Cause...

LET'S WORSHIP IN SONG TODAY

And if you don't know the words, the lyrics are provided for you!

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Mark 9:42-48 (NKJV)

Jesus Warns of Offenses
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where
‘ Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where
‘ Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where

‘ Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’

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Now, before you go cutting off a part of your body or start to spread the false claim that Jesus wants us to harm ourselves.  Let me clearly tell you what the verses above are talking about:

WHAT CAUSES YOU TO SIN?

What are you allowing to influence your thoughts, and desensitize your heart; to eventually lead you to sin?  Is it the people you keep around you?  Is it what you're watching on television?  Is it the music you're listening to?  Is it the books you're reading?  Is it the places you go? Is is the amount of drinks you drink?

Jesus' uses startling language to stress the importance of cutting sin out of our life completely.  With these strong words, Jesus described the serious and eternal consequences of sin.  To the Jews, worms and fire represented both internal and external pain.  Nothing could be worse.  Painful self-discipline is required of Jesus' true followers.  Giving up a relationship, job, or habit that is against (or leads you to act against) God's Will may seem just as painful as cutting off ahand - but it's worth it.  Our high goal is worth any sacrifice; Christ is worth any possible loss.  Nothing should stand in the way of faith; we have to eliminate what causes us to sin.

I'm free!  So I'm not embarrassed to share some of the things that I have currently implemented into my daily life: I cut off most of the television shows I use to watch (and I use to watch anything and everything), I rarely listen to the radio anymore (I usually have my XM radio on PRAISE, I even enjoy riding in the car without music sometimes--- CRAZY!!!), I don't hang or communicate with manypeople who I use to and getting drunk has not been a part of my lifestyle; I don't even desire a drink anymore.  Why?  Because I realized that each of these gradually (or sometimes immediately) led me to make the wrong decisions; or to accept perversion-and eventually, to the act of some sin.  

What has letting go of the above done for my life?  Well, I've learned that I'm not missing anything, that all of it was just a distraction to keep me off of purpose and to lower my self-image.  It has made more room for the Holy Spirit to regulate in my life.  It has changed my heart on many issues of life.  I experience joy like I've never experience joy before; in the good times and the rough times.  It has help me to focus my eyes on Jesus; and is consistently replacing my selfish nature, with selfless actions.  And trust me, my life is more exciting than it use to be, because God is directing it.  I'm by no means complete, there is much more that I have to change as I mature in Christ; but I just wanted to share what God has been working on, because if He is doing it forme - He wants to and can do it for you!

What is ONE thing that you will let go of today?

*don't try to do it all; just ONE thing.  What is one thing you can commit to changing today to start walking the path of eliminating sin from your life?

Another good thought from these verses:

ARE YOU INFLUENCING OTHERS TO SIN?

Jesus cautions against harming little ones in the faith; but this also includes our peers and all other individuals in our life.  What we do individually as teachers and as examples, to what we allow to fester in our Christian fellowship are important influences; and should be seen as such.  If you haven't caught the theme for chapter 9, it is this: the motivation for our thoughts and actions.  They must be motivated by love.

We have a responsibility to confront flagrant sin within the body of believers.  It's a very fine line, so we have to be careful about judging others; but the world tells us to mind our own business; God teaches us to be accountable to one another.  All in love of course.  Again it boils down to your motivation and how you handle it.  Isolation and secrets are sure to keep us in sin.

I also have to encourage each of us to be open to listen to the words of the person who wants better from us and for us.  It's a heroic thing to risk unintentionally hurting a person's feelings and the relationship, in order to tell someone the Truth that will save their life.  Sometimes staying quiet is not the answer.  Be discerning of course, but it's so important for us to help one another.  We can't make it without God and we can't make it without loving each other.

Many of you don't want to hear this, and may ignore it.  But please be advised that it is better to miss out on all of the things that we enjoy, but are eternally bad for our spirit; than to miss out on a full, eternity-long and amazing relationship with God.   We must be ruthless in removing sin from our life now; there isn't any time to waste.  Make your choices from an eternal perspective.

