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preacher31 THE ELEPHANT IN MY ROOM - Subscribe
"If I had not confessed the sin in my
heart, my Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen! He paid attention
to my prayer."
Psalm 66:18-19 NLT

Reflection:

For us to attempt to approach
God without first addressing the
ways in which we have knowingly
offended and wronged him is an
exercise in futility. Sin is the
"elephant in the room" that must
be acknowledged and dealt with.
Once we do that, we again enjoy
sweet fellowship with God. Clean
and forgiven, we can be sure he
hears our pleas for help.

Prayer:

Lord, you do not listen to my
prayers when I have unconfessed
sin in my life. By your Spirit give
me the humility I need to take a
hard look at my soul. Show me,
God, any wrong attitudes and
actions that I need to acknowledge.
I want to be right with you. I want to
be close to you. Thank you for pledging
to hear those who humble themselves
and acknowledge their sin. May my sins,
which block me from you when I don't
confess them, become a bridge to you
as I admit them, forsake them, and
experience your forgiveness.

from the Praying God's Promises in
Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 8-9"
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evie Window 11/17/2009 07:51 - Subscribe
So much for shooting stars. I thought I knew what love was. Apparently love is getting hurt and still wanting to forgive the person.

Nay. Love to me will always be that bi-curiosity that slowly transitioned into alcoholic haze and unsatisfied longing for what once was.

Girls hurt me the most often. Guys send me into drunken slumber. I may never understand my sexuality. I may never know what love is.

I wish to do away with close relationships. I want to pack up my Xu and move to a city where no one knows me or anyone I once knew. I want to live for me and my future. Life is an unnecessary, complicated nuisance.
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Mood: tranquil

preacher31 GODS GUIDANCE 11/16/2009 07:51 - Subscribe
"I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me,
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside
me." Psalm 16:7-8 NLT

The steps of the godly are directed by
the Lord. He delights in every detail of
their lives. Though they stumble, they
will not fall, for the Lord holds them by
the hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Giving thanks that God is near

"Sometimes we try to "ride out the storms" i
n our lives â€" doing this the best we can.
We think, If I can just hang on and be
strong, I can get through this. David knew
he couldn't make it on his own. In the past,
he had found help in the Lord God. And in
this prayer, David again sought the Lord's
protection: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have
come to you for refuge" (v. 1). He rejoiced
in the guidance and assistance the Lord had
given him. Though his enemies were trying to
shake and topple him, David stood firm because
God was "right beside" him.

In prayer today, acknowledge that God is right
beside you â€" upholding and guiding you.
Thank him that he helps you and does not
leave you to struggle on your own.

A prayer for today…

Dear Lord, I will not be shaken, for you are
right beside me…

from The One Year® Book of Bible Prayers edited by Bruce Barton(Tyndale)
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preacher31 ON YOUR BATHROOM MIRROR 11/14/2009 03:52 - Subscribe
(THANKS JAN)

This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.

2.. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to
be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't
like you.

5. Every night,
SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world
has turned its back on you
take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received..
Forget about the rude remarks.
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end-of elixir. 11/09/2009 09:15 - Subscribe
once
this was
the miracle elixir
it was the
draught of life

once
this was
the fountain
from which
all things
sprang forth

now
so dark, so sweet
the drink that
keeps me gasping
venomous addiction
stealing my light

now
this desiccated waterway
runs with rust
and the blood
of the life
it once begot.
0 Comments
Mood: meh.

preacher31 H E L P 11/09/2009 07:20 - Subscribe
Scripture:

Psalm 121

1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help
2My help cometh from the LORD,
which made heaven and earth.

