Today's Scripture

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Gods system works on the principle of sowing and reaping. Simply put, if you are kind to others, then others will be kind to you. What you sow, you shall reap. When you refresh others, you yourself will be refreshed. That word refresh means to restore or revive. When you reach out to others to restore them or offer strength to them, you are planting seeds for your own future. And there are many ways to refresh othersa smile, a kind word. You might buy someone a tank of gas. You could pay for someones groceries in line at the grocery store. You could make a special meal for a friend in need. If you ask God to show you how to refresh others, He will. Get in the habit of looking for ways to be a blessing to other people. Have a generous attitude, step out and refresh others. As you do, youll reap an abundant harvest in your life, and you will live the life of blessing the Lord has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for being a blessing to me so that I can be a blessing to others. Show me ways to refresh people in my daily life and help always to honor You in everything I say and do. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One an dAll,
Ras ~Q

Tequila and Salt
This should probably be taped to your
bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. There are at least two people in this world

that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on

you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.
So...........

If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone,
including the one that sent it to you.
If you get it back, then they really do love you.
And always remember....
when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt

and call me over!


Good friends are like stars... You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes

It's 'Hell in the Hallway'
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend

while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.
Forward to all your friends.
And don't tell me you're too busy for this..
Don't you know the phrase 'stop and smell the flowers'?
See how many 'bouquets' you end up with!

I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.

Lord my God, You have formed and reformed me.

Sin and assurance

Our human pride often reverses the order of things. We think God came into our lives rather late. Our identity was firmly established, and then He invited Himself in, trying to woo us into a relationship with Him. We were in control of the heart that opened up to Him. Or so we thought.

In spite of our sense of independence, God has a prior claim on us. He created the world that became our necessary environment. He began the genetic process that eventually resulted in our birth. He even fashioned us in the w**** (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13). He is no late-coming Redeemer. He and His wisdom have been there all along.

This is extremely important to know when it seems as if your life is falling apart. It isn't. The life  you have constructed may be falling apart, but the life God has fashioned is not. His wisdom has known all things before the foundations of the world including you. If God has let you be undone, He has allowed it for a reason. He is bringing you to the end of your sinful self and to the beginning of life in His secure arms. God is bringing you home.

Do you realize how thoroughly rooted in eternity your life is? It was not an afterthought in the mind of a play-it-by-ear God. Did you think your sin was a surprise to Him? It wasn't. He has already made provision for it. Before the foundation of the world, He did at least two things: He brought forth His wisdom; and He thought of you (Ephesians 1:4). His wisdom and your existence went hand in hand. Does that boggle your mind? It should. Rest in the assurance of a forever-wise God.

Adapted from The One Year® Walk with God Devotional by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale House Publishers (2004), entry for May 7.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11 NLT

It takes a radical break to turn a man from earth's trash to heaven's treasure.
Vance Havner

Slave to freedom

At age 16, I craved freedom. I dropped out of high school, got kicked out of my house, and began living for myself. Six weeks later, I began to realize how unsatisfied I was. My so-called freedom had made me a slave to desires that were quickly destroying me. The world had lied to me. Power, pleasure, and popularity had not satisfied me. I was empty and alone.

So I turned to God. I desperately needed fixing; who better to turn to than my own personal Creator and Designer? Alone in my Florida apartment, I go on my knees and asked God's forgiveness. I begged him to change me.
Life is quite different now. Things I used to live for don't matter anymore, and I hunger for things I used to run away from. God has not taken away my excitement; he has changed what I get excited about. For the first time in my life, I'm content. God has taught me that only he can satisfy my eternal longing for pleasure and peace.
Tullian Tchividhian in Prodigals and Those Who Love Them

It's much better to entrust our lives to God. When we let him call the shots as we take the role of willing and faithful servants, life begins running more smoothly. As David wrote, "Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine" (Psalm 16:5). May your prayer be like David's: "Show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever" (Psalm 16:11).

Adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotions from the editors of Men of Integrity, a publication of Christianity Today International (Tyndale, 2002), entry for May 4.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Today's Scripture If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Do you need wisdom for something today? Ask God. He loves it when you call upon Him, and He longs to give generously to you. Do you need wisdom to lead your family? Do you need wisdom on your job? Do you need wisdom for a decision you have to make in life? Ask God! The next verse goes on to say that when you ask, you must ask in faith without wavering. That means you have to be absolutely determined to get your answer from Him. You cant just ask and then decide to do things your own way, or doubt that He will give you the answer. Thats being double-minded. When youre double-minded, the Bible says you wont be able to receive anything from the Lord. Dont let that be you! Have a one-track mind thats focused on God and His promises. Believe that He is going to generously bless you with His wisdom. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, Hell cause you to rise higher and higher, and youll live the abundant life He has in store for you! A Prayer for Today Father in heaven, thank You for being a good and generous God. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing in my life. Keep my heart and mind focused on You always. In Jesus Name. Amen. Also - pree di link in devotional videos section entitled Live Like a Champion..

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

Seeing Adversity The Right Way

Anytime God is about to take you to a new level youre going to face opposition. There will be new battles to fight and new obstacles to overcome. Its easy to get discouraged and think, Why is this happening? But we have to change our thinking and focus on the fact that on the other side of those challenges is a new level of victorya new level of success. David would only be known as a shepherd boy if it werent for Goliath. Davids enemy became the tool that God used to promote him. And God will do the same in your life today. Hell use those challenges and difficulties in your life to catapult you towards success! If you are going through a hard time today, if things look impossible, dont give up now. Change your perspective and believe that God is working behind the scenes. Put a smile on your face and stand in confidence knowing that you are a child of the Most High God. When all is said and done, youre not just going to come out of that difficulty, but youre coming out stronger, wiser, and better than you were before! That problem is going to be the catalyst for God to open supernatural doors of opportunity for you! Stand strong in the Lord today and trust that what the enemy meant for your harm, God will turn around and use to your advantage. Hell take you places you never dreamed and cause you to rise higher and higher in every area of your life!

