source: Crosswalk
Whitney Von Lake Hopler
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Joni Grace Powers & Robert A. Pyne's new book, LifeSpace: The Practice of Life with God, (Regal Books, 2007).

Life's demands can suffocate you if you settle for less than the abundant life God offers. So take a breath of fresh air and expand your life with God beyond the limits what you can imagine and into an experience of unbounded adventure.

Here's how you can expand your life with God:
Seek worth beyond measure. Instead of trying to prove your worth to yourself and other people, remember that God's glory shines through you because He has made you in His image.

Be confident in the fact that you are valuable simply because you are God's child.

Pursue identity beyond circumstance. Understand that your circumstances don't define who you are. Know that your circumstances are simply tools for God to use to shape you into the person He wants you to become. Realize that God is able to redeem even the worst circumstances in your life to accomplish good purposes.

Seek love beyond performance. Rather than or trying to earn God's favor, accept the fact that God already loves you deeply and unconditionally. Rest assured that your relationship with God through Christ is sealed for eternity.

Embrace the messiness of being human. Understand that you can grow not by trying to transcend your human frailties, but by being honest about them and coming to God just as you are so He can use your weaknesses to make you strong.

Don't focus on trying to project an image of perfection. Instead, admit your flaws and let them reveal how much you need God. Be authentic in your relationships with other people and seek to learn from the messy interactions you sometimes have with them. Realize that being human isn't a problem to be solved; it's a calling to grow more like the God who chose to take on human form to save the world. Know that God loves real human beings like you because He chose to be incarnated as one.

Live fully in the present. Instead of wishing the present away and longing for your future in heaven, pay attention to where you are right now in life. Rather than trying to escape your life, start looking for ways that God is at work around you. Ask God to help you bloom where you're planted.

Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you. Remember that everything – even your next breath – is a gracious gift from God. Thank Him regularly for giving you life through His Spirit, and welcome the Holy Spirit to fill your soul and transform you. Ask the Spirit to enlarge your view of reality so you can envision more than just what you can see and embrace the full potential of your life.

Aim your love in the right direction. Ask yourself the key question: "What do I love?" Honestly consider what you might currently desire in place of God, such as comfort, stability, affection, opportunity, piety, or success.

Make sure that nothing knocks God out of His rightful place as your absolute top priority. Plan how you spend your resources (time, energy, money, etc.) around the fact that your relationship with God is most important. Choose to love for who He is instead of just what He can do for you. Expect that the more you get to know God, the more you'll fall in love with Him. Know that loving God for His own sake will bring you true joy.

Discover joy. Be alert to specific ways God is at work around you, and make time to reflect on the beauty of that work (such as something you appreciate in nature, or a quality you find charming in a person you know). Notice when and how God answers your prayers, and make time to thank Him for His generosity and creativity. Read, meditate on, and study the Bible to learn more about God, and delight in what you discover about Him through His Word. Be open to the mysteries of faith and avoid futile attempts to fit God's work into a box you can fully understand or control. Look for God's reflection in human creative expression, such as through art, music, literature, and dance. Make a frequent practice of getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new, such as traveling to a foreign country or learning an extreme sport.

Celebrate fresh joy whenever you encounter it.

Let God's love flow through you to others. Don't just take God's love for yourself and let it end there. Share that love with other people by reaching out to them as God leads you to do so. Draw a diagram that represents your sphere of community, listing the names of people you're closest to in the smallest circle and moving outward. Then, outside the largest circle, write the names of people you consider enemies or don't feel able to love for whatever reason. Pray about how your circles can expand to encompass all the names you wrote as people with whom you share God's love.

Recognize that God intends for you to be roped together with others in community. Don't practice your faith alone; build meaningful relationships with other believers and actively participate in church. Rejoice with others when they have something to celebrate; weep with others when they're suffering. To the extent that it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Slow down the pace of your life and make time to be with people face to face often. When you spend time with friends and family, enjoy their company instead of just trying to accomplish a set agenda during your time together.

Don't use love as a tool to try to manipulate others for your purposes. Ask God to help you love others as He loves them – unconditionally.
Make space for grace. Thank God that His grace gives you the space to grow as you're becoming more like the person He intends for you to become. Let your gratitude motivate you to extend grace to other people. For example, let your husband enjoy eating goat cheese or sauerkraut, even if it grosses you out, and give your son or daughter permission to join a garage band, even if that means loud practice sessions at your house.

Go easy on others when they make mistakes for which they're repentant. Just as you don't have to earn God's love, don't make other people earn your love. Don't parcel love out sparingly to others. Ask God to help you love people lavishly, whether or not you think they deserve it. Ask God to give you the humility you need to overcome pride, self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency.

Remember that you – just like everyone else around you – are a sinner, yet God still loves you and Christ still died for you. Be willing to help other people without expecting anything in return. Decide to love even in ugly situations. Believe the best about others and wish the best for them, encouraging them and supporting them as they pursue God's dreams for their lives. Every day, be proactive about doing small things with great love, such as forgiving an obvious slight, offering someone a ride, preparing a meal for someone in a crisis, or complimenting a colleague. Constantly ask yourself: "How have I seen God's grace extended by others toward me?" and

"How have I been the space of grace for someone this week?"
Forgive. Know that, just as God has forgiven you for all your sins, He expects you to be willing to forgive others who hurt you. Don't wait until you feel like forgiving; you likely never will. Instead, make the choice to forgive, and rely on the help God will give you to do so. Work toward reconciliation with those who are willing. Realize that by forgiving, you create a new beginning out of past pain. Understand that forgiveness opens up the space you need for healing in your relationships.

Sacrifice. Ask God to help you place your life at His disposal with gladness and eagerness to see how He will use you to accomplish good purposes. Let your love for God and gratitude for all He has done for you motivate you to give freely of your time, energy, money, and other resources to God's work on Earth. Don't just give what's left over after you take care of yourself; give the best of what you have. Be willing to make sacrifices for others as God leads you, even when your efforts aren't rewarded or even acknowledged. Remember that, though you main gain nothing from other people, God will give you joy as you serve Him.

Be welcoming toward others, taking a genuine interest in their lives and making time to build meaningful relationships with them. Let go of your own agenda for your relationships and invite God to use them however He chooses to help you and others grow. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be humble and kind as you go about each day, willing to give yourself away one commitment at a time.

See clearly. Don't settle for a small vision that limits your concept of who God is and what plans He has for your life. Instead, ask God to give you the right perspective on Him and reveal His big vision for you. Let go of your own plans that don't align with God's plans, trusting that for every one of your own dreams that falls away, a better dream from God for you will take its place.

Place your hope in the reality of God's promises, and realize that doing so creates space for your faith to keep expanding.

Adapted from LifeSpace: The Practice of Life with God

~ BEAUTIFUL IN THE EYE'S OF GOD ~
Psalm 149:4 - For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with Salvation.
Outward beauty is just skin deep, but Inward beauty is for eternity. We don't need physical beauty in order to be loved by our Heavenly Father, He has given us one of His most precious ornaments for our beautification and that is His Salvation. Real beauty comes from the inside and then out!
Don't let your outward appearance reflect your inward but beautify your inward that it may reflect your outward!

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO LET GO?

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?" Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's up-turned face. "One rand ninety-five. That's almost R2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get some money from grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 cents. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she couldpick dandelions for ten cents.

On her birthday, Grandma did give her another rand and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grownup. She wore them everywhere - Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath.

Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairsto read her a story.

One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess - thewhite Horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favourite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And hebrushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy askedagain, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper." "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you"

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?" Jenny didn't sayanything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the cheap store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the cheap store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So as it is with God. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasure.

Are you holding onto things which God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities which you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go of?

Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand, but do believe this one thing.................. God will never takeaway s.omething without giving you something better to take its place.

What an amazing weekend....we were in the river, refreshed, renewed, restored....oh yes, a week woulod have been great but the three days away took the edge off the tiredness and rush.

How very beautiful the area was that we were in, seals sunning themselves on the rocks, the mountains on one side the sea on the other (photos to follow) Kaikora is wonderful, the farmhouse was awesome, the pinetrees fragrant. So much all in one. My joy was full in the Lord!

Dear Friends

I am off for a weekend of total relaxation!!! God has provided a house in a beautiful spot where there is no television and no mobile reception.

How wonderful God is, what a Friend, what a Saviour, He provides our every need. So as the frog says, "I'll be thinking of you and praying for you"....so until monday, ne nlessed

Love always

Sharmaine

Well, well, Tuesday is here so quickly...it seems as if Monday just whisked by! Do any of you experience that? Do your days just wish by in a blur? Well, God has been impressing this whole time issue on my heart just recently.

Time is the one thing we can not get back, yes God CAN and WILL redeem time to you He will give back what the locusts have eaten, but all the money in the world cannot purchased the time that has just passed by.

So on this Tuesday, let us treat each second with respect, knowing we are accountable for it. In the rush of the day, let us remember to give thanks, to praise Him for the wonders around us. Let us today, make sure of this one thing, that we will get to KNOW HIM. Not just superficially, but really get to know Him.

Lets get to know Him as our joy, as our peace, as our, all and all. You see friends, it is about intimacy. Intimacy stands for :- in to me you see. I want Jesus to see in to me and I want to see in to Him.

May your day today be intimate with the King, may your day be filled with joy and therefor be filled with strength.

You are special !!!!

WHY GOD ALLOWS PAIN

BEST EXPLANATION EVER!

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen:

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.They talked about so many things and various subjects.When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?Would there be abandoned children?If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.

"The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.The barber finished his job and the customer left the shopJust after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkept.The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist"

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!""No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.""Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world. BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart - Psalm 37:4

Monday Morning

Well it is Monday Morning!!!

How are all you sisters out there? It has been a crazy few days with this chest infection and was so blessed to see this picture, it looked just like me over the last few days!!! I giggled and giggled........

Have an awesome day....

Love

Sharmaine

God Said No

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No. .... It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No......His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary .

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. ........Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No. ....I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. ...... Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. ...You must grow on your own! , but I will prune you to make you and make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. ...I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Are You Missing That One Thing That Brings True Happiness?

By Rebekah Montgomery

Be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b, 6-NIV

No matter how much we possess, beneath the skin lurks a secret fear: “I might be missing that one thing that will bring me true happiness.”
“That one thing” may change from time to time. One day it might be a house, a lover, a mate, a job, a child, an accomplishment, a diploma, a car, or breast implants. The next day it may be fame, success, or even a trinket.

Lust for “that one thing” can fester and itch, often compelling us to sacrifice everything in order to scratch. However, when the light of the Word shines upon the thing we passionately desire, we see it for what it is: a substitute for God.

The itch that cannot be scratched, the desire that cannot be satisfied, the thirst that cannot be assuaged, and the fire that cannot be quenched will tease and entice you, but never be gratified here on this earth unless it is recognized for what it is: the idol of self-gratification.
Worshipping the idol of self-gratification can destroy you even as you stand in the presence of God.

In eternity past, Lucifer learned this standing next to the throne of God. Dubbed “son of the morning” because his beauty and power was supreme among the angels, he had it all — except for the image of God. His lust for this final honor led him to rebel against the Almighty. In the end, he lost his glory, his ranking, as well as his position before the throne.

Because Lucifer spawned our fallen nature, no matter how much we have, we crave what we do not have — another person’s mate, a beauty different from our own, the forbidden fruit, a promotion we didn’t receive, the Jones’ house, car, job, or vacation. While we reach for the itch, the One who is our Friend by His own initiative stands by, waiting for acknowledgement.
Everything King David had — power, land, wives, skill — came from Him. Everything Lucifer had — power, position, beauty — came from Him. And everything you have comes from Him, too.

In His grief at the chaos David wrought by his coveting his neighbor’s wife, God tells him, “If you had asked Me for more, I would have given it.”
Then there is that other problem: We secretly fear that if God gives blessing to someone else, He just may not have enough goodness and grace to extend to us.
Nothing could be farther from the truth! In a display of almost unbelievable generosity, God has offered Himself to be your Helper, to itch the places you cannot scratch, to satisfy the desires you cannot even name.

But the key is this: You need to recognize that beneath surface and what masquerades as the answer to your needs, He is what you desire. When we relinquish the idol that we thought would satisfy us, and desire Him first and most, the fear of missing out on life will vanish.
Jesus addressed this: “Whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” And “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.”

Please read Hebrews 13 1-6 in its entirety. Also see Psalms 118:6, Joshua 1:5, 2 Samuel 12, Matthew 16:24-27-NIV, Matthew 7:7-12-NIV. USED NWITH PERMISSION
© Rebekah Montgomery 2007 For reprint requests, contact Rebekah at her website, www.RebekahMontgomery.com

HELP FOR YOU

Question: My husband committed adultery and I'm dealing with the anger that comes from that. What can I do?

(This response is written for the wife of a REPENTANT husband, not a husband who continues to sin against the sanctity of the marriage)

Response: We believe that all marriage's can be healed and restored thru the healing Power of God. The pain (resentment) we feel inside at times can be unbearable, and that pain affects our emotions and attitude towards the person we married.

It isn't the act of adultery itself that causes divorce; it is the affects from it through our feelings and how we deal with those emotions that lead to divorce. Keeping this in mind, then, we can change the way we feel toward those who have hurt us by "choosing" to forgive. Did you know that by choosing to forgive, you are actually helping yourself to feel better inside?

Choosing to forgive is a “principled act” of love. It hurts for a little while to forgive someone who has hurt us so terribly, but Jesus Christ has asked us to forgive others, even when we don’t want to or “feel” like forgiving.

Forgiveness is not just for the offender but also for the spouse who has been wronged. As long as you hold in anger and resentment by NOT FORGIVING, you are actually hurting yourself even more. Forgiving is letting it go. Once we let it go, the pain of infidelity won't control our emotions any longer. The hard part is forgiving. That comes through prayer and meditating on the word daily. The key to forgiving is to stop focusing on what your husband did, but focus on you and what "you" can do for yourself.

This is not discounting what your husband did at all, but it is taking the focus off of him and allowing you the freedom to take care of you. Your husband needs to deal with what he did as well, but you can't do that for him. He is accountable to God for his actions and He needs to step up to the plate and ask for Christ’s forgiveness, if he has not already done so.

If you keep throwing stones at your husband because of your anger, it may do more harm to the relationship, and make it more difficult to give up those negative feelings and forgive.
At this point, you both have responsibilities in the marriage, and that is to take care of yourselves first, and then to each other. Always keep Christ at the top of your priority list in everything you do, and that way you know in your heart that you are doing the right thing, and that is all that really matters here.

Both of you have some inner healing to do that will take time, accountability, and trust. If you would like further support and guidance in this area, I am here to encourage and support you. There are several articles on the Heaven Ministries website that deal with rebuilding trust and intimacy in relationships.

