The Good News

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

TGN: What has Your Faith done for You Lately?

Daily Prayer: "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purposes." LORD this is me! I love you and I am called according to Your purposes. Where I lack direction Father, direct me in Your Word today. For I want to be on the path You have created for me and on no other path that lies before and/or around me. Thank You LORD! Shower down Your anointing on me LORD. In Jesus' name, amen (Romans 8:28).
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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 5:21-34 (NLT)
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith
21 Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. 22 Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, 23 pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live."
24 Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed." 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.
30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my robe?"
31 His disciples said to him, "Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, 'Who touched me?'"
32 But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over."
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How many of us have heard this story over and over? Yet, the amazement never fades. This woman had a seemingly incurable condition causing her to bleed constantly. This made her ritually unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27) and would have excluded her from most social contact. How sad and lonely! She desperately wanted Jesus to heal her, but she knew that her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean under Jewish law if she touched Him. Still, the woman knew without a doubt that Jesus was the only way to receive her healing. The woman reached out by faith and was healed.
Sometimes we feel that our problems will keep us from God. But He is always ready to help. We should never allow our fear or that condemning, critical voice in our heads keep us from approaching Him. Jesus was not angry with this woman for touching Him, and He is not angry with You. He knew she had touched Him, but He stopped and asked who did it in order to teach her something about faith. Although the woman was healed when she touched Him. Jesus said her faith caused the cure. If He didn't make this clarification, she may have walked away thinking the healing came from His cloak alone; which would have been a road leading towards idolatry.
It is about FAITH! Genuine faith involves action. When you pray, are you living in the faith that your request is the Will of God, or do you have that hidden fear that it just might not happen. If you have that fear, and you make decisions in that fear- sorry to tell you but you do not have faith. Faith that isn't put into action is not faith at all. It's actually something the enemy will use to get you angry at God. Don't fall for this. Live in FAITH!
Defined in the dictionary faith is Faith is the (1) CONFIDENT belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. (2) belief that is not based on proof:
Defined by God, "Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Substance and evidence are things we can see, so start showing your faith in action.
Notes from my personal journal from these verses: "Whatever my situation, whatever my problem, Jesus stands ready to help me. Be determined to touch Jesus- he will meet the need through faith."
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Personal Prayer: LORD, where does my faith lack? I want to move in the faith, like this woman, who trusted in Your power to heal her. LORD, I desire healing in my body and in my life. I desire restoration and recovery of things lost and/or stolen from me by the enemy. I desire to be equipped with all I need to serve You. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God; and faith works through love. I repent of all discouragement that has fractured my faith and I call on the mighty name of Jesus; the Author and Finisher of my faith. Jesus restore my faith and show me how to rely solely on Your Holy Spirit. And Holy Spirit, give me the Gift of Faith- God's faith. Not the faith of man. I know there is so much You want to do in my life; I don't want to get in the way of the blessing that You have prepared for me. I'm reaching out to touch You LORD and I'm expecting my healing. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen (Romans 10:17; Galatians 5:6; Romans 14:23; Hebrew 12:2; John 16:7).

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to THIS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.
For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...
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Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.
Spread The Good News: www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT

Peace comes when our minds stay on Him.

Monday, January 11, 2010

TGN: God is Always Looking At the Bigger Picture

Daily Prayer: It is so awesome how Your Word convicts, corrects, encourages, and edifies me; and always in the right timing. I praise Your Name this morning LORD. I praise Your Name. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

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Mark 5:1-20 (NLT)
*part 3; emphasis on v.17- 20
Seed Planted

17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

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One of the many things that is so awesome about the God we serve, is that He plants the seed, even when we make the mistake of rejecting Him, or sending Him away. He continues to love us enough to plant one small seed and the opportunity to allow our spirit, our hearts and our lives to receive Him. In the above verses, this man had been demon possessed but became a living example of Jesus' power. He wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and share his story with his family and friends. This man became the seed planted in this region. The people turned their backs on Jesus- He did not turn His backs on them by leaving them with what they needed to come to Him.

Have you experienced Jesus' power in your life? Are you, like this man, enthusiastically sharing the Good News with those around you? Just as we would tell others about a doctor who cured a physical disease, we should tell about Christ who saves our souls.

You are a seed. Yes, YOU! Do you see yourself as that seed? Let me remind you again that you don't read TGN daily, nor learn more and more about God just for you. It's for the other people in your life as well; the ones who are consistently around, and for those who enter into our lives for only a reason and/or a season. How much more effective your life will become once you take heed to the command that Jesus told this man who was freed from the legion of demons; "Go home to your family (and friends), and tell them everything the LORD has done for you and how merciful He has been." No one can share God's presence in Your life, better than You. So get to sharing; You'll be blessed by it.

