godsworshippers’s posterous

Shine !
No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit. ~Helen Keller
Today's Word
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or crypt or under a bushel measure, but on a lampstand, that those who are coming in may see the light. ~Luke 11:33
Today's Thought
The darker it is around you, the more your light is needed. When you find yourself among others who are angry, hateful, resentful, discouraged, and cynical, that is when you can make the most difference by staying positively focused.
It is not easy. All too often we react to negativity by being negative.
That just escalates the despair.
But you can choose not to react. You can choose to follow your own course. Just because those around you act destructively, does not mean that you must.
When those around you are frustrated and impatient, make an effort to be extra calm and composed. When those around you are angry, strive to be the voice of reason and compassion. When those around you are discouraged, offer hope.
Be Different, and you will make a Difference.
Today's Prayer
Father In Heaven; This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine; Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine; Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine; Let it shine till Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine; Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. ~AMEN!

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I urge you ... to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.     Romans 12:1

Instead of having a "sacrifice"  mentality when it comes to giving our wills over to God, we might do better by adopting a "surrender" outlook.  "What God wants is to occupy first place in our hearts.  He wants us to surrender all to Him - our will, our time, our energy, ou plans, our desires, our goals, our loved ones - all to His control....

The cross is for dying, not for carrying.  It is a symbol of dying to self so that God may have His rightful place in our lives."1

"As we lift this cross, we shall find that it lifts us."2

Disciplined choices involve a gutsy effort to keep our wills on the side of God in every issue of our lives.  "Discipline is one of the most important character qualities a person can possess.  It plays a key role in developing every area of life."3

I often find that discipline in the areas of the "blacker" sins isn't difficult at all.  It's in the dark corners of one's life - those besetting pet sins and habits - where self-discipline is the hardest.  Perhaps that's because discipline in minor arenas doesn't seem that important to us.

My Thoughts -- Let us make an effort to "surrender" ourselves to God in all areas - give it a try for at least 21 days and keep a journal - at the end of those 21 days - look in your journal and in prayer seek what areas you truly surrendered and which ones you are still struggling with.  Then turn those over to Him too!

Prayer for today -- Father of all creation - I pray this morning that you touch the hearts of each one of us today, that we truly surrender our wills to yours.  That you take the first place in our hearts and not let ourselves be deceived in our "self image".  You are a God of opportunities, mercy and love.  You are the one who can give us the strength to move forward in faith - believing you for everything.  In Jesus precious name -- AMEN!

1 Gregory L. Jackson, Surrender, the Secret to Perfect Peace and Happiness

2 E.G.  White, Testimonies for the Church

3 Bill Hybels, Who You Are When No One's Looking

All excerpts from the book by Carolyn Rathbun, Journey to Joy that I am currently reading!  Be blessed!

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We Are In This Together

If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.  ~Aboriginal activists group, Queensland, 1970

Today's Word

But now I said to them, "You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace! ~ Nehemiah 2:17

Today's Thought

Did you notice the words we and us in this verse?

In Order To Motivate The People Of Jerusalem To Rebuild The Wall, Nehemiah Had To Identify With Their Problem, Their Need, And Their Future.

It was no longer their problem. Now Nehemiah saw the broken wall as our problem. Imagine the kind of response Nehemiah would have received if he had said, "You folks have gotten yourselves into a bad mess. You know what you need to do? You need to rebuild that wall. If you need me, I'll be in my office. After all, I wasn't part of the problem. You people will have to get to it, and do the work. Let me know how it turns out."

Identifying With The Problem Encourages Motivation.

When Lee Iacocca became chairman and CEO of Chrysler at the height of the auto giant's problems in 1979, he knew he would have to ask employees to take a pay cut to keep the company out of bankruptcy. Although he persuaded Congress to guarantee the company loans, he was still deeply distrusted by Chrysler's union members. He knew that he had to find a way to persuade these workers that he had Chrysler's best interests at heart.

Iacocca called a meeting of key management and union executives. He announced that for the next year his salary would be $1. The gambit worked. By sacrificing his own salary, Iacocca proved that he placed the welfare of the company over personal gain. He identified with the workers. He was saying, "We are in this together. And, together we can make it through." He knew that people will accept a lot of pain when everybody is going through the trial together. If the followers know that the leader's in with them, together they can move a mountain or, in Nehemiah's case, build a wall.

In what ways can you identify with the people you lead, in work, in your family, at your church?

How can you say to them, "We are in this together"

Today's Prayer

Father In heaven; Teach me to lead those around me. Help me to Motivate not intimidate people. I want to be a positive influence, not a negative force. Show me how to Identify With Their Problem, Their Need, And Their Future. In Jesus Name. ~ Amen.

We are in the middle of a "Summer Series" at New Life Trumbull, "Encouragement Changes Everything" ~ Why not plan to join us this weekend. Sunday @ 9:30am Message title "What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up" Directions/Info @ www.NewLifeCt.com  

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Bumps

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.

