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Rank: Advanced Member  Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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I'm starting this thread "The Illustrator" for those who enjoy a nice read. I will post a link for anyone who might want to subscribe. It's free and sent daily to your e-mail. You can also submit an essay of your own and it could be published in their web site. Please keep the chatter to a minimum. Thank's ya'll.
Enjoy!
Sarge 
Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Dan 9:4-6; 18-19 O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land� We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay.
A Plea to Love
O Lord, your sacrificial love surpasses any human affections. Your unfathomable grace exceeds any of our pitiful goodness. Your thoughts are higher than our twisted self-concerned deliberations. Your promises are as certain as the flowers that bloom in every determined season. You are far above all of our best intentions.
Please forgive the many of us who:
- Play church without really knowing You.
- Condemn others without even trying to walk in their shoes.
- Consider eternity as utterly boring, as an unending church service, without contemplating your promises uttered in your love letters addressed to us.
- Prioritize our to-do lists without considering time to draw close to you.
- Value our leisure more than the needs of the oppressed.
- Consume the riches of our planet without admiring the beauty of your creation.
- Neglect our marriages without assuming our responsibilities.
- Ignore the plight of our own children as if our passions are of more value.
- Are consumed with fear of the unknown, without even considering that trusting You will grant us inner peace.
- Make a nothing of eternity and an eternity of nothing.
- Are absorbed with thoughts of self instead of reaching out towards the unlovable.
- Are more concerned about our upcoming bills than sharing Your love with the hopeless.
I wonder where love is in those of us who profess to be Your followers. Have we drifted so far away that we cannot discern the footsteps left by You? Have we become so complacent with the unfulfilling attractive promises of this world that the word "love" has become extinct among us? Have we finally fulfilled the grim prophesy of Matthew 24: 12 ("Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" NIV) Has our love mercilessly grown cold beyond repair? Have we forgotten the cost of Your supreme sacrifice?
There are still a few, however, who "stand firm to the end". To those, eternity is promised.
Oh Lord, revive us! Blow Your Spirit of life into our heart so that we can be reignited by your everlasting love. Awaken us from complacency (See Eph 5:14) so that "Christ will shine on" us. Fill us with your passion for the lost and may we stand united, loving one another deeply, so that the hopeless can ascertain that there is a loving God who cares for them. Help us to stop with our multitude of concerns about self and start carrying your burden for the hopeless, loving them with the same sacrificial love that You have for them. Help us to realize that in our current condition, we will never fulfill our purpose. Please shine on us, so that we start reflecting your love. Save us from ourselves.
Thank you Lord for hearing our plea. Thank you for helping us to become more loveable. Thank you for stirring us up from our unconsciousness. May your love become our banner on high.
In Jesus' name.
Amen
Rob Chaffart
Announcements:
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In His love,
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~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Hebrews 10:38 And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting him in everything.
Rent a fence- Rent a faith
A while ago, when I was in Arizona, I noticed that many new homes were being built. Most of the construction areas had chain link fences around them to keep the coyotes off the property during the cold, crisp nights .Coyotes would poise a definite threat to the workers who would arrive early in the morning. These animals might attack and seriously hurt the men - thus, the fence. Each evening, the gate would be closed and locked, and all would be safe within. When I took a closer look at the fencing, I saw a sign that said, rent a fence. I learned these fences were just leased for temporary protection and would sent to a new site when the present construction was completed. This is a wise plan, of course, when you realize the purpose of the barrier and that its need would only be temporary.
Some people, it seems, try to rent a faith to give them protection when fear, serious illness, or death lurks around the perimeters of their safety, trying to snare them. They look for a safety fence to keep the danger away. When the crisis passes, however, they are quite ready to discard the faith fence and return to their former way of life.
God tells us in His Word (Hebrews 10:38), that faith is trusting God in everything- at all times. "And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting him in everything. It is not something we rent and use only for those difficult periods of our lives- it was designed with a forever purpose in mind.
