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Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 24, 2011 at 3:04am

Scripture for a Tired Spirit

Inspiration   >  Scripture for a Tired Spirit

Scripture for a Tired Spirit
by Norman Vincent Peale

Does what you read in the newspaper depress you? Are you dragged down by the economy and worry?

By memorizing Scripture from the Bible and holding God's word in your mind, your spirit will become refreshed.  Use the passages below to help you during trying times.

 

WHEN YOU ARE TIRED
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:29)

There is a difference between normal tiredness and that condition of deep fatigue where all your physical resources seem spent. First, believe that God is the source of all energy—in the sun, in plants and in people. Then try this renewal technique. Lie down and relax as best you can. As you repeat the above words from Isaiah, conceive of the Lord as sending through your body His strength and power until your spirit is renewed.

 

WHEN YOU FEEL UNLOVED
Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:16, 17)

Just as men wore armor In the old days to protect themselves from physical attack, you need spiritual armor today to guard yourself from the fiery darts of the hate and evil thoughts all about. The mind can be a battleground. See yourself as defending it with all your spiritual resources of faith and prayer.

 

WHEN YOU ARE GRIEVING
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though be were dead, yet shall be live. (John 11:25)

The death of a loved one can bring on a crippling sense of defeat and depression. It often causes the mourner to feel that life will never again be filled with happy, buoyant attitudes. But in a sense you are not true to the departed one if you do not face life again with spirit. The above words have a glorious message-Jesus Christ is alive and those who believe in Him live forever.

 

WHEN YOU ARE HURT BY GOSSIP
He bath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

If someone gossips about you, do not return evil for evil but pray for him. Do not harden your heart, but forgive him. As a means of building up your own inner defenses to slander, practice turning off your mind to the negative. Instead of thinking of what has been said about you, meditate on the positive way in which you can use conversation to God's glory.

 

WHEN YOU ARE ILL
The prayer of faith shall save the sick. . . . (James 5:15)

With all illness goes a certain amount of despondency which, in turn, can lead to lack of faith. The prayer of faith says, "I believe." Such a prayer will attune your mind to God and permit His healing forces to operate in you. Many sick people also find it helpful to focus their mind on Jesus when they pray, seeing Him going about Galilee healing every disease, believing that His restoring power is at work today.

 

WHEN YOU ARE UPSET
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. (Rev. 21:7)

Low-spirited people often get that way not from one big trouble but from many small irritations-the pinpricks of life. Lacking a strong grip on God. they give m to these daily harassments. The secret of the above passage is to concentrate on the idea that you are a child of God. As God's child you will receive His strength to handle your weakness. With God's power, instead of being overcome, you can overcome.

 

WHEN YOU HAVE NO PEACE
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

There is a great hunger for peace today. One answer is to seek peace from God and not from man. When God's peace enters our hearts, fear and distrust and violence depart.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 21, 2011 at 5:24am

DARE You To Be Healthy!

Inspiration   >  Bible   >  DARE You To Be Healthy!

 

DARE You To Be Healthy!

 

Who doesn’t want to be in good health—filled with stamina and energy, able to fight off disease and fatigue? And while you can’t deny your genetics, you have more control over your health than you may realize. It’s all a matter of:

 

Diet — Choose foods that your body needs: fresh fruits and vegetables, crisp salads, plenty of water (why fill up with sodas and caffeine drinks?), lean meats. The Bible speaks in no uncertain terms about the wisdom of a common-sense diet and life-style. “The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty” (Proverbs 23:21). The Living Bible paraphrases 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 to read: “Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God, because he owns it.”

 

Attitude — What happens in your life is far less important than the attitude you bring to it. Hatred, guilt, fear and discontent can take their toll on your body. Stop dwelling on the negative! “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

 

Rest — No machine can run long without stopping periodically for maintenance. Your body, infinitely more complex and precious than the most valuable machine, is designed by your Creator for regular periods of rest and relaxation. But treat your mind and spirit to intervals of repose, too. After you have prayed about a problem, and after you have done all you can, leave it in God’s hands. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Jesus promises, “Come to me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

 

Exercise — Two of the greatest dangers to health are being overweight and the lack of physical activity. All exercise is beneficial, but one of the best forms is simply walking. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease and enhances muscle tone. Walking also strengthens the chest, shoulders and back muscles; it increases bone density in the hips and lower vertebrae. “Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success” (Proverbs 3:6). Ask God to help you get a move on and be healthy!

 

Ready to begin a healthier life? DARE you to start today!

