Power to Change » stacy

” Special Delivery” ?

Thu, 11 Nov 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”?
(Romans 10:15)

Tanya and Kathy were prayer-walking through a neighborhood. Suddenly a young woman named Deborah ran across her yard to meet them

Tanya asked Deborah if they could pray for her. Deborah had just asked God to send someone to tell her about Jesus. Deborah went and got her friend Gracie so she could hear too.

Tanya and Kathy explained how their new friends could have a personal relationship with God. Deborah and Gracie bowed their heads and invited Jesus Christ into their hearts.

Friend, the Bible says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”.?

Think of one person you know who needs to hear about Christ.? Then put your beautiful feet into motion. Go and share the Good News with them today.

And tell them it’s a “Special Delivery” ? from Someone who loves them!

Related Links:

How You Can be a Fruitful Witnesshttp://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/tcfruitwitness2.htmlAbout the Author
This article was written by vonette. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/vonette/

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” Two Kinds Of Unforgiveness???

Wed, 26 Jan 2005 08:00:00 +0000

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubborness as the sin of idolatry.???
(1 Samuel 15:23)

Dorothy had been deeply wounded. The pain was engrained in her soul and she was reminded of it almost daily. She wished she could forgive, she even tried to but somehow she just didn’t know how to get there.

Sheri, on the other hand, dug in her heels in and bristled at the thought of forgiveness. She felt no one could understand the deep pain that had wounded her heart and she believed she could never forgive. Quite simply, she did not even want to.

If you struggle with a deep offense in your heart, do a quick check and see what kind of unforgiveness you are harboring. It can be toxic to your soul.

The first kind is found in the heart of one who has had a very real offense committed again her. She would forgive if she could but the deep pain keeps her from getting there.

Imagine your heart as a home. The home looks tidy from all obvious appearances but in one room unforgiveness is stuffed away. At times the whole house is permeated with the offensiveness.

If this is you and you don’t want this but don’t know how to get rid of it, simply tell God you want to give Him the “key??? to that room in your “heart home???. As you submit this area to God you are acknowledging your trust in Him. You are agreeing to have Him

clean it up and to go with you into that room in God’s time and holding His hand.

It is a willingness to begin the journey of forgiveness with God’s help. He will do an amazing job of house cleaning that will make your heart rejoice.

On the other hand is the unwilling heart. Although it is humanly understandable that one might rebel against forgiveness the result is simply not worth it. Your whole life can become affected as the toxins of anger and mistrust permeate through your “heart home???.

Refusing to forgive is like holding rebellion in your heart. God speaks about such things in His Word… “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubborness as the sin of idolatry.??? (1 Samuel 15:23)

As Christians we would never consider getting involved in witchcraft, yet the rebellion of a heart in unforgiveness can open the same kinds of doors in our lives. Willful unforgiveness, with no openness to begin the journey of forgiveness, can allow the enemy of your soul to stake a claim. Give God the key today. He can be trusted with the journey to bring your heart to wholeness.

~Father God,Thank you that You understand my pain and my inability to forgive. I need your help. Today I submit to You the key to that room in my heart that holds unforgiveness. I declare my trust in You today to hold my hand and help me journey to forgiveness and wholeness. Thank you for Your unconditional love to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.Related Links:

How To Forgive:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/devotionals/women/1663.html

About the Author
This article was written by Gail Rodgers. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/gail-rodgers/

“a Dozen Lives Today???

Thu, 30 Dec 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“Come and hear, all who fear the God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”
(Psalm 66:16)

So many women have said to me, “Vonette, the reason I don’t tell others about Christ, is because my Christian life just isn’t that exciting!????

So… what about you?? Is that how you feel?? Maybe you need to get back into the Word… spend time with God in prayer.? Maybe it’s time to light the fire you once had for telling others about Jesus.? I love this little verse… what a great reminder it is to me of how my life, no matter how seemingly simple, can touch others.

My life shall touch a dozen lives

Before this day is done.

