Source of joy and peace
"Open my eyes to the wonderful truths in your law. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws. Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. I will keep on obeying your lay forever and forever.
May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight. +Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble."
Psalm 119:18, 30, 41-44, 74-77, 165 NLT
Knowing the person behind the book
To own a Bible—to know we have it if we need it—brings a certain measure of peace. When we actually read and begin to understand it we are better able to receive peace of mind and heart. And when we apply what God's Word teaches, our lifestyle actually becomes a fertile place where peace can grow. But when we truly grow to love this wisdom given to us by its loving author, we have actually come to put our trust in the person behind the book. The writer of Psalm 119 grew to love God's law because it revealed who God was. We can rest assured when we follow the principles that issue from God's great love and wisdom.
from the TouchPoint Bible with commentaries by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale) p 535
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Merry Heart is Good Medicine -- Christian Jokes to Brigthen Your Day
Christian One Liners
Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers..
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.
Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, HE qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers..
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.
Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, HE qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Pleading the Blood of Jesus in Prayer
Pleading the Blood of Jesus
When we talk about “pleading” the blood of Jesus, we are not talking about “begging.” “Pleading the blood” should not be considered a desperation exercise; God has not called us to come begging before Him. maybe you have heard people pray the words, “Father God, we come under the blood of Jesus.” Or, “Lord, we cover this matter with the blood of Jesus.”
As many of our great hymns proclaim, we believe in the power of the Blood, because we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that the Cross was the instrument of global redemption which broke the power of hell.
Pleading the blood of Jesus is not the superstitious application of a magic formula of words. Rather, a spiritual dynamic is being applied. The power of the blood of Jesus Christ is greater than both the energy of our own humanity and that of our Adversary. The power that saves is also the power that releases, delivers, and neutralizes the enterprises of hell and the weaknesses of the flesh. The appropriation of the power of the Blood in tough situations is intended for every believer in Christ to know, to understand, and to employ.
Dr. Jack hayford writes that there is an abiding presence of power in the blood of Jesus—all the time, in every situation in which we apply it. Pleading the blood of Jesus is a heaven-given resource that grants us a license to stand in dominion over the works of hell. We can use it in the same sense that an attorney stands before the court and makes a “plea” on legal grounds, based upon a body of evidence.
According to Dr. Hayford, when you and I come before the court of heaven—and in every circumstance we face in life—we have the legal right, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to enter a plea and to lay claim to the evidence (His slain body, His shed blood at the Cross) which is proven to neutralize the power of sin, the power of affliction, the power of death, and the power of hell. It is to that I make my plea when I plead the blood of Jesus, whether I face demonic, physical, or personal attack, condemnation or the temptation to sin.
There is no circumstance in life to which the blood of Jesus isn’t key to God’s releasing, protecting, resolving power, whether it’s removing the potential of confusion, overcoming the impact of rebellion, breaking the torment of fear, or the shame of the past. When we “plead the blood,” we are to do so in the understanding sense, with the firepower of the supernatural, and on the basis of the body of evidence that. Tough the blood of Jesus Christ, all hell has been broken in its power, all sin neutralized, the power of death overwhelmed, and every human need paid for once and for all.
When you pray, utilize the power of the Blood of Christ. Pray, "I plead the Blood of Jesus over _______ (insert person or problem) and I ask the Holy Spirit to apply the power of the Blood of Jesus in Jesus' Name." It is a scripture-based way to pray and wage spritual warfare. For more on the POWER IN THE BLOOD
See my web-blog of Pastor's meditations Word and Spirit at http://www.burtchurch.blogspot.com/
When we talk about “pleading” the blood of Jesus, we are not talking about “begging.” “Pleading the blood” should not be considered a desperation exercise; God has not called us to come begging before Him. maybe you have heard people pray the words, “Father God, we come under the blood of Jesus.” Or, “Lord, we cover this matter with the blood of Jesus.”
As many of our great hymns proclaim, we believe in the power of the Blood, because we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that the Cross was the instrument of global redemption which broke the power of hell.
Pleading the blood of Jesus is not the superstitious application of a magic formula of words. Rather, a spiritual dynamic is being applied. The power of the blood of Jesus Christ is greater than both the energy of our own humanity and that of our Adversary. The power that saves is also the power that releases, delivers, and neutralizes the enterprises of hell and the weaknesses of the flesh. The appropriation of the power of the Blood in tough situations is intended for every believer in Christ to know, to understand, and to employ.