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 20, 2011 at 10:40am

PSALM 27:1-7

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD gives me light and saves me. Why should I fear anyone? The LORD is my place of safety. Why should I be afraid? 2 My enemies are evil. They will trip and fall when they attack me and try to eat me alive. 3 Even if an army attacks me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if war breaks out against me, I will still trust in God. 4 I'm asking the LORD for only one thing. Here is what I want. I want to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life. I want to look at the beauty of the Lord. I want to worship him in his temple. 5 When I'm in trouble, he will keep me safe in his house. He will hide me in the safety of his holy tent. He will put me on a rock that is very high. 6 Then I will win the battle over my enemies who are all around me. At his holy tent I will offer my sacrifice with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord. 7 Lord, hear my voice when I call out to you. Show me your favor and answer me.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 20, 2011 at 10:29am

ACTS 7:42-50 ⁴²But God turned [away from them] and delivered them up to worship and serve the host (stars) of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: Did you [really] offer to Me slain beasts and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness (desert), O house of Israel?^(AB)

    ⁴³[No!] You took up the tent (the portable temple) of Moloch and carried it [with you], and the star of the god Rephan, the images which you [yourselves] made that you might worship them; and I will remove you [carrying you away into exile] beyond Babylon.^(AC)

    ⁴⁴Our forefathers had the tent (tabernacle) of witness in the wilderness, even as He Who directed Moses to make it had ordered, according to the pattern and model he had seen.^(AD)

    ⁴⁵Our forefathers in turn brought it [this tent of witness] in [with them into the land] with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations which God drove out before the face of our forefathers. [So it remained here] until the time of David,^(AE)

    ⁴⁶Who found grace (favor and spiritual blessing) in the sight of God and prayed that he might be allowed to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. [II Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 132:1-5.]

    ⁴⁷But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. [I Kings 6.]

    ⁴⁸However, the Most High does not dwell in houses and temples made with hands; as the prophet says,^(AF)

    ⁴⁹Heaven [is] My throne, and earth the footstool for My feet. What [kind of] house can you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place in which I can rest?

    ⁵⁰Was it not My hand that made all these things?^(AG)

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 20, 2011 at 10:28am

THIS WAS TAKEN FROM MATTHEW HENRY COMPLETE BIBLE COMMENTARY

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 20, 2011 at 10:28am

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS TO ALL WHO THINK A FOUR WALLED BUILDING IS GOD CHURCH OR TEMPLE,TAKEN FROM ACTS7 :42-50

