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Gleneagle yesterday.
From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent ( change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven
It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.
"I've come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I've come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished!
"Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely,
Matthew 4:17 Matthew 18:3 Matthew 3:7 Luke 12:49 Acts 3:19 The unknown is now known, and he's calling for a radical life-change. Acts 17:30
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: "Let's get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!" Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: "Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit."
Why do you brag of evil, "Big Man"? God's mercy carries the day. You scheme catastrophe; your tongue cuts razor-sharp, artisan in lies. You love evil more than good, you call black white.
Good people will watch and worship. They'll laugh in relief: "Big Man bet on the wrong horse, trusted in big money, made his living from catastrophe."
Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
God rules. On your toes, everybody! He rules from his angel throne—take notice! God looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names. Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you! Holy. Yes, holy.
Psalm 2:1 Psalm 52:1 Psalm 52:6 Proverbs 18:7 Psalm 99:1
It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall. Ps.75:7 (NLT)
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Colorado.
My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour and a moment when you do not anticipate it.
Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed;
Anticipate what I'm creating: I'll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight. I'll take joy in Jerusalem, take delight in my people
For we, through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope.
Psalm 119:148 Luke 12:40 Psalm 25:3 Isaiah 65:17 Galatians 5:5
God is always protecting us – even when we don’t realize we need it.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Austin,TX.
I am Your servant; give me understanding (discernment and comprehension), that I may know (discern and be familiar with the character of) Your testimonies
Guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course.
Then shall you return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who does not serve Him.
Don't be nitpickers; use your head—and heart!—to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right."
Do you not discern and understand that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you?
Psalm 119:125 Proverbs 2:9 Malachi 3:18 John 7:21 1 Corinthians 3:16
God’s help is only a prayer away.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
I looked long and hard at what goes on around here, and let me tell you, things are bad. And people feel it. There are people, for instance, on whom God showers everything—money, property, reputation—all they ever wanted or dreamed of. And then God doesn't let them enjoy it.
"Listen now, you who know right from wrong, you who hold my teaching inside you: Pay no attention to insults, and when mocked don't let it get you down… But my setting-things-right lasts, my salvation goes on and on and on."
When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
The old life is a grass life, its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers; Grass dries up, flowers droop, God's Word goes on and on forever. This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
Ecclesiastes 6:1 Isaiah 51:7 Romans 5:20 John 10:4 1 Peter 1:22
The Bible tells us all we need to know so we can do all God wants us to do.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Pagosa Springs,CO .
Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart.
Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a backseat to anyone.
His eyes observe and keep watch over the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe and delight in my ways,
Blessed are those who observe justice and who do right and are in right standing with God at all times.
Psalm 119:34 Proverbs 22:29 Psalm 66:7 Proverbs 29:16 Proverbs 23:26 Psalm 106:3
A person may go wrong in many different directions but right in only one.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Great Sand Dunes .
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Matthew 5:5 Matthew 6:6 Matthew 6:33 Matthew 19:26 1 Corinthians 1:26 Romans 8:28
God can transform tragedies into triumphs.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Monterey, CA .
For the Word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority
And he shall be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water… and everything he does shall prosper
We're depending on God; he's everything we need.
Psalm 33:4 Psalm 9:3 Psalm 37:5 Psalm 8:6 Psalm 1:3 Psalm 33:20
God’s love knows no limits.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Open up before God, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart.
So don't turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he's told us this quite plainly—he'll also rock the heavens: "One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern." The phrase "one last shaking" means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Psalm 19:7 Psalm 19:8 Psalm 37:5 1 Timothy 4:6 Hebrews 12:25 2 Timothy 4:5
No one is hopeless whose hope is in God.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Live this way and you've got it made, but bad eggs will be tossed out. The good get planted on good land and put down healthy roots.
The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you've been so good to us! We're walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!
What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.
A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God. Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
Psalm 37:28 Psalm 89:5 Proverbs 12:12 Isaiah 11:1 Jeremiah 17:8
Because God is with us, we need not fear what lies ahead.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Anamis River.
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too ,for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed.
Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink.
For I have derived great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints [who are your fellow Christians] have been cheered and refreshed through you, [my] brother.
The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, the true Christians) say, Come! And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost.
