How to Get Unstuck

Scripture: 

 "Then your light will break through like the dawn, and you will heal quickly. Your righteousness will go ahead of you, and the glory of the Lord will guard you from behind." 

Isaiah 58:8

Yesterday, on the way to church, I saw this car tailing a very slow car. He was obviously in a hurry but refused to get into the open lane next to him! I was so confounded! "Why doesn't he just change lanes?" But then I thought, Wow, I've been doing the same in my own life! There are things I so badly want, but I have been stubbornly trying to do things my own way, unwilling to get in God's lane. It's like I'm tailing a slow car in front of me, so frustrated, when there is a clear lane next to me, if I will just take it. Maybe you feel stuck too-praying for the same things for years, with zero progress.

Jesus understands that we get stuck sometimes, and He gave us the key to getting unstuck here in this story: A desperate man came to Jesus because his son was always trying to kill himself. He had actually come to Jesus' disciples earlier, but they couldn't do anything for him. So Jesus just spoke to what was troubling the boy, and he was immediately cured. But later, Jesus' disciples asked Him why they couldn't heal the boy. And what Jesus said is so interesting :

" Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:20-21)

Jesus told His disciples (us) that faith can move mountains, BUT He also said that some things will not change UNLESS you pray AND fast. So what is fasting? In a strictly food sense, fasting is not eating or drinking certain things, or at all. But in a spiritual sense, it's so much more. It's saying NO to something you normally do in order to say YES to something you really need. Fasting is the key that unlocks the doors that you can't seem to open. It's like if you have a can of milk and try to open it with a spoon, a fork, a knife: nothing works. What you need is a can-opener. Fasting is the can-opener to your answered prayer.

God Says Fasting Brings:

• Salvation
• Healing
• Direction
• Protection
• Quick Answers to Prayer

My Story

There are a lot of things I want, but all of my efforts to find those things on my own are not working. And believe me, I've tried. So recently, when my pastor invited my church to fast together, I said yes, because quite frankly, I need help! So I have decided to give up shopping. I shop a lot. It might sound ridiculous to you, especially if you are a man; but shopping for me is a band-aid I use to comfort myself when I'm lonely or stressed; and it takes a lot of my free time. So instead, for the next 2 weeks, I am choosing to go without shopping in order to spend time with God instead. I'm going on walks to ask Him for what I need, listen to His thoughts, and tell Him mine. And I'm already feeling a difference.

What Are YOU Desperate For?

Is it healing in your family? Restoration in your marriage? Help in finances? I invite you to fast with me! What do you want to say NO to in order to say YES to what you need? Here's some examples of things you could fast: food, drinks, entertainment, negative thinking/talking, or empty social time to spend time with Him. God doesn't care about what you fast; He cares about you opening your heart to Him. Jesus said, "But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:17-18

 

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Judgment

Scripture:
"Stop judging, and you will never be judged. Stop condemning, and you will never be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

Don't you hate being judged? I hate it too. You know, judgment is a soul toxin, maybe one of the worst.

But today, Jesus is giving you the remedy to avoid being judged, one you might not have heard. In fact, if you're like me, you might have been doing just the opposite, unknowingly heaping more and more judgment in your life. But today we can start to reverse that.

Answer This

If you were facing a trial and had the option of being either in the defendant's shoes (the one being judged) or the prosecutor's shoes (the one doing the judging), which would you choose? If you were me, you would choose the prosecutor's chair, because that is the one safe from judgment, right? WRONG. Jesus said it's actually the opposite. And I want you to read a story with me to prove it.

"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught committing adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone and asked Jesus, 'Teacher, we caught this woman in the act of adultery. In his teachings, Moses ordered us to stone women like this to death. What do You say?' They asked this to test Him. They wanted to find a reason to bring charges against Him. Jesus bent down and used His finger to write on the ground. When they persisted in asking Him questions, He straightened up and said, "The person who is sinless should be the first to throw a stone at her." Then He bent down again and continued writing on the ground. One by one, beginning with the older men, the scribes and Pharisees left. Jesus was left alone with the woman. Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Where did they go? Has anyone condemned you?" The woman answered, "No one, Sir." Jesus said, "I don't condemn you either. Go! From now on don't sin." (John 8:3-11)

Let It Sink In

Imagine that you're her. Think of your worst sin, the thing you most desperately want to keep from other people. I know I have mine. Now imagine that all the authorities in your life have brought you to face your punishment before God and everyone else. 

