GOD IS LOVE

Titus 3:4-5

2011-12-26T07:03:00.000-06:00

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy. Titus 3:4-5

A Time to Think
Never be afraid of giving up your best, and God will give you His better.—James Hinton

A Time to Act
Strive to do the right thing, even if it is more difficult.

A Time to Pray
Oh, Lord, teach me to remember You in all things, every day of my life.

His Kingdom Will Never End

2011-12-22T23:50:00.000-06:00

His kingdom will never end. Luke 1:33

A Simple Christmas

2011-12-22T14:44:00.000-06:00

Son, why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
Luke 2:48

No Room

2011-12-21T02:08:00.001-06:00

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.Revelation 3:20

Party and Pause

2011-12-20T14:05:00.000-06:00

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.
Matthew 2:11a

God Sent a Savior

2011-12-19T16:48:00.000-06:00

God has given a son to us.… His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God … Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6

Luke 2:14

2011-12-17T20:26:00.001-06:00

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

A Time to Think

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.—Charles Dickens.

A Time to Act

Radiate the glow of Christmastime.

A Time to Pray

Lord, give me a spirit that unabashedly celebrates You and the joy of living.

Why Bethlehem?

2011-12-17T08:23:00.000-06:00

Matthew 2:1

Touch the World

2011-12-16T05:19:00.000-06:00

She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrappedHim in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger.Luke 2:7, NKJV

Max Lucado

The Names of Christ

2011-12-07T14:52:00.000-06:00

Philippians 2:5-11

Peace with God

2011-11-22T22:02:00.000-06:00

Romans 5:1-2

Hang In There

2011-11-22T14:54:00.000-06:00

Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!Genesis 18:14

Hidden in His Love

2011-11-21T08:57:00.000-06:00

He … loads me with love and mercy Psalm 103:4

God Knows the Answers

2011-11-20T23:42:00.002-06:00

If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it.James 1:5

The Ultimate Father-Son Relationship

2011-11-20T09:38:00.000-06:00

John 5:19-20

Dear Jesus...

2011-11-19T11:54:00.000-06:00

please carry me through today, Lord...With gentle wings from above. Carry me through today, Lord...Let me feel your love. I shall not worry about tomorrow...Yesterday is gone. Just carry me through today, Lord...That's where I belong. Through all my trials and troubles, I know that you are there, Sometimes it's hard to see you,Through each tear and care. Carry me through today, Lord, Don't let me slip away. Tomorrow may be taken from me, So carry me through today. Amen! Be kind and uplift others today!

Grace to Keep Going

2011-11-18T10:55:00.000-06:00

Acts 15:7-11

A Tiny Seed, A Tiny Deed

2011-11-17T16:48:00.004-06:00

Do not despise…small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin. Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Don't Leave Feeling Unforgiven

2011-11-17T03:24:00.002-06:00

Don't Leave Feeling Unforgiven - Max Lucado

Why Thanksgiving Matters

2011-11-16T15:17:00.000-06:00

Why Thanksgiving Matters

Albert Mohler, President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminar

A Fire Burning

2011-11-15T19:47:00.000-06:00

A Fire Burning - Max Lucado

Received Not Earned

2011-11-15T13:09:00.000-06:00

Received—Not Earned · Max Lucado

Honest with God

2011-11-12T14:40:00.000-06:00

Honest with God · Max Lucado

Enduring Satanic Attacks

2011-11-12T11:39:00.000-06:00

In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley

Taking No Chances

2011-11-11T09:34:00.001-06:00

Taking No Chances · Max Lucado

2011-11-10T16:57:00.000-06:00

Pray!

By Max Lucado

Anyone who is having troubles
should pray. Anyone who is happy
should sing praises.
James 5:13

When a believing person prays—great things happen.
If you want to deepen your prayer life—pray. Don’t prepare to pray. Just pray. Don’t read about prayer. Just pray. Don’t attend a lecture on prayer or engage in discussion about prayer. Just pray.
James 5:13 says anyone who’s having troubles should pray. Anyone who’s happy should sing praises.
Posture, tone, and place are personal matters. Do what works for you. Just don’t overthink it. In other words, don’t be so concerned about wrapping the gift that you never give it. Better to pray awkwardly than not at all.
And if you feel you should only pray when you’re inspired, that’s okay. Just see to it that you are inspired every day.

1 John 4 13-19

2011-10-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us.

Please share your comments on these scriptures.