People who turn to God during a difficult situation have a starting point in faith, and that is good! God says in Mark 9:24 that a weak faith can become a strong faith with God's help. I do have faith; oh, help me to have more!'
I pray for those who have called upon God in their time of need, that they would continue their faith walk after their crisis has passed. I pray that their faith would be strengthened and would become a vitalizing, exciting part of their relationship with God. ~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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This thread is NOT for idle chatter but rather for a nice read. Thanks everybody and I hope everyone enjoys "The Illustrator" thread and considers writing and submitting your own essay for publication. For information on how to submit an essay, see post #1. It would be great to see some writings authored by our members here!
Sarge ~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 7/1/2008
Posts: 641
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An INTERVIEW with GOD
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"Come in," God said to me, "So, you would like to interview Me?"
"If you have the time," I said.
God smiled and said: "My time is called eternity and is enough to
do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"
"None that are new to you. What's the one thing that surprises
you most about mankind?"
God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a
rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their
health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such
that they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die,
and they die as if they had never lived..."
God's hands took mine and we were silent.
After a long period, I said, "May I ask you another question?"
"As a Parent, what would you ask your children to do?"
God replied with a smile:
"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them.
What they can do is to let themselves be loved.
To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to
destroy it.
To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their
lives, but who they have in their lives.
To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.
There will be others better or worse than they are.
To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is
one who needs the least.
To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their
attitudes will control them.
To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound
wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.
To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply
do not know how to show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.
To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that
does not give them the right to upset those around them.
To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a
landing gear to achieve.
To learn that true friends are scarce, he/she who has found one
has found a true treasure.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by
others, but that they forgive themselves.
To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves
and slaves of what they say.
To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip
they will harvest intrigues, if they plant love they will harvest
happiness.
To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals but to
learn to be satisfied with what they already achieved.
To learn that happiness is a decision. They decide to be happy
with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what
they lack.
To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see
something totally different.
To learn that those who are honest with themselves without
considering the consequences go far in life.
To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to
give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease
the pain.
To learn that by trying to hold on to loved ones, they very quickly
push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side
by side forever.
To learn that even though the word "love" has many different
meanings, it loses its value when it is overstated.
Anonymous
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 7/1/2008
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That's beautiful.
I love it.
Hello Sarge.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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candie wrote:
That's beautiful.
I love it.
Hello Sarge.
Hello Jay,
Did you get your sleep schedule straightened out? Mine is way off. I got to sleep about 4:00am this morning and woke about 10:00am. Now I'm tired already. I'm working on an essay for the Illustrator but its frustrating trying to find the right scripture I want. I know its in there, just have to research more. I have some research to do on the New World Order thread too, busy, busy, busy......lol
Sarge ~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 7/1/2008
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sarge wrote:candie wrote:
That's beautiful.
I love it.
Hello Sarge.
Hello Jay,
Did you get your sleep schedule straightened out? Mine is way off. I got to sleep about 4:00am this morning and woke about 10:00am. Now I'm tired already. I'm working on an essay for the Illustrator but its frustrating trying to find the right scripture I want. I know its in there, just have to research more. I have some research to do on the New World Order thread too, busy, busy, busy......lol
Sarge I think I got it straight now.I suppose I will be a day person for awhile, until my bodsy decides to change it again. Hunting Scripture can be fun but tiring. Did you try the on line Bible sites? You can enter keywords and go to the scripture that uses those.Then You can look through a lot less verses to find what your looking for. Just put in the keywords bible on line and go to the first one on the lsit.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Heres the one I use. It has keyword search too. If you scroll down to the bottom of the first page you have the entire bible at your disposal. Its really helpful! I try to encourage everyone to put it on their favorites and it even has different versions. K, I gotta get busy Jaybird or I won't get a thing accomplished again.
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Love ya,
Sarge~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 7/1/2008
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sarge wrote:Heres the one I use. It has keyword search too. If you scroll down to the bottom of the first page you have the entire bible at your disposal. Its really helpful! I try to encourage everyone to put it on their favorites and it even has different versions. K, I gotta get busy Jaybird or I won't get a thing accomplished again.