How do you feel? Probably like me, terrified! But then instead, Jesus gets down off of the Judge's chair, walks over to your accusers, and says, "Well, which one of you are perfect? You can be the one to cast the judgment." And then one by one, they drop their charges. Then He walks over to you, and He says—and this is actually what He is saying to you now—"I don't condemn you either. Go and be free of your sin."

Judge Not, and You Will Not Be Judged

You see, out of all the people in the story with Jesus, only one received His forgiveness—the one facing judgment, not casting it. As long as you are in the judgment seat, Jesus says you are actually going to receive it the most! "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2.

It's like you are trying to dig your way out of a ditch, but with every pile of dirt you shovel out, one more is piled in. That's what happens when you judge others. In fact, Jesus goes on to say that the bad you see in others are actually your own flaws: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:3-5.

It's like you were sitting in your house, noticing everyone's flaws out the window, but what you don't realize is that you're not looking at a window, but a mirror. And every judgment you cast on "others" is actually one you're casting on yourself.

The Remedy
So what's the remedy? The antidote to judgment is actually mercy.
That's what Jesus showed with the adulterous woman. Actually I shouldn't call her that; I should more rightly call her the forgiven woman. Because when she was at her lowest, Jesus showed her mercy, and it gave her forgiveness. The Bible says, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13 

In a fighting match, mercy is stronger than judgment. So if you are feeling clogged up with judgment-for yourself and for others-God wants you to take a mercy pill. He wants you to first accept the mercy He is offering you, and then start to give it to others. He wants you to put yourself in the position of the adulterous woman and not in the position of her judges. Because as you give mercy, you will receive it in return.
 

Take a Mercy Pill
Take God's mercy pill today...and start to take it everyday. 

Every time you start to judge someone, just pause and take a dose of God's mercy instead. Think of how many of your flaws Jesus has forgiven. Let it flow through your soul and touch others in return. 

For example, today I was at the grocery store, and started to judge the woman in front of me. But then I started to think instead of all the good things about her, and I started to feel mercy for myself too! It's the same for you: you can start to live a life of mercy for yourself and others.

Source : ichristianlife by email

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Kisah Akhir Para Rasul

"Kalau kamu tetap bertahan, kamu akan memperoleh hidupmu."
 -Lukas 21:19

Buat yang sering merasa hidupnya tak berguna dan terlalu banyak menderita dengan segala keadaannya, sehingga memilih jalan pintas meninggalkan Tuhan, atau memilih kesenangan semu dengan meninggalkan Tuhan karena popularitas, jabatan dan harta duniawi. Coba lihat kisah akhir para Rasul, sepanjang hidup mereka sampai dengan kematian datang.
Tidak ada rasa mengeluh meski mungkin dalam hati mereka ingin berontak, tapi demi kebenaran Injil dari Tuhan, terus setia mempertahankan panggilan Tuhan sampai nafas terakhir mereka.

Rasul Petrus,

Semasa hidupnya Rasul Petrus berkhotbah Injil di Pontus, Galatia, Kapadokia, Betania, Italia, dan Asia.
Rasul yang dikenal karena pernah menyangkal Tuhan Yesus Kristus. Akhir hidupnya disalib dengan kepala kebawah di kayu salib yang berbentuk huruf X sesuai permintaan Petrus sendiri di Roma, Itali. 

Ia merasa tidak layak untuk mati dan disalib sperti Tuhan Yesus.

Rasul Andreas,

Rasul Andreas ini berkhotbah di Scythians dan Thracia. Saudara Simon Petrus ini sebelumnya didera dan diikat di kayu salib berbentuk huruf X dan tergantung selama dua hari di Patrae, Yunani dan di sana juga ia dikuburkan.

