Thought of the Day-July 30th, 2009

Thankful....

I am thankful today for a number of reasons:

1. For life, my husbands and mine

Our brake caliper locked up or came off, due to a missing bolt, which in turn locked up

our right tire. Suv would not move forward, only backward...

We had just came off 70 from a trip to Sedalia... It could have been us,

killed, badly hurt, or harming another driver.

2. For friends...

So many saw us on the side of the road, stopped to ensure that we were fine.

3. Honest Business people

The tow truck man mentioned that we needed to thank the

Lord above for our lives, because he is the only reason that

we were alive and well last night.

4. The simplicity of mechanical issues

something simple as a bolt replacement is

going to cause our Suv to be repaired.

The new Rotor still intact, the new brake shoes,

still intact.

What an awesome God and there are still Good hearted

people in the world...

Did I mention that the tow was free,

and the driver Dale, today, a day later

when he did not have to

replaced the bolt and put the tire back on for us on his

own time, out of the goodness of his heart...

We don't deserve the Love...

But God gets all the glory!!!

Thought of the Day- July 29th, 2009

What shall one say?

Psalm 90:1-2

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from

everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You are my dwelling place, from birth to 37 years.

I will keep my focus...

Thought of the Day-July 28th, 2009

As I was looking at Robert Schullers "Little Book of Hope" today, I came across this quote:

"Life's not fair, but God is good. Life throws us a disappointment.

And God responds by giving us encouragement."

If I focus on how bad things are with the SUV, how bleak my world would be.

Don't get me wrong it is sad, frustrating and stressful.

But I choose to report on How big my God Is, instead of the alternative.

I trust in the Lord...

I will praise him whether the SUV runs, whether the van gets fixed,

I will praise him...

I will not, shall not, won't base my praise, my happiness

my satisfaction with this worldly life on

an emotion...

I will not waiver....

In thee I trust oh Lord...

Thought of the Day-July 27th, 2009

What can I say today, that might make sense. Something that could inspire the late reader in this Merry Monday.

Things have been so busy at the office today. I am hoping that I will have time

to research my vehicle options, as my Suv is in need

in need of 1800+ dollars of work.

It was strongly recommended that we not drive it to the Family

Reunion 7 hours away.

So I am looking into my options and trying not to include

not going in my choices, but we all know it is a choice.

So how am I finding peace with the whole situation?

Matthew 6:31-34

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I will trust the Lord, for I have tasted and see that he is good...

Thought of the Day-July 24th, 2009

I had completely forgot about the thought of the day. I got sidetracked I guess, but no one seemed to miss it or inform that I had gone AWOL. Makes you wonder, does anyone read it anymore...?

From Robert Schuller a quote:

We learn courage when we face danger;

we learn patience when we endure

suffering; we learn tenderness

when we taste pain.

I have been fortunate enough to have life experiences

that have taught me all the above.

Today at work we had this experiment. We decided to vote

a team member off the island. Why?

I thought it would be fun...

Until...

I was the one voted off.

Makes one think... Then

I decided that I am comfortable with myself and

my approval comes from the Lord...

I am glad that He would not vote me off.

Thought of the day-July 23rd, 2009

Never let a problem become an excuse.

Robert Schuller

How many times have I heard my pastor say that he does not want

to be a problem oriented person. That he wants to be solution

oriented. Well to be that solution oriented person, one must

focus on the solution and not how big the problem may be.

In saying that how Big is my God in the situation.

Is the God that made the Heavens and Earth, able to

provide aid to me, to bring about a solution

that I cannot see.

Yes, God can do all things. If we focus on excuses,

we hold ourselves captive, we put not only ourselves in a box,

but we put God in a box, saying oh so clearly that he has limits as to

what he can do in us and through us.

I don't know your walk, your experiences, I can only

attest and speak on what I know to be true.

What I know to be true is my only solution I need

is J-E-S-U-S. For he is the key that unlocks

doors that no man can close.

Much love and Happiness~

Angela

Thought of the Day-July 31st, 2009

The character of a man is known from his conversations.
Menander

Greek comic dramatist (342 BC - 292 BC)

Is your character one of integrity, blameless and pure....?

Or is your character filled with gossip, backbiting, spite,

envy, strife, ugliness...

You have a choice, change your atmosphere or allow your

atmosphere to change you...