God bless you

Linda

A Holy Gift

2011-10-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. I Peter 2:24

In an act that broke the heart of the Father, yet honored the holiness of heaven, sin-purging judgment flowed over the sinless Son of the ages.

And heaven gave earth her finest gift. The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.

“My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” Why did Christ scream those words?

So you’ll never have to.

Matthew 18:19

2011-10-24T15:09:00.000-05:00

When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. Matthew 18:19

A Time to Think

Make no mistake about it, responsibilities toward other human beings are the greatest blessings God can send us.—Dorothy Dix

A Time to Act

Cherish your purpose in life.

A Time to Pray

Keep me alert, dear Lord, for opportunities to ease another's suffering.

Mark 4: 14

2011-10-12T11:08:00.000-05:00

The sower sows the word. Mark 4: 14

A Time to Think

Nothing is impossible; the word itself says “I’m possible!” —Audrey Hepburn

A Time to Act

Do your best. There is no better achieved than that.

A Time to Pray

Lord, give me the determination to reach goals I didn't know I had.

2011-09-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Psalm 139:13-18

Start With Your Creator

The first moon landing in 1969 was a momentous event in history. On that day, mankind achieved something that many previously thought impossible. The amazing thing is that because the wind does not blow on the moon, the footprints of over 40 years ago are still there and will be there for a very long time.

For this reading plan, leaving your footprints on the moon refers to the fulfilment of your God given purpose for your life; the achievement of that seemingly impossible or unattainable goal that can only happen with divine empowerment. Purpose represents something God has placed in your heart to become; a role He has chosen for you to fulfil; a place He has destined for you to occupy and a need He has created you in answer to.
You have been created for a purpose.

It is no accident that God brought you into this world at this time, in this place and to this set of people in your generation.

Your parents might not have planned for you to be alive but God did. You might have seemed like an inconvenience to them, or they may have even tried to abort you.
All that is irrelevant.

You are here because God wants you here. Therefore, like the clay before the potter, you must go before your Maker in order to find the purpose for which He has brought you into the world.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God asked Abraham (then Abram) to get out of his comfort zone, leave his father's house and go to Canaan where God vowed to make him and his descendants a great nation. One man, barren but faithful, was given a mighty promise. This was Abraham's moon. He did not define it himself; the Almighty God gave it to Him.

Like Abraham, you must begin to ask God to define your moon for you. If you do not know what your purpose in life is, ask God today.
Let Him show you His will for your life.

Thessalonians 5:11

2011-09-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

A Time to Think

Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.–Marion Wright Edelman

A Time to Act

Open your heart to the kindness of others.

A Time to Pray

Dear Father, teach me how to share Your kindness with everyone I meet

He Saved You

2011-09-25T07:51:00.000-05:00

“Because he delights in me, he saved me.” Psalm 18:19

You thought he saved you because of your good works or good attitude or good looks. Sorry. If that were the case, your salvation would be lost when your voice went south or your works got weak. There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you.

Come and See

2011-09-20T13:06:00.000-05:00

“Can anything good from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and see.” John 1:46

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Come and see.

See Wilberforce fighting to free slaves in England . . .

Journey into the jungles and hear the drums beating in praise . . .

Venture into the gulags and dungeons of the world and hear the songs of the saved refusing to be silent.

Come and see.

God Did

2011-09-19T14:15:00.001-05:00

“The Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” Isaiah 60:2 NKJV

When we create a redeemer, we keep him safely distant in his faraway castle. We allow him only the briefest of encounters with us. We permit him to swoop in and out with his sleigh before we can draw too near. We wouldn’t ask him to take up residence in the midst of a contaminated people. In our wildest imaginings we wouldn’t conjure a king who became one of us. But God did.

Why Did He Do It?

2011-09-14T09:02:00.000-05:00

“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.” Isaiah 53:4 NIV

Why did Jesus live on earth as long as he did? Why not step into our world just long enough to die for our sins and then leave? Why not a sinless year or week? Why did He have to live a life? To take on our sins is one thing, but to take on our sunburns, our sore throats? To experience death, yes – but to put up with life? To put up with long roads, long days, and short tempers? Why did He do it?
Because he wants you to trust Him.

Max Lucado

Matter of the Heart

2011-09-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Psalm 51:10 TLB

Ever blamed your plight on Washington? (If they’d lower the tax rates, my business would work.) Inculpated your family for your failure? (Mom always liked my sister more.) . . .
Consider the prayer of David: “Create in me a new heart, O God . . .”
Real change is an inside job. You might alter things a day or two with money and systems, but the heart of the matter is and always will be, the matter of the heart.