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Daily Prayer: Dear God, please direct  this word to rest in the hearts of everyone who reads it.  Let it plant a root in them that will produce good fruit.  I pray that we will each choose self-control today.  We are spiritual beings.  After this body is dead our spirits will soar.  I pray that we will refuse to allow what will rot, rule the eternal.  I pray that we will choose to be drunk only by joy.  I pray that we will be impassioned only by our faith.  I pray that we will be influenced only by You and taught only by Christ.  Through these I pray that we choose to commit our day to honoring You.  We praise you in advance for success.  If any of us fail, I pray that we seek your grace immediately and rebuke condemnation. For You are the lifter of our heads.  Thank You Jesus.  Amen.

Definition provided by www.dictionary.com

fla·grant

–adjective

1. shockingly noticeable or evident; obvious; glaring: a flagrant error.

2. notorious; scandalous: a flagrant crime; a flagrant offender.

3. Archaic. blazing, burning, or glowing.

*Prayer: Max Lucado - When God Whispers Your Name

We Can't Be Neutral For Jesus

ACKNOWLEDGE AND WELCOME GOD, BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO READ...


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Mark 9:38-41 (NKJV) *part 2*
emphasis on v. 40,41 Souled Out For Jesus
Jesus speaking to the disciples: 40 "For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
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From Jesus' answer above, you may get the wrong impression.  Some may begin to think that simply being neutral, is OK with God.  Jesus is not saying that being indifferent or neutral toward Him is as good as being committed.  As He explained in Matthew 12:30, "Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." (LASB).  In both cases, Jesus was pointing out the neutrality toward Him is not possible. 
In Jesus' eyes, whoever welcomes a child welcomes Jesus; just as giving a cup of cold water to a person in need is the same as giving an offering to God.  By contrast harming others or failing to care for them is a sin, even if they are unimportant people in the world's eyes - they are not unimportant to God.  Remember, our faith is revealed in our actions and the motives behind them.  Faith is not activated through neutrality. 
It is possible to be thoughtless, selfish people to gain a measure of worldly greatness, but lasting greatness is measured by God's standards.   Are you fired up for the everlasting?  I know, "forever, ever" is a hard Truth to grasp, but it is real and Jesus has given it to YOU.  Lasting greatness is where my eyes are focused, there is no neutral in me.  How about you?  Ask yourself, where are you hiding in the "neutral' spot?
Between the two, what do you use as your measure of greatness - personal achievement or unselfish service? 
In other words, YOU or God?

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Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a great day You have in store.  I call it great, because You have made this day and I am trusting You.  I'm standing on Your promises, and not the problems.  I'm living in your mercy and grace in kindness that You richly bless me with each and every moment of my day.  I'm expecting increase in every area, because it is Your wisdom that I'm choosing to guide me.  For through obedience, I can expect blessings.  Disobedience just opens the door to curses.  By Your Spirit, I am walking towards the God-sized vision that You have placed in me.  I will not serve You passively, but boldly - alone and before all the individuals - believers and non-believers - that You place before me.  I will not be neutral on Jesus.  I love You, my King.  Thank You for always loving me.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

 

In Jesus' Name

PRAY ON "PRAYERS..."

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Mark 9:38-41 (NKJV) *part 1*


The Disciples Forbid Another to Use Jesus' Name

38 Now John answered (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”
39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

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The disciples were jealous of a man who healed in Jesus' name because they were more concerned about their own group's position than in helping to free those troubled by demons. Whether, it's ego or ignorance; as believers, there are too many factors, such as affiliations and denomination that separate us.  The Name of Jesus should actually bring us together.

I was having dinner with a friend this weekend, I mentioned the owners of Chick-Fil-A and how I admired their business model because as a family, they are unafraid to share their faith in Jesus.  My friend's instant reaction, "He's Mormon!"

Do you see the error here?  I didn't know if they were Mormons that wasn't my point.   If you will read the below, you will see what my point was/is:



Famous for being closed on Sundays, in an interview with ABC News's Nightline, Dan Cathy (son of company owner S. Truett Cathy) told Vicki Mabrey; "He wanted he and his employees to spend time with family and worship."

Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy is a devout Christian who has taught Sunday School for over 51 years and whose religious beliefs permeate the company to this day. The company's official statement of corporate purpose says that the business exists "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." The chain invests heavily in community services (especially for children and teenagers) and scholarships. Cathy's beliefs are also responsible for one of the chain's distinctive features: All Chick-fil-A locations (company-owned and franchised, whether in a mall or freestanding) are closed on Sundays.

