Here is a page where we will post encouraging words. Please feel free to submit something for others to enjoy. Please be considerate of copyrights and always list an author if known. May God touch and change you today. 
God's Awesome Love
Have you been touched by God's awesome love today, has He Blessed you in even the slightest way?
Did you survive the night to start the day anew; did God grant you sight this World's beauty to view?
Are your ears able to hear the little birds sing, oh the joy in your soul that this alone must bring.
Are you able to kneel beside your bed and pray, we must remember to surrender each and every day?
We must ask God to control the things we see; things often complained about are Blessings in reality.
I once complained about dishes having to be done, but than realized eating the food they'd held had been fun.
I complained about how busy I was on Laundry Day, than recognized I was Blessed to have outfits to put away.
I complained about having to sweep the floor, than realized it was part of my home with windows and a door.
I complained about having to strip my bed, then recalled there are those with no where to lay their head.
I once took so much for granted without giving credit where it was due, I Thank God for opening my eyes my Blessings to view.
I Thank God for caring enough to help me appreciate, all that He does for me before it was too late.
I Thank God for loving me enough to help me to see, all of the wonderful ways in which He Blesses me!
May you know how mightily you are Blessed today, as God's awesome love comes your way!
Feburary 23,2007
JESUS
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son; Send this to all your
buddy list. If you do not believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son, just
ignore and delete.
In the Holy Bible, Jesus says..."If you deny me before man, I will deny
you before my Father in Heaven.."
His Broken Heart Heals Our Hurts
I can't understand it. I honestly cannnot. Why did Jesus die on the cross? Oh, I know, I know. I have heard the official answers. "To gratify the old law." "To fulfill prophecy." And these answers are right. But there is something more here. Something very compassionate. Something yearning. Something personal. What is it?
Could it be that His heart was broken for all the people who cast despairing eyes toward the dark heavens and cry the same "WHY!"? Could it be that His heart was broken for the hurting?
I imagine Him bending close to those that hurt. I imagine Him listening. I picture His eyes misting and a pierced hand brushing away a tear....He who wa alone...understands.
The greek word for compassion is splanchnizomai, which won't mean anything to you unless you studied it in the health profession. If so, you remember that "splanchnology" is the study of the gut. When Matthew writes that Jesus has compassion on the people, he is not saying that Jesus felt casual pity for them. No, the term is far more graphic. Matthew is saying that Jesus felt their hurt in His gut:
He felt the limp of the cripled.
He felt the hurt of the diseased.
He felt the lonliness of the leper.
He felt the embarrassment of the sinful.
And once He felt their hurts, He couldn't help but heal their hurts.
That is why the cross had to happen....
There was no other way.
" THE SINGLE TEAR"
There was just one...it dropped out of the corner of my eye, and before I could reach up to wipe it away, it had already coursed down my cheeck. Where had it come from, this single tear? As I had reflected on the scriptures a few more minutes: "Chosen by God"...."Holy"...."Beloved"...."The apple of His eye"....What did this mean in practical terms?How did this status of "Beloved" by God really manifest itself in everyday life? That's when I felt the warm, wet stream course down my right cheeck. Then He spoke: " I shed that tear," He said, "The thought that our time together will soon end brought tears to my eyes, and one of them dropped on your cheeck." "Oh Lord!" I cried, "You have enjoyed this time together as much as I have! But....How...." Suddenly the full meaning of this verse struck me: I am God's beloved. He desires to spend time with ME, to commune with ME, to have a relationship and friendship with ME! "Oh Lord!", I repeated, "why can't we do this more often?" He didn't answer. He didn't need to. I already knew.
HE was always there. It was me who was too busy, too tired, too insecure. It was my adamant belief that the God of the universe didn't have time to spend with me; my poor self image, my feelings of unworthiness, the lies from the enemy shouted that I was not important to God. His response was clear: "That's exactly what I died for!"
" No one is able to come to Me unless the Father who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and then I will raise him up from the dead at the last day." And He said, " This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him, unless he is able to do so by the Father." John 6:44,65
" Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears, listens to, and heeds my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with Me."
Revelation 3:20
Born of God
We are born of God (1 Jn.3:9, 1 Jn.5:18 below) and chosen by Christ
before the foundation of the world to be without sin, holy and
without blame before Him in love (Eph.1:4 below) as the church of
God (1 Cor.10:32 below).
1 Jn.3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for
his (God's) seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is
born of God.
1 Jn.5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not;
but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one
toucheth him not.
Eph.1:4 According as he (Christ) hath chosen us (Mk.13:20)
in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love (1 Jn.3:9, 1 Jn.5:18 below):
1 Cor.10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the
Gentiles, nor to the church of God.
What do you miss by being a Christian?
HELL!
What is Hell?
