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33. Aloha, Love is 4 demesional - Ephesians 3:17-19 -- 10-10-05
Dear Mary Mea,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your wonderful message. Thank you for sharing a part of your love. Thank you for thinking so much of me. Thank yo for your phone calls. Thank you for taking action that might bring us together. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
But, always remember, I am nothing without God. I must give all the glory to God.
As I am thinking about the love you are sharing, God has led me to His Word. He shows me that real love is 4 dimensional, not 3 dimensional. It is not of this natural 3 dimensional world, real love goes beyond into thedimensionn of the spiritual realm.
Ephesians 3:17-19 (New Living Translation)
(17) And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. (18) And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. (19) May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
I believe that in order for a marriage to function effectively as vehicles for recovery and dealing with significant life changing experiences, then we must be driven by God's dynamic and unlimited love. Paul prayed that his friends might be deeply anchored and rooted in the soil of God's love. As we learn how much God loves us, we will become confident that He is able to do far more in and through us than we could ever imagine! We can bank our recovery and dealing with significant life changing experiences (like marriage) on this truth! We may feel that our life is hopeless and beyond hope, full of darkness. But through God restoration and healing are possible. When we are grounded in God's love, recovery and dealing with significant life changing experiences will follow.
I am praying that your words and what you are sharing is the truth. I am praying that God will take control of everything and lead us together in accordance with His will.
I can sponsor you and provide you shelter and assistance when you get here, but you need to initiate whatever you must do to bring you to me. Can you do this? Where do we really go from here?
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob Erb @ www.boberb.com
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32. Aloha, After Failure comes Success - Genesis 41:14 -- 10-12-05
Dear Vinay,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your message. Thank you for sharing your devotion. Thank you for inspiring me to review how failure, when used effectively, can lead to great success.
As you shared the story of Joseph, I was led to Genesis 40 and 41 with focus on 41:14 instead of chapter 40 (where Joseph is begging to be let out of the dungeon). It reminded me that many people identify with failure, but few people identify with success. As Joseph, at the age of 30, was pulled out of the dungeons to interpret the Pharaoh's dream, God led him into the greatest of success. The Pharaoh called him the wisest in Egypt, he gave him riches, and he gave him a wife (somehting I am still hoping He provides for me). His life moved from failure into success in one moment when God showed him how to see dreams of the future and how to overcome the adversity. If we can do this, God will reward us also.
I found that everyone identifies with failure. As I was succeeding in the worldly manner, I was telling people how to succeed, but few people listened. Afterward, when I started to share my failures and how God helped me to overcome them (especially 31 months ago), people started to listen. In fact, when I told people that they needed to learn how to use their mistakes as stepping-stones for success, they wanted to learn how to fail forward.
What I have discovered over the years of working with people is the following: we may be able to impress people with our successes, but if we want to influence them, share our failures. Everybody has failed, so it’s a great way to connect.
The problem is that because people so readily identify with failure, we sometimes have a hard time connecting with success. And if we don’t identify with success, we may resent it. Let us celebrate the successes of everyone we know. Let us keep in mind to change our clothes and stand at our Kings presence in humility.
Genesis 41:14 (New Living Translation)
Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was brought hastily from the dungeon. After a quick shave and change of clothes, he went in and stood in Pharaoh's presence.
At last Joseph was given the opportunity for freedom. God's perfect timing had come. We may get discouraged by our slow progress, but we must continue to faithfully follow God the best we can. Someday we may find we are truly free of the things that bind us. If we experience such deliverance, we can then rejoice. For many of us, however, our dependencies will haunt us throughout this life. If we find ourselves in this situation, we can still rejoice, knowing that through it all we are building a deeper relationship with God.
Pharaoh's dreams.
The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we either heed dreams, or tell them. The telling of foolish dreams can make no better than foolish talk. But these dreams showed that they were sent of God; when he awoke, Pharaoh's spirit was troubled.
I pray you will never be troubled and will succeed in accordance with God's time. God bless you and your family. Your brother in Christ,
Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 32.
