This was my daily devotional today and I thought it was great to use today since we are all in football season. Whether you are at the stadium or in a home with the TV going, are you prepared to see Jesus when he returns, like we prepare for our favorite teams and games?
Wow - After just reading this today I am ready and excited. I think of Rich Mullins song, "Our God is an Awesome God"....Ready to stand with you preparing to see our Lord walk on that field !!.....Do you really get this excited for Jesus as you do for your game ???
October 4, 2007
A View from Heaven
By Van Walton
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” John 17: 21 (NLT)
Devotion:
Fall has arrived, meaning football season reigns, All across the U.S. family rooms, sports bars, and stadiums rock and roar with victory chants, loyal cheers, and triumphant shouts. Nothing is quite like a sports stadium full of excited fans where everyone comes together to cheer the home team to victory.
Most Saturdays my husband and I can be found right in the middle of the spectator storm! Recently, while sitting in the stands, God invited me to witness the game from His point of view. That’s right…. at a football game God showed me a glimpse of His desire for humanity.
For two consecutive seasons our tickets have been located in the end zone – not a bad place if you are high and lifted up, sitting inside! From that vantage point I watched as over-the-top pomp and circumstance ushered in our team. Thirty minutes before kickoff, the caged and snorting mascot arrived, led by a high-stepping band and adoring cheerleaders. The drums and trumpets might as well have announced the arrival of a supreme world leader the way the fans went crazy while a mere pig rolled around the track! When the entire band marched onto the field, the crowd roared, stood, and, all in one accord, sang the national anthem and our school song. Then, in no time, a perfect human A-shaped runway took shape complete with flying flags, banners, pom poms, glitz and glitter. Just when I thought the noise had climaxed, the entire stadium began to rock and thump. The frenzy gone wild has to be experienced in order to understand how out-of-control 75,000 men, women and children behave seconds before their team runs out on the field.
For the next two hours scores of people worked together to win a game. From ushers to vendors, water boys to coaches and every fan - all united for one common cause – to win. And win we did!
While I sat in my comfy seat God turned my thoughts heavenward. In the midst of fan frenzy I began to reflect on His position – high and lifted up, sitting in His throne watching the game of life we all play. From my position in The Hog Heaven Club– yup that is the name of the club house in the Razorback Stadium - I understood how He delights in His children when they unite for one cause.
I left the game that Saturday with a new goal – work at all costs to unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to delight my Father. I am without excuse because He has given me a clear illustration as to how I am to live. He has called me to cheer on those who fight life’s battles. He has called me to march beside those whose goal is godly victory. He has called me to encourage those who struggle. Above all else, He has called me, and you, to experience such perfect unity that the world would know that God sent Jesus to show His love for all.
All together now – Go! Fight! Win!
Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command, ‘Love you neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (NLT)
Colossians 3:1-2, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven…” (NLT)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Where is your heart located ?
What are your plans today and how do you plan on doing it?
Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or just forget to say Thank you Lord for this day?
Sometimes, I find myself getting in such a hurry. I also find myself being flat out lazy thinking it is all about me.
Then reality sets in and I wonder what Jesus would have done if he just stopped and allowed His heart to harden or become lazy. Knowing that Jesus is faithful and would not allow this to happen, I praise Him. His heart was in everything He spoke, everything He touched and everywhere He went.
Since we are to be imitators of Christ, should your heart be in every thing you say, every thing you do and everywhere you go?
The greatest of all things we can ever do with our heart is - LOVE !!
Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” (NLT)Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)2 Chronicles 31:21, “He did it with all his heart, and prospered.” (KJV)
Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)2 Chronicles 31:21, “He did it with all his heart, and prospered.” (KJV)
Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or just forget to say Thank you Lord for this day?
Sometimes, I find myself getting in such a hurry. I also find myself being flat out lazy thinking it is all about me.
Then reality sets in and I wonder what Jesus would have done if he just stopped and allowed His heart to harden or become lazy. Knowing that Jesus is faithful and would not allow this to happen, I praise Him. His heart was in everything He spoke, everything He touched and everywhere He went.
Since we are to be imitators of Christ, should your heart be in every thing you say, every thing you do and everywhere you go?
The greatest of all things we can ever do with our heart is - LOVE !!
Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” (NLT)Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)2 Chronicles 31:21, “He did it with all his heart, and prospered.” (KJV)
Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)2 Chronicles 31:21, “He did it with all his heart, and prospered.” (KJV)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
We need to DRUG our children
I received this chain email yesterday and thought it was quite fitting. I can remember being "drugged" by my mom...I even had to wear panty-hose. The Lord knew how much I hated panty-hose, and I am pretty sure He has blessed me for doing so. Well, here is the email for your own enjoyment followed by scripture of God's faithfulness when you raise your children in His name.
GOD BLESS THE PARENTS WHO DRUGGED US..
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?
"I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad's fields.I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. God bless those parents who drugged us.
Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Mark 9:37
Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God
1 John 2:28
The Children of God ] And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
GOD BLESS THE PARENTS WHO DRUGGED US..
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?
"I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad's fields.I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. God bless those parents who drugged us.
Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Mark 9:37
Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God
1 John 2:28
The Children of God ] And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
We're Putting Jesus back into School
Have you heard about Beach Clubs?
Kids are learning about Jesus Christ in our schools. They meet once a week, for an hour or so after school. My son went for the first time yesterday. He came home telling me all about King David, Saul and quoting scriptures from Hebrew and how were are to respect and love the brotherhood.....He loved watching " Facing the Giants" and eating the snacks. We talked about his Christian duty to further God's Kingdom and how he could get more of his friends to come to Beach Club..... What kid would not want to come have some fun with other friends....They greatest thing is that our kids' lives will be impacted by God's neverending love.
