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"COME, FOLLOW ME." ( MATTHEW 4:19 NIV ) TO BE A DISCIPLE! The word disciple means being an apprentice to someone. And it was easy to tell if someone had done that. Peter, James and John made a decision to spend every day with Jesus in order to learn how to be like Him. Now, they did the same kinds of things you do. They ate, slept, worked, played, and learned. They just did all of these things with Jesus. And now it's your turn. What happened to those 3 fishermen 2,000 years ago can happen for you. And your season of life, your temperament, your job--these are no obstacles. Throughout history when people came to understand what Jesus was really offering they would sacrifice anything--money, comfort, home, security--to get the chance to be an apprentice to Him. And this is your chance to follow Him too. Read these words from a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, who was later martyred for his faith: "The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made--I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am lifted by prayer, and labour with power." That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus!
"IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU." ( JOHN 15:7 NKJV ) &nb sp; DRAWING WHAT WE NEED FROM CHRIST (1) When a mother nurses her baby it's an experience of intimacy. The baby's not only getting milk but drawing close to his or her mother in the warmth of a loving relationship. We could say that the baby is feeding relationally as well as nutritionally. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abie in you." Too many of us view the Bible as a library of information to be studied. And Bible study is important. But when you feed on God's Word with the desire of getting to know the person behind the page, it changes everything. You can read the big words in a medical book, but when you're sick you want a doctor there to tell you what those words mean and what it will take to make you well. When you're hungry it's nice to have a menu to choose from. But what you want is a waiter standing there to tell you what's in the various meals and what he has tasted and found to be good from the menu. In other words, you want to relate to someone who embodies the information you are receiving. That's because the goal of medical treatment is health, not being able to pronounce the big words of your illness. And the goal of going to a restaurant is a meal, not the menu. When your goal in Bible reading moves from information to personal intimacy ("Lord, what are You saying specifically to me?" ), especially during times of spiritual need, you are on the road to maturity.
"I SAID, 'I WILL CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS TO THE LORD'--AND YOU FORGAVE THE GUILT OF MY SIN." ( PSALM 32:5 NIV ) &nb sp; CONFESSION Confession does for our soul what working the ground does for the soil. Before the farmer sows his seed he works the land, removing the rocks and pulling the stumps. Why? Because seed grows better in prepared soil. Confession invites God to walk the acreage of our hearts. "There's a rock of greed over here, Father I can't budge it. And that tree of lust near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And here's some dry soil, too crusty for seed!" Confession seeks pardon from God, not amesty. Pardon accepts guilt; amnesty, derived from the same Greek word as amnesia, "forgets" the offence without acknowledging guilt. Remember Peter who denied his Master when he should have defended Him? How did the New Testament writers know the details of Peter's failure? How did Matthew know Peter's accent made him a suspect? How did Luke learn of the glance of Jesus that melted Peter's heart? Who told all 4 Gospel writers about the crowing rooster and flowing tears? Most likely, Peter himself! "Fellows, I've got to get something off my chest." He describes that terrible morning, the fire, the girl, and the look on the face of Jesus. How can we be sure of this? Because Peter couldn't stay away from Christ! Who was the first man to run to the empty tomb? Who was the first to jump out of the boat and swim to Jesus who stood on the shore? Peter! Those who keep secrets from God keep their distance from God. But those who are honest with God draw near to God.
TO BE 6 AGAIN
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed,
observing his wife turning back
and forth, looking at herself in the mirror.
Since her birthday was not far off, he asked
what she'd like to have for her Birthday.
I'd like to be six again, she replied, still
looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early,
made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms,
and then took her to Six Flags
theme park. What a day ! He put her on every
ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear,
the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster... everything
there was. Five hours Later they staggered out
of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her
stomach felt upside down.
He then took her to a McDonald's where he
ordered her a Happy Meal with
extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop,
and her favorite candy,
M&M's. What a fabulous adventure ! Finally she
wobbled home with her
husband and collapsed into bed exhausted.
He leaned over his wife with a big smile and
lovingly asked, Well Dear,
what was it like being six again ??
Her eyes slowly opened and her expression
suddenly changed.
I meant my Dress Size, you silly man !!
The moral of the story: Even when a man is
listening, he is going to get it wrong.
FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house. NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine" GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.
LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing" THAT'S OKAY This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome. WHATEVER
It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ YOU!
Please forward this e-mail to your friends and family and help us get
this information into the hands of as many people as possible
 Amazing Grace
is coming to a theatre near you
opening Friday Night
Feb. 23, 2007...
