Today is THE DAY! You will never have another day like today. March 3, 2003 -- -- 03 – 03 – 03. This sequence will not happen again for a thousand years.
You have been bombarded with e-mails requesting that you make this day – TODAY – a day of prayer for our country and our world.
I add my voice to this request. I urge you to pray today for God to intervene in the affairs of men to prevent the blood-shed, the misery and the horrors of war.
It has been suggested that a special time of prayer be at 03 – 03 – 03 at 03:03 PM in your time zone. Set your clock. Join thousands of others for 3 minutes of prayer.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that the Sovereign God, Creator of this universe cares bout His world and its people.
Have a PRAYERFUL DAY!!!
FAITH
Our hearts were joined with millions yesterday as we prayed for our country, our world and our leaders who have the responsibility of making decisions. I felt a spiritual intensity not felt very often. Now that we have prayed, and will continue to pray, faith comes into action. FAITH. Forsaking All I Take Him!
Trust and obey for there’s no other way. I like the words written by B.B. McKinney in the song:
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely, He sees and knows all the way you have trod; Never alone are the least of His children; Have faith in God, have faith in God.
Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered, Your earnest plea He will never forget; Wait on the Lord, trust His Word and be patient; Have faith in God, He’ll answer yet.
Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow, His heart is touched with your grief and despair; Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him, And leave them there, oh, leave them there.
Have faith in God though all else fail about you; Have faith in God, He provides for His own; He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish, He rules, He reigns upon His throne.
Have faith in God, He’s on His throne; Have faith in God, He watcheth o’er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, Have faith in God.
Today -- Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He alone is SOVEREIGN! We trust Him. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
In our topsy-turvey unsettled world with threats of terrorism and prospect of war people are thinking about a place of safety. Remember a few years go when people built bomb shelters in their basements or backyards. The government provided designs for these and gave a list of items needed for safety and survival.
As I listened on 03-03 to some of the TV programs that focused on prayers for our country, I heard mention of Psalm 91. People were encouraged to read this Psalm that they might be assured of God’s presence and protection.
Note a few of the assurances found in this Psalm (NLB) In verse 1 Rest is found in the shelter of the Almighty.
Vs 2 –God is my refuge, my place of safety. Trust Him.
Vs.3 – Tells of rescue and protection.
Vs. 4 – We find shelter. Read and meditate on the words of Psalm.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the assurances of His love and protection we find throughout the Bible. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.!!!
Lent is the period of forty week days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, observed variously in Christian churches by fasting and penitence and praying.
In some churches Lent is a very important and solemn time. Members are encouraged to “give up” something as a sign to the Lord that they are sincere in their penitence and prayers. “Fasting” is associated with Lent, although Christians may observe a time of fasting at various times as the Lord leads them.
I’ve heard of a “juice fast.” For a period of time a person will drink only juices as their food intake. There is also a fast on one meal per day. Others will fast by giving up something they usually enjoy. Many Christian leaders practice “fasting” as a spiritual discipline. It is usually a private matter between the person and God.
Perhaps you might want to consider your relationship with God during these forty days of Lent. Every Christian will surely want to engage in prayer in the light of the situation our world and our country face right now. It is indeed a time to pray that men will hear the voice of God.
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He is the God who said, “Call on me and I will answer.” Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
FRIDAY GEMS
Proverbs 18:20-21 (NLT) “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction. Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.”
THE BIBLE.
This Book shows the way of life, follow its teaching for right living.
This Book tells of the Bread of life; feast on it daily for spiritual living.
May the God of this Book ever be your companion through the Holy Spirit.
You’ve seen it before: “If God is in control why is my life in such a mess?”
You can do things for God and not be a believer. But you can’t be a believer and not do things for God.
A man dying with Lou Gerhigs disease said, “When you know how to die you know how to live.”
Christ likeness is never out of style!!!
June Scobee Rogers-The wife of the Challenger Astronaut said, “When there are no answers there is Jesus.”
Michael Youseff – “Praise leads to faith, which leads to boldness in prayer, which leads to an outpouring of God’s Spirit, which leads to confidence and boldness in action.”
“There is no better experience for strengthening the heart than reaching down and lifting up another. Lord, please help me to lift others up even as You sent others to lift me in my times of need.” Amen.
Today – Out loud and on purpose- Just Praise the Lord! Have a TERRIFIC WEEKEND!!
MONDAY
Monday is the first workday of a new week. Do you have certain things you do on Monday, a routine you follow? I recall Mondays when I was a child living with my widowed mother, a brother and three sisters. Monday was wash day. We had a big black iron kettle in the backyard. My job was to fill the kettle with water and build a fire under it. Mother put the “white clothes” in the kettle. The water boiled. We punched the clothes with a “punching stick” to help loosen the dirt. This was the Monday routine.
