Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Keep yourself young in spirit always by thinking new thoughts
and getting rid of old habits. Lord, may my spirit never become
frail and my abilities never become barren.


Scripture for the day:

"It is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance
of the foolish. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not
use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone." ~1 Peter
2:15-17

Meditation for the day:

Each new days brings an opportunity to do some little thing that will
help to make a better world, that will bring God's kingdom a little
nearer to being realized on earth. We can take each day's happenings
as opportunities for something we can do for God. In that spirit, a
blessing will attend all that we do. When we offer this day's service
to God, we are sharing in God's work. We do not have to do great
things.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that today I may do the next thing, the unselfish thing, the
loving thing. I pray that I may be content with doing small things as
long as they are right.


Dialogue with Christ: Lord Jesus, I am sometimes afraid of what it means to die to myself. Help me to use all of my talents for your kingdom. Help me to realize that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and to courageously take steps to love you.

Resolution: I will practice patience with someone who annoys me today to show my love for Jesus.


Let Go .....

To "LET GO" Does not mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else.

To "LET GO" Is not to cut myself off, it's the realization that I can't control another human being.

To "LET GO" Is not to enable, but to allow someone to learn from their natural consequences.

To "LET GO" Is to admit powerlessness , which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To "LET GO" Is not to try to change or blame another, but to make the most of myself.

To "LET GO" Is not to care for, but to care about.

To "LET GO" Is not to fix, but to be supportive, and not violate my values.

To "LET GO" Is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "LET GO" Is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes , but to allow God to work in the lives of others.

To "LET GO" Is not to be protective, it's to permit another to face reality.

To "LET GO" Is not to deny, but to accept .

To "LET GO" Is not to nag, scold or argue with another person, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and allow God to correct them.

To "LET GO" Does not mean to deny the shortcomings in others, but to accept others unconditionally in love.

To "LET GO" Is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to accept each day as it comes; knowing God offers it to me for growth.

To "LET GO" Is not to criticize or regulate anybody, but to try to become the person I understand God wants me to be.

To "LET GO" Does not mean to compete against another human being, but rather, to compete within myself to learn "self- control" through circumstances God brings into my life.

To "LET GO" Does mean to fear less and love more.

To "LET GO" Means I don't demand my own way, but that I hold firm to my values and beliefs-- while allowing others the same privilege.

To "LET GO" Doesn't mean that I expect God to do everything for me, but that I let God show me how to do His will for my life.


THE FOUR CANDLES
Author Unknown


The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could
hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to
keep me lit."

Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer
indispensable."

Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to
stay lit any longer."

"People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even
forget to love those who are nearest to them."

And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly...

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning.

The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to
stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be
afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the
other candles."

With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other
three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.

With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and
Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

CALL TO ME
By Sally I. Kennedy
November 23, 2009


' Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and
mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3,

We could hear it before we could see it. One lone goose, honking
loudly on his way in. If any other geese had been on the small lake
this beautiful autumn morning, they would have answered the call.

“Hunters know this”, my husband explained. “That’s the reason for the
turkey callers that they use; they can learn where the birds are.”

The goose paddled around, near the water’s muddy edge by the lily
pads, all alone. No answer. No geese were on this lake. Perhaps
they had all flown south for the winter. It was well into fall, and
there’d been one chilly frost already.

I thought, good thing we can call to God ANY time at all, and He is
never gone. Isn’t it amazing? This almighty God of the universe, who
is unchanging, sovereign, steadfast, and ever-faithful, is the same
God who keeps a listening ear out for those calling out- for
companions, for help, for whatever. And, He will answer. It’s a
promise.

That is good news.


God used an important divine inspiration to prove to us that our Holy Scriptures contains truth... God used prophecy; this is the ability predict the future. Nobody else can do this, because only God is the creator of time and only God is above time to know what will happen in the future.

The Old Testament was written hundreds, even thousands, of years before the time of Jesus.

Arguably, the most important prophecy given to us was the prediction that Jesus will come to earth to save us. There are hundreds of biblical predictions concerning the birth, life, and death of Jesus in the Old Testament and which have been realised and confirmed in the New Testament. Below are just a few of them which you may find familiar...

In the Old Testament, we read about
a virgin who will become pregnant and it will be a sign that God is with us. (Isaiah 7:14)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the Virgin Mary, will give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High God. (Luke 1:31-32)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a star that will annouce the birth of a king. (Numbers 24:17)
In the New Testament, we are told that
wise men followed the star that led them to baby Jesus. (Matthew 2:2)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a ruler that will be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4-6)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a King who will be known as the Son of God. (Psalms 2:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
heaven announces Jesus as the Son of God. (Matthew 3:17)

In the Old Testament, we read about
one being betrayed by a close friend for 30 silver coins. (Psalms 41:9 and Zechariah 11:9,12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was betrayed by one of His apostles, Judas, for 30 silver coins. (Matthew 26:14-15 and Matthew 27:4)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a servant who is treated harshly and yet remaining silent. (Isaiah 53:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus kept quiet during harsh accusations. (Matthew 26:63)

In the Old Testament, we read about
one being rejected by one's own people. (Isaiah 53:3)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the crowds chanted for the death of Jesus. (Luke 23:18)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the cry and anguish of a man and the pains of his hands and feet. (Psalms 22:16)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus had his hands pierced by nails. (John 20:25)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a man calling out for God and being humiliated by other people who shook their heads at him. (Psalms 22:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
people hurled insults, shook their heads at Jesus, and humiliated him. (Matthew 27:39 and Luke 23:35)

In the Old Testament, we read about
God's servant who is numbered amongst the criminals. (Isaiah 53:12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was crucified with bandits. (Mark 15:27)