Max Lucado

When We See Jesus

2011-09-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like flames of fire.” Revelation 1:14

What would a person look like if he had never sinned? If no worry wrinkled his brow and no anger shadowed his eyes? If no bitterness snarled his lips and no selfishness bowed his smile? If a person had never sinned, how would he appear? We’ll know when we see Jesus.

Max Lucado

The Choice is Ours

2011-09-09T17:41:00.000-05:00

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NIV

We are free either to love God or not. He invites us to love Him. He urges us to love Him. He came that we might love Him. But, in the end, the choice is yours and mine. To take that choice from each of us, for Him to force us to love Him, would be less than love . . .
He leaves the choice to us.

by Max Lucado

2011-08-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:8a

A Time to Think
There are two ways of spreading light—to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. —Edith Wharton

To Act
Reach out. Be aware of the smallest opportunity to make a difference and act on it.

To Pray
Thank you, Lord, for the unexpected good things that happen to us.

2011-08-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

Heaven

By Max Lucado

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Remember, heaven was not foreign to Jesus. He is the only person to live on earth after he had lived in heaven . . . he knew heaven before he came to earth. He knew what awaited him upon his return. And knowing what awaited him in heaven enabled him to bear the shame on earth.

Present Tense

2011-08-24T15:42:00.002-05:00

By Max Lucado

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT

The present-tense Christ. He never says, “I was.” We do. We do because “we were.” We were younger, faster, prettier. Prone to be people of the past tense, we reminisce. Not God. Unwavering in strength, he need never say, “I was.” Heaven has no rear view mirrors . . .
Can God be more God? No. He does not change. He is the “I am” God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

2011-08-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

A Time to Think
History belongs to the intercessors—those who believe and pray the future into being.—Walter Wink

To Act
Every day, remind yourself of your own ability, of your good mind, and affirm that you can make something really good out of your life.

To Pray
Lord, help me to listen to Your voice in all times and all places. Help me to answer Your call.

2011-08-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

Ask for More

By Max Lucado

“Lord, teach me what you want me to do, and I will live by your truth.” Psalm 86:11

When kindness comes through grudgingly, we’ll remember God’s kindness to us and ask Him to make us more kind. When patience is scarce, we’ll thank Him for His and ask Him to make us more patient. When it’s hard to forgive, we won’t list all the times we’ve been given grief. Rather, we’ll list all the times we’ve been given grace and pray to become more forgiving.

2011-08-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

A Time to Think
God's agenda for our lives may be far different from our own. He cares more about our character than our convenience, comfort or cash.—Joseph M. Stowell

To Act
Become more aware of the blessings that surround you.

To Pray
Lord, please keep me aware this day of Your shining presence in all things.

Because of God

2011-08-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

By Max Lucado

“He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I see.” John 9:15

It isn’t the circumstance that matters; it is God in the circumstance. It isn’t the words; it is God speaking them. It wasn’t the mud that healed the eyes of the blind man; it was the finger of God in the mud. The cradle and the cross were as common as grass. What made them holy was the One laid upon them.

Psalm 37:4

2011-08-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

A Time to Think
Always let your prayer take the form of thanksgiving, on the assumption that God is giving you great and wonderful things.—Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

To Act
Be ready to find joy where and when it surfaces.

To Pray
Heavenly Father, please help me face each day with grace and appreciation for the blessings of Your love.

Just a whisper for you as you start the week....

2011-08-08T14:39:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking of you, wherever you are, starting the week and wondering what it will hold.
And I just want to whisper that you're loved by the One who will hold you no matter what comes.
Yes, He sees you, knows you, understands every detail.
He delights in who you are, in what you do--even the things you think no one notices.
Your life has a purpose.
You matter so much.
You are on your way to good things ahead.
And today is the next step.
So take a deep breath and move ahead, my friend.
I'm so grateful to walk with you too.

Holley Gerth

2011-08-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

He Follows

By Max Lucado

“God, we thank you; we thank you because you are near.” Psalm 75:1

God is the God who follows. I wonder . . . have you sensed him following you? We often miss him . . . We don’t know our Helper when he is near. But he comes.
Through the kindness of a stranger. The majesty of a sunset . . . Through a word well spoken or a touch well timed, have you sensed his presence?

2011-08-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

If God is for us who can be against us? Romans 8:31

A Time to Think
Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.—Unknown

To Act
Have the faith to move mountains.

