My niece, Valerie, is having surgery tomorrow to have her gaul bladder removed. Please ask everyone to pray for her to have a successful surgery without complications.

My cousin Shirley hasn't been feeling very well lately. Could we all pray for her as well. She has a number of medical problems.

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers. They do work!

Jesus, I trust in thee.............Jeanette

For Terry, Valerie, Shirley
Luke 6:19     Thank You Lord that there is healing in Your touch. Please touch Terry, Valerie, Shirley where Your healing is needed. Please guide the medical staffs & families as they try to help. Let Your glory shine thru each of these lives. In the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 4:5-7, Ezra 8:21-23     Let the light of your face shine upon them, O LORD. Thank You Lord that as they trust in You, their hearts will be filled with great joy and the gracious hand of our Lord Jesus Christ is upon them.
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Nov 24, 2004
Praise!: I'm a little behind in my emails. :)
Look at this wonderful PRAISE!!! Sheila is home for thanksgiving.

Today, we, (my family) has something to be very thankful for this thanksgiving

Sheila is coming home!

Sheila will be released sometime right after noon today. She will bring with her, a wheelchair, a walker, a shower stool, and lots of instructions.

She still will not be able to start learning to walk for about 4 more weeks but they are arranging for in home care, for physical therapy, and helping her set up all her appointments.

Sheila also has 50 percent blockage of the artery leading to the left side of her brain and will have to checked every so often to make sure that it is not becoming more blocked. As long as it is just fifty percent they will not have to do anything about it.

There is no way that I can express my gratitude for all your thoughts and prayers and can only ask that you continue praying for her and giving God the glory for her healing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
jim

For Sheila & family
Psalms 47:2     How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! Thank You Lord for answered prayer!! Glory be to God! Thank You that Sheila was able to be home for thanksgiving.
Phil 1:6, Psalm 121     Thank You Lord that we know You are at work in Sheila's life & body. Please carry on her healing to completion. Thank You Lord that You are Sheila & family's strength. Thank You that You are sovereign. Continue to help them look to You. Watch over their lives. Let them rest in Your perfect peace. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 30, 2004
Please pray for a very dear friend, Ana. She is having a biopsy on her breast today. Also please pray for co-worker Walter. He has a kidney stone they have not been able to remove & is in incredible pain. In addition to everything else, he just lost his sister due to cancer last week.
Thanks Ruth

For Ana & Walter
2 Cor 1:3-4, Matthew 6:8     Thank You Lord that You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. We lift Ana and Walter to You thru our prayers, for Your comfort, Your healing. Thank You Lord that You know what they need before we ask. Please touch each where Your healing is needed. Relieve any pain or discomfort. Please allow Walter's kidney stone to be removed. Allow Ana's biopsy to go smoothly and have good results. Guide the medical staff & families as they try to help. Please place the right people at the right time to help each. Glory be to God! In the name of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2     Lord, let your grace and peace be with each in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Nov 30, 2004
Trust God for Results!

1 Corinthians 3:7     Only God ... makes things grow.

This idea is still on my heart today. In our excitement and desire to serve the Lord, it's easy to think that it's our responsibilty to produce results. To somehow help speed things along. This causes us to place too much faith in our ability and too little faith in God's.

Paul saw this same thing in the Corinthian church (1 Cor 3:1-11). Paul reminded them that it is God alone who brings the seed to fruition. This is good for us to remember too. The best way to serve is to faithfully plant and tend the seed, then TRUST God for the results.

Thank You Lord for Your grace, that makes the seed grow. Help each of us faithfully plant and tend Your seeds. Show us how to TRUST You to bring these seeds to fruition thru Your grace; a grace that can reach where no one else can. In the name of Jesus Christ.

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Nov 29, 2004
Rain From Heaven

Psalms 104:1,13,34     Praise the LORD , O my soul.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.

The mountains are too high to be watered by rivers and brooks, so the Lord waters them from 'His upper chamber'. He waters them with rain from heaven.

