God in the Thunderstorm

source:  google.com/free lightning images

 I was awaken this morning by thunder and lightning which always reminds me of God's power!  Then for my devotions this morning, I read Psalm 29 which is about God in the thunderstorm.  It talks about how powerful God is and why He should be praised.  I want to share it with you:

1 Praise the Lord; you angels.  Praise the Lord's glory and power.  2 Praise the Lord for the glory of his name.  Worship the Lord because he is holy.  3 The Lord's voice is heard over the sea.  The glorious God thunders.  The Lord thunders over the great ocean.  4 The Lord's voice is powerful.  The Lord's voice is majestic.  5 The Lord's voice breaks the trees.  The Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.  6 He makes the land of Lebanon dance like a calf.  7 The Lord's voice makes the lightning flash. 8 The Lord's voice shakes the desert.  The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.  9 The Lord's voice shakes the oaks.  The leaves fall off the trees.  In his Temple everyone says, "Glory to God!" 10 The Lord controls the flood.  The Lord will be King forever. 11 The Lord gives strength to his people.  The Lord blesses his people with peace.   (Int'l Children's Bible)

I honestly do not know how anyone could read this and not praise the Lord.  We have such an awesome, amazing, wonderful and powerful God.  But He wants to be more than just a God out there.  He wants a relationship with us so He sent Jesus into the world to reconcile us to God himself.  I hope you know Him!  The next time you hear thunder or see lighting, think of God's greatness and power and love for you!

How God Saved Me and What Difference It Made

On Sunday, May 28, 2023, I officially became a member at The Church at West Creek.  They asked that I share with them my testimony of how God saved me, which I wrote out as the Pastor suggested, and I'd like to share it with my blog readers as well.  Three of us joined the same day.  We were asked to step out of the members' meeting and the Pastor shared some about us.  When we came back in everyone applauded and I never felt so welcome in my life!  Below is the testimony I shared that day:

I grew up attending the Brooklyn Christian & Missionary Alliance church regularly since I was about 2 years old until March of 2000 when my husband and I switched to Parma Heights Baptist.  When I was about 7 years old, on an Easter Sunday in Sunday School, the lesson was on “Who Killed Jesus?”.  I realized I killed Jesus; because of my sin  (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9), he died and rose from the dead (Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9 & 10; I Corinthians 15:3-4), taking the punishment I deserved so I could be in heaven with God someday  (John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23, I Peter 3:18).  That day, I experienced God’s amazing love for me, a shy little girl, and that all he wanted from me was my love and to live my life for Him.  So, I prayed silently during that class and asked Jesus to forgive me and come into my heart and save me.  I trusted Jesus Christ to be my personal Savior that day and became a follower of Jesus (John 1:12, Romans 10:13, I John 1:9, I John 5:11-13, Revelation 3:20).  I did it again before I went to bed that night just to make sure.  Right away I had a purpose in life--to please Jesus and live for Him (Matthew 7:21; II Corinthians 5:15, 17, 18; Galatians 2:20)!  

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Sunday Sharing: How Great God Is!

image source:  allfreeclipart.com

Last Sunday the boys in my Sunday School class were bringing up some good points and actually asking some good questions related to the lesson which was about the problem of sin, the origin of sin, which led to Satan, consequences and God's greatness, power and love.  (Yes, we cover a lot in one lesson.)   The thing is as I was doing some digging during the week to follow up on some points that were brought up, one was this verse:

He counts the stars and names each one. -- Psalm 147:4

This led me to read all of Psalm 147, then Psalm 148, then Psalm 149 and Psalm 150--all chapters about God's power, greatness and plain amazing awesomeness.  It was a special time of private worship.  I couldn't help but break into singing "To God Be The Glory."  Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord!


This is another good one too that I thought of later:


I encourage you to read these Psalms and be reminded of how truly wonderful God is! What scripture highlight did you come across last week? 





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Praise The Lord!

God is my Healer!

This is a follow-up post to A Prayer of Faith Heals the Sick that I did about calling on the deacons to pray that my bones would get stronger so I would not have to get the Prolia shots twice a year.  I had a bone density test done last Thursday and when I was walking our dog yesterday, I got a call from the doctor's office on my cell at the park.

I am thrilled to report that it was good news!  There has been some improvement since my last one done a year ago and they just said to continue taking my vitamin D and Calcium supplements.  There was no more mention of that nasty shot which can have very bad side effects.

