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Comment by ALCEDES JONES on May 3, 2011 at 10:01pm

Accept God’s Plan TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria No matter what may be happening today, God has good things in store for your future! It may not be easy to see now, but God has already lined up a new beginning, new friendships and new opportunities for you. Maybe you’ve experienced some setbacks, but don’t make the mistake of expecting the same for your future. Instead, accept God’s good plan for your life by declaring His truth. As believers, our attitude should be, “Even though the economy is down, I’m not worried. I know God is going before me, and He has promised He will make rivers in the desert.” Or, “The medical report may not look good, but I have another report that says God is restoring health unto me. I believe God has already released healing, health and victory in my future.” Or, you may have a child who is not on the right course. In the natural, it seems impossible. But our report should be, “I know God can do the impossible!” Today, be encouraged and don’t give up on your tomorrows. Accept the good plan God has for you — a plan filled with hope, purpose, blessing and increase in every area of your life! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for giving me hope and a future. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for delighting in me. I invite You to renew my heart and mind to the good plans You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Comment by Petronella Jacoba on May 2, 2011 at 12:42am

WOW, thanks for this Creation story.  It was uplifting and inspirational.  Have a good day.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on May 1, 2011 at 11:22pm

WOW SO MUCH FOOD FOR THE WEARY ,JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS, WOW THANK YOU GOD,FOR YOUR LOVE THROUGH YOUR SON AND OUR BIG BROTHER JESUS THE CHRIST

The Creation Story - Bible Story Summary

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide

Genesis 1:1-2:3
The Creation Story Summary:

The opening chapter of the Bible begins with these words, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (NIV) This summarizes the drama that was about to unfold. We learn from the text that the earth was formless, empty, and dark, and God's Spirit moved over the waters preparing to perform God's creative Word. And then God began to speak into existence his creation. The day by day account follows:

Day 1 - God created light and separated the light from the darkness, calling light "day" and darkness "night."

Day 2 - God created an expanse to separate the waters and called it "sky."

Day 3 - God created the dry ground and gathered the waters, calling the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters "seas." On day three, God also created vegetation (plants and trees).

Day 4 - God created the sun, moon, and the stars to give light to the earth and to govern and separate the day and the night. These would also serve as signs to mark seasons, days, and years.

Day 5 - God created every living creature of the seas and every winged bird, blessing them to multiply and fill the waters and the sky with life.

Day 6 - God created the animals to fill the earth. On day six, God also created man and woman (Adam and Eve) in his own image to commune with him. He blessed them and gave them every creature and the whole earth to rule over, care for, and cultivate.

Day 7 - God had finished his work of creation and so he rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy.

Points of Interest from the Story:

• Genesis 1, the opening scene of the biblical drama, introduces us to the two main characters in the Bible: God and man. One author, Gene Edwards, refers to this drama as The Divine Romance. Here we meet God, the Almighty Creator of all things, revealing the ultimate object of his love—man—as he concludes the stunning work of creation. God has set the stage. The drama has begun.

• In summary, the simple truth of the creation story is that God is the author of creation. In Genesis 1 we are presented with the beginning of a divine drama that can only be examined and understood from the standpoint of faith. How long did it take? How did it happen, exactly? No one can answer these questions definitively. In fact, these mysteries are not the focus of the creation story. The purpose, rather, is for moral and spiritual revelation.

• God was very pleased with his creation. Six times throughout the process of creating, God stops, observes his handiwork and says, "It was very good." This is a great time to remind ourselves that we are part of God's creation. Even when you don't feel worthy of his pleasure, remember that God made you and is pleased with you. You are of great worth to him.

• In verse 26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness ..." This is the only instance in the creation account that God uses the plural form to refer to himself. It's interesting to note that this happens just as he begins to create man. Many scholars believe this is the Bible's first reference to the Trinity.

• On the seventh day, God rested. It's hard to come up with a reason why God would need to rest, but apparently he considered it important. Rest is often an unfamiliar concept in our busy, fast-paced world. It's socially unacceptable to take an entire day to rest. Yet God knows we need times of refreshing. Our example, Jesus, spent time alone away from the crowds. So, we should not feel guilty when we take time each week to rest and renew our bodies, souls, and spirits.
Questions for Reflection:

The story clearly shows that God was enjoying himself as he went about the work of creation. As noted previously, six times he stops and savors his accomplishments. If God takes pleasure in his handiwork, is there anything wrong with us feeling good about our achievements?

Do you enjoy your work? Whether it's your job, your hobby, or your ministry service, if your work is pleasing to God then it should also bring pleasure to you. Consider the work of your hands. What things are you doing to bring pleasure to both you and God?

