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Monthly Archives: January 2017
Willpower vs. Wordpower
This is from a blog I have started following. We have been learning about this most important principle. It awes me when I see the Holy Spirit leading others the way He is leading us. God is the same, whether you live in Texas or Ohio!
The start of the new year always seems to be about willpower, even for those who don’t make official Resolutions. It’s the time to start over, the time to finally make those dreams come true. For people of faith it’s a time “to break that habit I’m ashamed of” or “to get serious about serving God and others.” Worthy goals…
Of which we almost invariably fall short.
In the Bible, God’s people fall short again and again: “We can’t do this. It’s too hard for us!” they complain. And so, after giving them the final words of the covenant, Moses offers the key to fulfilling it: “This commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach,” he says. No, “the word is very near you: it is in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it” (Deuteronomy 30:11, 12, 14)…
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Psalms 40:5
Lord my God, You have done many things —
Your wonderful works and Your plans for us;
none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak of them,
they are more than can be told.
Filed under Bible Reading, Bible Verses
I AM With You
I borrowed this from a friend. We are now nine days into the new year. I have a feeling 
there are some people who are already discouraged because they haven’t been able to keep their “New Year’s Resolutions”, falling into old habits that they thought they had broken, or just haven’t been able to get a jump on things like they wanted. God tells us He is still there, and still waiting for us to turn to those things over to Him!
I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged – never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.
Filed under encouragement, Food for Thought
Are you discouraged?
When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream! . . .
Restore our fortunes, LORD,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.”
Psalm 126:1, 4–6
Encouragement for today
Are you discouraged? Have things gotten worse for you, rather than better? Pray this prayer, claim the promise of these verses, and take heart. Just as the Jewish exiles had lost hope but finally found themselves returning to Jerusalem, so God will bring you back to “Jerusalem.” It may take a while … it may take until heaven. But sooner or later, one way or another, you will be filled with joy and your fortunes will be restored. Count on it! Imagine it now. Wait for it expectantly and hopefully, and pray as you wait.
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
Filed under Bible Verses, Food for Thought
It’s Simple
What is Jesus saying to you?
What are you doing in response?
Filed under Food for Thought
GOD IS BIG ENOUGH
First Methodist in Mansfield, Texas, created the GOD IS BIG ENOUGH campaign 6 years ago. Before we even started planning for Brentwood Family Fellowship, in December, 2011, God had us cross paths with the silicone bracelets.
It resonated with Buddy & I. It was another affirmation that we were on the path He had called us to. But the path He called us to was not the path we thought! Within 3 months, we knew God had called us to start a new church in San Angelo. (see A Campaign for Christ, March 20, 2012.)
By the end of this month, we will have more bracelets! Enjoy the video. Buddy posted it five years ago today. It is still true!
Video credit http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/
Filed under Food for Thought, Images, News, Videos
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. — Genesis 1:1 (KJV)Thought
We are creatures of the earth. Yes, we are much more than that, but occasionally we need to be reminded of that! We can’t truly understand existence before time, yet before the beginning of time as we know it, God existed — he has revealed himself as “I Am,” the one who was and who is and who is to come. Before there was an ordered universe to provide the basis of our existence, God is “I Am.” He had existence before, beyond, and without our created universe. We can’t even truly comprehend this in its entirety. That’s why every new beginning — whether it is a day, a week, a year, or a millennium — should begin with God. He alone is the ultimate Genesis, our beginning.
Prayer
Almighty Creator and God of all of the universe, I praise you for your incomparable power and your incomprehensible glory. As I begin this new year, I know that my future rests in your will, your grace, and your salvation. Please go with me as I journey toward this future. Please be glorified in the way I live my life today, this year, and for as long as you give me earthly life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
–Phil Ware phil@heartlight.org.
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