Dr. Jack hayford writes that there is an abiding presence of power in the blood of Jesus—all the time, in every situation in which we apply it. Pleading the blood of Jesus is a heaven-given resource that grants us a license to stand in dominion over the works of hell. We can use it in the same sense that an attorney stands before the court and makes a “plea” on legal grounds, based upon a body of evidence.
According to Dr. Hayford, when you and I come before the court of heaven—and in every circumstance we face in life—we have the legal right, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to enter a plea and to lay claim to the evidence (His slain body, His shed blood at the Cross) which is proven to neutralize the power of sin, the power of affliction, the power of death, and the power of hell. It is to that I make my plea when I plead the blood of Jesus, whether I face demonic, physical, or personal attack, condemnation or the temptation to sin.
There is no circumstance in life to which the blood of Jesus isn’t key to God’s releasing, protecting, resolving power, whether it’s removing the potential of confusion, overcoming the impact of rebellion, breaking the torment of fear, or the shame of the past. When we “plead the blood,” we are to do so in the understanding sense, with the firepower of the supernatural, and on the basis of the body of evidence that. Tough the blood of Jesus Christ, all hell has been broken in its power, all sin neutralized, the power of death overwhelmed, and every human need paid for once and for all.
When you pray, utilize the power of the Blood of Christ. Pray, "I plead the Blood of Jesus over _______ (insert person or problem) and I ask the Holy Spirit to apply the power of the Blood of Jesus in Jesus' Name." It is a scripture-based way to pray and wage spritual warfare. For more on the POWER IN THE BLOOD
See my web-blog of Pastor's meditations Word and Spirit at http://www.burtchurch.blogspot.com/
The Miraculous Blood of Jesus
One of the great offensive prayers that we can pray is to "plead the Blood of Jesus" over people and situations. To enter a plea is a legal term, and God is a legal God. When we enter a plea of the Blood of Jesus in Jesus' name, we are calling on the highest power in the universe in our hehalf.
THE PASSOVER in the Old Testament Scriptures is the focal point of understanding the power of the blood. All sacrifice that proceeds after that in the Mosaic system is founded on this principle: through the blood of sacrifice, there is deliverance, protection, and a God-provided future. This mighty forecasting picture was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus. I recently heard a fine teaching by Dr. Jack Hayford (who wrote the classic chorus "Majesty") that explained pleading the blood very well. I include some of his thoughts here.
Jesus had not even begun his ministry when, appearing before the waters of baptism, John the Baptist announced of Him: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Everyone present understood the implication of his words, but it was difficult for them to come to terms with the idea that the Messiah, who is the King, is also the sacrifice, who is the Lamb. John was raising a signal not only to that day but also to all history.
When we deal with the subject of the blood, we are not dealing with some gory residue of ancient human superstition. When we talk about the blood of Christ, we are dealing with that which the Scriptures refer to as precious for its transcendent value to address human sin, need, failure, and bondage. Its value is related to the inestimable price of human liberty from the bondage of spiritual torment. The blood of Jesus is the central economic factor in all human order. Jack Hayford writes: So central is it that the Bible says Christ’s blood will the theme of our praise forever."
THE PASSOVER in the Old Testament Scriptures is the focal point of understanding the power of the blood. All sacrifice that proceeds after that in the Mosaic system is founded on this principle: through the blood of sacrifice, there is deliverance, protection, and a God-provided future. This mighty forecasting picture was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus. I recently heard a fine teaching by Dr. Jack Hayford (who wrote the classic chorus "Majesty") that explained pleading the blood very well. I include some of his thoughts here.
Jesus had not even begun his ministry when, appearing before the waters of baptism, John the Baptist announced of Him: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Everyone present understood the implication of his words, but it was difficult for them to come to terms with the idea that the Messiah, who is the King, is also the sacrifice, who is the Lamb. John was raising a signal not only to that day but also to all history.
When we deal with the subject of the blood, we are not dealing with some gory residue of ancient human superstition. When we talk about the blood of Christ, we are dealing with that which the Scriptures refer to as precious for its transcendent value to address human sin, need, failure, and bondage. Its value is related to the inestimable price of human liberty from the bondage of spiritual torment. The blood of Jesus is the central economic factor in all human order. Jack Hayford writes: So central is it that the Bible says Christ’s blood will the theme of our praise forever."
