Matthew 4: 3 - 4
And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' "
(No Reserve)
Matthew 4: 5 - 6
Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he stood Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give His Angels charge concerning You; And on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' "
(No Retreat)
Matthew 4: 8 - 9
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory; and he said to Him, "All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone Satan ! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him alone.' "
(No Regrets)
~ No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regrets
In memory of William Borden (these three word sets from Bordens Bible describing his walk with the Lord, 1887 - 1913). Jesus fought off tempation through a deciplined focus on the Father. William Borden applied a principled live to focus on Jesus. Today's Footprint, is the rememberance of great Christians who blazed the trail before us. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Whiting_Borden
~ Chris
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gods death defying escapes
Psalms 68: 20
God is to us a God of deliverance; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.
Hebrews 11: 5
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up.
Luke 9: 27
"But I tell you truly, there are some of those standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."
Revelation 11: 3
"And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
Deuteronomy 34: 5 - 6
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Bethpeor; But no man knows his burial place to this day.
Romans 5: 8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Philippians 1: 21
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ CHRIST DIED IN OUR PLACE SO WE CAN ESCAPE ~
It's been said that death is a certainty of life's journey. But perhaps our understanding of this certainty, is flawed. The Lord, has swallowed death in victory. Though it has been appointed once for man to die (Heb 9:27), He has allowed a means of escape. Enoch it appears simply stepped off the earth with God.
Is it possible the two end-time witnesses (Rev 11:3), have also eluded death these 2 thousand years, having been here among us all along? Did they witness the very life of Jesus to give the world an eye witness end-time accounting, reserved for that time when all faith seems lost (Luke 9: 27) ?
God is to us a God of deliverance; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.
Hebrews 11: 5
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up.
Luke 9: 27
"But I tell you truly, there are some of those standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."
Revelation 11: 3
"And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
Deuteronomy 34: 5 - 6
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Bethpeor; But no man knows his burial place to this day.
Romans 5: 8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Philippians 1: 21
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ CHRIST DIED IN OUR PLACE SO WE CAN ESCAPE ~
It's been said that death is a certainty of life's journey. But perhaps our understanding of this certainty, is flawed. The Lord, has swallowed death in victory. Though it has been appointed once for man to die (Heb 9:27), He has allowed a means of escape. Enoch it appears simply stepped off the earth with God.
Is it possible the two end-time witnesses (Rev 11:3), have also eluded death these 2 thousand years, having been here among us all along? Did they witness the very life of Jesus to give the world an eye witness end-time accounting, reserved for that time when all faith seems lost (Luke 9: 27) ?
Moses was buried by Gods own hands, and the place of it has escaped discovery.
Jesus Christ however provides us with the ultimate death defying escape. He took our place and offers us the escape as a gift.
Today's Footprint is the gain of the gift. As Paul says, to die in the Lord is gain... that is because we are going home to Him. Going home to Life! O death where is thy victory (1 Cor 15:55) ?
~ Chris
Jesus Christ however provides us with the ultimate death defying escape. He took our place and offers us the escape as a gift.
Today's Footprint is the gain of the gift. As Paul says, to die in the Lord is gain... that is because we are going home to Him. Going home to Life! O death where is thy victory (1 Cor 15:55) ?
~ Chris
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Building the Temple
The foundation of this church was dug by hand (by volunteers).Zechariah 8: 9
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built...
Ezra 3: 11
And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord saying, "For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
1 Timothy 6: 18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
Isaiah 28: 16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.
John 2: 19
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Luke 6: 47 - 48
"Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the river burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built...
1 Corinthians 3: 16
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you ? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy and that is what you are.
~ A FOUNDATION TO BUILD YOUR TEMPLE UPON ~
~The people shouted when the foundation of the temple was laid. They understood, it was the foundation their entire national future would be built upon. Do we not all build upon the foundation of our individual lives ? Dig deep, test the stones you lay in your foundation. Build it upon the rock that doesn't move, so that the life built upon it, will not be disturbed. Such a foundation is truely a treasure, so shout as they did, that your foundation is strong. Remember the cornerstone of your life is Jesus, which is a costly stone, paid for dearly. Build the temple of your life, which is a holy offering, and where the Holy Spirit will dwell, with reverence. Build it upon a firm foundation. Give thanks and praise to our Lord, taking hold always of that which is life indeed. Our Lord has done a marvellous thing.