I have a Monday routine. In fact, it is a daily routine and is something like this. My day, after breakfast, begins with reading Scripture suggested in a daily devotional guide which also lists the names of missionaries who have a birthday today. This is followed by time spent praying for these missionaries, for our church – pastor, ministers, and members. There are usually special prayer requests. Then a general prayer for the people on my e-mail list.
I finish with prayer for my family. Children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Hazel and me. I praise the Lord for His love, mercy and grace. Monday, and everyday, it is good to have a routine to help us stay on track.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we serve a God who cares for us, watches over us, and desires to bless us. Have a TERRIC DAY !!!
As life moves on day by day we face various situations. Some are joyous and glad. Some are just routine things that come to almost everyone. Then, there are those times that are very special to us. I’ve noticed that in the various situations the names of different people come to mind. They have had an influence in our lives that help us in these situations.
There is one name that is above all other names. The name of Jesus is almost always in our minds. I am so grateful for the love of God expressed in Jesus Christ. A song written be E. S. Lorenz has been a blessing to me.
THE NAME OF JESUS
The name of Jesus is so sweet, I love its music to repeat; It makes my joys full and complete, The precious name of Jesus.
I love the name of Him whose heart Knows all my griefs, and bears a part; Who bids all anxious fears depart—I love the name of Jesus.
That name I fondly love to hear, It never fails my heart to cheer; Its music dries the fallen tear: Exalt the name of Jesus.
No word of man can ever tell How sweet the name I love so well; Oh, let the praises ever swell, Oh praise the name of Jesus.
“Jesus,” O how sweet the name! “Jesus,” every day the same; “Jesus,” let all saints proclaim It’s worthy praise forever.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for His love expressed in Jesus Christ. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
INTERCESSOR
An intercessor is a person who intercedes to plead or make a request in behalf of another. As I listen to various religious programs I’m hearing many of them making a plea for intercessors. We are requested to pray for our country, our president and world leaders. Many of you have joined with others in doing this. It is usually requested that we pray that God will forgive our national sins and our personal sins.
It is suggested that during this period of Lent we commit ourselves to pray every day. To indicate to God that we truly serious about this it is suggested that you give up something for Lent. A grand daughter told me she is giving up sweets.
We also find ourselves interceding with God to meet specific needs in the lives of others. I receive rewquests daily. I usually pray immediately for the request. The name is put on a list for future prayer times. Intercessory prayer becomes real and personal to us when a family faces surgery or is taken to E.R. In these times we get downright serious with God, don’t we?
Intercessory prayer comes into action when we are concerned about the spiritual welfare of a loved one. We don’t want them to miss heaven so we interceed and ask God to save them. Jesus is also involved in this kind of action. See Hebrews 7:25. Jesus interceeds on our behalf.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that Jesus, our High Priest, ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb.7:25)
CARING
It is one of the amazing facts of life, people do care for people. When emergencies happen people show their care by being there to help out. Accidents on the highway, emergencies in the home; whenever and wherever there’s a need people are there to meet the need.
Another way people show they care is by praying for others. Seldom a day goes by that I do not receive a request to pray for a need. I am honored that people trust me to pray in behalf of others. It is one of the privileges we have as Christians to take requests to the God who hears and answers prayer.
I Peter 5:7 (KJV) “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” J. Lincoln Hall writes of His care in the words of this song>
DOES JESUS CARE?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song; As the burdens press, And the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?
Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades Into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; When for my deep grief There is no relief, Tho’ my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “good-by” to the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches Till it nearly breaks, Is it aught to Him? Does He care?
O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;….When the days are weary, the long night dreary, I know my Saviour cares.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for a caring and loving Saviour. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
FRIDAY GEMS
Daniel 9:18 (NIV) “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.”
Open Windows Mar. 14. 2003 –“What if God gave us what we deserved instead of the gift of mercy through His Son, Jeus Christ? What we get, instead, is the gift of eternal life from a merciful God.”
Copied – “If all our misfortunes were laid in a common heap, most people would be contented to take their own and depart.”
Nathaniel Hawthorne – “Just as there comes a warm sunbeam into every cottage window, so comes a love, born of God’s care, for every separate need.”
Copied – “Ask God to keep you from worrying about what others think, and be content with whatever He sends your way. All the tomorrows of our lives have to pass before Him before they get to us!”
George Sweeting has said, “Life minus love equals nothing.”
“If you wouldn’t want your mother to know about it, don’t do it
Congressman J.C. Watts (R. Oklahoma) – “Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking.”
Woodrow Wilson, Twenty-eighth President of the USA – “I not use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.
Mary Hemingway – “Worry never fixes anything.”
Abraham Lincoln – “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.”