Hell Is:
1. A lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
2. A bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1).
3. A horrible tempest (Ps. 11:6).
4. A place of everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14).
5. A furnace of fire (Matt. 13:41,42).
6. A devouring fire (Isaiah 33:14).
7. A place of torments (Luke 16:23).
8. A place of everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46).
9. A place where people pray that others won't experience its torment
(Luke 16:27).
10. A place where they cry for mercy (Luke 16:24).
11. A place where they wail (Matt. 13:42).
12. A place where they curse God (Rev. 16:11).
13. A place where they never repent (Matt. 12:32).
14. A place of filthiness (Rev. 22:10,11).
15. A place of weeping (Matt. 8:12).
16. A place of sorrows (Ps. 18:5).
17. A place of outer darkness (Matt. 8:12).
18. A place where they have no rest (Rev.14:11).
19. A place where they gnaw their tongues (Rev. 16:10).
20. A place of blackness and darkness forever (Jude 13).
21. A place where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched
(Mark 9:48).
22. A place where they are tormented with brimstone (Rev. 14:10).
23. A place from which the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever
(Rev. 14:11).
"How shall we escape, if we ignore such a great salvation?"
Hebrews 2:3
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
GOD SAYS:
1. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23).
2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
3. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12).
JESUS HAS PROMISED EVERYONE:
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him,"
(Revelation 3:20a).
Your biggest Decision:
Jesus has already "PAID IN FULL" the price for your eternal life.
However, He leaves the final decision entirely up to you.
So, what will you
do with
Jesus Christ ?
Will you receive Him, or will you reject Him?
An Undivided Heart
Lord, put in me a new spirit
Remove my heart of stone
And give to me a heart of flesh
That trusts in You alone
Oh, That I may fear Your name
Each day right from the start
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.
I want a gaze that never waivers
Or loses sight of the goal
To keep it's focus on obeying You
With mind and body and soul
Help me to walk in submission to Christ
In whole and not in part
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.
I want Your joy to be my greatest strength
Your salvation my impassioned praise
Your holiness to be my way of living
For all the rest of my days
Keep me steadfast in doing Your work
And following the course that You chart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.
Teach me to daily die to self
And to spend much time in prayer
That I may be discerning of those around me
And treat them with genuine care
I want to be totally true to You
To wear your righteousness as my mark
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.
I want to live the time You've given me
Committed fully to Your purpose and call
Lord, consume me with Your awesome presence
Cause me on my knees to fall
And bow to Your desire for my life
Let no circumstance keep us apart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.
©2001 Crystal C. Godfrey
Dear God
So far today I have done all right.
I haven't gossiped.
I haven't lost my temper.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy,
nasty, selfish or overindulgent.
I am very thankful for that!
But in a few minutes, Lord,
I am going to get out of this bed,
And from then on,
I'm probably going to need a lot more help.
Amen
Author Unknown
God’s Signature
Like the author of a novel
or a writer of many rhymes
God's signature is seen upon
all His works all of the time.
The beauty that He created
with His gentle loving hand
He signed as with a golden pen
or like writings in the sand.
And with each thing He made
His put His love in every touch
every detail so uniquely laid
like a artist with a brush.
So let's not take for granted
when we all His beauty see
for He created it and signed it
and gave it to you and me.
©2002 Ruth Johnson
Parents Prayer
Oh, God, make me a better parent.
Help me to understand my children,
To listen patiently to what they have to say
And to answer all their questions kindly.
Keep me from interrupting them,
Talking back to them and contradicting them.
Make me as courteous to them
As I would have them be to me.
Give me the courage to confess my sins
Against my children and to ask of them forgiveness,
When I know that I have done them wrong.
May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children.
Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or
Resort to shame and ridicule as punishment.
Let me not tempt a child to lie and steal.
So guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate
By all I say and do that honestly produces happiness.
Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me.
May I cease to nag:
And when I am out of sorts,
Help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
Blind me to the little errors of my children
And help me to see the good things that they do.
Give me a ready word for honest praise.
Help to treat my children as those of their own age,
But let me not exact of them the judgments and conventions of adults.
Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves,
To think, to choose, and to make decisions.
Forbid that I should ever punish them for my self-satisfaction.
May I grant them all of their wishes that are reasonable
And have the courage always to withhold a privilege that I know will do them harm.
Make me so fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children that they will have a genuine esteem for me.
Fit me to be loved and imitated by my children.
With all thy gifts, Oh God, do give me calm and poise and self control.
Written by Dr. Garry C. Myers
When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake just for me, and I knew that little things are special things.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked... and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
Do they see Christ when you think they aren't looking?