~ Chris
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built...
Ezra 3: 11
And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord saying, "For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
1 Timothy 6: 18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
Isaiah 28: 16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.
John 2: 19
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Luke 6: 47 - 48
"Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the river burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built...
1 Corinthians 3: 16
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you ? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy and that is what you are.
~ A FOUNDATION TO BUILD YOUR TEMPLE UPON ~
~The people shouted when the foundation of the temple was laid. They understood, it was the foundation their entire national future would be built upon. Do we not all build upon the foundation of our individual lives ? Dig deep, test the stones you lay in your foundation. Build it upon the rock that doesn't move, so that the life built upon it, will not be disturbed. Such a foundation is truely a treasure, so shout as they did, that your foundation is strong. Remember the cornerstone of your life is Jesus, which is a costly stone, paid for dearly. Build the temple of your life, which is a holy offering, and where the Holy Spirit will dwell, with reverence. Build it upon a firm foundation. Give thanks and praise to our Lord, taking hold always of that which is life indeed. Our Lord has done a marvellous thing.
~ Chris
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The economy of the Lord
Deuteronomy 23: 19
You shall not charge interest to your countrymen; interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest
You shall not charge interest to your countrymen; interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest
Prov 28: 16
But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
Prov 29: 4
The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
Lev 25: 13 - 17
On this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his own property. If you make a sale, moreover, to your friend, or buy from your friend's hand, you shall not wrong one another. Corresponding to the number of years after the jubilee, you shall buy from your friend; he is to sell to you according to the number of years of crops. In proportion to the extent of the years you shall increase its price, and in proportion to the fewness of years, you shall diminish its price; for it is a number of crops he is selling to you. So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God. You shall thus observe My statutes, and keep My judgements, so as to carry them out, that you may live securely on the land.
2 Th 3: 10
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.
But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
Prov 29: 4
The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
Lev 25: 13 - 17
On this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his own property. If you make a sale, moreover, to your friend, or buy from your friend's hand, you shall not wrong one another. Corresponding to the number of years after the jubilee, you shall buy from your friend; he is to sell to you according to the number of years of crops. In proportion to the extent of the years you shall increase its price, and in proportion to the fewness of years, you shall diminish its price; for it is a number of crops he is selling to you. So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God. You shall thus observe My statutes, and keep My judgements, so as to carry them out, that you may live securely on the land.
2 Th 3: 10
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.
Malachi 3: 10
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need....
Acts 3: 6
But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene -- walk!" And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.
Proverbs 3: 13-15
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver,
And its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
Acts 3: 6
But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene -- walk!" And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.
Proverbs 3: 13-15
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver,
And its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
~ THE ECOMONY THAT HELPS ALL ~
Charge no interest, take no interest, lend for the good of others, return to your property when the year of jubilee arrives, price your land according to the nearness or farness from the year of jubilee. Do no wrong, take no bribes, take only just gain, respect God in every transaction, work and don't waste time. Give back as God has given. With typically one jubilee year in a generation, the result was, no dept (nor passing it to the next generation), no excessive wealth, no inflation, no depression, no class envy, less poverty, living in peace and stability securely on the land. Gods promise comes with this, "blessing until there is no more need", what more could we want ? The Footprint today, money which has the potential for good or much evil, should be kept in perspective. We can't take it with us, and it is better to give than receive.
~ Chris
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Them Dry Bones
Proverbs 17: 22
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Ezekiel 37: 1 -3
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. And He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live ?"
Ezekiel 37:11
Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say, our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off."
Ezekiel 37: 14
And I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land.
Psalm 147 : 2 - 3
The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, And binds up their wounds.
