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The Good Shepherd
What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? What do shepherds do, really? Shepherds take care of the sheep. They feed them, watch over them, and protect them from danger. Shepherds guide, showing the flock where the good places are and leading them away from the bad. But the sheep have their responsibilities, too. They have to listen. The sheep have to obey. If the shepherd tries to lead them away from a cliff and they insist on running straight toward it, they will die. They chose to. In John 10:27, Jesus says "My sheep hear my voice...I know them and they follow me." Listen. Do you hear it?
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Because He First Loved Us
Remember, in that you say and in all that you do, you are a child of God. This does not mean you can do whatever you like and get away with it, like some spoiled brat. This means that you are a member of the royal family and you are expected to act like it. What does your behavior, your dress, the way you talk to people tell others about Jesus and about Christianity? Ephesians 2:19 - "So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God."
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It All Adds Up!
Our choices today determine our tomorrows. Someone has said, "What you are today, you were becoming yesterday. Today you are becoming what you will be tomorrow." Joshua gave this challenge to the Israelites: "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) Even if you made wrong decisions in the past, you can begin now to make the right ones. Remember, It all adds up!
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Why Christians Suffer
The following thoughts on why God allows suffering in the lives of His children are from the BBN Voice, March 2003 issue.
1. God often allows suffering to make us stronger for tasks that lay ahead of us.
2. Suffering is often used to bring a backslidden Christian back into the arms of Jesus.
3. Job 33:27-33 tells us that God uses suffering at times to keep His people from sin.
4. When we suffer, it allows the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, to comfort us in our time of need.
5. Those who have suffered and come through it have the opportunity to share with others the faithfulness and grace of God in their lives.
6. Even Jesus learned obedience to His Father through the suffering of the Cross. (Heb. 5:8-9)
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Verses on Temptation
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. 1 Cor. 10:13
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
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Failures -- or Only Setbacks?
"According to Tulane University business professor Lisa Amos, entrepreneurs fail in an average of 3.8 business ventures before they finally make it. The successful ones arenīt deterred by mistakes or adversity because they donīt see setbacks as failures. They recognize that three steps forward and two steps back still equals one step forward ." (John Maxwell, 1Leadership Wired, January 2000.) The same is true in the spiritual realm: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9
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Lifeīs Lousy; Why Be Thankful?
When life turns lousy, why be thankful? There are many reasons -- for the basics of life: food, shelter, family, friends and the other usual things we think of at the Thanksgiving season. But Godīs children can be thankful that no matter what happens, we have no reason to worry about nor fear the future! God is still in control, and as His child, no matter how rough life gets, He will always see us through it. Even death itself can`t conquer the soul, for He has promised we will be with Him at the instant of death. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." II Cor. 5:6
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Focus on Jesus
When confronted with temptation, try to focus on the goodness of Jesus. This is much easier to do than to debate giving in to the temptation. --submitted by TheologLC
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Lifeīs Garden Harvest
Our choices today determine our tomorrows. You can`t be a grouch most of your life, then expect to suddenly turn into a sweetheart when youīre old. Paul said, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal.6:7 Pick and sow carefully, for you always get back more than what was sown. If you sow good seed, the fruit you harvest will be bountiful and sweet indeed!
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E-Mail Etiquette
Christians should always be polite, even in e-mails. :o) Here are humorous tips to help you remember:
* PLEASE DONīT TYPE IN ALL CAPS. ITīS HARD TO READ AND IS THE EQUIVALENT TO SHOUTING. I know, some of you think itīs easier to read, but I donīt make the rules, Iīm just tellinī ya about them. * use punctuation its hard to read stuff that doesnt have any commas capital letters periods or apostrophes * Usee yur spall chacker. Its annyang to try to reede constent spalling misstakes. (Tip Source: Steve, WorldStart. For more tips, visit: http://www.worldstart.com/guides/emailetiquette.htm)
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Donīt Add Fuel
How can we keep from participating in gossip? One way is to refrain from adding comments. It`s hard not to, but DON`T. (The muck stops here!)
