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Post by freedom9 on May 4, 2014 13:35:40 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - working through loss
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Every day brings its own sorrows and losses, and each of these losses need to be grieved in their own way. With each day comes the closing of one door and perhaps the opening of another. Spend a little time reflecting on even the little losses, as a loss denied can lead to feelings of even greater loss later on. Appreciate what you have and the passing of different chapters in your life.
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Post by freedom9 on May 4, 2014 22:21:14 GMT 12
Redeeming the Time
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16)
This incisive expression—“redeeming the time”—occurs also in Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” The Greek word for “redeem” means to “buy back,” to “ransom,” or even to “rescue.” That is, time is a very valuable asset, in danger of being lost forever unless it is rescued or redeemed.
As a matter of fact, time is just about the most valuable asset we have. If we squander our money or lose our health, there is always the possibility of earning more money or being restored to health, but wasted time is gone forever. In our text, those who are wise redeem the time, whereas those who are fools waste or misuse it. The word in the original for “circumspectly” is translated “diligently” in Matthew 2:7. The text thus indicates that those who redeem the time are walking diligently; the parallel passage in Colossians 4:5 says they are walking in wisdom. The time God gives us, therefore, should be used both carefully and diligently.
The marvelous passage in the 139th Psalm which describes the growth of the human embryo concludes with a remarkable declaration: “In thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:16). The words “my members” are not in the original, and “in continuance” is actually the Hebrew word for “days.” Thus, the verse is really telling us that all of our days were written in God’s book even before we were conceived. Each day of our lives is vitally important in the plan of God.
“So,” as Moses prayed to the Lord, “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
-HMM
Dear God, I pray that you help us to redeem the time that you have given us, that we may know and grow with You and in life, so that all may benefit.
In your name Jesus
Amen
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Post by freedom9 on May 5, 2014 23:22:33 GMT 12
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Post by freedom9 on May 6, 2014 20:06:43 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - time
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No, you can’t really save time, but it’s a nice thought. You can, however, become more efficient and effective in how you use time. As Christians, we are to make the most of our time because we know our time is limited and we can only count on living today—nothing beyond that. Do you value your time? Are you clear about your purpose on this Earth and how you are to be using your time? Take a few moments and reflect, praying for clarity
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Post by freedom9 on May 7, 2014 0:40:18 GMT 12
Judging Others“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1) This is a very familiar maxim, often cited by unbelievers and carnal Christians as a rebuke to Christians whom they regard as intolerant. These words of the Lord Jesus Christ do, indeed, warn us against a self-righteous attitude, condemning others who disagree with us on the basis of superficial criteria. On the other hand, this caution by no means relieves us of the responsibility of evaluating the beliefs and practices of others in the light of Scripture. In the very same sermon, in fact, Jesus said just a few moments later: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine”; and, “beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:6-15). Obedience to such commandments obviously requires one to make a judgment as to whether certain unbelievers should be regarded as “dogs” or “swine,” to whom it would be counterproductive to try to speak of spiritual matters, or whether certain professing Christian leaders are actually false prophets who should be repudiated. Jesus also said: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Since the Scriptures themselves are to be used in the final judgment (John 12:48; Revelation 20:12; etc.), it is obvious that we should use them right now to discern truth and error, right and wrong. “For the word of God . . . is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). There is another basis of judgment that the Lord Jesus has authorized us to use. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:18-20). Thus, the test of Scripture plus fruit produced can serve as the basis of a valid judgment. Until adequate data for making such a test are available, judge not! -HMM The Word of God (smiley heart) 
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Post by freedom9 on May 9, 2014 20:33:45 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - Emotional struggles
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If you have been involved in ongoing emotional struggles, you are likely feeling drained and tired. Emotional strain does that to us. We feel weary of the struggle. In Scripture we read about the prophet Elijah and his emotional and physical exhaustion, in spite of the fact that he was a man of faith (I Kings 19). If you are in the midst of any emotional challenge, make sure you are taking care of yourself. Care for yourself nutritionally, get plenty of rest and be sure to exercise. While this won’t solve your emotional problems, it will give you greater strength to deal with them effectively. Are you taking care of yourself?
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Post by lessismore on May 10, 2014 10:21:42 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - Emotional struggles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have been involved in ongoing emotional struggles, you are likely feeling drained and tired. Emotional strain does that to us. We feel weary of the struggle. In Scripture we read about the prophet Elijah and his emotional and physical exhaustion, in spite of the fact that he was a man of faith (I Kings 19). If you are in the midst of any emotional challenge, make sure you are taking care of yourself. Care for yourself nutritionally, get plenty of rest and be sure to exercise. While this won’t solve your emotional problems, it will give you greater strength to deal with them effectively. Are you taking care of yourself? take care of yourself? yes. i wonder how much emotional struggle is due to us resisting (in some way) where God is leading us? Perhaps God is leading us out of something. Perhaps God is leading us into the desert - for a season. Perhaps God is using our circumstances to uncover something within that needs healing and we resist. My thoughts over the last couple of days as I piece together *stuff* that is happening in my life. Shalom freedom |
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Post by freedom9 on May 20, 2014 22:47:39 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - you are loved
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How sweet to know you are loved. Nothing fills our buckets as much as knowing we are deeply loved. When others fail us, let us down and in fact turn on us, it is good to remember how much God cares for us. Scripture tells us, in fact, that we are able to love because He first loved us. “We love because he first loved us” (I John 4:19). Are you able to sit and feel His deep, abiding love for you?
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Post by freedom9 on May 21, 2014 20:56:50 GMT 12
Dr. David's Relationship Tip - Building others up
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Do you consider that others need your encouragement? As much as you need to hear words of encouragement from others, they need the same from you. Your friends, family and acquaintances are struggling in ways you will never know. Yet, you can speak words of encouragement to them. You can pray for them. Scripture tells us, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25). Consider who needs encouragement in your life. Consider those you may not know intimately, but can still encourage.
Lord I pray for those that need encouragement at the moment. I know from experience how much worry and stress can weigh someone down. Please be with them at this time, strengthen them in their inner being and be a light to their path. Help them to see hope & feel love in this time of need.
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Post by freedom9 on May 23, 2014 23:39:38 GMT 12
Get Back Up, God Is on Your Side
'...He rose up and went into the city.' ACTS 14:20
If you're going through a hard time, read these words: 'Then Jews...came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city' (vv. 19-20 NKJV). Notice two phrases: 'supposing him to be dead' and 'he rose up.' Paul was stoned but not silenced; beaten but not defeated. 'We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed' (2Corinthians 4:8-9 NKJV). Imagine satan standing over Paul like a referee standing over a boxer who's on the canvass. On the count of nine Paul gets up and says, 'I may be down, but I'm not out!' He was a defiant optimist, a self-encourager who knew how to lift himself and those around him. One day in the heat of battle, Lord Nelson's enemies flashed him a signal to surrender. Picking up his telescope, he looked through it and announced, 'I can't see any sign of surrender!' During World War II, Churchill warned the French that, if necessary, Britain would fight on alone. Their generals sent him a telegram saying, 'In three weeks, England will have her neck wrung like a chicken.' Undeterred, Churchill took to the airwaves and announced, 'We shall never, never surrender!' He lifted Britain up by its bootstraps! After the war, Churchill addressed the Canadian Parliament. Wearing his hallmark, bulldog expression and waving the telegramme,he announced, 'Huh! Some chicken, and some neck!' The word for you today is-get back up, God is on your side
The Word For Today, written by Bob and Debby Gass.
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