 

Today's Scripture

But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need strength today? Sometimes its easy to get down and discouraged when youre constantly looking at the circumstances of life. You may feel tired and weary from a long battle. But when you wait on the Lord, the Bible says your strength will be renewed. Waiting on the Lord means youre putting your trust and hope in Him. Youre living with an attitude of faith and expectancy. In the natural, if you are waiting for someone like a special dinner guest, youre probably not just sitting around the house wondering what will happen. No, youre probably preparing for that special person by straightening the house and making sure everything is perfect for their arrival. Most likely, you started weeks in advance making the menu and deciding what to wear! In the same way, when you are waiting on the Lord, it doesnt mean you are just sitting around, it means you are preparing for Him. Are you ready for God to move on your behalf? Are you waiting on Him? As you take a step of faith, Hell meet you there. Hell renew your strength and lead you into victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise to renew my strength. I choose to wait on You. I choose to trust You. I choose to prepare for You to move mightily in my life! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

 

Today's Scripture

But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God desires that you live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you Healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a needphysically, spiritually, or emotionally? God wants to give you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Notice this verse starts out by saying, Thanks be to God Many times in the Bible when Gods people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life. Start today by thanking Him for His goodness and the promise to give you the victory. Magnify your God, dont magnify your problems! As you do, youll see Him move on your behalf and Hell lead you into victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me in to victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy Name today. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

 

Today's Scripture

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ which exhales unto God (Psalm 42:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that your life is a sweet fragrance to God? Think about how a wonderful aroma affects you personally. When its springtime and the flowers are blossoming, everything feels new again. The sweet aroma in the air is a sign that the flowers are fresh and alive. It catches your attention! It makes you want to take a deep breath and partake of the wonderful sweet fragrance. God feels the same way about you! He loves wonderful aromas and when you are living your life to please Him, its a beautiful fragrance that captures His attention! Just like the aroma in springtime is a sign that the flowers are alive, the aroma of your life is a sign that Christ is alive in you. It is pleasing to the Father! The next time you experience a fresh fragrance, remember that your life is a fragrance unto God. You can rest in knowing that He is pleased with a heart that seeks after Him. As you continue to seek Him, youll be that sweet fragrance and youll experience His wonderful hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, I come to You today surrendering all that I am. May everything I do please You and be a wonderful fragrance to You. Keep me close to You today and always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, "I am thirsty."

I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need.

I'm thirsty

One of the women who lingered at the foot of the cross had once known thirst that ordinary water couldn't quench. She had been an outcast among her peers.She had a great need, and nothing could fill the emptiness, the void within her. Then came the day when she met Jesus. Although her accusers had already given up on her and would readily have stoned her, Jesus saw her need, and rather than give up on her, he faced her accusers and saved not only her life but her soul as well. From that moment forward, Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple of Christ, following him even to the foot of a brutal cross. When Jesus cried out in thirst, the soldiers mistook it for weakness of the flesh and thrust sour wine to his lips. What they didn't comprehend is that Jesus' words were a declaration of his completion of his Father's work. He was thirsty because he was being poured out as an offering, not only for the grateful woman who knelt at this feet but also for generations of people to come.

JESUS, you poured out your life like an offering and gave me living water that saved and restores my soul. Help me to take that same living water and extend it to those around me who are thirsty. Please us me to reach out to the abandoned, the scorned, the unlovable, with your sacrificial love.

Adapted from The One Year® Book of Praying through the Bible by Cheri Fuller, Tyndale House Publishers (2003), entry for May 31.

Digging Deeper: For more on salvation, read Why Sin Matters by Mark McMinn (Tyndale, 2004)

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

They took turns confessing their sins and worshipping the Lord their God.

The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation.

Recognizing sin

The year 1983 summoned forth two splendid examples of moral imperfection: Rep. Daniel Crane (R-Ill) and Rep. Gerry Studds (D-Mass). Both were censured by the House for sexual misconduct with 17-year-old pages.

The nation got a glimmer of their philosophical differences when Crane admitted tearfully that he "broke the laws of God and man." He cast a vote for his own censure and faced the House as the Speaker announced the tally.

Studds, in contrast, defended the relationship with his page as "mutual and voluntary" and said the relationship didn't warrant the "attention and action" of the House. Studds listened to the verdict from the Speaker with his back to the House.

Do they both deserve equal censure? Of course. But there's one consolation for Crane. His philosophy (of an objective moral order promulgated by God in man's nature) teaches that there is one thing worse than sin. That is denial of sin, which makes forgiveness impossible.

The Bible wants nothing to do with moral relativism, and that is why some critics have singled out faithful Christians and Jews for particular scorn. These critics know that the objective moral standards defended by millions of faithful believers stand in the way of uprooting God from our nation. Just as the people of Nehemiah's time confessed their sins and were restored, so we must ask the Lord to forgive us and heal our land.

Adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotions from the editors of Men of Integrity, a publication of Christianity Today International (Tyndale, 2002), entry for April 17.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Today's Scripture

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldnt see a way out? Weve all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak. No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips! Open your heart and by faith receive His strength and might, and let Him empower you to live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Fill me with Your strength and power today. I give You my whole heart and ask that You remove anything from my life that isnt pleasing to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

 

Today's Scripture

The earth was formless and voidand God said, Let there be light. (Genesis 1:2-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you believing God for something today that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God. and He can create something out of nothing. He can make a way when there seems to be no way! Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But before He spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful, too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Remember, you are created in the image of almighty God. Theres power in your words, and theres power when youre in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams, today. Stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, God will take you places that youve never dreamed, and youll live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way where there seems to be no way in my life. Fill me with Your peace and faith and give me a vision for all You have for me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All
Ras ~Q

Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey your law because of this.

The testimony of presidents

The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:

It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.

The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.
In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it.
Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

 

Today's Scripture

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need more power and strength in your life today? When you are connected to the Father through Jesus, you are connected to your life source. Just as a branch is sustained by the vine its attached to, we are sustained by being attached to Him. If you think about how fruit grows, it doesnt just happen over night; it takes time and the right conditions. In the same way, the spiritual fruit in your own life develops over time, too. You might be tempted to get discouraged if you arent seeing fruit as quickly as youd like, but be encouraged today! If youll keep your heart humble before the Lord and stay connected to Him through prayer and studying His Word, youll see that fruit begin to form in your life just as He promised! Youll see the fruit of joy, which is strength. Youll see the fruit of love and peace, which will sustain you in the midst of difficulty. As you stay connected to Him, youll be empowered and equipped for every circumstance, and youll live as an overcomer in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You. I recognize that You are the source for everything I need in this life. Keep me close to You always and turn my heart and mind toward Your ways. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All
Ras ~Q

 

Every person goes through adversities or times of difficulty. Maybe you didnt get a promotion you deserved, or you lost a loved one, a friend betrayed you. Its easy to get negative and bitter and lose your enthusiasm for life, but understand today, you are not defined by your past, you are prepared by your past. Every challenge youve been through, every adversity youve faced, God has deposited something on the inside of you. Your character was being developed. Strength was being increased. Your vision was being enlarged. With every difficulty, you can experience a new level of Gods goodness! You may have had unfair things happen, but remember, all things work together for good when you love the Lord! It doesnt say that all things are good, but God will turn your test into a testimony. No matter what challenge you may be facing now, no matter what youve experienced in your past, if youll stay in faith God will turn it around for your good! Choose to have a resurrection mentalityyou may have gone through an emotional death, and burial but its time for you to rise again. God wants to give you His beauty for ashes, and joy for mourning. He wants to bring you out stronger, happier, healthier, better off than you were before!

But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people!

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.

About this week's promise:

How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible.

Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience.

When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know.

adapted from the TouchPoint Bible with devotional commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p1296

Digging Deeper:

 

For Kids: Hands-on Bible (Tyndale House Publishers )

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, foot your commands are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your decrees. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven't turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well. How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

No Other Book

I have guided my life by the Bible for more than sixty years, and I tell you there is no book like it. It is a miracle of literature, a perennial spring of wisdom, a wonder of surprises, a revelation if mystery, an infallible guide of conduct, and an unspeakable source of comfort.

Pay no attention to people who discredit it, for I tell you that they speak without knowledge. It is the Word of God itself.

Study it according to its own direction. Live by its principles. Believe its message. Follow its precepts.

No man is uneducated who knows the Bible, and none is wise who is ignorant of its teachings.
SAMUEL CHADWICK

Quoted by R. Kent Hughes in 1001 Great Stories and Quotes , Tyndale House Publishers (1998) pp 29-30

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A Bible which is falling apart usually belongs to someone who is not.
CHARLES H. SPURGEON

God did not give us the Scriptures to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.
D. L. MOODY

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Let the godly sing with joy to the Lord, for it is fitting to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing new songs of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good, and his unfailing love fills the earth.

Praising God's Trustworthiness

What does it mean to be trustworthy and true? In a society that insists that all truth is relative, many people have given up looking for truth, much less basing their lives on it. But Scripture declares that there is something that is completely trueno matter what angle you look at it, no matter what perspective you come from. God and his Word will always remain true. That facet of God's character is what this psalm celebrates. It encourages believers everywhere to shout for joy, for their lives are securely established on God's eternal truths.

Take a moment to reflect on how few things are certain in this world and how much change is a normal part of life. Then think about how God and his Word are forever trustworthy and true, and give him praise.

Dear God, your Word holds true, and everything you do is worthy of my trust.

From The One Year Book of Bible Prayers , Tyndale House Publishers (2000), entry for October 7

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Now what is food for the inner man: not prayer, but the Word of God; and here again not the simple reading of the Word of God so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts.
GEORGE MUELLER

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

The Word Transforms

Dr. E. V. Rieu was a classical scholar and translator for many years. He rendered Homer into very modern English for the Penguin Classics. Rieu was sixty years old and a life-long agnostic when the same firm invited him to translate the Gospels. His son remarked: "It will be interesting to see what Father makes of the four Gospels. It will be even more interesting to see what the four Gospels make of Father."

The answer was soon forthcoming. A year later, Rieu, convinced and converted, joined the Church of England.

In an interview with J. B. Phillips, Rieu confessed that he had undertaken the task of translation because of an "intense desire to satisfy himself as to the authenticity and spiritual content of the Gospels." He was determined to approach the documents as if they were newly discovered Greek manuscripts,. "Did you not get the feeling," asked Canon Phillips, "that the whole material was extraordinarily alive?" The classical scholar agreed. "I got the deepest feeling," he replied. "My work changed me. I came to the conclusion that these words bear the seal of the Son of Man and God."

