Only By Prayer and Fasting

So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Mark 9:29 NKJV

This verse is the response of Jesus Christ, when he was asked by His disciples, why they were not able to cast out the demon that posessed the mute boy that also had seizures, as a result of this demon. Nine of Jesus' disciples were left behind, while Jesus, Peter, James and John were on the mountaintop. When the multitude came upon them, while Jesus was away, they were unable to cast out his demon. After He had done so, they were confused about why they were unable to cast it out, as He had given them the power to do so. Here Jesus explains that only through prayer and fasting can "this kind" be cast out.

Now, lest you think that "this kind" is referring to the demon, I want to be sure to inform you, that this is not the case. Though, surely, prayer and fasting may be necessary in order to cast out demons, Jesus here is talking about the disciples' lack of faith. The reason that the disciples were not able to cast out the demon is because they did not have faith in the ability to do so, and perhaps even the ability for the demon to be cast out at all, despite the fact that Jesus Himself gave them the ability.

A few verses earlier in Mark 9:19, we learn that

"He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."

Some might think, as I did at first, that Jesus is addressing the multitude that had gathered. But He is not. He is addressing the disciples, and their lack of faith. That despite what He has been teaching them about having faith, that they still don't seem to get it!

Let's look at Matthew 17:20 NKJV for more insight into what happened in this situation. (For those of you that do not use a KJV or NKJV bible, you may not have verse 21 in the text, so I will tell you that verse 21 includes the same line as in Mark 9:29. I do not know why some bibles include this verse in the text, and some do not, but I've been told it may be a matter of translation dates.)

So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 NKJV

So, you see, it seems as though Jesus may, in fact, be telling the disciples that their lack of faith requires prayer and fasting, in order that they might better understand the calling God has placed upon their lives.

Have you ever employed prayer and fasting in your daily life? And did you use that time to draw nearer to God, or did you only focus on feeling more worthy, because you were giving something up for God? Just bear in mind that when you fast, if you let it be known that you are fasting, any recognition you get for doing so, will be your reward. If it is done in secret however, God will reward you in secret. (Perhaps with the faith you are desiring?)

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face Mark 6:17 NKJV

Now, to be clear here: Jesus never says, "If you fast" or "You have to fast." However He does say "When you fast.." Implying that as a Christ follower it is expected that at some time or another you would fast.

As a matter of fact, there is more than one benefit to fasting. Richard Foster, in his book "Celebration of Discipline- The Path to Spiritual Growth" lists three benefits of fasting as 1. Fasting centers our hearts on God, 2. Fasting reveals the things that control us, and 3. Fasting is a discipline and discipline helps keep balance in our lives.

When I humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. Psalm 69:10 RSV

Or put another way:

And I weep in the fasting of my soul, And it is for a reproach to me. Psalm 69:10 Young's

And just so that you are aware, there is an instance in which where Jesus explains why His disciples do not fast, as John the Baptist's and the Pharisee's did. He states quite clearly, that when He is taken from them, then they will fast.

And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. Matthew 9:15 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Perhaps, we can take the concept of fasting in the same light as the full text of the original Scripture verses, in which the father of the boy states, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief." I pray you will meditate on this today, and if you feel led, you too will consider fasting as a regular part of your faith walk. Blessings to you!


Photo courtesy of Mykl Roventine

Is Salvation Forever?? by Shalene Kearney

Yesterday, I became excited about a thought that I had, and in so doing, took some scripture out of context to support my mindset. I did not do it purposefully, but as it turns out, my posting was not entirely correct. The part I was excited about was not correct, anyway. You see, my father is not a believer. He was as a child a "believer" inasmuch as he went to church and I assume, went through the motions. I was excited by the fact that we as true believers cannot have our salvation taken away from us. However, the operative words here are "true believers."

I initially interpreted this to mean that if my father was a sincere believer as a child, then his salvation was still his. Unfortunately, this cannot be the case. There is but one unpardonable sin. That is rejection of God. Not because He can't pardon it, but because those that reject Him, won't let Him, simply because of their rejection.