Watch the movie preview here:
www.AmazingGraceMovie.com
Dear Friend,
On Friday night, February 23, 2007, the new critically acclaimed movie Amazing Grace, is opening nationwide in major cities. This film depicts the real life story of William Wilberforce, the Christian member of the British Parliament who fought to end the slave trade in England. This wonderful and inspiring major motion picture was produced by the same quality artists from Walden Media that gave us The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe and Charlotte's Web. I have seen this movie in a pre screening twice and it is simply outstanding. Wilberforce was a moral rock and this movie tells the story of his decades of tireless work to defeat slavery. The movie also shows the relationship between Wilberforce and John Newton, who authored the hymn, Amazing Grace. The story is moving and challenges you on a number of levels. This movie presents an unprecedented opportunity to bring about racial reconciliation and envision citizens to become social change agents in society. For more information on the movie and to view the trailer and clips check out www.AmazingGraceMovie.com. In some Florida cities, entire theaters are being bought out on the opening night. It is important that we pack the house on the first three days over the weekend so that the movie will continue for several weeks/months and not be pulled after the first week. The Florida cities that will show the movie are listed below. For further information on group sales or to buy out and reserve an entire theater call 1-888-814-7223. Thank you for your support of this amazing movie, which testifies to the amazing grace, of our amazing God. Sincerely, John Stemberger President, Florida Family Policy Council
REFLECTIONS OF A MOTHER I gave you life, but cannot live it for you. I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you. I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it. I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you. I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside. I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you. I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you. I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish. I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor. I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you. I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure. I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation. I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you. I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them. I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you. I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious. I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral. I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family. I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord. I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
Sparrow7~
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"GATHER THE LEFTOVERS SO NOTHING IS WASTED." ( JOHN 6:12 TM ) &nb sp; NOTHING IS EVER LOST! Did you know that what starts as a curse can end as a blessing? When the Mexican boll weevil devastated the southeast Alabama cotton crop, farmers reverted to planting peanuts and ended up producing more than any county in the nation. Consequently the town of Rucker elected a monument bearing this inscription: "In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity." When Jesus discovered Lazarus was sick He didn't respond till after he'd been dead four days. But because Jesus was waiting didn't mean He wasn't working. He chose to demonstrate His resurrecting power--to prove that nothing's too hard for God. Joseph was falsely imprisoned for 13 years. But God was with him and he went on to save multitudes, including his family, who'd mistreated him. Joseph's struggles made him better, not bitter. But it could have ended differently if he hadn't maintained the right attitude. God used Esther to save her people, but first he put her in the position of living where she didn't want to live and doing what she didn't want to do. Even though a widow, Ruth ended up gleaning in a field, where she met and married a wealthy man named Boaz. In addition to bearing him children, she became part of Jesus' ancestral bloodline. So if you're struggling to see God's purpose in your suffering today, rest assured He has one. After feeding a multitude Jesus told His disciples, ' Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." In God's kingdom nothing is ever lost. When you trust Him, He makes "all things work together for good" ( Ro 8:28). Sparrow7~
For those of you who don't know me, my family has pretty much written me out of their lives. I have a sister, a brother and my Mom's still here. Every year they have a "family" reunion (my Brother lives in Vegas) so they all go out there for a visit and I've never been included. Today (just got off phone with my sister) and before she could get a word out I said "You are going on a cruise" and she screamed "how did you know?" Then I said "Chuch and Anne are going" and she screamed "yes" and then I said "And Mom's going" and she was speechless since my Mom's 86yrs old. How I knew it I don't know...perhaps God was preparing me for yet another "family" reunion I wasn't to be included in. Then today's Word for today is this: "HIS UNCHANGING PLAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO ADOPT US INTO HIS OWN FAMILY." ( EPHESIANS 1:5 TLB ) &nb sp; YOU'RE IN THE FAMILY You may not like me. I may not like you. But since God loves us both, we are family. The Scriptures refer to us as a poem: "We are His workmanship" ( Eph 2:10 ). Workmanship descends from the Greek word poeo or poetry. What Longfellow did with pen and paper; Christ does with us. We express His creative best. And poetry demands variety. "God works through different men in different ways" ( 1 Co 12:6 PHPS ). God usees all trypes. Logical thinkers and emotional worshippers. Dynamic leaders and docile followers. Visionariees who trailblaze, the studious who ponder, the generous who pay the bills. The billions of Christ's followers over the last 2000 years have this in common: "A spiritual gift is given to each of us" ( 1 Co 12:7 NLT ). No exceptions. And our gifts make an eternal difference only in concert with the church: "Christ gave those gifts to prepare God's holy people for the work of serving" ( Eph 4:12 NCV ). The word prepare comes from a medical term in the original Greek. Doctors used it to describe the stting of a broken bone. Broken people come to church, not with broken bones but with broken hearts, homes, dreams and lives. They limp in on fractured faith. And if the church does its job they find healing. God heals His family through His family. In the church we use our gifts to love each other, honour one another, keep an eye on troublemakers and carry each other's burdens. Do you need encouragement, prayers or a hospitable home? Consider your church God's treatment centre for all that ails you. Sometimes God let's us know something beforehand so we won't be so crushed with a new hurt .... I am really hurt with my family but only God can change them.
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