I will continue with my supplements, but even more will continue to put my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ to continue reversing the Osteoporosis and make my bones strong again.  Thanks for all my friends who prayed for this request!  Prayer is powerful. 

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Good Morning--Greeted with a Beautiful Sunrise

November 14, 2013, Parma, Ohio

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. --Lamentations 3:22

I cannot help but praise my God on my way to work in the morning when I see this!  I never really noticed all the different colors and patterns in the sky until I painted scenery.  That's when I began to really look at the sky with a new appreciation for how magnificent and creative God is.

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Sunday Sharing: Everyone Wants Our Money!

Boxes for Operation Christmas Child at church

These last few months it seems every day we get solicitations for donations to charities in the mail (American Bible Society, the City Mission, Lakota School, Operation Christmas Child, animal rescues), the church has lots of projects going on that need money (Pastor appreciation month, food baskets, pantry, pavilion building project, groceries for the community dinner, support for the missions team to Haiti and items for them to take, running behind budget) and then there are the disasters (the Philippines) that occur in the world that I just can't help but feeling compelled to include a donation for the relief effort.

I was getting to the place where I was becoming overwhelmed and blew up a couple Sundays ago when the Pastor wondered why the general offerings have been low and we are running behind budget.  I am a giving person but even I was feeling pressure and said enough already!  But then God through his word spoke to my heart and reminded of of a few things:

1)  My Sunday School lessons this month are on laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19--24), sharing what we have with others (Luke 12:13-21), and making loving and obeying God my top priority (Matthew 6:33).

2)  Last Sunday, I read I Chronicles 29 about King David asking the people to contribute materials for the temple his son Solomon would build and how he even gave out of his personal things to set the example.  They got lots of materials and David celebrated praising the Lord before the people saying:

 Lord, you are great and powerful.  You have glory, victory and honor.  Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.  The kingdom belongs to you, Lord.  You are the ruler over everything.  Riches and honor come from you.  You rule everything.  You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong.  Now, our God, we thank you.  And we praise your glorious name.  These things did not really come from me and my people.  Everything comes from you.  We have given you back what you gave us.  . . . Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build your Temple.  We will build it for worship to you.  But everything has come from you.  Everything belongs to you.  I know, my God, that you test people's hearts.  You are happy when people do what is right.  I was happy to give all these things.  I gave with an honest heart.  Your people gathered here are happy to give to you.  I am happy to see their giving.  Lord, you are the God of our ancestors.  You are the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Please help your people to want to serve you always.  And help them to want to obey you always.  Give my son a strong desire to serve you.  Help him always obey your commands, laws and rules.  Help him build the Temple for which I have prepared. - I Chronicles 29:11-14, 16-19 (ICB) [ emphasis added]

This reminder that all I have is from the Lord and it's all his was just what I needed to get my heart back on track and be the cheerful giver God loves.  I am now looking forward to the community dinner, cheerfully bringing my groceries to share and volunteered to help at it as well. 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:  for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:  his righteousness remaineth for ever.--II Corinthians 9:6-9 (KJV)

3)  Other scripture came to mind as well.  This is why it is so important to read God's Word every day and memorize it so that when we get off track with the Lord, His powerful word can speak to our hearts and bring us back.

And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. --Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV)  

4)  Then, last week the Pastor's sermon was on James 2:17 which says:

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

I love when God speaks to my heart because it shows proves He is a personal God who loves me.  I think it is so cool how He knows just what I need and gives it to me.  How about you?  Has God spoke to you this week about anything in particular?  I encourage you to read the Bible every day.  It will change your life if you have an open heart that is seeking to know God better and obey Him.

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Sunday Sharing: Lie, Lie, Now you Die!

This week I was reading Acts 4 and 5 mostly and although I once again had a difficult time choosing just one highlight, I decided to go with the true account of Ananias and Saphira  because I made this video in one of my Sunday School classes with the boys using puppets to retell the story.  To my great surprise, it is my most popular video on YouTube!

People tend to think that lying is no big deal, yet no one wants to be lied to.  God still hates lying because he hates all sin.  As the early church was getting started in the Acts4:34-35, it says:

(34) Neither was there any among them that lacked:  for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them down at the apostles' feet:  and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

But Ananias and Saphira sold a possession but brought only part to the apostles, saying it was the whole price.  Peter somehow knew they were lying and said in Acts 5:3-4:

(3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?  (4) Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?  and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?  why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?  thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Three hours later, his wife, Saphira, came and backed up her husband.  Acts 5:8-10 says:

(8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?  And she said, Yea, for so much.  (9) Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?  behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.  (10) Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost:  and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth buried her by her husband.