Sebelum meninggal, Andreas di siksa dengan hukum cambuk oleh tujuh tentara dan diikat di salib. Dengan cara ini mereka bisa memperpanjang masa sakit dan masa siksaan nya. Seorang pengikut Andreas yg turut menyaksikan hukuman Andreas menceritakan perkataan yang telah di ucapkan oleh Andreas sebelum meninggal dunia :

"Ternyata keinginan dan cita-cita saya bisa terkabul, dimana saya bisa turut merasakan saat bahagia dengan di siksa dan disalib seperti Yesus".

Bahkan pada saat ia disiksa pun tiada hentinya terus berkhotbah, dua hari sebelum ajalnya tiba. Berkhotbah sambil di hukum cambuk.

Rasul Yakobus anak Zebedeus,

Rasul Yakobus ini adalah Rasul yang sesuai cerita Alkitab merupakan Rasul yang pertama kali di panggil Tuhan Yesus bersama-sama dengan Rasul Petrus, Andreas dan Yohanes saudaranya (Matius 4:18-22).
Di akhir hidupnya sesuai dengan Kitab Kisah Para Rasul 12:2 dibunuh dengan pedang sesuai dengan perintah raja Herodes Agripa I di Yerusalem sebelum hari raya roti tidak beragi.
Meski mengalami masa-masa sulit dan detik-detik terakhir dalam hidupnya ia tidak pernah menyangkal Tuhan Yesus, bahkan ia berusaha untuk berkhotbah terus, bukan hanya kepada para tawanan lainnya saja, bahkan kepada orang yang menghukum dan menyiksa dia dengan kejamnya.
Sehingga akhirnya orang Romawi yang menjadi penjaga dan penyiksa dia, bisa turut bertobat. Penjaga Romawi itu mendampingi Yakobus pada saat ia dihukum penggal, bukannya sekedar hanya untuk turut menyaksikannya saja, melainkan juga untuk turut dihukum dan dipenggal bersama dengan Yakobus.

Rasul Yohanes saudara Yakobus,

Rasul Yohanes ini mencapai usia lanjut dan satu-satunya rasul yang meninggal dengan tenang di Efesus, Turki.
Tapi walaupun demikian ia juga pernah merasakan digoreng di dalam bak minyak mendidih di Roma namun keajaiban terjadi. sehingga walaupun ia telah di goreng hidup-hidup, ia bisa hidup terus. Tetapi akhir nya ia dibuang dah diasingkan ke pulau PATMOS untuk kerja paksa di tambang batubara. Pada saat ia berada di sana, ia mendapatkan wahyu sehingga ia bisa menulis kitab WAHYU.

Rasul Filipus,

Akhir hidup Rasul Filipus disesah, dipenjarakan, dan kemudian disalibkan di Heliopolis, Frigia karena menginjil dan dikuburkan disitu.

Rasul Bartolomeus,

Rasul Bartolomeus adalah Rasul yang pertama kali yang mengaku bahwa Kristus itu adalah Anak Allah (Yohanes 1:49). Rasul Bartolomeus menjadi pekabar Injil di tanah Asia, antara lain ia memberikan kesaksian di Turki.
Akhir hidupnya dipukuli / dicambuk sampai kulitnya terlepas (dikuliti), dan disalibkan dengan kepala ke bawah di India atau Armenia.

Rasul Thomas,

Meski dalam cerita Alkitab diceritakan kalau Thomas adalah murid Tuhan Yesus yang paling meragukan kebangkitan Kristus. Namun, setelah itu Kristus juga muncul kepadanya dan Thomas percaya sampai mati. Thomas kemudian disegel segala kesaksiannya dan akhir hidup Rasul Thomas dorong dan dengan pinus ditombak, disiksa, dibakar hidup-hidup.

Matius pemungut cukai,

Rasul Matius akhir hidupnya mati disiksa dan dibunuh dengan pedang di Nadabah, Etiopia.