From J. B. Phillips, The Ring of Truth. quoted by R. Kent Hughes in 1001Great Stories and Quotes , Tyndale House Publishers (1998) pp 28-29

Digging Deeper:

The One Year® Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie (Tyndale House Publishers, 2005)Through a year's worth of thoughtful entries, the reader will learn how much God longs to lift us up, carry us through in times of difficulty and uncertainty, and give us true, lasting joy. Each daily step draws you closer to a God who truly cares and the hopeful life he wants you to enjoy.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Don't be intimidated by you enemies.you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

Finding God in Russia

In the 1930s Stalin ordered a purge of all Bibles and all believers. In Stravropol, Russia, this order was carried out with a vengeance. Thousands of Bibles were confiscated, and multitudes of believers were sent to the gulags where most died for being "enemies of the state."

Years later, CoMission sent a team to Stavropol. When the team was having difficulty getting Bibles shipped from Moscow, someone mentioned the existence of a warehouse outside of town where these confiscated Bibles had been stored since Stalin's day.

After much prayer by the team, one member finally got up the courage to go to the warehouse and ask the officials if the Bibles were still there.The answer was, "Yes!"

The next day The CoMission team returned with a truck and several Russian people to help load the Bibles. One helper was a young mana skeptical, hostile, agnostic collegian who had come only for the day's wages. As they were loading Bibles, one team member noticed that the young man had disappeared. He had slipped away, hoping to quietly take a Bible for himself. What he found shook him to the core.

The inside page of the Bible he picked up had the handwritten signature of his own grandmother. It had been her personal Bible. Out of the thousands of Bibles still left in the warehouse, he stole the one belonging to this grandmothera woman persecuted for her faith all her life.

He was found weepingGod was real.

Adapted from The Prayer Bible Jean E. Syswerda, general editor, Tyndale House Publishers (2003), p 1285.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Jesus lives, and so shall I: Death, thy sting is gone forever! He for me hath deigned to die, lives the bands of death to sever. He shall raise me from the dust: Jesus is my hope and trust.

Just a happy ending?

What difference does Christ's resurrection make? Is it just a happy ending to an otherwise tragic tale? No, of course not. Jesus had to rise, as Peter eloquently stated at Pentecost. It was impossible for death to defeat the Lord of life. The Resurrection proves that Jesus was the Son of God. Our faith is built on this solid foundation. As Paul wrote, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men" (1 Corinthians 15:17, 19). But He has risen! And as Jesus promised His disciples, "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19).

Without Christ, human life is merely prolonged death. Everything is decaying. But Jesus gives us eternal life, which radically changes our life on earth. Not only do we have eternity to look forward to, but we have the power to live in right relationship with God and others right now in our daily lives. Jesus is our hope for the future and our trust for each day. Praise Him!

Our "Resurrection Week" readings are adapted from The One Year® Book of Hymns by Mark Norton and Robert Brown, Tyndale House Publishers (1995). Today's is taken from the entry for April 2.

Digging Deeper/Telling Others: For more on the meaning of Easter, read Why the Resurrection by Greg Laurie (Tyndale, 2005), also available in 6-pack for distribution.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

God's fatherhood

Most people in the world would agree with the statement that "we are all God's children." It's a nice sentiment. It just isn't what the Bible teaches. According to God's Word, unrepentant sinners are actually God's enemies (see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21)! It's only when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are reconciled to God and experience forgiveness and adoption into God's forever family (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

For a Christian going through hard times, this "adoption" truth is the best of all possible news. God is not just the powerful Creator or a righteous Lord, he is a loving Father. He sees your trials. He listens to your pleas. He cares and protects and supports. He is never harsh or impatient with you. He is never "too busy" for you.

Take all the best qualities of all the best earthly dads you've ever seen, add them together, and multiply by infinity. That's the kind of heavenly Father God is to Christians who hurt.

Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me.

adapted from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Woods, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), pp 68-9

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As a substitute father for hundreds of youth over the past thirteen years, I've yet to encounter a young person in trouble whose difficulty could be traced to the lack of a strong father image in the home.
PAUL ANDERSON

A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father.
AUSTIN L. SORENSEN

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, "What are you going?"

Rebounding skills

Suppose you get home from grocery shopping and discover your six-year-old is eating candy you didn't buy. It might be tempting to just scold him, send him to his room, and let it go at that. After all, it's only worth a dollar, and you're tired. But you'd miss an opportunity to turn this "miss" into a second chance.

It would be better to take away any uneaten candy, put your little shoplifter back in the car, drive to the grocery store, hunt up the manager, and tell your kid to apologize. Pay for the candy and deduct it from the child's allowance. Then, if the culprit is truly sorry, be sure to express your forgivenessand God's forgiveness, too.