 Isn't it interesting, that Peter lied about knowing Jesus right before his crucifixion and here he confronts Ananias and Saphira about lying?  Peter was forgiven, Ananias and Saphira were struck down dead.  Peter said they lied to the Holy Spirit and not to men, but unto God.  The fact that Saphira stood by her husband and backed him up did not excuse her.  A good wife should help her husband do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Who knows, perhaps it was her idea.  The scripture doesn't really say whether Saphira talked Ananias into do this or not but it is obvious, both knew it wasn't the whole price of the land.

Integrity is such an important trait for believers to have if we want to make an impact on our culture.  Just last week, Pastor Thompson said, "We have no message if we have no integrity."   Perhaps this is why the Lord made it clear his followers should not lie by striking down Ananias and Saphira as the church was just beginning. 

Feel free to share your thoughts about this in the comments or a scripture highlight you heard or read last week.

Other highlights from last week: 

Acts 4:23-31 The apostles threatened to stop preaching but prayed for bravery to speak God's message
Acts 5:17-42 The apostles jailed for preaching Jesus and freed by an angel

(Scripture verses are from King James Version this week.)
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Wonderfully Made By God: A Man With No Arms and Legs

I just saw this video of Nick Vujicic on the Oprah show last week and was so inspired by it that I had to blog about it. You may have already seen it because it has over one million views, but if not, please take some time when you have a chance to watch it. Nick was born with no arms or legs but chose to focus on what he did have instead of what he didn't.


Man with No Arms and Legs Goes on Oprah to Share the Gospel! from keephopealive on GodTube.
Ephesians 2:10 says,

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Each one of us is a "designer original" as Carol Ladd says in her book, The Power of a Positive Woman. Everyone can use whatever God has given them to do what God has created them to do. Everyone has unique gifts, talents and abilities given to them by God to honor and glorify Him, so EVERYONE is valuable!

If there's something you think you can't do, or that bothers you about your appearance, I hope you will watch this video because it will give you a positive outlook and put things in proper perspective.

Psalm 139:14:

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

What did you think of the video?

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God is AWESOME--What a GREAT God!

God does GREAT work!

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Psalms because it is about the greatness of God. It always amazes me how great and awesome God is. The word "awesome" means inspiring awe, feeling awe. "Awe" is defined as a mixed feeling of reverence, fear, and wonder, caused by something sublime, etc. The word is overused today and often not properly; however, in the case of God, He is truly awesome!

O LORD, You have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thought from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O LORD. (Psalm 139:1-4)

I cannot read this passage without thinking WOW! I do not even know all these things about one other person; yet God know all of this about everyone in the whole wide world! And not only that, but knew all this about everyone who ever lived since the beginning of time! We can never hide from God. God knows our heart and our thoughts. I love that God knows everything about me. If I read further, I also see that God actually thinks about me. This passage is like getting a "Thinking of You" card from God almighty!

Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. (Psalm 139:16-18)

This chapter gives great value to human life, knowing that God takes such an active interest in each one of us. I hope you realize how special you are to God today and join me in worshiping Him. GREAT is our God!

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5 Things We Learned This Week 40 of 2011 (animals, fires, stars, volleyball)

Hay Fires

If you are a farmer, this tidbit is for you! Over at Country Pictures, Lucky Lady mentioned about several barns in the area catching on fire. When I asked how that happens, she sent me this link: Spontaneous Combustion and Hay Fires. It basically says that you need to make sure your stored hay does not get too hot or it can burst into flames! If your a farmer, this article gives some tips on how to avoid this, worth reading!

Cleveland Zoo

The two new Grizzley bear cubs from Wyoming (Cheyenne and Jackson) have joined the two from Montana (Cody and Cooper). A baby capybara was born too. We'll have to go soon to see these new additions!

Pet Food

According to the label test, Abby’s dog food isn’t as good as I thought it was—I should have known when Giant Eagle had it!

 

Stars

All the stars have names--God calls them by name! We'll have a post up Sunday about how awesome God is.