Yakobus anak Alfeus,

Rasul Yakobus adalah pemimpin Gereja Yerusalem. Pada akhir hidupnya saat sedang berkhotbah dia dipukul, dilempari batu dan dijatuhkan dari atas bubungan Bait Allah tempat Tuhan Yesus dicobai di Yerusalem, dan dikuburkan di situ di samping Bait Allah.

Tadeus atau Yudas (bukan Iskariot),

Yudas saudara nya dari Tuhan Yesus di hukum mati dengan panah, karena ia tidak bersedia untuk mengingkari Yesus.
Ada juga yang menceritakan bahwa dia disalibkan di Edessa, Yunani.

Simon orang Zelot,

Simon adalah seorang fanatik Yahudi yang berusaha untuk mengatur rakyatnya bebas dari penindasan Romawi. Setelah dia melihat dengan mata sendiri bahwa Kristus telah bangkit, ia menjadi fanatik Injil.
Para sejarawan menceritakan tentang berbagai tempat Rasul Simon menyatakan kabar baik tentang Kristus di Mesir, Kirene, Afrika, Mauritania, Inggris, Libya, dan Persia.
Akhir hidupnya diceritakan disalibkan oleh gubernur di Suriah (di Britania, Eropa)

Yudas Iskariot,

Rasul yang dikenal karena menjual Tuhan Yesus ini akhir hidupnya mati gantung diri di luar Yerusalem.

Rasul Matias,

Rasul yang mengabarkan injil di tanah Ethiopia. Rasul Matias dipilih untuk sebagai pengganti Yudas Iskariot akhir hidupnya mati dengan cara dirajam dan dipenggal kepalanya di Yerusalem.

Rasul Paulus,

Rasul Paulus, dirinya penganiaya iman Kristen (Galatia 1:13), dibawa ke pertobatannya pada saat perjalanan ke Damaskus saat akan pergi menangkap dan membawa para pengikut Tuhan untuk dibawa ke Yerusalem yang kemudian akan disiksa (Kisah Para Rasul 9).

Akhir hidupnya Rasul Paulus di siksa dgn sangat kejam dan akhir nya di penggal kepala nya oleh Kaisar Nero di Roma pd thn 67. Pasul Paulus adalah yang paling lama mengalami masa siksaaan di penjara. Kebanyakan surat-surat dari dia di buat dan di kirim dari penjara.

Nah, ga ada lagi alasan buat ngeluh saat ikut Tuhan.

Memang terkadang jalan terasa berbatu dan terjal, tapi percayalah, siapa yang setia sampai akhir dialah yang akan menerima mahkota keselamatan.
Begitu pula sebaliknya siapa yang meninggalkan mata air hidup, namanya akan tersurat di tanah.

#disadur dari berbagai sumber

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a Gift

The world is waiting for you to give your gifts — don’t bury them!

So... What talents do you have? And are you hiding them out of fear?

No matter what, God has given you something — and He wants you to use it!

“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).

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How to be a CAUSE for Thanksgiving‏

“When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples.

This brings great glory to My Father”

(John 15:8)

Did you know that one small act from you could CHANGE someone’s LIFE? When I was a teenager, hard-hearted toward God, a Christian told me he was praying for me and that God had a great plan for my life. I had thought God wanted nothing to do with me, and that man told me it couldn’t be further from the truth. That small seed of hope grew into a tree of faith that completely changed my life. I am so thankful to Mark Coffin for showing me Jesus’ love.

When you show God’s love to someone, you are planting a seed in their life—and the potential is tremendous. Jesus said His kingdom is “like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants” (Mark 4:31,32). Like Mark with me, your small act of kindness could change someone’s eternal destiny. Take a moment to think about someone who needs encouragement and how you could show God’s love to them.

Unimaginable Impact

Now, imagine you were not alone in showing Jesus’ love, but joined with Christians all around the world. It’s the difference between one person planting a fruit tree in their yard and a person on every street doing it. If we all joined together, the world could be full of life.