I worked in an industry where many people weren't talking about God, but amazingly- I came out of that industry with a host of believers as friends in my life; many who are on this list. HOW? By sharing our faith, our testimonies, sharing where our help comes from. I thank God for those conversations. I've been blessed by these friendships. You too can be blessed to be a blessing. Don't let just me be the one who knows about the Almighty God in your life.

Have I told you lately, "How Good Our God Is?" He really is always looking at the bigger picture. Amen.

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Personal Prayer: LORD, guide me in sharing Your Good News with those around me; what you have done for me and how great Your mercy is to us. Give me direction in my delivery; using words that will invite people in, instead of turning them off from You. Bless me with the patience, kindness and love I need to make sure that there is a majority of You in my words and less of me. I have a heart for You LORD, but help me not to allow my emotions to get in the way of the Truth of Your Word. I am thankful to be seed, planted in Your Kingdom. Please make sure I know when to walk away, if need be. Bless Your Holy Name. Thank You for hearing me and receiving my prayers. In the name of Jesus, amen.

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to THIS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...
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Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

TGN: What Do You Choose Over Jesus?

Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, I desire to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. For Your Word without Your Presence is simply religion without the Power. Guide me and teach me through Your Word today, how to be salt and light in this dark world and influence the culture with Your Greatness. Greatness only lies with You. In Jesus' name, amen.

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 5:1-20 (NLT)

*part 2; emphasis on V. 15-16
The Crowd Tell Jesus To Leave

15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

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What would you do in this situation? There is a man next door, possessed with a legion (many) of demons. He mostly keeps to himself, but when he gets out of hand-no one can restrain him, not even with a chain. Whenever the cops are called he is place into chains and shackles (handcuffs won't do), and each and every time he snaps the chains from his wrists and smashes the shackles. No one is strong enough to subdue him. So every day and night he wanders among the streets, howling and cutting himself with sharp razor blades. Then Jesus shows up, calls out the demons to leave this man and puts their unclean spirits into your only car. Your only means of transportation, the car you are still paying for, the car you love. Your car automatically start, and drive itself (along with everyone else's' car on the block) off a cliff. Leaving you with no car to get to work, but good news-the man that you use to torture you day and night is now standing before you fully clothed and perfectly sane. What would you do next? Would you tell Jesus to leave?

I just don't get it. The people were more complacent with living with a host of demons than with Jesus Christ. They were undoubtedly afraid of His supernatural power. They may have also feared that Jesus would continue disrupting the life that they were use to. By placing the demons in the pigs, and then the pigs drowning themselves-the people lost money. And therefore, one message in asking Jesus to leave is that they would rather give up Jesus than lose their source of income and security. Another message, they would rather give up Jesus, than give up their way of life-what they knew and were comfortable with; even if it was wrong.

Can I tell you, much hasn't changed today. People tell Jesus to leave their lives daily, simply by their actions. Our love for money, our desire to be loved by man (men & women), and sometimes our self-hatred cause us to make decisions that the Holy One we serve would never approve of. And the "double-edged sword" type thing about God, is that He will never force us to do anything we don't want to do. These people pleaded for Jesus to leave, and that's exactly what He did (we'll get into His clever move of love before He left tomorrow).

My dear friends, you do not want to live a life without Jesus in it. The time is now, to start making room for Him to remove the unclean spirits around you and dominant your life with His righteousness. You can know who He is, You can know about His power-but what you need is a relationship with Him. A real respectful, honorable relationship with Him. He is where life comes from. We just have to be willing to give up this life, of the world. Trust me, I'm not talking about something that I haven't experienced. At this present time in my life, I am learning every day that I am not missing anything by putting Jesus first. When I don't I surely do regret it, but I'm thankful for His mercies; to learn from my mistake(s) and keep it moving. I haven't always been at this place, but I'm so glad that I'm here now. And my desire is for everyone to know the joy, the gift, the fully complete life that results from giving ALL (not just on Sunday, not just when you're with your Christian friends, not just when you're suffering-but at ALL times) you are totally to the LORD. We can do this right where we are; if and when God desires to move you-He will.

I will encourage you until the day I leave this earth, not to make my decisions; for my road has been paved for me, as yours has been paved for you. But I will encourage you to always make the righteous decision; what is right and just according to God, not you.