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Love ya,
Sarge Ok Love You. I'm gonna wait on Mystic to get back
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READ THIS - LET IT REALLY SINK IN THEN
CHOOSE HOW YOU START YOUR DAY
Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Mike, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it."
"Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," Michael said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut
away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react
to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose
to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how
you live life."
I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied. "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon to be born daughter," Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Michael continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I as going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read "he's a dead man." I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything."
"Yes, I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity.' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
Trust in God and he will stand by you!
I received this mailing from Larry Whitcomb You may find it helpful.
Larry retired from the US Air Force and is now the Music Director for a local church.
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Im here. I will meet you in Patty's day thread Jay.
Mysticfox!
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I love that too.
I think that God looks at out attitude as much as our faith.
Afterall we would never have been saved
if our attitude hadn't been positive at the time.
OK
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Rank: Advanced Member
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candie wrote:
I love that too.
I think that God looks at out attitude as much as our faith.
Afterall we would never have been saved
if our attitude hadn't been positive at the time.
OK
Yeppers I agree!
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Ephesians 6:11 Put on God's whole armour [the armour of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies] that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and deceits of the devil. (AMP)
Spiritual Defences
A fascinating creature -- the pangolin -- lives in most parts of Africa. Its small head, thick body, long tapering tail, and four short legs give it the appearance of a miniature bridge. It is covered with large, overlapping brown scales, much like a coat of dark armour, but it is a mammal.
The small pangolin measures twenty-six inches or more. The Giant Pangolin grows to over five and a half feet, and often runs on its hind legs. Could you imagine yourself meeting one of these darkly armoured creatures in the forest or grasslands?
Pangolins feed on ants and termites, opening nests with their long sharp claws. With fastened-down scales, and closed eyes and nostrils, they poke their long, sticky, saliva-coated tongues into the nest, and partake of their favourite food.
They take ant baths as well. Yes, that's right. They settle on an open nest, let the ants crawl inside their lifted scales, then shut them in to crush and grind the ants against their skin. This acts as an abrasive cleaning agent. They then immerse themselves in water, and open their scales to let out the dead ants.
With its dark armour, it may appear to be a scary animal, but it is actually non-aggressive. It much prefers to make for home, curl up in a tight defensive ball, or squirt a foul-smelling fluid from the base of its tail, similar to that of the skunk.
God has supplied His creatures, including us, His beloved children, with the best of natural defences. But God has also provided Christians with spiritual defences: the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:11 - Put on God's whole armour [the armour of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies] that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and deceits of the devil. (AMP)
The apostle Paul goes on to encourage us to take up what God has provided for us to win our battles against satanic forces.
Ephesians 6:14-17 - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NLT)
Prayer: Our Father God, thank You for the scriptural and spiritual armour that we can wear with honour to glorify You, as we successfully defeat the deceitful works of the devil and his cohorts. Thank You, in Jesus' mighty, victorious name. Amen and Amen!
Rosemary Renninson rosemary396@dodo.com.au
Westbury, Victoria, Australia
~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Mark 10:46,50b-52a - A blind man, Bartimaeus ... came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Open My Eyes
Going to the peak of a snow-covered mountain, slapping two skis onto one's feet, and screaming downhill isn't everyone's idea of fun. For the blind, it might sound impossible.
John, a fun-loving, middle-aged man -- blind from birth -- has an unusual way to compensate for his lack of vision while skiing. John has me, as his guide, ski in front of him, carrying a small device that emits a loud, constant beeping sound. He follows, always skiing within a few metres of the sound. John's sharpened hearing allows him to sense a change in my direction, and he duplicates that change.
Just to ensure that other skiers are made aware of the potential danger, John wears a florescent orange vest embossed with, "BLIND SKIER". I wear a vest saying "BLIND GUIDE". I am not oblivious to the irony. "Blind guide"! As a pastor, I feel that way, sometimes. John hasn't lost the irony in my "blind guide" vest either. He has a fabulous sense of humour.
