Power in Your Praise

Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness. Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! Joy is balm and healing, and if you will but rejoice, God will give power.

[A.B. Simpson]

Acts 16:25-26 ... And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Psalm 50:23 ... Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

Hebrews 13:15 ... By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ❤

Shoes in Church

I showered and shaved, I adjusted my tie, I got there and sat in a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?' It bothered me, his shoe touching mine but it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father' I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet 'Amen.' I tried to focus on the prayer but my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door? 'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud, Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters, his hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear the shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering and what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft 'clink' as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me to tears, and that's no lie. It was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service as is the custom here, We must greet new visitors and show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old, his skin was dark, and his hair was truly a mess. But I thanked him for coming, for being our guest.

He said, ' My name's Charlie, I'm glad to meet you, my friend.' There were tears in his eyes but he had a large wide grin.

'Let me explain,' he said, wiping tears from his eyes. 'I've been coming here for months, and you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance is not like all the rest. But I really do try to always look my best.'

'I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk. But by the time I get here they're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near.

He said, 'When I get here I know I must look a sight. But I thought if I could touch you then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison, I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said, 'and taught me, in part; that the best of any man is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought, this shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul. ❤

[Author Unknown]

Touching Jesus

Few are they who by faith touch Him; multitudes are they who throng about Him.

[Augustine]

Luke 8:42-44 ... For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Mark 5:30-34 ... And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. ❤

Robe of Righteousness

God never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man. Rather He alters the man to fit the robe.

[John Hagee]

Romans 5:19 ... For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ... For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Job 29:14 ... I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

Isaiah 61:10 ... I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. ❤

Only ...

Only a fish knows the splendor of the sea. Only a Christian knows the glory of God.

[Author Unknown]

John 17:22 ... And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

Psalm 27:4 ... Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

2 Corinthians 3:18 ... But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:29 ... But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.❤

Humble and Teachable

Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty. acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.

[J.I. Packer]

Proverbs 14:6 ... A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

1 Peter 5:6 ... Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Matthew 18:4 ... Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.❤

A New Song

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:9-12 ❤

Doves' Eyes

When a dove fixes its gaze upon its mate, it is not distracted by any activities around it. Therefore, it is often referred to as being a “love bird.”

Our having this “dove's eye” indicates that we are becoming increasingly aware of the Lord's person and presence, and that we possess a spiritual awareness that will lift us above the pulls of the earthly. This “single eye” will enable us to become sensitive to the Lord's presence, and obedient to His desire and purpose.

The Lord's favor rests upon those who have cultivated a “single eye” toward Him. These can be easily led by Him, for they are close enough to see which way His eye is looking.

[Wade E. Taylor]

Song of Solomon 1:15 ... Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.


Hebrews 12:2 ... Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Psalm 32:8 ... I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. ❤



Image: Dawn Huczek

The Door is Open

Matthew 7:7 ... Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:


John 10:9 ... I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.


Revelation 3:8 ... I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.❤

Shepherd of Israel ~

Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; Psalm 80:14 ❤

My Soul Does Wait

If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes. The Lord's people have always been a waiting people.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Lamentations 3:25-26 ... The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalm 130:5-6 ... I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Romans 8:25 ... But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. ❤

Sandbox Rock

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox.

The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge.) When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn’t roll it up and over the little wall.

Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, shoved — but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears of frustration.

All this time the boy’s father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy’s father.

Gently but firmly he said, “Son, why didn’t you use all the strength that you had available?”

Defeated, the boy sobbed back, “But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!”

“No, son,” corrected the father kindly. “You didn’t use all the strength you had. You didn’t ask me.”

With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.

Do you have “rocks” in your life that need to be removed? Are you discovering that you don’t have what it takes to lift them? There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. When we are broken in spirit and our strength is spent, we can turn to our Savior Jesus.

[Author Unknown]

2 Corinthians 12:9 ... And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ❤

Eagle in a Storm

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 46:1 ... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 40:31 ... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ❤

We Believe

Christ’s coming brought the world a new springtime, new beginnings. The supernatural naturally produced miracles, as sunshine brings out the crocuses in spring. But crocuses are not why we believe in the sun, and miracles are not why we believe in Christ. It is the other way round – we believe in miracles because we believe in Jesus, the greatest of all miracles.

[Reinhard Bonnke]

Mark 9:23 ... Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ❤

From the Desk of God

Effective Immediately:

Please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.

1. QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And, although my to-do-list is long, I am, after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME

Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me - OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!

I love you.

~ God

Through Christ

When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.