You've just boxed out the opposition and put your kid in position to rightly rebound. Because there will come another time in that grocery store or when he's passing a coveted pair of Nukes orwho knows?
Ricky Birdsong in Coaching Your Kids in the Game of Life

The Bible tells us that parents have the primary responsibility for the spiritual development of our children. And nowhere is the job given only to mothers and grandmothers. As Moses told the people of Israel, "Repeat [the command of God] again and again to your children" (Deut. 6:7). Why not begin today?

adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotionals by the editors of Men of Integrity magazine (Christianity Today, Intl), Tyndale House Publishers (2002), p 391

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It is easier to build boys than to mend men.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Today's Scripture

how can we know the way? Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:5-6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need direction in your life today? Not only is Jesus the way to life in eternity, but Jesus is the way to everything you need in this life here on earth. Do you need to know the way out of debt? Look to the Father through Jesus. Do you need to know the way to having better relationshipsthe way to overcome an addictionto live in peace and joy? When you know Jesus, you know the Way. No matter what you are facing today, no matter what challenges or obstacles are in your life, He will make a way for you even when you dont see how. God loves you so much that He wants to strengthen and empower you to live in total victory. Thats why He sent His Son, Jesus, to this earthto show you the way to live an abundant life! Open your heart today and receive all that God has given you through Jesus. As you do, youll see His hand lead you in the way of victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show me the way. I invite You into every area of my life. Keep me close to You always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

BlessOne and All
Ras ~Q

 

Today's Scripture

He changes times and seasons. (Daniel 2:21)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area of life. Change is often a catalyst for growth in our lives. It keeps us from getting stuck in a rut. God will supernaturally open and close doors to keep us on the path toward our destiny. He will stir us out of comfortable situations and stretch us because He loves us too much to allow us to live in mediocrity. Just like a mother eagle will stir her young, God will stir His children. Do you know how an eaglet learns to fly? That eagle will take her eaglet to the very highest pointway out of its comfort zoneand then she releases it. As the eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air. Thats what God wants for you today. He wants you to soar in life! You might feel like that eaglet learning to fly, but know that God is right there with you! Hell never leave you. Embrace Gods change today, knowing that He is using it to take you up higher so that you can live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, today I open my heart and mind to receive all that You have for me. I trust that You are with me directing my every step. I embrace Your seasons of change and thank You for helping me grow and increase in every area. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All
Ras ~Q

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord and do what is right and just.

Soaking up Dad

We teach our children even when we don't think school is in session. Too often we think our lessons are the sit-down kind, the planned-out kind. But our lessons are also how we react as a Little League coach when the ump blows a call, and how we treat our wives after we've both had rugged days at work., and what we say when we see a homeless man on the street.

Sometimes our lessons are good ones. I hope my sonswithout me saying a wordhave become more color-blind by our attending a church with a black pastor and linking arms with a black ministry in rural Mississippi.

Sometimes my lessons are the wrong kinds. As a boy, what hurt so deeply was to hear my mother and father fight; though it wasn't a common scene, the most perfect day could turn blustery cold when their relationship iced up. Without intending it to, I've taught a few similarly chilly lessons to my own sons.

Our children are sponges, quietly soaking up all we say and do.
Bob Welch in A Father for All Seasons

from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotionals by the editors of Men of Integrity magazine (Christianity Today, Intl), Tyndale House Publishers (2002), p 25

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All our heritages are flawedof course some far more than others. Modern men and women are so sensitized to this that many have come to use the sins of their parents as a cloak for their own sins and parental deficiencies. This has brought about, as Robert Hughes writes, "the rise of cult therapies teaching that we are all the victims of our parents, that whatever our folly, venality, or outright thuggishness, we are not to be blamed for it, since we come from 'dysfunctional families.'"
R. KENT HUGHES

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.
Proverbs 20:7 NLT

A heritage of blessings

What better motivations exist for us to be people of integrity than that our children will be blessed for it! Parents who are godly, who live with integrity and truthfulness, are wonderful examples to their children. Granted, this does not always guarantee that children will turn out perfectly, but children will nevertheless receive a great blessing from having such parents.

So what does it mean to "walk with integrity"? It means that "walk the talk." In other words, plenty of people know the right thing to do, but when the right time comes, they don't do it. They know they should tell the truth, for example, but if telling the truth will hurt, they opt for a lie instead. Children learn best from models they see and hear, but if they learn to bend the truth whenever needed, they set themselves up for problems in life. But if they learn to follow God and walk their faith, then they will have been greatly blessed.

WISE WAYS Are you willing to walk with integrity in front of your children or those over whom you have influence? What kinds of blessings will they have from following your example?

Today, Lord, help me walk with integrity so as to be a good example to others.

adapted from The One Year® Book of Proverbs by Neil S. Wilson, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), entry for February 20
Happy families own a surface similarity of good cheer. For one thing, they like each other, which is quite a different thing from loving. For another, they have, almost always, one entirely personal treasurea sort of purseful of domestic humor which they have accumulated against rainy days. This humor is not necessarily witty. The jokes may be incomprehensible to outsiders, and the laughter springs from the most trivial of sources. But the jokes and the laughter belong entirely to the family.
PHYLLIS McGINLEY

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

 

Today's Scripture

May you be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know there is tremendous power in love? In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, youll be stronger and have more of Gods power operating in your life when you are rooted and established in love. Faith works by love, and I Corinthians 13 gives us a picture of what that looks likeamong other things, love is patient and kind. It does not seek its own way. It is not jealous or boastful or proud. When you choose love instead of choosing your own way, you are showing that God is first place in your life. You are establishing yourself in love. The more you choose to walk in love, the deeper and stronger your roots will grow. And when you are established in love, youll have more of Gods favor and blessing upon your life! Choose love today, and let it be firm within you. Let that love build security in you and empower you. As you do, youll see God working through you, and youll live as an overcome in every area!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and invite You to search my heart and mind. Show me how to love others better so that I can be established in Your love. Thank You for loving me so that I can show Your love to others. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All
Ras ~Q