Used with permission

What to Do When the Lights Go Out Isaiah 50:10-50:10

Introduction: There are times in our lives, as God’s people, that we have to serve God in the midst of darkness. There are times that we find it difficult to see very far ahead. It is hard to stand when we do not understand! Life is filled with melody and misery, as well as high times and hard times. It is interesting that as Christians we desire to be “overcomers” but do not want much to overcome. We desire to go to heaven but would rather not die in order to get there. In its very essence, life is tragic without Jesus Christ in our lives. Are you experiencing a dark time in your life? Do you have a wayward child? Have you experienced a financial reversal? Has someone broken your heart or taken advantage of you? Are you not able to make sense of what is happening in your life? There are those seasons in life when we are not able to mentally grasp what is transpiring in our lives. Think about it for a moment. There are those instances when we have studied our lessons, learned our formulas, memorized the promises in God’s Word, and think we have it all figured out and suddenly we are plunged into deep, deep darkness. Why does such darkness come to a Christian? The question that Christians ask more than any other is “Why?” Why did my child have to die? Why could I not carry this child full term? Why did my husband or wife have to break my heart? Why did my business have to go bankrupt? Why did God allow sickness to come to me or my loved ones? Why did God heal that person and not heal me? Why? Why? Why? What do we do when the lights go out? What do we do when darkness comes into our life? When we went to school, we received the lessons first and tests second. However, in life we take the tests first and learn the lessons second. In this message there are many lessons to be learned when the lights go out in our lives. The first lesson is: I. FAITH’S

DEVOTION: THOSE OF GREATEST DEVOTION MAY KNOW THE DEEPEST DARKNESS (Isa. 50:10)
Our Scriptural text is not talking about someone who has wandered away from God. This person fears and loves the Lord. The “fear of the Lord” means “love on its knees.” The person who fears God the most loves God the most. This person obeys the voice of God. There is a distorted idea that if a person becomes a Christian, it will be all honey and no bees; all sunlight and roses and no rain and weeds. There is no reason to deny it. There are tens of thousands of Christians across the world that fear and love the Lord and yet are experiencing darkness. More than 150,000 Christians were martyred last year throughout the world. Job said, “God has put darkness in my path” (Job 19:8). Habakkuk exclaimed, “How long shall I cry and you not hear (Hab. 1:2). John the Baptist sent messengers from the prison and asked Jesus, “Are you really the Messiah or should we look for someone else?” Each of these great men of God came to a time in their life that they did not understand or comprehend why and what was fully happening to them. If you read the stories of great saints in history, there is hardly one of them who did not experience the dark night of the soul. If you are in darkness, it does not necessarily mean that you are out of the will of God or that you have sinned before the Lord. The second lesson is:

II. FAITH’S DEVELOPMENT: THE FAITH THAT IS BORN IN THE LIGHT IS OFTEN DEVELOPED IN THE DARK
(v. 10)
When have you grown the most spiritually in your life? Has it been the during the sunlight or the darkness? Is it not true that when Mr. Trouble has knock on our heart’s door, we have matured more than at other times in our life? Faith is like film: It is better developed in the darkness. How does God develop our faith in the darkness? God tells us to take two steps. First, we are to look to the Lord (“trust in the Lord”). Warren Wiersbe has said, “We live by promises, not by explanations.” Just because it does not make sense to us, does not mean that it does not make sense to God. Just because it does not make sense now, does not mean that it will not make sense later. Thomas Watson has said, “Where reason cannot wade, faith must swim.” We must continue to stand on God’s Word regardless what is going on in life. God’s Word never changes. It remains constant through all of the seasons of our life. We must continue to live according to God’s Word even though tough times come our way. We continue to give our tithes and offerings even though there may have been a financial reversal. We continue to trust in the Lord even though we may not understand Him. We continue to attend God’s house even though tough times come to our family. We continue to have our quiet time with God even though sickness comes to us. We simply continue to stand on God’s Word. The promises of God remain the same whether the sun is shining or darkness comes to us. The second step is to lean upon the Lord (“let him stay upon his God”).

When you are in the dark, you do not have to have an explanation, you need God. It is more important to be with God in the valley of darkness than to be on sunlight peaks without Him. There are some things that I want that I don’t need and some things I need that I don’t want. Only God can truly discern between what is bad and good and what is good and best. Sometimes, God removes all the answers in order to give us Himself. A relationship is more important than a reason. God desires to even use us in the midst of darkness. John Milton, in the darkness of his blindness, wrote Paradise Lost. While John Bunyan was in the Bedford Jail, London, England, he wrote Pilgrims Progress. During John the Revelator’s exile on the Island of Patmos, he wrote the Book of Revelation. God wants to develop our faith. Never doubt in the dark what you learned in the light. The test of our character is not what we do in a worship service. The test of our character is what we do in the dark. Shortly before Mother Theresa’s death, she said, “You will never know that Jesus is all you need until all you have is Jesus.”

The third lesson is: III. FAITH’S DISCERNMENT: SOME THINGS ARE SEEN IN THE DARK THAT CANNOT BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT
(Isa. 50: 3-4)
You will realize that one day that in the darkness you were learning some truths. There are treasures of darkness. For example, have you ever heard someone say, “The stars are out tonight.” The fact is that the stars are out in the daytime, but we cannot see them because of the sunlight. There are some treasures of darkness that are only revealed at night. The stars are there to praise the Lord (Ps. 146:3). We would never have a star to praise the Lord without darkness. Do you have a star in your darkness with which to praise the Lord? I want to share a few of the treasures of darkness. First, in the light we see that which is near, but the darkness we see that which is far away. Second, in the light we may see more clearly, but in the darkness we see further. Third, we may think our brightest thoughts in the day, but we will think our deepest thoughts during the night. Fourth, we may learn more about others during the day, but we will learn more about ourselves during the dark. It has been said, “We can dress as though we are intelligent, but when we open our mouth people will know whether we really are intelligent or not? When someone has gone through a dark period in his/her life, they will learn some truths that will remain with them the rest of their lives. Often times, Christians revert to clichés when they do not know what else to say to the person who is walking through darkness. When we do not know what to say, it is important that we do not bring someone else’s pain down to our level. Just simply recognize that we do not understand because have not undergone what they are experiencing in their life. There is a discipline of darkness. This kind of darkness teaches us when to speak and when to remain silent. The fourth lesson is:

IV.FAITH’S DANGER: IT IS BETTER TO BE SERVING GOD IN THE DARKNESS THAT TO BE STANDING ALONE IN MAN-MADE LIGHT
(Isa. 50:11) One of the most dangerous temptations is that we will be tempted to light our own fire in the darkness. If God has ordained the darkness, then we must wait upon God. We must never get the idea that darkness can overcome light. Darkness cannot withstand the light. Darkness will run from light. If you do not believe this is true, then turn on the light in a darkened room and open the closet. You will find that the darkness is hiding inside the closet! If you are in a lighted room, darkness cannot overcome the light. Darkness can never chase away light. You cannot open the front door of your home and let in the dark. The only way that darkness can enter is that the light be removed. So, if the light has been removed from the situations of your life, then God in his wisdom has allowed you to be in the darkness. If God is the One who has allowed darkness to come your way, then do not be foolish to light your own fire. In other words, do not try to undue what God is doing. A manmade fire is deceptive. It is not a sure guide for one to follow. It is like a man getting up in the middle of the night with his flashlight and going over to his sundial to see what time it is. God says that if we light our own fire, in the midst of God ordained darkness, then we will suffer. For example, God told Abraham that he and Sarah would eventually have a child of their own. God gave a promise. However, God did not fulfill that promise immediately. Abraham, in the midst of his darkness of doubt, created his own fire with Hagar. Ishmael was born. Think about the suffering that came to Abraham and the world because he did not wait on God in the midst of his darkness. Has darkness come to your life? Are you waiting on God or are you creating your own fire?


