"I Am A Soldier"

I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
...trained by experience,
....tried by adversity,
....and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;
But, I will not get out,
...sell out
....be talked out
....or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs, me, I am there.

I am a soldier.
I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered,
...petted,
....primed up,
....pumped up,
....picked up,
....or pepped up.

I am a soldier. No one has to call me,
...remind me,
....write me,
....visit me,
....entice me,
....or lure me.

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
...saluting my King,
....obeying His orders,
....praising His name,
....and building His Kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be
cuddled,
cradled,
cared for,
or catered to.

I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.
I will win.

My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.

Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and
Hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain.

I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound.

Here I stand. Will you stand with me?

They Missed Him

Author Unknown

They were looking for a Lion,
He came as a Lamb,
...and they missed Him.

They were looking for a Warrior,
He came as a Peace maker,
...and they missed Him.

They were looking for a King,
He came as a Servant,
...and they missed Him.

They were looking for Liberation from Rome,
He submitted to the Roman cross,
...and they missed Him.

They were looking for a fit to their mold,
He was the mold maker,
...and they missed Him.

What are you looking for?
Lion? Warrior? King? Liberator?

What are you looking for?
They were looking for their temporal needs to be met,
He came to meet their eternal need,
...and they missed Him.

He came as a Lamb to be sacrificed for your sin.
...Will you miss Him?

He came to make peace between God and man.
...Will you miss Him?

He came to model servanthood for all mankind.
...Will you miss Him?

He came that we might have true Liberty.
...Will you miss Him?

He came to give you eternal life.
...Will you miss Him?
When we submit to the Lamb, we will meet the Lion.
When we join with the Peacemaker, we will meet the Warrior.
When we work with the Servant, we will meet the King.
When we walk with the Submitted, we will meet the Liberator.
When we concern ourselves with the Eternal, we will have the temporal.

If Jesus is not fitting into the mold you have then come to the mold maker and get a new one. Submit to His plan for your life and you will see the eternal need met first - then all the other things you have need of will be taken care of as well. Matthew 6:33

The Wall Of Resentment

Author Unknown

A story tells of a merchant in a small town who had identical twin sons. The boys worked for their father in the department store he owned and, when he died, they took over the store.

Everything went well until the day a twenty-dollar bill disappeared. One of the brothers had left the bill on the cash register and walked outside with a customer. When he returned, the money was gone.

He asked his brother, "Did you see that twenty-dollar bill on the cash register?" His brother replied that he had not. But the young man kept probing and questioning. He would not let it alone. "Twenty-dollar bills just don't get up and walk away! Surely you must have seen it!" There was subtle accusation in his voice. Tempers began to rise. Resentment set in. Before long, a deep and bitter chasm divided the young men. They refused to speak. They finally decided they could no longer work together and a dividing wall was built down the center of the store. For twenty years hostility and bitterness grew, spreading to their families and to the community.

Then one day a man in an automobile licensed in another state stopped in front of the store. He walked in and asked the clerk, "How long have you been here?"

The clerk replied that he'd been there all his life. The customer said, "I must share something with you. Twenty years ago I was 'riding the rails' and came into this town in a boxcar. I hadn't eaten for three days. I came into this store from the back door and saw a twenty-dollar bill on the cash register. I put it in my pocket and walked out. All these years I haven't been able to forget that. I know it wasn't much money, but I had to come back and ask your forgiveness."

The stranger was amazed to see tears well up in the eyes of this middle-aged man. "Would you please go next door and tell that same story to the man in the store?" he said. Then the man was even more amazed to see two middle-aged men, who looked very much alike, embracing each other and weeping together in the front of the store.

After twenty years, the brokenness was mended. The wall of resentment that divided them came down.

It is so often the little things - like resentments - that finally divide people. And the solution, of course, is to let them go. There is really nothing particularly profound about it. But for fulfilling and lasting relationships, letting them go is a must. Refuse to carry around bitterness and you may be surprised at how much energy you have left for building bonds with those you love.

A GOOD STRETCH

My strength is made perfect in weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Physical therapy is a painful necessity after knee-replacement surgery. Part of my routine involved my therapist pulling my knee back into a bent position and holding it taut. "Good stretch?" Mason would ask encouragingly. "No," I winced, "not that good!"

I soon learned, however, how important it is to stretch one's muscles and joints — sometimes causing discomfort — to gain full range of motion.

That wasn't the first time I've been "stretched" outside my comfort zone. God has sometimes urged me to share my faith with someone I didn't know very well, or to give an offering that was far beyond what I usually give or to confront someone about a situation.

Abraham's life illustrates the importance of faith when God asks us to move beyond our comfort zone. "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . He went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb.11:8).

While we stretch our spiritual muscles, we may feel discomfort. But God assures us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Our adequacy - our sufficiency - is found in Him (3:5).

When you boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, you may be surprised at how a "good stretch" can strengthen your spiritual life!


"To stretch our faith, to take the risk,
God says we will succeed;
If we but ask Him for the strength
And grace that we will need". — Dan De Haan

Memo From God

Author unknown

MEMO FROM GOD:

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.