[Corrie Ten Boom]

Romans 8:37 ... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Philippians 4:13 ... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Coritnhians 15:57 ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.❤

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going
And soon all those around, can warm up in it's glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone
You want to pass it on

What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it, you want to sing
“It’s fresh like spring”; you want to pass it on

I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain tops – PRAISE GOD
I want the world to know; the Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on

[written by: Kurt Kaiser]



1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ❤

Checking In

A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn’t shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby and his coat was worn and frayed. The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed, each noon time – came this chap,

Each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister’s suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear,

He decided to stop the man and ask him, “What are you doing here?”

The old man said, he worked down the road – Lunch was half an hour.

Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding faith, strength and power.

“I stay only moments, see, the factory is so far away;

As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say:

“I just came again to tell you Lord, how happy I have been,

Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.

Don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you everyday.

So, Jesus, this is Jim – just checking in.”

The minister feeling foolish, told Jim that was fine.

He told the man he was welcome to come and pray anytime.

“Time to go”, Jim smiled, and said “thanks” as he hurried to the door.

The minister knelt at the alter, he’d never done that before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there.

As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim’s prayer:

“I just came again to tell you Lord, how happy I have been,

Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.

Don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you everyday.

So, Jesus, This is me – just checking in.”

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim had not come.

As more days passed with no sign of Jim, he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill.

The hospital staff was worried, but Jim had given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them, he brought changes in the ward.

His smiles, a joy contagious – changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad,

When no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by Jim’s bed, he voiced the nurse’s concern.

No friends came to show they cared, he had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile -

“The nurse is wrong, she couldn’t know, that in here all the while,

Everyday at noon – He’s here, a dear friend of mine, you see,

He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:

“I just came again to tell you, Jim, how happy I have been,

Since we found this wonderful friendship and I took away your sin.

I always love to hear you pray, and I think about you everyday.

And so, Jim, This is Jesus – just checking in.”

[Author Unknown]

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 ❤

Resue Mission

Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell.

[C.T. Studd]

Ezekiel 3:18 ... When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

1 Corinthians 9:16 ... For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2 Timothy 4:2 ... Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. ❤

I'm Not Alone

While crying out for guidance,

holding that the flesh is weak, From within a gentle silence, comes the answers that I seek.

When my days are at their darkest and the nights produce no rest, in His spirit there's a stillness,

where He summons up my best.

Since temptations are unyielding

in their attempts to gain control,

His grace provides the shielding,

that protects my mortal soul.

Knowing I can not defeat them;

yet, with Him I'm not alone,

as He goes out to greet them,

soon my troubles will be gone.

I am shielded by His blessing,

with this armor that I wear;

and safe from life's transgressions,

by the powers found in prayer.

My cup is free from sorrow,

it's overflowing at the brim.

I can stand and face tomorrow,

having placed my faith in Him.

[© 2001 Eddie Moore Jr.]

Deuteronomy 31:6 ... Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ❤

Resurrection Day Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup shelled Pecans (whole or halves)
1 teaspoon Vinegar
3 Egg Whites
Pinch Salt
1 cup Sugar
Zip baggie
Wooden spoon(s)
Wax paper
Tape
Bible

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (This is important — do not wait - preheat first.) Line 2 cookie sheets with wax paper.

1. Place the pecans in the zipper bag and let your children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read: John 19:1-3
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and became thirsty, He was offered vinegar to drink.

Read: John 19:28-30
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life.

Read: John 10:10-11
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read: Luke 23:27
And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

5.So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add one cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know that we belong to Him.

Read: Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Read: John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high-speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read: Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Read: John 3:1-3
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

7. Fold in the broken pecans. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where the Body of Jesus was laid to rest.

Read: Matthew 27:57-60
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and TURN THE OVEN OFF.

9. Give each child a piece of tape and "seal" the door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read: Matthew 27:65-66
Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that Jesus' followers were sad when the tomb was sealed, too.

Read: John 16:20-22
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

11. The next morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow. On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find that His tomb was empty.

Read: Matthew 28:1-9
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

12. Rejoice! He is alive! ❤

Image: Women of Faith

The Very Soul of Prayer

In all your closet-duties God looks first and most to your hearts. It is not a piece, it is not a corner of the heart, which will satisfy the Maker of the heart. The very soul of prayer lies in the pouring out of the soul before God. The heart is a treasure, a bed of spices, a royal throne wherein He delights. God looks not at: the elegance of your prayers, to see how refined they are; nor at the geometry of your prayers, to see how long they are; nor at the arithmetic of your prayers, to see how many they are; nor at the music of your prayers; nor at the sweetness of your voice; nor at the logic of your prayers; but at the sincerity of your prayers, how hearty they are.

The reason why so many are so unsuccessful in their closet-duties and services, is because there is no more of their hearts in them. No man can make sure work or happy work in prayer but he who makes heart work on it. When a man's heart is in his prayers, then great and sweet will be his returns from heaven.