Verses 42-50

Two things we have in these verses:—I. Stephen upbraids them with the idolatry of their fathers, which God gave them up to, as a punishment for their early forsaking him in worshipping the golden calf; and this was the saddest punishment of all for that sin, as it was of the idolatry of the Gentile world that God gave them up to a reprobate mind. When Israel was joined to idols, joined to the golden calf, and not long after to Baal-peor, God said, Let them alone; let them go on (v. 42): Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven. He particularly cautioned them not to do it, at their peril, and gave them reasons why they should not; but, when they were bent upon it, he gave them up to their own hearts; lust, withdrew his restraining grace, and then they walked in their own counsels, and were so scandalously mad upon their idols as never any people were. Compare Deu. 4:19 with Jer. 8:2. For this he quotes a passage out of Amos 5:25. For it would be less invidious to tell them their own [character and doom] from an Old-Testament prophet, who upbraids them,1. For not sacrificing to their own God in the wilderness (v. 42): Have you offered to me slain beasts, and sacrifices, by the space of forty years in the wilderness? No; during all that time sacrifices to God were intermitted; they did not so much as keep the passover after the second year. It was God’s condescension to them that he did not insist upon it during their unsettled state; but then let them consider how ill they requited him in offering sacrifices to idols, when God dispensed with their offering them to him. This is also a check to their zeal for the customs that Moses delivered to them, and their fear of having them changed by this Jesus, that immediately after they were delivered these customs were for forty years together disused as needless things.2. For sacrificing to other gods after they came to Canaan (v. 43): You took up the tabernacle of Moloch. Moloch was the idol of the children of Ammon, to which they barbarously offered their own children in sacrifice, which they could not do without great terror and grief to themselves and their families; yet this unnatural idolatry they arrived at, when God gave them up to worship the host of heaven. See 2 Chr. 28:3. It was surely the strongest delusion that ever people were given up to, and the greatest instance of the power of Satan in the children of disobedience, and therefore it is here spoken of emphatically: Yea, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, you submitted even to that, and to the worship of the star of your god Remphan. Some think Remphan signifies the moon, as Moloch does the sun; others take it for Saturn, for that planet is called Remphan in the Syriac and Persian languages. The Septuagint puts it for Chiun, as being a name more commonly known. They had images representing the star, like the silver shrines for Diana, here called the figures which they made to worship. Dr. Lightfoot thinks they had figures representing the whole starry firmament, with all the constellations, and the planets, and these are called Remphan —"the high representation,’’ like the celestial globe: a poor thing to make an idol of, and yet better than a golden calf! Now for this it is threatened, I will carry you away beyond Babylon. In Amos it is beyond Damascus, meaning to Babylon, the land of the north. But Stephen changes it, with an eye to the captivity of the ten tribes, who were carried away beyond Babylon, by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 2 Ki. 17:6. Let it not therefore seem strange to them to hear of the destruction of this place, for they had heard of it many a time from the prophets of the Old Testament, who were not therefore accused as blasphemers by any but the wicked rulers. It was observed, in the debate on Jeremiah’s case, that Micah was not called to an account though he prophesied, saying, Zion shall be ploughed as a field, Jer. 26:18, 19.II. He gives an answer particularly to the charge exhibited against him relating to the temple, that he spoke blasphemous words against that holy place, v. 44–50. He was accused for saying that Jesus would destroy this holy place: "And what if I did say so?’’ (saith Stephen) "the glory of the holy God is not bound up in the glory of this holy place, but that may be preserved untouched, though this be laid in the dust;’’ for, 1. "It was not till our fathers came into the wilderness, in their way to Canaan, that they had any fixed place of worship; and yet the patriarchs, many ages before, worshipped God acceptably at the altars they had adjoining to their own tents in the open air—sub dio; and he that was worshipped without a holy place in the first, and best, and purest ages of the Old-Testament church, may and will be so when this holy place is destroyed, without any diminution to his glory.’’ 2. The holy place was at first but a tabernacle, mean and movable, showing itself to be short-lived, and not designed to continue always. Why might not this holy place, though built of stones, be decently brought to its end, and give place to its betters, as well as that though framed of curtains? As it was no dishonour, but an honour to God, that the tabernacle gave way to the temple, so it is now that the material temple gives way to the spiritual one, and so it will be when, at last, the spiritual temple shall give way to the eternal one. 3. That tabernacle was a tabernacle of witness, or of testimony, a figure of good things to come, of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not men, Heb. 8:2. This was the glory both of the tabernacle and temple, that they were erected for a testimony of that temple of God which in the latter days should be opened in heaven (Rev. 11:19), and of Christ’s tabernacling on earth (as the word is, Jn. 1:14), and of the temple of his body. 4. That tabernacle was framed just as God appointed, and according to the fashion which Moses saw in the mount, which plainly intimates that it had reference to good things to come. Its rise being heavenly, its meaning and tendency were so; and therefore it was no diminution at all to its glory to say that this temple made with hands should be destroyed, in order to the building of another made without hands, which was Christ’s crime (Mk. 14:58), and Stephen’s. 5. That tabernacle was pitched first in the wilderness; it was not a native of this land of yours (to which you think it must for ever be confined), but was brought in in the next age, by our fathers, who came after those who first erected it, into the possession of the Gentiles, into the land of Canaan, which had long been in the possession of the devoted nations whom God drove out before the face of our fathers. And why may not God set up his spiritual temple, as he had done the material tabernacle, in those countries that were now the possession of the Gentiles? That tabernacle was brought in by those who came with Jesus, that is, Joshua. And I think, for distinction sake, and to prevent mistakes, it ought to be so read, both here and Heb. 4:8. Yet in naming Joshua here, which in Greek is Jesus, there may be a tacit intimation that as the Old-Testament Joshua brought in that typical tabernacle, so the New-Testament Joshua should bring in the true tabernacle into the possession of the Gentiles. 6. That tabernacle continued for many ages, even to the days of David, above four hundred years, before there was any thought of building a temple, v. 45. David, having found favour before God, did indeed desire this further favour, to have leave to build God a house, to be a constant settled tabernacle, or dwelling-place, for the Shechinah, or the tokens of the presence of the God of Jacob, v. 46. Those who have found favour with God should show themselves forward to advance the interests of his kingdom among men. 7. God had his heart so little upon a temple, or such a holy place as they were so jealous for, that, when David desired to build one, he was forbidden to do it; God was in no haste for one, as he told David (2 Sa. 7:7), and therefore it was not he, but his son Solomon, some years after, that built him a house. David had all that sweet communion with God in public worship which we read of in his Psalms before there was any temple built. 8. God often declared that temples made with hands were not his delight, nor could add any thing to the perfection of his rest and joy. Solomon, when he dedicated the temple, acknowledged that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands; he has not need of them, is not benefited by them, cannot be confined to them. The whole world is his temple, in which he is every where present, and fills it with his glory; and what occasion has he for a temple then to manifest himself in? Indeed the pretended deities of the heathen needed temples made with hands, for they were gods made with hands (v. 41), and had no other place to manifest themselves in than in their own temples; but the one only true and living God needs no temple, for the heaven is his throne, in which he rests, and the earth is his footstool, over which he rules (v. 49, 50), and therefore, What house will you build me, comparable to this which I have already? Or, what is the place of my rest? What need have I of a house, either to repose myself in or to show myself? Hath not my hand made all these things? And these show his eternal power and Godhead (Rom. 1:20); they so show themselves to all mankind that those who worship other gods are without excuse. And as the world is thus God’s temple, wherein he is manifested, so it is God’s temple in which he will be worshipped. As the earth is full of his glory, and is therefore his temple (Isa. 6:3), so the earth is, or shall be, full of his praise (Hab. 3:3), and all the ends of the earth shall fear him (Ps. 67:7), and upon this account it is his temple. It was therefore no reflection at all upon this holy place, however they might take it, to say that Jesus should destroy this temple, and set up another, into which all nations should be admitted, ch. 15:16, 17. And it would not seem strange to those who considered that scripture which Stephen here quotes (Isa. 66:1-3), which, as it expressed God’s comparative contempt of the external part of his service, so it plainly foretold the rejection of the unbelieving Jews, and the welcome of the Gentiles that were of a contrite spirit into the church.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 20, 2011 at 7:56am

