"Today in BST"
Click the link to http://bible.christianity.com/11603220/
JUMP OUT FROG!!!!
http://bible.christianity.com/
Happy Thanksgiving,
Sam
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
A NOTE OF ASSURANCE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
This post comes from G$
Needless to say we as a country and, indeed a world are in a unique time of financial upheaval - times which can bring with them deep concern and fear.
While not wanting to minimize the personal pain and sacrifice that many will suffer as a result of the meltdown, I do wish to sound a note of encouragement in the midst of it all. We know that God is aware of and present in all circumstances so let’s look at some potentially bright sides of an otherwise very dark situation.
· We are being reminded of reality. The warning signs and predictions that things could not continue as they were have been around for some time. In the times ahead, some basic principles around living within our means, avoiding consumer debt and saving for the unexpected will undoubtedly be adhered to by greater numbers of people.
· The opportunities for the church, for your stewardship ministry, to provide help and sound biblical teaching on personal money management to a much more receptive audience within and outside the church are greatly increased.
· Those who have lived with financial margin in their lives will serve as examples of the benefits of having done so and will be in the best position to be of help to others.
· On a macro level, increased regulation of certain sectors of our financial markets, about which some have warned of excesses for some time, will become reality and will hopefully prevent repeats of the abuses that have led to the situation we are in now. Capitalism must have moral restraints and while those can’t be legislated, regulations can at least make it harder to do wrong and easier to punish those who do.
· Most significantly, we are reminded that earthly treasures can succumb to rust, moths, thieves and to economic upheavals and that it is our treasures in heaven that are safe for eternity.
How then shall we live? Some brief answers:
· Live not in fear but in confidence in a sovereign God.
· Don’t panic. Continue to do those things that you know to be right, wise and consistent with biblical financial principles. Stop doing those things that are not.
· Use this opportunity to take a hard look at where you can be a better steward – a more prudent spender, wise saver, cautious debtor and yes, even a more generous giver. In the good times we all get a little lax. Crisis forces us to be more creative.
· Talk with family and/or close friends. Encourage one another, share insights, reaffirm truths, and thank God together for His promises.
· Be reminded that this too shall pass. We’ve been here before.
· And if you are still in a position to save some, it might be a great time to dollar-cost average your investments.
One more thing, if you’re a stewardship leader – lead! This is a golden opportunity to reach folks who may not have been receptive in the past.
In Christ,
Sam
Needless to say we as a country and, indeed a world are in a unique time of financial upheaval - times which can bring with them deep concern and fear.
While not wanting to minimize the personal pain and sacrifice that many will suffer as a result of the meltdown, I do wish to sound a note of encouragement in the midst of it all. We know that God is aware of and present in all circumstances so let’s look at some potentially bright sides of an otherwise very dark situation.
· We are being reminded of reality. The warning signs and predictions that things could not continue as they were have been around for some time. In the times ahead, some basic principles around living within our means, avoiding consumer debt and saving for the unexpected will undoubtedly be adhered to by greater numbers of people.
· The opportunities for the church, for your stewardship ministry, to provide help and sound biblical teaching on personal money management to a much more receptive audience within and outside the church are greatly increased.
· Those who have lived with financial margin in their lives will serve as examples of the benefits of having done so and will be in the best position to be of help to others.
· On a macro level, increased regulation of certain sectors of our financial markets, about which some have warned of excesses for some time, will become reality and will hopefully prevent repeats of the abuses that have led to the situation we are in now. Capitalism must have moral restraints and while those can’t be legislated, regulations can at least make it harder to do wrong and easier to punish those who do.
· Most significantly, we are reminded that earthly treasures can succumb to rust, moths, thieves and to economic upheavals and that it is our treasures in heaven that are safe for eternity.
How then shall we live? Some brief answers:
· Live not in fear but in confidence in a sovereign God.
· Don’t panic. Continue to do those things that you know to be right, wise and consistent with biblical financial principles. Stop doing those things that are not.
· Use this opportunity to take a hard look at where you can be a better steward – a more prudent spender, wise saver, cautious debtor and yes, even a more generous giver. In the good times we all get a little lax. Crisis forces us to be more creative.
· Talk with family and/or close friends. Encourage one another, share insights, reaffirm truths, and thank God together for His promises.
