TURN YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM ON!
A horrible thing happened to me today.....a thief broke into my house. It
happened shortly after I awoke this morning. I got up and began rushing
about. I had a thousand things on my list and was already running behind.
Quickly, I gulped down breakfast, took a shower and got ready for work.
In my rush, I forgot to turn the security system on at my house. It was just
about a half an hour later that the thief broke in. Of course, he didn't
make a sound. Just kind of snuck inside, not drawing any attention to
himself. In fact, none of the neighbors ever saw him.
But, I did.
You see, I WAS HOME when the thief broke in.
He naturally startled me, as I was unprepared for his visit. He, of course,
didn't announce that he was coming and I certainly had not invited him over.
And yet, I found myself face to face with danger and I felt so powerless. I
also felt so very stupid, because this whole incident could have been
avoided if I had just taken the time to turn the security system on.
You better believe I'll be turning it on tomorrow morning! I thought I'd
warn you about this guy, because he's still on the loose. Chances are, he's
in your area. Possibly even headed for your house.
His name? His name is Satan. You see, this morning when I jumped up in my
haste to get started on my busy day, I skipped my prayer time - opting to
"pray later today." In other words, I DIDN'T TURN ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM. My
defense wasn't on, my guard was dropped ..... and when the thief came into
my home to attack me, I was unprepared to do battle. He tempted me and I
felt powerless. Like I said, I also felt so very stupid, because I could
have avoided the incident if I had just taken the time to pray.
My friend, the thief has come to "steal, kill and destroy." And, as a Child
of God, you are on his "hit list." He'll probably pop over to your house
today. He may be lurking outside your door right now, just waiting to catch
you off guard.
Take time to pray this morning. Ask God to bind Satan from your very
presence, to protect you and empower you to do battle. In short ..... don't
forget to turn your security system on.
-- Author Unknown
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Get Serious About Being Happy
This Week's Topic: Get Serious About Being Happy! :)
"...there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12
Dear Friend,
What would make you happier? I know, I know. It's a vague question, but think about it. What is within your control that would genuinely add to your level of happiness? Whatever it is, this week, I challenge you to do it. Why? Because happiness can literally prolong your life.
Amazingly, the effect of unhappiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking, according to a recent analysis of 30 scientific studies on happiness. As a society, we all know by now that smoking is dangerous for your health, but have you ever considered that being unhappy could have health consequences? It's time to take your happiness seriously!
For years, I thought of being happy as a fleeting pursuit - a temporary state of being. Spiritually speaking, I believed a more noble aim was to have joy and be content no matter my circumstances. Of course, those are important, too. But several years ago, I ran across this scripture written by the very wise King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes:
"There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
In other words, be happy in the everyday activities of life. Find satisfaction in your work. Help others. It is a divine gift to be happy when life is a routine. Abraham Lincoln once noted that, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." If he was right, then happiness is a choice - an approach and an attitude that we choose to carry into our work, our relationships, and our lives.
As I listened to a presentation about happiness recently, given by noted sociologist Dr. Ruut Veenhoven, I was intrigued by his classification of four qualities of life that comprise overall happiness and well-being. Consider them (paraphrased below with my definitions and coaching questions) to help you determine the areas of your life in which you may have room to enhance your happiness and well-being:
1. Livability
"Livability" is about the environments in which you live, work and play. Does your environment nurture you or drain you? Do the circumstances in which you find yourself empower you to thrive or to merely survive? What would create a more livable and happier environment for you?
2. Life Abilities
Life abilities are your personal strengths, knowledge, preparation, flexibility and potential. They can be developed, explored and improved upon. Greater personal abilities often create more enjoyable opportunities. What talents and strengths are going underutilized in your life? What potential is going untapped?
3. Meaning
How is someone's life better because they cross your path? We find the greatest meaning in life when we live the purpose for which we were divinely created. And that purpose must be good for something or someone more than you. This element of happiness is about serving, helping, and making a difference.
4. Satisfaction
This is about your overall satisfaction with your life. Are you content with where you are? If not, what shift is it time to make? Dissatisfaction can be a catalyst for change, as long as you are honest about where you are dissatisfied. What aspects of your life bring you joy?
My challenge to you this week:
Get serious about being happy! Choose a joyful attitude. Do something that brings a smile to your face - or to someone else's.
Journaling assignment:
What would make you happier? How could you experience more happiness in the everyday activities of your life? Consider the four qualities of life: livability, life abilities, meaning and satisfaction. In which area(s) do you feel fulfilled? In which area(s) do you see room to grow?
Until next time ...
Warm wishes,
"...there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12
Dear Friend,
What would make you happier? I know, I know. It's a vague question, but think about it. What is within your control that would genuinely add to your level of happiness? Whatever it is, this week, I challenge you to do it. Why? Because happiness can literally prolong your life.
Amazingly, the effect of unhappiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking, according to a recent analysis of 30 scientific studies on happiness. As a society, we all know by now that smoking is dangerous for your health, but have you ever considered that being unhappy could have health consequences? It's time to take your happiness seriously!