Pray for the Children and Youth -- Remember Proverbs 22:6
Please pray for our youth. It is a complex world they live in, and they need to be clothed in our prayers. Sometimes I feel that our youth grow up too fast, that they are thrown into the mix so quickly that they miss some of the joys I experienced in my high school years. Their schedules are full of activity, but is there room or time for careful reflection and gentle personal growth of a deeper nature?
In an "it's all about me" world, is there any true focus on thinking beyond oneself, in helping others, and in intentionally living the Christian life.. In a world filled with so much greed and self-centeredness, the church cries out for a balance in life. The Bible gives us a path, the Jesus Way, but the world competes savagely for their attention. They need our nurture, our direction, and our prayers.
Proverbs 22:6 is just as true now as when it was written "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Youth are children, especially until they are 18 and in many ways until they are 21, and sometimes beyond that arbitrary age.
Training is NOT letting children and youth have their own way all of the time. It involves guidance and leadership by the adults in their lives, and definitely by those who are their parents and by others caring adults who are in the churches they are affiliated with in their young lives. So we must pray fervently for them. It is our Christian duty to pray for them individually each day.
In an "it's all about me" world, is there any true focus on thinking beyond oneself, in helping others, and in intentionally living the Christian life.. In a world filled with so much greed and self-centeredness, the church cries out for a balance in life. The Bible gives us a path, the Jesus Way, but the world competes savagely for their attention. They need our nurture, our direction, and our prayers.
Proverbs 22:6 is just as true now as when it was written "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Youth are children, especially until they are 18 and in many ways until they are 21, and sometimes beyond that arbitrary age.
Training is NOT letting children and youth have their own way all of the time. It involves guidance and leadership by the adults in their lives, and definitely by those who are their parents and by others caring adults who are in the churches they are affiliated with in their young lives. So we must pray fervently for them. It is our Christian duty to pray for them individually each day.
Ways to Meditate Upon the Lord!
Meditating Upon the Lord is a remarkable prayer tool. Here are some fun ways to meditate upon Him!
1. PRAISE JESUS FROM A TO Z. For example, "Jesus, You are amazing ... Jesus, You are beautiful...." This will challenge you to think deeply about who Jesus is and why you love and serve Him. As you praise Jesus using each letter of the alphabet, spend time meditating on each word you use to describe Him. Thinking deeply about Him is more important than racing through each letter of the alphabet as fast as you can.
2. WRITE OUT YOUR PRAYERS TO JESUS. You might write them in a journal, or purchase special stationery for these precious letters, as you might do if you were sending a letter to someone you have fallen deeply in love with. At the end of the letter, sign your name, just as you would a normal letter. Something powerful and deeply intimate happens when you record your thoughts and prayers in a letter to Jesus.
3. MAKE A LIST of the hurts and needs in your life. As you come to a verse that shows how God can meet that need, write it down next to that need. Like the letters mentioned above, you can do this in your journal, or separately. You might even create a journal that records only your needs and relevant Scriptures. As you do this, you create your own book of God's promises!
4. REREAD YOUR NOTES OF THE YOUR PASTOR's SERMON from the previous week. Remember and apply truth. Find a verse in the text that has helped you grow, and write a note giving thanks for the sermon and insight on the passage.
5. READ YOUR FAVORITE HYMN. Spend some time meditating about each of the hymn's verses and its overall message. Find the passage in the Bible that the hymn was based upon, and think about how the hymn describes and reflects that truth. Spend some time researching how and why the hymn was composed. What were the circumstances? You can Google the hymn or look in a book about hymns. Think about how the hymn reflects the author's response to God during his or her circumstances.
1. PRAISE JESUS FROM A TO Z. For example, "Jesus, You are amazing ... Jesus, You are beautiful...." This will challenge you to think deeply about who Jesus is and why you love and serve Him. As you praise Jesus using each letter of the alphabet, spend time meditating on each word you use to describe Him. Thinking deeply about Him is more important than racing through each letter of the alphabet as fast as you can.
2. WRITE OUT YOUR PRAYERS TO JESUS. You might write them in a journal, or purchase special stationery for these precious letters, as you might do if you were sending a letter to someone you have fallen deeply in love with. At the end of the letter, sign your name, just as you would a normal letter. Something powerful and deeply intimate happens when you record your thoughts and prayers in a letter to Jesus.