This, the wish I always wish,

The prayer I always pray;

Lord, may my life help other lives

It touches by the way.

Make that your goal today… to touch lives right where you are for eternity!

Related Links:

How to Share:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/howtosharefourlaws.html

About the Author
This article was written by vonette. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/vonette/

“approved” ?

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of God???
(2 Timothy 2:15)

To feel approval is one of our basic needs. Children seek it from their parents; teens seek it from their peer group; co-workers look for it from each other or from their boss; students look for it from a teacher and spouses need it from each other.

Yet approval is one of the things we often withhold, sometimes without even realizing it. Our relationships suffer as a result.

? God has given us His approval and knows that when we understand that, it will change the way we act.? He says…

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of God??? (2 Timothy 2:15).

Even though we don’t always act in ways that God would approve of, we know that He approves of us as His children and He loves us unconditionally. When we pass that on to those we are in relationship with, it changes our relationships.

Is there a close relationship in your life that is feeling strained these days? Do you offer approval and unconditional love of that person even when the behavior present may need to be addressed?

Many husbands and wives feel the un-approving glance of their spouse. Many children and teens struggle for the approval of their parents and often go about looking for their attention in all the wrong ways. In-laws and friends can feel that cold shoulder when they have done things differently than we would have.

- Thank God today for His approval of you, as an individual, and for His unconditional love for you. Thank Him for His loving guidance that propels you back to His ways when you slip away.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you unconditional love for the one in your strained relationship. Ask Him to reveal to you the good within that person that you can wholeheartedly approve of.

- Pray for wisdom and understanding in finding help to address behavior that needs to be changed.

~Father God,

Today I ask that You would help me to pass on the approval and unconditional love You offer to me. Give me Your insight and wisdom to nourish this relationship that concerns me today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Related Links:

Horrible Day:http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/kjkhorribleday.htmlAbout the Author
This article was written by Gail Rodgers. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/gail-rodgers/

“beauty???

Wed, 03 Nov 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“You created my inner-most being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!”
Psalms 139:13-14

Did you know you are a prescription baby?? It’s true!? God gave you a “custom design”? He has uniquely equipped you… He has a specific goal He wants you to accomplish for His purpose.

David writes in the Psalms. “You created my inner-most being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Praise God for the wonderful and unique way He has created your body and mind!? Don’t try to be like someone else. Ask God to show you the custom design with which He created you.

Oh precious one, He longs to show you the beauty He sees in you!? Ask him today!? I assure you, that His reply will be endless!

Friend, let God make you an original you today!

Related Links:

“Like Watching God Birth a New Christian in the Middle of the? Freeway. . .”

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/kmteacomfort.html

About the Author
This article was written by vonette. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/vonette/

“get In The Water???

Sun, 07 Nov 2004 08:00:00 +0000

” Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth.”
(2 Timothy 2:15)

For many years Kim Linehan held the world swimming record in the women’s 1500-meter freestyle.? Kim’s workouts involved swimming 7 to 12 miles every day.

Someone asked her, “What’s the hardest part of your workout?”? She said simply, “Getting in the water”!?

How true that is!? Ask any writer and they’ll tell you the hardest sentence to write is the first one.?

Sometimes our spiritual lives are that way too.? We put off studying the Bible or spending regular time in prayer.? But dear one, there could be no better investment of your time than to spend a few moments with God and his Word.

So, today, jump in!? Get your feet wet!? Don’t wait until you “feel like it.”? Start your day in prayer and reading God’s word.

Related Links:

Begin a Weekly Bible Study:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/nbwhoisjames1.html

About the Author
This article was written by vonette. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/vonette/

“god Is In Control???

Thu, 16 Dec 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.
(Psalms 40:8)

Don’t underestimate what God wants to do in your life!? Don’t be surprised at how, even in your weakness, when you’re fully committed to Him… He’ll do marvelous things for His glory.

Vance Havner, the country preacher of another era, said,

“So many Christians live such subnormal lives that when they see what’s ‘normal,’ they think it’s abnormal.”