Today's Scripture

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised (Hebrews 10:36).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you believing God for today? Promotion? Healing? Stronger relationships? Deliverance? God has promised all these things to you in His Word because its His heart for you to live in blessing and wholeness all the days of your life. When you do the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all the right things todaydont give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise. Perseverance means that you are focused and believing in what God says about your situation. Its looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God. Perseverance has a voice, and it says things like, No weapon formed against me shall prosperif God is for me, who can be against me! I am more than a conqueror through Jesus! Whatever you are believing for today, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance, and patience so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your good promises to me. I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You today. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance so I can live in victory all the days of my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Today's Scripture

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you todayyou will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. (Deuteronomy 28:1-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants to pour out His blessings on you today. Living in obedience and integrity is the key that unlocks the door to His abundance. When you put God and His Word first place in your life, the bible says youll be blessed in the city and in the countrythat means you will be blessed wherever you go! This chapter goes on to say that you will be so blessed that you will even lend and not borrow. Can you see yourself in that position? Can you see yourself living in that kind of abundance? Its not Gods plan for you to live with a barely-get-by attitudeour God is more than enough! Get a vision for that in your heart today. Make room in your thoughts for the blessing of God. See yourself as a vessel of Gods blessing in the lives of others. As you live a life of obedience you will prosper in all of your ways. Youll rise higher and live the abundant life God has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. I choose today to put You first in everything I do. Help me to walk in integrity and honor You always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless one and all,
Ras ~Q

[Daniel said,] "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty."

Facing the furnace

In 1989, Lazlo Tokes was the pastor of a fast-growing reformed church in the city of Timisoara, Romania. His powerful preaching had caught the attention of communist officials, and they began a strategy of suppression. Just before Christmas, they decided to send him into exile.

But when the police arrived to hustle Pastor Tokes away, they were stopped cold. Around the church stood a wall of humanity. Christians from around the cityBaptist, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Catholichad joined together to protest.

All through the day they held their post. As it grew dark, a Baptist student named Daniel Gavra pulled out a packet of candles, lit one, and passed it on to his neighbor.

Then he lit another. One by one the burning candles were passed out among the crowd. Soon the darkness of the December night was pierced by the light of hundreds of candles. When Pastor Tokes looked out his window, he saw a sea of faces lit up by a warm glow.

Two days later, police finally broke through the crowd and dragged Pastor Tokes away. But that was not the end. People streamed to the city square. Hundreds were shot, Young Daniel's leg was blown off. Yet the brave example set in Timisoara inspired the rest of the nation. Within days the entire population of Romania had risen up and the *lo**y dictator Ceausescu was gone.

adapted from How Now Shall We Live? Devotional by Charles Colson (Tyndale) pp 711-12

Digging Deeper: For more on facing persecution, read Jerry Jenkin's Shadowed, a novel about keeping faith in the last days. The softcover edition comes out this month.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor.

Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

Honor your parents

Once upon a time, there was a young family a father, mother, and their young son. Living with them was the father's dad. Grandpa was old and shaky and very feeble. He dripped everything, especially when he ate. He slobbered everything and made a terrible mess. It was embarra**ing to the family, especially when company came over. So put the old man off to one side, away from the table. They gave him an earthen bowl to eat out of. But he broke that. In fact, he continued to slobber and make a mess. Finally, his daughter-in-law spoke out harshly to him and moved him to a far corner of the room, far from the dinner table. He was given a wooden trough to eat out of. At mealtime he would look wistfully at the family, wishing that he could eat with them. But that was not to be.

One day the daughter-in-law found her son fiddling with some pieces of wood as he tried to put them together. She asked him what he was doing. His answer: "I'm making a trough for you and Daddy that I can give you when I grow up." With these words, judgment was brought to the daughter-in-law, and she shared it with her husband. They brought their dad back to the table. He didn't stop slobbering or shaking, but it didn't matter anymore. They were finally honoring their father.

adapted from 1001 Great Stories and Quotes by R. Kent Hughes, Tyndale House Publishers (1998), p 160

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The chances are that you'll never be elected President of the country, write the great American novel, make a million dollars, stop pollution and racial conflict, or save the world. However valid it may be to work at any of these goals, there is another one of higher priority to be an effective parent.
LANDRUM R. BOLLING

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

There you and your families will feast in the presence of the Lord your God, and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because the Lord your God has blessed you.

About this week's promise:

This week we pause to remember Terri Schiavo, who died in 2005 after a long battle over sustaining her life. The tragedy of that battle serves as a reminder that God values life and celebrates family.

Within God's laws and rules for his people in the land of promise, we find this wonderful insight: God is a God of joy and gladness. He wants us to worship him with joy and gladness. Families come together for feasting and food, joy and delight, fun and games. "Count me in," God is reminding us. "Use these occasions to praise and honor me and to thank me for what I have done for you." Remember this when you get together for family feasting and fun.

Adapted from TouchPoint Bible with devotional commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p 166

Digging Deeper

For more on this week's promise, see Fighting for David by Leone Nunley and Deanne Merrill, Tyndale House Publishers (2006)

"Persistent vegetative state" that was the term doctors used to describe the condition of Leone Nunleys handsome young son, David, following a horrific motorcycle crash. But when doctors were prepared to give up hope for his recovery, Leone determined to fight for Davids future. In this powerfully inspiring story, Leone shares her many trials legal, financial, emotional, and spiritual and the amazing ways that faith helped her, and David, overcome. She also offers a unique and personal perspective on many of the questions raised by highly publicized cases such as that of Terri Schiavo.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Cor 13

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding bra**, or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.
For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two men can stand back-to-back and conquer.

A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found him hath found a treasure.

The strength of the huddle

When I asked Mike what he missed most about pro football, I was surprised by his answer. He said it was getting into the huddle. You felt safe there, he said. It was where you could get direction, support, and correction. It was where you could regroup for the next phase of the battle, knowing 10 other guys were there to help you win.