1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my to-do list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME
Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

5.TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7.SHARE
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!

With all my heart I love you,
GOD

Forgive and Forget

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don't you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," came Barton's reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."

General Oglethorpe once said to John Wesley, "I never forgive and I never forget." To which Wesley replied, "Then, Sir, I hope you never sin."

"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:3-5)

Author Unknown

Names of God Prayer

A Prayer Using The Names Of God


Elohim, I KNOW you can create something out of nothing, will you create something out of any nothing areas - impossible situations in my life.

El Elyon, I KNOW you are in control, sovereign, and I give you my circumstances today.

Adonai, I KNOW you are my Lord and Master, I choose to follow you instead of the ways of the world.

El Shaddai, I KNOW you are God Almighty, and I trust that you are sufficient for my deepest needs today.

Yahweh Jireh, I KNOW you are my provider, and will supply everything I need today.

El Roi, I KNOW you are the God who sees, and that I am never alone, and nothing in my life goes unnoticed, for you know it all and see it all.

Yahweh, I KNOW you are the one and only, self-existent, eternal, covenant-keeping God and that you will always love me.

Yahweh Rophe, I KNOW you are my healer and I come to you now with every area of me that needs healing today.

Yahweh Nissi, I KNOW you are my banner, and the victory in every situation that threatens me today.

Yahweh Mekaddesh, I KNOW you are my sanctifier, making me holy, doing for me what I can never do for myself.

Yahweh Shalom, I KNOW you are my peace, and bring calm in every storm I face in life.

Yahweh Sabaoth, I KNOW you are the LORD of hosts, and bring deliverance as you defeat my enemies.

Yahweh Ro’i, I KNOW you are my shepherd, and intimately care for me even if no one else does.

Abba, Father, I KNOW you are my Father and that I can run to you and rest in the security of your everlasting arms.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Catherine Martin

The Thief

Author Unknown

A reminder to turn on your security system!!!

A horrible thing happened to me today... a thief broke into my house.

It happened shortly after I awoke this morning. I got up and began rushing about. I had a thousand things on my list and was already running behind.

Quickly, I gulped down breakfast, took a shower and got ready for work. In my rush, I forgot to turn on the security system at my house. It was just about a half an hour later that the thief broke in. Of course, he didn't make a sound. Just kind of snuck inside, not drawing any attention to himself.

In fact, none of the neighbors ever saw him. But, I did. You see, I WAS HOME when the thief broke in. He naturally startled me, as I was unprepared for his visit. He, of course, didn't announce that he was coming and I certainly had not invited him over. And yet, I found myself face to face with danger and I felt so powerless. I also felt so very stupid, because this whole incident could have been avoided if I had just taken the time to turn the security system on. You better believe I'll be turning it on tomorrow morning!

I thought I'd warn you about this guy, because he's still on the loose. Chances are, he's in your area. Possibly even headed for your house. His name? His name is Satan. You see, this morning, when I jumped up in my haste to get started on my busy day, I skipped my prayer time, opting to "pray later today." In other words, I DIDN'T TURN ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM. My defense wasn't on, my guard was dropped... and when the thief came into my home to attack me, I was unprepared to do battle. He tempted me and I felt powerless.

As I said, I also felt so very stupid, because I could have avoided the incident if I had just taken the time to pray. My friend, the thief has come to "steal, kill and destroy." (John 10:10) And, as a Child of God, you are on his "hit list." He'll probably pop over to your house today. He may be lurking outside your door right now, just waiting to catch you off guard. Take time to pray this morning. Ask God to bind Satan from your very presence, to protect you and empower you to do battle. In short...always
dress with your Holy armor from head to toe and...don't forget to turn your security system on.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11

The Reflection

Author Unknown

There was a king who presented his daughter with a beautiful diamond necklace. The necklace was stolen and his people in the kingdom searched everywhere but could not find it. The king then asked them all to search for it and put a reward for $50,000 for anyone who found it.

One day, a clerk was walking home along a river next to an industrial area. This river was completely polluted and filthy and smelly. As he was walking, the clerk saw a shimmering in the river and when he looked, he saw the diamond necklace. He decided to try and catch it so that he could get the $50,000 reward.

He put his hand in the filthy, dirty river and grabbed at the necklace, but some how missed it and didn't catch it. He took his hand out and looked again and the necklace was still there. He tried again. This time he walked in the river and dirtied his pants in the filthy river and put his whole arm in to catch the necklace.

But strangely, he still missed the necklace! He came out and started walking away, feeling depressed. Then again, he saw the necklace, right there. This time he was determined to get it, no matter what. He decided to plunge into the river. Although it was disgusting, he plunged in and searched everywhere for the necklace. Yet one more time, he failed. This time he was really bewildered and came out feeling very depressed that he could not get the necklace that would get him $50,000.

Just then, a saint who was walking by, saw him, and asked him what was the matter. The clerk didn't want to share the secret with the saint, thinking he might take the necklace for himself, so he refused to tell him anything.