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on May 1, 2011 at 9:03pm

Look to the Unseen
Today's Bible verse of the day is ...
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV)

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on May 1, 2011 at 9:02pm

WOW JUST HAVE TO SHARE THIS
Worship Through Relationship
Are You Seeking God's Face or God's Hand?

From Karen Wolff

What does it mean to worship God? Karen Wolff of Christian-Books-For-Women.com shows us that we can learn a lot about worship simply through relationship with God. In "Are You Seeking God's Face or God's Hand?" you'll discover a few keys to opening God's heart through praise and worship.
Are You Seeking God's Face or God's Hand?
Have you ever spent time with one of your kids, and all you did was just "hang out?" If you have grown kids, and you ask them what they remember most about their childhood, I would bet they recall a time when you spent an afternoon participating in some fun activity.

As parents, it sometimes takes a while for us to discover that the thing our kids want most from us is our time. But oh, time always seems to be the thing we find in short supply.

I remember when my son was about four years old. He attended a local preschool, but it was only a few mornings a week. So, almost constantly I had this four-year-old who wanted my time. Every day. All day.

I would play board games with him in the afternoons. I remember we would always claim to be "Champion of the World," whoever happened to win. Of course, beating a four-year-old isn't exactly something to brag about on my resume, but nonetheless, I always tried to be sure the title passed back and forth. Well, sometimes.

My son and I both fondly recall those days as very special times when we built a relationship. And the truth is, I had a hard time saying no to my son after building such a strong relationship. I knew my son wasn't hanging out with me just for what he could get from me, but the relationship we built meant that when he did ask for something, my heart was more than willing to consider it.

Why is it so difficult to see that as a parent, God is no different?
Relationship is Everything
Some see God as a giant Santa Claus. Simply submit your wish list and you'll wake up one morning to find that all is well. They fail to realize that relationship is everything. It's the one thing God wants more than anything else. And it's when we take the time to seek God's face - which is simply investing in that ongoing relationship with him - that he extends his hand because his heart is open to hear all we have to say.

A few weeks ago I read an amazing book called, Daily Inspirations for Finding Favor with the King, by Tommey Tenney. It talked about the importance and relevance of Christian praise and worship in building a relationship with God. What impressed me was the author's insistence that praise and worship must be directed to God's face and not his hand. If your motive is to love God, to spend time with God, to truly want to be in God's presence, then your praise and worship will be met by God with open arms.

If, however, your motive is to try to earn a blessing, or to impress those around you, or even to fulfill some sense of obligation, you've missed the boat. Completely.

So how do you know if your relationship with God is centered around seeking his face instead of simply his hand? What can you do to make sure your motive is pure as you praise and worship God?

Spend most of your time with God in praise and worship. Letting God know how much you love and appreciate him never gets old to God. In fact, praise and worship is the key that opens God's heart.

Come to God just as you are with an open heart. Letting God see all that's in your heart, good or bad, lets God know that you value your relationship enough to let him see it all and do whatever he needs to do.

Look for opportunities to offer God praise and worship in things around you. All you need to do is see a beautiful sunset or one of the many other wonders of nature to offer God praise and thanksgiving for that miraculous blessing. God appreciates a grateful heart.

Don't be afraid to show God how you truly feel as you worship him. There are those who don't feel comfortable raising their hands or showing any emotion during worship services. Yet those same people can be found at sporting events or concerts whooping, clapping, and hollering as if it really mattered. I'm not saying you have to jump up and down or shout. Simply standing with open hands shows God that your heart is open and you want to feel God's presence.

And most importantly:
Don't judge, look down on, or criticize someone else because they want to show emotions and energy as they worship. Just because an expression of worship is different than your own, doesn't mean it is inappropriate or wrong. Concentrate on worshipping God yourself so your focus remains on building your own relationship with God.

Christian praise and worship can be one of the most powerful ways to help you build your relationship with God. There is nothing better than feeling the love, peace, and acceptance of God's presence all around you.

But remember, like a parent, God is looking for that ongoing relationship. When he sees your open heart and your desire to get to know him for who he is, his heart opens to hear all you have to say.

What a concept! Seeking God's face and then feeling the blessings from his hand.