It just so happened that I got a devotional today that helped me to understand a bit better. (God is wondrous in His mysterious ways.) From In Touch Ministries, written by Dr. Charles Stanley, entitled The Assurance of Our Salvation based on scripture verse 1 John 5:10-13

"The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and the life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; He who does not have the Son does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life."

What does it all mean??

What it means is this. A true believer will not turn away from God. Because they truly believe and have faith in who He is and who His Son is. Which means that regardless of what my father did as a child, he was never a true believer. Therefore, He cannot claim salvation. However, those that may have turned away in the past, because they did not have true understanding, and therefore true faith; and then come back, so long as they now truly believe and have unwavering faith, can claim salvation. That would be me. (See comment to original post for clarification of this statement if necessary.)

Tara was right in that we cannot claim our salvation based on something we said years ago or in our childhood, as much as it saddens me to say so. It has to be a true commitment to Christ. That's not to say that a child can't make a true commitment to Christ. They can and often do. And they are saved, and can claim their salvation. It's only when they turn away, for a short time later in life, that their words as a child no longer have any value. Because they were just that- "words."

As far as Salvation being Forever? Well, I was correct in that a true believer's salvation cannot be taken away simply because they commit a sin. We all sin on a daily basis, sometimes more that once a day. However, because we repent of our sins, with a genuine and contrite heart, our salvation is still guaranteed. We have gone beyond the basic understanding of being a Christ follower.

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

--Lord, today I pray that my words are clearer and true to Your Holy Word. I thank You for the opportunity to study Your Word more, so that I might have a better understanding, and can minister only the Truth to those that read my words. May the Holy Spirit continue to work in me, and may the readers of these words be blessed. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

Try Not To Cry. Beautiful Story.

I started out posting about something completely different today, but felt moved to share this wonderful email I got today, as I was trying to draft my other post. I hope you like it. This is beautiful. Try not to cry.

Try Not to Cry. Beautiful Story.
She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: "How is my little boy ? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him ?"

The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it." Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer ? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?" The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university." Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. "Would you like a lock of his hair ?" the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could." Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep. It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said :

"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say "I Love You". I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD ! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

(Let's see Satan stop this one.) Take 60 seconds and repost this,
within the hour, you will have caused a multitude of believers to pray to God for each other. Then sit back and feel the Holy Spirit work in your life for doing what you know God loves. "When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

The Christian Hypocrite

This is the message we heard from Jesus* and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkenss; we are not practicing the truth. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 1 John 1:5-6, 8 (NLT)

How often have you heard someone state that Christians are all a bunch of hyprocrites? Or some variation of that? I've heard it many times, and the sad part is that at one time I said those same words. I felt like Christians thought they could do whatever they wanted and it would be ok, because they'd just ask forgiveness and go on like nothing ever happened. What's even sadder is that many people that call themselves "Christian" do just that. We live as though we can sin and it's alright so long as we ask forgiveness at the end of the day. This is NOT the way to live!

No, we are not perfect, only forgiven by a perfect God. But that does NOT mean that we can fulfill our sinful desires without consequence. You cannot be in fellowship with the Lord if you are behaving in willful disobedience to the Lord.

Ask yourself today, do I want to further the Kingdom of God by living as pure a life as I can, or do I want hinder someone's spiritual growth and possible salvation by giving the impression of hypocrisy? Are you a hypocrite, or a true Christ follower? A lover of all and treating them as such, and not just a lover of your own selfish desires?

Lord, I pray today, that I mirror your pure true love, by being as pure in my deeds and actions as I can humanly be. Cause the Holy Spirit to move within me so that my life will be a reflection of a true Christ follower. Not the phoniness of a "holier than thou". I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen

Are You Watching?? by Shalene Kearney

Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way , when you see all these things taking place you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth this generation* will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert and pray! Mark 13:28-33 (NLT)

I had a conversation recently, in which the topic was Jesus' return. Oh how I long for that day! I do not long for the suffering that I know will take place amongst the unbelievers, but I do long to go home. Do you watch and wait and pray for that day to come? Do you even believe that that day will come? I pray for the sake of your eternal soul, that you do.