In the Old Testament, we read about
God's servant who is being harshly treated and yet still praying that they might be forgiven. (Isaiah 53:12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus prays for forgiveness to those who are killing Him. (Luke 23:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a victim whose clothes were gambled for and divided up amongst evil men. (Psalms 22:18)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the soldiers who killed Jesus threw dice and gambled for Jesus' clothes. (Luke 23:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a suffering man who is felt forsaken by his father. (Psalms 22:1)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus felt abandoned by God. (Matthew 27:46)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the good man whom the Lord preserves completely and none of his bones will be broken. (Psalms 34:20)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the soldiers did not break the legs of Jesus, as they did to the others who were crucified. (John 19:33)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the one who was stabbed to death and they mourn for him like those who mourn for an only child. (Zechariah 12:10)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus, the only Son of God, had his side pierced by a soldier's spear. (1 John 4:9 and John 19:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a devoted servant who would bear the punishment of many. (Isaiah 53:11)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus died for our sins. (1 Corinthians 15:3)

In the Old Testament, we read about
an innocent man who was buried with the rich. (Isaiah 53:9)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was taken by a rich man to be buried in the rich man's tomb. (Matthew 27:59-60)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a wise man who is saved from the power of death. (Psalms 49:15)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus rises from the dead. (Luke 24:34)

Prophecy is God's signature on the scriptures. So christians can rejoice, because God came to earth to save us. And we knew He would... We knew a thousand years before it happened.

No other book in the history of the world can approach the impact of the Bible. It has transformed countless lives. It has inspired great works of art, music and literature. The very wealthy have drawn success secrets from its pages; the most poor have found comfort and challenge in its words. And it is the basis for much of "civil" society in many parts of the globe.


THE SECRET
Author Unknown


A woman named Frances once knew a young person at church named Debbie.
Debbie always seemed effervescent and happy, although Frances knew she
had faced struggles in her life.

Her long-awaited marriage had quickly ended in divorce. She had
struggled to get a grip on her single life. She hadn't chosen it, but she decided
she would live it with utmost enjoyment and satisfaction.

Debbie was active in Sunday school, in the choir, as a leader of the
junior high girls' group, and in the church renewal movement. Frances
enjoyed knowing Debbie. Debbie's whole face seemed to smile and she
always greeted Frances with a hug.

One day Frances asked Debbie, "How is it that you are always so happy
you have so much energy, and you never seem to get down?"

With her eyes smiling, Debbie said, "I know the secret!"

"What secret is that?" "What are you talking about?" Frances asked.

Debbie replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise
to share the 'secret' with others." Frances agreed,

"Okay, now what is it?"

The secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life
that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy
and meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God
to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I
don't need half of what I think I do. HE has never let me down. Since
I learned that secret I am happy.

Frances' first thought was, That's too simple! But upon reflecting
over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would
make her happy-but it didn't! She thought a better-paying job would
make her happy-but it hadn't.

When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with
her grandchildren, eating pizza and watching a movie, a simple gift
from God. Debbie knew the secret, Frances learned the secret, and now
you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy-only GOD
in his wisdom can do that. Trust him. And now I pass the secret on to
you!

So once you get it, whatcha gonna do?

YOU have to tell someone the secret, too!

Kindness is a quality that belongs to the very nature of God (Mt 11:29). If you love God, it follows that you must also love all that God loves; and God loves the neighbors with whom you live. That being the case, you will go your way in life looking for occasions to help each and every one; to give them consolation, and to do all in your power to make them happy (Lk 6:33).

Kindness should be uppermost, especially in dealings with the poor because they are treated harshly by many. It also should be apparent in dealings with the sick and infirm, because these are already suffering under infliction. But above all, kindness should be our guide when we have dealings with those who are our enemies (Ro 12:21). Hatred must be conquered by love; persecution must be conquered by meekness.

Loving others isn't an option; it's a requirement -- a command. Not liking someone is no excuse for not loving them. As a follower of Christ, there are no excuses for not loving someone.


Let us pray:
Lord, we pray we may be all you have called us to be. May we be alert to the enemy's schemes to steal our positions in the truth; to knock us off guard and buckle our knees in fear and weakness. Help us to stand true and strong in our position of faith today. May we be courageous in the face of adversity and compassionate in the midst of confusion and chaos. Apart from you we have nothing, but with you today may we be on guard, true, courageous, strong and filled to overflowing with love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

- - -
Matthew 5:44 - "But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."

Matthew 11:29 - "I am gentle and humble in spirit." (Other translations read "meek and humble in heart".)

Luke 6:33 - "And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that!"

Romans 2:4 - Surely you know that God is kind, because he is trying to lead you to repent.

Romans 12:21 - Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. Do all your work in love.

Colossians 3:12 - You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Peter 2:15 - For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do.

- - -
"Always forgive your enemies -- Nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Closing Prayer:

Prayer or Blessing Against Storms

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!

(From the Pieta Prayer Booklet)

Greetings my friends! Thought I'd use the plain text again and word pad - to make this look better. Hope you all had a good day today - we have sun, and it warmed us up a bit, and hope it will continue getting warmer. I am still overwhelmed about all I have to do to get this house ready for a showing. May God help me and be my guide. I just need to see progress!!! Kitchen is clean - but I need to have the counters all cleaned off - so am wondering where to put everything to hide? I think I'll leave the coffee maker out. In the corner I have a Pampered Chef's Tool Around - with utensils in there - should that be gone? So much to think about. Linus went back to work today and it was a good day, praise the Lord! They were glad to have him back and his feet were okay. That is good news. I'm glad he has tomorrow off. I sure am blessed in having him and my girls! Lori plans on taking me to see Erma on Sunday again - I have to call her tonight to let her know we're coming and if that's alright, or if she has other plans.

Good night now - Sweet dreams and God bless you all! May your Wednesday be filled with many blessings.