Comment by RAJESWAR YARLAGADDA on April 28, 2011 at 11:45am

THANKING YOU MY MOST BELOVED&HEARTLY SISTERS...BROTHERS,,,,,,,,,,

FOR YOUR GOOD FRIENDSHIP,MESSAGES,BLESSINGS&PRAYERS ALWAYS!
PRAISE THE LORD...HALLELUYAH!YOU ,YOUR MINISTRY,AND YOUR FAMILY ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS,.GOD BLESS YOU,YOUR MINISTRY,AND YOUR FAMILY...KINDLY CONTINUE TO KEEP ME,IN YOUR PRAYERS......
Yours Faithfully....Bro.RAJ,INDIA

Comment by Brenda R Miller on April 28, 2011 at 7:23am

I agree with ALCEDES jONES that this is a fantastic article! We do not need money and wealth to have the greatest riches in the world: the abundant riches of God's mercy and grace poured out in Christ Jesus. 

I am so thankful for the love of my Saviour. There is no greater love and no other Source of fulfillment on this earth that can satisfy the human heart. I searched and hungered and remained empty until I found Jesus and invited Him into my life. When I finally woke up and answered His call, I found what I had been seeking all along: heart health and fullness of life - the abundant life that Jesus came to give to the lost and dying! Thank You, Jesus! 

Jack Zavada says one thing in this article that does not apply to me: he says that if you have the internet then you are probably not under the poverty level. My husband and I do live quite far below the poverty level, but the nourishment we receive in Christian teaching and fellowship from sites such as this one make it worth the money, and God blesses our faithfulness to Him. All worship of Him is worthwhile.

 

Thank you for this article. I recommend it to everyone! 

 

Brenda Miller

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on April 28, 2011 at 6:20am

WOW THIS IS SOME GREAT SOUL FOOD PLEASE ENJOY IT
What Does the Bible Say About Money and Wealth?
Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown

From Jack Zavada
Introduction
The Bible has quite a bit to say about money, wealth and riches. In "Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown," Jack Zavada of Inspiration-for-singles.com considers what the Bible says about wealth and riches and how Christians can find fulfillment even with lifestyles of the poor and unknown.
Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown
In the 1980s, one of the most popular programs on American television was a weekly show called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Each week, the host visited celebrities and royalty at their luxurious mansions, fawning over their exotic cars, million-dollar jewelry, and lavish wardrobes. It was conspicuous consumption at its most nauseating, and viewers couldn’t get enough of it.

But don’t we all secretly envy the rich and famous? Don’t we believe that if only we were rich, it would solve all our problems? Don’t we long to be recognized and loved by millions of people?

This craving for fortune is nothing new. Two thousand years ago Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 NIV)

Why is that? Jesus, who knew the human heart better than anyone ever has or ever will, understood that it's a matter of priorities. Too often, rich people make wealth their number one priority instead of God. They spend most of their time making wealth, spending it, and increasing it. In a very real sense, money becomes their idol.

God won’t stand for that. He told us so in his First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 NIV).
What Riches Can't Buy
Today, we still believe the lie that money can buy happiness. Yet hardly a week passes that we don’t read about rich celebrities getting a divorce. Other high-profile millionaires get in trouble with the law and have to enter drug or alcohol rehab programs.

Despite all their money, many rich people feel empty and without meaning. Some surround themselves with a dozen hangers-on, confusing opportunists with friends. Others get pulled in by New Age beliefs and religious cults, searching in vain for something that will help them make sense of their lives.

While it’s true that wealth can purchase all kinds of thrills and creature comforts, in the long run, those things amount to high-priced glitter and trash. Anything that ends up in a junkyard or landfill cannot satisfy the yearning in the human heart.
Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown
Since you have a computer and Internet service, you’re probably not living below the poverty line. But that doesn’t mean the lure of riches and possessions never tempts you.

Our culture constantly hypes the new--new cars, new music players, new computers, new furniture, new clothes. Wearing something that’s out of style pegs you as a misfit, somebody who doesn’t quite "get it." And we all want to "get it" because we long for the approval of our peers.

So we’re caught somewhere in between, not poor but far from rich, and certainly not famous outside of our circle of family and friends. We yearn for the importance that money brings. We’ve seen enough rich people treated with respect and admiration to want a piece of that for ourselves.

We have God, but we want more. Just like Adam and Eve, we desperately desire to be bigger shots than we are. Satan lied to them then, and he’s still lying to us today.
Seeing Ourselves as we Really Are
Because of the world's false values, we seldom see ourselves as we really are. The truth is that in the eyes of God, every believer is rich and famous.

We possess the richness of a salvation that can never be taken from us. This is the treasure that’s immune from moths and rust. We take it with us when we die, unlike money or fancy possessions.

We are famous and precious to our Savior, so much that he sacrificed himself so we can spend eternity with him. His love surpasses any earthly fame because it will never end.

It’s time to stop comparing houses, cars, clothes, and bank accounts. It’s time to stop feeling inadequate because we don’t own the outward symbols of success.