So many times, we get caught up in our daily lives and the "busyness" of life and don't remember that this life is not all there is. There is a Higher purpose for our lives here on Earth. Are you living your life as though each day could be the last? Do you make a point to mirror Christ's love to everyone you come into contact with, so that you just might be the catalyst for their salvation through Jesus Christ's sacrificial blood? Or do you think to yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow?"

---Lord, I pray today that you show me every opportunity to mirror your love in all my activities. That you will show me every opportunity to share Your Good News. And I pray that you will move within me so that I do share that Good News. I pray that you give me the strength and the wisdom to do so. I pray that you will speak through me, because like Moses, I fear I do not have the gift of speech necessary to convince others. Only through you can I attain the level of perfection that you created me for. I pray for your swift return Lord, so that I may come home, and sit at your feet in worship. In Jesus' Holy Name I Pray.
Amen

A True Proverbs 31 Woman

As a Christian wife and mother, I find myself wanting to be a Proverbs 31 Woman. I strive to be all that she is. In doing so, I often find that I am trying to be all that she was, all at one time. Do you find yourself doing this? Do you find that you try to be a homemaker, business person, a giver of wise council, profitable in your dealings, able to spin fabrics or do other arts and crafts to beautify your home, and be faithful to the Lord all at once? The Proverbs 31 woman is said to be more precious than rubies, because of all that she does. I challenge you though, to find anywhere in Proverbs 31 that states she did all these things at the same time.

So often, I think we, as women living in the 21st century, try too hard to be all that society tells us we should be, while also attempting to keep that Word of God uppermost in our lives. I think that we forget that society is not the ruler by which we should measure ourselves. When we fall into the trap of perfectionistic performance, we subject ourselves to all manner of feelings that lead us into sinful behaviors and to have sinful feelings. Feelings of worry, anxiety, worthlessness, anger, self-pity, and on and on. How can we be givers of wise council, if the lives we lead to not illustrate that which would give glory to the Lord?

What happens to you when you feel worried, anxious, or unworthy? Do you, like me, take it out on those closest to you? Do you cease to be a mother whose "children stand and bless her" Proverbs 31:28 (NLT) or a wife whose "husband praises her." Proverbs 31:28 (NLT) Are you "clothed in strength and dignity, laughing without fear of the future"? Are your words "wise" and do you "give instructions with kindness"? Proverbs 31:25,26 (NLT)

We that are called to be wives and/or mothers are not called to perfection. We are called to be examples to our children of what Godly living is all about, and to be helpmates to our husbands. We are also called to be Titus 2 women: to "teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." Titus 2:3-5 We cannot do this if we are trying so hard that we miss the prize.

---Lord, I pray today that you show me the path to serenity and balance in my life. Convict me of my sinful desires to be perfect in every way. Show me where I can improve. Be merciful in your correction, Lord, in the same way that I am to be to my children. I desire first and foremost to serve you and to mirror Christ's love to my family and to all I come into contact with. I thank you for your guidance every day.
In Jesus Holy Name I Pray.
Amen

Grace by Suzanne Benner

"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (Acts 15:11).

Grace. It is a radical claim, an implausible idea.Yet it is the central tenet of Christianity and the element that sets our faith apart from every other world religion."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
The Bible teaches that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God's approval. Because of His holiness, He requires perfection. Yet, "There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins" (Ecclesiastes 7:20). If we hope that when our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds it will satisfy God, we are mistaken because Isaiah says, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away" (Isaiah 64:6).

Our good deeds are worthless when compared to God's goodness. How then do we access grace - the undeserved favor of God?" That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). We are asked to believe. In some ways it seems harder than working diligently to change and be good, because it requires utter humility and reliance on God. Yet when we cry, "Save me God, for I cannot save myself," we join the ranks of thousands, who for generations have relied on God's grace alone.

~God, Your offer of grace is beyond comprehension. Help me to believe.