The saint could see this man was troubled. Being compassionate, he again asked the clerk to tell him the problem and promised that he would not tell anyone about it. The clerk mustered some courage and decided to put some faith in the saint. He told him about the necklace and how he tried and tried to catch it, but kept failing.

The saint then told him that perhaps he should try looking upward, toward the branches of the tree, instead of in the filthy river. The clerk looked up and true enough, the necklace was dangling on the branch of a tree. He had been trying to capture a mere reflection of the real necklace all this time.

Moral of the story:

Material happiness is just like the filthy, polluted river; because it is a mere reflection of the TRUE happiness in the spiritual world. We don't achieve the happiness we are looking for, no matter how hard we endeavor in the material life. Instead we must look upwards, toward God, who is the true source of real happiness, and stop chasing after the "reflection" of this happiness in the material world. This spiritual happiness is the only thing that can satisfy us completely.


"If you are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col. 3:1-2)

The Law of the Garbage Truck

Author Unknown

One day, I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, "Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage -- frustration, anger, disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.


"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

The Enemy Can't Stop It!

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV


Your time is coming! The dreams and desires, the things you want to accomplish, the situations you want to see changed will happen. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, don’t give up on those dreams. Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. I encourage you today — get your fire back! It may be taking a long time, but God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible it looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your time is coming. Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Start declaring today, “My time is coming… God is working behind the scenes on my behalf… I will fulfill my destiny… I will fulfill the plan God has for my life!” As you declare and expect and wait for the appointed time, your faith will grow. Your hope will grow. And you’ll step into the destiny God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today


Father in Heaven, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

A Cup of Encouragement

Have you had your cup of encouragement today? Here is the recipe for a great cup ALL the time. Start with Psalms 34:1 I will bless the Lord at ALL times; then add Philippians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me; next pour in Ephesians 3:20 Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding Abundantly above ALL that we ask or think according to the power that works in us. Now stir and drink up.

Remember, ALL means ALL!

Failure

Failure doesn't mean - "You are a failure,"
It means - You have not succeeded.

Failure doesn't mean - "You accomplished nothing,"
It means - You have learned something.

Failure doesn't mean - "You have been a fool,"
It means - You had a lot of faith.

Failure doesn't mean - "You don't have it,"
It means - You were willing to try.

Failure doesn't mean - "You are inferior,"
It means - You are not perfect.

Failure doesn't mean - "You've wasted your life,"
It means - You have a reason to start afresh.

Failure doesn't mean - "You should give up,"
It means - "You must try harder.

Failure doesn't mean - "You'll never make it,"
It means - It will take a little longer.

Failure doesn't mean - "God has abandoned you,"
It means - God has a better way for you.


"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

When Troubles Hit Your Life

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.

You may be troubled on every side, but not distressed you my be perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

Though you walk in the midst of troubles, God is with you; God will stretch forth his hand against the wrath of your enemies, and his right hand shall save you.

Let not your heart be trouble, you believe in God, believe also in Jesus Christ.

When you pass through the waters, God will be with you, and when you walk through the rivers, they will not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, neither will the flame kindle upon you.

Know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Be glad and rejoice in God's mercy for he has considered your troubles; he knows your adversities.

Lift up your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help; Your help cometh from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.

Come boldly to the throne of grace in prayer, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares about you.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.

Weeping my endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.

THE THREE TREES

Author Unknown

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.

One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down."

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.

The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it.

When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

He is in the Fire with You

Malachi 3:3
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver;

This is pretty neat. I hope it means to you what it means to me. This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'


If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. 'Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.'

"Still He Walked"

Author Unknown

He could hear the crowds screaming "crucify" "crucify"...
He could hear the hatred in their voices,
These were his chosen people.
He loved them,
And they were going to crucify him.
He was beaten, bleeding and weakened...
His heart was broken,
But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as he came from the palace.
He knew each of the faces so well.
He had created them.
He knew every smile, every laugh, and every shed tear,
But now they were contorted with rage and anger
His heart broke,
But still He walked.

Was he scared? You and I would have been
So his humanness would have mandated that he was.
He felt alone.
His disciples had left, denied, and even betrayed him.
He searched the crowd for a loving face and he saw very few.
Then he turned his eyes to the only one that mattered
And he knew that he would never be alone.
He looked back at the crowd...
At the people who were spitting at him
Throwing rocks at him and mocking him
And he knew that because of him,
They would never be alone.
So for them, He walked.

The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through the crowd.
The sounds of his cries echoed even louder,
The cheers of the crowd, as his hands and feet were nailed to the cross,
Intensified with each blow.
Loudest of all was the still small voice
Inside his Heart that whispered "I am with you, my son",
And God's heart broke.
He had let His son walk.

Jesus could have asked God to end his suffering,
But instead He asked God to forgive.
Not to forgive him, but to forgive the ones who were persecuting him.
As he hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,
He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,
But also, the face of every person yet to be,
And his heart filled with love.
As his body was dying, his heart was alive.
Alive with the limitless, unconditional love he feels for each of us.
That is why He walked.