The Lord can reach where we cannot. Where none can water with grace, He can. Rains from heaven supply all that is needed. Notice that the fruit, this fullness cannot be produced without this rain.

James 5:7,18     Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.
Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Notice the autumn and spring rains, again. They are a necessary preliminary to the harvest. The early rain fell at sowing time, about November or December; the latter rain, about March or April, to mature the grain for harvest. The latter rain that shall precede the coming spiritual harvest, will probably be another Pentecost-like effusion of the Holy Spirit.

The result of this 'rain from heaven', this divine working, is fullness everywhere ... nothing is left without supply. The earth is full of the Lords riches.

Thank You, Lord for Your rains from heaven, for Your grace, for Your ability to reach the unreachable. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of the riches You have placed around each of us. Thank You that as we see these riches we will rejoice in the Lord! In the name of Jesus Christ.

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Nov 24, 2004
Everlasting Father

Isaiah 9:6     ... And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The coming Messiah is referred to among other names as the "Everlasting Father". The word everlasting shows that Jesus would be much more than a leader of men. He was here long before anything else and will rule for all eternity. He alone can bring us everlasting life. He is worthy of our praise!

John 3:16     For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Philippians 2:9-11     Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Psalm 72:19     Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

Psalm 113:2     Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Father for Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that He is exalted in the highest place, above all. Thank You, Everlasting Father for eternal life. Let this truth sink deep into our hearts. Thank You that as it does we will praise Your name both now and forevermore! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

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Nov 22, 2004
Put Up Your Shield!

Ephesians 6: 16     Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Notice the highlighted words! Above all take the shield of faith. Also notice this shield of faith - it quenches All fiery darts, not just some! It is important for us to realize that no matter what kind of fiery darts the enemy may shoot at us, that ultimately, in light of eternity, they cannot hurt us!

More on shields...

Psalm 84:11     For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 119:114     You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Your Word.

Psalm 3:3     But You are a shield around me, O LORD ; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

Lord please remind each of us to take our shield of faith - above all. Remind each that with this shield of faith All fiery darts of the enemy are quenched. Thank You Lord that You are our shield and the lifter of our heads. Please continue to lift our heads toward You. Let each of us feel Your protection around us in a very real way. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 20, 2004
Faithful One

Hebrews 13:8     Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 6:17-20     Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Isaiah 26:3-4     You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD , the LORD , is the Rock eternal.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord for Your faithful unchanging nature. Thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, the hope that is an anchor for our souls. Help each of us firmly grasp and hang on to this hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ our Rock eternal.
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Nov 19, 2004
Higher Love

Psalm 108:4     For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

For your love is great above the heavens; and so there is no limit of time, or place, or people. Your love is greater than the mountains, though they pierce the clouds; earth cannot hold it all, it is so vast, so boundless, so exceeding high that the heavens themselves are exceeded by it. As far as we can see we behold thy truth and faithfulness, and there is much beyond which lies hidden in cloud.

Therefore sing and make music with all you soul!

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord for Your love and faithfulness, which are so great, beyond what we can imagen. Touch each of us with this vast love today & always. Thank You that as we feel Your love our hearts and souls will be filled with praise. Keep our hearts steadfast, oh Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 18, 2004
One Thing's For Certain
From On Your Own feature by M. Wayne Brown

Hebrews 13:8     Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 55:6,8-9     Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD . "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Jesus is the same yesterday, today & forever, yet He is not predictable & His ways are not our ways. How can this be?

Has God ever surprised you? Has He ever revealed himself to be stronger or bigger than expected? How then can He be the same?

Here's a good example from the above article to think about.

Even in April
For several years I've maintained a counseling office in downtown Denver's quaint and historic Grant Street mansion. And every morning-at precisely 9:55-a slightly disheveled, gray-haired whistler has come shuffling past my garden-level window. With his tune nearly engulfed by the low, dull hum of passing cars and buses, however, I've only been able to discern that-not what-he is whistling.