Discover Your Life's Assignment by Bob Gass

"If anyone serves he should do it with the strength god provides."
1 Peter 4:11 NIV

If you watch people who are fulfilling their life's assignment, their motivation is high. They have amazing endurance to overcome obstacles. They are growing and learning. There's real joy in what they do. To miss out on your life's assignment is to miss out on why God made you. Whether your job is in a church or a business, you were gifted and called by God - and you'd better take it seriously! Here are some questions to help you find your life's assignment:

What's my raw material? God has given you a certain temperament and talents, and you have to honour your raw material. What unlocks your compassion? (Sometimes the problem that infuriates you most is the problem you were born to solve.) Why do I do this? There's a big difference between doing something because you believe God's called you to it, and doing what your parents, your friends or your ego wants you to do. What are my limitations? Knowing what you're called to do often starts with discovering what you're not called to do. When you can accept your limitations, you're on the road to understanding your life's assignment.

So let's be clear: you have an assignment. It has to do with what God hard-wired into you. You must seek it with an open mind. When people pretend to be something they're not, they live with a chronic sense of inadequacy and set themselves up for a lifetime of frustration. Don't do that. Be ruthlessly open to the truth about yourself. Your life's assignment is something you discover, not something you choose.

My "Church," My "Religion," and My Faith

If you have followed my last few posts regarding "church" membership, fellowship and accountability, then you will understand that I do support the attendance within a "church." I do this not because I support a particular doctrine or place of worship, rather it is because I find that fellowship with like minded believers helps to strengthen my own faith walk. I do not expect others to agree with my stance, nor do I feel it lessens their ability to strengthen their own faith walk, unless they find that they are unable or unwilling to "walk in the Spirit" on their own. There are not many that can do so. In order for most to be strong in their faith and in their convictions that what they believe is the Truth, they need others to help guide their steps. Yesterday, in the church that I attend, our pastor made a good point for this. He gave an illustration of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus took 3 of his closest "friends" and asked them to stand watch for him, because as He said: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Matthew 26:36-38 (NIV) In Ecclesiastes we read that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to heop him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) This was also from our sermon yesterday. The basis for this sermon was being Spiritual Warriors for the Lord, and that we all need others that will help us. This does not mean that we must belong to a "church" as a place, but rather to a "church" as a body of LIKE MINDED believers, regardless of the meeting "place." I do not think it necessary for me to denounce my "religion" as my faith is my "religion." I give myself a label of "Christian" because that is what others would say I am. I am a Christ follower, first and foremost. I am not perfect, only loved by a perfect God! Nor has any other Christian ever been perfect (Jesus was not a Christian, as He did not follow himself.) I do not feel as some do that the Cross is a symbol of warfare, but rather a symbol of all that Christ gave, so that we might have eternal life. I do not worship the cross, but rather the one that died upon it, and then rose from the dead 3 days later! I pray the blessings of the Lord upon all that read this post.

Goodbye Ruth Bell Graham

We here at A Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe, just want to send out our prayers and our condolences to the family and friends of the Graham family. May you all have peace. Ruth Graham died today, Thursday June 14, 2007 at her home at Little Piney Cove in Montreat, NC. She was 87. Type rest of the post here

HOLINESS By Gail Rodgers

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Psalm 51:6).

The preacher was talking about "holy living." Sharon yawned. It made her think of quiet monasteries. Surely "holiness" could not to be expected in this day and age! She dismissed the word as old and musty and the sermon as irrelevant.

Before going to sleep, Sharon opened her Bible. Tonight she would read a quick Psalm. Verse 6 of Psalm 51 jumped out at her:
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."

The Holy Spirit shone His light into her heart. Suddenly, with clarity, she understood what holiness was. God was whispering to her heart. "Holiness is truth in the inner parts."

She hadn't expected God to really speak to her heart tonight. The inner parts were the places no one else saw...only God. This was where her true attitudes lived, this was where she hid the words that sprang to her mind when she was angry, this was where the justifications of her little white lies were tucked away.

Sharon had recently asked God to help her become "whole" as she struggled with some issues in her life. She had had no idea that "wholeness" comes through "holiness."