Life your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:26 NIV)

Volleyball

Some people play volleyball using "rolling scoring" where teams can score even if they didn't serve. I never heard of this until this week when I went to volleyball open gym night at our church.

Find more Friday Fragments or link up some of your own at Half-Past Kissin' Time.

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Creator or Creation--Which Rules Your Heart?

This was our discussion this morning in our "Circle of Friends" Bible study. It really made me think and I thought I'd share some of the things that stood out to me here.

An idol of the heart is anything that rules us other than God.

So, what do you think rules your heart? Some of the things mentioned in our class was family, appearance, addictions and hobbies. I for one must be careful not to let blogging become an idol. I am either posting, reading other blogs and commenting or thinking about what to post next all day long it seems. In other words, it is constantly on my mind. Yet, I like to believe that it is under God's control, that I seek his guidance, inspiration and direction daily. I like to use it to bring glory to God and to share things I've learned, including some spiritual things but not only limited to that.

Based on Ezekiel 14:1-5, there is a core principle of inseparable influence:

Whatever rules the heart will exercise inseparable influence over a person's life and behavior.

This is why people have such a difficult time changing their behavior for long-term, because our hearts need to change for our behavior to change. If God is ruling my heart, that I will show his love to others in my action and speech. If I take back control, then what I do is self-serving. It's definitely something to think about.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator. who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25

The above verse, Romans 1:25, is referred to The great exchange in our study and was described as follows:

The great exchange (creator for creation) is when what really rules our hearts in daily living is not love for God, but a craving for some other thing. The way God changes us is to recapture our hearts to serve Him alone.

This takes constant surrender to God every day. Oh that I would pour out my heart and be honest with Him so that he will rule my heart all the days of my life!  
 
If you are not involved in a Bible Study group, I encourage you to seek one out.  My greatest growth spurts spiritually always happened when I was involved in a small group Bible Study.  I sincerely hope the Creator rules your heart.  

Related Post:  Making An Idol Out of Sports

(Quotes other than scripture are all from Instrument In The Redeemers Hands by Paul David Tripp.)

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The Greatest Love Story Ever! (Writer's Workshop)

Jesus loves me! I was just seven years old when I realized on an Easter Sunday in Sunday School how much God loved little unimportant me. Jesus left His home in heaven to come to earth in human form to bring me to God. Wow! He voluntarily suffered an agonizing death, even to the point of being crucified as a common criminal and humiliated before a multitude of people. He lived a holy, sinless life on earth in spite of Satan’s attempts to get him to—the only person to ever do this so that he could sacrifice himself as the Savior of the world! He did it so I can be forgiven and saved me from the punishment of sin—eternal separation from God in hell.

Watching the JESUS film clip in my 5th grade Sunday School class last week really brought this to life for my class and was a good reminder for me. Reading it is one thing, but seeing it makes it even more moving. I still get choked up when I think about how Jesus suffered, bled and died for me before I even knew Him. Even on the cross, he was concerned about those crucifying Him, praying “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” The good news is He didn’t stay dead though—he arose as He said, proving He really is God. It amazes me so much that God left heaven to die for sinful humans so we can be forgiven and live with him for all eternity in heaven. What a plan God has!

What is also amazing is how people can reject Jesus once they hear how much He loves them. If you have doubts about God or his plan of salvation, ask God to show you the truth.

If you are unfamiliar with this great love story, you can read all about it in the Bible, specifically Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 18-21. (Actually the entire Bible is God’s 66 love letters to us).

Other recommended reading (click on any of these to read my review):

Letters From A Skeptic

66 Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarky

JESUS--90 Days With The One And Only by Beth Moore

Flight to Heaven--A Plane Crash, A Lone Survivor and A Journey To Heaven And Back by Capt. Dale Black

This is in response to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompt: A Story Of Love

Miracle Monday: "The Man Who Wouldn't Budge"

This true story is about a repair shop owner in China:

A JESUS film worker went to a video repair shop carrying his well-worn video player. The machine had faithfully played the JESUS video innumerable times. The owner quoted an outlandish amount (equivalent to a month’s wages) to repair it. Discouraged, that the man wouldn’t budge on the price, he could only leave the player there and hope for a change of heart. He returned a few weeks later, anxious to continue his video ministry.

Beaming, the owner of the shop handed him the repaired player, along with a bill reduced by 90 percent. Responding to the incredulous stare of the worker, the shop owner said, “I watched the video you left in the machine. My life has changed. I gave my life to Jesus!”

