Hope and Faith

 

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Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional       Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Welcome to the Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time. If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.   November 14, 2006   Encouragement for Today   Principle 1   “A Heart of Hope” Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries         Key Verse: Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (NIV)   Devotion: Do you believe that having something to look forward to—to hope for—isn’t “worldly thinking,” but biblical?  As a mom, it’s okay to dream big.  I think we often forget this as our lives become consumed with cleaning, carpools, cooking, and helping provide for our families.  But God designed us to have dreams, and to have them fulfilled.  And, as today’s Key Verse suggests, when our hopes are deferred our hearts can hurt deeply.   Think about your life right now. Are you waiting patiently for something you do not yet have? Perhaps it is the hope of having a child. Perhaps it is the hope of physical healing. Perhaps it is the hope of a restored marriage or financial freedom. These are things you can hope for with God’s help.   If you have read any of my books or heard me speak, you may already know that my husband and I named our first daughter Hope because of the hope we found in our struggling marriage. We claimed Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”  We believed there was something to look forward to in our life together, something we could not see but desired to have with all of our hearts.  We also knew that this hope was biblically based because marriage was meant to be a blessing and a source of glory to God.   Romans 8:24-25 says, “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”  What other word has a definition similar to that of hope?  Is it faith perhaps?   Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the certainty that our hopes will eventually become our realities.   Hope and faith are deeply intertwined. They both require us to trust God for what we can’t see as well as placing complete confidence in His ability to come through on whatever it is that we need.  God knew that Art and I needed a healthy marriage, and as we claimed hope in this area, He began to prove Himself faithful.  Romans 8:28 affirms that we can trust God to “work all things for the good of those that love Him,” even when we can’t see the beautiful tapestry He is weaving from our lives.   Hope doesn’t demand a quick fix to our problems.  It provides a sense of joy (Romans 12:12) to sustain us through patient endurance of our circumstances.  God intends for us to hope first and foremost in where we will spend eternity. This can only be done by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you have not ever put your hope in Christ for salvation, eternal life and God’s Word, perhaps you are feeling led to do so now. Jesus longs to give you the hope your soul is crying out for. The hope of eternal life will never fail you. You can always cling to His Word. Through salvation, you will always have something to look forward to.   I will leave you with Paul’s words from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Take the gift of eternal life He offers today and hope is just around the corner!   My Prayer for Today: Dear Heavenly Father, please restore my hope for the things I desire that are unfulfilled right now.  If it’s a crisis of faith that I am dealing with, increase my faith Lord!  You are my only hope and I cling to this promise found in Your Word.  Amen    Application Steps: Write down whatever your hope is.  What are you looking forward to in your life on this earth?  In life after death?  If you cannot think of anything to write, pray that God would give you a vision for something to hope for.    Spend some time praising God for giving His Son Jesus Christ to be your first step in having hope for things to come.  Then thank Him for putting God-given desires within your heart.  If they haven’t yet found an outlet, keep hoping.   Reflection Points: Read today’s power verses and answer the following questions:   What do these verses say to you about hope? What part does trust play in hope? Based on these verses, what should our hope be rooted in? Have you ever put your hope in these things?   Power Verses:   1 Corinthians 15:19, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (NIV)   Titus 1:2, “Faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” (NIV)   Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV)   Psalm 119:147, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.” (NIV)   Romans 5:5, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (NIV)   Additional Resources: Do you know Him?   Good to Me by LaTonya Mason   Hannah’s Hope by Karen Kingsbury    More Devotionals  Bible Study Tools   If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it on to a friend.   If this message was forwarded to you from a friend, signup for your own subscription here.	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Very Interesting