“	Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and directing our attention to things more important than our business. If it took seven days to make a living with a restaurant, then we needed to be in some other line of work. Through the years, I have never wavered from that position.	„
—S. Truett Cathy

Chick-fil-A has promoted religious groups via toys and CDs included in children's meals, much as movie studios promote new movies via McDonald's Happy Meal toys. These have ranged from including toys from the Christian television series VeggieTales in children's meals to including Financial Peace for Kids children's books by Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey and CDs from the Christian radio program Adventures in Odyssey, as children's meal incentives. The last show mentioned is produced by the radio division of Focus on the Family, and typically heard on Christian radio stations.

Chick-fil-A and Focus on the Family also have a history of cross-promotion. Chick-fil-A has also sponsored meetings by the group All Pro Dad; All Pro Dad is a group with affiliations with Focus on the Family via a group called Families First; Families First promotes a large number of conservative religious causes, including covenant marriage.

Chick-fil-A has also directly sponsored other religious campaigns. One of the groups sponsored by Chick-fil-A is Athletes in Action, a sports missionary arm of the Campus Crusade for Christ.
Another link between Chick-fil-A and religious groups includes promotion of National Bible Week. S. Truett Cathy is the chair of the National Bible Week Committee.

Truett Cathy is also heavily involved in the WinShape Foundation, a non-profit organization which was started in 1984 with its goal to "shape winners" by offering summer camps, retreats, foster care, and other services.

In New Jersey, they give support to Choices of the Heart.

Chick-fil-A received prime product placement in the 2008 Evangelical Christian produced Fireproof, in a scene in which the main character, working to save his troubled marriage, soothes his wife with the company's chicken noodle soup.


I'm not saying that the owners of Chick-fil-A are perfect, I don't know them- but that also, isn't the point.  None of us have it all correct-  there is no other Jesus (nor will there ever be).  But look what they are doing in the name of Jesus.  They are taking one of the strongest stands I've seen, in a very feasible way; that honors the God that we serve.  Ever since I saw the Nightline report I've been inspired by it.

When we refuse to associate with or judge Christians from other denominations because (1) other people or groups are not affiliated with our denomination, (2) their projects do not involve the kind of people with whom we feel most comfortable, (3) others don't do things the way we are used to doing things, or (4) our efforts won't receive enough recognition.  Correct theology is important but should never be an excuse to avoid helping people in need.

Being Baptist, non-denominational, Mormon, Catholic, Jehovah Witness or whatever denomination is no greater than the other.  Jesus' followers will not all resemble each other or belong to the same groups.  When the people who are on Jesus' side have the same goal of building up the Kingdom of God, they should not let their differences interfere with this goal.  Those who share a common faith in Christ should cooperate.  People don't have to be just like us to be following Jesus with us.  Let's get our focus off the wrong things.  God will deal with what is incorrect in each and every one of us.  Unity is key with believers; UNITY.  Satan loves that we separate over the most insignificant reasons. What any of us get wrong will be addressed by God's Spirit within us- for God deals with our hearts (rebuke will be administered-for false teachers will not last);  and by Jesus Himself when we meet Him face to face.

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Daily Prayer:  Jesus, bring Your people together.  To work together for the purposes of Your Kingdom, loving You and one another.  That's it!  LORD, correct the lies, falsehoods, and incorrect information that we have received and are living on.  Help us to join together under the same Word and Your true Spirit.  I thank You LORD, for each and every person who believes in You.  For You are great and worthy to be praised; and how blessed are those who have accepted You into their lives.  May they build goodness upon the Truth that You instill in us and live a life geared toward pleasing our Heavenly Father.  I rebuke all false teachers, seeking to destroy Your children and Your Kingdom.  They have no power and cannot stand against the blood of Christ.  Let us remember to test and prove EVERYTHING by the Word of God.  In Your Mighty Name, amen.


*Chick-fil-A info found: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick-fil-A

What is Your Role in the Lives of Children?

→ IT'S TIME TO PRAY...

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Mark 9:33-37 (NKJV) *part 2*

Children emphasis v. 36,37

 36 Then (Jesus) took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

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Jesus taught the disciples to welcome children.  This was a new approach in a society where children were usually treated as second-class citizens.  It is important not only to treat children well, but also to teach them about Jesus.  Children are smart little people, who deserve our full efforts.  Don't waste the children's time;  Teach.