Sharon knew she needed God's wisdom to teach her in these hidden places. A new desire for holiness sprang up in her heart. With the light of God's Spirit shining on these hidden areas Sharon knew she wanted to live differently.

What a revelation. God had so gently taken her heart and drawn her on toward wholeness. Never again would she see "holiness" as musty and irrelevant.

She asked God to forgive her for the hidden things in her heart. With His help she would begin telling the truth in her inner part. She thanked Him for showing her the true meaning of a holy life. She asked Him to bring His wisdom into the places where attitudes, words and integrity were hidden issues that were silently robbing her of all God wanted to do in and through her. Holiness...the pathway to wholeness!

~Father God, today I want to thank You that You never leave me alone. You always draw me on in my walk with You. Thank you for showing me that holiness is simply "truth in the inner parts." Today I invite You to penetrate my inner parts and reveal to me the areas where You want to free me from hidden thoughts, words, attitudes, and integrity issues only I know about. I need Your wisdom in these places as I journey on to wholeness. Thank you for the light of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Is There Any Need for Church??

There are those that would say that going to church is not necessary for salvation. There are those that would disagree. Here's what I think: going to "church" is not necessary for salvation. However, I do think that fellowship with other believers is necessary for continued growth and discernment in your Christian faith walk. Jesus said that gathering together to study his words and his message and finding agreement (everyone agreed as to what was meant, and all understood.)

"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers,* I am there among them." Matthew 18:19,20 (NLT) *Greek: gathered in my name

These were Jesus' words, people! He instructed us to gather together so that we might lift one another up, and be able to discern God's will in all matters, rather than our own. All believers have the Holy Spirit within to help guide their ways, but God did not take away our free will when He gave us the Spirit. We are still tempted, and we will still ignore the Spirit's prompting and need others that will hold us accountable, and take the time to explain why our sin was sin. (I think that quite often our sin may not actually be intentional, or we just have not evaluated whether our actions or thoughts are sinful.)

The only perfect human was Jesus himself, and even He kept fellowship with others so that He might teach them, and so that all might learn from one another and keep each other accountable to the Word of God and to His instruction as Christ followers. Jesus also stated that the church would be the rock upon which His foundation would be laid.

By "church" He meant a body of believers that were in fellowship with one another on a regular and consistent basis. Whether that means going to an organized church every Sunday, or having a bible study in your home regularly, I don't know if it matters. What does matter is that you have fellowship.

In fact, I think it's possible to have virtual fellowships, if they are consistent, and the people in fellowship with one another can truly be in fellowship with one another. I also feel it's necessary that there is some educated knowledge of scripture, with attendees all having various levels of spiritual maturity, but with at least one person that is able to teach the others (because they have studied the word extensively and have tested their interpretations of it.)

Even Jesus went to synagogue regularly. "When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. Luke 4:16 (NLT) If Jesus, the Son of God, and Savior of all, went to church regularly, who are we to dissuade anyone??? I for one wouldn't want to take the chance that I might be discouraging someone from seeking the Lord.

If you read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25 You will find that Paul shows us here that we all need one another, because we are each a part of the whole "body of Christ." And goes on to say that "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it..." 1 Cor 12:25-27 (NLT)

For those that say that the church today is not what Jesus intended, I say this: Many churches and congregations have stumbled in their efforts to spread the Good News, and some have had leaders that stumbled. But who are we to judge? Do we not have logs in our own eye? I do not think that we can lump all churches into this group.

There are churches available that teach the Word of God, as it is written; and that strive to be truly godly in their leadership, and encourage their members to do the same. The only thing that is accomplished by discouraging church attendance, is that unbelievers usually stay unbelievers, and sinners die without ever knowing the saving grace of God.