What if we could link the 1-2 billion Christians to do united acts of God’s love to those around us, everyday? That is the vision behind JET: Jesus, Everywhere, Together. Through Facebook and Twitter (each hotlinks), we will be sending you JET moments. It might be a call to pray for your neighbor, or a prompt to tell someone about Jesus’ love. We will join together all around the world to do them and update each other on our stories. Jesus said to us, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Imagine how much light in the world we can produce if we all band together!

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Gift from God

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“Whoever has will be given more;

whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him”

(Mark 4:25)

Have you ever thrown money away?

Sometimes I see small coins lying around the house and want to throw them away, just for a cleaning quick-fix. However, I recently found out that it is illegal to permanently discard or destroy money!

Did you know it’s illegal in God’s Kingdom too?

But your currency isn’t paper bills or coins: it’s your gifts and abilities. Jesus told a story about three servants who were given different amounts of money by their master.

The two with the most invested it and gained more, but the one with the least hid it in the ground out of fear. When the master returned, he congratulated and promoted the two profitable servants, but said about the scared servant, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:28,29).

What talents do you have?

And are you hiding them out of fear? No matter what, God has given you something—and He wants you to use it! “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).

The greatest use of any gift is to bring glory to God so that others will want to know Him. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Here are some possible talents He might have given you:

- Exhortation

- Giving

- Leadership

- Mercy

- Prophecy

- Service

- Teaching

Your gifts could also be in the form of art, music, communication, education, or connections.

Do you need help figuring out how to use your gift?

First of all, ask God because He wants to help you. But secondly, we want to help you too! Respond to this e-mail and ask for guidance from an Online Missionary on how to use your gifts.

The goal is that, at the end of days, Jesus would say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”

The world is waiting for you to give your gifts—don’t bury them!

So, let’s pray that:

- We would know how God has gifted us individually

- We would have courage to step out and use our gifts

- We would use our gifts to benefit the world

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The Greatest Gift You Can Give God‏

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Scripture : “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:16,17)

So : God has saved you from Hell, freed you from judgment for all your sins, given His wonderful Spirit to live inside of you, and is preparing a place for you in Heaven. This probably makes you want to say “Thank you!” However…

What do you get for the person who has everything?

If you’ve ever tried to find a gift for someone who already has it all, you know how hard it can be. Now what about for God? He said, “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). All the cattle on a thousand hills—that’s hard to beat!

But this reminds me of when I was a little girl.

There was nothing of any material value I could give my dad to show my love; I didn’t have any money! So I gave what I could: cards telling him how much I love him; pictures I painted for him; “coupons” to spend time with me; and kindness to my brother. These things meant more to him than anything I could ever buy. In fact, to this day, he still has some of the things I made him, and when asked what he wants for his birthday, he says, “Peace at home.”

God is the same way.

King David said to God, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:16,17). What He really wants is heartfelt love from you and care for others. Just like my handmade cards and pictures, here are gifts that God loves:

• Tell Him how much You Love and Appreciate Him : God said, “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me” (Psalm 50:23). That’s what I was doing when I drew my dad little cards expressing my love.
• Spend Time with Him : “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God wants to spend time with you just like my dad loves to spend time with me!
• Do What He Asks : Jesus said, “If you love Me, obey My commandments” (John 14:15). Would you believe your friend loved you if you always did things that he hated?
• Care for Others : Jesus said, “The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me'” (Matthew 25:40). When you do something kind for someone else, it’s like you’re doing it for Jesus.
• Live in Peace with Others : “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (Philippians 2:2). Just like my dad wants peace at home, God wants peace amongst His children. Show Him your love by being kind and forgiving towards others.

These are just a few ways to show God how much you love and appreciate Him

What’s your way? Just like my dad loved my little pictures and gifts, God loves the unique way you show Him your love. Let us know how you show your love to God!

So, this week, let’s pray that:

• We would truly realize how much God has done for us
• We would show Him our love for Him and bring Him happiness
• We would be full of gratitude for what God has done for us

“Heavenly Father, I want to know u more, to serve u more and more”

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Find Where You Belong‏

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“And now that you belong to Christ,

you are the true children of Abraham.