At the top of a high mountain, it must be intimidating for him. But for me, literally having his life in my hands can be overwhelming. John's safety depends solely on my sighted world, on my ability to interpret that world for him, and his ability to hear and follow. For John, it is either complete trust or utter chaos.
I think that this is a great example of what it means to live by faith.
When John obeys my direction, he succeeds. A lack of faith in me, or failure to hear and respond to my transponder, could end in failure for John -- even to the point of crashing into a tree or skiing over a precipice.
John is an inspiration to me, as are all individuals who overcome any limitation -- especially those who keep a sense of humour along with it. Most such inspirational stories are stories of faith. To accomplish anything worthwhile in life, we need faith in ourselves and our own abilities, faith in others, and faith in God.
Bartimaeus was such a person. He had that kind of complete, unquestioning faith in Jesus and His ability to make him whole, to restore his sight. Over the objection of his friends, Bartimaeus continued to yell out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus returned his call, Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, presumably so he could run unencumbered to Jesus. He was quickly rewarded for his faith, in a way beyond his wildest dreams.
Oh! That we would all have Bartimaeus' faith, and run unencumbered when we hear Jesus calling our name! With Jesus as our guide, we would all then be able to sing, "I once was blind, but now I see." Our reward for hearing and following may just be beyond our wildest dreams.
Prayer: Loving God, allow us to keep You ever before us, as guide and friend. May we follow You closely and constantly, never straying from Your direction. "Lord, open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth You have for me." Amen.
Rick Potter rpotte@hotmail.com Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Prov 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
A Picnic at the Top of the World. P.S. 1: Fear Factor Considerations
Young men and ladies, may I bring this important message to your attention: Choose your spouse carefully, by prayerfully relying on God's Spirit for direction. While dating, keep your eyes wide open, for many proclaim to be Christians, but are not. Break it off if you see anything that bothers you, for it will haunt you for the rest of your life, and please do not believe that after marriage, you can win you mate to the Kingdom. Once you are married, however, close your eyes to any annoyances you will perceive!
Only if your marriage is based on the fear of the Lord (not wanting to hurt our loving Lord in any shape, form or fashion) will you end up growing closer to one another and closer to your Heavenly Father. Your joy will be so great that you will literally be dining at the top of the world!
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Prov 31:30 NIV)
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Prov 14:1 NIV)
We were awaiting this day with eager expectation. We awoke excited, anticipating our trek up Europe's highest cable car to its highest viewing platform: The Little Matterhorn. A trip of 50 minutes that would transport us to the top of the world.
The trip started off well. The gondola was filled with "ohhs" and "ahhs" at the sights around us. The trip was done in three stages, and each one seemed to surpass the others for beauty. The last one brought us over vast glaciers and into an infinite world of ice. Out of this world!
Once we arrived at the last station, we took the Gipfel-lift, a small elevator on the left of a long tunnel. From here we climbed a small metal staircase to the summit of the Little Matterhorn, and the view was even more exquisite. A cross had been erected right in the middle of the viewing area, reminding us of Who was the One who had creates such beauty.
From here we had a clear view of much of the Swiss alps, and a view into the Italian and French alps as well. It was lunch time, so we sat down on the provided benches and opened our backpack. Never had we eaten a meal while surrounded by such regal splendour. Although it was quite cold at such a high altitude, we will always remember this as the best lunch we ever ate. Not because of its culinary exquisiteness (If I remember correctly, it consisted of day-old bread and cheese), but because we sat speechless in the presence of the One who cared for us and made this experience possible.
Marriage can be exactly like that picnic at the top of the world. If you marry a true, God-fearing spouse, each day that passes by will draw you closer to your spouse as well to your loving Father. Each day will be more exquisite than the one before. Oh sure, there will be some run-ins (Probably more than less!), but your love established on the Eternal One will lead you to learn to forgive and to start admiring the differences of your mate. Eventually you will be led, under God's guidance, to dine at the top of the world, where your love towards one another and towards God will be of more importance than the trivial differences that used to drive you apart.