When I forget how much My God loves me,
...I remember his walk.
When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
...I remember his walk.
When I need to be reminded of how to live like Christ,
...I think of his walk.
And to show him how much I love him,
...I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to him,
.......And I walk.

The Painting

Author Unknown

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again.

Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Easter holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer. On Easter morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man.

As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."

As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told everyone of his father's love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task.

True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Easter gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.

As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation.

With the collector's passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Easter day, the day he had received his greatest gift.

The day soon arrived. Art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.

The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.

"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer.

"Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man and his son spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it."

"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!"

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what's going on here!"

The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all!"

Just as those art collectors discovered on that Easter day, the message is still the same - the love of a Father - a Father whose greatest joy came from His Son who left his home and gave his life rescuing others. And because of that Father's love... whoever takes the Son gets it all.


"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it:

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power
to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep
saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body,
your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car,
your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what?
You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a
woman, you will always find someone in your life to
hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job,
you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you
or believe in you, your very thoughts will attract
more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be
more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love
and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you
want and deserve.

Watch your "Thoughts," they become words.
Watch your "Words," they become actions.
Watch your "Actions," they become habits.
Watch your "Habits," they become character.
Watch your "Character," for it becomes your "Destiny."

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

Author Unknown

Haters

What Exactly is a "Hater"? Some of us really don't know the true
definition of this!

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all
their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are
very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough! When
you make your mark, you will always attract some haters. . . That's why
you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your
dreams with because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed... It's
dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like
somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?

You never know what people have gone through to get what they
have... The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but
they don't know my story... If the grass looks greener on the other side
of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there
too!

We've all got some h aters among us! Some people envy you because
you can:
* Have a relationship with God
* Light up a room when you walk in
* Start your own business
* Tell a man / woman to hit that curb (if he / she isn't about
the right thing)
* Have an education
* Raise your children without both parents being in the home
* Haters can't stand to see you happy
* Haters will never want to see you succeed
* Haters never want you to get the victory
* Haters cant stand to hear how well your woman/man treats you

Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our
side. How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. *Knowing who you are and who your true friends are *(VERY
IMPORTANT!!)
2. *Having a purpose to your life
3. * Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and
still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has
called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by w hat others think about
you.
4. *By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and
not human manipulation.

Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its
your time to leave this earth, you "want" to be able to say, "I've lived
my life and fulfilled "my" dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME! When God
gives you favor, you can tell your haters, "Don't look at me...Look at
Who is in charge of me..."

Pass this to all of your family and friends who you know are not
hating on you including the person who sent it to you. If you don't get
it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not
your problem, it's theirs. Just pray for them, that their life can be as
fulfilled as yours!

Keep your Haters in your daily Prayer!!!


"The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose"

When Your Hut Is On Fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!

It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.


The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Unfolding the Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rose bush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing any of the petals.


The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was
trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his
wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But, because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try and unfold the rosebud while keeping every petal intact.
It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the young preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem:

It is only a tiny rosebud
A flower of God's design;

But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flower,

Is not known to such as I.

GOD opens this flower so sweetly,

Then, in my hands, they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,

The flower of God's design,

Then how can I have the wisdom

To unfold this life of mine?

So, I'll trust in Him for leading

Each moment of my day.

I will look to Him for His guidance

Each step of the Pilgrim's way

Only my Heavenly Father knows.

I'll trust him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them. Send this message to the people you will never forget. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry. Take the time to LIVE!!! Distance and time may separate us, but friendship
and memories won't.

Does God Dance on Your Potato Chips?

Author Unknown

Recently, I had "one of those days". I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine. By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner.

Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed a Tupperware from the fridge, popped the seal, took a Look and groaned.

My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars. Really frustrated, now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bad didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. . .Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty. It was The final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!"

My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing a the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips Into my linoleum in the process!

I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced.

Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that.

So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess I've made of things.

What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all.

Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all.

Sometimes I have to wait weeks or months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way He did.

There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.

Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping, instead of sweeping and mopping? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance He's dancing' with my needs in mind?

I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.

The Dart Test

Authorn Unknown

A young lady named Sally related the following experience that she had in a seminary class.

Dr. Smith, her professor, was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into her seminary class and knew that the class was in for an interesting day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they really disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words... "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.

No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

The Gift Of Encouragement

Author Unknown

One of the most powerful things one person can share with another person is encouragement. Encouragement can stop a suicide, a divorce, and countless other tragedies. A word of encouragement can heal someone who is broken and wounded. It can give someone the courage to keep trying.

Our world is full of negative, bitter, uncaring people who can't say anything good about anyone or any thing. The people of God should be a radiant contrast to the people of the world. We should bubble over with the joy of the Holy Spirit. We should find it easy to be positive and uplifting.

Are you an encouragement to those around you? Don't let someone drift into despair from neglect or lack of encouragement. Share your CHRISTian joy by encouraging those around you on a regular basis!