David Walls
Faith
- M.S.Lowndes
Increase our faith so we may see
What you’re doing in our lives
And all that we’ll accomplish in you
So our faith begins to rise
We need to be reminded Lord
Of the small mustard seed
And how the same amount of faith
Moves mountains if we believe
As we walk in pure obedience
With confidence in you
Our faith begins to grow and flourish
Bearing more abundant fruit
We must go beyond the limits
Of our comfort zones
Our faith is activated at those times
When we walk into the unknown
For it’s when the safety net is gone
We realize we need our Lord
When there’s nothing left to fall back on
We must lean on God much more
And faith is released in our hearts
As we bend our knee to pray
We shall be strengthened as we walk
And commit to Him each day.
Narrow Road
The Lord has laid down a straight and narrow road for his sheep to follow
Satan’s flying Demon’s has thrown hot rocks in its path, tis his wrath they do swallow
to either side can be found greener roads leading to and fro
some are smooth as silk and easier to tread but I dare not where they go
Tis safe to assume that they lead not to emmanuels pasture straight ahead
for the bible warns of these winding roads that lead to despair and dread
those silky green paths, some of which curve in and out wayward out of sight
lead to an inevitable pit stop it’s host the prince of night
Right beside the Lord’s narrow road is another that seems just as straight
it is greener so it seems and its climb that of a lesser grade
it also has fewer rocks tossed by Satan’s winged demon’s from hell
as to alude the weak in its devious deception making them think that all is well
So many religions follow that road beside that appears to be straight
but in the end they shall find that it drops off before heaven’s gate
so, though they took the simpler path that seemed straight at first
it dropped them off at hells gate and left their souls accursed.
by: James Hoskison
| My Attorney
After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my
time on earth came to the end. The first thing I
remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room
of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors
opened and I was instructed to come in and have a
seat by the defense table.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the
Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome
presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't
take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind
the bench, He said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and
I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell."
He proceeded to tell of lies I told, things I stole,
and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of
other horrible perversions once in my life and the
more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I
was so embarrassed, I couldn't look at anyone, even
my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins even I
completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at
Satan for telling all these things about me, I was
equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently
not offering any form of defense at all. I know I
was guilty of those things, but I did some good in
my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of
the harm I' d done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, "This woman
belongs in hell, she is guilty of all I have charged
and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He
might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this
over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him
to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I
was able to see Him in His full splendor and
majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this
was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the
Judge, "Hello Father," then He turned to address the
court. "Satan was correct in saying this woman sinned,
I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the
wage of sin is death, and this wo man deserves to be
punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father
with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I
died on the cross so this person might have eternal
life and she accepted Me as her Savior, so she is
Mine." My Lord continued with, "Her name is written
in the Book of Life and no one can snatch her from
Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This woman is
not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His
Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs
to be done. I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the
gavel down. The following words bellowed from His
lips... "This woman is free The penalty for her was
already paid in full. Case dismissed"
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting
and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next
one."
I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to
go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ
lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that comes to Me
and asked Me to represent them, received the same
verdict as you, "PAID IN FULL."
Feburary 13,2007 
God is able
If God is able to place the stars in thier sockets and suspend the sky like a curtain, do you think itis remotely possible that God is able to guide your life? If your God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He is mighty enought to light your path? If He cares enough about the planet Saturn to give it rings or Venus to make it sparkle, is the an outside chance that He cares enough for you to meet your needs?
"And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything-enough to give to every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8
God Is Calling God calls for you to lay down your cares
He is waiting for you. God is standing on the porch of Heaven, expectantly hoping, searching the horizon for a glimpse of His child. You are the one God is seeking. God is the waiting Father, the caring Shepard in search of His lamb. His legs are scratched, His feet are sore, and His eyes are burning. He scales the cliffs and traverses the fields. He explores the caves. He cups His hands to His mouth and calls into the canyon. And the name He calls is yours.....
The message is simple: God gave up His son in order to rescue all His sons and daughters. To bring His children home.
Maybe the heaviest burden we try to carry that stops us from answering is the burden of mistakes and failures.What do you do with your failures? Even if you have fallen, even if you have failed, even if everyone else has rejected you, Christ will not turn away from you. He came first and foremost to those who have no hope. He goes to those no one else would go to and says, " I will give you eternity." Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxieties on The One who cares for you.....
He is listening for your answer.
-Walking With The Savior
4/25/2006
GODS UNFAILING LOVE
" Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and approved of you, as My chosen instrument, and before you were born, I seperated you and set you apart, consecrating you; and I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 Amplified
"The Lord appeared from of old to me, saying, 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." Jeremiah 31:3
An amazing fact illustrated throughout God's Word, is how much He loves us. God knows us the way we will be, the way we will be acting, the way we will think...before we are even born. Although possessing this foreknowledge, He declares openly of His unfailing love for us. What a contrast with man, who claims to have unfailing love, and fails to even be faithful, if not through deeds, then through impure thoughts. We are the ones who broke our relationship with God by pursuing a life independant from Him. He is the One who takes the initiative to reach out to us and repair our broken relationship with Him. God loved us so much that He was willing to die for us so that we could be reconciled and have fellowship with Him! What an amazing love! The King of the universe willing to die for His creation to save it for eternity! Jesus would have died just for you! Your friendship is important to Him! His hunger for your fellowship is uncomparable! HE LOVES YOU!