You are His heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you”

(Galatians 3:29)

Now that you believe in Jesus, where do you belong?

Think about the difference between a sports fan and an actual player on the team. The fan gets to cheer from the sidelines, but a player gets to experience the game. He trains with the team, gets deep camaraderie, and feels the amazing joy of winning. When the first believers put their faith in Jesus, they formed an incredible community, much like a team: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

God has a place for you to belong on the team.

He wants you to experience the fulfillment of deep friendship with other believers, the training from spiritual coaches, and the joy of winning as a team. I remember how intensely my life changed when I became a part of a church: I went from being a casual believer on the sidelines to being a full participant in the game, and my joy level went from 0 to 100. Now I want the same for you!

Here are some ways that you can belong and experience the amazing joy of being on a team :

• Join a Church : Meeting with a local group of believers will give you the amazing benefits of a spiritual family.
• Join a Bible Study : Study the Bible, ask questions, and pray together in an online small group.
• Join Chapel : Join with other believers anytime to worship and learn about Jesus. Inspiring worship music, great preaching, and live prayer.

Hopefully these opportunities are helpful to you!

So, let’s pray together that:

• We would find other Christians to join together with
• We would help newer believers grow in their faith in God

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Take Up Your Mat and Walk

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11-12)

Have you ever had a friend say sorry to you over and over, even after you’ve already forgiven them?

It’s insulting. In repeatedly apologizing, they’re saying, “I’m not sure if you’ve really forgiven me; I still feel guilty.” In essence, they’re doubting your word.

Imagine how much more insulting it is to God!

Psalm 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Just think how far the east is from the west. It’s basically infinity—the two can never meet. So, imagine for a moment, you and your sins bound together. Then God comes and separates the two of you, sending your sin traveling to the west and you to the east. But maybe you haven’t truly let go of your guilt.

Look what Jesus did:

“Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.’ But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, ‘That’s blasphemy! Does He think He’s God?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, ‘Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.’ Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!’ And the man jumped up and went home!” (Matthew 9:2-7).

Now, say the newly-healed man went home with his mat and laid on it, continuing to live like he was still paralyzed.

That’s what you might be doing with your sins! Jesus has said to you, “My child, be encouraged! Your sins are forgiven! Now get up and experience life in freedom!” But you can’t fully believe it, so you lay back down on your mat of paralysis and depression, missing out on what God has for you. I have been like that. But God is making this verse real to me: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36).

And He wants to make it real for you.

Ask Him right now to help you truly know that your sins are forgiven. Ask Him to help you take up your mat and walk in the fulfilling life He has for you. There is so much He has planned for you to do! Today is the day for you to take up your mat and walk.

So, let’s pray that :

• We would experience true separation from our past.
• We would take up our mat and walk in God’s great will.
• We begin to run with the vision God has given us.

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What Beats Cause and Effect?

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“But God showed His great love for us

by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”

(Romans 5:8)

They say “What comes around goes around.”

That describes the law of Cause and Effect. The Bible says it another way: “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). What have you been sowing? Peace, love, and kindness—all of the time? If so, you’re in luck.

But if not, what fate awaits you? This is a tricky one, for the biblical principle of sowing and reaping still stands. However, there is a higher law

Forgiveness trumps Cause and Effect—every time.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross—mid-crucifixion—He said to God on your behalf, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34).

Can you believe it? It’s hard enough for me to forgive someone after they’ve hurt me, let alone while they are doing it. But in the middle of crucifixion, being tortured and killed as the Son of God for coming to save His own people, Jesus stands in the gap and tells God: I’m asking you not to hold it against them; they don’t know what they’re doing.

If you’re banking on your deeds to save you or condemn you, think again:

The fact is, you have not done more good than bad: quite the opposite. And if you’re hoping your good deeds are going to set you up for a good afterlife, guess again. Concerning Cause and Effect, we all deserve

Hell. That is the proper application of “What comes around goes around.” But there’s a higher law—Jesus’ law of love and forgiveness. The Bible says, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When He died for you, His sacrifice stretched over your sins and covered them completely, like a thick blanket.