Thought of the Day-July 31st, 2009

Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world.
Helen Keller

If I stay in self, in self centeredness, in self loving, or self loathing.

I do not grow. I cannot focus... I cannot move...

But if I focus on things outside myself, a healing takes place...

I realize that it really is not all about me...

And someone else has greater pain, greater suffering...

I get greater growth and maturity, when I get out of self...

Thought of the Day-July 22nd, 2009

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Helen Keller

I have a mission statement for my life. That is to PAY IT FORWARD...

For so many times I have been given treasures from people in my life.

I can think back to my youth, the mentors, teachers,

Elders and Deacons that impacted my life.

The treasures, seeds they planted in me, grew food in my adulthood.

It is because of those seeds that I am who I am.. That and the grace,

forever hand of the Lord in my life. I always sensed a higher calling.

I always held myself to a higher standard.

Today I give back with my gift of hospitality as well as my heart to serve.

I am forever grateful and will pay it forward until the day I shall die...

Thought of the Day-July 21st, 2009

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
Helen Keller

We overcome suffering, be it physical, mental or emotional suffering.

It is in my suffering that I have learned.

I have learned to be patient in areas through suffering.

I have learned to love in areas through suffering.

I have learned to endure in areas through suffering.

Through suffering my character has grown stronger, purer, more dedicated,

and more understanding.

Without suffering, without seasons and various journeys of life, I would

not be the woman of integrity that I am today...

Thought of the Day-July 20th, 2009

REST

From: Answers for Each Day - July 20 with Bayless Conley

Today, I want to go back to the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. In verses 5-6 we read,

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again.

Notice that in the midst of his crisis, Elijah rested and ate. He took care of his body.
Some of the crises you experience come because you are sleep deprived and you don’t eat right. And you know what? Your body, your soul, and your spirit are all tied together. What you do to one affects the other two. It affects the whole.

We are intricately woven together. And the wisest thing you can do when you get into a crisis is just give your body a rest, because it affects every other part of your life.

When you are exhausted and physically weak, it is easy for everything to be blown out of proportion. When you are tired, it can look like your whole world is falling apart when it really is not. It is like Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”

You and I do need to rest. If you are in the midst of a storm today, make sure not to neglect the rest you need.

Thought of the Day-July 17th, 2009

Today's Scripture
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Recovering from the losses of life is essential if we are going to go on with life after the loss. It is important for us to come to know who we are as a widowed person, or whatever our recovery identity may be. Reconnecting with life allows us to move into the future without fear and with peace in our hearts.

A new lifestyle emerges when we have completed the grief process and reassessed the lessons that have been learned. No one endures the death of a loved one and stays the same as before the traumatic experience. Things will be different because our loved one is no longer with us. Things will be different because we have changed. Things will be different because life is moving on and circumstances around us are changing.

But different doesn't have to be a bad thing. Our life has been enriched by the time we had with our loved one, and now it's time to move on, carrying those memories with us, to a new life.

Consider this…
You are important to God. And you are an important part of his plan in this world. As you trust him, he will help you fulfill that plan. He will help you make a difference. And always remember that no matter where you go, God is with you. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Nothing can separate you from his great and tender love. With him, you can face changes and not be afraid.

Prayer
Father, there are so many changes taking place. I know change can be a good thing, and I am trusting you to show me the way and give me the strength to embrace change and to be and do all you have called me to be and do. I do say with confidence: I know you are with me and I will not be afraid. In Jesus' name...

Thought of the Day-July 16th, 2009

More Stone 4 your Giants

Phil 4:6-7 says,

"Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of god that passes all understanding will keep your heart & mind

in Christ Jesus"

Where is your focus, Who is your peace, ?

My hope lies in the Father... He is my provider, my healer

my protector, my lawyer...

Though he allows me to grow,,, I know that he is my peace,

my hope, my savior...

Seek the Lord while you still have time...

Thought of the Day-July 15th, 2009

Stones 4 Giants

So I was looking at my stones today, as I am a little frazzled

trying to figure out what in the world is wrong with my vehicle.

Deuteronomy 31:6

says, " Be Strong and Courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them,

for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not

fail you or forsake you,"

Lord it is my prayer that you guide us in this mystery of car trouble.

That you would help us to make a educated decision.

That you go before us to prepare the hands that will assist us

in finding a solution to the problem. Amen

I trust you Lord, for the answer...

I trust you to open doors, no man can close...

