Thursday, December 16, 2010

Refreshed

Dear Friend:

Peter and John (Acts 3) saw a beggar at the temple named Beautiful. The beggar asked for help. Peter replied “silver and gold I have none, but what I have to give. Man, rise, stand up and walk!” So the man went away dancing, leaping and praising God! People who saw began to praise Peter and John. Peter quickly corrects them by saying v. 16 by faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus name and the faith given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. V. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he a had foretold through all the prophets saying that his Christ would suffer v. 19 Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-even Jesus.

Whatever we need to refreshed in today………. Repent, turn to God, so that yours sins maybe forgiven and wiped out, time of refreshing will come. We can trust God by faith that the name of Jesus can do it!
Prepare your heart for the Christ child.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to throw off any sin which I confess now. Thank you for wiping them away and refreshing me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Refreshed,
Elaine

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Wayfarers

Acts 27:22-25 but now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Dear Friend:

The advertisement for the original Ray-Ban Wayfarer RB2140 sunglasses (black plastic sunglasses) says: they are simply the most recognizable style in sunglasses. After its initial design in 1952, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer quickly endeared itself to Hollywood filmmakers, celebrities, musicians and artists, solidifying its iconic status for years to come.

Wow! A pair of sunglasses have been undeniable recognizable and popular since 1952. In the year 2000 Wayfarers were featured in about 60 movies and television shows per year. ... That year, 360000 pairs were sold. Knowing that doesn’t it make you want a pair?

Paul was on a ship with 276 people in a great storm that lasted over two weeks. After three days of the violent storm Paul had a visit from an Angel assuring him that all would survive. So Paul announces this to the people. Have you ever dealt with people in crisis who don’t know the Lord and you’re trying to encourage them to trust in God for their circumstances? It could be hard dealing with one person, let alone 276. Paul stood courageously firm for over two weeks in this storm appealing to this large group. In the end they all made it. If this great rescue was featured on a billboard, Facebook or TV would people undeniably recognize God for their future and want to trust Him with their lives?

This story happened over 2000 years ago and today if broadcasted one would hope it would quickly endear others and solidify God’s iconic status for all of eternity. God vs. an iconic pair of sunglasses, which do the public at large tend to want? As Lindsay Lohan was taken off to prison recently pictures of that moment shows her wearing her Wayfarers.

Let’s pray: Father in Heaven help me to want the things you want for my life. Help me to be able to share with others so they too would want to be rescued by you.

Hopeful,
Elaine