Today's Word

Without faith it is impossible to please God. ~Hebrews 11:6

Today's Thought

With God, it usually comes down to one question:

 "Are you going to trust Me?" If not, expect a rough ride!

You can't tell by looking at a person how much faith they really have. Faith's like a bucket of water - you find out how much is inside when you bump it. When circumstances bump you, you spill out what you're full of. Maybe you've just lost your job or had a financial reversal - bump! What spilled out; doubt or faith? Maybe you got some bad news from the doctor and you're going for tests - bump! What splashed over the side? While you can't tell by looking at people how much faith they really have, you can by listening to them.

Bumps are going to happen; to expect otherwise is to set yourself up for disappointment.

Count on it, you'll be tested. And the purpose of the test isn't just to reveal your faith, it's to refine it. God doesn't test your faith in order to know how much is there - He already knows. He tests it so that we can know - and work on it!

Think of the hardest thing that's going on in your life right now, then ask yourself, "Is this circumstance shrinking or stretching my faith?"

If you want to impress the Lord, really impress Him, think carefully about these words: "Without faith it is impossible to please God."

Today's Prayer

Father In heaven; Forgive me for what Splashes out of my life sometimes, fear, doubt, rage, teach me to FILL UP on You and Your power and goodness so that the next time I get "Bumped"  just You splashes out. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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Somebody Needs You!

Civilization is the process in which one gradually increases the number of people included in the term 'we' or 'us' and at the same time decreases those labeled 'you' or 'them' until that category has no one left in it.

Today's Word

I thank my God every time I remember you.  ~Philippians 1:3

Today's Thought

Even the Great Apostle Paul needed others. When he was ill he needed Dr. Luke. When he was in prison he needed Titus. For his travel he needed Silas. For his future he needed Timothy.

How important are others? More than you think. A rooster minus a hen equals no baby chicks. Kellogg minus a farmer equals no Cornflakes. Without the nail factory, what good's the hammer factory? Or the cracker-maker without the cheese-maker? The surgeon needs the ambulance driver, The Lone ranger needed Tonto - and you need people too!

The other side of the coin is - somebody needs you too. The young need your experience, and the old your care. The foolish need your wisdom, and the hurting your compassion. Anytime you withhold or withdraw what God's given you, others suffer, and you shrivel.

Looking back over my life, I see where I've connected with specific people at every crossroad and milestone. Most of them the world will never know, but to me they were absolutely vital. Each helped me to clear a hurdle, accomplish an objective, or reach a goal. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. How about you?

God is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-sufficient. That's what makes it all the more significant, when He uses people like us. Almost without exception, His favorite plan is a combined effort - all of us working for Him, and each of us loving one another in the process.

Today's Prayer

Father In heaven; Keep me humble and remind me that I need the people You have sent into my life. While I'm being so humble, perhaps You would also let me "see" who You want to Bless with my life. Touch me with Your Power & Wisdom in Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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Mission Possible !

The Seasons Of Your Life Will Change Every Time You Decide To Use Your Faith.

Today's Word

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. ~Hebrews 10:35-36

Today's Thought

It is easy to spot people who are on a compelling mission.

They're noticeably determined, focused, energetic, enthusiastic and unstoppable. The excitement surrounding their goal is infectious and they easily enlist the support of others. No obstacle is too great, but rather is another challenge to be overcome.

In reality, everyone is always on a mission. It's just that most "missions" are not all that exciting, and too many people jump from one to another. Yet at any point in time, we're all committed to something.

What is your mission for today? Is it just to get through the day with the least amount of effort? Or is it something so exciting, so compelling that people are lining up to join you?

Whatever you're fully committed to, will happen.

Make the commitment to live out the exciting possibilities available to you, today and every day.

One's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results. ~Florence Nightingale

Make your mission worthy of the wonderful person that you are and the awesome God you serve.

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven; I know You had plans for me before I was born. Help me to LIVE to my potential, and fulfill the "Mission" that You have for my life. I will not let my Doubts defeat me, I know "The Mission" is Possible. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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August 5, 2009

VERSE:
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me,
Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he
answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my
spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
-- Zechariah 4:5-6 (KJV)

 
THOUGHT:
There are times in each of our spiritual lives when we face
challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths.
Zerubbabel faced such a challenge. God sent a prophet to remind
him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be
won by our power and might. No, these greatest victories, the ones
that catch us up in God's great story of salvation, will occur when
we trust that God's power is greater than our weakness and God's
might is greater than our insufficiencies. The real question that
each of us must face is very simple: in our personal lives, and in
our ministry efforts, where do we place our trust and what is the
source of our confidence? Are they in our abilities, skills,
insight, and strength or God's?

PRAYER:
Please forgive me, dear Father the LORD Almighty, for trusting
in my own power too much. Forgive me, God, for being overwhelmed
and scared by the obstacles, challenges, and opportunities placed
before me. Through your great stories of faithfulness and victory
in the Old Testament, please stir me to trust that your power is at
work in me and in your Church, through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.              

