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preacher31
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR REWARDS ON EARTH - Subscribe
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Scripture: "…we who are still alive and remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds t o meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NLT Awaiting our day "The story is told of an old missionary couple returning to the States after many years of thankless service in Africa. They happened to be on the same ship to New York as President Theodore Roosevelt, who was returning from a big game hunt in Africa. As the ship pulled past the Statue of Liberty and into the dock, huge crowds were gathered to welcome him home. The press was out in full force, and thousands of people had come to get a glimpse of the president. In the middle of the chaos, the aged missionary couple fought their way through the crowds with their large suitcases in tow. Silently they hailed a cab and made their way to a cheap hotel. The missionary sat on the bed and said to his wife, "It just doesn't seem right. We gave our lives to Christ to win souls for the Kingdom in Africa, and when we arrive home there is no one here to meet us. The president shoots a few animals and receives a royal welcome." His wife sat beside him on the bed and said softly, "That's because we're not home yet, dear." It may seem at times as if our work for Christ is going unnoticed. Faith doesn't bring a lot of praise on this earth. But that's only because our trip is not yet over. Our day will come, you can be sure. And when it does, the ceremony will last for an eternity. from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 346 |
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preacher31
WHEN A GOOD CHURCH BEGINS TO FAIL 12/04/2009 01:58 - Subscribe
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Scripture: For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Galatians 5:14-15. Reflection: Have you ever been a member of a church that is failing? It is a terrible thing to experience and I hope you never experience this kind of failing. I have seen and been involved with a failing church. The pain involved was unbelievable. In my observation, the failing began when the members, no longer motivated by love, became critical of others. They stopped looking for good in others and could only see their faults. Soon the unity of all the believers was infected and broken. The church failed. I have some questions for you to ask of yourself and ponder. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? Remind yourself of Jesus' command to love others as you love yourself. When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. If there are problems that need to be addressed, it is better to confront in love than to gossip. Prayer: Oh mighty God give me the strength to keep my tongue in check. Let patience, kindness, and love rule my life and love be my guide in relationship with my brothers and sisters. Let love be my guide in my relationships to all people and Your command to love one another be written in my heart, mind, and my spirit. In Jesus Name Amen. |
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preacher31
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT 12/05/2009 12:38 - Subscribe
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PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS COMING ! Remembering the poor shepherds and the circumstances of Christ's birth, so marked by poverty, let us make them reminders of the forgotten poor of our world. Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 Prayer: Adult: O Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, come and save your people. Joy of every heart, Strength of those who are poor, come quickly to help us. Child: Prince of Peace, teach the lion and the little lamb, teach the cat and the mouse, the the hawk and the tiny bird, teach everyone who doesn't get along to live in peace. |
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preacher31
LIFE'S JOURNEY 12/07/2009 09:16 - Subscribe
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Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting, 'Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!' |
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preacher31
EMBARRASSING GOD 12/08/2009 01:33 - Subscribe
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Have You Embarrassed Your Heavenly Father? "Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live." Titus 1:16 NLT Embarrassing God "Not so long ago I saw a man shopping in a grocery store while his young son ran up and down the aisles. The boy was unleashed and hyper, making a complete nuisance of himself. The father kept calling his son's name, but the boy only ran faster—up one aisle and down the other. Just as the father caught up with him, the boy reached out and grabbed a handful of candy bars. The father tried to take them away, but the boy held on tightly. Then he started to scream. It was a high-pitched, piercing scream that reverberated throughout the store. Clerks and customers turned to look from every direction as the frustrated father tried his best to squelch his son's cries. The boy only screamed louder and started to kick. Finally the father let him go, and once again he ran down the aisle with all his might, chocolate still clutched in his greedy little grip. I caught a glimpse of the father's face. It was the look of complete and total embarrassment. Although I'm sure he loved his son dearly, at this moment he was ashamed to be his father. Do you think God ever feels that way with his children? Imagine how he must feel when we become so earthly minded that we run through life, ignoring his voice and oblivious to his warning, grabbing things as we go and holding them tightly. Do you think God doesn't get embarrassed by the way his children act? Our life is a reflection of his authority. And when we disobey, he is the One the world scoffs at. from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 148 |