To PrayDear Lord, help me to persevere in prayer when things seem impossible, knowing that You are the God of possibilities.

2011-08-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

Enough

By Max Lucado

“He is able . . . to run to the cry of . . . those who are being . . . tested.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

Jesus was angry enough to purge the temple, hungry enough to eat raw grain, distraught enough to weep in public, fun loving enough to be called a drunkard, winsome enough to attract kids, . . . radical enough to get kicked out of town, responsible enough to care for his mother, tempted enough to know the smell of Satan, and fearful enough to sweat blood . . .
Whatever you are facing, he knows how you feel.

You can climb the impossible...

2011-08-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

The sky stretches endless blue above me. The road whirs beneath the wheels of my bike.

I can see it coming--a hill in the distance. It calls my name, dares me to climb it. I move upwards and feel the effort.

Legs beg to stop. Shoulders ask for a break. Mouth reminds me I'm thirsty.

But I've learned that sometimes you have to ride through the hurt.
Sometimes you have to push through the hard.
That's how you get stronger.
That's how you beat the next hill faster.
Yes, there are seasons when we need to stop and rest or tend to an injury.

But there are other moments when the only way through is to just keep going.

To climb the impossible.
Then look out from the top and say, "I didn't know I had it in me."
Oh, yes, you've got it in you.

Because you've got a limitless God in you too.
That means you can press on, press in, never give up.
You just might be closer than you think.

Go, friend, go.
{I'm cheering you on as you do. Yes, woo-hoo for YOU!}

Holley Gerth

Mark 13:1-37 (NIV)

2011-08-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

End Times

1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"

2 "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately,4 "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"

5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.6 Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

12 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

14 "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation't standing where itt does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out.16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!18 Pray that this will not take place in winter,19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.

20 "If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.21 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

24 "But in those days, following that distress,
"'the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;

25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'t

26 "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

28 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that itt is near, right at the door.30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The Day and Hour Unknown

32 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.33 Be on guard! Be alertt! You do not know when that time will come.34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

We're all running a race.

2011-08-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

But it isn't what you might imagine.

We don't have the same starting line.

The same distance to go.

The same steps to take.

Our finish lines are even in different places.

You see, my friend, we're not running on a track--

we're each running on a one-lane path.

In the Kingdom, there's no such thing as competition.

It's impossible.

Because no one else ever has or ever will run your race.

So go for it, my friend, be strong, brave, beautiful YOU all the way to the end.

{Psst, here's a secret: You've already won.}

Holley Gerth

Second Birth

2011-07-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

“God is being patient with you . . . He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:9

In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do. The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.

Max Lucado

When You Need to be Strong

2011-07-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

I look at the days ahead and wonder what they hold.
Don't we all?
And then these words make their way to my heart:
"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"
Judges 6:14

We don't have to...
wait to overcome our weaknesses,
complete the ten point improvement plan,
figure everything out.
The strength we already have is all the strength we need.
Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.
As is.
And He promises to stick by us.
All the way.

-Holley Gerth

2011-07-19T22:37:00.010-05:00

An Inviting God

“Jesus said, ‘Come.’” Matthew 14:29

You can’t read anything about God without finding him issuing invitations. He invited Eve to marry Adam, the animals to enter the ark, David to be king, Israel to leave bondage, Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. God is an inviting God. He invited Mary to birth his son, the disciples to fish for men, the adulterous woman to start over, and Thomas to touch his wounds. God is the King who prepares the palace, sets the table, and invites his subjects to come in.

Max Lucado

2011-07-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:19

A Time to Think
Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.—D.L. Moody

To Act
Remember that faith will lead you through unsteady times.

To Pray
Lord, thank You for the mysteries that remind us that You are in control and that we are deeply loved.

God Is Never Wrong

2011-07-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

“The Lord our God is right in everything he does.” Daniel 9:14

God is never wrong. He has never rendered a wrong decision, experienced the wrong attitude, taken the wrong path, said the wrong thing, or acted the wrong way. He is never too late or too early, too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow. He has always been always will be right. He is righteous.

Max Lucado

The Bridge of Friendship

2011-07-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

“Unfriendly people are selfish.” Proverbs 18:1

We’re in a fast-moving, fast-paced society. We need to build bridges between our hearts and those of people who need a friend—and allow Jesus to cross that bridge of friendship and walk into their lives . . .
Whether or not you are friendly could determine whether or not someone hears about Jesus.