The final lesson is:
FAITH’S DAYBREAK: IF YOUR SUN HAS SET, IT WILL RISE AGAIN
(Isa. 50:4)
God will awaken us in the morning. Even though you may be in darkness now, there is a better day coming. If you are in darkness, then trust God. God will eventually turn every tear to a pearl, every hurt into a hallelujah, every Calvary into an Easter. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). One of these days, God is going to pull the shades of night and pin them with the stars. He will then open the door of the morning and flood your world with his light and love. You will see things and know truth that you have never seen or known before. There is a better day coming for you. For non-Christians, this is as good as it will ever get for them. As Christians, this is as bad as it will ever get for us. There is coming a day when we will step out of time into eternity and will see the fullness of the glory of God.

CONCLUSION: I challenge you in the near future to take a walk and enjoy to the warmth of a sunny day. Yet, while you are enjoying the warmth of the sun, remember that the sunrays are 8.3 minutes old when they reach you. Even though you can experience the warmth of the sun, you have never seen the full intensity of the sun. The surface temperature of the sun is more than 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit and the inner core of the sun is more than 27,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit. You have felt its warmth but never really seen the sun.
In like manner, we can feel the warmth of God’s presence, but we have never fully seen the full glory of God. However, there is coming a time when the child of God will see the face of God.

We will fully see what we slightly experienced in this life. Just remember when the lights go out, God is still there in the midst of your darkness. He wants to give you a star so you can praise Him more. Our trials become stars in order to praise the Lord.
When the lights go out, reflect on our faith’s devotion, development, discernment, danger, and daybreak.

BLIND AMBITION

Genesis 11:1-9If you could travel back in time to the days of Noah what an amazing sight you would see!

Not the flood or the ark, but right after the flood waters had dried is the time I am thinking of. If you were there you would find a tower buzzing with activity. You would probably even be impressed with how efficient the work was progressing, even though the building process was rudimentary by today’s standards. I envision the workers separating the work, one group making mortar, another bricks, still another transports the bricks to the site while yet another group takes responsibility for setting them in place.Envision if you will a human anthill.

Every worker has a job, every worker does his job and every worker did his job well. Their dream was a tower. A tower taller than any other in the entire world, taller than anyone in the world had ever dreamed of building.

This tower would not just touch the clouds; it would loom over the clouds and touch heaven. But, what purpose did this tower serve? Was this tower meant to glorify God? Was it meant to find God? How about to direct people’s attention toward God? Was it built as a vain attempt to "walk" to heaven? Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!The real purpose of building is what, in the end, caused its demise. There was nothing wrong with their building method.

There was nothing wrong with their plan. Their motives, however, were altogether wrong! If you read the minutes from the "Tower Planning Committee Meeting" you can see the problem:“Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves" (Genesis 11:4).

Why was the tower being built? Selfishness. Pure, 100% selfishness. The bricks were made from inflated egos and the mortar out of pride. All for what reason? So someone will notice me! To make a name for myself!We have a name for that, its called blind ambition. Success at all cost. King of the mountain. Top of the heap. "I did it my way."In our society, we make heroes out of people who are ambitious. We hold them up as models for our kids and put their pictures on magazine covers. And rightly so. This world would be in sad shape without people who dream of touching the heavens.

Ambition is that grit in the soul, which creates disenchantment with the ordinary and dares one to dream.Left unchecked it becomes an insatiable addiction to power and prestige and things. It becomes a roaring hunger for achievement that devours people as a lion eats a meal, leaving behind only the remnants of relationships.

Some classic examples of nearsighted tower builders are:The parent who feeds their career with twelve-hour workdays, meetings and apologies for being gone so much. "It’s only a matter of time before things will get better."The woman who always wears her dresses a little high in the hem and a little low in the neck because "one day" she will not be able to.The businessman who lies during his business deal and justifies it saying, "I’ll only need to do it this one time."Anything to gain an edge. Anything to draw attention. Anything to get to the top of the tower.

Blind Ambition. Distorted Values.It all results in rootless lives bouncing around like tumbleweeds through a ghost town. Abandoned dreams. Crumbling homes. Desolate futures. All with one thing in common: a half finished tower that stands as a stirring epitaph to those who dare follow.God won’t tolerate it. He didn’t then and he won’t now.

He took the "Climb to Heaven Campaign" into his hands. With one sweep he painted the tower gray with confusion and sent the workers babbling in all directions. Are you building any towers? Examine your motives. Remember the memorial statement imprinted on the base of the abandoned Tower of Babel:Blind ambition is a giant step away from God and one-step closer to catastrophe.(Material from Max Lucado)

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION?
By Dr. Ann ShorbChristian Counseling & Educational Serviceshttp://www.ccesonline.com

Major depression can greatly affect a person's ability to function at home and/or at work, and inhibit the enjoyment of life in any way. Some people suffer depression only once but others may experience it several times in their lifetime.
Answer the questions below to determine if you are experiencing depression. If you answer

True to at least four (4) of the following statements, you may be suffering from depression. If you answer True to the majority of the following statements, you are certainly experiencing depression and you need to seek professional help. See a doctor or a counselor before the depression gets worse.

T or F - I feel sad and blue most of the time.
T or F - I feel like crying more than I did six months ago.
T or F - I feel hopeless and helpless most of the time.
T or F - I have no motivation.
T or F - I'm not interested in things I used to enjoy.
T or F - Recently I have wondered if life is worth living.
T or F - I am not sleeping well, or I want to sleep all of the time.
T or F - I have lost my appetite.
T or F - I am easily irritated.
T or F - I am more anxious about things than I used to be.
T or F - My energy level has dropped recently
T or F - I dread the morning. It is hard to get up.
T or F - I have been thinking about myself a lot recently.
T or F - The face looking back at me in the mirror is sad.
T or F - My self-concept needs improving.
T or F - I worry about the past, the present and the future.
T or F - I've had more headaches, upset stomach, constipation, rapid heartbeat, etc. in the last six months than usual.
T or F - I think that people have noticed that I am not working as well at my job, or enjoying life like I used to.

Is Depression A Sin?
Christians often ask this question. The answer is Not necessarily! While harboring sin or sinful attitudes in your life can certainly produce depression, other possible causes include experiencing a significant loss or having a physical problem that causes body chemistry to be imbalanced. Great men in the Bible, such as David (in many of his Psalms), Elijah (I Kings 19), Moses (Exodus 18), and Jonah (Jonah 4) experienced depression. In each of these situations God sent someone to help the suffering individual but He did not condemn him. Psalm 23:18 says, The Lord is close to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Whatever the cause, God cares about the person experiencing depression.
Some Interesting Facts
- One in four women and one in ten men will develop depression some time in their life.
- Men experience depression differently than women. Men tend to get angrier.
- Depression can affect children as well as adults and the elderly.
- Suicide may result when depression has not been treated successfully.
- Depression has been called the common cold of the mind.
- Between 80-90% of the people seeking treatment get well.

What Are Some Symptoms Of Depression?
Everyone feels sad sometimes due to a significant loss such as a death, a divorce or losing a job. Anger turned inward can also cause sad feelings. When these feelings are not dealt with properly and they continue over a long period of time, a person usually experiences a major depression.
Look For These Symptoms
- Feelings of sadness for over two weeks- Not wanting to spend time with friends and family- Increased irritability- Changes in sleep and appetite patterns- Frequent crying spells- Difficulty concentrating- Forgetfulness

How Can You Help A Depressed Person?

We often feel uncomfortable around a depressed person because we don't know what to say or do for him. This may cause us to make some serious mistakes when we try to help them. So what can you do to help?