Don't live this life only partially with Jesus, and/or on your terms. Submit to Him, you won't regret it.

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Personal Prayer: LORD, I pray that Your people, who are called by the name of Jesus will humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways, then will You hear from heaven and will forgive our sin in the name of Jesus and will heal our land. So many people are hurting and making decisions based on that hurt and or despair, resulting in cursing their land. Move us to make decision on hope for You. The hope that You promise. Show Your people why it is a privilege to serve You, love You, honor You, praise You and intimately know You. You are King, You are LORD, You are Alpha and Omega, You are everything to me. I cover this prayer with the blood of Jesus. Amen (2 Chronicles 7:14).

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...
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Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible-Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.

Spread The Good News: www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT

This is not a game! Let's get serious.

TGN: Unclean/Evil Spirits-Demons

Daily Prayer: LORD, Your Word is so good. Relevant still today and forevermore. I purpose to thank You daily for Your Word because it's my Source to You. Immersing myself in it daily-gives me quality time with You, and this time is necessary, valued and life changing; even in many ways I have yet to understand. That's Your Power LORD, above my knowledge and understanding; but all in love. Oh how I love and adore You Jesus. In Your name I pray. Amen.

1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil [unclean] spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!" 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit."
9 Then Jesus demanded, "What is your name?"
And he replied, "My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man." 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.
11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 "Send us into those pigs," the spirits begged. "Let us enter them."
13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

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I'm wondering how many of you opened this email... especially with a title reading: "Unclean/Evil Spirits-Demons." Might have scared off some readers. Well, I'm happy that you decided to read this email, because it is an important topic for us to discuss. Mark often highlights the supernatural struggle between Jesus and Satan. The demons' goal was to control the humans they inhabited; Jesus' goal was to give people freedom from sin and Satan's control. These goals are still very active today.

Although we cannot be sure why demon possession occurs, we know that evil spirits can use the human body to distort and destroy people's relationship with people, God and likeness to Him. Even today, demons are dangerous, powerful, and destructive. While it is important to recognize their evil activity so that we can stay away from demons, we should avoid any curiosity about or involvement with demonic forces or the occult (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). You might find this silly or irrelevant, but it is very real. Even today, these evil forces are blending in with the culture of this world and many Christians are blindly playing with and around their deadly foolery. Aren't we suppose to stay on guard? Resisting the devil also includes avoiding his influences- we're not on this earth to play with him. When we resist the devil, in the name of Jesus, he will flee from us (James 4:7).

Demons knew then and still know that they have no power over Jesus. My question is always, "so why do they even try?" The only answers I can come up with are Ignorance and pride. When they saw Jesus in the above verses, they begged not to be sent out of the area; they wanted to stay among the people who allowed them to live among them. Jesus didn't give into their request, He sent them into the pigs, ending their destructive work in people. Perhaps Jesus let the demons destroy the pigs to demonstrate His own superiority over a very powerful yet destructive force. He could have sent them to hell, but He did not, because the time for judgment had not yet come. In the end, the devil and all his demons will be sent into eternal fire (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10).

This is serious. You can't let just anything in. When I say guard yourself; this means we have to guard our spirits. This means limiting what we watch, what we listen to, the company we keep, the books we read- we CANNOT let everything in. This I know is true, I recently began to limit the television programs I watch and I've seen a difference in my thinking; and it's a holy change. What I have removed, is being filled with God. We often excuse it as harmless entertainment, but isn't that what the devil would like us to think? I know I use to think this, but I was believing a lie! Without going too deep into the spiritual influences around us (as this might be the first time some of you are learning about it), I can just remind us that we're not here to be entertained and do all things our way; we are here to serve El-Shaddai, God Almighty; do things His way. And this service and worship is to be involved in all that we do. EVERYTHING. I cannot stress it enough. Put on the full armor of God, not just parts of it. Parts won't work- we need each thing, for full protection and fighting power against the unclean/evil spirits-demons that are working against each one of us.

TRUE STORY!

Don't know what the full armor of God is? Ephesians 6:10-20.

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Personal Prayer: Thank You, LORD, my God who always leads me in triumph in Christ, and through me diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. In Jesus' name, amen. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.

You're my reason to smile :-)

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

TGN: DO YOU TRUST JESUS?