Max Lucado

Immersed in Grace

2011-07-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Psalm 126:3 NKJV

You have not been sprinkled with forgiveness. You have not been spattered with grace. You have not been dusted with kindness. You have been immersed in it. You are submerged in mercy. You are a minnow in the ocean of God’s mercy. Let it change you!

Max Lucado

God’s Salvation

2011-07-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

God’s Salvation · Max Lucado

Only Life

2011-07-09T15:48:00.002-05:00

“Be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Can you imagine a life with no death, only life? If you can, you can imagine heaven. For citizens of heaven wear the crown of life . . .
We are not made of steel, we are made of dust. And this life is not crowned with life, it is crowned with death.
The next life, however, is different.

Max Lucado

Our Forever House

2011-07-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

“I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6, NKJV

Where will you live forever? In the house of the Lord. If his house is your “forever house,” what does that make this earthly house? You got it! Short term housing. This is not our home.
This explains the homesickness we feel . . . Deep down you know you are not home yet. So be careful not to act like you are.

Max Lucado

Eternal Happiness

2011-06-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

“God has planted eternity in the hearts of men.” Ecclesiastes 3:10, TLB

You will never be completely happy on earth, simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.

Mac Lucado

You're seen

2011-06-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

My family has a favorite phrase: "We'll see..."
We add it at the end of stories. Grab onto it to describe the future. Toss it into the middle of decisions.
It works pretty well.
And yet lately I've found myself wondering what it might mean to add more to the end of that phrase--to not simply stop at "We'll see." What if I finished the sentence?
We'll see...God come through in amazing ways.
We'll see...how He'll work all of this out.
We'll see...His goodness in the middle of the happy and hard places.
Yes, He knows all our circumstances, every hair on our heads, every care in our hearts.
He'll see...always has, always will.
And somehow that's enough to make me close my eyes and smile for awhile.

Your turn: We'll see...{how would you finish that sentence?}

Holley Gerth

Time to Celebrate

2011-06-21T19:01:00.001-05:00

“He will destroy death forever.” Isaiah 25:8

Jesus explained that the river of death was nothing to fear. The people wouldn’t believe him. He touched a boy and called him back to life . . . He let a dead man spend four days in a grave and then called him out. Is that enough? Apparently not. For it was necessary for him to . . . submerge himself in the water of death before people would believe that death had been conquered.
After he . . . came out on the other side of death’s river . . . it was time to celebrate.

By Max Lucado

Psalm 91

2011-06-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
² I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.” ³ Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
⁹ If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
¹⁴ “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”

To Be With Me - Max Lucado

2011-06-20T16:06:00.000-05:00

“After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me.” John 14:3

Note the promise of Jesus. “I will come back and take you to be with me.” Jesus pledges to take us home. He does not delegate this task. He may send missionaries to teach you, angels to protect you, teachers to guide you, singers to inspire you, and physicians to heal you, but He sends no one to take you. He reserves this job for Himself.

Matthew 18:20

2011-06-19T14:42:00.000-05:00

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

A Time to Think
You can't have a better tomorrow if you're thinking about yesterday. —Charles Kettering

To Act
Find strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

To Pray
Lord help me to never lose sight of the things in my life that really matter.

The One Who Hears

2011-06-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:3

The phrase the friend of Lazarus used is worth noting. When he told Jesus of the illness he said, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” He doesn’t base his appeal on the imperfect love of the one in need, but on the perfect love of the Savior…
The power of the prayer, in other words, does not depend on the one who makes the prayer, but on the one who hears the prayer.

Max Lucado

Like His Own

2011-06-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

“He will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own.” Philippians 3:21, TLB
Does this body seem closer to death than ever before? It should. It is. And unless Christ comes first, your body will be buried. Like a seed is placed in the ground, so your body will be placed in a tomb. And for a season, your soul will be in heaven while your body is in the grave. But the seed buried in the earth will blossom in heaven. Your soul and body will reunite, and you will be like Jesus.

Max Lucado

Preparation

2011-06-08T15:42:00.009-05:00

“Think only about the things in heaven.” Colossians 3:2

Engaged people are obsessed with preparation. The right dress. The right weight. The right hair and the right tux. They want everything to be right. Why? So their fiancée will marry them? No. Just the opposite. They want to look their best because their fiancée is marrying them.
The same is true for us. We want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clean . . . We want to be prepared.