· Be reminded that this too shall pass. We’ve been here before.
· And if you are still in a position to save some, it might be a great time to dollar-cost average your investments.
One more thing, if you’re a stewardship leader – lead! This is a golden opportunity to reach folks who may not have been receptive in the past.
In Christ,
Sam
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Where is your Authentic Swing?
Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You’re the only one who can do it permanently. Zig Ziglar
Motivational: The Authentic Swing
By Sandra Ford Walston
We find ourselves in an atypical predicament. This dilemma is what I call a “national defining moment.” It means everyone must step up and claim their courage to confront an elusive problem called “uncertainty.” How do we unite to find the courage to step up when society, much less our parents, do not prepare or teach us about the virtue of courage?
After thirteen years of researching the actions of courage, I extracted several common themes, along with the twelve behaviors of courage. One theme was the notion of sacrificing or choosing to take an immediate hit to achieve a long-range goal. Courageous people choose to forgo immediate satisfaction by taking risks and hurdling obstacles. They identify, claim, and apply the original definition of courage, meaning “heart and spirit.” In other words, when a situation requires them to “step up” and display their authenticity, they do!
The movie “The Legend of Bagger Vance” was about a post-WWI golfer and a mysterious caddie. Set in Georgia, the dispirited Savannah folks decide a tournament will boost their war-torn morale. But, they fancied a southern pro to represent them. A traumatized golfer with flashbacks reluctantly commits to play in the tournament. In the middle of the night, he uncovers his abandoned and dusty clubs to hit golf balls in his backyard. While he chops away at the ball, out of nowhere, a mysterious man with suitcase in hand walks out from the countryside. With clever indifference, the stranger discreetly starts to coach the frustrated hacker.
Bagger Vance is the inexplicably wise caddie that teaches the troubled golfer how to reach deep inside and find his “authentic swing.” The caddie tells the conflicted golfer: “This is the authentic swing you were born with—the one you came into this world with—the authentic swing is all that you are! You’re just caught up with life’s ‘ought’s and should’s’.” The underlying message is not a new one. The heart’s message is about having the courage to examine self rather than remain self-righteous.
Uncertainty is an inevitable condition throughout life. We are in a time of second-guessing ourselves, reacting with knee-jerk reactions. Courage comes into play when you’re reflective. The essence of courage is a spiritual energy from the heart that in defining moments motivates a person to take action. Courage is much more complex than spontaneous reactions to traumatic events. Using courage as an ally means bundling a combination of courageous actions such as continually learning, persisting to be mindful of defining moments, and being 100% accountable for choices. Oftentimes, missed opportunities will never be seen again.Without the development of courage, other virtues such as grace and humility will struggle to find their place. Courage is the umbrella to all the other virtues. Frankly, I am unwilling to let anyone else design my life!
Sandra Ford Walston is known as The Courage Expert. She is a leadership and organizational effective consultant and internationally published author of Courage. Call 303.696.1010 or email swalston@walstoncourage.com or visit www.walstoncourage.com.
Motivational: The Authentic Swing
By Sandra Ford Walston
We find ourselves in an atypical predicament. This dilemma is what I call a “national defining moment.” It means everyone must step up and claim their courage to confront an elusive problem called “uncertainty.” How do we unite to find the courage to step up when society, much less our parents, do not prepare or teach us about the virtue of courage?
After thirteen years of researching the actions of courage, I extracted several common themes, along with the twelve behaviors of courage. One theme was the notion of sacrificing or choosing to take an immediate hit to achieve a long-range goal. Courageous people choose to forgo immediate satisfaction by taking risks and hurdling obstacles. They identify, claim, and apply the original definition of courage, meaning “heart and spirit.” In other words, when a situation requires them to “step up” and display their authenticity, they do!
The movie “The Legend of Bagger Vance” was about a post-WWI golfer and a mysterious caddie. Set in Georgia, the dispirited Savannah folks decide a tournament will boost their war-torn morale. But, they fancied a southern pro to represent them. A traumatized golfer with flashbacks reluctantly commits to play in the tournament. In the middle of the night, he uncovers his abandoned and dusty clubs to hit golf balls in his backyard. While he chops away at the ball, out of nowhere, a mysterious man with suitcase in hand walks out from the countryside. With clever indifference, the stranger discreetly starts to coach the frustrated hacker.