Fortunately, I was sitting one day with a client who was familiar with the whistler's morning routine, when a most unusual thing happened. At 9:55 the whistler came shuffling past my window.singing! I interrupted my client midsentence (I'm not kidding about this) and said, "He's singing! The whistler is singing!" After I explained to my client that the whistler had never sung before and that it had caught me off guard, we resumed the session.

But I remained hopelessly distracted. And I conceived a plan. A deceptive, diabolical plan. The next day, before my 10:00 session, I would buy a soda from the pop machine, go lean against the stone wall bordering the sidewalk, and wait for the whistler to show himself. Then, in the guise of a therapist enjoying a brief respite from his work, I would pounce: "Why were you singing yesterday?" I'd ask. "What would possess you to change the routine? Give an account of yourself!" I'd demand.

And that (with only a few modifications in delivery) is precisely what I did.

And here is the account he gave for his behavior: "It's April."

What? I thought. It's April? What does that have to do with anything? Caught off guard yet again, all I could manage in reply was a feeble, "Of course.have a good day."

And to this day I wonder what April could possibly have to do with singing and why, to the whistler, the connection was so self-evident. "It's April," he had said so matter-of-factly.

Upon hearing this story some time later, a good friend put it in perspective: "Well, one thing's for sure," she said, "the whistler loves music."

And maybe that's the real point, after all. Either whistling or singing, the whistler's essential spirit remains consistent. I can count on him-April or not-to be caught up in song.

And so it is with Christ. Whether walking beside us on a dusty road, weeping at our tombs, laughing with our children, impaled with spikes to a cross-yes, even temporarily staving off evil or healing the sick with a mere touch-Christ's character remains intact. He is unchanging. His ways are not our ways.

No, He's not predictable. But He's unfathomably, most certainly, dependable. He's been there. He knows what He's doing. We can count on it.

1 Corinthians 13:12     Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord that we can count on Your unchanging nature, You unfailing love for each of us. Let each of us rest in this knowledge, especially when we don't understand or things appear not to make sense. Remind each of us that we can only see 'the part' now. Thank You that You are all knowing and seeing. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 17, 2004
God's Strength

Isaiah 41:10     Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Dick Woodward, an inspiring pastor, said a wonderful thing about faith in God.

He said, "I’m not, but he is, and he’s with me.
I can’t, but he can, and he’s with me.
I don’t want to, but he wants to and he’s with me.
I didn’t, but he did because he’s with me."

OR

Phillipians 4:13     I can do everything through him who gives me strength. !!!

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord for Your promise to be with each of us & that we can do everything through Him who gives us strength. Help each of us hang on to these promises. Show each how to turn to You and rely on You. Assure each that You are with us every step of the way. Please let each feel Your strength lifiting them up today & always. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 16, 2004
Embers
By Roberta Rogers

Isaiah 42:3-4     A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.

For a couple of years I volunteered three days a week at our tiny church office, where they have given me the title Director of Communications. This meant that I wrote and edited the monthly newsletter and updated the weekly bulletin. It also meant that I heard many of the joys and sorrows of the church family.

One week, many of our families seemed to be struggling. Financial loss, severe illness, a breaking marriage, a miscarriage, a death in the family—the list went on and on. I knew that behind each of the prayer requests lay people who were hurting, struggling to let their faith grow in adversity and uncertainty.

I was absentmindedly typing the prayer list for Sunday’s bulletin as I concentrated on praying for the various people and their needs. When I looked up at the computer screen to check my work, I found I had typed the phrase "each member" as "each ember."

The image of an "ember," something burning low, brought to my mind the "smoldering wicks" of Isaiah 42. As I corrected my mistake, I smiled and thanked God that His promise was sure: Not one of these "embers" would be snuffed out. He would sustain them and bring forth a good result in His own perfect way and time.

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2 Timothy 1:6     For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...