A friend of mine shared her heart with me the other day, regarding her son and I find it appropriate to share with you in regards to the Word today.  One day this month her son was in pain and he asked her to pray for him.  She was so honored that her8-years-old son, called for prayer.  That he trusted prayer; meaning he trusted God to take away the pain.  Many adults don't even do this; yet, how awesome is it that this little boy knows the importance of prayer.  

She also shared how this month, she noticed that when he prayed over their dinner that he said "In Jesus' Name, amen."  She was so thankful to God that her sonknew the importance of Jesus.  How awesome is this?  This comes from a parent living her relationship with God with her child, and teaching her child the Word.

This isn't predicting that her son will never make mistakes, but God doesn't say that it won't.  God says train a child in the way that he/she should go, and when he/she is old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6), meaning even when he makes mistakes - he'll have the Word to turn to for repentance and correction.
I find it too cool to hear this report from my friend because in a world where children are using sex at the age of 10 years old (this is the most recent account I've heard), and listening to songs about "birthday sex"; the time is now to take our children back for God.  Whether we're parents or not, it is our responsibility to lay the Rock as foundation in their lives.

I'll share one more testimony, another friend was so impressed that her 13-years-old son decided on his own that he was going to fast for God.  Again, this only comes from watching the examples in his life, and being taught in the way oflove - the way of our living God.

My hope is to have more parents in my life (including myself) share in this godly joy.  Let's plant hope in our kids for the future;and not destruction and despair.

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Daily Prayer:  LORD, reveal to each of us how we can be the most effective in sharing You with the children in our lives.  LORD, I pray that we do not become weary of planting Your seed within their hearts so that they can have a relationship with You.  I rebuke the judgments on our youth that we have allowed to become a barrier between "us" and "them."  I pray that their peers become bolder for Christ and begin to minister to one another; emphasizing Your Greatness; instead of the sin that plagues their lives.  Thank You LORD, for loving the children.  I pray that each of us, do our part in showing Your love to them in our efforts, time and relationships with them; pursuing pure, mentoring relationships with them.   I pray that as adults, that we're more genuinely proactive, instead of reactive in their lives.  Father, show us how to become better and more responsible parents.  Help us to become encouragers and gentle restorers as siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, God-parents, friends of the family.  It is our responsibility.  We should not be ignoring Your children  I declare the healing of Your children; I pray that abuse, perversion and neglect is replaced with Your Holiness, Your Love, Your Son.  In His Name, we pray.  Amen.

HOW CUTE IS THIS?

my favorite part is when she says "no" LOL- too cute!

Motives

→IT'S TIME TO PRAY... go right ahead, you can do it!

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Mark 9:33-37 (NKJV)

Who is the Greatest?


33 Then (Jesus) came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

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The disciples, caught up in their constant struggle for personal success, were embarrassed to answer Jesus' question.  It is always painful to compare our motive with Christ's. I believe this is what the Holy Spirit is calling us to look at today: OUR MOTIVES. 

If Jesus asked you the  questions below today, would you be embarrassed to answer?  Let's check them out...

What are your motives in your life? 

What drives you to do what you do each and every day?

What are your motives in taking this faith walk with Jesus?

What is your motive for going/or not going to church?

What are your motives for praying?

What are your motives for fasting?

What are your motives in reading TGN (or any daily email)? 

What are your motives in sending that person that email forward?

What are your motives in being kind to someone? 

What are your motives in being rude to someone else?


What are your motives in dressing in the morning? 

What are your motives in speaking to others? 

What are you motives at work? 

What are your motives for and towards your family (your kids)?

What are your motives in staying with that man/woman?

What are your motives in pursuing that man/woman?

What are your motives in business? 

What are your motives?

Today, I challenge each of us to really know what are motives are in doing all that we do.  I want us to come to a full understanding of where our ambitions are leading us.  Are our ambitions pushing obedience, service, love and care to one side and allowing selfishness to reign?  Selfishness is our human nature but it is NOT of God. We all need God's help and grace in this matter.  Trust me we cannot handle it on our own.  This is why it is time to bring this before God; admit it; repent of it; ask for forgiveness; accept our forgiveness; and be obedient to the changes God wants to make in us. 