Thought of the Day-July 14th, 2009

An Excerpt from Quiet Walk Daily Bible Reading

Ezra 6
The original decree is found, and permission is given to complete the temple restoration.



INSIGHT
It is often darkest before the dawn. Just as it looks as if the work on the temple is going to be stopped, the Lord turns the situation around. Not only is permission given to complete the temple, but those who had tried to stop the work are required to finance the remainder of the restoration! Worrying does little to further the work of God; He is quite capable of accomplishing His work. Our work is trust, obedience, and faithfulness to our responsibilities.



PRAYER
Praise the Lord for His watchfulness over your circumstances, and thank Him for being in total control of your life:


I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3).



Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:


Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:4-5)Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:


Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:11). God desires to hear the petitions of His people. As you make you requests known to the Lord, include:


-- Contentment in the circumstances of your life, -- Greater love for the lost-- The work of missions in Africa-- Whatever else is on your heart



Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,And give you peace.”(Numbers 6:24-25)

Thought of the Day-July 13th, 2009

My Salvation is About Him

by Max Lucado

Who would look at the cross of Christ and say, “Great work, Jesus. Sorry you couldn’t finish it, but I’ll take up the slack.”?

Dare we question the crowning work of God? Dare we think heaven needs our help in saving us? Legalism discounts God and in the process makes a mess out of us.
To anyone attempting to earn heaven, Paul asks, “How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ….What has happened to all your joy?” (Galatians 4:19, 15 NIV).

Legalism is joyless because legalism is endless. There is always another class to attend, person to teach, mouth to feed. Inmates incarcerated in self-salvation find work but never joy. How could they? They never know when they are finished. Legalism leaches joy.
Grace, however, dispenses peace. The Christian trusts a finished work.
Grace offers rest. Legalism never does. Then why do we embrace it? “Those who trust in themselves are foolish” (Proverbs 28:26 NCV). Why do we trust in ourselves? Why do we add to God’s finished work?

But the truth is, we don’t. If we think we do, we have missed the message. “What is left for us to brag about?” Paul wonders (Romans 3:27 CEV). What is there indeed? What have you contributed? Aside from your admission of utter decadence, I can’t think of a thing. “By his doing you are in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Salvation glorifies the Savior, not the saved.
Your salvation showcases God’s mercy. It makes nothing of your effort but everything of his. “I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again” (Isaiah, 43:25, emphasis mine).

Can you add anything to this salvation? No. The work is finished.
Can you earn this salvation? No. Don’t dishonor God by trying.
Dare we boast about this salvation? By no means. The giver of bread, not the beggar, deserves praise. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

It’s not about what we do; it’s all about what he does.

Thought of the Day-July 10th, 2009

Today's Scripture
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Climbing out of depression is a process, and it requires perseverance.
We must persist in believing God's truth instead of listening to our feelings. We may have thoughts like "I'm such a failure. I never do anything right. What's the use?" Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we need to intentionally refocus on truths from the Bible: "I am special to God. God made me for a purpose. God loves me. He will never leave me. With God, there is always hope. I can do all things through Christ."
Although change takes time, as we persistently choose to believe God's truths instead of our feelings, those truths will become a part of us. Our thinking about ourselves will begin to change. Our relationship with God will grow stronger. And we will find it easier to build healthy relationships.

Consider this…
God gives us help for fighting depression: the truths of the Bible … the Holy Spirit to remind us of those truths … and the people of God to encourage us. We must persistently open our hearts and minds to all these wellsprings of help.
Don't give up. You can climb out of depression. As you persist in trusting God, he will show you the way, step by step. And he will give you strength for the climb. With Christ, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer
Father, it took me a long time to sink into this level of depression, and I know climbing out of it will take time as well. Help me not to give up. Help me to focus on the truths of your Word. Please transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. In Jesus' name …

Thought of the Day-July 9th, 2009

Today's Reading: Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25
Today's Thoughts: Listen as a Disciple

The Lord God has given me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple. Isaiah 50:4
Do you ever find yourself knowing deep within the depths of your heart that God wants to bring about change, and even though you have been the one praying for it, you aren’t ready when He is ready to answer your prayer? Well, that happened to me today.

In the mornings, I spend time reading the Bible, praying on my knees and worshiping. Then I allow time for silence so that the Holy Spirit can minister to me in the quietness. Sometimes that’s all there is…quietness, which in itself is such a blessing before the day begins. But this morning’s quietness was different.