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For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord for Your promise - not to 'snuff out a smoldering wick'. Lord, please bless and sustain those whose faith candle burns low today. Help each of us fan into flame the gift of faith we've been given. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 12, 2004
At the Feet of Jesus

Luke 7:37-38, 47     When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
... Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

I'm still thinking about grace, about giving, receiving and sharing grace. When we give grace to one another we exalt our Lord Jesus Christ.

The story of the woman who anointed Jesus comes to mind {Luke 7}. As Luke 7 tells it, the woman came to Jesus as he sat in the house of Simon, a pharisee. She sat at His feet, weeping, her tears washing the dust from Jesus’ feet, which she then dried with her hair. Next, the woman anointed His feet with fragrant, and costly, oil.

Being a pharisee, Simon, as he watched her do this, thought to himself (knowing what type of woman she was) that if Jesus were a prophet he would know she was a sinner and therefore, have nothing to do with her.

Jesus, who knew more about who the woman was than the pharisee did, spoke to Simon first in a parable and then forthrightly to explain to him how he was wrong. "You gave me no water for my feet," Jesus told Simon, "but she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss my feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed my feet with fragrant oil."

Jesus went on to tell Simon that "her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much."

Not only did this woman love, she bestowed grace on Jesus. She lifted Him up by sitting at his feet and performing a few simple tasks. And she didn’t have to be perfect to accomplish this. In fact, her actions resulted in blessings.

So then we too can gain blessings through service at the feet of Jesus. We have to be aware of the simple things we can do that give grace to those around us and bring glory to God. Anything from a phone call to a hospital visit to taking a friend to lunch, anything you do out of love for another person brings glory to God.

Hebrews 4:16     Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Lord, thank You for the mercy and grace we receive from You, 'at the feet of Jesus' before Your throne. Help each of us share this grace, help us 'love much', that others may experience your grace thru each of us. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Nov 11, 2004
His Grace Abounds!

2 Corinthians 9:8     And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Ephesians 1:7     In Him we have redemption . . . according to the riches of His grace.

The Greek word translated "abound" means "an exceeding measure, something above the ordinary." God's grace toward us is not squeezed out from an eye-dropper or carefully rationed like water during a drought. His grace is a superabundance so lavish that we marvel at its display.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Philemon 1:25     Thank You Lord for Your 'abounding' grace, that it has no measure. Help us each to share this grace of Jesus Christ with others. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of our spirits today & always.
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Nov 10, 2004
Hold Fast

Hebrews 10:23     Let us hold fast to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

What do you find yourself holding onto most often? What is your source of security, reassurance, hope, and stability in times of trouble? What do you encourage folks to do and who do you encourage them to hold onto during times of trouble?

Hold Fast!

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia; Brenda & Frances

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Lamentations 3:21-23     Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Thank You Lord that You are faitful; Your mercy and compassions are new every morning. Please be with each of us, strengthen and empower us to hold on to You. Help each of us to encourage one another as we hold on tight. Let Jesus Christ be the hope we profess. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Nov 9, 2004
Stand Firm
Based on Standing On The Promises Without Losing Your Footing

2 Corinthians 1:24     ... it is by faith you stand firm.

Psalm 40:2     ... he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

This image of a child standing securely on a swing and swinging is a good image to have in mind when thinking about standing firm on God's promises. The swing is a secure place to stand - one can move quickly without losing their footing.

Life is continually moving and changing. It’s an adventure that can leave you either breathless with excitement or gasping with anxiety, especially when things start moving really fast. But in the midst of it all, we can—and must—stand firm in the promises of God. We won’t fall off the swing. Nor can we be snatched off. We can trust Him even when our chain gets tangled up.

Faith is important - all promises require faith for their fulfillment. Thru faith, we can stand secure on God's word and swing!

Isaiah 7:9     If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

1 Corinthians 15:58     Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Thessalonians 2:15     So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia & Brenda

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You lord for Your word - a firm place to stand. Help each of us stand secure on Your promises. Thank You that as we trust in Your word and stand firm in our faith, we'll feel Your presence, Your peace. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Nov 8, 2004

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we free ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last part of this verse 'be faithful in prayer' gives us a clue. It opens the door to accomplishing the first two things in this verse. We can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ no matter what our current situation is. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well.