Please visit the website......
www.kidsbeachclub.org.....
Kids are learning about Jesus Christ in our schools. They meet once a week, for an hour or so after school. My son went for the first time yesterday. He came home telling me all about King David, Saul and quoting scriptures from Hebrew and how were are to respect and love the brotherhood.....He loved watching " Facing the Giants" and eating the snacks. We talked about his Christian duty to further God's Kingdom and how he could get more of his friends to come to Beach Club..... What kid would not want to come have some fun with other friends....They greatest thing is that our kids' lives will be impacted by God's neverending love.
Please visit the website......
www.kidsbeachclub.org.....
Neverending, Pure LOVE
What if I told you there is only ONE who can love you from the East to the West. Determing where those places meet has boggled my mind for years. What about from the North to the South? Where do those meet? I have a very vivid picture in my mind of the Cross.
From the East to the West are the Nail Scarred Hands
From the North to the South are the Crown of Thorns to the Nail Scarred Feet
When I think of my Jesus hanging on the cross in complete agony and selfless obedience, I think of His never-ending love for me, for my family, for my friends and for you. Through all the selfish acts I have done in my lifetime, I see Jesus walking right beside me faithfully showing me His never-ending love for me.
Power Verses:
I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (NIV)
Psalm 136,
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”
From the East to the West are the Nail Scarred Hands
From the North to the South are the Crown of Thorns to the Nail Scarred Feet
When I think of my Jesus hanging on the cross in complete agony and selfless obedience, I think of His never-ending love for me, for my family, for my friends and for you. Through all the selfish acts I have done in my lifetime, I see Jesus walking right beside me faithfully showing me His never-ending love for me.
Power Verses:
I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (NIV)
Psalm 136,
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”
Monday, September 17, 2007
Confidence
Today, I read that I will never, ever be abandoned during my journey here on earth. I also know I am not to fear and it is for this very reason....Jesus loves me so much, that He will walk right beside me in truth...He will guide my ways in wisdom, He will love me un-conditionally; however, He will discipline me as needed. Why, because He really loves me.
Guess what, He loves you, too. When you think or feel you are lonely, desperate and longing to be romanced or loved, focus your beautiful eyes upon Jesus.
Will He abandon us? Can He, if He promises not to?
We have Hope.
With that Hope, we are to rejoice !!
ACTS 2
22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
25David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'[e] 29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,[f] that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 3 5until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '
Guess what, He loves you, too. When you think or feel you are lonely, desperate and longing to be romanced or loved, focus your beautiful eyes upon Jesus.
Will He abandon us? Can He, if He promises not to?
We have Hope.
With that Hope, we are to rejoice !!
ACTS 2
22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
25David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'[e] 29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,[f] that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 3 5until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Got Knee Pads
Today, as I was driving into work, I was needing some refreshing for my hurried morning, getting the kids to school, fight traffic and a long drive in...And, yadda, yadda, yadda......One thing that really gets my spirit going is Praise and Worship music....i called our local Christian radio station, KCBI (90.9) and begged them to play Anthem Avenue's " When Angels Come"...WOW, what an amazing song. After it was over, my busy day just got busier in my mind...Not enough time in the day, hurry here and hurry there, get that stack of papers done on the desk, take all those phone calls, go home to clean the house, pay the bills and yadda, yadda yadda.
Then a really great thought came crashing into my little, finite mind of mine...What if we continually stayed on our bended knees giving praise to the One who allows the trials and busy days in our life....Thus, the need for knee pads....What if we said "Thank you Jesus" after everything we do...What if we said "You are wonderful, mighty and kind"...What if we bowed and gave Him all the praise throughout our days !! My guess is that He would be honored and would be faithful to bless our busy day.
We face small trials and HUGE trials every day, from a small thought to a large re-occurring situation in our lives. Every day, Satan tries to make it even more difficult for us to overcome these trials, but God is faithful to deliver. He sees and knows your heart, He hears and answers your prayers----In His timing !! Stay in Him and He will stay in you.
1 Peter 1:7 (Whole Chapter) These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Romans 5:3 (Whole Chapter) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Acts 20:19 (Whole Chapter) I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
1 Peter 1:6 (Whole Chapter) So be truly glad. [ Or So you are truly glad.] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
1 Peter 4:12 (Whole Chapter) [ Suffering for Being a Christian ] Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 (Whole Chapter) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
2 Peter 2:9 (Whole Chapter) So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
1 Peter 4:13 (Whole Chapter) Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Daniel 12:10 (Whole Chapter) Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.
Then a really great thought came crashing into my little, finite mind of mine...What if we continually stayed on our bended knees giving praise to the One who allows the trials and busy days in our life....Thus, the need for knee pads....What if we said "Thank you Jesus" after everything we do...What if we said "You are wonderful, mighty and kind"...What if we bowed and gave Him all the praise throughout our days !! My guess is that He would be honored and would be faithful to bless our busy day.
We face small trials and HUGE trials every day, from a small thought to a large re-occurring situation in our lives. Every day, Satan tries to make it even more difficult for us to overcome these trials, but God is faithful to deliver. He sees and knows your heart, He hears and answers your prayers----In His timing !! Stay in Him and He will stay in you.
1 Peter 1:7 (Whole Chapter) These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Romans 5:3 (Whole Chapter) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Acts 20:19 (Whole Chapter) I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
1 Peter 1:6 (Whole Chapter) So be truly glad. [ Or So you are truly glad.] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
1 Peter 4:12 (Whole Chapter) [ Suffering for Being a Christian ] Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 (Whole Chapter) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
2 Peter 2:9 (Whole Chapter) So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
1 Peter 4:13 (Whole Chapter) Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Daniel 12:10 (Whole Chapter) Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.
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