1 Timothy 4:6 You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and 4ever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
Dear Friends:
Did you ever sit and write your name plus a friend and a heart around that and say bf 4ever? Or maybe it wasn’t a friend it was a potential boyfriend or girlfriend you were wishing you would be 4ever with.
I remember those cute hearts all over my folders and notebooks.
When Jesus was on earth he was teaching each day about the “4ever”, meaning eternity. Constantly He kept mentioning the eternity and being with His Father. How He was going to be with the Father and He would make a place for the believers there with Him.
I have been seeing people get so caught up in the now that they don’t base their decisions on the 4ever.
What you do each and every day affects the 4ever. Think about your struggles of today and put them in the hands of God for the 4ever.
I want to make you fit for both today and 4ever. –God-
Let’s pray: I am banking on you the living God, Savior of all men and women, to help me to see things today for the 4ever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
(Your name) + Jesus= 4ever
Elaine + Jesus= 4ever
I am a recycler. Anything God teaches me has never been wasted it has always been recycled for God's glory.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Oscar the Bird
Out at sea
He appeared
Flying out
Flying in
Flying up
Flying down
Seems to be
Stuck!
Free Will?
Or
Instinct to stay close?
Just as we know
We should
Stay Close
It is safer
When we obey.
Each day
We listen,
We learn.
Then will come a time
We understand!
We won't seem stuck!
We are free!
Free to fly!
Out,
In,
Up,
Down.
Wisdom!
Oscar appeared on our cruise this past summer, we were far out a sea. He visited us daily. I wondered is he stuck or not. We got to an island after frequent visits from Oscar (our name we gave him) and we never saw him again. I believe Oscar was wise. He knew what he could and could not do, when he was free from possibly an air currant keeping him close to the ship, he took off.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Let's pray: Lord help me to cooperate with your plan and with all of your guidance and wisdom. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Flying FREE,
Elaine
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Book Review - Crazy Love
Dear Friend:
There is a book out that I want to recommend. It is called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. Here is a question from chapter 4 that I thought would prompt you to go and get this book.
Are you satisfied being “godly enough” to get yourself to heaven, or to look good in comparison to others?
Paul says “he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Phil. 3:10).
Paul’s statement is his commitment and desire to being more than “godly enough.”
The book will help you to find passion for Christ and to understand His infinite love for you.
His love is crazy,
Elaine
There is a book out that I want to recommend. It is called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. Here is a question from chapter 4 that I thought would prompt you to go and get this book.
Are you satisfied being “godly enough” to get yourself to heaven, or to look good in comparison to others?
Paul says “he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Phil. 3:10).
Paul’s statement is his commitment and desire to being more than “godly enough.”
The book will help you to find passion for Christ and to understand His infinite love for you.
His love is crazy,
Elaine
Monday, February 8, 2010
Panic Button
Dear Friend:
In the midst of his crisis, Daniel reminded himself of who God is. Instead of panicking, he handled it with supernatural peace. Whenever bad news comes, the temptation is to panic. But there is another way to respond. In the second chapter of Daniel there is a fascinating example of this.
Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).
Daniel was a prophet, and the King in charge of him was angry because he had a dream and none of his astrologers/wise men could interpret it for him, so the king ordered that they should all be executed. What does Daniel do? First let me say, he does not PANIC! He runs to his friends who understand who God is and they pray. That night Daniel has a dream and gets the interpretation of the king’s dream. He gets up the next day and what does he do first? He praises God!
Let’s see. On one side we can panic or freak-out in our crisis or we can “go to the one who has the whole world in His hands.” What do you do daily?
Daniel:
1. Hears the news of the execution.
2. Goes to his Godly friends for prayer.
3. He sleeps on it!
4. God answers the prayer.
5. He praises God.
6. Then he goes to tell the king the dream.
What is your order? Panic, emotionalism, crying, and then you make plans to get out of the country?
Let’s pray: Father in heaven forgive me for no always coming to you first. Give me more spiritual perspective in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Here is the final word on this message:
Things that go on in our lives can give God the opportunity to “Shine.” Maybe the perspective we need is our crisis would become an opportunity rather than a drudgery.