~ WHEN OUR SPIRIT IS MADE WHOLE AGAIN ~
Can our spirit, once broken, be made whole again ? An entire nation, cut off from God, in the loneliest of places, nothing left at all. This is our condition without Him, our spirit broken. But our God heals the brokenhearted, He stands in our place and puts His spirit within us. He revives an entire rebellious nation back to life. Today's Footprint, is to know that ..... (Psalm 147: 5 - 6) Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The Lord supports the afflicted, and brings down the wicked to the ground....
Can these bones live ? Rejoice, with His Spirit within us, they can indeed.
~Chris
~ The valley
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Isaiah 22:1-2
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
Isaiah 63:13-15
That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Ezekiel 37: 1 -3
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. And He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live ?"
Ezekiel 37:11
Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say, our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off."
Ezekiel 37: 14
And I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land.
Psalm 147 : 2 - 3
The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, And binds up their wounds.
~ WHEN OUR SPIRIT IS MADE WHOLE AGAIN ~
Can our spirit, once broken, be made whole again ? An entire nation, cut off from God, in the loneliest of places, nothing left at all. This is our condition without Him, our spirit broken. But our God heals the brokenhearted, He stands in our place and puts His spirit within us. He revives an entire rebellious nation back to life. Today's Footprint, is to know that ..... (Psalm 147: 5 - 6) Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The Lord supports the afflicted, and brings down the wicked to the ground....
Can these bones live ? Rejoice, with His Spirit within us, they can indeed.
~Chris
~ The valley
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Isaiah 22:1-2
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
Isaiah 63:13-15
That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?
Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Rest in Him
1 Cor 3: 16
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you ?
Mat 6: 26
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they ?
Mat 11: 28
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.
~YOU WHO ARE WORTH MUCH ~
Heavy laden hearts weary of the race, remember God keeps us, dwells in us, has walked this way before us. There is a rest for our souls, that begins with learning from Him our true value. Todays Footprint is to step in His.
~ Chris
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you ?
Mat 6: 26
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they ?
Mat 11: 28
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.
~YOU WHO ARE WORTH MUCH ~
Heavy laden hearts weary of the race, remember God keeps us, dwells in us, has walked this way before us. There is a rest for our souls, that begins with learning from Him our true value. Todays Footprint is to step in His.
~ Chris
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Work that matters to Him
Colossians 3: 23
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;
John 5: 16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
~ GLORIFY YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER ~
No matter what you do for work, doing the job well matters. It brings honor to you before men, and brings glory to God through your good works. Todays Footprint is to have joy in the work you do, as you do it for Him.
~Chris
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;
John 5: 16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
~ GLORIFY YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER ~
No matter what you do for work, doing the job well matters. It brings honor to you before men, and brings glory to God through your good works. Todays Footprint is to have joy in the work you do, as you do it for Him.
~Chris
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The great day for Mothers
Genesis 3: 16
In pain you shall bring forth children.
Genesis 4: 1
Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain...
Genesis 18: 12
And Sarah laughed to herself. saying, "After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also ?" And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?' "Is anything too difficult for the Lord ?"
Genesis 35: 16 - 18
and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. And it came about when she was in severe labor that the midwife said to her. "Do not fear, for now you have another son." And it came about as her soul departed (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni;
Luke 1: 38
And Mary said, "Behold , the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2: 6 - 7
And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2: 34 - 35
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed -- and a sword will pierce even your own soul -- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
John 19: 25
... But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother...
Isaiah 53: 12
Therefore, I will allot Him a potion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death.
Rev 21: 4
"...and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning , or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
~ BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER ~
First in pain, first in shame, first in doubt, first in labor, first in humility, first in loss, first to be pierced, first in anguish, first in understanding, having poured themselves out for love, even to death, as our Lord Himself has done. Will not their tears be first to be dried and their joy first to be made full on that great day when the first things pass away ?(John 19: 27) Then He said to the disciples, "Behold , your mother!"
~Chris .
In pain you shall bring forth children.
Genesis 4: 1
Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain...