Bagger Vance is the inexplicably wise caddie that teaches the troubled golfer how to reach deep inside and find his “authentic swing.” The caddie tells the conflicted golfer: “This is the authentic swing you were born with—the one you came into this world with—the authentic swing is all that you are! You’re just caught up with life’s ‘ought’s and should’s’.” The underlying message is not a new one. The heart’s message is about having the courage to examine self rather than remain self-righteous.
Uncertainty is an inevitable condition throughout life. We are in a time of second-guessing ourselves, reacting with knee-jerk reactions. Courage comes into play when you’re reflective. The essence of courage is a spiritual energy from the heart that in defining moments motivates a person to take action. Courage is much more complex than spontaneous reactions to traumatic events. Using courage as an ally means bundling a combination of courageous actions such as continually learning, persisting to be mindful of defining moments, and being 100% accountable for choices. Oftentimes, missed opportunities will never be seen again.Without the development of courage, other virtues such as grace and humility will struggle to find their place. Courage is the umbrella to all the other virtues. Frankly, I am unwilling to let anyone else design my life!
Sandra Ford Walston is known as The Courage Expert. She is a leadership and organizational effective consultant and internationally published author of Courage. Call 303.696.1010 or email swalston@walstoncourage.com or visit www.walstoncourage.com.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Overcoming Objections
What objections do you face this minute, this hour, this day?
I can't tell you how to overcome all objections in your life, what I can tell you are some things that will help you manage overcoming objections in your life.
When you face an objection, try doing this to overcome it.
L-Listen
Q-Question
E-Empathize
T-Test
Listen to the content and the intent of the objection. Logically process the reason for objection, don't let emotions get in the way of listening to why you are being objected against. (Logic Vs. Emotion)
Question the objection and summarize the information you receive to why something is being objected. Get down to the root of why your objector is giving reason of objection.
Empathize with the objector to show you understand their reasoning, process what they are saying, show empathy to their feelings, help them to understand you through experiences you have had. Relate to.
Test the objection once you find what it is to insure you have found their reason for objection, then show them, educate them on why you are offering them a different way, or service, or product, or whatever you are wanting to accomplish.
These simple steps will help you build better skills of communicating with those around you. Understanding objections will greatly help your chances of overcoming them!
Through Christ Jesus all things are possible, pray that God will help you to overcome your objections; ask God to help build your communication skills so that you can help others.
In Christ,
Sam
You can reach me by responding to the comments of this blog or you can use these email addresses kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com
I can't tell you how to overcome all objections in your life, what I can tell you are some things that will help you manage overcoming objections in your life.
When you face an objection, try doing this to overcome it.
L-Listen
Q-Question
E-Empathize
T-Test
Listen to the content and the intent of the objection. Logically process the reason for objection, don't let emotions get in the way of listening to why you are being objected against. (Logic Vs. Emotion)
Question the objection and summarize the information you receive to why something is being objected. Get down to the root of why your objector is giving reason of objection.
Empathize with the objector to show you understand their reasoning, process what they are saying, show empathy to their feelings, help them to understand you through experiences you have had. Relate to.
Test the objection once you find what it is to insure you have found their reason for objection, then show them, educate them on why you are offering them a different way, or service, or product, or whatever you are wanting to accomplish.
These simple steps will help you build better skills of communicating with those around you. Understanding objections will greatly help your chances of overcoming them!
Through Christ Jesus all things are possible, pray that God will help you to overcome your objections; ask God to help build your communication skills so that you can help others.
In Christ,
Sam
You can reach me by responding to the comments of this blog or you can use these email addresses kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What should you do? With your money!!
TIME & MONEY:PARTNERS IN YOUR PROSPERITY
If you understand how time affects the value of your money, you can make decisions about what to invest in and what to buy, in order to enhance that value.
What can work against you over time is inflation. What can work for you is appreciation.
What works both for and against you is interest. For instance, when you’re earning interest (or dividends from bonds or preferred stock), it adds to the value of your money. But when you’re paying interest (on, say, mortgages and car loans), it can erode your money’s value.
The interest rate does make a difference: At 4% it will take almost 20 years to double your money; at 5% it will take almost 15 years; at 8% it will take just less than 10 years.