This morning the Lord wanted to impress something on my heart that I didn’t want to hear. My quiet time was cut short by my choice this morning. But the Lord didn’t quit, and right before I left the house, I got a strange impression that I was going to have to face something that I was refusing to hear from the Lord. And that is exactly what happened. Within two hours of my devotional time and one hour from the impression, I heard things that I wished I had heard first in the presence of the Lord. And then I found myself repenting to Him and shocked that it was actually going to come about. Foreknowledge would have eased my heart regarding this matter.

God’s intention is always for our best. We all have to remember that God does nothing without revealing His plans to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). He desires to include us in His plans and He even places those desires within our hearts first. God wants to give to us whatever we ask in Jesus’ name to bring Him glory, as He fulfills the desires He has placed within our hearts. If we are in His Word and quiet in worship before Him, we can also be included when He unfolds His plans. Today, take time to just be still before Him and listen.

Quiet your heart and allow His heart to minister to you. And I am sure that your day will go better than mine did today.

Thought of the Day-July 8th, 2009

Grab Your Fly Swatter!

Julia Bettencourt
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoeverye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

Have you ever considered the fly? It's such a small little thing and yet it can be so annoying and can really get in your way just like a bad habit. Think about how a fly buzzes around. Have you ever sat and tried to relax and read a book and there was a fly in the house? Of all the places to fly around, where does it go? That's right! Right on you, landing repeatedly on your hand.

You continually swat at it. Then it moves on to your leg. You swat at it several times. It goes away for a few minutes and then before you know it back it comes! This time it lands on your ear. You swat at it again. It buzzes around the room some more checking out the curtains and windows and you start to really get into your book and then buzz buzz it's right in your face this time.

That fly keeps pestering you over and over and you keep swatting at it with your hand but it continually comes back to land on your skin! That fly will never go away by you swinging at it. You have to finally go get the fly swatter! You have to have the right tool to take care of it and you have to actively pursue it to rid yourself of it. Swat! Finally it's taken care of.

It is the same way with a bad unspiritual habit that comes buzzing around in our lives. We know it's there and it keeps landing on us but somehow we find ourselves just swatting at it and never really taking care of the problem. The only way to get rid of our bad habits is to get up and get the fly swatter or the right tool. Our best tool against bad habits is the Word of God. It is the best swatter for bad habits that you will ever find.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16

God's Word is much better than a fly swatter. It acts like a heat seeking missile. KABOOM!

Take a minute to reflect on the fly that landed on you. Think about all the places that fly has been before it landed on your skin. Perhaps it was on that dead possum you passed along the road, in the smelly garbage can you opened this morning, buzzing on the backs of the pigs and cows that you passed in the fields along the road. It's not pleasant to think about, but what do you end up with when there are flies around? You guessed it--maggots! What does sin breed? Unspiritual habits! The unspiritual bad habits we display in our lives are rooted in sin and sin has a way of smelling up our lives. I Cor. 10:31. says "whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." If we are going to live this way we can't have bad habits hanging around buzzing to and fro. We have to take a good look at our lives, grab the right tool and actively pursue those things that keep us from honoring God.

Getting Started.One of the best places to get started with our trustworthy swatter, God's Word, is by reading Colossians 3:1- 17. If you want to improve your habits start by seeking something better for yourself. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those thingswhich are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things onthe earth." Colossians 3:1,2

Things to Swat.You know exactly what bad habits you need to swat in your individual life, but Colossians 3 gives us some things to start with that can develop unspiritual habits. Verse 5 says to "mortify" our members concerning several things. In other words make these things dead in all parts of our body.

fornication

uncleanness

inordinate affection

evil concupiscence

covetousness (idolatry)

More Things to Swat.

As we go on in Colossians 3 to verses 8 and 9, we see more things that we are told to put off or that we can swat. These all can lead to unspiritual bad habits in our lives. anger

wrath

malice

blasphemy

filthy communication

lies

Replace Bad Habits With Good Ones.

After we have asked for God's forgiveness for the bad habits which are rooted in sin, we need to commit not to get bogged down with them again."...seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the imageof him that created him."