From p. 32 of The Power of Jesus used by permission from The JESUS Film Project®.

Have you ever seen the JESUS film? It’s very good! We sometimes use scenes from it in Sunday School and there is also a children’s version too. This story is similar to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8-10.

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Miracle Monday: Sealed In Safety

In Africa, a respected Muslim theologian lived with his wife and daughter. While he was out of town, JESUS film team set up the movie and his wife and daughter watched from their courtyard. They were afraid to attend because of the man’s position, but the volume was loud enough for them to hear and both trusted Christ as their personal Savior.

When the cleric returned, they told him what had happened. He was furious; he felt they had humiliated him and betrayed Allah. He decided to kill them both. This man sealed them inside their concrete-walled house, locking the strong doors and windows and leaving them without food or water. He told the neighbors that he and his family were going away and would not return for two weeks. Because of the great distance between the homes, he knew their cries for help would never be heard.

Two weeks later he returned. He unlocked the door, expecting to be hit by the stench of death. Instead, he was greeted by his wife and daughter, both standing before him, with joy on their faces. He was incredulous, How could this be? They explained, “You meant to kill us, but Jesus saved us. Every day a hand has appeared giving us food and water. Sometimes it came through the door. Other times the hand appeared through a window. Sometimes it came down through the roof.”

The scholar scoffed and refused to believe. Suddenly, the hand appeared and offered him food and water as well. Severely shaken, he immediately went to a local Christian pastor in the community and told him what had happened. The pastor shared the gospel with him. He became convinced that Jesus was the true God, and he prayed to receive Christ.

From p. 24 of The Power Of Jesus, used by permission from The JESUS Film Project®.

I find it amazing that God kept that mother and daughter alive and that the Muslim leader also became a believer. I guess it would be pretty hard not to believe after seeing his wife and daughter still alive upon his return and seeing the mysterious hand offering food for himself. See, Allah and God are not the same.

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Miracle Monday: The Man in the Clouds

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For many years, a couple served as missionaries to the Malto people of India without seeing a single person come to Christ. The husband and 3-yr.-old son died, the wife returned to the states feeling devastated, confused, and defeated.

A few weeks later, a JESUS film team arrived in that exact Maltos area. This time the government officials allowed the film to be shown. During the scene at Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, when His face first appeared on the screen, the crowd erupted with shouts and exclamations. The team had no choice but to stop the film and learn what the commotion was about. “It’s the Man!” they shouted. “He is the One we saw walking in the clouds!”

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Miracle Monday: The Bus

A JESUS film team in Nigeria received permission to show the JESUS film at Osupa. A huge crowd of more than 2,000 people came to watch the film from both sides of the road.

As the film progressed, suddenly people began running in all directions. In the darkness, the team couldn’t figure out what was going on, but the commotion was caused by an out-of-control bus speeding straight toward the film site. The people looked aghast at the rapidly approaching headlights! Everything seemed hopeless. Apparently the driver was drunk and lost control of the bus. The film equipment, the team, and hundreds of men, women and children stood directly in its path.

How the large vehicle missed the crowd remains a mystery to this day. Workers said it was as though an unseen hand took control of the bus and moved it to the side, sparing the live of not only the audience, but also the driver. Ironically, the bus driver’s father was the man who allowed the use of this area to show the film.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.            --Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

From The Power of Jesus used by permission from the Jesus Film Project®.

This reminds me of a time me and my friend were riding bikes in our driveway. My dad’s car was parked in the drive. I went down the drive between the house and the car at the same time my friend came up the drive between the house and the car. I was sure we were going to ram head on into each other and closed my eyes waiting for the crash, but it never came! Somehow we passed each other without hitting or either of us falling. It was a very narrow space and at that time, bikes were big and clunky.

Can you think of a time when the only explanation you didn’t get hurt or in an accident was God’s protection?

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Miracle Monday: Praise and Angels

Sometimes it may seem that God only did miracles in Bible times, but He is still in the miracle business today! As I read The Power of Jesus I was amazed at some of the modern-day miracles reported by The Jesus Film Project. I bought these booklets for the boys in my Sunday School class and will also share some of the miracles with you here on Mondays with the permission of The Jesus Film Project. I wonder why we don’t hear about these kinds of things in the news!