Jesus completely absorbed your punishment. In doing so He wasn’t saying, “Oh, no more sowing and reaping; that rule is getting tossed out.” Instead, He said, “I’m going to take their punishment.

They’re going to get the positive consequences for my perfect actions (Heaven) and I’m going to take the dreadful consequences for their actions (crucifixion).” He took your Cause and Effect and gave you His instead.

Now, who do you need to forgive? Jesus said it plainly, “But if you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins” (Mark 11:26). By holding on to a grudge, you’re disqualifying yourself from Jesus’ forgiveness. Instead of holding a grudge, let someone have the grace Jesus gave you. Say, “Father forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing, just as I don’t. Thank you so much for forgiving me.”

Forgiveness is the greatest need in the world. Today, receive God’s gift of forgiveness to you and give it to someone else.

So, let’s pray together that:

• We would truly understand how forgiven we are

• We would truly forgive others from the heart

• Global Media Outreach would help many others experience Jesus’ forgiveness

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What's your Worst-case Scenario?

source by email

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 4:6,7).

Today I want you to think about the worst thing that could happen in your life. Is it sickness? Bankruptcy? Loneliness? Normally I like to talk about nice things, but I want to share with you how God has been helping me with my worry. You see, I worry a lot. And most of my worries never come true.

But say the worst of the worst happened, whatever that is for you. There are a few things you can know will never be affected, no matter what goes wrong:

• God will still be glorified: “’As surely as I live,' says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to Me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God'" (Romans 14:11)

• God will never leave you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)

• Jesus will never stop loving you: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39)

So I’d like you to do this exercise with me. Fill in the blank with your worst worry and say out loud: “If God wants to glorify Himself through _______________, then so be it. He will never leave me, abandon me, or take His love away from me. And I will arrive at the End of Days with Jesus in Heaven.”

Because that is the ultimate worst-case scenario: that you would arrive at the Day of Judgment and not be admitted into Heaven. But Jesus has promised you: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me” (John 10:27,28).

What are you worrying about today? Give it to God. This is how I do it: I imagine my worry as a ball that I throw to God for Him to deal with. I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Sometimes I have to throw my worry ball to Him just once; sometimes once an hour. But He always gives me His peace in exchange. And He will do the same for you.

So, let’s pray together that:

• We would completely give all our worries over to God and receive His peace

• We would rest in the knowledge that He will ultimately be glorified

• We would completely give God all our worries

Every time you worry this week, throw your worry ball to God.

Thank Him that He will never leave you, and ask for His peace.

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God Wants to Renew His Vows‏

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“’For the mountains may move and the hills disappear,

but even then my faithful love for you will remain.

My covenant of blessing will never be broken,’

says the LORD, who has mercy on you”

(Isaiah 54:10).

Have you ever seen a married couple renew their vows? It’s so beautiful. After years of hardships, things not going the way they thought, and weird traits they didn’t know about, they still say: I’d do it all over again. I’d marry you a million times over.

That’s what God says to you today. He knows all the sins you’ve committed—and all the ones you’re going to commit. He knows all the things you didn’t do just how He wanted and how you will resent and misunderstand Him at times. And He still says to you: I love you today like I did yesterday. And I’d die for you all over again. I don’t regret it one bit. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love; with unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself” (Jeremiah 31:3).

I was the person Jesus was talking to when He said, “You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:17,18).

And now He wants to hear it from you. Think how much a person wants to hear “I love you too” when they confess their own love. Would you tell Him that you would do it all over again—even though things haven’t gone the way you planned, and maybe He hasn’t answered your every prayer just how you wanted? Maybe even God is different than you imagined Him…would you still commit your whole life to Him again today? In fact, will you do it today?

Renew your Vows with God today. Maybe circumstances have caused you to drift from God. It’s not to late to return. He says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). No matter what has happened in your past, God has a wonderful plan for your future. Right after He said, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love; with unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself”, He said, “I will rebuild you, My virgin Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with your tambourines” (Jeremiah 31:4).