7The LORD shall preserve thee
from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul
8The LORD shall preserve thy
going out and thy coming in from
this time forth, and even for
evermore. King James Version (KJV)

Reflection:

You know I don't know about you but
lately I've been finding myself needing
help. Money is really tight for me, and
for most everybody, right now.
What started me thinking about my
situation was of course television.
Here it is early November and
Christmas retail sales advertising
has been going full blast for the last
3 weeks. Well just like everybody else,
I started worrying (already) about, "How
am I going to pay for Christmas?" I've got
a number of children and grand children
and not enough money to provide Christmas
presents for them. As I was pondering over
my situation these 4 verses in Psalm 121 came
into my mind.
I looked up into the sky and prayed, and I
immediately realized, deep in my heart and
soul, where my help was coming from.
My help, as it always has before, will come
from the LORD. That's right, the same mighty
and powerful God who created all the heavens
and the earth. The same God who is going to
help me and preserve me in my going out and my
coming in. HE IS GOING TO HELP ME STARTING
NOW, AND HE IS GOING TO HELP ME
FOREVER MORE. A M E N !
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evie The Meeting 11/09/2009 12:39 - Subscribe
We used her and tortured her.
We never expected her to burn.
We carelessly mixed chemicals because we could.
We watched as she survived the storm.
We lit off fireworks because we knew no one would stop us.
We observed the faulty wiring but did not feel it was worth the cost to repair.
She felt sick and quietly begged for help.
We did not hear her.
We were too busy using her beauty for our own benefit.
We believed she was strong, that she would live forever.
She was unable to survive the blast.
We did what we could but we could not save her.
It was too late.
But we will never learn.
1 Comments
Mood: Remorseful

preacher31 THE POWER OF DIVINE ENERGY 11/08/2009 10:50 - Subscribe
Scripture:

"I can do everything with the help of Christ
who gives me the strength I need."
Philippians 4:13 NLT

Man is never so tall as when he kneels
before God â€" never so great as when he
humbles himself before God. And the man
who kneels to God can stand up to anything.
Louis H. Evans1

Reflection:

When I woke up the other morning, one of the
first things I did was turn to the news on TV.
I was greeted by the news that unemployment
is now in the double digits 10.2 %. People are
out of work, over 44 million have no health care.
A homeless person has now been joined by
homeless families. Many, in this country, have
found themselves in the position of having almost
nothing especially concerning financial resources.
The Apostle Paul often found himself in this same
position of having "almost nothing" (Philippians 4:12).
But notice that even in his bleakest moments,
when his stomach was literally empty and growling,
Paul's spirit was full (v. 11). Paul experienced genuine
contentment in difficult times. How did he do this?
Paul relied on the strength of Christ to get him through.
God's strength is a kind of divine energy that can
sustain you through economic difficulties or troubles
of any kind.
PLEASE YOU MUST REMEMBER THROUGH THE
POWER OF THIS DIVINE ENERGY, THE HOLY SPIRIT,
GOD IS THERE FOR YOU!! RELY ON THE STRENGTH
OF CHRIST TO GET YOU THROUGH

Prayer:

Oh Lord with Your divine assistance I know I can press on.
With your help and strength, I can do whatever you ask
of me. Give me a second wind. I look to you in trust
because I know you are faithful. In Jesus name Amen
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preacher31 COMING TO GOD 11/06/2009 07:11 - Subscribe
And through him God reconciled everything
to himself. He made peace with everything
in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's
blood on the cross.
Colossians 1:20, NLT
Christ's death provided a way for all
people to come to God. It cleared away the
sin that keeps us from having a right
relationship with our Creator. This does not
mean that everyone has been saved, but
that the way has been cleared for anyone
who will trust Christ to be saved.
We can have peace with God and
be reconciled to him by accepting Christ,
who died in our place. Is there a distance
between you and the Creator? Be reconciled
to God. Come to him through Christ.

(From Life Application Daily Devotion
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preacher31 DOES ANGER CONTROL YOU 11/04/2009 07:42 - Subscribe

Scripture

And "don't sin by letting anger control you.
" Don't let the sun go down while you are
still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT

Reflection:
The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't
feel angry, but it points out that it is important
to handle our anger properly. If vented
thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and
destroy relationships. If bottled up inside,
it can cause us to become bitter and destroy
us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our
anger immediately in a way that builds
relationships rather than destroys them.