Unfortunately, the value of your money can also go down if inflation and market rates of return are rising. Here’s roughly what your $1,000 might be worth at different market rates if you just stuffed it into your mattress and then went shopping with it in a year or two:
A $1000.00 at inflation of 3.0% = $971.00, @ 6.0%= $943.00, @ 9.0%= $917.00 1st.Year
The same $1000.00 3.0% = $943.00, @ 6.0%= $890.00, @ 9.0%= $841.00 2nd.Year
So you can see what happens to currency if it does not keep moving. It is very important that you understand interest rates, compound interest, inflation, investing, and budgeting.
For further details send e-mails to kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com Comments are welcomed!!!
If you understand how time affects the value of your money, you can make decisions about what to invest in and what to buy, in order to enhance that value.
What can work against you over time is inflation. What can work for you is appreciation.
What works both for and against you is interest. For instance, when you’re earning interest (or dividends from bonds or preferred stock), it adds to the value of your money. But when you’re paying interest (on, say, mortgages and car loans), it can erode your money’s value.
The interest rate does make a difference: At 4% it will take almost 20 years to double your money; at 5% it will take almost 15 years; at 8% it will take just less than 10 years.
Unfortunately, the value of your money can also go down if inflation and market rates of return are rising. Here’s roughly what your $1,000 might be worth at different market rates if you just stuffed it into your mattress and then went shopping with it in a year or two:
A $1000.00 at inflation of 3.0% = $971.00, @ 6.0%= $943.00, @ 9.0%= $917.00 1st.Year
The same $1000.00 3.0% = $943.00, @ 6.0%= $890.00, @ 9.0%= $841.00 2nd.Year
So you can see what happens to currency if it does not keep moving. It is very important that you understand interest rates, compound interest, inflation, investing, and budgeting.
For further details send e-mails to kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com Comments are welcomed!!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Power of Focus
"We've all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, but I think it's more important to learn from successes. If you learn only from your mistakes, you are inclined to learn only errors."
Norman Vincent Peale
1898-1993, Pastor and Author
When you want to learn something you have to focus on it intensely. This is true in all aspects of your life; spiritual, physical, relational, and financial. If you focus on one thing at a time to a point of perfection or completion you will achieve it. If you want to achieve financial independence you have to focus on attaining income and concentrate on eliminating debt. This is where it gets tricky, if you focus on the negative side of your debt, then guess what- you will stay in a state of mind of being in debt. Okay, without going into a deep discussion on focus and debt here, I just want to say you should focus on getting your income up, make a plan that works automatically on eliminating your debt and focus on the success of being debt free. I would love to go into further discussion on this if you like. Comments are always welcomed and you can reach me by email as well. kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com
Keep the positive attitudes, focus on the goal.
May God bless you,
Sam
Norman Vincent Peale
1898-1993, Pastor and Author
When you want to learn something you have to focus on it intensely. This is true in all aspects of your life; spiritual, physical, relational, and financial. If you focus on one thing at a time to a point of perfection or completion you will achieve it. If you want to achieve financial independence you have to focus on attaining income and concentrate on eliminating debt. This is where it gets tricky, if you focus on the negative side of your debt, then guess what- you will stay in a state of mind of being in debt. Okay, without going into a deep discussion on focus and debt here, I just want to say you should focus on getting your income up, make a plan that works automatically on eliminating your debt and focus on the success of being debt free. I would love to go into further discussion on this if you like. Comments are always welcomed and you can reach me by email as well. kirkendohl@bellsouth.net or kirkendohl.investments@gmail.com
Keep the positive attitudes, focus on the goal.
May God bless you,
Sam
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Preparing for the Days ahead
Take a minute to read these powerful steps, in the link below, to prepare yourselves!!
http://www.crown.org/Emails/DonorLetters/PDFs/May09_PracticalBrochure.pdf
http://www.crown.org/Emails/DonorLetters/PDFs/May09_PracticalBrochure.pdf
Monday, May 4, 2009
Debt Elimination
Debt Elimination
“The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.” - Sir Henry Taylor
Chances are you are swimming in debt. In fact, you are likely paying your bills late and you might even have creditors calling you or even knocking on your door.