So again I say: Do I think that church attendance is the only way to be in fellowship with other believers? No, I don't. However, I do think you must be in fellowship, in some manner. Do I think that every believer needs another to help hold them accountable? Most assuredly yes. To believe otherwise, is to listen to the deceiver, just as Eve did in the Garden, when she was told that by eating the fruit of knowledge, she would be as God. You cannot be sinless, it is not possible. You can try, and you can come close, perhaps, but all of us are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. Even after accepting Christ as our savior. Let go of pride in self, and reach out in love to others that may need your "body part."
Love and Blessings in His Holy Name.

Stewards - Not Owners! By Bob Gass

"He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:30

When the crowds left John the Baptist to follow Jesus, he said: "This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the centre, while I slip off to the sidelines" (John 3:30 TM). John thought like a steward. A steward simply manages something for the owner until he comes to take it back. John knew that the crowd leaving him for Christ was never his to begin with. God had simply placed them under his care for a period of time to accomplish certain purposes. With John this was apparently just fine.

John's view of stewardship presents us with an important principle. For his crowds may be our careers, our assets, our natural and spiritual gifts, etc. Are these things owned or merely managed in the name of the One Who entrusted them to us? Your answer depends on whether you're called or driven. Driven people consider them owned; called people don't. When driven people lose things it's a major crisis; when called people lose them, nothing's changed. Why? Because their calling is not to a position, it's to a person - the person of Christ. Knowing who he was not was the beginning of John knowing who he was. And who was he? A steward! And he didn't aspire to anything beyond that.

What is success, as God counts success? It's when others hear you, but follow Jesus. It's when others see some quality in you that causes them to fall more in love with Him. Only when that happens, and you feel like you've lost nothing in the process, can you truly say, "Father, I've done what You called me to do."

AM I QUIET? By Marilyn Ehle

"I have stilled and quieted my soul..." (Psalm 131:2).

Whether it be the insistent cry of the corporate ladder, the more vocal cry of small children, or the never-ending cry of our loneliness, cacophony surrounds us. However, even the most "type A" personally eventually discovers that the soul, that deep place within, longs - indeed requires - stillness.

I am amazed that the writer of Psalm 131 does not ask for a seminar, retreat or religious "professional" to teach him how to be quiet. He simply says, "I have stilled and quieted my soul..." Did he hide in a cave in the midst of actual battle for moments of spiritual re - arming? Perhaps it was during the daily schedule of unrelenting decision-making as king that he escaped into a quiet side room of the palace?

In our modern world with its press of sound via television, radio, iPods, internet and cell phones, it becomes imperative for the Christian to learn how to "still and quiet" the soul. But this is not a habit that comes naturally; we are attuned to the clock and calendar, somehow wanting instant quietness without effort. Anyone who has suffered through learning to play a musical instrument knows the tendency to skip over those daily and often frustrating practice sessions. In similar fashion, any spiritual practice must also be actually practiced.

The psalmist says that the result of a stilled and quieted soul is the attitude of a small child who leans close to his mother, fully confident in her love, care and protection. There is ultimate and sure blessing ahead for the one who is learning to be still and quieted.

~Lord, I am impatient for so many things. I want results without effort, without practice. Not only does my head know that I need quiet, but the core of my being longs for it. Please help me understand and practice the disciplines that will lead to a stilled soul.

Love God with all your weakness by Jon Walker

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ….'” (Luke 10:27 NIV)

No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit that you are weak and that your strength is limited.

By doing this, you acknowledge God as the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.

As you allow God to show his strength, you will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through the Father as he gives you his strength (Phil. 4:13). You’ll take steps of faith you never thought possible, and you’ll love others in a way you never imagined as God supplies you with supernatural strength and energy.

God is strong and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his own glory.

God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; he is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. God only asks you to take one step of faith at a time.

So what?

· Tell God you need his strength – and really mean it this time. Ha! When you try to love and serve others with just your own strength, you’ll inevitably fail. After all, there are a lot of frustrating, unlovable people out there. (Just ask some of my friends!) And that’s OK because God wants you to fail in your own strength so you’ll start to rely upon his strength.