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Things Worth Knowing
Today's Word
But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. ~Deuteronomy 8:18
Today's Thought
We scan the dozens of newspaper, magazine and newsletter articles, seeking the latest information on the economy, interest rates and the financial markets.
Reading what the experts are saying about the economy, interest rates, and the markets, we realize two things: Often they're just guessing, and you can always find impressive experts on both sides of every argument.
I have learned that the wisest approach is to set financial priorities that honor God and the principles He teaches in the Bible. For this reason, I am convinced that the things most worth knowing about how to use our finances are, first and foremost, rooted in God's Word. For instance:
· It's worth knowing that we should look primarily to God's wisdom, not the conventional wisdom, for principles to guide our decision-making. The principles God has given us are practical and personally relevant. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
· It's worth knowing that we must each accept personal responsibility for making knowledgeable, biblically-consistent financial decisions. We cannot look to others to make the tough choices for us. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2).
· It's worth knowing that debt is potentially enslaving and that we should avoid it as much as possible. "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7).
· It's worth knowing that maintaining a proper balance between current spending and long-term saving is a sign of wisdom. "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" (Proverbs 21:20).
· It's worth knowing that we should consistently invest from a carefully considered strategy rather than impulsively on a case by case basis. "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5).
· It's worth knowing that we should rely on diversification-rather than a preoccupation with market cycles-as a means of controlling risk and protecting our capital. "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth" (Ecclesiastes 11:2).
· It's worth knowing that we must be on guard against greed, spending our energies in a futile attempt to get the greatest returns. "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint" (Proverbs 23:4).
As we continually "renew our minds" with these guiding principles, we can apply them to the day-to-day financial decisions we each face. We can have confidence that, whatever the short-term sacrifices may be, we are making wise spending, saving, and investing choices. That frees us to leave the results with God, knowing that "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
When you make personal financial decisions, are they most typically focused on short term or long-term goals? What about financial decisions you make at work - are they designed for short-term or long-term results? Why do you take this approach?
Have you ever thought about relating principles from the Bible to your day-to-day financial decisions? Why or why not?
Today's prayer
Father In heaven; help me to use wisdom in this area in my life. Help me to walk in obedience to Your plan for giving and receiving. Teach me to be a sower of that which You place in my hand. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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Are You Groaning Or Growing?
Today's Word
Enlarge the place of your tent... do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. ~Isaiah 54:2
Today's Thought
By the time most people are in their mid-thirties, they've stopped acquiring any new skills or attitudes. Does that shock you? Stop and think; how long has it been since you acquired a new skill? How many new attitudes (like the "can do" attitude) have you adopted lately? How bound are you to mechanical performance? Do you feel compelled to approach a problem the same way every time? Does a new idea light your fire, or make you retreat into your shell? Are you addicted to predictability?
Solomon says "Above all and before all, do this - Get Wisdom!" (Proverbs 4:7) Chuck Swindoll says, "Living and learning go hand in hand - just like existing and expiring. The same hours and minutes that capture the wonder of a child deepen the rut of an adult. To them learning is natural; to us it's a nuisance." Which camp do you belong in?
Remember Caleb? At eighty-five he was still growing and grabbing the future (Joshua 14:12). When he should have been in comfortable retirement, he was out fighting giants and claiming mountains. While his friends were yawning, he was yearning. Every time the sun came up it was a new adventure for him. God says "Enlarge the place of your tent... do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right hand and to the left"
 Hello! That's you He's talking to!
Today's Prayer
Father In Heaven; Please help me to stop complaining and start committing. I realize that personal growth takes commitment. I have to change! I realize I will never posses what I am unwilling to pursue. I will make NEW PLANS for growth and I will live the Adventure. In Jesus name. ~Amen.
Check our Blog."Looking Backwards To Go Forward"@ www.NewLifeCt.Blogspot.com  

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This Week Will Be Fun !

Joy Is The Fruit Of Order.

Today's Word

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. ~Psalm 16:11

Today's Thought

Is there anything you know you must do, which you're reluctant to undertake? Or is there something which you're positively dreading? Perhaps it is a project you've been putting off, or a phone call you must make, or a meeting you need to attend.

Think of what you need to do and tell yourself, "This will be fun!" It sounds crazy, but it can really make a difference. As soon as you say "this will be fun" your mind starts looking for ways to justify that statement. Actually, you simply don't know in advance how it will be, because you cannot experience the future. So your impressions of the dreaded action, whatever it is, are formed mainly by the way you talk to yourself about it.

If you tell yourself "this will be horrible" it probably will be horrible, simply because you've convinced yourself beforehand. Do you really want to have a horrible experience? Of course not.

So tell yourself that "this will be fun" and it just might be.

It won't hurt. It could help.

It will get you up and moving in the right direction.

"This week will be fun!"

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven; teach us to have the attitude of the psalmist David when he wrote, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." I will enjoy Today. I will walk in the path You show me Lord. Out of that Order will come JOY! In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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