Dear bob,gretings in HIS name and love from my family.i am sahring my devotion. When joseph was in prison,he ws so anxiuous to come out of prison that he approached two prisoners from pharo's palace with the intention that they mihgt advocate on his behalf to pharoh and he will be delivered from prison and joseph failed there.verse 14,"d o me one favour,when everythimg will be all right with you remember me and take me out of prison." When I was mediatating on this verse,i realised that did i ever do this?Ye I did,many times I lean on my friends and relatives to fullfill HIS promises or I look at friends for help thinking that HE will help me thru them.By doing so I dishonour HIm and try to fullfill HIS vision my way and joseph tried too. MAny imes I make friend with the intentions that they will e of grea help tp me in future,ho foolish I was. At last we read that the vine taser didn't remember the joseph,he forgot @ him. BUt HE said I will not leave u nor forsake you. in HIM vinay xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
31. Aloha, The Ideal Wife - Proverbs 31:10-11 -- 10-10-05
Dear Mary Mea and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your note. Thank you for sharing the Word of God. Thank you for reminding me of an ideal wife.
As I reviewed Proverbs 31, I am reminded that some women compare themselves to the wife described in this chapter and feel inadequate. Actually, the woman of Proverbs 31 is a description of the IDEAL wife. No wife has ever or will ever completely measure up to these ideal standards. This will inevitably lead to frustration and despair. Instead, a woman should accept herself for who she is and commit to allowing God to transform her more and more into His likeness. As she grows to be more like Him, she will naturally exhibit many of the characteristics of this ideal wife.
Proverbs 31:10-11 (New Living Translation)
A Wife of Noble Character
(10) Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. (11) Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
The description of a virtuous woman. This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her.
1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good.
2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not.
3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter.
4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her.
5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully.
6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world.
7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever.
8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations.
If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this honor that comes from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honorable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellence here described. I will write more to you later.
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 31 (www.boberb.com)
The world is a puzzle and we're two pieces that fit perfectly together
Bible verse for me and u
When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
30. Aloha, the dandelion, maybe not a weed? - Matthew 13:30 -- 10-09-05
Dear Corinne and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your message. Thank you for sharing your perception of the dandelion with me.
If this is your original thoughts, you are entering a world all clarified by God. The words in the Bible will make everything clear as we stay in the spiritual realm. As I reviewed what the Bible says about weeds, I found it mentioned 14 times, but most of the times it was used by Matthew to describe bad stuff. Jesus suggested it represents sin and those who do evil. But, there is a time when it may not really be weeds, just our perceptions.
"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
At the moment I read this I am thinking about how it might apply in a recovery program or dealing with significant life changing experiences. On the other hand, I also see it how we grow together with others who we may think are weeds at the time, but as we get to know them, we see the beauty in them. We may find that what we thought were weeds are really roses, or something much greater that we need to keep (or should we if they don't love God). We always need to remember, if we believe Satan was an angle, he was also the most beautiful of all of them.
As I read the whole story in its context, though, I see something else. The story about the wheat and the weeds applies to those of us considering recovery. Ultimately, there are two kinds of people in the world. some submit to God's will and experience the restoration He offers in Jesus Christ, the others, whether they realize it or not, have submitted to the control of Satan. This stark but realistic contrast shows us that if we do not choose God, we choose Satan bu default. If we have already undertaken a form of recovery but have not yet committed our life to Jesus Christ, we still have tone more step to go before experiencing the victory available in God's recovery program.