Any of you who know me, know that I am very passionate about music. I love all kinds of music and all different artists. I have also been against music censorship (by the government) for a long time. One reason for that is because FORBIDDEN fruit appears much tastier. When a teenager sees a "parental advisory" label on a cd it makes him/her want it that much more. Of course, I am speaking in generalities here, but my main point is the same: Parents, we need to get involved in our children's lives. We need to know what they are listening to, and what we are allowing in our homes. I'm not saying go through your kid's cd case and throw out everything that isn't by a Christian artist. You have to be led by your own convictions on that. I, myself, as I said before listen to ALL kinds of music. Of course Christian music is predominantly played in our home, but we also listen to country, rock, rap, jazz, oldies, and more. However, the point that I am trying to make is this: WE NEED TO DO OUR RESEARCH - - - WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO!! I have been doing some reading tonight and I found a couple of very interesting things that I did not know:

Did you know that, in his autobiography "The Doggfather", that Snoop Dogg actually says that he sold his soul to the devil to become a rich and famous rapper?

Did you know that Erykah Baduh spoke at a "Christian" conference where she proclaimed to thousands of people that we are all divine creatures and that God is inside each and every one of us, which makes us gods?

Those are just two examples of artists that I personally have listened to their music and didn't have a clue about the person behind the music.

The devil will try to creep in any way he can and loves to use our ignorance against us. What we don't know WILL hurt us. I encourage every one of you to start researching the artists you listen to. If they are against God in any way, then you shouldn't want their music played in your home! I know of two that I will no longer listen to, and I will start being more careful and better informed of the influences I allow myself and my family to listen to.

I am in no way trying to tell you what to do. You need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in everything, including what music you listen to. All I'm saying is, don't let satan deceive you. Know what influences you are allowing around you and your family. Then seek God and make your decisions based on what He speaks to your heart.

I just felt led to share this. I hope that someone is blessed by this. I love you all.

Love,

Stephanie

Fw: Encouragement for Today

I thought this was worth sharing.  It is worth reading because it makes a lot of really good points.  We all need to take time to nurture all the relationships in our lives.  Our relationships are like gardens, if we don't tend to them, they just die.  So read this and then water the flowers in your life!!

 

Love,

Stephanie

 