Let him be honest about his feelings.Allow him to talk about his negative, depressedfeelings. Don't say, You shouldn't feel like that. Be there for him. A depressed person may have lost someone important in his life. Let him know you care and will be there for him.
Be aware. A depressed person often tries to avoid dealing with his feelings, or to pretend he is fine. If he fails to get help, he will only become more depressed. Help him get help.
Avoid saying . . .Just trust God.Just get over it.If you would just do . . . You have lots going for you. You shouldn'tfeel so bad.

When to Seek Help . . .
Major depression is a serious illness and can be fatal if left untreated. A person cannot face this illness alone. Seek professional help for yourself, or for someone you care for when you see . . .- Three or more symptoms of depression- Response to your attempts to help- No family or friends there for support- There are suicidal thoughts- The person turning to substance abuse- The individual cannot take care of his family or himself.

Dr. Ann Shorb is the founder of Christian Counseling & Educational Services, an accomplished professional speaker, and the author of A Light for My Path, a weekly email devotional. Visit her website http://www.ccesonline.com for a free subscription to A Light for My Path.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ANXIETY?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ANXIETY?

By Dr. Ann ShorbChristian Counseling & Educational Serviceshttp://www.ccesonline.com

What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotional and physical response to a vague, uncontrollable, or uncertain event. You may have the vague feeling that "something bad is going to happen." Worry concentrates more on specific events in our life.
The Bible says in Philippians 4: 6 & 7, Do not be anxious about anything . . . but let the peace of God . . . guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Christian Counseling & Educational Services wants to help people learn how to do just that and to find peace for their lives. While that might sound impossible, the Bible says in Luke 1:37, . . . nothing is impossible with God.

What Causes Anxiety?

- Family background - overly protective, critical, or perfectionistic families- Early life trauma of abuse, separation, or neglect- Cumulative stress - accidents, weddings, births, moves, financial problems - Genetic make-up - certain chemical imbalances in the brain- Your attitudes and beliefs about the world, yourself and God- The way you talk to yourself in your mind- Lack of meaning or purpose in life- Abusing alcohol and other drugs

There Are Different Anxiety Disorders
- Panic Disorder- Panic Attacks- Phobias- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Did You Know . . .

One in four people have an anxiety disorder.One in ten people have a form of a phobia.One in 50 people have OCD.Anxiety & depression often exist together.Anxiety may cause significant changes in how your body functions.Anxiety does not discriminate; children as well as the elderly can experience anxiety.Men experience anxiety differently than women.God's Word, the Bible, provides direction for dealing with anxiety.
There is hope and help for those suffering from anxiety!

What Are The Signs Of Anxiety?

Check any of the following classic anxiety symptoms that apply to you:
- Sweating- Racing heart, heart palpitations- Chest pain or discomfort- Trouble breathing- Shaking or trembling- Trouble swallowing or a choking feeling- Upset stomach- Fear of losing control- Feeling like you are going to die- Muscle tension- Headaches- Difficulty sleeping- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions- Restlessness and/or irritability
If you checked four or more of these symptoms, you may have a problem with anxiety.
Common Characteristics of Anxiety Sufferers
- Trying to impress other people- Being perfectionist- Using alcohol to calm down- Feeling afraid but don't know why- Feeling unworthy of God's love- Feeling no one could really love you- Feeling guilty for things that are not your fault- Afraid to let others really know you- Frequent feeling of inadequacy

Words to Avoid Using With An Anxiety Sufferer
- Just pull yourself together.- Just relax.- Stop worrying.- Just ignore your problems.- Snap out of it.- Take a vacation, you'll feel better.- Just have more faith, or pray more.- Your problems aren't so bad. You should be able to cope.- Is God punishing you for some sin?
Counseling Can Help You . . .

- Learn how to manage your anxiety.- Learn relaxation techniques to help control your anxiety.- Become aware of the thought patterns that play a role in your anxiety.- Learn to make your self-talk more positive and realistic.- Gain a closer relationship with God.- Understand that you may need to take medication for awhile.

What Can You Do . . .

- See a doctor and get a complete physical examination. Make sure that these symptoms are not a potentially serious medical condition.- Find a professional counselor you trust.- Share your feelings with a trusted friend.- Improve your health with good nutrition, proper rest and regular exercise.- Learn to enjoy life. Relax!- Avoid stressful situations when possible.-

Learn to say "No" to extra pressures.-
Set realistic goals.
Be kind to yourself.-
Seek help from God,
your church, prayer and the Bible.
Suggested Books To Read:

CCES does not necessarily endorse all comments by the authors. These materials are not intended to be a substitute for professional counseling; therefore, CCES is not to be held liable for any event that transpires as a result of reading these materials.
The Anxiety Cureby Dr. Archibald Hart
Answers to Anxiety, by Drs. Steve & Rebecca Wilke


Dr. Ann Shorb is the founder of Christian Counseling & Educational Services, an accomplished professional speaker, and the author of A Light for My Path, a weekly email devotional. Visit her website http://www.ccesonline.com for a free subscription to A Light for My Path.

WHAT FUN WAS HAD

Have you ever noiced how much we all have to say. Although it is school holidays in CHCH we decided scones and tea were in order. What fun we had. The children were so well behaved and we discussed vision reading from the book of Ruth and discussing the miracle of milk that came from Naomi (Ruth 4:16). This just cements that it is NEVER EVER too late for your vision, your dream to come to pass. Never ever give up, if God can cause milk to flow from an old woman's breast and she can suckle her grandchild, God can do it for you!!!

FORGIVENESS

Each of us has war wounds sustained in life's battles. Some only scar; others fester forever. A close examination of the offending ulcers often reveals shrapnel — unresolved hurts.

Because unforgiveness receives a hefty share of ink in the Bible, I'm listing the Word's Top 10 Reasons (my order) why we need to teach and learn forgiveness:
We're to love our neighbor as ourselves, including our enemies. Matthew 5:44
If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive. Matthew 6:12, 24, 15

Unforgiveness hinders our prayers. Matthew 5:23, 24
We are not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. One of the ways we overcome is by forgiving the evil. Romans 12:21
"Great rewards" and blessing are promised to those who practice forgiveness. Luke 6: 35, Matthew 5:7

Forgiveness is commanded — seventy times seven — which means always! Matthew 18:21, 22

Forgiveness illustrates the love of God, making us "children of our Father." Matthew 5:45

Forgiveness demonstrates maturity in Christ. Matthew 5:48

If we are unforgiving, we are no better than our enemies. Matthew 5: 46, 47

Forgiveness shows discretion and "glory." Proverbs 19:11

Remember: Those who have something to forgive are the bleeding victims. The only place they will ever find healing and help is at the feet of Jesus.

Those who need to ask for forgiveness will need His Divine help to do it.

"Forgiving is not forgetting; it is letting go of the hurt" - Mary Mcleod Bethume

"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. He who cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass." - Corrie Ten Boom

"Forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." - Corrie Ten Boom

"Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die." - Anne Lamott

from Traveling Mercies© Rebekah Montgomery 2007

(used with permission)

BETWEEN YOU AND ME

July 2007

Dear Friends

Can you believe that the middle of the year has gone? It seems absolutely incredible that the seventh month of the year is already upon us.

The positive feedback I have received about this being the year of perfect expectation is wonderful, amidst all the trials and hardship that the enemy is bringing on some of the most important ministries God has said, that this year is the year of PERFECT EXPECTATION!!!

What a privilege to serve our Lord, how very fortunate we are, it reminds me of the old gospel song…”without Him I would be nothing..”

I am really so excited and expectant for the 2008 International WOMEN FOR THE NATIONS CONFERENCE! Please with us that it will be more miraculous than ever before!

As you all know I am working in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre as a clinician at present and and happy to report that within 2 months I will be able to serve WOMEN FOR THE NATIONS in a full time capacity. Further I long to visit you this year, God is stirring such awesome words for the church and it would be such an honour to sit around the table and share with you.