Your Promises
You bring to past your promises
You refresh my faith with your mercies
When I am broken
Your Spirit embrace and restore with soundness
Of my weakness
You redeem my fallen steps
With sweet tenderness
Applying long before needed
Though I often heeded
Lord you have furnished my foundation
with jewels of love, grace, comforting assurance
In joy, and peace I find deliverance
O Lord, where can I go
from you presence?
You have not yet
made known all your plans for my life
Beyond these strives
Yet, yet I do know
Your promises
will come to past...free from fallacies
or compromises
You have set the prisoner in me
Free
My once enslaved mind
Now enslaved freely to Your will
Trusting in You I lift my voice
in cresendo of praise!
Knowing you have blessed me
in a thousand and one ways!
No weapon form against me
shall prosper
I am much more than an over-comer
In you O Lord, King Jesus
I have the will and the power
Yes ! You are sovereign alone
Above all thrones enthroned!
Your love reigns forever more
I shrudder at the thought of your love
I meditate in awe of your faithfulness
As I watch for your promises that are
not just heard
But fulfilled and delivered
down to the very last word
not to be broken
and is spoken
even in ...silence
The beginning
I'm sure you've heard the story,
Of how Jesus loves you so,
And how He died to save Mankind,
So very long ago. He bore our sins upon the cross -
He died to set us free,
He paid the cost for all the lost,
Including you and me.
But why did Jesus have to die?
What was God's entire plan?
How did His death wipe out our sins?
It's hard to understand! If mankind's sins weren't really His,
Why did He have to pay?
How did our souls end up misplaced?
Who lost them, anyway? If God is really in control,
Why does evil keep on winning?
To answer these and many more,
Let's start from The Beginning . . .
Long before the earth was young,
God's heart began to yearn,
For a creation He could love,
And would love Him in return. He waited for the perfect time,
To weave His perfect plan,
By first creating all we see,
And then creating - Man. Knowing of the emptiness,
Man would feel if left alone,
He reached inside and made a bride,
From a bit of Adam's bone. He gave them both immortal souls,
So they could always be together,
He gave them dominion of the earth,
And the beasts of fur and feather. He gave them both the right to choose,
And make their own decisions,
And when He saw all things were good,
He set forth a few conditions: God pointed to a clearing,
Where a gnarled and bent tree stood,
The fruit clustered on its branches,
Held the seeds of bad and good. "Eat freely of all trees I've made,
"But one - and this is why:
"If you learn what good and evil are,
"On that day, you'll surely die! "I do not mean this as a threat,
"I'll have no choice, you see.
"It would be cruel to let you live,
"In sin, eternally."
So for a time, Adam and Eve,
Lived very happily,
They fellowshipped each day with God,
And steered clear of that tree. But one dark day, when all alone,
Eve heard the hissing of her name,
She turned around to face the sound,
And a Snake, named Satan, came. "God lied to you," he flicked his tongue,
"The Forbidden Fruit is sweet!
"It's unfair He has put it there,
"And yet told you not to eat! "How can you serve a selfish god,
"Who plays such games with you?
"Have faith in me! Eat of that tree!
"Have Adam eat some too!" Eve took a bite of fruit despite,
The warning she'd received,
She told Adam of the serpent's lie,
And like her, he believed. He bit into the bitter fruit,
Then tried to place the blame,
Upon the woman God had made -
The excuse was pretty lame. They were banished from the garden,
By an angel's flaming sword,
Because they chose to hear the snake,
And not listen to the Lord. God did not leave Himself and man,
In eternal separation,
He showed Adam a special way,
To gain reconciliation. An unblemished lamb, clean and white,
Must be offered to the Lord.
Sacrificing one so pure,
Allowed sins to be ignored. This would be a major part,
Of God's now and future plan,
To bridge the gap which lay between,
Himself and fallen man.
The sons of Adam and daughters of Eve,
Began to multiply,
Humanity soon filled the earth,
- but things quickly went awry. Once again men chose to hear,
The serpent's sly temptations,
With violent hearts, men murdered men,
And nations warred with nations. God had to stop the growth of sin -
The earth must start anew.