Colossians 3:9,10 God helps us by giving us some things to replace the old things with in verses 12-16 of the same chapter of Colossians.

bowls of mercies

kindness

humbleness of mind

meekness

longsuffering

forbearing one another

charity

peace of God

thankfulness

Word of God

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms and spiritual songs singing to the Lord

Keep Habits Under Control.

If we are going to keep our habits under control we are going to have to do as I Corinthians 10:31 says, "...do all to the glory of God." "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17

We need to think about everything we do, say, and think and determine whether it is for God's glory.

So, are there things you need to swat?

Thought of the Day-July 7th, 2009

High Definition Christian

By: Julia Bettencourt
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." James 4:8a

The new rage today is HDTV. High Definition Television. It's one of those technical advances that has come along in our society that is changing the way we view and see TV. It's quite amazing to see all the advanced technology that has come along since the old days of black and white.From what I've read, the main difference in high definition capabilities is that the lines of the picture are done in such a way that they are closer together so it comes across as clearer when we view it. There are other things that go along with it, such as better sound quality capability and sharp color definition. In high definition we view and hear things at the ultimate level.Christians have the capability to broadcast in high definition as well. The closer we are to Christ, the less gaps there are going to be in our walk with Him and in turn our picture and quality as a Christian is going to be clearer and of a better quality. People are going to know we are projecting Christ with a high level of intensity in our lives.

A High Definition Christian Will Have:
Better Picture Quality- When we begin spending time with Christ and drawing closer to Him, it changes us. It changes the way we act and react to the world around us. Spending time with Christ is one sure way of making yourself better and improving your overall picture quality as a Christian. When people see our lives, they should know our lives have meaning. They should see Christ in us.I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Better Color Quality - Drawing close to Christ makes us brighter and more vibrant. Others should see that we are portraying Christ in full color through our lives. We should be radiating joy, kindness, love, and all of those things that living for Christ entails. When others look at us we should be sharp and vivid because we know Christ.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance:against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

Better Sound Quality - HDTV has the capability to operate in surround sound. It makes the things we hear richer and clearer. As Christians, what do we sound like? What we say and do shouldn't be just like the world. We should have a distinctive sound. When we get to know Christ and are spending time in prayer and in reading the Word of God, our speech will reflect that.Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.Philippians 2:14,15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15,16

High Definition Television is more than the standard display as we know it. It operates on a different mode. Our Christianity should be more than the standard too. When we are constantly in tune with Christ and spending time with Him, it draws us closer to Him. This makes us sharper and more distinctive because we start living like Christ. He starts being more visible in our lives. We begin displaying those vibrant fruits of the spirit. We start living in sharp contrast to the world. As Christians, our lives should be defined by Christ at the highest level.

So, is your Christian life broadcasting in high definition?

Thought of the Day-July 6th, 2009

Good Old Christian HospitalityJulia Bettencourt

...given to hospitality. Romans 12:13 I love reading through Romans chapter 12. I always find something I need to work on. Romans 12 has such great "directions" as it were all in one passage on specifics of how we should behave as a Christian. I think it's one of those passages that we should share with new Christians but it's also one of those passages we need to visit and revisit as older Christians too.Tips and pointers on various subjects is probably one of the most researched things on the Internet. I think this chapter in Romans is like a great search result for us for "Tips for Living the Christian Life".

This chapter is a wonderful source of information. It starts out in verses 1 and 2 of how we should live our lives as a sacrifice and holy. A great place to start! Verses 3-8 of that chapter goes on to talk about our spiritual gifts and verses 9 - 21 talks about how we should act, behave, and live our lives as a Christian. Isn't this chapter just chock full of those good tips and pointers that we need to know and need to implement in order to live for Christ more efficiently?

When we read through Romans 12:9-21 there are all of these things we should be doing as a Christian in regard to how we behave. It talks about our love, how we should regard evil, our diligence, how we should be patient in our tribulation or trials, our prayer life, and other things but when we reach verse 13 it talks about our hospitality. I just want to focus on that today. "distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality" Romans 12:13 Right there in that chapter among what we would consider important things in our Christian lives, there is this reference to hospitality. That makes me think it's important too.

I've been thinking a lot about hospitality. As a Christian this should be one of our traits. We should be hospitable people. There are just some people that we automatically think of as hospitable. It doesn't matter whether you go into their home or not as a guest, they are just hospitable anywhere they are. I'm sure you may know a few people like that too but we should actually all be hospitable as Christians no matter where we are. We should be "given to hospitality". "Given to" is such a powerful phrase. It means that we are prone or disposed to something. We have a tendency or an inclination to it. When we are "given to" something we just automatically do it. It's part of our nature.

