hiding place. In the bedroom, I sit where I can read the Word and write my thoughts. Sometimes there I just sit and listen silently, waiting to hear my Master Teacher speak to me.
In the kitchen as I wash dishes I look out the window. I see rabbits run through the garden, hiding under flowers and nibbling on plants. At night I sit on the kitchen floor, staring up at the sky and marveling at the stars and moon. I feel so close to God I could reach up and touch His face.
The best hiding place we can have is that wonderful quiet place deep in our soul where our Savior lives. There we can listen to Him, shielded by His love. Protected from our worries and fears, we slip into His presence, held secure in His love.
The Master Teacher waits for you to take time to go to your hiding place today. There you can leave the world behind and rest in His love.
Insight: Christ wants time with you, with your mind on Him rather than on the things that occupy your busy schedule. Invite Him in. He’ll come.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Darwin Awards
The Darwin's are out!!!!
Yes, it's that magical time of year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us.
Here is the glorious winner:
1. When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach , California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.
And now, the honorable mentions:
2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.
3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.
4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies.. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.
5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.
6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer... $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?]
7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly.. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.
8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."
9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti , Michigan at 5 A.M., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast... The man, frustrated, walked away. [*A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER]
10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for.. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline, but he plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.
In the interest of bettering mankind, please share these with friends and family....unless of course one of these individuals by chance is a distant relative or long lost friend. In that case, be glad they are distant and hope they remain lost.
*** Remember.... They walk among us!!!***
Yes, it's that magical time of year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us.
Here is the glorious winner:
1. When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach , California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.
And now, the honorable mentions:
2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.
3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.
4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies.. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.
5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.
6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer... $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?]
7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly.. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.
8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."
9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti , Michigan at 5 A.M., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast... The man, frustrated, walked away. [*A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER]
10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for.. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline, but he plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.
In the interest of bettering mankind, please share these with friends and family....unless of course one of these individuals by chance is a distant relative or long lost friend. In that case, be glad they are distant and hope they remain lost.
*** Remember.... They walk among us!!!***
+DEV+ Reaching for Perfection
Date: December 7, 2009 10:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Reaching for Perfection
Reaching for Perfection
“When this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins...By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:11, 14)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:11-18
Barry paints cars for a living. He works hard on each paint job until it’s almost perfect. He can’t bear to have any imperfections, but that’s just not possible.
Only God’s work is perfect, but He plans for us to reach for perfection. God loves us, imperfect as we are. He didn’t wait for us to be perfect before He made us His own. But, as Max Lucado says, “God loves me just the way I am. But He refuses to leave me that way.”
Day by day our Lord is perfecting us, through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Sure, we still make mistakes, but Jesus, the perfect sacrifice has provided for our cleansing and forgiveness.
By Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross He has “made perfect” those who have put their trust in Him. Amazingly, God sees us as holy because of Jesus. And someday in heaven we’ll be perfect in every way.
In the meantime? Let’s yield to His desires for us. Let’s cooperate with His work in our hearts to conform us into the image of His Son.
Insight: We’re flawed, imperfect humans, but Jesus is our perfect Savior. Only He can create perfection in our hearts and lives.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Reaching for Perfection
Reaching for Perfection
“When this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins...By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:11, 14)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:11-18
Barry paints cars for a living. He works hard on each paint job until it’s almost perfect. He can’t bear to have any imperfections, but that’s just not possible.
Only God’s work is perfect, but He plans for us to reach for perfection. God loves us, imperfect as we are. He didn’t wait for us to be perfect before He made us His own. But, as Max Lucado says, “God loves me just the way I am. But He refuses to leave me that way.”
Day by day our Lord is perfecting us, through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Sure, we still make mistakes, but Jesus, the perfect sacrifice has provided for our cleansing and forgiveness.
By Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross He has “made perfect” those who have put their trust in Him. Amazingly, God sees us as holy because of Jesus. And someday in heaven we’ll be perfect in every way.
In the meantime? Let’s yield to His desires for us. Let’s cooperate with His work in our hearts to conform us into the image of His Son.
Insight: We’re flawed, imperfect humans, but Jesus is our perfect Savior. Only He can create perfection in our hearts and lives.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
+DEV+ Keep the Fire Glowing
Date: December 6, 2009 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Keep the Fire Glowing
Keep the Fire Glowing
“Many will turn away from the faith....Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:10, 12-13)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:14-20
A young couple moved close to Maramec Caverns in the Ozarks of Missouri. Their excitement grew as they explored the wonders of the caves. Fascinated, week after week they invited friends to come and see. However, gradually the newness wore off. The thrill was gone and they found new and interesting things to do.