Mike said the huddle was a real refuge during away-games in hostile stadiums, when, besides the team, they were fighting a negative environment. It was a place where they could return to for encouragement to keep going.

Every man needs a safe place to get what he needs to enter into life's conflict. If a man's going to surviveno, winthe battles of life, he must have a huddle of good men around him to cheer him on and bandage his wounds. He needs men who will celebrate with him in the good times and do whatever it takes to bring help and healing in the bad times.

The writer of Ecclesiastes paints a depressing picture of a man who strives to gain the whole world alone, then asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" The writer concludes, "It is all so meaningless and depressing" (Ecclesiastes 4:8). How much better it is to go through life with a strong network of support. When you share your trials and triumphs with others, you soon realize that you're not alone. And somehow, when we stand together, life's challenges don't seem so daunting anymore.

Adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotions from the editors of Men of Integrity, a publication of Christianity Today International (Tyndale, 2002), entry for June 29.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escapefar away from this wild storm of hatred.

Nothing great was ever done without much enduring .

Resist flight

David was a man after God's own heart and a great, anointed king. But in many ways, he was just like us. Psalm 55 is an example. When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.

All of us have had similar urges. When life gets intense and troubles seem to offer no way out, we just want to get out of the situation. Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until His time is right.

God has no scorn for such feelings. He made us and He knows our frailties. He understands our impulse to flee from whatever difficulties we face. But He also insists on our endurance, because it has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish. And there is no way to learn endurance other than simply to endure. We can't learn it in principle or in theory; only pain can teach it to us.

The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endured. Every fear is followed by blessing (Psalm 55:4-8, 16-18). Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover His provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There  will be a day of deliverance.

Adapted from The One Year® Walk with God Devotional by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale House Publishers (2004), entry for May 16.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Thursday

Today's Scripture

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Arent you glad we serve a Deliverer today? An affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress. You might feel afflicted today, but God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart. I know that afflictions can take on many formsa sickness or hardship, a temptation, a coworker or family member. There are so many things that can come against us, but God promises in His Word that no weapon formed against us shall prosper! Those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith believing that God is on your side. Remember, you and God are a majority. It doesnt matter what your circumstances look like, get up every morning and say, This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you out of all your afflictions, and youll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for making me righteous through the *lo** of Jesus. I trust that You have a good plan for me, and that You will deliver me out of all affliction. Thank You for Your strength and peace in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

Tuesday

Today's Scripture

Provide for those who grievea garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need a new garment today? Im not talking about a physical garment. Im talking about whats covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing heaviness? If youve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and its important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You can put on a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened spirit. Whats holding you back today? Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Dont carry those heavy burdens around anymore! Today is the day for new garments! Forgive those who have hurt you and begin to praise Him! Thank God for life today. Thank Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you dont see it yet. And this verse says, you will be called an oak of righteousness, strong and secure, and you will display the splendor of the Lord all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old, heavy garments of despair and heaviness. Make me new today. Give me a garment of praise so that I can be a display of Your glory and splendor. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and ALL,
Ras ~Q

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Jesus lives, and so shall I: Death, thy sting is gone forever! He for me hath deigned to die, lives the bands of death to sever. He shall raise me from the dust: Jesus is my hope and trust.

Just a happy ending?

What difference does Christ's resurrection make? Is it just a happy ending to an otherwise tragic tale? No, of course not. Jesus had to rise, as Peter eloquently stated at Pentecost. It was impossible for death to defeat the Lord of life. The Resurrection proves that Jesus was the Son of God. Our faith is built on this solid foundation. As Paul wrote, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men" (1 Corinthians 15:17, 19). But He has risen! And as Jesus promised His disciples, "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19).

Without Christ, human life is merely prolonged death. Everything is decaying. But Jesus gives us eternal life, which radically changes our life on earth. Not only do we have eternity to look forward to, but we have the power to live in right relationship with God and others right now in our daily lives. Jesus is our hope for the future and our trust for each day. Praise Him!

Our "Resurrection Week" readings are adapted from The One Year® Book of Hymns by Mark Norton and Robert Brown, Tyndale House Publishers (1995). Today's is taken from the entry for April 2.

Digging Deeper/Telling Others: For more on the meaning of Easter, read Why the Resurrection by Greg Laurie (Tyndale, 2005), also available in 6-pack for distribution.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God. I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

I know that my Redeemer lives; what joy the blest assurance gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everlasting Head!

He lives, all glory to His name; He lives, my Savior, still the same; what joy the blest assurance gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!

One of those verses

Every once in a while, a verse jumps out of the Old Testament and takes on a new meaning. Job lost his fortune, family, and much of his health. In a stunning display of faith, he expresses his only remaining hope: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). The words find an uncanny fulfillment in Jesus.

Jesus gave His life to redeem us, to buy us back from our slavery to sin. His death was the price of our freedom. But that's not the bottom line, thank God. As the sun rises on Easter morning, we can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer lives." He lives! Death could not hold Him. He lives, to finish salvation's work in me.

Hymnwriter Samuel Medley often repeated words and phrases in his songs. Here, what's repeated is the most important concept: "He livesHe livesHe lives."

Our "Resurrection Week" readings are adapted from The One Year® Book of Hymns by Mark Norton and Robert Brown, Tyndale House Publishers (1995). Today's is taken from the entry for April 2.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me."

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; the passover of gladness, the passover of God. From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky, our Christ hath brought us over with hymns of victory.