PARABLES OF THE SECRET KINGDOM
Matthew's central discourse section contains seven or eight parables depicting the present character of the kingdom until the end; his final discourse section contains a roughly equal number of end-time kingdom parables . As in Mark, Jesus' parables of the kingdom's present state explain why his kingdom comes first in a hidden way and why Israel's leaders reject him. These parables dramatically reinforce that Jesus' first coming was coercive neither militarily nor intellectually; he came as the meek burden bearer, and only the meek could recognize and follow him. That the parables address his people's acceptance or rejection of the kingdom message follows from the context: Jesus speaks parables that same day that he has confronted Pharisaic opposition and offered a culturally offensive statement about his family. The parables section closes immediately with an account of Jesus' rejection by his hometown, so that rejection by his own frames his kingdom parables. This likewise implies that true disciples-those who follow the kingdom message-must be prepared to pay the ultimate price for doing so. Because modern readers often misunderstand parables, it is important to provide some brief comments about their character. Most of Jesus' parables were stories designed to illustrate a particular point or points, something like sermon illustrations today (except sometimes without the accompanying sermon that would clarify the illustration!). We should not read too much into parables; often some details of the parables merely are necessary to make a good story. Nevertheless, parables provide one creative way to explain Jesus' central point or points. God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 30 (www.boberb.com)
what are your thoughts ?
On the way to dropping the kids off to school this morning
i passed some longish grass on the side of the road
and it was covered with these bright yellow dandelions...
At first i thought...the grass needs cutting ...wonder if
my grass needs cutting....then...i looked harder and thought.wow
all those yellow dandelions look beautiful...
my mind wandered.....do we cut short some of the beautiful things
in life because of our traditions.....if that lawn had been kept
mowed and looking the part ...i would not have had the opportunity
to see such a beautiful display of natural yellow...
doesn't end there...you know me the thinker..
on the other hand if we let the so called weeds in our life grow
do they kill the good..(grass)...takeover so to speak..do the lusts of our eyes let us get sidetracked..
still more...what is a weed anyway...i think something that you don't want , something that will choke the good things in your life out..
now last thought....is a dandelion a weed...maybe in some places ..
but others have learn't the value of it and use it for good..
i am sure God is going to continue to speak to me today about this
little flower He pointed out to me this morning...maybe He has something to say to you about it to...or maybe, there is some little piece of nature He is talking to you through today...Let's hear the voice of God
today and see the wonderful things He has to say.....
life can get so busy we walk past the little blessings
and don't even notice them...
God is all around us.....Corinne
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29. Aloha, We can make it in any situation now - Philippians 4:10-13 -- 10-07-05
Dear Dennis and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for sharing the Word of God.
David forwarded this message to me and it touched my heart enough to respond to it. As I experience my periods of homelessness, I always feel the hope of Christ in my life. Over 31 months ago, I did feel like I was going to loose, until I rededicated my life to God and started DOING what Jesus might DO. I also know that I can begin to thank others for the gifts they give me by expressing their concern for me.
Philippians 4:10-13 (New Living Translation)
Paul's Thanks for Their Gifts
(10) How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn't have the chance to help me. (11) Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. (12) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (13) For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Some of us may wonder if we will ever experience peace again. Our battle against addiction seems endless and hard. we continually find ourselves in helpless situations. When we get discouraged and recognize that recovery is too hard for us to achieve alone, we can claim those verses for renewed hope. God wants us to make progress in recovery, and He has the power to help us do it. As we entrust our life to God, we can make progress in recovery with the help of Christ, who gives us the strength we need. With God, nothing is impossible.
Gives directions to some, and to all in general.
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-laborers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in our Christian lives; and we Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let our enemies perceive how moderate we were as to outward things, and how composedly we suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favor, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name; a name for good things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men, words, nor deeds.
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ, Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and see item 29. see http://www.waikikibeachoutreach.com/wst_page4.html
Ý The Power of Our Confession Ý - Dennis C.
28. Aloha, An Axe and (2) 38s -- 10-07-05
Dear Merlyn and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for the ecard. Thank you for sharing the Word of God. Thank you for helping me to remember Acts 2:38.
The ecard suggested that I could remember when we do something wrong that someone will be ready with an Axe and 2 38s to stop us in out tracks.
Acts 2:37-39 (New Living Translation)
(37) Peter's words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
(38) Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles--all who have been called by the Lord our God."
Peter's preaching led the people to examine their lives, and they readily recognized their need for salvation in Christ. Peter assured them that by turning from their sins and entrusting their lives to God, they would be forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can expect the same blessings if we bring our sins before God. His forgiveness will set us free from bondage to our sins of the past. The presence of His holy Spirit will give us the power to persevere through hard times. If God is in our life, He will lead us to successful recovery and help us deal with significant life changing experiences.