When I gave my heart to Jesus I could feel the fire inside me. With a glow on my face, I wanted to tell everyone how Jesus had changed me. Then after awhile my excitement diminished. I still went to church, sang praises to the Lord, and listened to the sermons. But it all became ordinary. God’s words didn’t linger in my heart and mind as they once had. I allowed other things to dampen my enthusiasm for serving my Savior.
God warns us not to let our faith grow cold. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor” (Romans 12:11). We need to seek His face every day, praying and letting His Word feed our hearts. Don’t let the fire go out!
Insight: Let’s keep in close touch with Jesus and keep the fire of His Spirit glowing warmly in our hearts. He deserves first place.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Keep the Fire Glowing
Keep the Fire Glowing
“Many will turn away from the faith....Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:10, 12-13)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:14-20
A young couple moved close to Maramec Caverns in the Ozarks of Missouri. Their excitement grew as they explored the wonders of the caves. Fascinated, week after week they invited friends to come and see. However, gradually the newness wore off. The thrill was gone and they found new and interesting things to do.
When I gave my heart to Jesus I could feel the fire inside me. With a glow on my face, I wanted to tell everyone how Jesus had changed me. Then after awhile my excitement diminished. I still went to church, sang praises to the Lord, and listened to the sermons. But it all became ordinary. God’s words didn’t linger in my heart and mind as they once had. I allowed other things to dampen my enthusiasm for serving my Savior.
God warns us not to let our faith grow cold. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor” (Romans 12:11). We need to seek His face every day, praying and letting His Word feed our hearts. Don’t let the fire go out!
Insight: Let’s keep in close touch with Jesus and keep the fire of His Spirit glowing warmly in our hearts. He deserves first place.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
Date: December 3, 2009 11:07 PM
Topic: Letter from Jesus about Christmas
Topic: Letter from Jesus about Christmas
Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How
I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily
understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your
own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My
birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now,
having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which
you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of
a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene
on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be
any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be
many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.
Decorate a grape vine
if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who
I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have
forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1.
Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is
being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from
home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,
they tell Me all the time.
2.
Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3.
Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the
cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him
that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow
up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4.
Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and
they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth,
and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and
remind them that I love them.
5.
Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6.
Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own
life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you
don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm
smile; it could make the difference.
7.
Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the
holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm
smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday.
If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let
their employees spend the day at home with their families
8.
If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--
especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never
heard My name.
9.
Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your
town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they
have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy
some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some
other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for
you.
10.
Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and
loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret
that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions
that you are one of mine.
Don't
forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what
I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the
list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball
is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all
those whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How
I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily
understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your
own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My
birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now,
having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which
you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of
a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene
on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be
any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be
many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.
Decorate a grape vine
if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who
I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have
forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1.
Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is
being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from
home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,
they tell Me all the time.
2.
Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3.
Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the
cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him
that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow
up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4.
Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and
they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth,
and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and
remind them that I love them.
5.
Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6.
Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own
life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you
don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm
smile; it could make the difference.
7.
Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the
holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm
smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday.
If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let
their employees spend the day at home with their families
8.
If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--
especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never
heard My name.
9.
Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your
town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they
have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy
some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some
other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for
you.
10.
Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and
loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret
that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions
that you are one of mine.
Don't
forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what
I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the
list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball
is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all
those whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
+DEV+ The Master Teacher
Date: December 3, 2009 9:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Master Teacher
The Master Teacher
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you....Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:15-17)
Scripture Focus: John 13:12-17
John, the beloved disciple, became a great and respected teacher who wrote one of the Gospels and three letters which we have in the New Testament.
In his first letter he gives us insight into what made him so loved as a teacher. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:3). John’s credibility came from his close relationship with Jesus, the Master Teacher.
Jesus led people by His example and His Father’s Word. He reached out to the sick, the fatherless, and the misfits, teaching them about God’s love through miracles He performed and stories drawn from their everyday experiences. He fed their bodies and demonstrated His love for them. Still, He never hesitated to ask hard questions and point out people’s sins. Every word He spoke and all His actions came from His loving heart.