Peace,
Elaine
In the midst of his crisis, Daniel reminded himself of who God is. Instead of panicking, he handled it with supernatural peace. Whenever bad news comes, the temptation is to panic. But there is another way to respond. In the second chapter of Daniel there is a fascinating example of this.
Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).
Daniel was a prophet, and the King in charge of him was angry because he had a dream and none of his astrologers/wise men could interpret it for him, so the king ordered that they should all be executed. What does Daniel do? First let me say, he does not PANIC! He runs to his friends who understand who God is and they pray. That night Daniel has a dream and gets the interpretation of the king’s dream. He gets up the next day and what does he do first? He praises God!
Let’s see. On one side we can panic or freak-out in our crisis or we can “go to the one who has the whole world in His hands.” What do you do daily?
Daniel:
1. Hears the news of the execution.
2. Goes to his Godly friends for prayer.
3. He sleeps on it!
4. God answers the prayer.
5. He praises God.
6. Then he goes to tell the king the dream.
What is your order? Panic, emotionalism, crying, and then you make plans to get out of the country?
Let’s pray: Father in heaven forgive me for no always coming to you first. Give me more spiritual perspective in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Here is the final word on this message:
Things that go on in our lives can give God the opportunity to “Shine.” Maybe the perspective we need is our crisis would become an opportunity rather than a drudgery.
Peace,
Elaine
Monday, February 1, 2010
Permanent Image
ACTS 14:14-18 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
Dear Friend:
Have you ever heard a great sermon or met a Godly person who you just keep quoting what they say. That is fine, but we have to be careful that we don’t go overboard and keep pointing people to the speaker instead of God. Let’s worship God!
People look, listen
Don’t look at me.
Life is full of
Choices
Philosophies!
Turn
From these worthless thoughts
Look up at
The heavens
The vastness of creation
Who did all this?
We have no excuse,
He is everywhere,
When you see a baby,
The vast landscape of the Grand Canyon,
Look out at the ocean and see the sun set.
Powerful
Magnificent
Our creator has done
Things extravagantly!
His gentle kindness,
Giving us seasons
Provides us daily with food.
Allow yourself to see the joy,
of all that is around you.
It is not by chance,
It is by love.
A stamp of love.
A PERMANENT IMAGE on your mind.
Allow yourself to see
Give yourself TIME,
Rest!
Then you will see
The goodness of the Lord.
Never to look at man,
But to thee!
LET’S PRAY: Lord I want to see and rest in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Seeing,
Elaine
Dear Friend:
Have you ever heard a great sermon or met a Godly person who you just keep quoting what they say. That is fine, but we have to be careful that we don’t go overboard and keep pointing people to the speaker instead of God. Let’s worship God!
People look, listen
Don’t look at me.
Life is full of
Choices
Philosophies!
Turn
From these worthless thoughts
Look up at
The heavens
The vastness of creation
Who did all this?
We have no excuse,
He is everywhere,
When you see a baby,
The vast landscape of the Grand Canyon,
Look out at the ocean and see the sun set.
Powerful
Magnificent
Our creator has done
Things extravagantly!
His gentle kindness,
Giving us seasons
Provides us daily with food.
Allow yourself to see the joy,
of all that is around you.
It is not by chance,
It is by love.
A stamp of love.
A PERMANENT IMAGE on your mind.
Allow yourself to see
Give yourself TIME,
Rest!
Then you will see
The goodness of the Lord.
Never to look at man,
But to thee!
LET’S PRAY: Lord I want to see and rest in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Seeing,
Elaine
Quack Quack
Philippians 3:12
[ Pressing on Toward the Goal ] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Dear Friend:
The old saying “like water running off a duck’s back” is referring to letting things go. If you picture a duck, the water does not get absorbed but just rolls off his back. Maybe someone has said that to you “let it go, like water running off a duck’s back.”
I like the verse above because it says we are never perfect. We struggle in life! We confess that we no longer want to be in control of our life and Christ takes hold of us, and we press on to take hold of what Christ deposits into us for everyday living. That reminds me of the old saying above. Let it go and press on to what Jesus has for your life. Good message! I heard someone say that when something that comes against them that is not pleasant, and they are reacting, they yell out “quack, quack”, and that helps them to stop going the wrong way with their thoughts and switch to God and letting go and letting God.