“From Tears To Triumph” is dusted and raring to go…if God has changed your life from tears to triumph please send me your stories, if you will allow me to use your story please send me permission in writing saying you will allow me the freedom to use your story in my book. Names, places etc will be changed to protect your identity.

I further urgently need the stories of women who minister in any capacity and have been hurt by the church ….either by male leadership or by congregants who have tried to use the Word of God to suppress their ministries. This will be used for my Masters thesis entitled, “Women in Leadership”.

The most delightful poem was sent to me by one of George’s colleagues, I hope it blesses you as much as it blesses me:-

Dancing with God~

When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I was drawn to "dance" at the end of the word. I reflected upon how doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes this and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God, "u" and "i" dance." ! God, you, and I dance. This statement is what guidance means to me. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so lets continue to pray for one another. I Hope You Dance !!!!!!!!!!!! ANON

Remember Jesus is coming soon and our God is not a respecter of persons. He is calling His handmaidens all around the world and telling them to “ARISE the winter is over” “Arise”.

You are very special and your friendship is very important to me, please remember to send me your testimonies if the ministry you have received from Women for the Nations has touched your heart in any way.

So to end with a last poem:-

The Broken Pot
By Julia Khoury

There was once a Potter who visited a shop.
The shop owner was very happy to have him there and wasted no time in showing him his most prized pots. They were indeed beautiful. Some had unusual designs or figures on them. “These are my best pots,” the shop owner proclaimed, proudly.
But the Potter shook his head. “They are very nice,” he said. “But this is not what I want.”
Perplexed, the shop owner led him to another shelf. “How about one of these?” he asked. “They are a bit chipped, but surely, they can be used for something…”

Again, the Potter shook his head. “This is not what I want.” Then, looking past the shop owner towards the back of the shop, he asked, “What about that one?”
The shop owner followed his gaze. “Oh, no, sir…you don’t want that pot. Can’t you see? It’s shattered. It’s useless.”
“Are all the pieces there?” the Potter asked.
The shop owner shrugged. “Well…yes.”
The Potter took a step towards the broken fragments.

“Why do you want that pot,” the shop owner asked, “When there are so many others here?”
A smile crossed the Potter’s face. “Because the strongest pots of all are the ones that have first been broken,” he answered.
And that night, with great care and gentleness, the Potter carried the broken pieces home and began his work.

Many, many weeks later, the king of all the land held a great feast for all his subjects. Both the Potter and the shop owner were present. They greeted one another warmly and talked for awhile. Then, the shop owner looked at one of the pots on the kings table. “It’s a beautiful pot,” he remarked. “But for some reason, it seems as if I’ve seen it before.”

“Do you remember a certain broken pot?” the Potter asked.
“Yes.” Then a look of shock passed the shop owner’s face as he looked again at the pot, the one he had seen no use for. He gave his head a shake, seeing with new eyes. “You don’t mean…that broken pot…?”

“Yes.” The Potter beamed. “That broken pot.”
Just like the broken pot, God can take our lives and make them into something beautiful, if we give Him all the pieces.

Please continue to keep my family in your prayers.
I am trusting for personal intercessors who will pray for my ministry, if you would like to be one of my faith sisters please let me know.
Further please could all you creative women pray and ask God to help you design a logo for the organization. I look forward to receiving all your dynamic ideas.

Looking forward to your letters ideas and testimonies.

Love and Hugs
Sharmaine


WOMEN FOR THE NATIONS

1 Cor 13

Women for the Nations is a ministry of Sharmaine Dobson Ministries and aims to be an interdenominational, international fellowship of women. The aim of Women for the Nations is to empower women to discover their purpose, realise their potential, become women of passion, being aware of who they are in Jesus Christ, having an intimate relationship with God, knowing Him in all His ways and having a mature understanding of the Word of God.

Women for the Nations further seeks to ensure that as women move out in their God given ministries they are fully equipped to reach out to a lost and dying world, full of needy people who are desperate for the love and understanding that they would need to become whole in Christ.

Women of the Nations aim to encourage women to build bridges of friendship across the many divides which challenge women of every nation, tribe and tongue.

Further it is our aim to provide solace and a safe harbour for hurting and discouraged women in ministry helping them to be restored and come to a place of wholeness in Christ.

Be R.E.A.L

Be R.E.A.L. Romans 12:3-12:21 Someone wrote that some of the world’s unhappiest people are Christians. Why? Some Christians are too Christian to enjoy sinning but too sinful to enjoy their Christianity. Some Christians have enough faith to recognize their need for prayer, but not enough to take them to prayer meeting. Some Christians have enough faith to keep them from reading porn materials but not enough for them to read their Bible daily.

Teenagers have an expression. “Be real!” today, through Romans 12:1-2, I challenge you to surrender yourselves to God and separate from the world’s value system.

Today, I challenge you to be real as believers. Let’s open our Bibles to Romans 12:3-21. To make it easy for us to remember our message, I came up with the acronym R-E-A-L.

“R” stands for “REMEMBER who we are in Christ.” Verse 3 reads, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” In our devotional guide this morning, we saw that we are to love ourselves correctly. One way of doing that is by having a sober assessment of your self or by coming to grips with the real you.

We struggle with the question of identity. We ask, “Who am I?” We tend to underestimate or overestimate ourselves. When we struggle with who we are, we find it hard to accept others also. But the Bible says it’s okay to have a high, health view of your self.

Note that it does not say, “Do not think of yourself highly.” Instead, it says that “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” And to have the right estimate of ourselves, we have to start with how God looks at us. Paul wrote, “…think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you”.

The God’s Word version goes like this: “your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.” We need to value ourselves the way God values us. God created us in His image.

Yes, sin tarnished that image. But God redeemed us. And now, we are His workmanship.

We are His masterpiece! God values us so much even before we were born, He watched over us. Isaiah 44:2 says, “I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.”

In Psalm 139:16, it says, “You... scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!” We are so valuable to God. So, being humble is not putting your self down. Being humble is knowing where you stand before God. Remember who you are in Christ. Never forget who you really are.

We also struggle with the question of security. We ask, “Where do I belong?” When we are insecure, it affects how we relate with others. Verses 4-5 says, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

We belong to Christ’s body. The future doctor Lester Chua told me that there is always an effect on the body when you remove any part of it. That’s why always remember that we belong to each other. I like how The Message translated Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing.” Ephesians 4:4 also says, “You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.”

Remember who we are in Christ.

“E” stands for “ENJOY serving others with your gifts.” We also struggle with the question of significance. We ask, “What am I supposed to do?” Verses 6-8 teach us that God has gifted us to serve Him through each other.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Time does not permit us to discuss in detail the spiritual gifts itemized here. But let me first emphasize that God gave each one at least one spiritual gift. The New Living Translation goes like this:

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” All of us are gifted. Thus, we need to discover and develop our gifts to serve others: “let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pride fully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.”[9] I once taught in our church that we are to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. We must find out what we do well and do more of it. And we must find what we don’t do well and do less of it. When we fail to make use of our gifts, we are depriving ourselves the opportunity to serve others and we are depriving others the blessings of being served well. When we try to do things that we are not gifted to do, we can’t do it as well as those who are supposed to do it. We are also missing out on what we’re supposed to do. And we are blocking others from doing what they are supposed to do.

So, enjoy servings others with your gifts. Always remember that the Christian life is not only believing but also belonging. We are part of a community of faith. This leads me to my next point.

“A” stands for “AFFIRM the need for authentic community.” Have you ever asked, “If I were a first time visitor, what would be my impression of this church?” Would you feel so welcome? Does the church have to resort to gimmicks to attract visitors?