If we nurse our anger, we will give
Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you
angry with someone right now? What can
you do to resolve your differences?
Don't let the day end before you begin
to work on mending your relationship.
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evie Regrets 11/03/2009 10:38 - Subscribe
I allowed myself to fall in love.
It was a mistake that felt too right.
All I knew was alcohol and casual sex.
He turned me around and made me feel things.
I thought I deserved those feelings.
I thought that feeling was worth potential pain.
I realized I was right all along.
It is better not to feel.
It is better not to trust.
I would rather have a stranger lie to me.
At least I know they lie.


I would rather have her telling me the way it is than having him pretend he is in love with me.
I regret the loss of my best friend.
I will never have another Chelsea.
There is no one left to tell me the truth.
0 Comments
Mood: powerless

preacher31 DO WE PRETEND 11/01/2009 08:27 - Subscribe
Scripture:

Don't just pretend to love others.
Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good. Love
each other with genuine affection,
and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10, NLT

Reflection:

Most of us have learned how to
pretend to love others--how to
speak kindly, avoid hurting their
feelings, and appear to take an
interest in them. We may even
be skilled in pretending to feel
moved with compassion when
we hear of others' needs, or to
become indignant when we learn
of injustice. But God calls us to
real and sincere love that goes
far beyond pretense and politeness.
Sincere love requires concentration
and effort. It means helping others
become better people. It demands
our time, money, and personal
involvement. No individual has the
capacity to express love to a whole
community, but the body of Christ
in your town does.
Look for people who need your love,
and look for ways you and your
fellow believers can love your
community for Christ.

From "Life Application Daily Devotion"
September 20, 2009
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preacher31 ALL SAINTS EVE! 10/31/2009 07:28 - Subscribe

A reformer's refuge

"A mighty fortress is our God.
A bulwark never failing.
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woeâ€"
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal."
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Martin Luther (1483-1546)


God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of
trouble. So we will not fear, even
if earthquakes come and mountains
crumble into the sea. Let the oceans
roar and foam. Let the mountains
tremble as the waters surge!
Psalm 46:1-3 NLT

The great reformer

"After posting his ninety-five theses
on the door of Wittenberg's Castle
Church in October 1517, Martin Luther
faced many years of trials and persecution.
And during the years of the ensuing
Protestant Reformation, Luther came
to know better than most the gracious
power of God's sheltering hand. He
confidently stepped forward to defend
the truth he found in God's Word, despite
excommunication from the Roman church,
continual threats to his life and freedom,
and times of intense spiritual battle.

In the comforting words of Psalm 46,
Luther found the inspiration for this hymn
that would become the battle cry of the
Protestant Reformation. Many who suffered
for their faith during that time found solid
comfort in Luther's words of faith and praise.
"A might fortress is our God!"

from The One Year® Book of Hymns by
Mark Norton and Robert Brown (Tyndale)
entry for October 31
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preacher31 GUESS WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN 10/29/2009 05:44 - Subscribe

Poem

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,

Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp-

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice..

Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?

I would love to hear Your take.

How'd all these sinners get up here?

God must've made a mistake.

And why's everyone so quiet,

So somber - give me a clue.'

'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in
shock..
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'


JUDGE NOT.
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preacher31 THINK ABOUT THIS 10/27/2009 07:09 - Subscribe

'To get something you never had,
you have to do something you
never did.' When God takes
something from your grasp,
He's not punishing you, but
merely opening your hands
to receive something better.

Concentrate on this sentence... '

The will of God will never take
you where the Grace of God
will not protect you.' Something
good will happen to you today;
something that you have been
waiting to hear.
0 Comments

evie Girl 10/27/2009 09:29 - Subscribe
I imagine that nothing can be said or done to make his mistakes disappear. He says he's here now and that should be enough to prove that I'm important.

It could also just go to show what a coward he is.

Anything he says from now on will have no meaning. He told me he loved me and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making up for all the pain he caused me. He said those things while waiting for the right time to dump me and pursue a real relationship with her.

