by Linda Hull
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"I meditate on all thy works."
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In This IssueJune, 2008, Volume 14.6 "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them." Ephesians 5:9-11 Letter From The EditorDo you feel hounded? Looking for some peace?
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"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:1-10
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Letter from the
Editor... During this last month I heard a radio pastor talking about the truism that bad company corrupts the righteous. It's not the other way around. The righteous often fall victim to the sin of others. Think about it...
This month's issue of Words of Encouragement is about finding peace. If you are feeling hounded by all the situations and circumstances of your life, then you may want to take a few minutes and get some words of encouragement through God's Word. We're going to be looking at the things that cause us to lose our peace and what we can do to find peace again. Often times the problem lies in what we're focused on...
IN THIS ISSUE
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Copyright © 2008 by Linda G. Hull
Learning to Savor the Things of God
A few years ago, I
came to a point of choice in my life. I remember clearly coming from a
revival service, totally convicted that I was compromised in my faith. It
was a sobering moment to realize that my Lord wanted all of my life, not just
the little compartments I gave Him on Sunday or Wednesday. The rest of the week
was filled with the usual stuff that everybody was doing; pleasing self.
Discovering that my Lord wanted all of me all of the week was frightening.
I didn't know how to live that kind of life. After the revival service,
alone with my thoughts, I recognized that if I wanted Him, I was going to have
to let go of everything else.
With a deep breathe, I renewed my commitment to follow Him. I confessed my sin, and purposed in my heart to be obedient and to turn away from all that was displeasing to Him. Trouble was I didn't know what I could keep back. I felt like a kid again going through the toy box, trying to talk Dad into letting me keep some of my stuff that needed to go to the garbage pile. Even though I held on to stuff I suspected my Lord wanted me to relinquish; He refused to yank them away. It wasn't going to be a tug of war. It was up to me to relinquish in trust. It's been an ongoing battle every since.
Have you ever prayed, "Lord, please give me the desires of my heart"? If seems like a reasonable request, except that we don't know if our desires are in keeping with His. When I began to seek Him, I began to seek His will for me. What was He trying to accomplish in and through me?
So, I've learned to ask, "Lord, please give me the desires of your heart".
Paul affirms them in Galatians 5:22-24:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
We can know that these are the changes the Holy Spirit will work in us as we yield ourselves more and more to our Lord. Yet we cannot understand the things of the Lord unless and until the Holy Spirit reveals them to us as Believers. Consequently, we cannot savor or appreciate all that He has done for us and in us. Paul explains in his first letter to the Corinthians:
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:8-14
To learn to savor the things of the Lord, one must be born again in spirit, having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. For the things of the earth are at enmity with God.
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:6-7
If you are struggling to believe the truth and do not know Jesus as your Savior, then please go to Do you know for sure?
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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength" Isaiah 26:3-4
In Isaiah's day, immorality, idolatry, greed, false prophets, oppression, and excess was rampant. In other words, sin was having a heyday and the people were loving it! The people had rebelled against the Law of Moses. They were not seeking after the Lord God Jehovah. They were seeking to please themselves, and had aligned themselves with the unfruitful works of darkness that had been clearly forbidden by God. Isaiah was faithful to tell them the consequences of their actions and what they needed to do to remedy the situation.
"And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;" Isaiah 1:15-16
Is God being harsh? No. When we read in Isaiah of the people of Judah, we are reminded that these are people who had the Law of Moses. They had the testimony of countless prophets. Yet sin overtook them. No one is immune to sin's influence and call. When we turn away from our Lord, we lose our peace. How does sin affect us? Take a look...
Sinful activities rob us of our peace.
Engaging in sinful activities makes us feel dirty. We become uncomfortable and guilty. Shame is sure to follow as the Lord's conviction increases. We can experience the consequence of illness when we have abused our bodies. Our minds suffer confusion and delusion. Our emotions take over as our barometer to gauge the difference between right and wrong. Our peace is gone because our soul is in conflict. When we sin, we are actively ignoring God and rebelling against His commands. How can we feel peace during these times? It is clear that sin brings terrible consequences and separates us from God. He hates sin.
Man's wisdom robs us of our peace.
Choosing man's wisdom is sin and often leads to circumstances that we can't control and can't get out of. We didn't trust our Lord enough to seek direction. In a hurry, we forgot to wait on Him, and now in our haste, we've made a tragic mistake. The litany of 'should haves', 'would haves', 'if only', or 'why didn't I' play over and over in our muddled brains.
Idolatry robs us of our peace.
When God isn't in first place in our hearts, we lose our peace. When we tune out His leadership, we are like a ship at sea that is adrift with no gas to run the engine. We can't function properly without Him. Nothing else satisfies the longings of our heart but Him. Nothing can take His place. Only He knows how to meet our needs, for only He loves us with a perfect love.
Fear robs us of our peace.
Fear of God's judgment and wrath can rob us of our peace. Our guilt is strong and overwhelming. We fear what He will do. We fear His punishment. We fear exposure. Like Adam and Eve, we hide ourselves away rather than submit ourselves to Him.
Despite our wickedness, He is calling us back to Him, insisting that we forsake sin and trust Him. If you are struggling to find peace, there is hope. You can be at peace and feel peaceful again. You can be forgiven and restored to a relationship with your Savior.
Your new beginning starts with confession of sin and repentance or turning away from sin. Believers have access to God through the Savior, Jesus, the promised Messiah. He provides the cleansing and the restoration. He is our advocate, our Savior, and the Prince of Peace. Remember He died and rose again, to satisfy the requirements of the Law so that we could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.