3. MAKE A LIST of the hurts and needs in your life. As you come to a verse that shows how God can meet that need, write it down next to that need. Like the letters mentioned above, you can do this in your journal, or separately. You might even create a journal that records only your needs and relevant Scriptures. As you do this, you create your own book of God's promises!
4. REREAD YOUR NOTES OF THE YOUR PASTOR's SERMON from the previous week. Remember and apply truth. Find a verse in the text that has helped you grow, and write a note giving thanks for the sermon and insight on the passage.
5. READ YOUR FAVORITE HYMN. Spend some time meditating about each of the hymn's verses and its overall message. Find the passage in the Bible that the hymn was based upon, and think about how the hymn describes and reflects that truth. Spend some time researching how and why the hymn was composed. What were the circumstances? You can Google the hymn or look in a book about hymns. Think about how the hymn reflects the author's response to God during his or her circumstances.
God Wants a Personal Relationship With You
There is a lot we can learn from the life of Moses in Exodus. He had a deep Personal Relationship With God, and we should desire that for ourselves and for our loved ones, and everyone in our church families.
The Bible shows us that the #1 thing God wants to do with each one of us is to establish an intimate personal relationship. Moses definitely accomplished this with God the Father! The Bible may have given Moses two of the finest and highest compliments that any human could ever hope to receive from God Himself.
Here are the two verses giving Moses these two incredible compliments direct from the Lord Himself:
"So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (Exodus 33:11)
"But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." (Deuteronomy 34:10)
The second verse is one of the last verses that are at the end of this man’s story. It is a very fitting statement and compliment in which to end his story in God. These verses are obviously referring to Moses’ face-to-face encounters with God in the burning bush and on top of Mount Sinai when he received the 10 commandments from God the Father.
However, the thing to really grab a hold of is that even though God initiated making this kind of direct contact with Moses, Moses entered in and was not afraid to meet God face to face and one on one! The Bible says that when God first manifested His presence on top of Mount Sinai, all of the other Israelites were scared to death of God.
They told Moses that he should go up there and talk with God for them lest they should die from coming into direct contact with the Lord. Here are the exact words out of Scripture of the fear that they had with their own God:
Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." (Exodus 20:19)
Their fear of God is the exact same fear that many Christians still have today. They know that the Bible tells them that God wants to establish this individual personal relationship with each one of us, but they are to afraid to approach God to establish this kind of intimate personal relationship with Him.
There are many different reasons why people are afraid to establish a personal relationship with the Lord. But suffice to say, this is what God really wants, and if you would be willing enter in without any fear like Moses did, this will then be the beginning of a new and adventurous life with the Lord. Your relationship with God is the foundation of your prayer life.
The Bible shows us that the #1 thing God wants to do with each one of us is to establish an intimate personal relationship. Moses definitely accomplished this with God the Father! The Bible may have given Moses two of the finest and highest compliments that any human could ever hope to receive from God Himself.
Here are the two verses giving Moses these two incredible compliments direct from the Lord Himself:
"So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (Exodus 33:11)
"But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." (Deuteronomy 34:10)
The second verse is one of the last verses that are at the end of this man’s story. It is a very fitting statement and compliment in which to end his story in God. These verses are obviously referring to Moses’ face-to-face encounters with God in the burning bush and on top of Mount Sinai when he received the 10 commandments from God the Father.
However, the thing to really grab a hold of is that even though God initiated making this kind of direct contact with Moses, Moses entered in and was not afraid to meet God face to face and one on one! The Bible says that when God first manifested His presence on top of Mount Sinai, all of the other Israelites were scared to death of God.
They told Moses that he should go up there and talk with God for them lest they should die from coming into direct contact with the Lord. Here are the exact words out of Scripture of the fear that they had with their own God:
Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." (Exodus 20:19)
Their fear of God is the exact same fear that many Christians still have today. They know that the Bible tells them that God wants to establish this individual personal relationship with each one of us, but they are to afraid to approach God to establish this kind of intimate personal relationship with Him.
There are many different reasons why people are afraid to establish a personal relationship with the Lord. But suffice to say, this is what God really wants, and if you would be willing enter in without any fear like Moses did, this will then be the beginning of a new and adventurous life with the Lord. Your relationship with God is the foundation of your prayer life.
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