Many people look at their neighbor’s new car, boats, motorcycle, annual vacations and expensive lifestyles and think,” if I only made the same amount of money as the Jones family, I would be set.” Most of us never stop to consider the fact that those people with the fancy cars and nice boats are in the same rat race as ourselves. Most are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to figure out how to make their minimum payments.
The next time you pull up next to someone in a luxury car at a stoplight, instead of envying them, stop to consider that they are likely stressing over the funds for the bills that are due at the end of the month.
I have one question. Would you like to find out some principles for successful debt elimination? Okay I will share with you only if you respond to this blog, either by emailing me (for personal consultation) or anonymously in the comment section.
“The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.” - Sir Henry Taylor
Chances are you are swimming in debt. In fact, you are likely paying your bills late and you might even have creditors calling you or even knocking on your door.
Many people look at their neighbor’s new car, boats, motorcycle, annual vacations and expensive lifestyles and think,” if I only made the same amount of money as the Jones family, I would be set.” Most of us never stop to consider the fact that those people with the fancy cars and nice boats are in the same rat race as ourselves. Most are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to figure out how to make their minimum payments.
The next time you pull up next to someone in a luxury car at a stoplight, instead of envying them, stop to consider that they are likely stressing over the funds for the bills that are due at the end of the month.
I have one question. Would you like to find out some principles for successful debt elimination? Okay I will share with you only if you respond to this blog, either by emailing me (for personal consultation) or anonymously in the comment section.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Change
- Is it internal first? Or
- Is it external?
As we all should know, change takes place first on the inside. You have to first conceive the change in your minds eye, receive it in your heart, act upon it, then the change will show up on the external.
We have heard parables used to illustrate change. I personally like the parables used by Jesus Christ myself. Jesus liked to make things simple, He would put it to you in a way that you would understand exactly what was meant; such as planting seeds. You will reap what you sow, this is so true. Planting seeds of change in your mind is no different then as it is now, just as then we have to be careful of what we plant, how we nurture it and how we portray the change. The seeds can easily be planted, but the harvest can be bitter sweet, bitter or sweet, the choice is yours.
"It is a lesson that history teaches the wise, to put trust in ideas, and not in circumstances." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Lets Get Excited!
"We often think of enthusiasm as caused by an external event. However, it can be generated from within, becoming an intentional action for transforming virtually anything in our lives. Enthusiasm can take the seemingly small, dull, boring, or unimportant and turn it into something new and magnificent. Learn to strengthen the muscle of your enthusiasm, letting the tiny become great, and you will reclaim your energy and passion."
-Anat Baniel
-Anat Baniel
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
!Facing America Today!
There’s an Adrian Rogers quote floating around cyberspace. Perhaps you have received it?
Though Dr. Rogers said it in 1984, his words are so relevant to what we are facing in America today. In fact, it was even read and posted in the Congressional Record by Congressman Steve King from the state of Iowa on January 14, 2009.
Dr. Rogers is quoted:
“Friend, you cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. And what one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government can’t give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody. And when half of the people get the idea they don’t have to work because the other half’s going to take care of them, and when the other half get the idea it does no good to work because somebody’s going to get what I work for. That, dear friend, is about the end of any nation.”
How true this is. Pray that our nation can with stand its goverment!!
Sam
Though Dr. Rogers said it in 1984, his words are so relevant to what we are facing in America today. In fact, it was even read and posted in the Congressional Record by Congressman Steve King from the state of Iowa on January 14, 2009.
Dr. Rogers is quoted:
“Friend, you cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. And what one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government can’t give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody. And when half of the people get the idea they don’t have to work because the other half’s going to take care of them, and when the other half get the idea it does no good to work because somebody’s going to get what I work for. That, dear friend, is about the end of any nation.”
How true this is. Pray that our nation can with stand its goverment!!
Sam
Saturday, February 28, 2009
TAMING THE TONGUE
" It is sometimes better to be quite and thought of as a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"
How many times has this been true of someone you know? or even yourself?