“Like soup for the body; Tears are for the soul.”
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for His mercy, grace and love. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
CHOICES
Every day of our life we make choices. What happens in life is the result of the choices we make. We often do not think about the long term results. We face a situation. We make a choice and life goes on.
In Malachi 3:8 – 12 the Lord reminds his people that they are under a curse because of a choice they made. They robbed God. The result was that God could not bless them. In dealing with this situation God said to his people, “Test me. Find out if I will do what I have said I will do.”
It seems like a simple choice. Trust God and be blessed. Don’t trust God and be cursed. We face this choice daily. What do you choose.
Linda Shivers Leach put this test in the words of this song:
TRUST, TRY, and PROVE ME
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, All your money, talents, time and love; Consecrate them all upon the altar; While your Saviour from above speaks sweetly,
When my wavering faith in trials falter, When His guiding hand I cannot see, Then in wondrous love and tender mercy, Through His Word He says to me, My child, just
I have yielded Him my life forever, All I am or have, or hope to be; Naught on earth my hold on Him can sever, while I hear Him say to me, My child, just
Trust Me, try Me, prove Me, saith the Lord of hosts, and see If a blessing, unmeasured blessing, I will not pour out on thee.
Today – out loud and purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He never fails a test. He keeps His promise. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
SOURCE
Source is a place of origin. It is a spring from which a stream arises. Source is often a person.
As a Christian I believe God is my source for everything. It is in Him I live and move and have my being. Psa. 121:2 “My help comes from the Lord.” David understood God was the source of power and steadfast love. Psa. 62:11 (KJV) “God has spoken once; twice I have heard this; that power belongeth to the Lord.”
The Apostle Paul understood this as he writes in Phil. 4:13 (NIV) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
One of the things we send/receive by e-mail is prayer requests. Why do we pray that God will respond by answering our prayers? Because God is our source. The Psalmist says He is a very present help in time of trouble.
God is our source. Life itself comes from God. Strength for today is mine always because God is my source.
My problem is trusting God. In my heart I know the truth. God is my source. In my life it is not always easy to practice what is in my heart. If all goes well it is easy to trust God. If things do not go well or as we think they should, it is harder to trust God. But I know in my heart of hearts that trusting God in and for all things is the way to go.
Trusting Jesus every day. Trusting through the stormy way. Trusting when my faith is small. Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the desire to trust Him who is our source. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.
PRAYER
It seems the die is cast. Unless there is a miracle from God we will be at war within days, perhaps even hours. I’ve noticed in religious broadcasts there is a renewed and urgent call for prayer in behalf of our country and especially the armed forces. I agree. Men ought always to pray and faint not.
As I was going through some boxes of materials last night I came across the following item. It seems appropriate for a time like this.
PRAYER
“I PRAYED -- and loads were lifted;
I PRAYED -- and storms were stilled;
I PRAYED -- and hands were strengthened, feet were guided, needs were filled.
I PRAYED -- and doors were opened.
I PRAYED -- and work was done;
I PRAYED -- and hearts were melted, lives were changed and souls were won.
I PRAYED -- and God responded, His miracles were everywhere: the world was blessed, the Kingdom hastened -- What power lies within a prayer.
Today -- Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for hearing our prayers. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
PERILS
We are hearing the expression, “in harm’s way,” used frequently these days. The reference is related to the fact that the young men and women in the armed forces are exposed to danger. They face perilous times.
The Apostle Paul said as he described his life that he was in perils often. Every day, it seems, we read of people who are killed just because somebody doesn’t like them. These are perilous times.
I am encouraged that many people are praying for the Lord to protect our military forces. It is also encouraging to read that these young people are seeking the Lord. Bible study groups are found in many units. People are seeking the assurance that comes from knowing God. We want the assurance expressed in the words of the song entitled, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that those who call on Him and trust Him can have the assurance that it is well with my soul. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
FRIDAY GEMS
Psalm 91:14-15 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.”
Carl Sandburg: “A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.”
Barbara Brown: “You can’t go with God and stay where you are.”
Author Unknown: Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God.
Emily Dickinson: “I never spoke with God nor visited in heaven; yet certain am I of the spot as if the chart were given.”
John 14:2 (NIV) “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Author Unknown: “For the Christian who knows the eternal God, death is only a change of scene, not a change of life.”
Erma Bombeck: “When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”
Author Unknown: Never take on more work than you have time to pray about . . . “In quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isa. 30:15 NIV)
Mark Twain: “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”
Patricia Neal” “A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.”
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the God who created all men and who saves those who believe in Jesus Christ.
ANCHOR
One of the definitions found in the dictionary for “anchor” is “anything giving security or stability.” I believe the world is looking for this kind of anchor. We are at war. Unrest is fermenting all over the world. Children in some countries are being taught to hate other people.