God wants to rebuild you and your relationship with Him. He renews His vows with you today and is waiting for you to do the same. He longs to hear from you, “God, I’d do it all over again. I love you today and I will never take back my commitment to you.”

So, let us pray that:

• We would understand and feel God’s great love for us

• We would get a fresh love and passion for God

• We would hear what God wants us to do

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Staying Fearless

source : JesusDaily

We subject ourselves to a position of fear, allowing anxiety to dominate and define our lives. Joy-sapping worries. Day–numbing dread. Repeated bouts of insecurity that petrify and paralyze us. Fear will always knock on your door. Just don't let it in. Learn to trust more and fear less.

Follow Max Lucado's eight steps and learn how to overcome fear.

Pray First

Don't pace up and down the floors of the waiting room; pray for a successful surgery. Don't bemoan the collapse of an investment; ask God to help you. Don't join the chorus of co-workers who complain about your boss; invite them to bow their heads with you and pray for him. Inoculate yourself inwardly to face your fears outwardly. "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him... "(1 Peter 5:7 AMP).

Easy Now, Slow Down

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him" (Ps. 37:7). Imitate the mother of Jesus at the wedding in Cana. The reception was out of wine, a huge social no-no in the days of Jesus. Mary could have blamed the host for poor planning or the guests for overdrinking, but she didn't catastrophize. No therapy sessions or counseling. Instead, she took the shortage straight to Jesus. "When they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, 'They have no wine'" (John 2:3). See how quickly you can do the same. Assess the problem. Take it to Jesus and state it clearly.

Act On It

Become a worry-slapper. Treat frets like mosquitoes. Do you procrastinate when a bloodsucking bug lights on your skin? "I'll take care of it in a moment." Of course you don't! You give the critter the slap it deserves. Be equally decisive with anxiety. The moment a concern surfaces, deal with it. Don't dwell on it. Head off worries before they get the best of you. Don't waste an hour wondering what your boss thinks; ask her. Before you diagnose that mole as cancer, have it examined. Instead of assuming you'll never get out of debt, consult an expert. Be a doer, not a stewer.

Compile a Worry List

Over a period of days record your anxious thoughts. Maintain a list of all the things that trouble you. Then review them. How many of them turned into a reality? You worried that the house would burn down. Did it? That your job would be outsourced. Was it?

Evaluate Your Worry Categories

Your list will highlight themes of worry. You'll detect recurring areas of preoccupation that may become obsessions: what people think of you, finances, global calamities, your appearance or performance. Pray specifically about them.

Focus On Today

God meets daily needs daily. Not weekly or annually. He will give you what you need when it is needed. "Let us therefore boldly approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and in his grace find timelyhelp" (Heb. 4:16 NEB). An ancient hymn expresses the heart this patient waiting creates.

Not so in haste, my heart!Have faith in God, and wait;Although He linger long,He never comes too late.He never comes too late;He knoweth what is best;Vex not thyself in vain; Until He cometh, rest.Until He cometh, rest,Nor grudge the hours that roll;The feet that wait for GodAre soonest at the goal.Are soonest at the goal That is not gained with speed;Then hold thee still, my heart,

For I shall wait His lead.

Unleash a Worry Army

Share your feelings with a few loved ones. Ask them to pray with and for you. They're more willing to help than you might imagine. Less worry on your part means more happiness on theirs.

Let God Be Enough

Jesus concludes his call to calmness with this challenge: "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matt. 6:32–33 NLT).

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Powerful Bible Verses to Defeat Negative Thoughts

source : JesusDaily

Here are eight Bible quotes to inspire you and encourage you to fight depressive thoughts dragging you down today :

Peace

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do Not Worry

Psalm 37:1-40

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. ... "

A Sword

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

No Condemnation

Romans 8:1

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Refocus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Find Strength

Nehemiah 8:10

“Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord.

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

You Are a Conqueror

Psalm 34:1-22

“When he [David] changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be frightened,

and do not be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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