Raising a racket

It is said that John of Damascus started his hymnwriting career with a funeral hymn for a fellow monk. The monk wasn't dead yet, but everyone thought death was near. So John prepared his song and was singing it loudly in his room, testing it out. Suddenly the monk for whom is was written burst into the room and scolded John for raising such a racket. Tradition says that John was expelled from the monastery briefly for causing this disturbance, but then the Lord told the abbot that John would be doing great things with music, so the abbot welcomed John back.

And John did some great things, collecting and organizing the great hymns of the Greek-speaking church. His major accomplishment was the writing of the Golden Canon, an Easter liturgy still used in the Greek Orthodox church and from which this hymn is taken. Scholars have called his text the finest sacred poetry in the Greek language.

Our "Resurrection Week" readings are adapted from The One Year® Book of Hymns by Mark Norton and Robert Brown, Tyndale House Publishers (1995). Today's is taken from the entry for March 30.

Digging Deeper/Telling Others: For more on the meaning of Easter, read Why the Resurrection by Greg Laurie (Tyndale, 2005), also available in 6-pack for distribution.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

Today's Scripture

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you hoping for in your life today? The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. Notice this verse starts by saying, Now faith Its not later faith or one day faith. We have to believe that God is working behind the scenes right now. Faith is simply believing that God is a good and faithful Godthat He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today? Do you believe He can provide for you need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationships, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today? Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf. Stand strong and declare that victory is already yours. As you face each day with faith and expectancy, youll increase in strength and see Gods hand in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that You have a good plan for me and that You are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today. In Jesus Name. Amen.

A Message From Ras ~Q

One day i was asked how i was doing?  My response was:  Expectin di blessings from di Almighty..  that day ALL that i had hoped for came to pass.  Things everyone told me would NEVER happen.. people were changed in their controlling ways and worked FOR me and NOT against me..

EXPECT di Blessings Today dat di Almighty has in store fi yu.

Bless One and All
Ras ~Q

Today's Scripture

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When youve been hurt or offended, sometimes its tempting to hold on to unforgiveness. But we have to remember, when people wrong us, our battle is not against flesh and *lo**. In other words, that person who hurt you is not the real enemy. The Bible says that your adversary is the devil, and he knows that if you dont forgive, then your prayers wont be effective. Unforgiveness puts up a barrier in your life to the power of God. In fact, if we dont forgive others, we cant be forgiven by God. But when you choose forgiveness, you open the door for Gods healing power to flow through your life. Disarm the enemy in your life today by choosing forgiveness. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who wrong you. Look at what Jesus didwhen He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and disrespected, He chose forgiveness. As you follow His example, you will open the door for God to move in your life, and youll live in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me and giving me new life. I choose today to extend the gift of forgiveness to others. I bless those who have wronged me and ask You to heal every broken place in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Message From Ras ~Q

Of course this comes at the perfect time as i'm sure we can all attest to the fact that we may have evil working against us in some way in our lives.. always forgive the vessel by which the evil is transported and remain in good faith that deliverance is Yours through the Almighty.. much like Daniel in the Lion's Den.. No weapon formed against me will prosper.  Recognize that you are chosen, you may not have chosen the Almighty, but HE has chosen you..

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

 

Today's Scripture

When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings (Psalm 84:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you feel like you are walking through a tough place in your life today? When you walk through the valley of weeping, God is walking with you. He wants to strengthen and empower you to keep moving forward. He is leading you to a place of blessing and refreshing! Be encouraged today, its not over until God says its over, and He always causes us to triumph! The Bible says that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! It also says that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter until the full day. No matter how dark your circumstance may seem, you are on a path that is shining brighter and brighter. Know today that there is a place of victory on the other side of your challenge. Keep believing and keep expecting. As you continue to meditate on the goodness of God and declare His favor in your life, you will be strengthened and refreshed in your inner man. You will rise higher and higher, and you will live the life of victory the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for leading me to my place of blessing. I trust that You are faithful and believe that You have a good plan for my life. Help me to always hear Your voice so I can follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bless One and All,
Ras ~Q

She came and grabbed him by his shirt, demanding, "Sleep with me!" Joseph tore himself away.

A man who fled from temptation

Like cream, Joseph rose to the top. Each time he tackled temptation, he thrived. He was the next-to-last son of Jacob, but the first son of Jacob's favorite wife, Rachel. He had two significant dreams. We don't know how he told his brothers about the dreams, in which they bowed down to him, but they hated him for the content.

His brothers tried to kill him, but sold him into slavery in Egypt. At age 17, Joseph was carried hundreds of miles away to Egypt, where he became a slave. Most people in his situation would have become bitter. Not Joseph. He was a worthy worker. And he rose to the top.

He was "handsome and well-built" (Gen. 39:6), 300 miles from home, and single. That was a set-up for someone like Potiphar's wife. She kept after Joseph "day after day" (Gen. 39:10), but he kept saying no. When she tried one last time (Gen. 39:12), grabbing him by the shirt, Joseph ran off minus his shirt.

The reward for his good conduct was jail. Even there, Joseph rose to the top. After interpreting a dream, Pharaoh made Joseph vice-president of the country. When, twenty years later, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy food, they didn't recognize their brother. He resisted the temptation to pay them back for what they had done. But Joseph showed them forgiveness.

Joseph was sold from his father's house, seduced in Potiphar's house, and suffered in a prison houseyet he remained faithful to God. He triumphed over temptation.

adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotionals by the editors of Men of Integrity magazine (Christianity Today, Intl), Tyndale House Publishers (2002), p 53

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House