Charles Swindoll, "Ican assure you, when people discover that a church promotes authenticity, when its leaders model it on a consistent basis, they cannot stay away. It’s like an invisible magnet that draws them in.” Swindoll defines “authenticity” this way: “Authenticity occurs when real people say real things about real issues with real feelings. When you’re authentic you live what you are.” We need to make sure we are authentic and we stay authentic. I like how Dr. Chip Ingram summarized Romans 12:9-13: “Authentic community occurs when the real you meet real needs for the right reasons in the right way.” Let us look at every facet of this statement.

First, “Authentic community occurs when the real you…” Verse 9a says, “Love must be sincere.” To be sincere means to be without hypocrisy. The New Living Translation goes like this: “Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them.” People can easily detect a fake. Let’s continue: “Authentic community occurs when the real you meet real needs…” That doesn’t mean that we compromise our faith: “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” So, when we see a person who needs correction, Galatians 6:1 says that “if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path.” We need to be committed to each other no matter what.

Verse 10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Rick Warren wrote, “This is beginning of real community. …We must remember that the church is made up of real sinners, including ourselves. Because we’re sinners, we hurt each other, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. But instead of leaving the church, we need to stay and work it out if at all possible.” That devotion takes humility. That’s why Paul added: “Honor one another above yourselves.” Let’s proceed: “Authentic community occurs when the real you meet real needs for the right reasons…” Verse 11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” We are actually serving the Lord through each one. So we must be passionate and enthusiastic in serving one another. And finally, “Authentic community occurs when the real you meet real needs for the right reasons in the right way.” Note the upward focus of verse 12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We have our own needs to be fulfilled. But the problem is meeting other people’s needs does not guarantee that our own needs would be met. I agree it’s really disappointing.

That’s why we need to trust God to meet our needs as we meet the needs of others. Note also that we are not to ask what we can get but what we can give. Look at the outward focus of verse 13: “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” We are to think not only of our own needs but also the needs of others. It’s fulfilling when you are “other-centered.” But it’s not rewarding when you are “self-centered.” So, we must affirm the need for authentic community.Finally,

“L” stands for “LEARN to supernaturally respond to evil.” When we seek to live out the life God wanted us to live, we will surely face conflicts and struggles. Even people we serve will not respond positively to us. Verse 14-21 teaches us that there are three things we have to remember when people oppose us. First, we are to bless them. Verses 14-16 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Note that it takes humility to do that. Second, we are not to take revenge. Verses 17-20 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Love people rather than hate them. Why? We tend to become what we love or hate. So, choose what you want to become. That’s why verse 21 encourages us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”What does Paul mean by “you will heap burning coals on his head”? That doesn’t mean that your goal is to embarrass them, that you do good things to people who hate you so that they would burn with shame.

During the time of Paul, people do not have a heater at home. They usually have a small fire in the midst of their homes to warm them up. But when their fire goes out, they bring a jar and knock on their neighbors’ doors to ask for coals. If the neighbor is stingy, they give you small pieces of coals or even those that are about to burn out. But if the neighbor is generous, they give you fresh coals. In fact, they would even fill up your jar.

Remember that people carry jars by balancing it on their heads. That’s what Paul meant by heaping burning coals on people’s heads. To do good in response to evil rather than paying evil with evil is an act of generosity. Now this is not difficult. This is impossible. But by the grace of God, we can learn to supernaturally respond to evil.A group of scientists experimented with monkeys. They placed four monkeys in a room. Now there’s a pole with a bunch of bananas on top. Every time a monkey would climb the pole, it would be doused with cold water. It happened again and again until finally the monkeys gave up. Now the scientists removed one of the monkeys and placed a new one. You know what happened? When the new monkey tried to climb the pole, the other monkeys grabbed him and dragged him away from the pole. Then the scientists replaced another monkey. They did the same thing up to the last monkey. At the end, all the monkeys got replaced. Every monkey, even if they have never been doused by water, never climbed the pole. They just refuse to climb it.

Now, people have failed before in their commitment to God. At times, they end up discouraging others who would also commit themselves to God. They act like those monkeys. Brothers and sisters don’t be like them.

Be R-E-A-L. REMEMBER who we are in Christ.ENJOY serving others with your gifts.AFFIRM the need for authentic community.LEARN to supernaturally respond to evil.

LORD HIDE ME FROM ME!

LORD HIDE ME FROM ME!!! Psalms 17:5-17:8

This Psalm shows us that IN ALL OF US BIBLE BELIEVING, PEOPLE THERE ARE INCONSISTANCIES,

THERE SHORT FALLS AND FAILURES THAT ARE SELF INFLICTED BY OUR OWN PAST HURTS.

IN READING THIS PASSAGE WE DISCOVER THAT WE ARE AT TIME AN ENEMY TO OURSELVES AND IT’S ONLY THE GOODNESS OF JESUS THAT HE HIDES US UNDER THE SHADOWS OF HIS WING TO KEEP US FROM ABORTING OUR DESTINY OR KILLING THE PROMISE OF GOD IN WHICH HE INPREGNATED US WITH.

Are you aware of the fact that the enemy can NOT steal your destiny YOU are the one who chooses to abort your destiny, YOU are the one who chooses to give it up or give it away.DAVID AT THIS TIME IS RUNNING FROM SAUL AND HAS TO ASK GOD TO:
1)UPHOLD HIS STEPS
2)INCLINE HIS EAR
3)SHOW HIS LOVINGKINDNESS BY YOUR RIGHT HAND (POWER)
4)SAVE HIM
5)KEEP HIM
6)HIDE HIMHE DOES NOT MAKE THIS REQUEST FOR THE LORD TO DO THESE THINGS BECAUSE HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT SAUL’S POTENTIAL OF HARMING HIM BUT RATHER HIS POTENTIAL OF HARMING SAUL.

How often have you wanted to avenge yourself, how often have you wanted to justify yourself, not just to your enemy but to your wife, your husband? Why do we have this inordinate need to make ourselves heard to make ourselves be the ones to win the argument win the war?

FOR THE SAKE OF A DESTINED RELATIONSHIP IT IS BETTER THAT THE BIGGEST HUMBLE HIMSELF AND WATCH GOD WORK ON HIS BEHALF.WHAT IF I SUGGESTED TO YOU THAT THE REASON WHY GOD HAS ALLOWED MANY OF US TO STAY IN OUR MESS IS SO LONG IS BECAUSE WE’RE ALWAYS TRYING TO FIX IT WITH OUR OWN MENTAL ATTRIBUTES INSTEAD OF PRAYING FOR A GODLY OF APPROACH. DAVID KNOWS THAT HE IS WELL CAPABLE OF DOING SAUL GREAT HARM.

IF YOU RECALL DAVID TAKES THE GARMENTS OF SAUL NOT TO DISTURB HIM BUT TO LET HIM KNOW THAT HE DOES HAVE THE POWER,COURAGE AND PASSION TO KILL HIM AT HIS OWN DISCRETION. BUT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT BY KILLING SAUL HE WOULD POSTPONE THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD.

DAVID UNDERSTANDS THE WAY UP IS THE WAY DOWN. DAVID UNDERSTOOD SERVANTHOOD. DAVID UNDERSTOOD SERVING I AM FULLY PURSUADED TO BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL LEAVE CERTAIN PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE FOR A SEASON TO BE TO BE THE AGITATING FORCE TO BRING YOU TO A PLACE OF PRAYER WE CALL THESE PEOPLE SCOURING PADS. I LOOKED UP THE WORD HIDE (KAW-SAW)IN THE HEBREW AND DISCOVERD THAT IT MEANT TO COVER, OR, IN PROPER, TO FILL UP HOLLOWS.HAVE YOU EVER WENT BEFORE GOD AND TRIED TO WORK ON HIS BEHALF FOR YOURSELF.

