So many times you are in a situation and you are looking to find help to get through it and you hear “just trust God” , and your reply “how can I when ….” I know the feeling.
Do you remember when God lead the children of Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night? “21The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people”. Exodus 13:21-22 (Amplified Bible)
Well I believe you would agree that they were used as signs to let them know that God was with them. This method was also used for God to let them know when it was time to stay still or time to move.
Obviously the use of their senses played a significant role in them learning how to trust God because they responded according to what they saw.
Let’s look at the word trust:
1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
2. Something committed into the care of another; charge.
If you have ever worked a day in your life you definitely have some experience in this. You trusted your employer to pay you at the end of the week so you gave him your time and work. How about trusting in the promise of your parents who said they would give you a specific gift for your birthday or Christmas.
Yes it is easy to trust or rely on God when you see the evidence of a pillar of cloud or fire in your presence. The challenge comes when there is no evidence of him. How do you hold on and keep trusting God when there is no sign of his presence. Nothing to see, nothing to touch, nothing to feel. There’s no trace.
Trace:
1. To follow the course or trail of.
2. A visible mark, such as a footprint, made or left by the passage of a person, animal, or thing.
3.Evidence or an indication of the former presence or existence of something; a vestige.
I’m sure you would have had experiences where it feels like God is nowhere around. So do you stop, give in throw in the towel and pack up on God and life?
Let’s see what God is doing during these times:
1. Sensitizing your ear to hear his voice. - Is 55:3a
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live;
2. Strengthening your faith - Rom. 4:20-21
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform
3. Developing your patience - James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4. Preparing you for his glory - Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Read more!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Trusting God when you can’t trace him
Monday, July 27, 2009
Faith is a Verb
Faith is a Verb
by James MacDonald
Walk in the Word
"Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him... And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:54-58
One time in the Gospels it says that Jesus didn't do much in the town "because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:58). Wouldn't that be an awful thing to have said about your home, about your family, about you? Jesus couldn't do much in or through you because of you just didn't believe Him. "Lord, why don't You do more in our church?" Could it be because of people's unbelief?
Faith is the key. God's promises are activated by faith. Faith is not passive-it's an action verb. Don't say, "Well, I'm just waiting here. Maybe God will work; maybe He won't." What are you doing about it? Well, not much.
It's like the sick guy who needs to get better, but he doesn't go to the doctor. That's foolishness. You've got to do what you can.
Like the girl who is looking for a husband, but never goes to the Young Adult meetings at church. She just sits down in her basement. "My husband will have to find me here." Yeah, that's not a great plan. Do what you can!
Like the person who's filled with concerns and wants to have hope, but has never read the Bible.
It's God promises that give us hope. How many Scriptural promises do you know? How many promises have you memorized? How many are on the tip of your tongue? Well, no wonder you're filled with anxiety! No wonder you don't have any hope! You're not holding onto anything.
Get your heart around some of the exceedingly great and precious promises of God! Hold on to what God has said in His Word. Someday you're going to be in a difficult situation and the enemy will be try to pull you down but you've got God's Word hidden in your heart. His words will flood you with courage and fill your life with faith.
"God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible but it is a biblical concept. Faith has to be active to be real. Remember the guy in 2 Kings 5 who had leprosy and God told him he had to go dip in the river? In faith, he had to do what he could. Like the woman in poverty in 2 Kings 4 who had to collect containers to hold all that oil God was giving her - she did what she could. Like a warrior heading into battle, he has to pick up his weapon.
Put some action behind what you believe and watch God work.
--James MacDonald
Lord, I never want there to be a day that You can't do Your work in me because I just don't believe You. Increase my faith today, Lord. I believe that You are able to make all things are possible. Amen.
Going Deeper:
1. What am I believing God for right now for myself? For my family? For my church?
Are there steps of faith I can take as I wait for Him to work?
2. Are there areas of unbelief in my heart? About what? Talk to the Lord about it today.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Issue # 50 - Grabbing Hold of Hidden Opportunities
Grabbing Hold of Hidden Opportunities
Dan Miller
48Days.com
The first Avon lady was a man. David H. McConnell was a big city bookseller. In 1892, when the perfume he used to reward loyal customers proved more popular than his paperbacks, he dumped the books and began promoting only the perfumes. McConnell’s next smart move was assembling a workforce composed entirely of housewives.