Romans 5:1-2     Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia & Brenda

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Thank You Lord for Your gift of prayer. Thank You that we can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ. Help each of us be faithful in prayer. Help us wait patiently for Your answers. Let us all rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Nov 5, 2004
From http://glisten.net/dia/devotionals/20040108.html
Yield!

2 Corinthians 4:17     For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!

I read a story about a communication that took place some time ago between a U.S. naval ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."

The Americans responded, "Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision."

The Canadians said, "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."

The Americans: "This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course."

"No. I say again, you divert your course."

"This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or counter measures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship."

After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: "This is a lighthouse. It is your call."

___________

Sometimes we don't like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us that ought to change course.

We need to understand that God's plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest plans or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God's plans are always better for us in the long run.

Today, are you steering your ship or is God in control. Just keep this in mind, if you don't yield to the 'lighthouse' you are heading right into the rocks!

___________

For Saundra; Sam; Ruth; Gloria; Melody; Jeanette; Grace; Glen; Evelyn; Cindy; Chris; Bryony; Gina; Charlene ; Phil; Karen; Valerie; Ian; Irene; Linda; Billie; Nubia & Brenda

Carol, Beth Anne, Bob & Betty, Pam

___________

Jeremiah 29:11-13     Thank You Lord that You know the plans that You have for each of us, plans to prosper and give us hope. Remind us each to open our hearts and YIELD to these plans. Please make Your plans for us clear in each of our hearts, continue to help each act on Your plans, continue to help each earnestly seek You. In the name of Jesus Christ.
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Nov 4, 2004
PRAISE & Prayer
Sheila is improving every day. She still is amazing the doctors. Today, she was able to swallow three spoonfuls of Sherbert during her mouth and throat exercises. She can move her left arm! Sheila will be moved to start her rehab.

We had been told that Sheila is permanently off of the transplant list for a Pancreas and kidney. However, this morning, the doctor told my wife that he is going to contact the transplant surgeon and try his best to get her reactivated. This is a "hope for" it's also become a "pray for". Prayer is needed badly here.

Please continue all the prayers. It is prayer that makes these things possible, that opens doors that we think are closed, that gives us hope and buoys up our spirits. God hears our prayers. If you don't believe me, look at my daughter, look at the things that we've been told wouldn't be and that already are. Please continue praying for God's healing powers to work in Sheila and that God will be glorified in her healing.
Keep the Faith - Jim

For Sheila
Psalm 17:6     I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Thank You Lord for answered prayer. Thank You for the continuing improvement in Sheila. Please continue to amaze the doctors, let Sheila progress be so quick that many are amazed at Your grace. Let this healing bring glory to the Lord, let it draw many to Jesus. Thank You for the testimony of Jesus Christ that Sheila has, let it shine thru this situation. In the name of Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:37; Mark 10:27     Thank You Lord that with You NOTHING is impossible. Lord we lift up Sheila's need for a pancreas & kidney. Please continue to work out the healing that You have begun in Sheila. Let Your mercy, grace & love continue to cover her. Reveal Your healing hand thru Sheila. Glory be to God! We know that with man these things are impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God! Praise the Lord!
Romans 15:13     May the God of hope fill Sheila & family with all joy and peace as they trust in You, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for our hope that is in Jesus Christ.
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Nov 4, 2004
PRAISE!
I just wanted to thank you for your prayers and for answered prayer.

Jessica's received the results from her ultrasound and there is nothing wrong with the baby. He or she is not bleeding internally. Praise the Lord. I knew in my heart that God's hand was upon Jessica and just rejoice that both Jai and Jessica are relieved that their child is healthy and growing well in her womb.