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Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional       Monday, November 13, 2006
Welcome to the Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time. If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.   November 13, 2006   Encouragement for Today   Principles 1,2,3,6   “Relationships” Melissa Taylor, Speaker Team Member, Proverbs 31 Board of Directors   Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:2, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (NLT)   Devotion: Relationships are an important part of life. We begin a relationship with someone from the moment we are born and most of us will continue in relationships of some sort until the day we die. God encourages relationships. The Bible is full of them. It is obvious that from the beginning of time, people need people. Even God Himself said about Adam in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.” Jesus, too, did not do life alone. He had His family, friends, and disciples to love, help, and encourages Him throughout His life here on earth.   Today, I want to take a look at the different relationships in our lives. I also want to point out the importance of prioritizing them. Friends, if you want to lead a balanced life with purpose, it is crucial to order the relationships in your life God’s way.   Number One:  Your Relationship with God. This should be the most important relationship in your life. Don’t say that you don’t have time– you do. We make the time for what is important to us, don’t we? The way to get to know God better is to spend time in His Word. Try spending at least fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time with the Lord every day. More would be better, but do what you can to develop the habit. God’s Word will teach, equip, cheer, encourage, and guide you.    Number Two:  Your Relationship with your husband….if you are married, of course. Just like it’s important to spend time with God, it’s also important to make time for your husband. I have found that this relationship is the one that takes the most effort for me. I love my husband dearly, but I also take him for granted the most. It’s easy for me to allow my children, friends, or just busyness to get in the way of time with my husband. Set aside time each morning and evening to communicate with your husband in some way. Hug and kiss often and say “I love you” whenever you get the chance. Let your actions show him and others that you respect and honor him. One thing that my husband and I have started doing again is dating. Just like before we were married, we go out on dates. It takes time, effort, and often money, but it’s worth the investment. If money is tight, create a date at home or go to the park or for a walk together. Whatever it takes, spend time alone together, and make it a weekly habit.   Number three:  Your relationship with your children….if you are a mom. When I became a mom, I did not know what I was in for. I had no idea the extent of sacrifice it would take to raise my children. It’s worth every bit of it too. I once read that kids spell love - T I M E. I believe that with all my heart. God’s Word tells us that children are a gift from Him. We are to treat them like that, a gift. Motherhood is a high calling….possibly the highest we will ever have in our lives. It requires time and special attention. They are only with us for a short time, so let’s make the most of it.   Number 4:   Your relationship with others. This includes everyone reading this. Our relationships with other people could include family, friends, business associates, mentors, neighbors and more. These are important, and in order to develop, grow, and nurture these relationships, time is needed. I happen to be blessed with many friends and cherished family members. Although I don’t have time to spend with them each day, I always want them to know how important they are in my life and how much I love them. That takes effort on my part, but what I receive back is priceless. If you find yourself lacking in this area, create special moments with these special people in your life. Make a phone call. Mail a card. Send an email. Invite to lunch. Have a party. Create a “girls’ night out” event. Pray for them.    Ecclesiastes 4:2 tells us that alone we can be attacked and defeated. This says to me, that we need people in our lives. We weren’t meant to go this life alone. It is often someone close to me who reminds me that I’m special when I’m feeling defeated. When I am alone, I often listen to the wrong voice if I’m not careful. The people in my life offer me love, encouragement, and fulfillment that tell me otherwise. I often refer to them as Jesus with skin on. This verse goes on to say that “two can stand back to back and conquer”. Then there is my favorite part. It’s when God is a part of our relationships. “Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”   My Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, Bless the relationships in my life and help me to prioritize them according to Your perfect plan. Above all, I pray that we would grow closer each day. Help me to know you better so I can better give myself to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   Application Steps: Look at the relationships in your life. Take note as to how much time you are spending on each of them.    Set a date with the people in your life who need your time. Schedule your time with God daily and write it on your daily planner if you have one. Plan a date with your husband and arrange for a sitter if needed. Sit down and listen to your children one on one. Let them know you are interested in them. Plan a fun girls’ night out next month. Maybe go to dinner or a movie or play tennis with a friend. Just remember to keep God’s perspective and balance when making your plans.   Reflection Points: Do your relationships stress you out? Maybe it’s because they are out of order. Do a check to make sure you are filling up with God before scheduling anything or anyone else into your day.   Does your marriage feel stale, dull, or empty? Think about what attracted you to your husband in the first place. Pray first and then plan some uninterrupted time for you and your spouse. Treat your marriage like it’s the most important relationship to you on this earth. If it’s not, it needs to be.   Do your children get your leftovers? Let them know just how important they are to you and that you are thrilled to be their mom by spending some time with them.   Are you lonely? Pray for relationships in your life, but go to God first. Ask Him to fill you with His Word and to nurture and grow the relationships in your life.   Power Verses: Psalm 46:10, "Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (NLT) Matthew 19:4-6, "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (NIV) Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” (NLT) 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (NLT) Additional Resources: A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes Capture His Heart  by Lysa TerKeurst Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes  More Devotionals  Bible Study Tools   If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it on to a friend.   If this message was forwarded to you from a friend, signup for your own subscription here.	Sponsored by: Free Book "Wounded Continent" Faith-Based Online MBA Jesus: Fact or Fiction? Find The Love of Your Life Today Start a Home-Based Business Member Sites Christianity.com ChristianJobs.com Crosswalk.com Oneplace.com CrosswalkDirectory.com Crosscards.com SermonSearch.com

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Fw: This will make you smile

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the
weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made
her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed,
the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter
>would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky.
Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove
along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little
girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would
stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the
window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep
stopping?" The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty. God keeps
taking my picture."

May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way.

What A Week!!