He shook His head in deep regret,
At what He had to do. But some men and critters must escape,
Earth's imminent destruction,
So God told Noah of His plans,
And gave blueprints for construction. An ark was needed to preserve,
The best of God's creation,
A few animals and man would take,
A seagoing vacation. So when the rains began to fall,
To cleanse what evil spawned,
Noah and his crew survived -
A brand new day had dawned. All former things had passed away,
The earth was fresh and new,
And God could wait and rest awhile,
While the population grew.
Next, God required a special group -
A "chosen nation" for His plan,
But someone had to start things off,
So He chose Abraham. "You can't want me!" cried Abraham,
"I don't even have a son!"
"A nation cannot come from me,
"- unless you give me one? "You'll have a son," God promised him,
"Countless descendants too,
"And the One who comes to save Mankind,
"Will some day come from you." As God had said, the son was born,
Abraham was elated!
But when he heard what God said next,
His joy quickly abated. "Take your son, your only son,
"To the land known as Moriah,
"Build an altar in the hills,
"And prepare to build a fire! "For I am He, the Lord your God,
"So listen carefully,
"Offer up your only son,
"As a sacrifice to me!" "But Lord!" protested Abraham,
"It's too much you ask of me!
"And if I sacrifice my son,
"How can your nation be?" But God refused to change his mind,
Against arguments so bold,
So the man went to the appointed place,
And did what he was told.With quivering hand he raised the knife,
Above his precious child,
Then God reached out and grabbed his arm,
Spoke these words, and smiled: "You have proved, oh Abraham,
That you're the man I need,
"You're worthy to begin the line,
"In which I'll plant My Seed. "You obeyed, despite the pain,
"And did this thing you had to do,
"Right now, you cannot understand,
"But one day, I'll do it too." "For now," God said, "I'll bide my time,
"And wait most patiently,
"While your descendants multiply,
"Like the sands along the sea."
An eon passed, or maybe two,
Before God resumed His plan -
He'd show the consequence of sin,
To the brood of Abraham. But first He had to find a man,
To set His people free,
They were captive under Egypt's rule,
And held in slavery. Moses was the one God chose,
As spokesman for His nation,
And Pharaoh let His people go,
- after heavyweight persuasion! Later, God and Moses talked,
On Sinai, all alone,
God told him Ten Commandments,
And carved them deep in stone: "You shall love God with all your heart,
"You shall not worship any other,
"You shall not murder or tell lies,
"About your sister or your brother. "Remember well the Sabbath day,
"Don't use my Name in vain,
"Don't bring dishonor on Mom and Dad,
"Or cause them any pain, "You shall not want your neighbor's stuff,
"Especially his wife. . .
"And breaking any of these laws,
"Is cause to lose your life. "For the wage of any sin is death,
"I must judge fair and true,
"I'll decree sin's penalty,
"- the risk is up to you." But God then quickly added this:
"There's another way to pay,
"Offering up a perfect lamb,
"Will wash your sins away. "One sacrifice will pay the price,
"For everyone's transgressions,
"I only ask for payment once!
"Now go, and heed My lessons!" God watched Moses walk away,
And saw all things were good,
Events were falling into place,
Just as He knew they would. The Hebrews wandered forty years,
- An entire generation,
Then God showed them a Promised Land,
Where they could build His nation. There, He watched them carry on,
And grow deep in tradition,
'Til it was time to send His Son,
To complete His holy mission.
It came upon a midnight clear,
The next step in God's plan,
Who could guessed the Son of God,
Could be born like any man? But Jesus, as the child was named,
Was quite different than the rest,
He was a man, and yet divine,
- He was God in human flesh! But although tempted through His flesh,
Jesus held fast to the end,
He followed God's laws so very close,
They didn't even bend. He lived a perfect, sinless life,
As no "normal" man could do,
He was the Holy Lamb of God,
Who came to make things new.
He taught the people how to love,
He taught them how to pray,
He told how to join with God,
If they had gone astray. He taught them how God's rules were meant,
As signs to point ahead,
To this very day when He would come,
To heal and raise the dead. "I am the only way to God,
"You can't come but through me,
"And all He asks from you is love,
"Do this - He'll set you free. He met with teachers of the Law,
Explained what they had learned,
How pleasing God must come from faith,
Not worked for, bought, or earned, He taught the spirit of the Law,
Not rules one must obey,
And reminded them how sacrifice,
Could wash their sins away.
One day, while resting from the sun,
Jesus asked his friends some questions,
"Who is it people say I am?
"What are their best suggestions?" "Some say you are a good, good man,
"Others say you're a great teacher,
"And there are some who claim you've come,
"To be Heaven's greatest preacher." "I see," said Jesus with a smile,
Then gave his men a wink,
"You twelve have known me best of all,
"Tell me, what do YOU think?" "You are the Christ! The Son of God!"
Peter shouted with conviction,
The others nodded and agreed,
Without spoken contradiction. "Peter, your words came straight from God,
"And not from other men.