Words are very powerful! The tongue is thought to be one of the most dangerous weapons mankind has. There have been more things destroyed by simple words than by man made weapons on earth. Our words speak great truths when engaged with our hearts and minds, but when our mouth overloads itself, worlds are crushed! I have watched my son over the past few days when I come into the room and spoke, he has come to recognize my voice; he will start turning his head toward me, gets a great big smile and a laughs. What a wonderful feeling you get inside when this happens. I was talking with Davis, watching him smile and carry on when I realized this little guy really pays attention to the sound of my voice, that's when I started thinking about what he will do when he can comprehend what I am saying. I can either make his world or break his world with just my tongue! I went on to think about how relationships are broken, worlds are turned upside down and even worst lives are lost due to your tongue. I know, there are lots of things the tongue does that is good; like: tasting, singing beautiful songs, and etc...
God gave us our tongues to be able to communicate in a loving manor, to be able to praise Him, and to eat for survival. We as mankind have perverted this gift, like many other gifts, to cause loss of friendship, loss of love and sadly loss of life. I caution each and everyone to watch what you say, to think before you speak, to give consideration to your neighbor before removing all doubt!!
I would like to encourage you all to read James 3:1-12 & 4:8. I pray daily that the Lord use me as a vessel through which he speaks, not that He needs me, but that I need Him.
Love one another, lift your thoughts up to God and ask He bless your tongue to be an instrument that saves.
Love,
Sam
How many times has this been true of someone you know? or even yourself?
Words are very powerful! The tongue is thought to be one of the most dangerous weapons mankind has. There have been more things destroyed by simple words than by man made weapons on earth. Our words speak great truths when engaged with our hearts and minds, but when our mouth overloads itself, worlds are crushed! I have watched my son over the past few days when I come into the room and spoke, he has come to recognize my voice; he will start turning his head toward me, gets a great big smile and a laughs. What a wonderful feeling you get inside when this happens. I was talking with Davis, watching him smile and carry on when I realized this little guy really pays attention to the sound of my voice, that's when I started thinking about what he will do when he can comprehend what I am saying. I can either make his world or break his world with just my tongue! I went on to think about how relationships are broken, worlds are turned upside down and even worst lives are lost due to your tongue. I know, there are lots of things the tongue does that is good; like: tasting, singing beautiful songs, and etc...
God gave us our tongues to be able to communicate in a loving manor, to be able to praise Him, and to eat for survival. We as mankind have perverted this gift, like many other gifts, to cause loss of friendship, loss of love and sadly loss of life. I caution each and everyone to watch what you say, to think before you speak, to give consideration to your neighbor before removing all doubt!!
I would like to encourage you all to read James 3:1-12 & 4:8. I pray daily that the Lord use me as a vessel through which he speaks, not that He needs me, but that I need Him.
Love one another, lift your thoughts up to God and ask He bless your tongue to be an instrument that saves.
Love,
Sam
Thursday, January 22, 2009
!! NO FEAR !!
"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."
Lewis L. Dunnington
Author
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; Because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18
Are you gripped with fear about something? There is hope! Love is the answer to overcoming your fear because love is the Christian's security blanket.
My wife and I have been blessed with the love of a new born baby boy. He is such a bundle of love that I cannot find words to express my feelings. I have spent the last few days watching, holding, cuddling, crying and praising God over him. I have watched my son from the day he was born be comforted by our love and his blanket. When he is swaddled in his blanket, he is in such comfort, his body is limp, and oh what a peaceful sleep he has. He appears to have NO FEAR This blanket reminds me of the before mentioned verse " Perfect love casteth out fear."
God's love can eliminate all dread. It is not our love for Him, but His love for us that will cast out our fears. The question isn't: Am I brave enough? The question is: Do I trust His love enough?
Read, study; not so much word for word, but word for meaning verses in 2 Timothy 1:7-9
Answer the questions above. I would love to hear your comments.
Lewis L. Dunnington
Author
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; Because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18
Are you gripped with fear about something? There is hope! Love is the answer to overcoming your fear because love is the Christian's security blanket.
My wife and I have been blessed with the love of a new born baby boy. He is such a bundle of love that I cannot find words to express my feelings. I have spent the last few days watching, holding, cuddling, crying and praising God over him. I have watched my son from the day he was born be comforted by our love and his blanket. When he is swaddled in his blanket, he is in such comfort, his body is limp, and oh what a peaceful sleep he has. He appears to have NO FEAR This blanket reminds me of the before mentioned verse " Perfect love casteth out fear."