GREAT MEAT FOR CHRISTIAN HUSBAND TO CHEW ON FROM CHARLES SPURGEON

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church." - Ephesians 5:25

 

What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few masters could venture to say, "If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;" but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in him. As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to his church. The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of mankind: "I pray for them, I pray not for the world." The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of his head, the bracelet of his arm, the breastplate of his heart, the very centre and core of his love. A husband should love his wife with a constant love, for thus Jesus loves his church. He does not vary in his affection. He may change in his display of affection, but the affection itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an enduring love, for nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." A true husband loves his wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of his love than he has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards his spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus' love; you admire it--are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and measure of your love--"even as Christ loved the church?"

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 17, 2011 at 5:15am

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Inspiration   >  Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Spiritual Spring Cleaning
by Norman Vincent Peale

Spring is a time for renewal. Use these steps to refresh your spirit and be the person you were meant to be.

 

1. Cleanse
Let go of anger, pain and disappointment.  The Psalmist cried out in anguish, “My tears have been my food day and night” (Psalms 42:3).  When life knocks you down, or pulls you back from your hopes and dreams, remember no matter what happens, it can be used for good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God is with you—always and forever, in the midst of every challenge. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

2. Pray
For spiritual growth, nothing can take the place of prayer—simply spending time with God, thanking him for his gifts to you, praising him, asking for guidance, admitting your sins and asking forgiveness and help. You will grow as you set a good example—“in speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity” (1 Timothy 4:12). And “keep a critical eye on yourself” (verse 16).

3. Renew
Nature is the perfect example of renewal. But did you know the Creator renews people, too? The Bible tells us that God sees within each of us vast potentials for new energy and accomplishments. God sees within you valuable and new potentials. “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). Whenever you face a problem, bring it to Jesus. He will not only answer your prayer, but also bring out new resources within you!

4. Live Abundantly
Abundant living is facing life with faith in Christ, believing that God is always with you, hoping and trusting for a good outcome to what you do, looking for the best in everyone and everything—and maintaining an upbeat attitude that reflects all this. It is dogged persistence in spite of difficulties. It is the determination to get up again when you fall, and the deep joy that is present even when you face disappointing or saddening events. Abundant living is accepting each day as it comes, acknowledging your blessings and trusting your problems to God. Why live any other way?

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on March 16, 2011 at 2:56pm

Stand and See TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today...the LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13–14, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria In the Bible, when the people of Israel came out of slavery and were headed toward the Promise Land, they were so happy to be finally free! But then Pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go and came chasing after them. They came to a dead end at the Red Sea and things looked impossible. Instead of staying in faith and focusing on the fact that God had delivered them before, the Israelites got upset, fearful and started complaining, “Moses, why did you bring us out here to die?” Moses replied, “Stand still and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.” He went on to say, “The Lord will fight for you if you hold your peace and remain at rest.” And the Lord was faithful to His Word and delivered them again. Moses knew he had to get the people out of that negative mentality or they would be defeated, and the same is true for you. You may be in a storm of life, but don’t let that storm get in you. Instead, set your focus on God because He is faithful, and He will fight your battles. Stay calm and remain in peace today because God is going to deliver you and lead you into your promise land! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Help me keep my heart and mind focused on You. No matter what storm I may be facing, I trust that You are working behind the scenes and ordering my steps to the promise land you have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Comment by RAJESWAR YARLAGADDA on March 11, 2011 at 11:38am

'' MY FLESH AND MY HEART MAY FAIL,BUT GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART AND MY PORTION FOREVER ''
Pslm 73:26

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