"On those words I'll build My church,
"To bring men home again. "But there are wolves who will insist,
"I'm not the One you say,
"They'll try to spread the serpent's lies,
"To steal my flock away. "But I will hold my children tight,
"Like a Shepherd holds his lamb,
"And we shall spend eternity,
"If they accept me as I AM."
There came a fear the end was near,
From hints that Jesus gave,
He spoke of His impending death,
And how He'd beat the grave. He told of how He'd bear men's sins,
And gladly pay the price,
He was the Holy Lamb of God,
- the final sacrifice. They gathered in an upper room,
In solemn celebration,
Of how God set the Hebrews free,
And build His chosen nation. After supper, wine was poured,
Unleavened bread was passed,
Then Jesus broke the awful news:
This meal would be His last. He blessed the bread and blessed the wine,
"Remember what I do,
"For this is my body and my blood,
"Which I freely give for you." "They will come for me tonight,
"Before too very long,
"And find me guilty of some crime,
"Though I've done nothing wrong." "I will be flogged and crucified,
"Darkness will flood the land,
"But be patient for the next three days -
"Then you will understand."
It happened just as He foretold,
The soldiers came that night,
And took the Son of God away,
Who went without a fight. They rushed Him through a hasty trial,
Found Him guilty of a lie,
They led him into Pilate's court,
Who sentenced Him to die. They forced the Lord to drag the cross,
On which He'd soon be nailed,
The people mocked and spat at Him,
"Behold the God that failed!" But what the people did not see,
(No human ever could)
That more was being dragged that day,
Than a cross of nails and wood.
Upon that cross were things we stole,
And all the times we lied,
The times we thought it cool to curse,
Or ignored God's Word with pride, The times we heeded Satan's voice,
Or made our parents cry,
All these were nailed on that cross,
- that's why He had to die. God knew we could never pay,
The debt of sin we owed,
He knew He'd have to send His Son,
To bear our heavy load. His sinless life was offered up,
To pay sin's awful price,
Our debt to God was paid in full,
By Jesus' sacrifice.
Three days had passed since Jesus' death,
When it was first discovered,
The tomb in which the Savior lay,
Stood empty and uncovered! At first, his friends were at a loss,
Then recalled what He'd said:
"He told us he would cheat the grave,
"He's risen from the dead! "His sacrifice on our behalf,
"Has washed us clean and white,
"Now we can reunite with God,
"And stand worthy in His sight."
Before another night could fall,
Before them, He appeared!
Some were overcome with joy,
While others quaked and feared. He instructed them to handle Him,
To be sure that He was real -
Not a spirit or a ghost,
But with a body they could feel. "Blessed are you, for you have touched,
"And seen Me with your eyes,
"Greater are those who haven't seen,
"Yet seek God's greatest prize."
He sent them forth to tell Mankind,
"Though life brings tribulation,
"I have overcome the world,
"Seek Me for your salvation!" "I must leave, My Father waits,
"But one day I'll return,
"Till then, I'll send The Spirit down,
"To help you teach and learn." When the hour came for Him to go,
He took the time to say,
"I'll always be right at your side."
And then He went away.
Today the world is far from good,
But that's not Jesus' choice,
Too many still obey the snake,
And miss the Savior's voice. But even to the worst of men,
He reaches out His hand,
He wants to draw us close to Him,
And make us understand. He's like the ark that Noah built,
He's like its open door,
Calling us to a safer place,
When storms around us roar. Or like the Hebrews Moses freed,
From the captives they had been,
Jesus wants to set us free,
From our slavery of sin. God sent His Son to bridge the gap,
Created by our sinning,
Now we can fellowship with God -
Just like in The Beginning . .
| 
CALVARY’S THE REASON WHY
I was lost but You knew where to find me
I was hungry You were bread for my soul
I was thirsty and You gave living water
You were my shelter when I had no place to go
That's why sometimes I just want to praise You
Sometimes just to speak Your name
Sometimes I just want to thank You
Without asking You for a thing
Oh sometimes I lift my hands to You
And sometimes all I do is cry
Everything that I have I owe to You, Lord
And Calvary's the reason why
When I think of the love that You've given
Lord when I think of the price You paid for me
Then the trials on earth, they just seem like nothing
When they're compared to dark Calvary
Oh, sometimes I just want to praise You
Sometimes just to speak Your name
Sometimes I just want to thank You
Without asking you for a thing
Oh sometimes I lift my hands to You
Then sometimes all I do is cry
Everything that I have I owe to You, Lord
And Calvary's the reason why
Yes, sometimes I just want to praise You
Sometimes just to speak Your name
Sometimes I just want to thank You
Without asking you for a thing
Oh sometimes I lift my hands to You
Then sometimes all I do is cry
Everything that I have I owe to You, Lord
And Calvary's the reason why
Everything that I have I owe to You, Lord
And Calvary's the reason why
Fathers Love Letter My Child….