Instead, it’s time to turn our eyes to our intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s where we’ll experience our greatest fulfillment. That’s where we’ll finally find all the riches we’ve ever wanted

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on April 27, 2011 at 9:23pm

What You Want Most in Life

Surrender to God and Obedience to His Ways

From Jack Zavada

Photo: Thomas Barwick / Getty 

One of life's most bittersweet moments is when you finally realize you don't have it all figured out.

It hits you like a hammer and there's a crushing period of discouragement, but there is an up side. By the process of elimination, you've gotten rid of what doesn't work. Now how do you find out what does?

Maybe you thought it was wealth or career success or personal fame. Your dream house seemed to be it, or was it your dream car? Achievements were satisfying, but only for a while. Even marriage didn't turn out to be the cure-all you expected.

In a sense, we're all after the same thing, but we're unable to put our finger on it. All we're sure of is that we haven't found it yet.

The Crevices We Try to Ignore

What we want most in life is to be right.
I'm not talking about right in the sense of right or wrong, although that's a part of it. Nor am I talking about righteousness. That's a state of acceptability to God that we can't earn ourselves but can only receive by accepting Jesus Christ as savior.

No, we want to be right and know we're right. Yet each of us has hidden crevices of unrest in our soul. We try to ignore them, but if we're honest, we have to admit they're there.

We're not even sure what those crevices contain. Is it unforgotten sin? Is it doubt? Is it the memory of some good we might have done but were too selfish to do at the time?

These crevices prevent us from being right. We can work and try all our lives, but we can't seem to reach them. Every day we see people trying to get right on their own. From miserable celebrities to self-destructive politicians to greedy business people, the harder they try, the worse their lives become. We can't get right on our own.

Living Without Being Right

Everyone with an ounce of self-awareness eventually figures out there's a price to pay to be right.

The trouble is that we misjudge how high that price is. Unbelievers would rather live without being right than accept Jesus Christ. They decide, first, that Jesus is not the answer and second, that even if he is, that answer would cost them too much.

We Christians, on the other hand, suspect how to get right, but we think the price is too high as well. For us, that price is surrender.

Surrender is what Jesus was commanding when he said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25, NIV)

It sounds scary, but surrender—complete obedience to God—is what's required of us to clean out those nooks and crannies of uncertainty.

How Obedience Differs from Works

Let's be clear: We receive salvation through grace and not through works. When we perform good deeds, it's out of gratitude to Jesus and to spread his Kingdom, not to earn our way into heaven.

When we submit ourselves to the will of God, however, the Holy Spirit works through us. His power is magnified through our obedience so we become an instrument in the hands of the Great Physician, healing lives.

But surgical instruments must be sterile. So Christ first cleans out those crevices as only he can: completely. When those nagging pockets of uncertainty are gone, finally we are right.

Christian, Like Christ

Jesus lived in total obedience to his Father and calls everyone to do the same. When we make that decision to obey, we follow Christ in the purest way possible.

Have you ever tried to run with your arms full? It's hard, and the more things you're carrying, the harder it becomes.

Jesus says, "Come, follow me," (Mark 1:17, NIV), but Jesus walks fast because he has a lot of ground to cover. If you want to follow Jesus more closely, you have to throw away some of those things you're carrying. You know what they are. The more empty your arms, the closer you can get to him.

Surrender to God and obedience to his ways brings what we want most in life. That's the only way we can be right.

Jack Zavada, a career writer and guest contributor for About.com, is host to a Christian website for singles. Never married, Jack feels that the hard-won lessons he has learned may help other Christian singles make sense of their lives. His articles and ebooks offer great hope and encouragement. To contact him or for more information, visit Jack's Bio Page.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on April 27, 2011 at 11:58am

	Already Blessed! TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria God has blessed you! Past tense — He’s already done it! Now, you may not feel blessed, you may not look blessed; in fact, all the circumstances may tell you that you’re not blessed. But you’ve got to be bold enough to say, “No, I see it right here in God’s Word — I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ!” What does it mean to be blessed? It means that you are supernaturally empowered to do whatever God has called you to do; to be whoever God has called you to be; and to have whatever God has called you to have. God’s blessing is His empowerment! The key is this: you have to believe it in order to receive it. You can’t walk around in guilt and condemnation from the past thinking you can’t do anything right and expect to keep moving forward. You have to shake off those old mindsets by declaring God’s truth over your life. Truth sets you free. When you speak God’s truth that you are blessed, you will be free to believe it and free to receive it! Today, take hold of what belongs to you. Approach the day with an attitude of faith and victory knowing that you are already blessed! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, thank You for blessing me with everything I need to be successful in this life. I receive Your Word today which is truth and life to my soul. Help me keep my mind stayed on You as I meditate on Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

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