"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." Pro. 26:20
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Iīm In the Mood For ...
How do you get over a bad mood? Take action, maybe clean a closet? Yell at your kids? Call a friend? Confess it and ask God to change your thinking? Or do you cling to your mood so you can enjoy your misery?
You can "think" yourself out of a bad mood and into a good one! The Bible says, "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 The next time you get down in the dumps, ask yourself, "What have I been thinking on today?" More importantly, "What do I choose to think on now?"
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8
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Saying Yes but Meaning No
Sometimes we are happy to do someone a favor; other times we`d rather not. The person asking your help may not realize the pressure the request will put on you. Another may not care as long as his or her own goal is accomplished. This is when you MUST communicate your real feelings. Saying "no" just might be best for BOTH of you. For example, allowing someone to habitually borrow from you while never repaying is NOT good for the borrower nor yourself.
"Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification." Romans 15:2
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Repeat -- or Repeat Not?
To gossip or not to gossip? Remember, some things shouldn`t be repeated at all.
"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Pro. 11:13 4
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Love the Sinner?
The traditional definition of tolerance means to "endure" or put up with something, such as a personīs behavior, attitudes or beliefs, without necessarily agreeing with them. The "new tolerance," however, asks us to accept the behavior, too! Though Christians canīt compromise with sin, we can love the sinner through Christ. This can make the difference in whether or not he later accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Remember, you are the only Bible some people will ever read!
"And of some have compassion, making a difference:" Jude 1:22
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Suffering is Necessary
We can let suffering make us either bitter or better. Suffering is necessary to test the strength of our faith. Even Jesus learned obedience to His Father through the suffering of the Cross. (Heb. 5:8-9) And because Jesus experienced everything we will ever go through, He eagerly waits to help us through our own suffering:
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16
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How Gossip Hurts
Gossip hurts the one talked about and the one doing the talking. The Bible doesnīt use the word "gossip." Rather, it refers to gossip as talebearing, backbiting, etc. Here are a couple of God`s "statements" about it:
"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 18:8
"He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." Pro. 20:19
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Stopping Gossip
If you are serious about stopping gossip, you may have to be frank and open with the person spreading it.
"The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." Prov. 25:23
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When the World Gets Too Hard
When your world gets topsy-turvy, check first to see if you have Jesus in his proper place, on the throne of your heart. If you find yourself, or anybody or anything else, occupying the place that belongs to Jesus, stop and put the King back on his throne. Life will amazingly right itself again! Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matt. 6:33
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Use Words Carefully
Keep a careful check on the words you use. Don`t give the "talebearer" any reason to use your conversation later, as it may be twisted out of context.
"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalm 34:13 3
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Prayer for Difficult Times
A good prayer for obtaining peace during difficult times is the Prayer of Surrender from the Turning Point Ministries Newsletter, May 2002:
A PRAYER OF SURRENDER
"Lord, today I surrender my life to You. I choose Your will to be done, not mine. I accept Your terms for my life today and purpose to live personally the crucified life which I received positionally through faith in Christ. I ask You to give me grace to be a surrendered soldier of the Cross today. Amen."
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What About Halloween?
Each week ChristianWebSite.com screens hundreds of web sites. Here are a few of the top sites and the descriptions added recently on Halloween:
Halloween in Light of Scripture Bible studies on topics related to Halloween: the occult, Satanism, witchcraft, death, fear, demonology, exorcism, the after life, deliverance, hell, Satan. Every scripture verse on each topic. http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=59
Annieīs Halloween Page - A Christian Perspective Arenīt you a Christian? Isnīt it just a fun holiday? Letīs find out together! http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19711 (This one has really cute graphics.)