You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways …Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake…Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb…Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me…John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you..1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father…1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father…Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you …Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession …Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart …Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles …2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed …John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is...Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad Almighty God
The Compassionate Christ
When Jesus lands on the shore of Bethsaida, He leaves the Sea of Galilee and steps into a sea of humanity. Keep in mind, He has crossed the sea to get away from the crowds. He needs to grieve. He longs to relax with His disciples. He needs anything but another crowd of thousands to reach and heal. But His love for people overcomes His need for rest....
Many of those He healed would never say "thank you", but He healed them anyway. Most would be more concerned with being healthy than being holy, but He healed them anyway. Some of those that who asked for bread today would cry for His blood a few months later, but He helaed them anyways. He had compassion on them.
5/14/2006
Voice Of Grace
" I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
What did the thief on the cross do to warrant help? He wasted his life...who was he to beg for forgiveness? He pubicly scoffed at Jesus. What right did he have to pray...."Jesus remember me when you come into Your Kingdom"? Do you really want to know the truth? He had the same right as you do to pray....In his place, that is you and me on that cross next to Jesus. Naked, desolate, hopeless and left alone to die. That is us. That is us asking, for Jesus to remember us...We do not boast, we do not produce any list of accomplishments. Any sacrifice on our part appears silly when placed before God on a cross...We like the thief , have one more prayer. And we, like the thief, pray. And we, like the thief, hear the voice of grace.
"Being made right with God by His grace, we could have the hope of receiving the life that never ends." Titus 3:7
You may be a decent person, you may pay your taxes and kiss your kids and sleep with a clean conscience. But apart from Christ, you are not holy. So how can you go to Heaven apart from Christ? All you have to do is believe. Accept the work already done; the work of Jesus on the cross. Accept the goodness of Jesus Christ. Abandon your own works and accept His. Abandon your own decency and accept His. Stand before God in His name, not yours. Is it that easy, you ask? There was nothing easy about it at all. The cross was heavy, the blood was real, and the price was extravagant. The cost would have destroyed you or me., so He paid it for us. Call it simple. Call it a gift. But do not call it easy. Call it what it is.....Call it grace.
"Everyone who believes in Him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God-something the jewish law could never do."
Acts 13:39
" For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing His life for ours."
Romans 3:25
" Much more then, having now been justified by
His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
Roamns 5:9
Wedding Vow
I vow to youOn this dayTo be your brideIn every way.To love and to cherishTo worship and to adoreTo you I commit my heartAs you carry me through the Door.My heart has been stolenBy the glance of your eyeMy best friend, my comforterAll I can do is sigh.My love for you Is ever so deepEvery breath I takeYour Spirit is so sweet.This life you have changedBy your love that you have shownCompassion, Grace, MercyFeelings I have never known.You are my Life,My Truth and My WayAs you take my handI’ll never stray.Lead me, teach me, guide meWith Your loveGrow me, mold me, makeTo be with You up above. November 2, 2006 Annette Harris
Stones from the Past Through out my life I have placed Jagged stones in a river of lost In a secluded area In the bank of memory never to be uncovered at any cost. Until this day the Lord spoke to me A Memorial service is at hand Remembrance of untold pain Will bring you into the promise land. Stone of abortion Stone of denial Stone of rejection Stones of over a mile. Stone of unforgiveness Stone of hurt and pain Stone of unworthiness Stone of guilt and shame. This service I deliver you From all of the above To reassure you My daughter Of my unfailing love. September 1,2006 Annette Harris
It's those valley where you grow
Sometimes past memories seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe.
It's then we have to remember,
That it's in that valley where we grow.
If we always stayed on the mountain top,
And never experienced any pain,
We would never appreciate God's love,
And would be living in vain.
We have so much to learn,
And our growth may be slow.
Sometimes we need the mountain tops,
But it's in that valley where we grow.
He reveals the deep and hidden thingsHe knows that lies withinTo shine His light of gloryHis truth will fills us then.We do not always understand,
Why things have to happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing,
My Lord will see us through.
My little valleys are nothing,
When I picture Christ on the cross.
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.
For what was meant for evilThe Lord turned it into goodWhen we receive revelation Instead of running when we stood.The memories my be unbearableTo go through again that painOnly by His love and truth we are healedAnd by the power of His name.Forgive me Lord, for complaining,
When I'm feeling so very lowMemories of the past come to the surfaceRemind me:
That it's in those valleys where I grow.
Continue to strengthen us,
Lord, And use our lives each day
To share your love with others,
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys,
Lord, For this one thing we know
The mountain tops are glorious,
But it's in those valleys where we grow!! August 26, 2006 Annette Harris
The Armor of God
Put on the armor of Almighty God,
so you can withstand Satan’s schemes.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood;
no, things are not as they seem.