Man, the devil is really fighting!!  Satan knows he doesn't have long to do his dirty work because Jesus is coming back soon.  So he is trying to do all he can to hurt and discourage God's people.  Just in the past week, I lost a very dear friend through death, my pastor wound up at the hospital, satan has been attacking my health and finances.......that's just in the past week!!  But Psalms 30:5 tells me that JOY IS COMING IN THE MORNING!!!!!  I am so glad that I serve a God that is always there for me.  He never leaves me.  He is always there to comfort me and fix my problems.  There is nothing too big for Him to handle.  And although I may get down, I'm not out.  Because I have God in my corner and I know that "greater is He that is within me"!!  I love that song by Yolanda Adams that says "The battle is not yours, it's the Lord's".  God said He would fight my battles for me.  How great is that.  I can remember when I was younger and in school and (as young kids do) sometimes someone would start running their mouth and I would end up in a fight.  But sometimes my "friends" would say they had my back, but when it came down to it, they were no where to be found.  But God always has my back.  So I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank God for always being there for me.  I know I am not worthy.  And that just makes me that much more thankful.  Because there's no way I deserve the blessings God has bestowed upon me.  I have a wonderful family, a place to stay, food to eat, clothes on my back.  We have never done without anything!!  God has always supplied my family's needs.  So the devil can try to bring me down.  He can throw what he can at me.  He can try to break my heart and break my will.  But I serve a God that is going to carry me through.  The devil might be too much for me to handle sometimes, but he is never too much for GOD to handle!!!  So things in this old world might bring me down, but only down to my knees.  And that's where we all need to be anyway is on our knees.  We need to all realize that we are in a battle and that we need to be fighting.  Not each other.....but fighting satan!!  Tell him to "bring it on"!!  And let the people around us see how God brings His people through!!!!!  Just trust in God.  He is the one who has the power to do ALL things!!  Thank you God, just for being God!!!

A Couple Of Things

I just wanted to remind all of you who knew Lynn Carter that her memorial service will be tomorrow night (Saturday 11/11) at 7:00pm at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane. If you knew Lynn or any of the Carter family, I know they would appreciate you stopping by.

Please continue to remember Lynn's family in your prayers. Especially her children. I am 31 years old and I would be a wreck if I lost my mother, so I can't even imagine what they are going through and at such a young age. Lynn's youngest son was younger than my two children. And I know that we are supposed to rejoice at death and grieve at birth, but that's easier said than done. I have taken this really hard myself simply because she was my friend and I will miss her and also because it was so unexpected. But it just goes to show that we are not promised tomorrow. Therefore it pays to be ready TODAY. I am leaning on God for strength and comfort and I am praying that He gives the same to Lynn's family. I have to sing at her memorial service tomorrow night and that will be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I know that God will get me through it though. And I pray that He would use me to speak to someone there. I am praying that something wonderful will come out of all of this....that a soul would be saved, or someone encouraged back from the brink. I'm not sure exactly what God has in store, but I am expecting miracles.

Now...getting back to what I was saying about not being promised tomorrow. You know, I love God with my whole heart and I long for the day when I can see Him face to face. But I have to admit that in my flesh, because I love my family, I don't want to leave this old world just yet. That's just the human in me. I want to see my children grow up and get married and have families of their own. I want to grow old with my husband and enjoy many joyous years of serving the Lord. And I have many family members and friends who don't know the Lord, and I would love to stay here long enough to see them accept Him and make their life right. Now with that being said, make no mistake...although I am not in a HURRY to get to Heaven, I am READY to go. I'm not perfect...far from it in fact....but my sins have been forgiven by the King of all Kings, the Lover of My Soul, my Savior Jesus Christ. And through faith, I know that because I have done according to His Word and have sought Him, I have been given my ticket to my home on the other side. But there was a time when I couldn't say that. There was a time when I would say "Oh yeah, I'm going to Heaven" but deep in my heart I wasn't sure. At that time I knew I wasn't living right. I was about as far from God as I could be. But thanks be to Him, He patiently waited for me to come back to Him and make things right. What would have happened if my time on earth had ended back then? I honestly believe I would be in hell today. And that's something we just don't know.....we could go out to meet the Lord today, tomorrow, next month, or 20 years from now. No fortune teller, psychic or magic 8 ball is going to tell you for sure when your time is going to be up. And so many of us are taking such a big risk by saying, "I'll get things right tomorrow". But what if tomorrow never comes? Not only are we faced with death, there is also the impending certainty of the Rapture. And if Jesus split those skies today to call His children home, would you go with Him or be left here? Because it's not a choice you will be able to make when it happens. Jesus isn't going to stand there and wait for you and say "Are you coming or not?" It doesn't work that way. You have to make that choice NOW. 2 Corinthians 6:13 says: For He says:“ In an acceptable time I have heard you,And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