In contrast to the then prevalent door-to-door salesmen, Avon ladies made friends with their customers and were not the creepy blue-suede-shoe guys that most people expected to see knocking at their doors. By recognizing his true market and how to best relate to his customers, McConnell made a fortune, and so did many of his Avon ladies.
How many businesses do you know of today that continue to do what they’ve always done, even in the face of a changing market? If you sell appliances and a WalMart opens next door, you may find a shrinking opportunity to sell appliances but an exploding market to repair and service them.
If every yard you mow has a tree stump that needs to be removed, you may discover that rather than just being one more yard service, you have a unique opportunity in stump removal.
A couple of years ago, I worked with a gentleman who had been selling fabric to major apparel manufacturers. He observed that any flaw in the fabric rolls caused it to be sold for scrap. He quit his “normal” job, began buying and cutting the scrap fabric into squares to be used as rags. Body shops, auto dealers, and parts stores demanded his product faster than he could produce it. He got a contract with Dollar General to provide the rags packed in plastic bags. He now employs seven neighborhood women to help him stay ahead of this unique opportunity that was right under his nose.
“There is one thing which gives radiance to everything. It is the idea of something around the corner.”
G. K. Chesterton
From the Bible:
“Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in Your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.” Psalm 119: 18-19 (HCSB)
Direction for Today:
Where is the hidden opportunity in the changes being forced on you?
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Dan Miller is President of The Business Source, founder of "48 Days" and author of 48 Days To The Work You Love and 48 Days To Creative Income. He is the growing authority for creating effective life plans that are achieved by integrating natural gifts, unique personality traits and one's own values and passions. His unique clarification of how God gifts us will introduce you to a new sense of freedom and fulfillment of your life's calling.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Issue #49 - Be Active Your Way for Better Health
Spanish proverb
I know that the summer temperatures are increasing but let me encourage you to do what is necessary to keep your health in order. Here’s an article I found to aid you in staying active:
Be Active Your Way for Better Health
By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D.
Christian Post Contributor
The benefits of exercise - from preventing chronic health conditions to boosting confidence and self-esteem - are hard to ignore. And they are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. But how do you know how much and what kind of exercises provides the benefits?
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, encourages Americans to "be active your way," with recommended exercise levels among a variety of physical activities. Here are the guidelines:
EXERCISE FOR ADULTS (ages 18 to 64)
Each Week
Do 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity (such as brisk walking) or 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as running) or an equivalent combination of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.
These aerobic activities should be done for at least 10 minutes at a time, and it is best to spread them out throughout the week. 30 minutes, five times a week is the most-cited recommendation and meets the Guidelines.
(You can get even more health benefits by increasing to 5 hours/300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.)
What is moderate? A moderate level of activity noticeably increases your heart rate and breathing rate. You may sweat, but you are still able to carry on a conversation. You can talk, but you can't sing. It needs to be at least 10 minutes of continuous physical activity; an easy walk of less than 10 minutes doesn't count towards your total.
Examples of moderate level activities are brisk walking, easy jogging, walking or jogging on a treadmill, using an elliptical trainer, bike riding, swimming, water aerobics, ballroom or line dancing, softball/baseball, volleyball, doubles tennis, and gardening.
Vigorous physical activity substantially increases your heart rate; you are breathing rapidly, only able to speak in short phrases, and are likely to be sweating. These activities include running, cycling or swimming at an intense level.
2 or More Days a Week
To improve muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility, a well- rounded program of resistance or strength training is also recommended.
Strength exercises build muscles and increase your metabolism, which helps to keep your weight and blood sugar in check. Strength training exercises have you lift, push or pull to increase muscle strength and endurance. Activities include lifting weights, using resistance bands or resistance machines; chair exercises; carrying laundry or groceries; and washing the car or floors.
General stretching exercises involving the major muscle and tendon groups can also help maintain range-of-motion in joints and overall flexibility. Yoga and tai chi are included in this category.
EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS (ages 65 and older)
• Follow the adult guidelines.
• Do exercises that maintain or improve balance if you are at risk of falls.