John could teach of God’s love because he had been taught. We can speak of our faith when we are learning from the Master Teacher.
Insight: We learn from the Master Teacher as we saturate ourselves with God’s Word. The closer we are to Him, the more His love will shine through us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ The Master Teacher
The Master Teacher
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you....Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:15-17)
Scripture Focus: John 13:12-17
John, the beloved disciple, became a great and respected teacher who wrote one of the Gospels and three letters which we have in the New Testament.
In his first letter he gives us insight into what made him so loved as a teacher. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:3). John’s credibility came from his close relationship with Jesus, the Master Teacher.
Jesus led people by His example and His Father’s Word. He reached out to the sick, the fatherless, and the misfits, teaching them about God’s love through miracles He performed and stories drawn from their everyday experiences. He fed their bodies and demonstrated His love for them. Still, He never hesitated to ask hard questions and point out people’s sins. Every word He spoke and all His actions came from His loving heart.
John could teach of God’s love because he had been taught. We can speak of our faith when we are learning from the Master Teacher.
Insight: We learn from the Master Teacher as we saturate ourselves with God’s Word. The closer we are to Him, the more His love will shine through us.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
+DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help
Date: December 2, 2009 8:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help
Our Ever-Present Help
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear....The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1, 11)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46
Are you a child of God through faith in His Son? Then He has promised to be your ever-present help. He cannot fail, because He is God.
Celebrate God’s Faithfulness
You have His never-failing promise that He holds you in His loving arms. No one can ever snatch you away from Him (John 10:28-29). He will never abandon you. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He promises to meet your every need. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He will enable you to cope with all He allows to come into your life. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
God’s Unfailing Promise to You
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken” (Isaiah 54:10).
Insight: We’ve done nothing to deserve God’s faithfulness to us, but we can praise Him for every proof of His unfailing love.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help
Our Ever-Present Help
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear....The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1, 11)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46
Are you a child of God through faith in His Son? Then He has promised to be your ever-present help. He cannot fail, because He is God.
Celebrate God’s Faithfulness
You have His never-failing promise that He holds you in His loving arms. No one can ever snatch you away from Him (John 10:28-29). He will never abandon you. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He promises to meet your every need. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He will enable you to cope with all He allows to come into your life. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
God’s Unfailing Promise to You
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken” (Isaiah 54:10).
Insight: We’ve done nothing to deserve God’s faithfulness to us, but we can praise Him for every proof of His unfailing love.
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
+DEV+ He Is Able
Date: December 1, 2009 10:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ He Is Able
He Is Able
“To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 3:14-21
In her book, Disciplines of the Heart, Anne Ortlund raised and answered the question, “Why do so many Christians live gray, struggling, carnal lives? Because they haven’t yet comprehended the vastness of the power within them and what to do with it.”
We want to feel we’re in control of our lives, that we can set our goals and enjoy the satisfaction of achieving them. However, could it be that we’re setting our goals too low, that we’re content to live colorless lives?
The context for today’s verse has to do with Jews and Gentiles functioning together harmoniously. Paul was confident that the miracle would occur when God released His power and love in each believer. The same power and love is at work in you. Do you feel, though, that the gap between this Scripture and your experience is as vast as the space between heaven and earth? Commenting on this passage, Bishop Moule quoted his godfather, “You have your Bible, and you have your knees—use them.”
Insight: Reflect on the promises God is making. Pray that He will show you how to make them your own. He is able to perform a miracle!
To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with “subscribe-daily devotionals” in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
Topic: +DEV+ He Is Able
He Is Able
“To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 3:14-21
In her book, Disciplines of the Heart, Anne Ortlund raised and answered the question, “Why do so many Christians live gray, struggling, carnal lives? Because they haven’t yet comprehended the vastness of the power within them and what to do with it.”
We want to feel we’re in control of our lives, that we can set our goals and enjoy the satisfaction of achieving them. However, could it be that we’re setting our goals too low, that we’re content to live colorless lives?
The context for today’s verse has to do with Jews and Gentiles functioning together harmoniously. Paul was confident that the miracle would occur when God released His power and love in each believer. The same power and love is at work in you. Do you feel, though, that the gap between this Scripture and your experience is as vast as the space between heaven and earth? Commenting on this passage, Bishop Moule quoted his godfather, “You have your Bible, and you have your knees—use them.”
Insight: Reflect on the promises God is making. Pray that He will show you how to make them your own. He is able to perform a miracle!
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