The only requirement God places on you is that you be faithful… that you put aside your agenda and make His a priority.?

God has a perfect plan for your life.? The article at the end of this devotional may help you find God’s direction for your life.

Remember, we may not be able to understand God’s work on this earth.? But, you know what?? ? It’s not important that we DO understand.

Be encouraged and remember… “God is in control!”

Finding the Will of God

By Oz Hillman

(Psalms 40:8) “I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”

How would you describe the process by which you find and do God’s will in your life? For some, finding God’s will is like playing bumper cars. We keep going in one direction until we bump into an obstacle, turn, and go in another direction. It is a constant process of elimination, failure, or success. Is this the way God would have us find His will? No. There is much more relationship between hearing God’s voice and living within the mystery of His omnipotence in our lives. Perhaps this process is more like water in a streambed. The water is constantly flowing to a final destination. As it presses against the streambed, it gently points the water toward its final destination.

There are no abrupt head-on collisions, simply slight modifications of direction. Occasionally, we come to a sharp turn in the contours of our life. For those times, God allows us to stretch our normal response to change.

A popular Bible study says that we cannot go with God and stay where we are. Finding and doing God’s will always require change.

What changes are necessary in your life to join God in what He is already doing?

There is a direct connection between finding and doing God’s will and having God’s law in our heart.

A friend once complained that he did not know what God wanted of him in his life. My immediate response was, “How much time do you spend with God in Bible study, prayer, and meditation on Scripture?” “Only a few minutes a day,” he replied. How can we expect to hear and discern God’s voice if we don’t spend focused time with Him? If you have a spouse, how did you get to know him or her before you were married? You spent time together. You got to know everything about each other.

Our walk with God is no different. It isn’t enough to have a desire to follow God; we must put our energy into getting to know Him. His will for us flows out of our relationship, it is not an end in itself. Commit yourself to seeking Him more in your life by spending more time with Him.

“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jer. 33:3).

Be encouraged and remember… “God is in control!”

Related Links:

Fadia Naji, Mother:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/wtfadia.html

About the Author
This article was written by vonette. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/vonette/

“invitation???

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place…???
(Mark 6:31)

The view from my friend’s living room was tranquil. This was a place of solitude.

Solitude is hard to find in our cultures today. We hurry, we worry, and we keep our bodies and minds in constant motion. Solitude is quietness, not simply silence. Solitude can lead us to tranquility. The place of solitude is where God’s whisper can be heard.

Perhaps you need to hear His voice in a fresh way today. Perhaps your constant motion drowns out His still, small voice. After a busy day Jesus knew He and His followers needed rest. He gave them an invitation that is still our invitation today. He said,

? “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place…???Mark 6:31.

Sometimes God leads us to a place of solitude when He has something to say to us. He may lead us to a place where we find ourselves all alone with Him. We can struggle and try to push aside the solitude and the circumstances that brought us there. Or we can inquire and ask God what it is He needs us to hear. He may have an inner transformation for our soul; refreshment that we desperately need or direction that we so earnestly seek.

Be purposeful in carving out times of solitude in your life:

1. Ask Him to teach you. Then listen.

2. Ask Him to lead you to Scripture that will speak to your heart. Then listen.

3. Ask Him how He is praying for you. (Romans 8:34) Then listen.

4. Ask Him to show you how He is at work in your life. Then listen.

5. Ask what He wants you to see and do. Then listen.

God’s voice will come:

1. Through the Scripture as He reveals truth to your heart.

2. As quiet thoughts when you ask and listen for His answer.

3. In words from other Christians to confirm what He has told you in your heart and through His Word.

4. As an idea of something kind you can do for someone.

Whether you feel weary, dry and discouraged or hungry for His presence, be deliberate in carving out some regular times of solitude in your life. Choose it. You will never know the richness of this experience if you don’t stop to move into a place of solitude. If your first attempts are restless times with random thoughts afloat in your mind don’t be discouraged. Go again…and again.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.??? RSVP.

