How Qualified are You?‏

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“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Have you ever been to a job interview where they ask you, “What qualifies you for this position?”

You might go on and on about what makes you the best employee they could ever have, desperately hoping for the position.

However, we often do the opposite with God. He comes to you and says, “I have a great plan for your life. I want you to reach many people with My love and display My glory.” And you say, “Not me, God. I can’t do that. I have too much sin, too many weaknesses. You have the wrong person. Pick him over there…he never makes the mistakes I do.”

You’re not alone. Moses did the same thing. God gave him the awesome privilege of delivering His people from slavery. But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been, and I'm not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled" (Exodus 4:10). But it wasn’t like God didn’t know about Moses’ inadequacies. He knew exactly who He was dealing with—and He chose him anyway.

And God has chosen you anyway. He knows your weakness, that sin that always trips you up, every sin you’ve committed so far, and every reason why you shouldn’t get the job. If it were really a matter of qualifications, you’re right: you’re not qualified! But God looks past all of those things and says, “I’ve called you anyways. I love you. I know your weaknesses and I’m going to help you overcome them. I’m not giving up on you. And I have great things for you to do.”

That’s God’s beauty. He chooses the foolish things to confuse the smart, and the humble things to bring down the proud. What is a foolish thing in your life? Your past? Lack of education? Fear of people? God can turn it into a strength. Think about it—what story shows the greatness of a coach more: a strong, talented kid who the coach helped to make a great player? Or a short, fumbling kid who the coach turned into a star? You may feel like the runt of the team, but God plans to turn you into a success story in His kingdom.

What has He called you to? You’re not disqualified for the job just because of your past failings or current weaknesses. God says to you today, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God made fearful Moses into a national deliverer. And He can make you into whatever He wants.

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Prepare to be Surprised‏

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“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Do you have a great plan for your life?

So does God. However the two probably aren’t the same. God promises, “’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). However, He also says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). My mom says it this way: Come up with 20 ways God will do something—and He’ll do it number 21.

Perfect Example.

When the Israelites were escaping Egypt, the fastest way out was through Philistine country. Fastest is best, right? Not to God. The Bible tells us, “God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 13:17,18). Instead of taking them the fastest route, God led them to an impassible body of water. But He knew what He was doing.

And He knows what He is doing in your life. You may have a chosen destination that you feel God is leading you to: ministry, family, health, career. But maybe the route there isn’t quite what you had in mind. Do not fear: God has not abandoned you. Countless men and women in the Bible went on unexpected routes to get to their promise. David went through years in the wilderness before he became king. Sarah was barren for years before having the promised child. And Jesus Himself went through crucifixion before seeing the salvation of the nations.

What circumstances in your life don’t match up to your dreams?

Just because things don’t look exactly like you wanted doesn’t mean God is not at work. God often chooses a more challenging route to His great destination to build our character and show His glory. Think about it: If you were able to accomplish everything on your own, would you really depend on Him? But no matter what, His promise still stands: “’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).

God is not finished with you yet. Keep trusting Him.

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The Gift You Might Not Know About‏

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A lot of Christians are sitting on the greatest gift of all time and don’t know it. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, said to a huge group of unbelievers, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Do you ever feel like being a Christian is hard or like you just can’t do it? That’s a sign that you are missing out on the full benefits of Holy Spirit.

I was just like that when I first became a Christian. I thought that I had to do all of these good things to please God; the problem is I couldn’t find the strength to do them! Then someone told me that the Holy Spirit gives you the power to do the things God wants you to do. After praying for God to fill me with His Spirit, my whole life changed. Suddenly I wanted to read the Bible; wanted to pray; and wanted to tell people about Jesus. I felt connected to God in a whole new way.

I was just like that when I first became a Christian. I thought that I had to do all of these good things to please God; the problem is I couldn’t find the strength to do them! Then someone told me that the Holy Spirit gives you the power to do the things God wants you to do. After praying for God to fill me with His Spirit, my whole life changed. Suddenly I wanted to read the Bible; wanted to pray; and wanted to tell people about Jesus. I felt connected to God in a whole new way.

Have you ever seen an old, dried up piece of leather? Once you put a few drops of oil on it, the leather becomes supple and beautiful again. That’s a picture of what the Holy Spirit does for you as a Christian. Read this verse slowly and insert your name in it: “To ­­­­________ who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, _________ will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory” (Isaiah 61:3). This is what God wants to do for your life through filling you with His Spirit. He wants to take the dried up, old things of your past and replace them with beautiful, healthy things of His Spirit, like love, joy, and peace.