Peter's address to the Jews. From this gift of the Holy Ghost, Peter preaches unto them Jesus: and here is the history of Christ. Here is an account of his death and sufferings, which they witnessed but a few weeks before. His death is considered as God's act; and of wonderful grace and wisdom. Thus Divine justice must be satisfied, God and man brought together again, and Christ himself glorified, according to an eternal counsel, which could not be altered. And as the people's act; in them it was an act of awful sin and folly. Christ's resurrection did away the reproach of his death; Peter speaks largely upon this. Christ was God's Holy One, sanctified and set apart to his service in the work of redemption. His death and sufferings should be, not to him only, but to all his, the entrance to a blessed life for evermore. This event had taken place as foretold, and the apostles were witnesses. Nor did the resurrection rest upon this alone; Christ had poured upon his disciples the miraculous gifts and Divine influences, of which they witnessed the effects. Through the Saviour, the ways of life are made known; and we are encouraged to expect God's presence, and his favour for evermore. All this springs from assured belief that Jesus is the Lord, and the anointed Saviour.
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ, Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 28 and http://www.waikikibeachoutreach.com/wst_page3.html xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
27. Aloha, when the brook dried up - 1 King 17:7 -- 10-07-05
Dear Vinay and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your response. Thank you for sharing the Word of God. Thank you for sharing your devotion with me. Thank you for expressing your concern for the ministry that God had led me to do at one point in my life and what He is doing now.
As I read your letter it inspires me to study that portion of the Bible. This is what I see it showing me on using that scripture for a 12 step program. Please forgive me for not writing sooner, but I was spending some time with my youngest son this past week who does not have internet access yet. Since I rely on others, and God, I cannot always respond right away.
1 Kings 17:7-16 (New Living Translation)
(7) But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
The Widow at Zarephath (8) Then the LORD said to Elijah, (9) "Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions." (10) So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, "Would you please bring me a cup of water?" (11) As she was going to get it, he called to her, "Bring me a bite of bread, too." (12) But she said, "I swear by the LORD your God that I don't have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die." (13) But Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid! Go ahead and cook that `last meal,' but bake me a little loaf of bread first. Afterward there will still be enough food for you and your son. (14) For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be plenty of flour and oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!"
(15) So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat from her supply of flour and oil for many days. (16) For no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. As Elisha came to having nothing, God led him to do something else. As I come to having nothing, God is leading me to do something else for a while. As the brook seems to be dry for the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry, He seems to be leading me to share the Word of God on the Life Recovery Ministry web site and more. As the widow gave away her last portions, I continually give away my last portions knowing God will provide in His time. I also am reminded that the brook is always represented by the spirit, so the brook always replenishes itself when it rains.
The widow of Zarephathe demonstrated the delivering power of faith. She and her son faced starvation, but still she shared the last of her food with Elijah. She believed that God would come through, so she gave up her last resource for survival. The result was her deliverance. God provided for her need. When we are powerless - at the end of our rope - all we need to do is call out to God. He will take care of us and deliver us from our dependencies and significant life changing experiences if we are willing to trust Him.
Before the brook dried up, Elijah was fed by ravens.
God wonderfully suits men to the work he designs them for. The times were fit for an Elijah; an Elijah was fit for them. The Spirit of the Lord knows how to fit men for the occasions. Elijah let Ahab know that God was displeased with the idolaters, and would chastise them by the want of rain, which it was not in the power of the gods they served to bestow. Elijah was commanded to hide himself. If Providence calls us to solitude and retirement, it becomes us to go: when we cannot be useful, we must be patient; and when we cannot work for God, we must sit still quietly for him. The ravens were appointed to bring him meat, and did so. Let those who have but from hand to mouth, learn to live upon Providence, and trust it for the bread of the day, in the day. God could have sent angels to minister to him; but he chose to show that he can serve his own purposes by the meanest creatures, as effectually as by the mightiest. Elijah seems to have continued thus above a year. The natural supply of water, which came by common providence, failed; but the miraculous supply of food, made sure to him by promise, failed not. If the heavens fail, the earth fails of course; such are all our creature-comforts: we lose them when we most need them, like brooks in summer. But there is a river which makes glad the city of God, that never runs dry, a well of water that springs up to eternal life. Lord, give us that living water! Elijah sent to Zarephath.
Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, and some, it is likely, would have bidden him welcome to their houses; yet he is sent to honor and bless with his presence a city of Sidon, a Gentile city, and so becomes the first prophet of the Gentiles. Jezebel was Elijah's greatest enemy; yet, to show her how powerless was her malice, God will find a hiding-place for him even in her own country. The person appointed to entertain Elijah is not one of the rich or great men of Sidon; but a poor widow woman, in want, and desolate, is made both able and willing to sustain him. It is God's way, and it is his glory, to make use of, and put honor upon, the weak and foolish things of the world. O woman, great was thy faith; one has not found the like, no not in Israel. She took the prophet's word, that she should not lose by it. Those who can venture upon the promise of God, will make no difficulty to expose and empty themselves in his service, by giving him his part first. Surely the increase of this widow's faith, so as to enable her thus readily to deny herself, and to depend upon the Divine promise, was as great a miracle in the kingdom of grace, as the increase of her meal and oil in the kingdom of providence. Happy are all who can thus, against hope, believe and obey in hope. One poor meal's meat this poor widow gave the prophet; in recompense of it, she and her son did eat above two years, in a time of famine. To have food from God's special favor, and in
such good company as Elijah, made it more than doubly sweet. It is promised to those who trust in God, that they shall not be ashamed in evil time; in days of famine they shall be satisfied. As I feel like I am struggling at times, I need to remind myself that God will provide and is providing what I need right now. Praise the Lord.
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 27. Also see http://www.waikikibeachoutreach.com/wst_page4.html and www.boberb.com
Hello
bob,greetings to you,how are u?are u ok?I didn't hear from you.Anyway I am sharing my today's devotion with you ! king 17:7 and it came to pass........the brook dried up.this is the true pictureof life of each of us.Insome way o the other we will have to learnthe difference between trusting in thegift abd trusting in the giver.The gift may be good for a while butthegiver is the eternal love. When so ever some resources and springs dried up,then it has benn that we mightlearn thatour hope and help are in GOd. whatever elijiaha lost atthe brook in life,he recovered it in zarepath thru the widow who was struggling for survival. how is ur ministry going on? I ampraying for you. in HIM vina y xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
26. Aloha, Praise Report Living One Day at a Time - Matthew 6:25-34 -- 10-07-05
Dear Lori and Everyone Else I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for sharing your praise report. Thank you for sharing the Word of God. David forwarded your message to me.
As I was reading the Bible to see what God says about living one day at a time, I am feeling impelled to share some comments on how these scriptures might be applied in a twelve step program.
Matthew 6:25-34 (New Living Translation)
(25) "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? (26) Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. (27) Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. (28) "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, (29) yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (30) And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! (31) "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. (32) Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, (33) and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
(34) "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
It is easy to slip back into worrying about tomorrow, dwelling on the "what ifs" and the "if onlys." Each day brings a host of things we cannot change; there will always be circumstances beyond our control. We must also face the reality of who we are - human beings confined within the slice of life we call today. It is tempting to deny the present, by escaping the reality of our addictive way of life.
To supplement what Jesus said, the prophet Jeremiah said, "The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day" (Lamination 3:22-23). Since God's grace comes in daily doses, that's the best way to face life.
We need to ask ourselves at every turn in life, Am I accepting this present moment, or am I pretending - trying to escape into the past or the future? Each day there is something to find joy in, and in there is strength promised for the trouble of the day. The psalmist wrote, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). We, too, can choose to find joy, strength, and sanity when we accept each day's realities.