~Father God,

I want to choose to listen to your still, small voice. Help me to carve out time for my hurried body and mind to relax and be quieted in your presence.? I know that is where true refreshment waits. I don’t want to settle for less. I accept your invitation to come with you to a quiet place. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Related Links:

The Lord is My Shepherd:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/psalm23.html

About the Author
This article was written by Gail Rodgers. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/gail-rodgers/

“kneading Truth”

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 08:00:00 +0000

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
(Proverbs 3: 5 & 6)

The sticky dough gradually became firm as I kneaded in the flour. It became manageable as the flour disappeared. I couldn’t help but think that, in a similar way, God kneads His truths into my life.

Life gets sticky at times with unanswered questions and unmet needs.? Our natural tendency seems to be to begin doubting our God. Our trust in Him begins to slip before we even know it.

God’s Word gives us truths that can be kneaded into our lives like flour into bread;? truths that keep the consistency of our faith strong even in the midst of question marks. Listen to this promise from God to you…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.? In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”? (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6).

When our own best thinking and understanding fails to eliminate the question marks from our lives, our wholehearted trust can falter.? Left alone in the quandaries of life we can drift from our God, thinking He doesn’t care.

Because God knows us and understands how overwhelming life can be, He instructs us.? He not only tells us to quit trying to figure everything out ourselves and to trust Him completely…but He actually tells us how.

He says to acknowledge Him in all your ways. Simply put that means to talk with Him about everything. “Lord, I don’t understand this unanswered situation in my life but today I ask you to guide my way.? Today I acknowledge You as my God in whom I trust and look to You to direct my path this very day.”

And God begins to knead His truth into your life. As you acknowledge Him in every step and in every detail, your trust grows.

As your trust grows your dependence on needing to understand it all fades and quiet peace takes the place of desperate clamoring.

Inviting Him into all your ways throughout the day moves you from faltering faith to whole hearted trust and to an expectation of His promise to make the path straight.

~Heavenly Father,

I confess my trust in Your guidance falters with the unanswered questions in my life.? Forgive my doubt. Help me to quit striving so hard to figure it all out and to simply invite you today into each thought, each conversation and each decision. I acknowledge You as my trustworthy God and the guide of my life. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Related Links:

The Secret Place:

http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/devotionals/women/1206.html

About the Author
This article was written by Gail Rodgers. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/gail-rodgers/

“Light Dispels Darkness???

Thu, 19 May 2005 09:00:00 +0000

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.???
(Matthew 5:14 -16)

The negative talk was so easy to enter into too. Criticism came easily. Shirley was uncomfortable with it at first but now it just seemed the norm. It was so easy to just join in and add her two cents worth of negativity too. Then last Sunday she heard the pastor say that as a Christian, she was the light of the world! Now that was something to ponder! Whatever did that mean for her in her situation? She read the passage of scripture he had given…

Shirley realized something that was new to her…she was to let the light of Jesus love shine through her to those around her so that God would be revealed. In plain, Monday morning language she knew that meant she was to speak differently. Where negativity was the norm Shirley realized she was to bring light into that conversation and speak positive words that built up. She could bring a change where the shadows of darkness lurked. A light…yes a light that she had kept hidden…until today!

Do you find yourself participating in situations that drag people down by words or actions? Ask God to help you bring light into those places. Be sensitive to when His Spirit nudges you to say a kind word or counter the negative with the positive. Your attitudes and actions as well as your words can be used by God to push back the darkness that surrounds us where we live. You are a light!

~Father in Heaven,Thank you that you have declared me to be a light in this world. There is so much darkness in conversations, attitudes and situations all around me. Please give me wisdom by the power of your Holy Spirit to be what you say I am…a light. Help me to speak works that build up and to show attitudes and actions that will make a difference in the dark. Show me ways today to be your light!

In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Related Links:

Do You Know a Curmudgeon?http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/aucurmud.html

About the Author
This article was written by Gail Rodgers. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/gail-rodgers/