Max Lucado

Goodness and Mercy

2011-06-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6, NKJV

What a huge statement. Look at the size of it! Goodness and mercy follow the child of God each and every day! Think of the days that lie ahead. What do you see? Days at home with only toddlers? God will be at your side. Days in a dead-end job? He will take your hand. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me—not some, not most, not nearly all—but all the days of my life

Max Lucado

James 5:16

2011-06-07T18:32:00.000-05:00

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

A Time to Think
If you can't pray like you want to, pray as you can. God knows what you mean.— Vance Havner

To Act
Pray and release your worries.

To Pray
Lord, because I believe in You, I believe in what our prayers can mean.

Valuable to Him

2011-06-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

“Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:6

When Jesus told the story of the missing sheep, some of the people who were listening wiped away a tear because they knew how it feels to be lost among the crowd. Jesus wanted us to understand that we have a Father who sees and cares for each one of his children—that we are all equally valuable to him.

Max Lucado

Christ Can

2011-06-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

Christ Can · Max Lucado

Watch and Pray

2011-06-03T19:36:00.000-05:00

Watch and Pray · Max Lucado

2Timothy 3:16

2011-06-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

A Time to Think
There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.—Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

To Act
When you think you don't have time to enjoy a sunset, think again.

To Pray
Dear God, in the days ahead, help me to begin properly; putting first things first.

Acts 12:5

2011-06-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. Acts 12:5

A Time to Think
Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.—Oswald Chambers

To Act
Pray God's Word and see your prayer life flourish.

To Pray
Keep me aware today, Father, that I am walking in Your light.

Joshua 1:9

2011-05-30T22:22:00.001-05:00

Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

A Time to Think
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! —Maya Angelou

To Act
Give thanks for the many men and women who gave their lives to defend our freedom.

To Pray
Dear Lord, may our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

He Knows Your Name

2011-05-30T18:18:00.002-05:00

By Max Lucado

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV

Relax. You have a friend in high places.
Does the child of Arnold Schwarzenegger worry about tight pickle-jar lids? Does the son of Nike founder Phil Knight sweat a broken shoestring? . . .
No. Nor should you. The universe’s Commander in Chief knows your name. He has walked your streets.

I believe...

2011-05-30T15:07:00.000-05:00

Heart to Heart with Holley

Psalm 28:6, 7

2011-05-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:6, 7

A Time to Think
The soul hardly ever realizes it, but whether he is a believer or not, his loneliness is really a homesickness for God.—Hubert van Zeller

To Act
Face every situation with faith in your heart.

To Pray
Lord, please keep me aware this day of Your shining presence in all things.

God Is For You

2011-05-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

God Is For You · Max Lucado

Devotion

2011-05-27T13:43:00.000-05:00

Devotion · Max Lucado

If I could whisper to your heart today...

2011-05-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

Heart to Heart with Holley

I’ll Give You Eternity

2011-05-24T17:19:00.000-05:00

I’ll Give You Eternity · Max Lucado:

Hidden With Christ

2011-05-23T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hidden With Christ · Max Lucado:

Born Again

2011-05-22T20:38:00.000-05:00

Born Again · Max Lucado:

The World only gets one you...

2011-05-21T00:57:00.000-05:00

Heart to Heart with Holley: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

It May Not Be Easy

2011-05-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

It May Not Be Easy · Max Lucado: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Making the Impossible Possible

2011-05-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

Making the Impossible Possible · Max Lucado:

God Never Gives Up

2011-05-17T14:25:00.000-05:00

God Never Gives Up · Max Lucado:

Jeremiah 1:5

2011-05-14T14:58:00.000-05:00

    "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5, NLT


God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you.
    When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you.

Isaiah 56:2

2011-05-13T20:30:00.000-05:00

Blessed is the one who does this—
the person who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps their hands from doing any evil. (NIV)

God commanded his people to rest and honor him on the Sabbath. He wants us to serve him every day, but he wants us to make one day special when we rest and focus our thoughts on him. For the Israelites, this special day was the Sabbath (Saturday).
Some Christians set Saturday aside as this special day, but many accept Sunday (the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead) as the "Lord's Day," a day of rest and honor to God.

God is Everywhere

2011-05-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

God is Everywhere · Max Lucado

Let Us Wait

2011-05-09T00:20:00.000-05:00

Let Us Wait · Max Lucado

The Hands of Jesus

2011-05-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

The Hands of Jesus · Max Lucado

Assured of Victory

2011-04-30T19:55:00.000-05:00

Assured of Victory by Max Lucado