Please be careful who you marry! Not all marriages end up at the top of the world, like mine did, as my wife is sure out-of-this-world! Some do end up in utter hell!
"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." (Prov 21:9 NIV)
It's not without purpose that the book of Proverbs ends by describing the virtues of a God-fearing wife. Please meditate over these words and depend on the One who can make this possible:
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
"If it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed ; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Prov 31:10-31 NIV)
Needless fears can be avoided by depending on the One to lead you to such a person.
In whom will you trust?
Rob Chaffart
Announcements:
Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us at prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org . We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.
In His love,
Rob Chaffart add@sermonillustrator.org ~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
1 Thess 5:11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. (The Message)
In The Smallest Way
Their Faces All Blur Together
I see her when I look in the mirror tonight�the girl who has lost all hope...her dark eyes haunt my thoughts, what can I say Lord? How can I bring her hope?
I see him when I wake up in the middle of the night. I wonder if he is awake and still praying and hoping those unwanted feelings will go away. The tears fall softly down my cheeks as I pray for him. Lord, why was he given these feelings? Why must he struggle day after day with those thoughts?
I see another young man when I watch a school play I remember watching him year after year and hearing about what a special young man he was...all of his life ahead of him. Why Lord? Why did he end his life? What can those he left behind do with the all the pain and agony of not understanding. If only if only he had reached out to just one person before giving into the despair and hopelessness
I see her in my minds eye one of the most outwardly beautiful girls I have ever known....but she doesn't see her beauty when she looks in the mirror. She only sees her failures and her flaws. Her insecurity shouts so much louder then the still small voice inside her. Why Lord? Why can't she see herself the way you do? Why can't she latch onto your Words when You call her your precious, precious daughter? Perfect in her flaws for You have made her.
I ask these questions of You tonight, and I search my heart for what You would say to me.
This is how you answer me
"My child, there is no pit so deep, that My love is not deeper still. I see each of these also. They are so much better left in My hands then yours. For you see, I am at work....you may not see Me, you may not hear Me, but in My Word I say that I am close to the broken hearted. My ways are not your ways child. How quickly you forget that I have each hair on their head numbered. My love for them is endless and never changing. They only need to stretch out their hand from the pit they are in, and I will pull them up and hold on to them and never let them go.
There is nothing that goes unnoticed by Me. Remember my child, I say that for anyone who harms one of my children, it would be better for them to tie a millstone around their neck and be thrown into the sea. I take it very seriously when someone messes with my children. For I love them so very much. Trust me Kristi. Trust that I see and hear and know and My plan for them is one of hope and a future."
Within the quiet of my soul I then ask, How can I help you Lord? What would you require of me? And then I remember that it is in the little things of life that the big things are made. It is in the kindness of a small deed or thought that You are seen.
Do you remember Kristi?
Yes, I reply, I remember. Twenty-five years ago, and I still remember. I remember standing up for her.
It was such a small thing, Lord, to stand up for her in gym class.
But what happened Kristi?
It gave her the confidence and hope she needed, Lord. It was the small act of kindness that she needed to know how much You loved her Lord. Afterwards she was able to stand up for herself. To know she was worthy. That she was confident. That she was loved....just the way she was.
And that, My child, is what I require of you. The hand for them to hold on to when the waves of life crash in. The lap to lay their head in and just cry when all of the world seems too dark to go on. Sometimes, but only sometimes, you will be the one to stand up for them, to say where the wrong has been done to them. To be My voice and to be their defender.�
I take it all in as Gods still small voice speaks to my heart.
Kristi, there is one thing above all others that I would have you do.
Anything, Lord, anything!
PRAY. For I hear your prayers and I answer. Maybe not in the way you would like, but I answer prayer. Sometimes I answer it in the smallest way.
As I finish pouring my heart out to God this evening, I put my laptop away and I gently lift the sleeping five-year-old that has been curled up next to me and carry him to his room. As I tuck him in his bed he opens up those large sleepy eyes and says, "Mommy, I love you. You are the nicest Mommy in the world."