I am sure that when Lynn woke up Monday morning, she had no idea that she would go out to meet God before the day was done. She had no idea that she was about to leave this world and everything in it.

Now for those of us still left here, we have two choices: we can continue to go on about our lives as we have before, or we can make preparations to see Lynn again one day. We can seek God NOW so that we have a promise of tomorrow. People, we are playing literal Russian Roulette with our lives! We are biding time, thinking (hoping) that God will give us one more day to make things right. But we are not promised one more day, not even one more minute. And if your time on earth ended right now, where would you spend eternity? If you can't say without a shadow of a doubt that you would be in heaven, then I strongly encourage you to go to http://www.geocities.com/lighthousebaptistchrch/howtobesaved and read How To Be Saved. You can have the assurance that no matter when you are called home that you will spend eternity in splendor and joy, not in torment and flames. I have my ticket....I have made my preparations...and whenever God calls me home, I know that I will be at home with Him forever. Please be there with me.

Until next time....

Be blessed!

Love,
Stephanie


Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Encouragement for Today (Hanging On)

I sooooooo needed this today.  I hope it blesses you all too!

 

Love,

Stephanie

Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional       Friday, November 10, 2006
Welcome to the Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time. If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.   November 10, 2006   Encouragement for Today   Principle 1   “Hanging On” Susanne Scheppmann, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member, Co-editor Online Devotions   Key Verse: Deuteronomy 32:46-47, “He said to them, ‘Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you--they are your life.’” (NIV)   Devotion: Do you ever feel like you are just barely hanging on in life? I do. Life circumstances seem to keep me off balance on a regular basis. However, yesterday I learned a lesson about life through bird watching.   I sat mesmerized by a flock of small yellow finches that hung upside down from a white mesh feeding-sock. They clung to the feeder filled with seeds with their tiny toes. With gravity defying agility, the birds continued to peck at the seeds despite their topsy-turvy position.   Occasionally, a strong gust of wind would shake the feeder. The birds ignored the earthquake that jostled their restaurant and calmly continued to peck undisturbed. Then, a new crisis developed. Large, ungainly, brown grackle birds began to dive bomb the finches. They attempted to knock the finches off the feeder. Nevertheless, the finches just clung to the mesh by their tiny toes. They did not allow themselves to be dislodged from their life-sustaining nourishment—the birdseed.    I glanced down at my Bible and thought, “That’s my life giving food. Do I cling to it when I find myself being thrown off balance with the challenges of life?” Unfortunately, I have to admit I don’t always hold on to the Word when times become difficult. It seems easier to just worry and fret over the day’s events instead of trusting God and His Word.   Today’s Key Verse clearly instructs us, however, to “take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared . . . They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.”   I pondered these thoughts as I continued to watch the finches. Then the birds illustrated another truth of hanging onto God’s Word. While the baby birds struggled to hang on, the parents would take a few bites and then feed the younger finches the seeds they held in their beaks. This enabled the fledglings to concentrate on keeping their balance on the bird sock.   I recalled how often Christians more mature than myself had offered me the truth of God’s Word when a dilemma ruffled my walk of faith. Their patient support and encouragement enabled me to learn to trust the Hand of God.   So, my feathered friends taught me two lessons. One is to hang on to the truth of God’s Word no matter how much my life is rattled by problems. Moreover, not only do I need to accept help from others whose walk of faith is further along, but I should offer help to others who are swinging frantically on the rope of life’s difficulties.   My friends, lets hang on together and share God’s Word—for It is our life.   My Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, I desire to hang on to Your Word. Make me hungry to read It each day so that my strength is in You. Help me to share Your Word with others who are just hanging on in difficult situations. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   Application Steps:   Read Psalm 119. Highlight all the verses that refer to the benefits of God’s Word in our lives.   Reflection Points:  Do I read my Bible on a regular basis for spiritual nutrition?   Do I encourage others to hold onto God’s Word?   How can I devote more time to study the Bible?   Power Verses: Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (NIV)    1 Thessalonians 2:13, “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” (NIV)    2 Thessalonians 2:15, “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (NIV)    Additional Resources: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller   Breathe  by Keri Wyatt Kent   The Power of a Christmas Prayer  by Stormie Omartian    More Devotionals  Bible Study Tools   If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it on to a friend.   If this message was forwarded to you from a friend, signup for your own subscription here.	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Girlfriends in God - Daily Women's Devotional