• If you have a chronic condition that makes exercise difficult, do as much as you can manage to do and avoid inactivity.
Those over age 65 may need longer periods of time to adapt to an exercise program, but both healthy and frail elderly individuals can make significant increases in strength and muscle mass through resistance and strength training.
By including flexibility training - such as stretching exercises or tai chi - in their exercise programs, elderly adults can offset the naturally occurring muscle and skeletal changes that significantly impair daily life. Flexibility exercises can improve range of motion and function of joints, and can also be key in preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
General Guidelines for Starting
If.... You do not currently engage in regular physical activity
Then...you should begin by incorporating a few minutes of physical activity into each day, gradually building up to 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity activities.
If....You are now active, but at less than the recommended levels
Then...you should strive to adopt more consistent activity:
• moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes or more on 5 or more days of the week, or
• vigorous-intensity physical activity for 20 minutes or more on 3 or more days of the week.
If....You currently engage in moderate-intensity activities for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days of the week,
Then...you may achieve even greater health benefits by increasing the time spent or intensity of those activities.
If....You currently regularly engage in vigorous-intensity activities 20 minutes or more on 3 or more days of the week,
Then...you should continue to do so.
If you have a diagnosed chronic condition or symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness or joint pain consult your doctor about starting an exercise program. In general, especially for those who have musculoskeletal pain or stiffness, some activity is better than no activity.
You can help your body fight disease and stay on the pathway to healing through consistent exercise, as outlined above. The exercise you get, or fail to get, directly affects your body – the temple of the Holy Spirit.
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Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes.
www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Issue #48 - Two Couples, Two Ways of Handling Money
I thought you might enjoy this page I found at Crosswalk.com. Check it out:
Cheryl Gochnauer
Author
Danny and Tricia's combined income places them firmly in the upper middle class, so most of us would assume their financial problems are over. Not so. Though they bring in a substantial amount each week, Danny and Tricia have never learned to effectively handle their resources.
Like many couples, Danny and Tricia don't keep close track of where their money is going. They have separate accounts, since each respects the other's right to "their own money." Tricia likes not having to answer to Danny for every penny she spends. Unfortunately, she doesn't answer to herself for every penny she spends, either. Dollars flow into their three checking accounts - hers, his and theirs -- then flow right out again without hanging around long enough to draw interest.
With all the activity in their accounts, Danny and Tricia figure they are doing okay. Bills are usually paid on time, and when the checking account balances disappear, they always have their good credit to draw on. When they receive their charge card statements each month, a fleeting discomfort sets in while reading the multiplying totals. But they've never had a problem making the minimum payments. After all, two more checks are coming in next week.
At least, they assume so.
Tim and Rhonda make half of what Danny and Tricia bring home, and yet are in better financial shape. That's because they regularly do the math to see exactly where they stand, money-wise, using a loose budget that guides their spending decisions without hog-tying them emotionally.
Early in their marriage, Rhonda and Tim pledged to openly discuss all money issues. Together, they planned and identified mutual goals. They use credit sparingly, and postpone big purchases until they can pay cash or at least make significant down payments. That doesn't mean they don't enjoy the occasional financial fling. It's just that those sprees are planned for, not regretted in a resulting 21 percent APR after-glow.
Because they know where the funds are flowing, this couple knew exactly where they could cut when Rhonda decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Budget modifications were minor, since they had never delved into serious debt. Freedom from monetary strangleholds enabled them to make family, not finance, focused choices.
Tim and Rhonda understand the fundamental difference between "wants" and "needs". You can bet this young couple can visualize themselves in the same luxury car their friends drive, and would savor the same 5-star meals and costly vacations that launch Danny and Tricia's account balances into the stratosphere.
Sure, Tim would look great in that car. But the paid-off one he already drives is dependable and economical. Yes, Rhonda needs a new outfit. But is she really getting twice as much quality by spending $100 on that dress, instead of $50? And though a special meal is nice every once in a while, how often should they spend $40 for dinners they could fix at home for $7?
Free-spiritedly riding the financial wave from week to week is both risky and restrictive. The most glaring potential peril is losing everything due to an unforeseen layoff or illness. But it isn't a prospective catastrophe that poses the most danger to a couple's emotional bottom line. Instead, it's the strain accompanying financial uncertainty and consistently living beyond their means.