For years, I thought of being happy as a fleeting pursuit - a temporary state of being. Spiritually speaking, I believed a more noble aim was to have joy and be content no matter my circumstances. Of course, those are important, too. But several years ago, I ran across this scripture written by the very wise King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes:
"There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
In other words, be happy in the everyday activities of life. Find satisfaction in your work. Help others. It is a divine gift to be happy when life is a routine. Abraham Lincoln once noted that, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." If he was right, then happiness is a choice - an approach and an attitude that we choose to carry into our work, our relationships, and our lives.
As I listened to a presentation about happiness recently, given by noted sociologist Dr. Ruut Veenhoven, I was intrigued by his classification of four qualities of life that comprise overall happiness and well-being. Consider them (paraphrased below with my definitions and coaching questions) to help you determine the areas of your life in which you may have room to enhance your happiness and well-being:
1. Livability
"Livability" is about the environments in which you live, work and play. Does your environment nurture you or drain you? Do the circumstances in which you find yourself empower you to thrive or to merely survive? What would create a more livable and happier environment for you?
2. Life Abilities
Life abilities are your personal strengths, knowledge, preparation, flexibility and potential. They can be developed, explored and improved upon. Greater personal abilities often create more enjoyable opportunities. What talents and strengths are going underutilized in your life? What potential is going untapped?
3. Meaning
How is someone's life better because they cross your path? We find the greatest meaning in life when we live the purpose for which we were divinely created. And that purpose must be good for something or someone more than you. This element of happiness is about serving, helping, and making a difference.
4. Satisfaction
This is about your overall satisfaction with your life. Are you content with where you are? If not, what shift is it time to make? Dissatisfaction can be a catalyst for change, as long as you are honest about where you are dissatisfied. What aspects of your life bring you joy?
My challenge to you this week:
Get serious about being happy! Choose a joyful attitude. Do something that brings a smile to your face - or to someone else's.
Journaling assignment:
What would make you happier? How could you experience more happiness in the everyday activities of your life? Consider the four qualities of life: livability, life abilities, meaning and satisfaction. In which area(s) do you feel fulfilled? In which area(s) do you see room to grow?
Until next time ...
Warm wishes,
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Because of who You are...
** I have been listening to this song for the past 3 days...
Because of who You are... Vicki Yohe
I worship you Lord.
Ooh thank you Jesus.
Ooh thank you Jesus.
Mhmm. Thank you Lord, I love you Lord.
Because of who you are I give you glory.
Because of who you are I give you praise.
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Because of who you are I give you glory
Because of who you are I give you praise
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
(You see, you're Jehovah)
Jehovah Jirah
(My provider)My provider
(Jehovah Nissi) Jehovah Nissi
(Lord you reign)
Lord you reign in victory.
(You reign in victory)
Jehovah Shaloh
(You're my prince of peace)
My prince of peace.
(And I worship you...)
And I worship you because of who you are.
(Just because, just because)
Because of who you are I give you glory.
Because of who you are I give you praise.
[ Vicky Yohe Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
(You see, you're Jehovah)
Jehovah Jirah
(My provider)My provider
(Jehovah Nissi) Jehovah Nissi
(Lord you reign)
Lord you reign in victory.
(You reign, you reign in victory)
Jehovah Shaloh
(You're my prince of peace, yes you are)
My prince of peace.
(And I worship you)
And I worship you (not because of what you've done but just because of who...) because of who you are.(you are you are)
(Jehovah, Jehovah Jirah)
Jirah
(My provider)
My provider (Oh you made a way when there seemed to be no way)
Jehovah Nissi (Jehovah Nissi)
(Lord you reign, you reign, you reign)
(you reign in victory)
Lord you reign in victory
(Jehovah Shalo) Jehovah Shalo
(You're my prince of peace)
My prince of peace
(yes you are)
(And I worship you)
And I worship you...
(I was born to worship, I love to worship)
And I worship you...(Ooh you know the Jesus)... because of who you are.
(Oooh I love you lord, I love you lord)
Oh, nobody like you Jesus.
And I worship you because of who you are...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Strongest Nails in the World
The Strongest Nails in the World
http://www.hutchcraft.com/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Download MP3 (right click to save)
My friend Alan was working with a carpenter friend of his on a building project. Out of the blue, Alan sprang this rather unusual question on the carpenter, "Do you know what the most powerful nails in the world are?" The craftsman paused on his ladder for a moment and then he replied, "I don't know. U.S. Steel?" Alan said, "No. The strongest nails in the world are the three nails that held Jesus Christ on His cross." And then Alan just walked into the other room. A few minutes later, the carpenter called for Alan. He said, "Man, you've got to help me. Every time I drive a nail now, it's like I'm nailing Jesus to the cross." My friend responded, "Well, in a way, we did."
For some people, Jesus' death on a cross is just history. For others, it's a religious event. But to some of us, the brutal death of Jesus on that Roman cross is a deeply personal event. I hope it is for you, or soon will be.In Galatians 2:20, our word for today from the Word of God, there are two words that are literally life-changing. In fact, they're even eternity-changing. They're the difference between someone who has Christianity and someone who has Christ. Between someone who has a Christian religion and someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, these two words are actually the difference between heaven and hell.