 

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Girlfriends in God Daily Devotional       Thursday, November 9, 2006
Welcome to the Girlfriends in God Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time. If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.   Not Guilty Sharon Jaynes   Today's Truth “And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15).   Friend to Friend During Jesus’ last supper discourse, He reassured the disciples that He would not leave them as orphans. “And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15).  The Greek word which is also translated Helper (NASB) and Comforter (KJV), is parakletos and means a “person summoned to one’s aid.”[i] Originally it was a term used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleas another’s cause, an intercessor, an advocate. [ii]   I love the image of being in a court of law because I have come to see Satan as the accuser (Revelation 12:10).  He points His gnarly finger in our faces and says things like, “You aren’t a very good Christian,” “Jesus doesn’t really love you,” “You were a mistake when you were born,” “You’ve really blown it this time,”  “What makes you any different now than before you accepted Christ,”  “I don’t see much fruit in your life,”  “You’re a pitiful excuse as a wife, as a mother, as a child of God,” etc.   Now tell me, have you ever heard any of those statements before.  Perhaps you’ve always assumed these were your own musings. That’s exactly what Satan would have you believe.  However, I believe those accusatory statements are words from Satan that he whispers in our ears.  It sounds like us, it feels like us, but it’s from the accuser himself. It is always amazing to me that while I might have trouble hearing God’s voice, Satan’s usually comes through loud and clear.  Why, we even think they are our thoughts.   On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is our counselor, our attorney, who comes along side us and repeats, “Not guilty!  Not guilty!  Not guilty!” He says, “No jail time!  You, my child, have been set free!” [i] VW.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, (Nashville: Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1985) p. 111. [ii] Ibid. Vines p.111   Let's Pray Dear Lord, there are many days when I feel guilty.  I know now that it is Satan who tries to make me feel guilty and whispers accusing thoughts into my head.  Thank you that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin so that I can walk in freedom and live for eternity in heaven with You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   Now it's Your Turn Do you feel guilty because of past sin?   Have you asked God to forgive you for those mistakes?   Have you accepted God’s forgiveness or are you listening to the lies of Satan that continue to convict you?   To whom do you need to listen - God who says you are forgiven and set free or Satan who says that you are guilty and don’t deserve to be happy?   *All Bible references are taken from the NIV unless otherwise noted.   For more on today’s topic seeBecoming a Woman who Listens to Godby Sharon Jaynes G.I.G. Girlfriends in God, Inc. P.O. Box 725 Matthews, North Carolina 28106   Web site: www.girlfriendsingod.com Email: info@girlfriendsingod.com    More Devotionals  Bible Study Tools   If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it on to a friend.   If this message was forwarded to you from a friend, signup for your own subscription here.	Sponsored by: A free Bible study about God's love Reformed Theological Seminary Online Free Publishing Guide Find The Love of Your Life Today Start a Home-Based Business Member Sites Christianity.com ChristianJobs.com Crosswalk.com Oneplace.com CrosswalkDirectory.com Crosscards.com SermonSearch.com

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