Daily Prayer: Order my steps in Your Word, dear LORD. Order my tongue, guide my feet, wash my heart in your word. Show me how to walk, show me how to talk, in Your Word. Show me how to let Your praises ring in Your Word. For Your Word is everything. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)
Jesus Calms the Storm

35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

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Most of the disciples spent their time in the water, if you remember- a majority of them were fishermen. But these men panicked during this squall. They panicked because the storm threatened to destroy them all, and Jesus seemed unaware and unconcerned. Theirs was a physical storm, but the Bible speaks to us figuratively, symbolically and literally. In this instance, we can relate this to the storms of life circumstances that blow in and out of our lives. Sometimes with a mission to destroy; but what is out to destroy us, God is always able to turn it to our good. Do you know this? Do you believe this? Do you live on this?

Get this, the disciples lived with Jesus, but they underestimated Him. They did not see that His power applied to their very own situation. Jesus is with us, and yet many, like the disciples, underestimate His power to handle crises in our lives. The disciples did not yet know enough about Jesus. We do not have the same excuse...

Think about the storms in your life-the situations that cause you great anxiety Whatever your difficulty, you have 2 options: (1) You can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or (2) you can resist fear, putting your trust in Him. It's natural for us to panic when life seems like it is unraveling, flooded with issues, blown in every direction. To you, Jesus may seem unaware and unconcerned, because He isn't moving fast enough for you. But this is a lie! When you feel like panicking, confess your need for God and then trust Him to care for you. When you confess it, live in that trust. Don't go back to worrying about that storm, because when you do- that does not equate to TRUST in God. Does it? --- NO!

I wanted to share some of my personal notes taken from my journal this week of things I know without a doubt, after reading these verses: (1) God has no intentions to harm me. (2) Even when I can't perceive it, God is with me and taking care of everything.

And therefore, I stand upon this and not what may be turned upside down before me. For it really is only for a moment. Greatness is on the other side, when I just live in that trust. And what peace we have when we live in this trust. We make the storm worse when we don't just trust in Him.

DO YOU TRUST JESUS?

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Personal Prayer: LORD, you have declared that you know the plans You have for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future. Thank You Father. I trust You. Where You see any lack in my trust, gently guide me in the right direction of Whom all of my help comes from, in everything. In Your Name Jesus, I pray and believe. Amen (Jeremiah 29:11).

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible, "Order My Steps," by GMWA Women of Worship (prayer).

Spread The Good News: www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT

What makes us special is... The signature of God on our lives. To the new beginnings of 2010.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

TGN: Small Beginnings Will Lead Us to Everlasting.

Daily Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithful Word today. I need it, I desire it, and I love it. Please build me with whatever I need to live this day according to Your peace, Your joy and Your love. For in You, there is confidence and security. For You are everlasting Father. I love You, and I come to You in the name of Your loving Son, Jesus. Amen.

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 4:30-34 (NLT)
Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

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Jesus adapted His methods to His audience's ability and desire to understand. He didn't speak in parables to confuse people but to challenge sincere seekers to discover the meaning of His words. Much of Jesus' teaching was against hypocrisy and impure motives-characteristics of the religious leaders. Had Jesus spoken against the leaders directly, His public ministry would have been hampered. He would have been seen as reacting from emotion, instead of living from wisdom. Those who listened carefully to Jesus knew what He was talking about. And whether in parable or straightforward, His words are everlasting.

In this parable of the mustard seed, Jesus illustrates the benefits of small beginnings in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we want things to happen so quickly, often times instantaneously; that we miss the greatness that comes from the product of allowing things to grow and build in our lives. This applies to all things; money, promotion, relationships, jobs, school, our faith, understanding the Word of God and so much more.

I encourage all of us to really begin to appreciate the small steps; appreciate the time it takes (however long)- because we serve a God that honors patience and trust in Him. God is a builder and what He is building is everlasting. Let Him take His time, and trust that you will benefit- not only in the end, but throughout the entire process. For God doesn't get distracted, God doesn't go off course or purpose; what God has started in your life, through Christ He will carry it all out to it's completion.

Learn to work with God and not against Him. How? By trusting and living in obedience to Him in every moment.

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Personal Prayer: May the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.

What makes us special is... The signature of God on our lives. To the new beginnings of 2010.

Monday, January 4, 2010

TGN: Spiritual Growth

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email (or the original email sent January 1st) if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

2010 Prayer (just in case you missed it): Father, when You test my heart, may You be pleased with my honesty. In everything I do, may I set an example by doing what is right and good from this moment going forward. May this very real change make a visible difference in this new year.

Every where I step, from my workplace to my home, may I show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose me may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about me. I purpose to conduct myself, as David did as he ran from Saul, with integrity of heart, and with skillful hands before the people who observe me.