Carols granddaughter Revecca (correct spelling) has recovered from this blood infection. God's hand was with her during the hospital stay and with all the doctors that were looking after her. Praise the Lord.
May the Lord bless you all.
Linda

Job 12:10     In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Thank You Lord that Your hand is the life of every creature. Thank You for answered prayer. Glory be to God!
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Nov 3, 2004
Worship in His Presence

Psalm 100     Make a joyful noise to the LORD! Serve the LORD with gladness: come into His presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

What is true worship? True worship grows from our love relationship with the King of King and the Lord of Lords - the desire to be in His presence. True worship springs from a passion, a deep hunger/ longing within your heart to be in the Lord's presence. The Lord's presence fills one with awe and wonder.

How do you come into the Lord's presence? For me it's Psalm 100. As I lift my heart & voice to the Lord in worship, I am filled with His presence , I am filled with wonder and awe. I can't help but give Him praise and honor and glory. This must be how it's going to be around the throne {Rev 5}. In His presence thousands of voices lifted in song worshipping together.

Real worship is contagious. As you follow after God and really worship Him, others will see your passion for the Lord. Passion for worshipping the Lord speaks volumes! Let others see you worshipping and praising God with your whole heart, it will spark a hunger in them. Come into His presence with singing - today!

This song touched me in a special way yesterday - hope it touches you today.

Lord, help each of us come into Your presence thru worship. Help each of us worship You with our whole hearts. Let Jesus shine in us thru this worship, let Your light - the light of Your presence spark a hunger, a longing in others to be in Your presence also. Fill each of us with the light of Your presence. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord of Lords!
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Nov 2, 2004
Yet!

Habakkuk 3:17-18     Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD , I will be joyful in God my Savior.

This verse is an extraordinary statement of a spiritual fact. The word yet means that no matter what happens, we are held in our Father's heart and hands. This would cover an earthquake in California, a hurricane in Florida, a drought in the mid-west, a personal tragedy: whatever happens to us -- "yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."

If we can say "Yet I will rejoice" in the midst of the worst, then we have that peace that Jesus promises to all who trust Him to keep our lives glued together. There is another word here just as important: rejoice. Who wants to rejoice in the midst of terrible circumstances that are beyond our control? It seems unnatural and crazy, doesn't it? And yet this is what our Lord asks of us. Yet I will say yes to my Father who is the only One who knows the end from the beginning. I will rejoice: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." {1 Thessalonians 5:18}

It's so easy to forget that God is still in charge when the whole world is becoming outrageous and so lacking in common sense. It is essential that we walk with Jesus in these perilous times, that we fix our eyes on Him.

Hebrews 12:1-3     Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Lord, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. Help each of us to always 'fix our eyes on Jesus'. Thank You for this privilege, thank You that as we do this, no matter what our circumstance, yet will we rejoice in the Lord!!

Nehemiah 8:10     The joy of the LORD is your strength! Feel the joy TODAY!

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Nov 1, 2004
Under His Wings

Psalm 91:1,2,4     He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD , "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 17:8     Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Numbers 14:13-14     Moses said to the LORD , "Then the Egyptians will hear about it! By your power you brought these people up from among them. And they will tell the inhabitants of this land about it. They have already heard that you, O LORD , are with these people and that you, O LORD , have been seen face to face, that your cloud stays over them, and that you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Have you ever felt the Lord's covering over you? Jesus gives protection to His followers no matter how bad, dark and difficult circumstances seem to be. He makes a way for us in the darkness today just like He did for the Israelites.

At night it is not only dark, but it is cold. Fire does not only give off light in the darkness, so we can see, but its also hot and helps to keep us warm in the cold nights. Jesus does that for us too. He is the way the truth and the light (John 14:6)and He makes a way for us in the dark. He keeps us warm with His love, and His presence in our lives. He is a personal Savior, and Lord, and in knowing this we can find rest and comfort in JESUS - we're covered! - we need only to trust.

Thank You that You are faithful, that You cover us. Pease cover each of us with Your grace, mercy & love. Continue to help each turn to You and trust in You. Thank You that as we do this we will find refuge in You - under the shadow of Your wings. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.