· You can’t love God wholeheartedly – Jesus knows you won’t be able to love God with your whole heart until you become dependent upon his strength to do so. You simply can’t do it through your own energy or strength, but Jesus also knows you’ll come to realize this yourself the more you attempt to love God – and others – on your own. At that point, you’re faced with a very clear but difficult choice: Keep on keeping on in your own strength, wondering why this abundant life thing doesn’t work, or take the “Nestea plunge” into the deep end of dependence on God’s strength.

· One step of faith at a time – Relying on God’s strength doesn’t mean he will require you to take giant leaps of faith. He’s taking you on a lifelong journey, and my experience is that God only asks for one step at a time. The so-called “leaps of faith” you see some people take actually are the culmination of a lot of little steps of faith that you may not be aware of. The first step is to ask God to be your strength as you take your first steps of faith. Willingness to rely on him is a step of faith.

Rivers And Reservoirs (2) by Bob Gass

Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a [memorial offering] before God.
Acts 10:4 NIV

The things you do for others don't go unnoticed. God is keeping track of every single one. He "doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well… the love you've shown Him… by helping" (Hebrews 6:10 TM). God heard the kind words you spoke to that person who was hurting. He saw your sacrificial giving when you could least afford it. By doing what you did you paved the way for God to help you. He's storing it all up so that in your time of need you'll have a rich account to draw on.

The Bible speaks about a Roman soldier named Cornelius, a "good man… always helping people in need" (Acts 10:2 TM). And what happened to Cornelius? His family became the first Gentile household to hear and receive the Gospel. What a payoff! Why did God pick Cornelius? Because of his generous spirit, "An angel… came to him and said… 'Your… gifts… have come up as a [memorial offering] before God'" (Acts 10:4 NAS).

And, a lady was praying about starting a pet grooming business but couldn't afford to advertise. So she went to her local animal shelter and volunteered to groom the pets in order to help increase their chances for adoption. Interestingly, the harder she worked the more her own business grew by word of mouth. Finally she ended up with more clients than she could handle!

Does that mean if you don't help others God won't help you? No, thankfully His love is unconditional. But a missed opportunity to give is a missed opportunity to receive, because when you are generous with others God promises to be generous with you.

Rivers And Reservoirs (1) by Bob Gass

Be stingy and lose everything. The generous... prosper.
Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT
One reason the Dead Sea is a big tourist attraction is because it's got such high mineral concentrations that even nonswimmers can stay afloat in its waters. The only problem is that, because it has no outlets, any fresh water that comes in quickly becomes contaminated. Solomon said, "Be stingy and lose everything. The generous… prosper." God never intended us to be reservoirs that just take in; He called us to be rivers that flow out to bless others. Something interesting happens when you stop focusing on yourself and get concerned with other people's needs.
Paul says, "A person who gives cheerfully… will… have… plenty left … to share" (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT). If you want to grow you've got to sow! When the Macedonian church was "tested by great troubles, and… very poor… they gave… much… more than they could afford" (2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NCV). They understood that when you invest in the lives of others, God promises to meet your needs too.

So if you need a job today, volunteer at a soup kitchen while you're looking for work. If you're praying for an increase in your business, pour yourself into somebody else's business and ask God to prosper them. The Bible says when you "Give generously… your gifts will return to you later," plus, "In the days ahead you yourself may need… help" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 TLB).

Even if you don't have a specific need right now, sow a seed of kindness anyway. Only God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it the most it'll come back to bless you with a harvest.

ONLY GOD by Winsome Smith

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).

We like to feel that we're capable, in control. We know our goals, our resources, and our limitations. We expect minor obstacles on the path, of course, but most of us face times in life when we feel quite self-sufficient.

Dare we name that self-sufficiency for what it is?
When we attempt to live our lives on our own terms, we fall victim to some of the oldest lies. They go back to the Garden. We think God has withheld something that would make life more fulfilling, that our way is better, and that we can do life on our own. Pride tells us that we can live life on our own terms and in our own power.

Eventually we face problems and challenges that introduce a note of frustration into our lives. We are faced with a relationship gone sour, a loved one who is suffering, a need that is bigger than we can handle. We may enlist the help or concern of friends or family. Then we realize that they too are unable to make the problem go away. "It's impossible," we say, and we turn away in discouragement.