"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today..." (Hebrews 3:13)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thes. 5:11)

Thank You In Advance

1 Chronicles 16:34 (The Message)

34-36 Give thanks to God—he is good and his love never quits. Say, "Save us, Savior God, round us up and get us out of these godless places, So we can give thanks to your holy Name, and bask in your life of praise." Blessed be God, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. Then everybody said, "Yes! Amen!" and "Praise God!"

Author Unknown

Dear God:

I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better,I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me,I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears,I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves,I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet,I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job,I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief, I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed. I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive.

I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.

I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.

I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because Father, you haven't given up on me.

THE STORY OF PEARLS

Author Unknown

Pearls are a product of pain. When a grain of sand pierces the shell of an oyster, all the otherwise dormant resources within the tiny oyster respond to the foreign irritant by caring for that sensitive spot. Over time, the sand particle is covered by healing fluids, and the wound becomes a pearl.

That's true for you, too. When hardships invade your life, allow God's Spirit to shape your response. Don't be bitter. Don't rush ahead of His plan. Rest in Him. Allow Him time to turn that irritation into an opportunity for your growth - and watch a beautiful pearl emerge from your set of circumstances.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4

Big Issues - Bite Size Chunks

First, our kids couldn't feed themselves. Then they slowly began to learn to do it themselves. Since then, they've been really, really good at it! But in those very early days of teaching them to feed themselves, we didn't just hand them this big slab of meat to eat and say, "Go for it, kid." Every parent knows the drill - you cut the big piece into bite-size chunks so it's manageable. I got so used to doing it, it was embarrassing when I was out to lunch with a businessman and I started cutting his meat up for him!

I love our word for today from the Word of God in Zephaniah 3:5. In just seven reassuring words, God points us to the way He wants us to handle this "big piece of meat" called our life. It simply says, "Every new day He does not fail." God says instead of trying to do weeks and months and years, would you do life in these 24-hour increments He's obviously wired us for? Do days.

When we try to drag yesterday, with its baggage and its failures into today, we start to sink. When we try to drag tomorrow into today, with its worries and its fears, we run ahead of His resources, which are issued each new day for that day. I've got Monday's resources for Monday's needs. When I start worrying about Tuesday, or a week from Tuesday, I'm on my own and I'm going down.

There has never been and there never will be a day that our Lord has failed us. On different days our spouse may have failed us, our family may have failed us, our boss, our friends, our coworkers, the folks at church; even our income or our health. But "every new day, He does not fail." That's called days without fear.

And here is your Lord's guarantee for each new day. He's promised new mercies for every battle. Surrounded by the collapse of everything around him, Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3, "I remember my affliction and my wandering." In other words, on many new days, he had failed - just like you and me. "I remember the bitterness and the gall ... my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

God knows how to balance the grief with His goodness. He knows just when you just have to have an encouragement, and He sends it. He knows just when you need a hopeful sign, or some comfort, when you need some rest, an extra shot of strength, or a miracle. And He sends it right on time.

God knows when you've had all you can take and He raises His almighty hand and says, "Enough! No more!" He's promised to never let you have "more than you can bear." (1 Cor. 10:13) "Because of the Lord's great love," you are "not consumed." You serve the God of daily bread; of "strength equal to your days." (Deut. 33:25) The God of whom you can say every new day, "This is the day my Lord has made." (Psalm 118:24) Not the day my condition has made, or my boss has made, or my frustrations have made, or my spouse has made. My Lord made this day and has promised me everything I'll need to live it.

Don't even try to handle that big piece of life you've got in front of you right now. Your Heavenly Father cuts it into bite-size chunks so it's manageable - bite-size chunks called "every new day"!


Copyright (c) 2003, Ron Hutchcraft.
www.hutchcraft.com

Posted at "A Word With You". To subscribe to "A Word With You", go to: www.hutchcraft.com/A-Word-With-You/

Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, and will not be sold. To reproduce "A Word With You" transcripts in any other format, including Internet websites, written permission is needed

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

The Arizona Republic reported this story (so I'm assuming this story really is true!):

"As Terry Mikel was speeding toward Tucson, he passed a car, an unmarked Arizona Highway Patrol car. The officer pulled Terry over. When Terry explained that he was late for a class he was teaching at the University of Arizona, the officer took pity on him and let him off with a warning. Before he went back to his car he said, `Slow down and drive safe.'

"Terry felt obligated to correct him. `Excuse me, Sir, but it should be "Slow down and drive safely. You said, "Drive safe."'

"The officer walked back to his car and wrote him a $72 speeding ticket."

We can't do it, can we? We just can't seem to keep our mouths shut! Looking back, we know we shouldn't have said a word, but at the time we felt so compelled to speak.

Maybe you didn't get a ticket as a result, but you've done something just as foolish, haven't you? Maybe even this morning, before reading this message. Maybe even before leaving your house! James was so right when he wrote,

"If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body..... For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue." (James 2b,7-8a)

That's not an excuse, incidentally, to let our tongues run wild. Rather, it's a challenge. As hard as it may be to control our tongues, it is essential that we as Christians strive to do just that. We stand to lose more than $72 if we fail to do so.