You just need to ask Him. Jesus said, “How much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). Jesus wouldn’t have said that if He didn’t mean it. Take a minute right now and ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Ask Him to make you the Christian He wants you to be. You will never regret being filled with His Spirit. It’s the greatest gift of all time.

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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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Weekly Prayer from GMO

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls'" (Matthew 11:28,29).

Please pray for the people of Pakistan. Hundreds have been killed in the largest city, Karachi, due to political and ethnic unrest in the last several months. Please pray that Pakistanis would see God's great love for them and peace would fill their land.

You ever feel lonely? I do. It’s amazing how you can still be lonely even if you are surrounded by people. It proves that the hole is only filled from feeling truly understood and accepted: from being unconditionally loved. So often I—and maybe you—try to fill the gap with things that do not fill at all. It’s like pouring water in your car’s gas tank and expecting it to go. Maybe you’ve been trying to fill the gap with success or relationships. But you still can’t shake the loneliness.

Jesus wants to fill that gap. The Bible talks about the concept of “a friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). The picture is of a friend who is committed to you through thick and thin. Imagine going through a really hard time where everyone leaves you, but your one friend stands by your side and says, “I love you. I’m committed to you ‘til the end, and I’m never going to leave.” That’s the kind of friendship Jesus offers you.

Jesus never leaves His friends. When people criticized his disciples, He stood up for them. When they did stupid things, He was patient with them. Even when they abandoned Him at His death, He came back to show them He was resurrected. But the greatest act of His friendship was taking on the worst death possible to save their lives. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Did you know that you are one His friends if you believe in Him? Jesus is the one that is never going to leave you, criticize you, or misunderstand you—and He wants to be your best friend.

Just starting talking to Him today. Tell Him how you feel. Tell Him what you need help with. Ask Him your questions. If you call out to Him, He will answer you. His friendship is the gasoline that will truly fill your tank.

So this week let us pray that :

• Jesus will become your best friend
• We will be good friends to others

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

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Dirimu dan Diriku

dirimu seperti bayangan awan dilangit yang cerah...

berarak datang dan seketika menghilang

hanya bisa kupandang dan tak pernah bisa kuraih

sejauh mata memandang dan sedalam hati terasa

dirimu seperti semilir angin...

datang menyejukkan dan pergi meninggalkan rasa

tak sempat merasa dalam waktu lama

hanya menunggu angin itu datang lagi

dirimu seperti pasir dilaut...

saat kuraih kau masih ada

tapi ketika kugenggam kau terlepas diantara jemariku

meninggalkan sedikit debu yang hampir tak berarti

dirimu seperti cahaya sesaat...

hadir memenuhi ruangan hatiku yang gelap membeku

tapi ketika cahaya itu mulai menyala lebih terang

kuredupkan kembali menjadi seperti sediakala

itulah dirimu

semakin kupertahankan dirimu

semakin kau menjauh meninggalkanku

aku berlari menyusuri sisi lorong kehampaan tanpa batas

mencoba meraih satu keindahan baru

tapi yang tampak disana hanya bayang-bayang masa lalu

kupikir semuanya akan kembali lagi

kembali seperti dulu lagi

kembali diam dan menyendiri

sepi dan tak ada dirimu lagi

diriku kini seperti rumput kering dipadang

jatuh dan terbang menghilang dibalik hutan

kehilangan keseimbangan dan arah tujuan

berlari mengikuti bayangan kelam

kucoba menghentikan waktu

tapi waktu berlari meninggalkanku

kucoba duduk diam dan bertahan

sampai kesudahanku tiba

aku tak mampu bersuara dan berkata

hanya bisa menatap semuanya dan merenungi

akhir sebuah kehidupan lama dari seorang perempuan

perempuan biasa yang terlalu biasa menghadapi lelahnya hidup

waktu memaksaku memilih

satu dari keinginan yang tak bisa kuraih

mengalah dan membiarkan diri kembali terpuruk

dan membiasakan diri mereguk segelas sesal

dan sakit hati yang masih semangkuk penuh diatas meja hidupku

akulah dia

seorang perempuan biasa yang hampir tak mampu menghadapi kenyataan lagi

seorang perempuan lemah yang terlalu banyak berharap pada keadaan

seorang perempuan yang kemudian

berusaha mengakhiri semua kenyataan hidup ini

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