God's love can eliminate all dread. It is not our love for Him, but His love for us that will cast out our fears. The question isn't: Am I brave enough? The question is: Do I trust His love enough?
Read, study; not so much word for word, but word for meaning verses in 2 Timothy 1:7-9
Answer the questions above. I would love to hear your comments.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Whenever He calls....
"WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH."Matthew 25:13
I am reminded of this scripture today as I plan for the rest of my week. I like to set forth a plan of progress for my week, however; I always find myself cramming everything to do in a couple of days or hours. How many of you do the same? I have known for days, sometimes weeks what I have to do, what I need to accomplish, and why I need to. I do set goals to achieve, its the action plan that seems to get crammed into the last minutes. I have talked to several people over the last couple of days, each one of them are hoping for a quick return on their income taxes, however; they have chose to wait til the last minute to put together receipts, income statements, expense reports, and etc... I wonder how they will fair? Have you ever done that? Jesus tells us to be ready for His return because it may happen at any time. Are you ready?
If you read the writings of the Apostle Paul, you will learn that he wanted to always be ready for Christ's return. Paul was not a citizen of earth trying to get to heaven. He was a citizen of heaven only sojourning here on earth. And he was ready to go whenever God called.
Prayerfully read Matthew 10:37-39, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Are you willing (and ready) to go anywhere, to do anything God asks of you? God may not call you to go anywhere or He may even call you home, but if He did, would you go? Are you ready to go?
I am reminded of this scripture today as I plan for the rest of my week. I like to set forth a plan of progress for my week, however; I always find myself cramming everything to do in a couple of days or hours. How many of you do the same? I have known for days, sometimes weeks what I have to do, what I need to accomplish, and why I need to. I do set goals to achieve, its the action plan that seems to get crammed into the last minutes. I have talked to several people over the last couple of days, each one of them are hoping for a quick return on their income taxes, however; they have chose to wait til the last minute to put together receipts, income statements, expense reports, and etc... I wonder how they will fair? Have you ever done that? Jesus tells us to be ready for His return because it may happen at any time. Are you ready?
If you read the writings of the Apostle Paul, you will learn that he wanted to always be ready for Christ's return. Paul was not a citizen of earth trying to get to heaven. He was a citizen of heaven only sojourning here on earth. And he was ready to go whenever God called.
Prayerfully read Matthew 10:37-39, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Are you willing (and ready) to go anywhere, to do anything God asks of you? God may not call you to go anywhere or He may even call you home, but if He did, would you go? Are you ready to go?
Monday, January 5, 2009
SEEDS OF FAITH
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6).
A mustard seed is a very small thing. But when it’s planted, it grows into a huge tree. In the same way, Jesus is saying that a little bit of faith can bring tremendous results! As a believer in Him, you already have enough faith on the inside of you to overcome any obstacle. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead actually dwells in you! It doesn’t matter if you grew up in church or not; it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know; God wants to work in your life today. And you may not see how, but all you have to do is believe God. With God, all things are possible. Do you have mustard seed faith today? The Bible says that faith without works is dead. When you have faith, your words and actions reflect it. Take a step of faith today and declare your trust in Him. Even if you don’t see how, declare that God is working behind the scenes in your life. As you act on your mustard seed faith, you’ll see it grow stronger and stronger, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!
Father God, today I confess my trust and reliance on You. Thank You for depositing seeds of faith in my heart so that I can live in total victory. I believe that with you all things are possible! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
A mustard seed is a very small thing. But when it’s planted, it grows into a huge tree. In the same way, Jesus is saying that a little bit of faith can bring tremendous results! As a believer in Him, you already have enough faith on the inside of you to overcome any obstacle. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead actually dwells in you! It doesn’t matter if you grew up in church or not; it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know; God wants to work in your life today. And you may not see how, but all you have to do is believe God. With God, all things are possible. Do you have mustard seed faith today? The Bible says that faith without works is dead. When you have faith, your words and actions reflect it. Take a step of faith today and declare your trust in Him. Even if you don’t see how, declare that God is working behind the scenes in your life. As you act on your mustard seed faith, you’ll see it grow stronger and stronger, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!
Father God, today I confess my trust and reliance on You. Thank You for depositing seeds of faith in my heart so that I can live in total victory. I believe that with you all things are possible! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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