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preacher31
Where's the Fruit - Subscribe
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Scripture: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance"...."What should we do then? the crowd asked John." (Luke 3: 8, 10) Reflection: The verse today is what I call a "thinker verse". It really makes me think. I find myself often asking for God's forgiveness and repenting my sins to my Lord. But I've learned something, these many years of being a Christian, God wants some proof of my repentance. Like they say, "It is far easier to say than to do." Mark 1:15 tells us, "Repent and believe the Good News". It seems to me repentance means changing your mind about sin......seeing it as God sees it.....and turning from it, (the proof). A "straight" life is evidence of a mind and heart "straightened out" about sin. Anything less than that is not what Jesus or John preached. You know really when it comes right down to it righteousness is really proof of true rependance. If that is true I would like to ask you this question: If you had to convince a jury that you were serious about repentance, would there be enough evidence in your life to do it? Please think about will you? Prayer: Lord, let me keep in my heart and mind that true repentance produces fruit.THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING MY GOD! St. Catherine of Siena Political and Religious Peacemaker (1347-1380) "In mercy you have seen fit today to show me, poor as I am, how we can in no way pass judgment on other people's intentions. Indeed, by sending people in an endless variety of paths, you give an example for myself, and for this I thank you." |
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preacher31
Solid as a Rock 4/13/2008 03:14 - Subscribe
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Scripture: "Anyone who listens to my teachings and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapses because it is built on a rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rain floods come and the winds beat against the house, it will fall with a mighty crash." (Matthew 7:24-27) NLT Reflection: You know everytime I hear the expression "Solid as a Rock", I think of these four verses in chapter 7 of Matthew. I was looking at this verse this past week, thinking about Christ's teachings and how important it is to me not only to listen to his teachings but obey them. So many of Christ's specific teachings are centered around four very important themes, Faith,Love, Peace, and Service to God and to Man. If you focus your life on these four themes, you will hear and obey His teachings. I would like you to try something for me and specifically for you. This week when you wake up in the morning, pray and think about these themes and how you will incorperate them in your life that day. How are you going to draw upon your faith and show your faith to others. Try loving that person, that is so very hard for you to even like let alone love. Who knows you might get up enough courage to tell them you love them. How are you going to remain at peace when all else is in turmoil. And finally see if you can think of something specific you can do to serve someone else. It doesn't have to be anything big, just do some small thing to help someone else. Guess what, I just defined "Christian". That's what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. No arguments, no gossip, no attitude, no anger, no apathy, Just Plain Love. Please try it, I think you'll like it. That's where my house is, right there built on solid rock, JESUS CHRIST! Prayer: CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND ALL OTHER IS SINKING SAND, ALL OTHER NOW IS SINKING SAND! Thank you God for that solid rock foundation. In Jesus Name Amen! Quote: Emily Greene Balch Leader of The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1867-1961) "We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road, the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping, we may find one another's hands in the dark." |
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preacher31
Where do we find God's presence 4/20/2008 04:57 - Subscribe
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Scripture: "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely." Psalm 145:18 NLT "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome." Ephesians 3:12 NLT Reflection I believe there is something that we should remind ourselves everyday, as often as we can. That is....."GOD IS WITH US"...... Boy do we need to remember that. We enter into God's presence in our car, at work, at school, or in the aisles of a grocery store, wherever we take time to pray to Him. It doesn't have to be this long elaborate prayer, it can be as short as saying "I need your help God", or " I just wanted to tell you how much I love you God". I don't know about you, but as for me, I don't pray enough! And the really sad thing is, I don't remember to pray. I often times try to do something myself without even asking God. Lately I've been praying and talking with God a great deal, and what a positive difference it makes in my life. There is one thing I can be sure of, God hears our prayers and answers everyone of them wherever and whenever they are given. And what's really great by doing so, He gives us even more reasons to pray. Remember, "GOD IS WITH US", SO TALK TO HIM! Prayer brings us to His presence My Prayer: Thank you God for always being their for me, and God I just wanted tell You, I LOVE YOU GOD AND THANK YOU FOR BEING MY GOD! Quote: St. Claire of Assisi Spiritual Teacher and Guide, Political and Religious Peacemaker (1193-1223) "Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for He that created you has sanctified you, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother." |
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preacher31
God's Answer 4/25/2008 10:04 - Subscribe
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I asked God, "How do I get the best out of life?" God said...........Face your past without regrets Handle your present with confidence...Prepare for the future without fear........AND KNOW THAT I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember that will you, God is with you Always. Keep Him in your heart, keep Him in your soul, keep God in you life, He is there for you. GOD LOVES YOU! |