"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)

"Lord, we truly want to use our tongues to Your glory this day. As difficult as it may be, help us to guard our mouths as we resist the temptation to speak at those times when we ought to keep quiet. In Jesus' name, amen."


Alan Smith
Thought For the Day
www.tftd-online.com

A Prayer to Remove Disappointment

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we will cease recalling disappointments. Father God, I ask that there will be healing right now from disappointments. Father, all these disappointments that have become hindrances, I ask that You will pour in Your healing oil right now. As You heal with that oil, in those disappointed areas, I pray that You are going to take out the space which disappointment has been occupying, and that You are going to pour in grace. As Your grace comes into that place right now, so is Your anointing and Your gift of faith.

So Father, I ask that every disappointment, Father, no matter how small or how large, that You have come by Your Word that You have said that You have come to heal the brokenhearted. You are going to come right now and heal the brokenhearted. The Lord says that some of you, He is going to quicken right now some of those disappointments. Keep your eyes closed because He is going to heal your hearts.

Father, I thank You that You are healing their hearts right now. I thank You that the disappointment that they thought had to come and do what should have been done and didn't happen, I thank You, Father, for the word "divine postpone" - You are postponing some things for a reason. I thank You that the word You are giving me right now is to ask for the fullness of time to start to happen.

Lord, I would pray right now that the fullness of time would be rebirthed tonight, and Father, this robbery that has been going on this year, Father - You are showing me that there has been robbery after robbery after robbery after robbery. The enemy has tried to set up a tent of discouragement and hopelessness to move them into depression, to quiet them to where they could not move into the witness of the goodness of God.

Father, I would pray right now that the testimony that You have given them of Your goodness would come back so supernaturally strong right now, that they are getting their witness back tonight; they're getting their testimony back tonight; they are going to start to regain the joy of the Lord that is their strength tonight. Father, I thank You that You have been running intervention all year. Lord, You are showing me that things were not totally together. You are showing me that You are the God that also stands in front of something rather than allowing an abortion to happen.

You are a God of birthing and because You are the God that births visions, I ask right now by Your Holy Spirit that You would birth a new vision. As You birth those new visions tonight, Father God, You are going to bring provision. And as You bring provision, You will bring purpose; and as You bring purpose You will bring the anointing that meets the call.

So Father, I ask for healings to begin to flow right now. I thank You for physical healings that You are doing right now, Father. I thank You that You are directing and opening people's understanding right now, and that You are taking off and away from them disappointment, to where the enemy has set up a tent and has set up a place to lay down and torment them.

Father, I break off right now the voice of the tormentor. Father, they will not be tormented any more by that lying spirit that makes them think that they have missed Your will because that is a lying spirit, Father God. Father, You are showing me that You just simply had them in a changing of a clothing room, preparing them for the next position, and that You are reclothing them with a new design for the new time.

Lord, I thank You for saying that this is the word for "9": the new design, for the new time, for the new nine. Father, I claim that word would go forth so strong that as things change, Father God, they will be clothed with a garment of praise for the days of heaviness. Father, they will start to regain and reclaim the assignment and the territory that You have called them to walk in.

Father, the season of robbery is coming to an end. Father, I stand on the Word of God that says, "You do know the plans that You have for us, You do plan for us to prosper and that You have ordered our steps, as we are righteous in the Blood of Jesus." Father, I take the Blood of Jesus and pour it over everybody's future right now.

"Wake up, oh saints...for I am about to shake you and quake you and put you into exactly what I have prepared for you to do"

I say right now Father, that You are going to release creativity like a brand new move. Father, I ask that there will be new assignments released in this room right now. Lift your hands out right now. I heard the Lord say, "Get ready for assignments, for I'm going to assign, assign, assign." He says there will be assign, in the 9, assign, assign, assign. Father, I ask that the new assignments will begin to flow right now, Father, that it will flow into their bellies. Into their bellies, Father God, there will come such assignments.

The assignments, Father God, that have tried to rob them—premature death, I break your back right now. You will not block what God would have done, but instead, Father God, I call out longevity. Lord, those that have the witness of what You want them to do, You are going to line things up like they have never lined up before.

Father, I see You yanking some by the back of the neck and saying, "Wake up, oh saints; wake up for I am about to shake you and quake you and put you into exactly what I have prepared for you to do," says the Lord Your God. He says, "I am not only the God of the open door, but I am the God of the closed doors." He says, "I am not only the God of below, of the earth, but the God of above who counts the stars.

"Do you not realize My people, that you have limited Me?" He says, "Take off limits, take off, take off, do not limit. DO NOT box in how I will answer, how I will move, how I will push, drag, lead and guide because I look at your heart even when your mouth knows what to say," says the Lord Your God.