Galatians 2:20: "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There are the two words, "for me." One of my associates was on a plane recently with a man in his 30s who talked pretty openly about his years of spiritual searching. He said that as a young man he moved beyond his boyhood church and began experimenting with a buffet of spiritual beliefs and experiences. But nothing satisfied the restlessness in his heart. Then one day he came back to visit the church he grew up in. Here's what he said: "As soon as I walked in the door, I saw something I'd seen hundreds of times as a boy - the cross at the front of the church. But suddenly I was overwhelmed with something I had never realized before. I said out loud, "For me. What Jesus did on that cross was for me." He said his search ended that day, and the hole in his heart was finally filled.
My guess is that you know about Jesus dying on the cross. You know He died there to pay for our sins. But you somehow may have missed that life-changing moment when, in your heart, you walk up to that cross and say those words, "For me, Jesus. What You did there is for me." When my friend said that in a way we all did help nail Jesus to the cross, he was right. Because it's our rebellion against God and His ways, all our "my way" choices that left us cut off from God and under His death penalty until Jesus came and did the dying for all of our sinning. And in reality, it wasn't the nails that kept Him on the cross. After all, He's the Son of God! No, it was His deep love for you that kept Him there 'till your bill was fully paid with His life.
If you have never had your "for me" moment with Jesus, that could happen this very day right now and right where you are. Would you tell Him, "Jesus, I'm taking for myself what you died to give me. You paid for my sin so I don't have to. You died for my sin so I don't have to. Now I embrace you as my Savior; as the driver of my life. I'm taking you for me."
http://www.hutchcraft.com/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Download MP3 (right click to save)
My friend Alan was working with a carpenter friend of his on a building project. Out of the blue, Alan sprang this rather unusual question on the carpenter, "Do you know what the most powerful nails in the world are?" The craftsman paused on his ladder for a moment and then he replied, "I don't know. U.S. Steel?" Alan said, "No. The strongest nails in the world are the three nails that held Jesus Christ on His cross." And then Alan just walked into the other room. A few minutes later, the carpenter called for Alan. He said, "Man, you've got to help me. Every time I drive a nail now, it's like I'm nailing Jesus to the cross." My friend responded, "Well, in a way, we did."
For some people, Jesus' death on a cross is just history. For others, it's a religious event. But to some of us, the brutal death of Jesus on that Roman cross is a deeply personal event. I hope it is for you, or soon will be.In Galatians 2:20, our word for today from the Word of God, there are two words that are literally life-changing. In fact, they're even eternity-changing. They're the difference between someone who has Christianity and someone who has Christ. Between someone who has a Christian religion and someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, these two words are actually the difference between heaven and hell.
Galatians 2:20: "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There are the two words, "for me." One of my associates was on a plane recently with a man in his 30s who talked pretty openly about his years of spiritual searching. He said that as a young man he moved beyond his boyhood church and began experimenting with a buffet of spiritual beliefs and experiences. But nothing satisfied the restlessness in his heart. Then one day he came back to visit the church he grew up in. Here's what he said: "As soon as I walked in the door, I saw something I'd seen hundreds of times as a boy - the cross at the front of the church. But suddenly I was overwhelmed with something I had never realized before. I said out loud, "For me. What Jesus did on that cross was for me." He said his search ended that day, and the hole in his heart was finally filled.
My guess is that you know about Jesus dying on the cross. You know He died there to pay for our sins. But you somehow may have missed that life-changing moment when, in your heart, you walk up to that cross and say those words, "For me, Jesus. What You did there is for me." When my friend said that in a way we all did help nail Jesus to the cross, he was right. Because it's our rebellion against God and His ways, all our "my way" choices that left us cut off from God and under His death penalty until Jesus came and did the dying for all of our sinning. And in reality, it wasn't the nails that kept Him on the cross. After all, He's the Son of God! No, it was His deep love for you that kept Him there 'till your bill was fully paid with His life.
If you have never had your "for me" moment with Jesus, that could happen this very day right now and right where you are. Would you tell Him, "Jesus, I'm taking for myself what you died to give me. You paid for my sin so I don't have to. You died for my sin so I don't have to. Now I embrace you as my Savior; as the driver of my life. I'm taking you for me."
Monday, April 6, 2009
He Works All Things Together
*This came right on time for me... God is SO AWESOME!
He Works All Things Together
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT).
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Everyone goes through things that don’t seem to make sense. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder, “Why did this happen to me?” “Why did this person treat me wrong?” “Why did I get laid off?” But we have to understand, even though life is not always fair, God is fair. And He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him.
I believe the key word is this verse is “together.” In other words, you can’t just isolate one part of your life and say, “Well, this is not good.” “It’s not good that I got laid off.” “It’s not good that my relationship didn’t work out.” Yes, that’s true, but that’s just one part of your life. God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Remember, when one door closes, God has another door for you to walk through—a better door. Those difficulties and challenges are merely stepping stones toward your brighter future. Be encouraged today because God has a plan for you to rise higher. He has a plan for you to come out stronger. He has a plan to work all things together for your good so that you can move forward in the victory He has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for working all things together for my good. I choose to release any doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past, and I choose to trust in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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