Good advice.
Let’s pray: Lord thanks for taking hold of my life and I know that you are BIGGER THAN LIFE. Help me to obey your ways. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Quack, quack,
Elaine
[ Pressing on Toward the Goal ] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Dear Friend:
The old saying “like water running off a duck’s back” is referring to letting things go. If you picture a duck, the water does not get absorbed but just rolls off his back. Maybe someone has said that to you “let it go, like water running off a duck’s back.”
I like the verse above because it says we are never perfect. We struggle in life! We confess that we no longer want to be in control of our life and Christ takes hold of us, and we press on to take hold of what Christ deposits into us for everyday living. That reminds me of the old saying above. Let it go and press on to what Jesus has for your life. Good message! I heard someone say that when something that comes against them that is not pleasant, and they are reacting, they yell out “quack, quack”, and that helps them to stop going the wrong way with their thoughts and switch to God and letting go and letting God.
Good advice.
Let’s pray: Lord thanks for taking hold of my life and I know that you are BIGGER THAN LIFE. Help me to obey your ways. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Quack, quack,
Elaine
Reassuring Presence
PSALM 139:1-6 (THE MESSAGE) 1-6 GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!
Dear Friend:
My heart was so comforted this morning knowing God is here! Right Here! He has a reassuring presence. Does it comfort you that God knows everything about you and his presence is not condemning, but loving? Even if we screw up, he loves you and will never stop loving you! If you’re sitting reading this maybe you are:
Anxious waiting for job offer or healing, perhaps repair needed in a relationship , a rebellious child to straighten out or feeling lonely or rejected.
He is there with you!
Let’s pray: Lord thank you for reassuring me today that you know my coming and going and no matter what I do or say you love me. Thank you for comforting me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I want to reassure YOU that I am here to help you not harm or condemn YOU. –GOD-
It’s wonderful,
Elaine
A verse from the famous hymn “Jesus paid it all.”
I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."
I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!
Dear Friend:
My heart was so comforted this morning knowing God is here! Right Here! He has a reassuring presence. Does it comfort you that God knows everything about you and his presence is not condemning, but loving? Even if we screw up, he loves you and will never stop loving you! If you’re sitting reading this maybe you are:
Anxious waiting for job offer or healing, perhaps repair needed in a relationship , a rebellious child to straighten out or feeling lonely or rejected.
He is there with you!
Let’s pray: Lord thank you for reassuring me today that you know my coming and going and no matter what I do or say you love me. Thank you for comforting me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I want to reassure YOU that I am here to help you not harm or condemn YOU. –GOD-
It’s wonderful,
Elaine
A verse from the famous hymn “Jesus paid it all.”
I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."
Barricade the Road
Psalm 119:27-29 (The Message) 25-32 I'm feeling terrible—I couldn't feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; GOD, don't let me down!
I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how.
Dear Friend:
As you read this maybe you can identify with the psalmist? I just can sense if “I’m feeling terrible-I couldn’t feel worse” that maybe you have experienced this or are experiencing it right now.
Let’s pray: May my faith arise in my body, mind and soul today that I can grasp and cling to whatever you tell me. Get me on my feet again. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I will barricade the road that goes nowhere. –GOD-
I picture God putting up a barricade around your head and heart and saying “listen to my voice of truth, you will be able to go on and stand on your feet again!!!!”
Barricade=blockade; bar
Peace,
Elaine
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; GOD, don't let me down!
I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how.
Dear Friend:
As you read this maybe you can identify with the psalmist? I just can sense if “I’m feeling terrible-I couldn’t feel worse” that maybe you have experienced this or are experiencing it right now.
Let’s pray: May my faith arise in my body, mind and soul today that I can grasp and cling to whatever you tell me. Get me on my feet again. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I will barricade the road that goes nowhere. –GOD-
I picture God putting up a barricade around your head and heart and saying “listen to my voice of truth, you will be able to go on and stand on your feet again!!!!”
Barricade=blockade; bar
Peace,
Elaine
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