Hospitality refers basically to how we treat other people. Are we cordial, receptive, pleasant, generous? Do we treat other people in a manner as we would a guest? I have heard people say they don't want to be a Christian because a Christian treated them in a bad way or wasn't receptive to them. I've even heard people say they won't go to a certain church because it wasn't friendly or didn't welcome them. If we'd all be "given to hospitality" a little more I don't think we'd hear this as often. Face it. People want to feel welcomed, loved, and have some kind of affection given towards them. That falls to us as a Christian. We are the ones Christ left to do that. Christ wants us to show His love to others.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34,35 I don't think we can show this love to others if we turn them off the first time we meet them or have contact with them. We've got to be "given to hospitality" like it says in Romans 12. I Peter 4 is another one of those passages full of good things to know as a Christian.

Take a look at verse 9 in that chapter of how our hospitality should be. Again, right there in the midst of how we are no longer in the flesh and the importance of living in the spirit, hospitality is mentioned. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. I Peter 4:9 I think that some people just naturally cringe when they are asked to do something hospitable. Like it's going to kill them to have to go out of them way to do something extra. Something above and beyond. What's wrong with going above and beyond?

We've grown so complacent in how we live and how we act. I think we forget that longer vision of eternity. Without Christians in the world to show Christ's love, a big part of that through hospitality, how are we ever going to turn people to Christ? Also, how do we get along with other Christians when we lack that hospitality in our lives. I'm not talking about Southern hospitality either. Although that's well and good but it's associated more with manners than anything else.

I'm talking about good old Christian hospitality. Anyone can have a welcoming manner but our hospitality as Christians should come from deep within us because of our love for Christ. That's the kind of hospitality that we should be reflecting outward to others. When we think of hospitality we sometimes only think of being hospitable in our homes for guests, but I don't think it's like that.

We should exhibit it to others on a daily basis. Even with today's advances of Internet communication. It should be done with hospitality too. I've seen some online communication on message boards that wasn't so hospitable between Christians and I've gotten a few emails from other Christians that weren't too hospitable.

Thinking about hospitality so much has made me question how I come across to people. Am I as hospitable as I can be? Am I showing that love that Christ wants me to? Am I friendly on and offline? Do others see Christ in me everywhere I go?

Thought of the Day-July 3rd, 2009

My Salvation is About Him by Max Lucado
Who would look at the cross of Christ and say, “Great work, Jesus. Sorry you couldn’t finish it, but I’ll take up the slack.”?

Dare we question the crowning work of God? Dare we think heaven needs our help in saving us? Legalism discounts God and in the process makes a mess out of us.

To anyone attempting to earn heaven, Paul asks, “How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ….What has happened to all your joy?” (Galatians 4:19, 15 NIV).

Legalism is joyless because legalism is endless. There is always another class to attend, person to teach, mouth to feed. Inmates incarcerated in self-salvation find work but never joy. How could they? They never know when they are finished. Legalism leaches joy.
Grace, however, dispenses peace. The Christian trusts a finished work.
Grace offers rest. Legalism never does. Then why do we embrace it? “Those who trust in themselves are foolish” (Proverbs 28:26 NCV). Why do we trust in ourselves? Why do we add to God’s finished work?

But the truth is, we don’t. If we think we do, we have missed the message. “What is left for us to brag about?” Paul wonders (Romans 3:27 CEV). What is there indeed? What have you

contributed? Aside from your admission of utter decadence, I can’t think of a thing. “By his doing you are in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Salvation glorifies the Savior, not the saved.

Your salvation showcases God’s mercy. It makes nothing of your effort but everything of his. “I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again” (Isaiah, 43:25, emphasis mine).

Can you add anything to this salvation? No. The work is finished.
Can you earn this salvation? No. Don’t dishonor God by trying.

Dare we boast about this salvation? By no means. The giver of bread, not the beggar, deserves praise. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
It’s not about what we do; it’s all about what he does.

Thought of the Day-July 2nd, 2009

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi

So what do you Will in your life?

Thought of the Day-July 1st, 2009

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Ephesians iv. 26

Why start off a second day off fresh. Carry over can create baggage and stress.

Resolve the issue before you lay your head to rest.