As we face the hatred and the killing some people are beginning to realize that the only stability for life is found in God. . . .the God who loves us. . . .The God who does not change. He is the anchor which gives stability and security.
Wm. J Kirkpatrick expressed this stability in the words of this song.
WE HAVE AN ANCHOR
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
It is safely moored, ‘twill the storm with-stand. For ‘tis well secured by the Saviour’s hand; Though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our bark o’er –flow.
When our eyes behold through the gathering night The city of gold, our harbor bright, We shall anchor fast by the heavenly shore, With the storms all past forever more.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that in our shaking and unstable world He is the Anchor which give stability and security. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
I recall reading in my early years about our country being explored as the population moved westward. Often the groups moving into new and unexplored territory would seek a guide who had been through that territory to show them the way.
I think of our lives. We move each day into new areas for us. We have not traveled that way before. We need someone to show us the way. A trustworthy guide. Is there such a guide? Yes! The God who created us knows the way. He will guide us as we trust Him and follow Him.
Thomas Hastings captures this truth in a song he wrote.
GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim thro’ this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain Whence the healing waters flow; Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey thro’: Strong Deliverer, Be Thou still my Strength and Shield; Strong Deliverer, Be thou still my Strength and Shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Bear me thro’ the swelling current, Land me safe on Canaan’s side: Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee; Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the guidance of the God who never leaves or forsakes us. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!
The words of this song are comforting and strengthening in these days.
In Times Like
These
Jones, Ruth Caye
Verse 1
In times like these, you need a Savior.
In times like these, you need an anchor.
Be very sure (be very sure),
Be very sure (be very sure),
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Verse 2
In times like these, you need the Bible.
In times like these, oh be not idle.
Be very sure (be very sure),
Be very sure (be very sure),
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Verse 3
In times like these I have a Savior.
In times like these I have an anchor.
I'm very sure (I'm very sure).
I'm very sure (I'm very sure).
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Chorus:
This Rock is Jesus, yes He's the One.
This Rock is Jesus, the only One.
Today – Out loud and on purpose
Thank and Praise the Lord for our ever present
Saviour. Have a TERRIFIC DAY
!!!
PROTECTION
Almost every religious program you hear o radio or view on television has a time of praying for the protection of the men and women in our armed forces. Many of us have designated 9:00 o’clock – AM & PM - as the time to stop everything and spend at least one minute in prayer.
I’ve noted also that there are those who lead us to pray for every person in decision making positions. This is good. Some have even gone so far as to pray for the protection of innocent people who find themselves in harms way. Have you considered that Jesus said we are to pray for those who are against us? Think about this. Paul writes in Eph 6:10 ff that we are in a spiritual battle against forces of evil spirits in the heavenlies. This enemy can only be overcome by prayer. We do fight against a physical enemy. Can you pray that God will invade the hearts of these people? The only way these forces of evil can be overcome is by prayer and the love of God.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the privilege and the desire to pray for all people for whom Christ died. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.
FRIDAY GEMS
Judy Patterson - “Security comes from knowing that God never changes. But whatever is good and perfect comes from God, the Creator of all light, and He shines forever without change or shadow.”
Kathy - “What helps you overcome obstacles is having a strong sense of destiny. No one wins the battle without a struggle.”
George Burns - “Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair.”
Dean Acheson - “The future comes one day at a time.”
An NBA Coach - “We have a motto on our team, and the motto is this, ‘Good people do for themselves; great people do for others.”
In a poem by Rachina - “The sunshine of your smile might chase the clouds from someone’s life today.”
Unknown - “The brook would lose its song if the rocks were removed.”
Mark Twain - “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”
Anonymous - “The longer you carry a grudge the heavier it gets.”
Unknown - I saw this on the internet, “The Bible will take you home.” Not true. Faith in Jesus Christ will take you home. The Bible points the way.
Finally - “The next time you think you’re perfect, try walking on water.”
Today – Out loud and on purpose let’s just Rejoice and Praise the Lord!! Have a TERRIFIC WEEKEND !!!
Nestled in the midst of an article I was reading on the internet were these words, “You can’t do anything to get God to stop loving you.” What a tremendous, wonderful truth. God loves us! No ifs…ands…or buts about it, God loves us. Even while were yet sinners God loved us and Jesus died for us. In the Psalms the love God has for people is described as a “steadfast love.”
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 28:38-39 that there is noting in this world that can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
F.H Lehman wrote about God’s love in this song.
THE LOVE OF GOD
The love of God is greater far-----Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star-----And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care,-------God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled,------And pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure!------How measureless and strong! It shall forever – more endure----------The saint’s and angel’s song.
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the love of God that is for all people everywhere. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!