There is no prayer acknowledged, approved, accepted, recorded, or rewarded by God—but that wherein the heart is sincere.

[Thomas Brooks]

Proverbs 23:26 ... My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.❤

Heavenly Food

A young woman was packing a suitcase for a long trip.

She said to a woman who was watching her, "I'm just about finished...

I only have to put in a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, my favorite love letters, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a song book, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a sword, and a set of books I have been studying."

The onlooker gasped, "How do you intend to get all that in your suitcase? It's almost full now!"

The young woman replied, "Oh, all that won't take much room."

She then walked over to a table, picked up her Bible, placed it in the corner of her suitcase, and closed the lid.

Winking at her friend, she said, "And I even got in a loaf of living bread, too."

[Author Unknown]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ... All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ❤

Why Temptation is Like Ice Cream

Nelson Searcy tells of a study that was conducted about the best tasting ice cream. Members of the control group were blindfolded and given all kinds of vanilla ice cream to taste—quality brand ice cream, gourmet ice cream, homemade ice cream, cheap ice cream and everything in between.

It didn't matter if it was gourmet, brand name, or homemade ice cream, The number one determining factor was the percentage of fat in the ice cream. In other words, the more fat that was in the ice cream, the more people liked it.

As Searcy stated, "Now, isn't that one of the ironies of life? Why can't fried chicken, which happens to be my favorite food, be as good for you as an apple? I have never heard a doctor say—'A fried chicken leg a day will keep the doctor away.' The reason they say that is because if you had fried chicken every morning for breakfast, it would probably keep the doctor nearby because your cholesterol would shoot up. I guess I'll have to settle for apples."

And who does not like a good fatty ice cream? As a kid we even used to pour pure cream over our ice cream. Yum! Yum! We had no idea how unhealthy that was.

Temptation, too, can have an overpowering attraction and appeal. It can look fabulous and at first taste very inviting—but in the long run its effects are deadly. It reminds me of an extremely beautiful fish that is found on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It’s only very small but its sting is incredibly painful. It needs to be avoided at all cost. Same with sin. Regardless how attractive it appears, its end result is deadly so it needs to be avoided at all costs. As Searcy said, “When we give in to temptation, we always regret it because in the long run we always give up something greater for instant gratification right now.

[Richard Innes]

1 Corinthians 10:13 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ❤

Impatience?

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5 ❤

Only By God

Even in the most fulfilled of lives, there is an emptiness, a void in our hearts, that only God can fill. Nothing that this world has to offer is able to completely satisfy the human heart. Give your life to Christ. Let Him guide your steps and let Him lead your way. Then, and only then, will you will be completely satisfied. Amen.

Jeremiah 31:33 ... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2 Peter 1:3-4 ... According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Ephesians 3:16-19 ... That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ❤

Kingdom Minded

I will place no value on anything I have or possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ.

[David Livingstone]

Matthew 6:20... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Colossians 3:2 ... Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Matthew 6:24 ... No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. ❤

Jesus is on the Mainline

Jesus is on the main line, tell Him what you want. Just call Him up and tell Him what you want.

If you need your sins forgiven ~ tell Him what you want.

If you want salvation ~ tell Him what you want.

If you want the Holy Ghost ~ tell Him what you want.

If you want more power ~ tell Him what you want.

If you're sick and you can't get well ~ tell Him what you want.

His line is never busy, tell Him what you want. Call Him; call Him; tell Him what you want. Jesus is on the main line, tell Him what you want. Just call Him up and tell Him what You want!

Jeremiah 33:3 ... Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

John 14:14 ... If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.❤

A New Disposition

Forgiveness means not merely that I am saved from hell and made right for heaven; forgiveness means that I am forgiven into a recreated relationship, into identification with God in Christ. The miracle of Redemption is that God turns me, the unholy one, into the standard of Himself, the Holy One, by putting into me a new disposition, the disposition of Jesus Christ.

[Oswald Chambers]

Colossians 1:13-14 ... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1 Peter 3:18 … For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit;

Titus 3:5-6 ... Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ❤

Father, We Thank Thee

For flowers that bloom about our feet,  Father, we thank Thee. For tender grass so fresh, so sweet, Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee, For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky, Father, we thank Thee. For pleasant shade of branches high, Father, we thank Thee. 

For fragrant air and cooling breeze, For beauty of the blooming trees, Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light, Father, we thank Thee. For rest and shelter of the night, Father, we thank Thee.

For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

[Author Unknown]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ❤

Thorns

When life isn't a bed of roses, remember Who wore the thorns.

[Author Unknown]

John 19:1-3 ... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. ✞