To positively approach marital money management:
* Review finances together.
* Agree on spending priorities.
* Identify mutual goals.
* Make a budget.
* Regularly review the budget, tweaking it to reflect your current situation.
* Stay in tune financially with your partner.
It'll nurture the kind of money-handling relationship you each want and need.
Cheryl is the COO of the Gochnauer family, the captain of a cottage-writing industry and the author of So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom (IVP). Copyright 2000 Cheryl Gochnauer
http://www.crosswalk.com/finances/635888/
Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Read more!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Issue # 47 - God’s thermometer & the worlds’ thermostat
Hugh Macleod
Today’s subject matter deals with two pieces of instruments with different functions, the thermometer and the thermostat.
The thermometer is used to tell the temperature of the environment or atmosphere it is put in. When you put this instrument in a room of 70° this will show up on the thermometer telling the temperature of the room.
On the other hand the thermostat when put in place causes the room to change to its setting. If you set the thermostat to 80° then the room will adjust to that temperature.
You and I can function in the form of both of these instruments. How do you know which one is appropriate for the place you are in? Glad you brought that up. First and foremost you were made to resemble God “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” Genesis 1:26a (KJV). Therefore it is more appropriate for you to be God’s thermometer.
When you get in the presence of God you will absorb his climate. There’s no need to rush out of the room because God’s climate will give you the right setting for your life.
It is in his presence when things that do not belong in your life are removed. Only things that are from God are able to survive in his environment. This is why the enemy (the devil) will put up a fight and try to stop you from getting there. A moment with God can make a major difference in you life.
This prepares you for what’s next. When you would have received the right setting for your life then you are ready to change or set the atmosphere for the environments that you go into. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
You have now been empowered to bring light into the darkness of someone’s life. Imagine bringing a smile to a parent by giving them hope to know that their child is going to make it through their moment of sickness. How about helping someone know that they are special and God has a purpose for them being here.
Regardless of the size of the impact you make in someone’s life always remember that a little help to someone in need can always go a long way.
Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Issue # 46 - Surviving your fight (pt. 2)
Last week we started this article on “Surviving your fight”. We ended on the matter if you stick with God you can survive in any fight you enter. Glad to have you back again for the continuation.
Before we go any further, what does it mean to survive? Survive- to remain alive or in existence; outlive; persevere:
Anytime you hear about a fight or a war you also hear about casualties. It’s time now for God’s people to stop becoming casualties, P.O.W. and victims to Victors. I am not asking you if you like to fight, you better fight if you want to survive.
How did we get here? “7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” . Revelation 12:7-12 (KJV)
From then to now we were in a war zone. Take a look at a number of the movies, TV shows, cartoons, songs and the likes, they generally fall along these lines of good vs. evil. This leaves you with the choice who’s side will you be on?
Are you fit for this fight? There is always help available if you need it. “Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:” Psalm 144:1 (KJV)
You have an assignment in this battle and you need to know what it is or you’ll be out of place. When you are out of place you can be responsible for causing trouble in the camp. You can also make it hard for everyone else.
You must also be aware that in every army you have traitors, betrayers., people who sell out to the enemy setting you up for the kill. Not all of the attacks come from the outside, many come from friendly fire. When you taught you were safe, now you need eyes in the back of your head cause you don’t know who to trust.
To survive this fight you need to:
1. Know your enemy - (I Peter 5:8) Your adversary is the devil and you must treat him like that.
2. Communicate with the chief - (2 Chronicles 20:3;Ephesians 6:18) You have to stay in connection (pray)with headquarters.
3. Hear & follow instructions - (2 Chronicles 20:15-20) the instructions that are handed down are the plans and strategy of the chief. What chief doesn’t plan his attack or retaliation?(Luke 14:31) When you rebel you jeopardize your life and others.
4. Believe - (2 Chronicles 20:20) You will have a hard time if you don’t believe in the chief and his appointed officers. Other people who don’t believe will always try to stop you from going forward. Faith takes you forward.
Finally, I do encourage you to have enduring faith that will give you the edge over the enemy.
Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:
Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Read more!