Our fight is against the powers of darkness,
with the forces of evil on high.
But He gave us His armor so we can stand firm,
on the Earth and in the sky.
Gird your loins with truth, which will always bear out,
the breastplate of righteousness wear.
Shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace;
take the shield of faith everywhere.
Take the helmet of salvation to wear on your head,
and the Spirit’s sword in your hand.
And pray in the Spirit all of the time so
against Satan’s plots you can stand.
©Peggy McIlveene
April 24, 2002
Chosen Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many which one would He choose?
"Take me, cried the gold one I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like you, Master, gold would be the best!"
The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
"I'll serve you, dear Master, I'll pour out your wine
And I'll be at your table whenever you dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment you."
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
"Here! Here!" cried the vessel, I know I will do.
Place me on your table for all men to view."
"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear.
"My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I,I will serve you with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in your home to abide."
The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dear Master", the wooden bowl said.
"But I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for bread!"
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay,
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of itself;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Nor the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with my power and might
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly "There's work you must do.
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."
Author Unknown
I Asked God
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for — but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.
Anonymous
If Jesus Came to Your House
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If He came unexpectedly,I wonder what you'd do
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest Room to such an honored Guest
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best,
And you'd keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-
That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare
But when you saw Him coming would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavnly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in
Or hide some magazines and put the Bibles where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?
Would you hide your wordly music And put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in,or would you rush about?
And I wonder - if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace,
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the words you sing and read the books you read
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go?
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.
Author Unknown
Your Name
You got it from your Father
It was all he had to give,
So it's yours to use and cherish
For as long as you may live.
If you lose the watch he gave you
It can always be replaced;
But a black mark on your name
Can never be erased.
It was clean the day you took it,
And a worthy name to bear.
When he got it from his Father
There was no dishonor there.
So make sure you guard it wisely,
After all is said and done,
You'll be glad the name is spotless,
When you give it to your son.
Author Unknown
WALK ON THE WATERS OF LIFE
The wind is blowing
The rain is falling violently against your life
The waves are tossing you to and fro
Fear is piercing your soul like a knife
There is no place to run
No place you can hide
Nothing to hold on to
No friend by your side
Your body is exhausted
As you gasp for breath
Your life is slipping away
You have nothing left
With your last breath you cry Jesus
Suddently he appears and take you by the hand
He was waiting on you to make the call
So above the waters you would stand
The winds and waves obey Him
The raging storm comes to an end
He tells you to walk by faith
On top of the waters you ascend
Your soul rejoices
Jesus put an end to your strife
Now you know with Jesus by your side
You can walk on the waters of life
Copyright 2007 Patricia Bankhead
We Are God's Work
by Chris Jourdan
I love you, straight from my heart,
I don't want us to ever be apart,
Though I am far away,
My presence will never fade,
We'll always be together under this blue sky,
We are meant to be together, you and I,
Our time together is so great,
We were brought together by something stronger than fate,
We were brought together because God showed us the way,
He brought us to each other,
And not one word did he have to say,
His work is much more powerful than words,
You see,
He knows as well as I do,
You and I, were meant to be.
Friends are like ANGELS
by Peggy Jo
Friends are like angels
Who brighten our days.
In all kinds of wounderful ways
Their thoughtfulness comes,
As a gift from above.
And we feel surrounded,
By warm caring love
Like upside-down rainbows
Their smiles bring the sun,
And they fill ho-hum moments,
With laughter and fun.
Friends are like angels,
Without any wings.
Blessing our lives,
With the most precious things
W O R D S T U D I E S
Definitions can make interesting word studies.
ENJOY !
GRACE = To receive blessings we DO NOT deserve.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God..."
John 1:17; Eph. 2:8-10 & 4:7; II Peter 3:18
MERCY = Benevolence.
Not receiving what we DO deserve.
To grant remission of an offense, to pardon.
"Not by works of righteousness, which we have done,
but according to His mercy he saved us."
Matt.9:27: 15:22: Eph.2:4; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:16.
REDEMPTION - REDEEMED = Bought back
"...as you know, you were not redeemed with...
silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ..."
Eph.1:7; I Peter 1:18,19; Rev. 5:9; Job 19:25.
INHERITANCE = Receiving that for which we did not work.
"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled...
reserved in heaven for you."
Ps. 16:5; I Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:14,15.
KNOWLEDGE-UNDERSTANDING = Acquaintance with facts,
truths or principles. Mental apprehension.
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship
of his suffering, made conformable to his death."
"My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge."
Prov. 1:7; 2:2-6 & 10-11; Hosea 4:6; Rom.10:2,3. Phil 3:10 thru 14.
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