When ambition pushes obedience and service and love and care to one side and allows selfishness to reign, it becomes sin.  Pride or insecurity can cause us toover-value all of the wrong things, such as position and prestige; whatever makes SELF look good.  In God's Kingdom, such motives are destructive.  The only safe ambition is directed toward Christ, not our own advancement.

Let me type that again:  The only safe ambition is directed toward Christ, not our own advancement. We have to check our motives often, because they are so easy to cover up; they easily become apart of us.  If they are not godly motives they will destroy us.  I don't care how good your life might seem to be, withoutGod - it is not worth it.  For He is worth everything!  Give Him all of you, today, lets start with those motives!
Be encouraged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Daily Prayer:  Heavenly Father I come before You, laying my motives at the altar to be fully checked by You.  LORD, where have I taken my eyes off of You and placed them on something/someone else, or even on myself.  LORD break me where I have pride and move me to long forbrokenness .  For a proud heart keeps running into the same obstacles, and is defeated again and again.  But a broken heart victoriously conquers new ground daily.  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, andlead me along the path of everlasting life.  For I long to be with You.   Show me how to focus on You in order to be lead by you in all that I do.  In themighty mighty mighty, everlasting Name of Jesus.  Amen (Psalm 139).

This is a song that speaks to my heart all of the time!!!  I hope it speaks to your today!  God loves you so much!

Micah Stampley - Take my life (Holiness)
Uploaded by wanzea. - See the latest featured music videos.

Sorry about that bad cut at the end.  I couldn't locate a better version.

*Prayer Reference: The Invisible  Bond -Barbara Wilson

What Are You Afraid Of?

→Prayerfully seek the LORD to give you His heart and mind when reading the Word.


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Mark 9:30-32 (NKJV) *part 2*
emphasis v. 31,32

The Disciples Were Afraid To Ask Jesus

31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

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Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus about His prediction of His death?  Perhaps it was because the last time they reacted to Jesus' sobering words - Peter was scolded (8:32,33).  Perhaps it was ego.  How many of us have remained silent when we didn't understand something, (more often than less) because we didn't want to appear stupid OR we think we should already know the answer?


Let's also look at it from the view of the disciples.  Let's not forget that God had not given them the understanding of what Jesus was saying to them.  So, in their minds, Jesus seemed morbidly preoccupied with death.  Also, they didn't totally understand the Kingdom of God.  They may have had questions like, "How can Jesus bring this Kingdom if He is dead?"

But they didn't say a word.  I can't guess what Jesus would have said if someone would have asked Him what He meant by these predictions; but from His history - Jesus usually answered the disciples when they asked questions.  Why weren't they bold enough to ask?


So I propose this question to you.  What are you afraid to ask?  What understanding do you need, but you won't ask for?  What help do you need, that you won't ask for out of fear?  What are you afraid to ask of or from Jesus?  Are you afraid to ask FOR Jesus?

I want to encourage you to shake loose the fear that is holding you back in your life.  Fear will get you no where.  Be bold in claiming the freedom that Christ has set us free for!  We only gain this promise of freedom by believing in Jesus.  My friends, do you believe?  All of this is just gibberish to you if you don't!  And you're missing greatness.  I don't want any of you to miss out, because God doesn't want any of you to miss out. Let's break through the fear!!!


Check out Galatians chapters 3,4,5 to get more insight on our freedom!

King James Bible 2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

For any Star Wars fans, Yoda makes it plain for us

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Daily Prayer:  Because of You, Jesus and our faith in You, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.  I pray that Your children are delivered right now from any fear that is living in their hearts, and keeping them from their full godly potential - even in the small issues of life.  For I pray that each and every one of us fully expect and hope that we will never be ashamed, but that we will continue to be bold for Christ. And that we trust our Heavenly Father in using our lives to bring honor to Christ.  I pray that with the great gifts, talents and abilities that You have given each of us, that we boldly and without hindrance and compromise, live  and preach the Kingdom of God and teach about our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Philippians 1:20; Ephesians 3:12; Acts 28:31).

♥ Thank You C. Robinson, your page led me to this Yoda clip.  I would have used the rap, but wanted to keep it short.  xoxo

Spiritual Discipline

→Please begin with your own personal prayer; set the atmosphere for you and God.
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Mark 9:30-32 (NKJV)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection

30 Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and (Jesus) did not want anyone to know it. 31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

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At times, Jesus limited His public ministry in order to train His disciples in-depth.  He knew the importance of equipping them to carry on when He returned to Heaven.  It takes time to learn.  Spiritual growth isn't instant, regardless of the quality of experience or teaching.  If even the disciples needed to lay aside their work periodically in order to learn from the Master, how much more do we need to alternate working and learning?