Proverbs 11:25 Isaiah 43:20 1 Corinthians 12:12 Philemon 1:7 Revelation 22:17
To do the work of God, we must rust God to work through us.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Praise .
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort
It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it… As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part.
We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 1:8 2 Corinthians 4:13 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:14
The heart filled with praise brings pleasure to God.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
God's words are pure words, Pure silver words refined seven times In the fires of his word-kiln, Pure on earth as well as in heaven.
Therefore I love Your commandments more than [resplendent] gold, yes, more than [perfectly] refined gold.
On your feet, Daughter of Zion! Be threshed of chaff, be refined of dross. I'm remaking you into a people invincible, into God's juggernaut to crush the godless peoples. You'll bring their plunder as holy offerings to God, their wealth to the Master of the earth.
I'll refine them as silver is refined, test them for purity as gold is tested. Then they'll pray to me by name and I'll answer them personally. I'll say, 'That's my people.' They'll say, 'God—my God!'"
These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The LORD of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, and refined, aged wine.
Psalm 12:6 Psalm 119:127 Micah 4:13 Zechariah 13:7 1 Peter 1:7 Isaiah 25:6
God can turn any difficulty into an opportunity.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.
And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
[Developing Patience] By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle.
Proverbs 4:20 Psalm 84:5 Matthew 5:9 Romans 12:17 Romans 5:1 1 Corinthians 4:7
The future always looks bright when viewed through the window of God’s promises.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). and character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God's grace.
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.
Matthew 5:48 Matthew 22:15 Romans 5:4 2 Corinthians 1:12 Ephesians 6:14 1 Timothy 4:11
Beware! Satan makes a lie sound like the truth.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Fall flowers.
Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."
Then Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.
Than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.
Acts 5:29 John 8:12 Romans 4:17 Romans 14:17 Romans 14:19 Psalm 4:7
As we prepare for the Nov 4th elections our Catholic brothers have a great message: click on the site http://www.CatholicVote.com
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Great Sand Dunes,CO.
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you."
Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Joshua said to them, Fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage. For thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight
Then you will prosper if you are careful to keep and fulfill the statutes and ordinances with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage. Dread not and fear not; be not dismayed.
I am very happy because I now am of good courage and have perfect confidence in you in all things.
Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Joshua 1:6 Joshua 10:25 1 Chronicles 22:13 2 Corinthians 7:16 Philippians 1:27
When conviction runs deep, courage rises to sustain it.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Air Force Academy Chapel .
God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around.
Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don't let it get away!
Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
Blessed are those who make the LORD their trust, who do not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will worship before You.
Psalm 32:10 Psalm 34:14 Psalm 37:27 Psalm 40:4 Psalm 6:10 Psalm 22:27
God transforms trials into triumphs.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Sedona, AZ.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.
"Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has handpicked you to be briefed on his plan of action. You've actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak. You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you've seen and heard. So what are you waiting for? Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.'
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Proverbs 4:13 Proverbs 24:5 Acts 22:14 Isaiah 33:6 Deuteronomy 30:20
Our intercession may be the key to God’s intervention.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.
Colorado Springs .
AFTER THESE things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.
And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will favor you with blessings and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.
Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today.
Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.
Then you will prosper if you are careful to keep and fulfill the statutes and ordinances with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage. Dread not and fear not; be not dismayed.
And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for you all you require, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability).
Genesis 15:1 Genesis 26:24 Exodus 14:13 Deuteronomy 31:6 1 Chronicles 22:13 Ruth 3:11
Because the Lord is watching over us, we don’t have to fear the dangers around us.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Home 10/01.
Moses' father-in-law said, "… Let me tell you how to do this so that God will be in this with you. … keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders
Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
"Lo, God will not reject a man of integrity, Nor will He support the evildoers.
O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
Exodus 18:17 2 Chronicles 19:7 Job 8:20 Psalm 15:2 Psalm 25:21 Proverbs 2:7
A person of integrity has nothing to hide.
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“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
You find it easy enough to forecast the weather—why can't you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you'll get is the Jonah sign." Then he turned on his heel and walked away.
It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
Matthew 5:17 Matthew 5:13 Matthew 8:26 Matthew 14:31 Matthew 16:1 Hebrews 11:5
The Bible is a mirror that lets us see ourselves as God sees us.
LIFEgroups – together experiencing God
Gleneagle yesterday