He screwed it up with her and now he's stuck with me. So of course he's going to try and make this work, he has no better options.

Do I allow myself to be taken in by the flowers, treats, rocks, and cliches?

Of course not. This is me we're talking about.

I'll go about this until I find someone better. I'll listen to the words, pretending they are true long enough to get through another night. I'll pretend I'm not hurt by the months of lies. I'll fall into a peaceful slumber when he says he stays up late talking to god-knows-who online. I'll smile when he spouts off all the things that usually make girls feel loved.

I'll feel better when I replace him.

Until then I suppose I'll give him the picture perfect, reality-free relationship he once had online.
0 Comments
Mood: swanky

evie Digging Up My Old Rejections 10/26/2009 12:35 - Subscribe
I will never be anything more than just Grampa.

To anyone.

I will never be the love of anyone's life.

I am now and forever will be the girl who was just good enough.
0 Comments
Mood: intoxicated

preacher31 TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT 10/23/2009 06:29 - Subscribe

Scripture:

"But Jesus said, "You feed them."
"But we have only five loaves of bread and
two fish," they answered. "Or are you expecting
us to go and buy enough food for this whole
crowd?" For there were about 5,000 men there.
Luke 9:13-14, NLT"

Reflection:

It was the middle of the day, probably around lunch time.
People had been waiting a long while to see and hear
Jesus. They were hungry and tired, and on top of that
there was over 5,000 them (not counting women and children).
This was no small crowd. When the disciples expressed
concern about how the crowd of thousands would eat,
Jesus offered this surprising solution. "You give them
something to eat: The disciples were set
back by this proposal. Notice their response to Jesus'
solution. They protested, focusing their attention on
what they didn't have (food and money).

How many times, in our life, have we focused on the things
we didn't have. Do you honestly think that our God
would ask us to do something that we and He together
couldn't handle? WE NEED TO FOCUS ON WHAT WE DO
HAVE, JESUS CHRIST!
Don't let your lack of resources blind you to seeing God's power.

Prayer:

Thank You God that I have you. I pray that I focus
on my relationship with You and on Your power and
strength. Not on what I don't have. Because when I
have You God I have everything. In Jesus name amen.
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preacher31 FEELING OLD 10/21/2009 07:32 - Subscribe

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today.

The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1991.

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

The CD was introduced two years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine..

They have always had cable.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been microwaved.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: 'Where's the Beef?', 'I'd walk a mile for a Camel ', or 'de plane Boss, de plane'.



McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Pass this on to the other old fogies on your list.

Notice the larger type?

That's for those of us who have trouble reading.

P.S. Save the earth.. It's the only planet with chocolate.
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preacher31 TAKE A LITTLE TIME AND PRAY 10/17/2009 04:48 - Subscribe

Scripture:

Luke 6:12 (New King James Version)

The Twelve Apostles

12 Now it came to pass in those days
that He went out to the mountain to pray,
and continued all night in prayer to God.


Reflection:

When you have a decision to make how do you approach
making that decision. Do you seek other people's advice, do
you research a lot, do you spend days seeking advice
from experts, maybe you even look at self-help gurus.
Then as an after thought you spend five minutes with
God.
But before Jesus chose His twelve apostles, He spent
the night in conversation with His father. I mean we are
talking about the Son of God and He didn't think it was a
waste of His time and spent the whole night in prayer.
What about you? Do you pray when you have a
decision to make. Do you pray when you are looking
for a job, when you hire or fire someone. When you
change jobs, careers, or locations, do you seek your
father's counsel. Do you have other important decisions
that would benefit from godly wisdom? (are there any
other kind of decisions?)
ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN
PRAYER!

Prayer:

Oh Lord I want to walk as one of your blessed children.
"Order my steps in thy word"
What is Your Word concerning my life and the decisions
I must make? Oh Lord give me a greater hunger to spend
time with You, to hear Your Word of life, Your Wisdom,
Your Counsel,
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