Genesis 18: 12
And Sarah laughed to herself. saying, "After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also ?" And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?' "Is anything too difficult for the Lord ?"
Genesis 35: 16 - 18
and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. And it came about when she was in severe labor that the midwife said to her. "Do not fear, for now you have another son." And it came about as her soul departed (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni;
Luke 1: 38
And Mary said, "Behold , the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2: 6 - 7
And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2: 34 - 35
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed -- and a sword will pierce even your own soul -- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
John 19: 25
... But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother...
Isaiah 53: 12
Therefore, I will allot Him a potion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death.
Rev 21: 4
"...and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning , or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
~ BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER ~
First in pain, first in shame, first in doubt, first in labor, first in humility, first in loss, first to be pierced, first in anguish, first in understanding, having poured themselves out for love, even to death, as our Lord Himself has done. Will not their tears be first to be dried and their joy first to be made full on that great day when the first things pass away ?(John 19: 27) Then He said to the disciples, "Behold , your mother!"
~Chris .
Thursday, May 7, 2009
National Day of Prayer
Mathew 7: 24 - 27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Exodus: 20: 1 - 2
Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
~ In Albany N.Y, the capital city of New York State. During worship on a cloudy National Day of Prayer, at the foot of the capital building, when the song turned to the glory of Gods creation, the sky suddenly opened and the sun shone on the people, several hundred strong. There were gasps and excited exclamations of how God was using the sun to shine blessing on His people.
Later in the program, the organizers set up for the politicians speeches. The American flag was set in place for the pledge of allegiance. Again there was a suddenness, this time from the wind. It blew the American flag flat to the ground. There was momentary stunned silence as the organizers, duck tape in hand rushed to the rescue. No one spoke of God using the wind.
What just happened ? Did the Holy Spirit indeed shine grace on His people gathered there, and later spurn the Country of this people when the flag fell ? Was it such a statement, emanating from New York's capital, the author of many national policies in opposition to Christian values and ethics. Have we as Christians, misplaced our devotion ? Do we really have no other Gods before us ? We love our country, we love our flag, we honor those lost with deep passion. Do we love God more ? Our country, flag and passion for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, if all are removed, will we still love and show honor to God ? Is it too difficult when God disciplines the country of our birth, that we love so dearly ? Today, did the Spirit Shine the light of His grace and tip the flag, or can we only bear to acknowledge the former but not the later. The difficult Footprint today, is knowing that God is over all other authority. He sets up and tears down. Our founders knew it. On this day of prayer, let us pray that we understand it too and through His grace, the goodness of this country, He will maintain for His glory. May we come to the place where the wind blows and the house stands.
~ Chris
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Exodus: 20: 1 - 2
Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
~ In Albany N.Y, the capital city of New York State. During worship on a cloudy National Day of Prayer, at the foot of the capital building, when the song turned to the glory of Gods creation, the sky suddenly opened and the sun shone on the people, several hundred strong. There were gasps and excited exclamations of how God was using the sun to shine blessing on His people.
Later in the program, the organizers set up for the politicians speeches. The American flag was set in place for the pledge of allegiance. Again there was a suddenness, this time from the wind. It blew the American flag flat to the ground. There was momentary stunned silence as the organizers, duck tape in hand rushed to the rescue. No one spoke of God using the wind.
What just happened ? Did the Holy Spirit indeed shine grace on His people gathered there, and later spurn the Country of this people when the flag fell ? Was it such a statement, emanating from New York's capital, the author of many national policies in opposition to Christian values and ethics. Have we as Christians, misplaced our devotion ? Do we really have no other Gods before us ? We love our country, we love our flag, we honor those lost with deep passion. Do we love God more ? Our country, flag and passion for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, if all are removed, will we still love and show honor to God ? Is it too difficult when God disciplines the country of our birth, that we love so dearly ? Today, did the Spirit Shine the light of His grace and tip the flag, or can we only bear to acknowledge the former but not the later. The difficult Footprint today, is knowing that God is over all other authority. He sets up and tears down. Our founders knew it. On this day of prayer, let us pray that we understand it too and through His grace, the goodness of this country, He will maintain for His glory. May we come to the place where the wind blows and the house stands.