Is it possible, dear one, that the challenge you face is the key to a deep, profound joy, one rooted in intimacy with God Almighty? An overwhelming task, a difficult relationship, the burden on your heart can drive you to a deeper dependence on God Himself. Is there some impossibility facing you that you cannot manage on your own? Have you become tired of trying? Invite the God of the impossible into that place.

God alone can change hearts, renew minds, and restore relationships so that they mirror the Father's relationship with His Son. God alone can bring an abiding peace in hearts that have been set in opposition to Him and to one another. God alone can take unspeakable pain and turn it into a place of blessing. God alone can turn mourning to joy and desperation to a rock-solid hope. God alone can make us new.

Only God specializes in the impossible. Will you join with me today in asking God for what only He can do? Take time to talk to Him today about the impossibilities in your life and the lives of those you love.

Prayer: Lord, I face impossible circumstances and relationships today. I lay aside my own agenda and timetable, and ask for Your guidance and provision. Would you work in these situations? Show me who You are in the middle of my difficulty. I entrust myself to You this day, knowing that You alone are my sufficiency.

TRIPLE-A RELATIONSHIP GUIDE by Gail Rodgers

True spirituality is evidenced in our lives through our relationships. It's one of the most nitty gritty places where we desperately need the Spirit of God on a daily basis.

Think of the three most important relationships in your life right now. Think of each one of the individuals in those relationships. Ask God to help you build into that relationship today in these three ways.

All relationships need the triple-A treatment. Be intentional in offering:

Appreciation

Watch for the things you can appreciate in a specific person today. Focus on the positives. Be willing to express appreciation where you can. So often we don't take the time to notice the things someone else does for us. Watch for the things you may have started to take for granted and voice your appreciation sincerely.

Attention

Be willing to slow down long enough today to give some focused attention to someone in your top three relationships. Stop to really listen when they are talking to you. Make the effort to look into their eyes when you are speaking with them or listening to them. Book a time with them to go for coffee or do something you keep meaning to do together. Be intentional about your awareness and consideration of the other person.

Affection

Give affection to these most important people in your life. Don't be stingy with hugs or pats. Speak with tenderness and kindness in your voice rather than the hurried irritation that creeps into "too busy" lives. Say "I love you" to those dearest to you often. Offer your spouse some focused time of physical attention. Touch is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.

Jesus' words in John 13:35 when he said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another", really begins at home.

Father God,

Thank You for the special people You have put into my life. I confess that I am often too busy to take the time to apply these three A's to my relationships. Help me today to be deliberate in giving appreciation, attention and affection. May my life and my part in my relationships be characterized by Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Nothing Is Ever Lost! By Bob Gass- for The Vine

Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.

John 6:12 TM

Did you know that what starts as a curse can end as a blessing? When the Mexican boll weevil devastated the southeast Alabama cotton crop, farmers reverted to planting peanuts and ended up producing more than any county in the nation. Consequently the town of Rucker erected a monument bearing this inscription, "In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity.

When Jesus discovered Lazarus was sick he didn't respond till after he'd been dead four days. But because Jesus was waiting didn't mean He wasn't working. He chose to demonstrate His resurrecting power - to prove that nothing's too hard for God. Joseph was falsely imprisoned for 13 years. But God was with him and he went on to save multitudes, including his family who'd mistreated him. Joseph's struggles made him better, not bitter. But it could have ended differently if he hadn't maintained the right attitude. God used Esther to save her people, but first he put her in the position of living away from her family with her family heritage kept secret. Even though a widow, Ruth ended up gleaning in a field where she met and married a wealthy man named Boaz. In addition to bearing him children, she became part of Jesus' ancestral bloodline.

So, if you're struggling to see God's purpose in your suffering today, rest assured He has one. After feeding a multitude Jesus told His disciples, So, if you're struggling to see God's purpose in your suffering today, rest assured He has one. After feeding a multitude Jesus told His disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." In God's kingdom nothing is ever lost. When you trust Him He makes "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28)