Father, I thank You that the integrity of the upright guides me. May I be blameless in Your sight so that I will receive a good inheritance. Let it be said of me by all men, "We know you are a person of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth" (Matthew 22:16 NIV).

O Most High, make me secure and guard me in Your righteousness. In my integrity uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.

In this new year, a time of new beginnings from a God who loves to make all things new; teach me how there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Help me to keep my priorities in order. Help me to fulfill my call and responsibilities at home. Also, help me to take time to find rest for my mind, body and soul. You are a deliberate God and there is enough time to do what You have called me to do. I lose time when I get caught up doing things not purposed nor righteous. LORD, help me to know what I am to do because it is what You have created me to do; and to not do anything just because it's good or tempting. Let all that I do be purposed.

I cast all of my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns, once and for all on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. I affirm that I am well-balanced; temperate and sober of mind, vigilant and on guard at all times; for the enemy of mine, the devil, roams around like a lion seeking someone to seize upon and devour. In the name of Jesus, I withstand him; firm in faith.

Father, You are in charge of my work and my plans. You alone make me able to live this life. You alone direct my steps. Help me to organize my efforts, schedule my activities, budget my time and money, and relax. It pleases You when I am not preoccupied with getting, so I can respond to God's giving. I steep my life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God provisions.

By the grace given me, I will not worry about missing out, and my everyday human concerns will be met. I purpose in my heart to seek first of all Your Kingdom, LORD, and Your righteousness. Father, may Your Word continue to be my compass on this journey, and help me see my life as complete in Christ. Not complete because of the job I have, the person I date or marry, not because of the material things I attain- but complete in Christ alone. I tune my ears to the Word of wisdom, and I set my heart on a life of understanding. I make insight my priority.

Father, You sent Jesus that I might have life and have it more abundantly. My desire is to live purposefully and worthy and accurately as a wise, sensible and intelligent servant unto You. Help me remember that my relationship with You and pure relationships with others is more important than anything else. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 4:26-29 (NLT)
Parable of the Growing Seed

26 Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.27 Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come."

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This parable about the Kingdom of God, recorded only by Mark should give us hope. It should release the burden of having to be perfect and know it all. This parable is about our spiritual growth, we can understand this process by comparing it to the slow but certain growth of a plant. Jesus reveals that spiritual growth is a continual and gradual process that is finally consummated in a harvest of spiritual maturity. As long as we live on this earth we will never reach the peak of spiritual growth, because there will always be something to learn, or refine, and/or develop until that Day when Jesus returns. Just because you don't get it today, doesn't mean you won't get it- nor does it mean that the particular seed planted won't grow. What God plants in us will grow.

Sometimes we won't understand it, but this shouldn't keep us from living the Word of God. Revelation comes only when God is ready to reveal it, and we have to be open and patient to receive it. Don't get frustrated with yourself or with others when it doesn't seem like growth is happening in our spiritual life; and definitely don't get complacent with your spiritual life. We're all on different levels and in different stages of our spiritual growth, and will continue to raise to more levels and stages throughout our lives. If we're trusting in God; trust we're heading in the direction of spiritual maturity daily. Just make sure you keep your spiritual life THE priority. Our relationship with God should always come FIRST! Before EVERYTHING!

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TGN GIVEAWAY: Nick Jr. Dora & Boots backpack and sports water bottle is going to Marylou Semper.

Answer: When we were studying the Gospel of Matthew, we took the time to discuss Peter and his actions during Jesus' arrest. The 3 key things that TGN suggested that we all remember when seeking God's answer: (1) God knows how you receive and will speak to you in that matter. (2) God will confirm it. You won't just hear it once. (3) IT WILL ALWAYS AGREE WITH HIS WORD. If it doesn't; if it steps out of God's Word in the slightest form. IT IS NOT FROM GOD. Yes, the LORD will use unconventional ways and methods that make absolutely no sense to us. But it will NEVER disagree with His Word.

TGN sent August 11, 2009: Matthew 26:50-54. (Answer could be found in the archives at www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com)

Thank you to those who participated!
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Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible, Prayers That Avail Much For Singles.

The Good News

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

TGN: What has Your Faith done for You Lately?

Monday, January 11, 2010

TGN: God is Always Looking At the Bigger Picture

Thursday, January 7, 2010

TGN: What Do You Choose Over Jesus?

TGN: Unclean/Evil Spirits-Demons

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

TGN: DO YOU TRUST JESUS?

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

TGN: Small Beginnings Will Lead Us to Everlasting.

Monday, January 4, 2010

TGN: Spiritual Growth

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