COME ON CHURCH WE PRAY WITHTHNE SOLUTION IN M IND TELLING GOD HOW TO SEND THE ANSWER ON OUR BEHALF…….NOW I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT FAITH….
WE NEED TO ASK GOD TO HIDE US FROM OURSELVES , OH "LORD HIDE ME FROM ME."
WE NEED TO DISCOVER THAT BECAUSE OF ALL OF OUR PAST HURTS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS WE ARE OUR WORST ENEMY.

AND WHAT WE NEED IS THE COVERING OF THE LORD NOT FOR THAT MOMENT BUT FOR THE WHATEVER TIME GOD NEEDED TO FINISH HIS ASSESSMENT OF US - AND WHATEVER TIME IT WOULD TAKE TO PROCESS US, I AM HAPPY TO TELL YOU HE’S YET AT WORK IN ME …IS HE AT WORK IN YOU?.

"BUT GOD" THE COVERER OF OUR FAULTS - THE GOD WHO EXPOSES ONLY YOUR INTENT AND HIDES AND HIDES YOUR FAULTS, THAT YOUR FAULTS WON’T DESTROY WHERE YOU’RE GOING BECAUSE OF WHERE YOU’RE AT.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT BECAUSE GOD IS GOD HE WILL HIDE YOU FROM YOU TO SAVE YOU THAT HIS PURPOSE, PLAN AND WILL WILL BE DONE. IT WAS THROGH PRAYER, FASTING AND CONCECRATION THAT GOD IS ABLE TO PROCESS US THOUGH OUR PAIN.I PRAY THAT WE ANALYZE OURSELVES - EXAMIN OURSELVES FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND SEE WHAT WE ARE HOLDING ON TO THAT KEEPS PULLING US OUT OF OUR PURPOSE.

IS IT ANGER, DEPRESSION,ABANDONMENT,ETC. WHATEVER IT IS KNOW THAT THE ALL POWERFUL GOD IS CAPABLE OF GIVING YOU ALL THE TOOLS TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE. HE GAVE THEM TO DAVID THUS SHALL HE GIVE TO YOU.

GOD BLESS

MY DAILY PSALM

He Leads
Psalm 232 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.Click here for other translations

David lived the life of a shepherd. He understood the "heart" of a shepherd. Therefore, he compared his life to the life of the flock. God was his shepherd. God would always supply his needs. God would lead him to the "green pastures" for nourishment and rest. God would also lead him to the still waters for drink.David makes it clear that God leads him to "still" waters.

A good shepherd would make the extra effort to be sure that his sheep were drinking from calm waters because water that was moving rapidly could prove dangerous to the sheep's life if it fell into it.Today, we could follow any shepherd, but only the "Good Shepherd" will lead us to the "still waters".

In the stress of the job, the home, and the finances, I fail, many times, to recognize the peace that can be found in the "green pastures" and by the "still waters" of God. Our God is all sufficient. He offers us a peace beyond our understanding. Are you letting him guide your life?May God bless your day with peace,
KerryThe Floodgate Ministry Team

USED WITH PERMISSION

Who are You ?

When God chose to speak to Moses out of the burning bush, it was for a specific purpose. He had a plan for Moses’ life, and he was about to tell Moses exactly how to start carrying it out. Once Moses had properly positioned himself to hear from God, the Lord spoke: “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10).
Whoa!
Moses had hid his face—now he wanted to hide the rest of his body! Though he had made the proper response to God’s glory, he blew it when it came to obedience. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” he asked God.
Who am I for a job like that?
Whom shall I say sent me?
What if the Israelites don’t believe me?
I can relate to how Moses felt when God told him what he wanted him to do. When my publisher first contacted me about writing this book, I felt so intimidated that as soon as my husband and I left the first meeting with the publishing team, I looked at him and exclaimed, “I can’t do it!” I felt so ill-equipped for the task that I didn’t even consider it. Jerry encouraged me to talk to the Lord before I made a decision.
Bible study and prayer convinced me that God wanted me to accept this challenge. But like Moses, I felt I would never measure up to the task. The Lord has had to continually remind me that he is in control and will accomplish good things through me. He wants to display his greatness through my inadequacy.
Moses’ problem was that although he reverenced God, he didn’t yet know him very well. Understanding God’s attributes—the distinguishing marks of his character—helps us appreciate him in a deeper, more intimate way as it moves us from knowing about him to truly knowing him.
Because God is beyond our comprehension, what we know about him can come in only one way: He must reveal it to us. So in response to each one of Moses’ objections—lack of faith, lack of authority, and lack of credibility—God revealed an aspect of his character.
When God tells you what he wants you to do, do you plead lack of authority, credibility, and ability? I often do. Though we, like Moses, should approach the presence of God with humility, we must not hang our heads because we feel unacceptable or inadequate. We must not end up saying, as Moses did, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it” (Exodus 4:13). God doesn’t always call the equipped, but he always equips those he calls. He will never ask you to do something he won’t enable you to accomplish. Instead of asking God, “Who am I?” Moses should have asked him, “Who are you?”

Priscilla Schirer

Loving Those We Lead

Loving Those We Lead
by Sherryl Stone
June 1, 2007
If you stay in ministry long enough, you will get hurt. In our small groups and church serving teams we can easily become close friends with those we lead. When hurt and disappointment inevitably comes, it’s tempting to throw in the towel and quit, or at least to withdraw from the ones we are called to shepherd. Toxic cynicism can easily seep into our souls.
After one heart-crushing experience I faced with a dilemma: As their leader, how was I to deal emotionally with hurtful people? I searched through Scripture and earnestly prayed for guidance. John 13 caught my attention.
Although Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, he still included him in the Last Supper. Jesus chose to love him as he did the other disciples. John 13:1 says that Jesus was intent on showing the disciples “the full extent of his love.” Verse 2 gives us a clue as to how Jesus was able to shift his mind and heart to be able to do such a thing. It states that Jesus knew who he was, where he had come from and where he was going. As he focused on fully completing his Father’s will, Jesus did something outlandish and unforgettable. He knelt down with a water basin and a towel, assumed the role of a house servant, and washed and dried the dusty feet of his disciples.
I wonder what Jesus said to each of the disciples as he looked up into their faces. Some of his words are recorded in Scripture; others are not. Regardless of the words he chose for each of his intimate friends, an atmosphere of love, kindness, and respect lingered during that Passover meal. Though Jesus knew that in a few short hours each of those men would betray him, he still chose to move toward them to meet their needs. Each disciple was related to, not according to their future failures, but according to Calvary’s incredible grace and forgiveness.Later Jesus commanded his disciples to love others in the same manner he had shown love to them. “As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another” (emphasis mine).
So the question really is, How do we begin to love hurtful people with godly love? Here are some suggestions:
1. Pray for those who hurt us. Ask the Lord to help us see people with his eyes and love them with his heart. Let Christ’s love fill and flow through us (Romans 5:5b) as we cooperate with God in loving them. Commit to obediently love them as Christ has loved us.
2. Expect others to let us down. Choose to minister to them anyway. Commit to love them as Christ has loved us.
3. As a servant leader, move toward offenders to give them what they need. Despite feeling hurt and disappointed, Jesus didn’t withdraw from his disciples. He looked past their failings and approached them with kindness and respect.
It takes courage, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit to truly embrace the love of God for ourselves and others. Because God paid such a high price for our forgiveness, we cannot remain spiritually vibrant and yet refuse to forgive. Bitterness is not the answer.
The Cross gives us both an example and the power to forgive the hurts leadership inevitably brings.