For He says, "I know that some of you have come to the end where you could no longer pray, you could no longer praise Me even. Yet I tell you this, that I look at your heart and I see your weeping and this is a sweet fragrance to Me," says the Lord Your God. "Have I not said that I know the hearts of My people?" He said that, "Not only do I know the hearts of My people, but I read the hearts of My people. Not only do I love those who are pure in heart, but I put inside of their heart what I would have them do.

"Tonight, I am going to drop seeds into Your hearts. I will water them by the dew of My Spirit, as things will start to come together. Get ready for a gathering, a gathering of My Spirit," says the Lord. For He says that, "I will command My wind to start to blow. It will blow heaviness off of you. There has been an adversity towards you to cause you to be bent over in depression and discouragement. I said that it will cause you to have to lift your head high to where you see the vision that comes from above and you will no longer be trampled on by the words of man that have made promises but have broken the vow of commitment," says the Lord Your God.

He says, "I am about to bring such conviction over My people. Those who have made vows and have not kept them, for I will give them grace for a season and then I am going to deal with their hearts and I am going to knit their hearts back with the seed of promise because I am a God of restoration," says the Lord Your God.

"You will know Me as a Restorer"

"You will know Me as a Restorer of your soul. Even when the enemy has taken your seed and has devoured your seed and has eaten your seed, but I am the God of the soil and you are about to see Me turn the soil over, and when that soil turns over, you will realize that it has been fertilized by the tears of the saints and it has come from a hardened ground into a ground that is moist and ready to grow fresh fruit," says the Lord Your God.

"Get ready for fruit to start to produce; it will not be the fruit of others but it will be the fruit of My Spirit. For I am calling those that are hungry for my Spirit to draw into My Spirit, and as they draw into My Spirit they will realize My Spirit is drawn into them.

"Then there will be an outpouring," says the Lord Your God. "It will first start with those who are willing to draw in. It will be a peculiar group; it will be a group that says, 'Lord, use us, use us, use us, use us.' They will become those who have been abused, they will become those that have been used up and left over, they will be those who say, 'Not me.'"

He says, "It will be like those in the upper room. They were not prepared until My Spirit came upon them." He said that He was the Preparer. He said, "They could not prepare themselves. They were locked away in fear, in trembling, fear of the future, fear of the past, and fear of the present." He said, "And yet My Spirit swooped in change, shook them up, filled them up and poured them out, and in turn My Son was glorified."

Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher Ministries
Email: Eileen@eileenfisher.org

About Eileen Fisher: Eileen ministers very strongly with the Holy Spirit in healing and prophecy and she has a special burden for Christians to understand the Holy Spirit as a person. Her desire is to teach about the Father who loves us, the Savior, Jesus, who died that we might be free, and the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who enables us to live the power-filled life. At present, Eileen travels and is a frequent TV guest and teaches Schools of Prophecy and Healing.

Eileen and her husband Fred have been happily married since March 14, 1963 and Fred oversees the ministry and is the ministry administrator. They have one married daughter Theresa, their son Michael went home to be with our Lord in 1993, and they have four grandchildren. Eileen and her husband Fred were born again in 1974.

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

Endurance Training

Romans 5:2-4 (Amplified Bible)

2Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.

3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

4And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

People of God sometimes give the devil too much credit. When trials come, many Christians chalk it up as an attack of the enemy. But I found out that it was me. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was me. What I found out is that God was building character in me. I am so much more mature spiritual than I would have been. When the rug is pulled from under you and all you have to stand on is the Word of God, that's what you do. I learned to take it by force. 2008 was a year of endurance training. In 2009, you will practice what you learned.

Looking Back

The beginning of a new year is usually a time of reflection for most people. Some people reflect on the year that has passed. They reflect about the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, even the failures. Some people resolve to do things differently in the new year. I have been looking back over my life lately. I was thinking about all the times that God stepped down out of glory and intervened in the affairs of my life. I thought about the times that the enemy tried to kill me but couldn't. I remembered times when God gave me things that I didn't even deserve. I remembered the times He provided. The times when I thought I would come unglued and He held me together. Every once in a while we need to look back at the years that are behind us. Those things remind us that God is worthy of the glory, honor, and praise. They add to our testimony. Things that were big at the times and seemed like insurmountable obstacles, we made it through. Hallelujah!

Give God praise right now wherever you are for bringing you over those mountains. If you're at work you may have to take a praise break. Go to the bathroom for just a minute and give God praise if you have to.

For Every Mountain - Kurt Carr

Empowered Forgiveness

unknown

Apologies

In life there will always be times when we are affected by the actions of another person. When this happens, we often receive an apology. More often than not we say, “It’s alright,” or “ It’s okay,” and by saying this we are allowing, accepting, and giving permission for the behavior to happen again. When we say “thank you,” or “I accept your apology,” we are forced to sit in our feelings rather than ignore them.