Halloween: Just the Facts Here is the truth, in black and white, about Halloween. Many of you probably already know. If so, help dispel the ignorance of others. Will we follow the traditions of society, or the commands of God? http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19713
Halloween Outreach Evangelize your neighborhood this Halloween, as simple as turning your light on. http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19712
For a complete list of new additions this past week go to: http://www.ChristianWebSite.com/search/New/
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Setting Goals
When setting goals for your life, pick at least one in each of these areas: Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, Social, Financial, Mental, and Personal. Need wisdom? Just ask your Heavenly Father! "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
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Christian Freedom on Trial
Where would you turn if your Christian freedom was being challenged in the courts? The Christian Law Association has served Bible-believing churches and Christians since 1969. (CLA provides free legal services, based in part on "the generosity of God`s people." Contributions are tax deductible.) If you have encountered legal difficulty for practicing the Biblical faith, contact the CLA office at http://www.christianlaw.org, or write Christian Law Association, Box 4010, Seminole, FL 33775. You can also call: Tel. (727) 399-8300.
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Benefits of Psalm 23
Benefits of Psalm 23
This is an eye opener. Some have probably never thought about the 23rd Psalm in this way, even though theyīve read or said it over and over again:
The Lord is my Shepherd -- Thatīs Relationship! I shall not want -- Thatīs Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- Thatīs Rest ! He leadeth me beside the still waters -- Thatīs refreshment ! He restoreth my soul -- Thatīs Healing ! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- Thatīs Guidance! For His name sake -- Thatīs Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- Thatīs Testing! I will fear no evil -- Thatīs Protection! For Thou art with me -- Thatīs Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- Thatīs Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- Thatīs Hope! Thou anointest my head with oil -- Thatīs Consecration! My cup runneth over -- Thatīs Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- Thatīs Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- Thatīs Security! Forever -- Thatīs Eternity!
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Three Big "Mīs"
There are three big M`s in life: Our MASTER, our MISSION, and our MATE.
* MATE: "Who will my mate be?" We all ask that when we are young. Yet who our mate will be is determined by who our MASTER is.
* MISSION: "What is my mission in life?" That, too, depends on who your MASTER is.
* MASTER: "Who is my master?" That is up to you! "Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." Joshua 24:25
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Rom. 6:16.
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House of Prayer or Den of Thieves?
One of the few stories which appears in all four of the Gospels is Jesus removing the moneychangers from the temple. There are many reasons why this story is important, but one aspect many people overlook is that each of us us also a temple of God. Jesus wants us to keep our churches pure, true, but he also wants us to keep ourselves, individual temples of God, pure. What do you have going on in your temple? Is it a house of prayer or a den of thieves?
Everyone has heard of the idea that their bodies are temples of God. Many understand this in a narcissistic, vain way, devoting themselves to outward appearance. Some take this to mean they are better than others, and look down their noses at them. Both are wrong. Yes, you should take care of your body. Yes, Christians are the adopted children of the Lord and Creator of the universe, which is pretty special. 1 Corinthians says one cannot build a temple to God if the foundation, Jesus, is not there. It also says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" The strength and beauty of the temple comes from God living in you. You don't have a temple if the foundation is not built on Jesus. You show that you are a temple of God by showering the love of God on others.
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I'm Not Good Enough
Sometimes Christians, or those thinking of becoming Christians, feel they are not good enough. They negin to avoid church or helping others because they feel like impostors. Who am I to talk about God? Who am I to help at the church? I'm not perfect.
True, you shouldn't pretend to be something you are not, and true, Christians should always be striving toward holiness. But to say you cannot go to church or become a Christian because you're not good enough is like saying you're not well enough to go to the doctor. That's what they're there for, to help you get better, to become perfect, to become a saint. Saints were not born perfect. Saints are sinners who just never gave up.
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Sometimes It's OK to Say "No"
Christians are called to serve. They should serve each other, their families, their churches, the community, and the world. But too often Christians think that unless they are doing big things, they are not serving. They sign up for every activity at church and then neglect their work and their families. You can't do everything. Take stock of what you can honestly accomplish and still have time for your family and yourself. Burning yourself out will not help anyone. Volunteering for a good cause and then quitting after two weeks because you can't fit everything in is not serving. You don't have to accomplish huge things in your life. You just have to make everything you do, no matter how small, an act of love.
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