I sit on his bed and smile. In twelve words, my youngest has made my night a special one. Twelve words was all it took to end my day on a joyful note in the smallest way....
Kristi Powers NoodlesP29@aol.com
~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 7/1/2008
Posts: 641
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You know, Sarge, at one point I had hoped that you and I would become friends, but then you became Lundgren's puppet and began pimping for him.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
Luke 12:4-5 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Scandal in France. P.S. 2: Fear Factor Considerations
They had planned it to the utmost detail. They brought ropes, flashlights, paint rollers, and, of course, the red and white paint. Though they were excited, they were cautious, for their practical joke could endanger their lives if they were not careful. It isn't easy to repel down a mountain in the middle of the night, and since the moon found a hiding place behind the clouds, they had to rely on flashlights to avoid any perilous situations.
But this didn't daunt them, and before morning, there was a huge Swiss flag painted on the face of the Sal�ve. Once these seminary students from abroad found themselves in the safety of their rooms at the foot of the Sal�ve, they could only chuckle at the thought of what the next morning would bring.
Things didn't turn out exactly as they had planned, however. Dismayed French authorities were determined to find the culprits. Although Switzerland borders France in this region, and both countries share an amicable relationship, having a Swiss flag painted on a French mountain was not well perceived!
Eventually the guilty party was found, and it was with knocking knees that they not only faced the authorities of the seminary, but the local French authorities as well. They hadn't considered the possible ramifications of their actions, and rumour quickly spread that the culprits had been expelled from France, never to return. As a result, they were forced to abandon their studies at the seminary, and no other seminary would be likely to accept such infamous students.
It didn't take long for the Swiss flag on the face of the Sal�ve to receive a white coat of paint, and this was the only thing left to remind these students of the fact that they hadn't considered the probable fear they would be facing for their actions if they were ever caught.
The same is true for each one of us. We fear the devil and his power to ruin our eternity, yet we have forgotten that he is a defeated foe whose only weapons are restricted to temptations and intimidations. When Jesus defeated him on the cross, all of the bite went out of his bark!
Our problem is that we tend to listen to his insinuations, and this leads us to trouble! It is true that the evil one knows us well and attacks us in our most vulnerable spots: "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:14-15 NIV)
We also tend to forget that help is available when we are tempted. Most often we face it with our own strength, and we lose every time! Instead, we could be depending upon the One who can guarantee victory, the One who suffered severe temptation, but without sin. This is why Jesus is our guarantee to victory! "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Heb 4:15-16 NIV)
If we begin truly fearing the Lord (A fear of hurting Him through our actions, a fear of living eternity without His presence), we will reject temptation as irrelevant, for Jesus' unfailing love is much more beautiful to behold than any of the desires of this world.
"You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?" (Ps 76:7 NIV)
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)
Who do you fear?
Rob Chaffart
~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 9/9/2008 Posts: 2,982
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Kattale wrote:You know, Sarge, at one point I had hoped that you and I would become friends, but then you became Lundgren's puppet and began pimping for him. Oh my! What a horrible thing to say about Steve. As for me, I'm nobodys bi*ch! I'd love to know who it is your echoing on that one Kattale. Matter of fact, you have repeated other people's words verbatim so many times on this very forum your nickname is Copy Cat or CC for short, did you know that? Yeppers, a "carbon copy" Kattale. My advice is be yourself girl, you'll make more friends that way.
You hoped you and I could be friends? Shoot! I thought we were, unless of course you lost that lovin feelin'. I do very much miss our little talks CC. Either way darlin, thanks for being honest and I'm always open to new ideas, kinda like an "open door policy" if you ever need someone to talk with, I'll be here for ya sweety.
K, lots to do today so hope to talk with you later.
Love and Hugs CC,
BFF,
Sarge ~ Insults Should Be Written In Sand ~ Compliments Should Be Carved In Stone ~
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