There are many of us who feel that it is easier to brush off how we really feel than to express our discomfort with something that has happened to us. While this may initially seem like the best thing to do, what it really does is put us into an unending pattern of behavior; since we are not honest with another person, we continue the cycle of letting them overstep our emotional limits time and time again. By doing this we place ourselves in the position of victim. We can put an end to this karmic chain by first acknowledging to the other person that we accept their request for forgiveness; often a simple “thank you” is enough. To truly create a greater sense of harmony in our relationship, however, we need to gently, and with compassion, express our innermost concerns about what has transpired. By taking a deep breath and calling upon the deepest parts of our spirit, we can usually find the right words to say and verbalize them in a way that lets the other person recognize the consequences of what they have done.

If we can remember that our response to others is important, we can begin to realize that trust and forgiveness go hand in hand. And when we react in a way that engenders a greater amount of honesty and candor, we will establish a more positive and empowering way of being and interacting others.

2009 - a Year of FAVOR, GRACE and CHANGE

The Lord recently showed me that 2009 will be a year of favor, grace, and change. Favor is God's graciousness extended to us; grace is His undeserved favor. We are saved from sin and given new life through God's grace, not our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-10); and we walk in our new life in Christ through grace and faith (Colossians 2:6-7).

In this coming year of change, we will be given favor and grace to be flexible, adjust, and thrive amidst various changes. Change in and of itself is not necessarily something to be feared or avoided, for the Lord Himself said, "Behold, I will do something new; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?" (Isaiah 43:19) and "Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5).

Jesus Proclaimed the Favorable Year

Jesus proclaimed the favorable year of the Lord. At the synagogue in Nazareth, the town where He grew up, He read from Isaiah 61, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, and to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." Then He added, to the astonishment of His listeners, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:16-21).

Likewise, in our own day, God is bringing prophecies to pass before our eyes as creation ramps up for the second return of Christ. He is speaking. Are we listening? He is doing something new. Will we take notice?

God spoke to Isaiah and to us about His favor: "In My favor I have had compassion on you" (Isaiah 60:10), and "In a favorable time I have answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you" (Isaiah 49:8). Paul exhorts us to receive God's grace, quoting this very Scripture then adding, "Behold, NOW is the acceptable (favorable) time; NOW is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

The Lord wants to extend His favor and grace to you in His NOW time! For those who have seen God as a harsh judge instead of a loving Father, He has a special blessing of healing and freedom awaiting you. It is yours - claim and receive it!

The Psalms speak of times of favor to see answered prayer. David said, "My prayer is to You, oh Lord, at an acceptable (or favorable) time" (Psalm 69:13). He also urged in Psalm 32:6, "Let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found" (at an acceptable, or favorable time; literally, "in a time of finding out").

He is both a revealer of mysteries (Daniel 2:29, 47), and a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God allows Himself to be found by us (2 Chronicles 15:4, 15). He wants to visit His people (Luke 1:68) with favor and grace, and inhabit our lives with His Holy Spirit (John 3:34).

References to God's Favor and Grace

As the month of November 2008 drew to a close, the Lord began speaking to me about preparing for 2009. He instructed me to begin studying the book of Luke. As I did, He showed me that this coming year would be a time of His favor and grace, as well as a time of change.

The first chapter of Luke contains references to God's favor:

• Favor was extended to Zacharias, and his prayers for a child were answered (Luke 1:13).
• Elizabeth became pregnant, and said, "The Lord has looked on me with favor, to take away my disgrace" (Luke 1:24-25). DISgrace is the opposite of grace and favor.
• Mary was called "the favored one." She had found favor with God (Luke 1:28, 30).

God also revealed His grace through unexpected visits from angels:

• Zacharias received an angelic visitation from Gabriel (Luke 1:11-20). After baby John was born and Zacharias was able to speak again, he said, "God has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people" (Luke 1:68).
• Mary also was visited by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38).
• Shepherds experienced angelic visitation (Luke 2:8-14).
• Joseph was visited by an angel in his dreams (Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19-20).
• The Lord sent warnings to the wise men and Joseph through dreams (Matthew 2:12, 22).

God wants to dwell within us and not just visit occasionally. He wants to inhabit our lives with His power and grace. One of the prophesied names of Jesus was Emmanuel, which means, "God is with us" (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 8:10). Angelic visitations are unusual, powerful and miraculous, but even more wonderful is God's presence within us through the Holy Spirit.

Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and wise men all received visitations of God's favor and were radically changed as a result. They were also given grace to deal with and adjust to these changes. So we do not need to fear change, for He has promised to be with us and never leave us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

Change is Coming for 2009

The Lord spoke to me about change on November 15, 2008:

"Change isn't always bad. Allow Me to reform your thinking about change.

"Change is coming. I am the God of change, for I change men's hearts and do something new (Isaiah 43:19). My change is not like the world's change. My peace is not like the world's peace (John 14:27), for I bring lasting peace and change to hearts and souls.

"I hold the world in My hand. I hold the nations in My hand, and turn the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1). I hold your nation in My hand. I am at work in your land to bring My change.

"Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for I am your God. Look to Me, not to a particular man or political party. Continue to call on Me and trust Me."

May God bless you in this coming year with His powerful presence and habitation!

Carol Kelley
Email: opendoor2009@gmail.com

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250