Evil of being worldly-minded.Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a profession of religion. Something the soul will have, which it looks upon as the best thing; in which it has pleasure and confidence above other things. Christ counsels to make our best things the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen which are eternal, and to place our happiness in them. There are treasures in heaven. It is our wisdom to give all diligence to make our title to eternal life sure through Jesus Christ, and to look on all things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of it. It is happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance incorruptible. The worldly man is wrong in his first principle; therefore all his reasoning and actions therefrom must be wrong. It is equally to be applied to false religion; that which is deemed light is thick darkness. This is an awful, but a common case; we should therefore carefully examine our leading principles by the word of God, with earnest prayer for the teaching of his Spirit. A man may do some service to two masters, but he can devote himself to the service of no more than one. God requires the whole heart, and will not share it with the world. When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who
loves God, must give up the friendship of the world.
God bless you and your family.
Your brother in Christ, Bob Erb @ http://www.liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php and check out item 26. Also see http://www.waikikibeachoutreach.com/wst_page4.html and www.boberb.com
Though it seems things continue to be a mess in my life & it can be to
easy to complain; I rather take some time out to thank God, family, friends on & off-line & all those who have helped make a positive difference. Though the enemy, world, old-self may try to hurt us; God directly, through angels, people, feelings, moods, situations can ( if I allow ) Him can make good of it like He did we Joseph ( Old Testament Bible. ) & so many others when his brothers sold him into slavery. As I seek God 1st & let Him handle m worries things are better { Matthew 6:25-34. } It can be too easy to let the "garbage" of the past, present & even imagined future cause misery; I have a choice & rather say TY to God & all for blessings, gifts, encouragement, hope, love, faith, talents { basically all good things- of God! } Father God, I tY for accepting me, loving me & saving me where you found me. TY that You loved me too much to leave me there. TY that You will never turn me away, belittle me, stop loving me or give up on me. Please help me not turn from You, give up, return bad to others, stop fighting the fight & runnng the race. I can't speak for anybody else. May we not letanything or anybody; past, present or future keep us from true salvation, freedom, love, hope, eternity with You, joy, peace & all the good that is available. You conquered all so that we could not be trapped in a hopeless past, present or future. Please help us to meet others where they are; 1st so they might be saved, then so they may help others & most importantly so we would truly be conneted with You. In Jesus' name I rebuke all that keeps us from Your abundant life amen. God loves u very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
25. Aloha, Recognize our weaknesses for Christ to work through us - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 -- 09-30-05
Dear Winnie and Everyone I Know,
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your response. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Thank you for sharing your love of God. Thank you for showing me the Word of God that touches your heart. Mostly, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for sharing the miraculous power of prayer when two or more are gathered in His name. Jesus said we could do what He did if we believe.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (New Living Translation)
Paul's Vision and His Thorn in the Flesh
(1) This boasting is all so foolish, but let me go on. Let me tell about the visions and revelations I received from the Lord. (2) I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. (3) Whether my body was there or just my spirit, I don't know; only God knows. (4) But I do know that I was caught up into paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be told. (5) That experience is something worth boasting about, but I am not going to do it. I am going to boast only about my weaknesses. (6) I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it. I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and my message, (7) even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. (8) Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. (9) Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. (10) Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul's "boasting" was not intended to make him look better than he really was. He boasted about his weakness so Christ could work through him. Even though the apostle told of his incredible vision of heaven, he quickly admitted his own weaknesses. He recounted how he sensed God's grace even through his chronic physical suffering and spiritual warfare. Paul honestly assessed his life, recognizing both his strengths and his weaknesses. Then he accepted and received the power that God offers to all who look to Him. Paul is a good model for us to follow. When we make an honest assessment of our life and learn to depend upon God's infinite resources, we will make significant progress in recovery and dealing with life changing experiences.
The apostle's revelations. There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God. As Paul continues in this epistle, he ex pains that these experiences were just the beginning, which were improved through his spiritual journey. God bless you and your family. Your brother in Christ, Bob Erb @ http://liferecoveryministry.org/wst_page3.php check out item 25, and http://www.waikikibeachoutreach.com/wst_page3.html and www.boberb.com
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