Angels at the Bridge in Southeast Africa

Transporting the Yao JESUS films and equipment from South Africa for an evangelistic campaign was not easy. A group of 35 Christians and vehicles loaded with supplies for a 20-day journey and outreach traveled bush roads in terrible condition.

They found that all the bridges had been either washed away or blown up during previous years of civil war, replaced with makeshift piles of sticks, twigs, and rocks. Even in four-wheel drive vehicles, crossing those bridges was risky and frightening. The passengers got out to help guide the loaded cars and vans as they inched their way over. At any moment, one of the vehicles could have lost its traction and tumbled off.

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7 Tips For Developing The Habit of A Quiet Time With God Each Day

We say, God is important. Yes, I believe in God! Yes, I'm a Christian! Yes, I love the Lord! Yet, do our actions back that up? I say all those things; however, when I compare the amount of time I spend talking to God or letting Him speak to me through His Word versus the amount of time I spend talking to people or doing other things, it seems God gets very little time. Let's not let busyness of life crowd Him out of our daily lives.

Daily devotions has been on my heart lately because this summer I’ve been trying to get my Sunday School class of 5th grade boys to begin taking some responsibility for their spiritual growth by spending some one-on-one time with God through the week by reading the Bible and praying. It has kick started my quiet times as a result and so I thought I’d share some things I’ve learned that helped me get back into that habit instead of just reading a verse here or there through the day.

1. Pick a quiet place with few distractions. Gerard uses the basement, his “man cave.” I like the upstairs den, away from the computer. My cats join me, but I can pet them and pray or read my Bible at the same time, so I do not consider them a distraction.

2. Choose a specific time each day and look on it as your appointment time with God. Yes, I know we can pray anytime, but this is our special one-on-one standard appointment time. Ideally, it should be the same time every day (even on weekends) or at least following the same routine. For example, I have found that since I clean the litter boxes upstairs every day (even on weekends), I will spend some quiet one-on-one time with God in the den when I’m on the litter box run.

I recommend meeting with God to start your day. Choose a time right before or after a task you already do such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, exercising, or feeding the pets. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. If for some reason, I’m running late in the morning, I still have the evening run left to catch up. Look on it as a regular appointment—you wouldn’t skip other appointments with people that you have on your calendar.

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God Comes Through Again!

Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show the great and mighty things which thou knowest not.--Jeremiah 33:3

Back at the beginning of March, I was reassigned at work to a different floor and went from the world of corporate law to litigation. I am a secretary at a law firm who has been very good to me over the 23 years I have been there.

Switching areas was challenging because there are some secretarial functions related to litigation that corporate secretaries never had to deal with. I was leery and a bit shaken up because being on one floor for so long, I had friends on that floor. The first three days were very rough. I went from working for one corporate attorney who was not very busy to three litigators, one of which was extremely busy and who had some strange quirks, was very picky, and basically hard to please. I came home all frazzled and thinking about work. I do not like to think about work when I am at home.

I prayed God would help me adjust and learn quickly. He did. I reminded myself that God is in control and I just need to trust Him. I chose to rejoice in the Lord each day and trust that God was directing my path according to Proverbs 3:5 & 6. After the first week, I felt better about my new assignment and by the end of the second week felt it would work out okay. I like being busier and am not afraid to learn new things. Just yesterday I learned another new thing about how to view pleadings on the court site that were filed electronically.

But God really came through for me. That attorney who I was basically on pins and needles with left the firm to work elsewhere and in his place I got a new guy that just joined our firm so isn't as busy. Things are no longer so crazy. When life throws us a curve, it's nice to know that God is watching over us and does not allow anything to come into our lives that he will not help us through if we put our faith in Him.

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From A Bird's Perspective

Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? –Matthew 6:26

God Cares For You

As a creature of the Lord’s
God shows He loves me too.
And I am just a bird—
Much more he cares for you!

The Bible says God guides us,
He tells us where to feed.
Now if God cares for animals,
He’ll surely meet your need!

So don’t get scared and worry
About things of this earth.
God says He will protect you;
To Him, you have great worth.

And when a worry tempts you,
Quick, lay it at God’s feet.
Allow the Lord to show you
That trusting Him is sweet.

But you must take that first step;
Refuse to fret and fear.
Fill up your mind with Scripture,
And let Christ draw you near.

Reprinted here from A Closer Look At the Evidence by Richard & Tina Kleiss.


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