~ Chris
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The value of Him
Zechariah 11: 10-12 (Old Testament)(10) And I took my staff, Favor, and cut it in pieces, to break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples.
(11) So it was broken on that day; and thus the afflicted of the flock who were watching me realized that it was the word of the Lord.
(12) And I said to them, "If it is good in your sight, give me my wages, but if not, never mind! " So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages.
(13) Then the Lord said to me, "Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them." So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the Lord.
(14) Then I cut my second staff, Union, in pieces, to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
Matthew 27: 5 (New Testament)And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and departed;
Matthew 27: 7
And they counseled together and with the money bought the Potter's Field...
~ FAVOR AND UNION ~
How wonderful is the Lord our shepherd, who allows us to find Favor once again in Him, that He may lead us with that Holy staff. Union also, will find her place once again in the Shepherd's hand.
(Hebrews 8: 8 ) "Behold, Days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah."
Our God, who scattered Israel across the earth, will bring brotherhood to the nations through her, and brotherhood with Judah, He will also reestablish. He will remember our sins no more. Our every footstep, purchased by our Lord.
~ Chris
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Angel who has redeemed
Genesis 48: 15-16
And he blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."
Isaiah 63: 8-9
For He Said, "Surely, they are My people. Sons who will not deal falsely." So He became their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted. And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them; And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.
~ THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE ~
~ The God of our fathers has redeemed us with His presence here on earth. When we are weak, He is strong. Our Footprints disappear when we are carried by Him, as He carried our ancestors so long ago.
~ Chris
And he blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."
Isaiah 63: 8-9
For He Said, "Surely, they are My people. Sons who will not deal falsely." So He became their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted. And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them; And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.
~ THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE ~
~ The God of our fathers has redeemed us with His presence here on earth. When we are weak, He is strong. Our Footprints disappear when we are carried by Him, as He carried our ancestors so long ago.
~ Chris
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Untroubled Hearts
Psalm 8: 2
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength.
1 Peter 2: 2
like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Matthew 11: 25
" I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes."
Mark 10: 14
" Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
~ UNTROUBLED HEARTS - FRESH FROM GOD ~
The greatest gift in my life has been in linking the ancient story and the children's stories to my own. In accepting the linkage, God has ministered to my unsure heart with the gift of hearts untroubled.
~Diane Komp M.D. Pediatric Oncologist, Yale University School of Medicine
(Window to Heaven)
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength.
1 Peter 2: 2
like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Matthew 11: 25
" I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes."
Mark 10: 14
" Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
~ UNTROUBLED HEARTS - FRESH FROM GOD ~
The greatest gift in my life has been in linking the ancient story and the children's stories to my own. In accepting the linkage, God has ministered to my unsure heart with the gift of hearts untroubled.
~Diane Komp M.D. Pediatric Oncologist, Yale University School of Medicine
(Window to Heaven)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Groanings too deep for words
Romans 8: 26 - 27
And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8: 16
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Luke 22: 41 - 43
And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.
~ INTERCESSION IN PRAYER ~
~ Words unspoken, feelings inexpressible, searching hearts, lonely anguish... such is the condition of human prayer. What a wonderful God who searches our heart, comforts us, strengthens us as His children with heavenly presence, and bears witness of our deepest longings. Footprints of prayer today for you. When we pray, we are never alone, with the Spirit bearing witness with our own.
~ Chris
And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8: 16
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Luke 22: 41 - 43
And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.
~ INTERCESSION IN PRAYER ~
~ Words unspoken, feelings inexpressible, searching hearts, lonely anguish... such is the condition of human prayer. What a wonderful God who searches our heart, comforts us, strengthens us as His children with heavenly presence, and bears witness of our deepest longings. Footprints of prayer today for you. When we pray, we are never alone, with the Spirit bearing witness with our own.
~ Chris
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