One of the examples that Jesus demonstrates to us through His time with the disciples, is the benefit of fellowship in small groups.  And not just hanging out, but coming together to actually learn the Word of God with one another.  I got involved in my first "Life Group" when I was about 22 years old; and I benefited greatly from it.  To join together with a group of women, of all ages, from different life experiences, with different careers; to talk about the Word and life according to the Word - even our mistakes...  Well, it was life changing.  It helped me mature in ways that I would never had experienced at that age.  It was another way to keep God and His Word real in my life.  It was the opportunity to really see people living a life for God.  And I thank God for the honesty and stories shared; because we learn a great amount from shared struggles and testimonies - we also gain freedom from secrets that the enemy tried to keep us ashamed of.

As many of you know TGN, began a life group this year!  Praise God!  And I can only speak for myself, but it is already changing and developing something new and godly in my life from sharing this time with some of the subscribers (fellow believers) on this distribution.  From new believers, to those of us who have been going to church for a while; I observe that we're all learning from one another in the TGN Life Group.  And again I thank God for this; it was His idea and He truly is genius! 

For the last 2 years, I've made it a priority to keep a good amount of my time with people who apply the Word.  For instance, over a year ago, a former neighbor and now great friend of mine in New York, started a weekly Bible Study, and we still keep it up via phone - because our mutual desire is to be increased in the Kingdom of God.  My family just started a monthly Bible Study to keep our family encouraged in the Word; it's just getting started but I know it's bringing power to our family.  I've stayed in consistently fellowship over (first through real letters, now) email with someone I've known since I was 8; we've lifted one another in the Word and prayer for many, many years now.  I'm even blessed enough to work for a believer, where my faith is supported and I can shout out God any time I please. 

I say all this not to brag, but to stress that we're not meant to do this alone. I say all of this to stress that God is offering opportunities to fellowship in Him with one another - ALL OF THE TIME!  Not just to me, but to each one of us. 


What is He presenting to you?

You don't have to jump into everything; but I'm sure that there is a need in you right now, that fellowship with other believers will fill.  The things I listed above are just some of the ways God has blessed me and I'm thankful that I took hold of each opportunity in order to allow the Word to come to life for me and in me.  This is how I implement it and get myself held lovingly accountable to it.  This is what God would like to build for you!


A great spiritual discipline, is doing as Jesus did.  One of His disciplines was to get away with a small group of believers and fellowship in the Word; reading and learning from it together.  It doesn't have to be a church structured Bible Study; it could be a small group gathering at the beach, at the Starbucks on the corner, in your living room over Cheetos; I'm confident the Holy Spirit will lead it, if He's calling you to it.  Just listen to His voice.  Reading daily emails from TGN, Rev Run, Joel Osteen,TGIF, daily forwards (that curse you if you don't forward them - so annoying!) and so on are not going to do it!  They're helpful and encouraging, and sometimes right on time with the Message you need, but they are not enough.  God put us here to go through this life together.  Our people time can't be all work, clubs, bars and lounges.  It can't all be about us or all about making money.  Our time with one another should center around God; and sync up with lives that are focused on Jesus.

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Daily Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for the believers that You have placed in my life.  From those relationships that only lasted a season, to those only there for a reason, to the many who have lasted a life time.  It is so awesome to be with them, talk to them and have Your Name exalted in it all.  You are so good LORD.  I thank You for every relationship in the past, present and future - with believers and non-believers; where I have learned more about the importance of serving and honoring You.  I thank You for being a God involved in every detail of my life, and that You direct my fellowship.  I desire to seek and get involved only by Your leading.  LORD, please show me when I am ignoring You and choosing my own way; for I rebuke rebellion from my mind, body and spirit - for rebellion is evil.  And the Holy Spirit lives in me.  Light and dark cannot co-exist.  Because You love us LORD, You have chosen us to accept Your Son, to live and fellowship with one another.  For isolation leads to death; Your Word says, it is not good for man (a person) to be alone.  The LORD my God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen

How will The Good News help you today?

♥ Thank You to L.Nias for sharing the picture above with me.