When you're dealing with consequences of sin, seek the Lord. Only He can direct your path and provide the help you need to get through those trying times. Don't give up hope and don't despair. You may be experiencing a rough ride, but it is far less than what we as sinners so richly deserve. See it through.
"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." Isaiah 25:4
Wait upon the Lord for His deliverance and His mercy. Get focused on Him, and don't let anything or anyone distract you.
"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isaiah 25:1
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"But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9
MUSINGS... Romans
8:1-17
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His,
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.
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"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Matthew 7:18
by Nancy Twigg
When most people think of simplifying, the first thing they think of is
getting rid of clutter around the home or office. Cleaning out closets and
drawers is definitely a part of simplifying, but true simplification goes far
deeper than that. Clutter is much more than old magazines, outdated clothes, and
kitchen gadgets you never use. Certainly those things are clutter, but from now
on, think of clutter as any possession, habit, thought pattern, attitude or
activity that fits into one of these three categories:
* Anything you don’t need or use anymore
* Anything that doesn’t fit or work for you like it used to
* Anything that doesn’t add value and meaning to your life as it once did
Under this new definition, clutter is anything that complicates your life and stands in the way of simplicity. In the past, you may have only thought of clutter in terms of stuff: those size 8 jeans you hope to wear again someday or those unfinished projects in your garage. But let me share a secret with you. These kinds of unwanted and unneeded material possessions are only the tip of the iceberg! What about the multitude of commitments that cram-pack your schedule? What about the thoughts that jumble your mind and the spending habits that sabotage your finances? All of these things are clutter too, because they cause chaos and confusion.
When you think of clutter in this new light, you begin to see what a tremendous problem clutter truly is. You will also see that the root causes of this ugly clutter make the clutter itself look tame. Think about it. Why do you say yes to everyone who requests your time and services? Are you afraid that people won’t like you if you say no? Do you feel the need to present a Super Mom image to the world?
What about those clothes you hold onto even though you know you will never wear them again? Are you afraid that if you get rid of them you will need them again someday? If you did happen to need them, do you doubt God’s ability to provide more? And if you have a tendency to spend more than you can afford, ask yourself why you do that. Are you driven by feelings of discontentment or the need for instant gratification? Are you afraid that if you pass on a sale now you will never find a good price on that item again? These issues go much deeper than just having a messy desk or disorganized pantry. These are issues of the heart.
Clutter is a problem for anyone, but for Christians, it spells major trouble. Clutter does more than affect us physically and emotionally; it affects us spiritually because it keeps us from following Jesus fully. We simply cannot make room for Him when so many other things are in the way. The more we stay focused on the junk of this life, the less time and energy we have to focus on the important matters—God and His plans for our lives.
Have you ever tried to lug an overstuffed suitcase through a crowded airport? Not an easy task, is it? No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot move quickly and efficiently when you’re carrying a heavy load. Think of clutter as baggage—physical, emotional, and financial baggage that weighs you down and holds you back. Clutter is the heavy load that keeps many of us from maneuvering effectively through our lives. Our suitcases are filled with all kinds of deadweight: habits we need to give up, attitudes we’ve long since outgrown, activities and possessions that no longer serve a reasonable purpose. If we want to lighten the load, we have to get rid of some of the junk.
What keeps you from moving forward at a steady pace in your life? Undoubtedly the things that slow you down are some kind of clutter—clutter you want to get rid of for good. Maybe you struggle with physical clutter around your home. Try as you might, you cannot seem to get organized. Or maybe you want to get a handle on your finances. You are tired of making good money but having nothing to show for it. Or maybe yours is an issue with time. You are tired of living at warp speed. You want to stop running and start living.
Whatever clutter challenges you face, trust me when I say you can learn to clarify your life by putting clutter in its place. I know because I have done it myself. My biggest clutter challenge was not dealing with cluttered living spaces or even cluttered finances. My challenge was to open up my emotional suitcase and go through its contents carefully. When I did, I discovered all kinds of clutter lurking inside. I found worry and doubt. I uncovered a faulty self-image and an inability to set appropriate boundaries. I even found an unhealthy preoccupation with what others thought of me. It was a painful process, but necessary. One by one, I learned to trade in these old clunkers for the more efficient models God offered.
I’m not saying I have it all together. Believe me, I don’t. I’m not saying I never face challenges. But I have come to a place of clarity and life is much more pleasant now that I have. Is my life perfect? No, but it is much more peaceful and purposeful. And isn’t that what we all want—to live in peace as we live out our purpose?
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"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
The Contrite Heart
by William Cowper
The LORD will happiness divine
On contrite hearts bestow:
Then tell me, gracious GOD, is mine
A contrite heart, or no?I hear, but seem to hear in vain,
Insensible as steel;
If ought is felt, 'tis only pain,
To find I cannot feel.I sometimes think myself inclined
To love thee, if I could;
But often feel another mind,
Averse to all that's good.My best desires are faint and few,
I fain would strive for more;
But when I cry, "My strength renew,"
Seem weaker than before.Thy saints are comforted I know
And love thy house of prayer;
I therefore go where others go,
But find no comfort there.O make this heart rejoice, or ache;
Decide this doubt for me;
And if it be not broken, break,
And heal it, if it be.
*Public Domain
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"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
HOME SCHOOL TIPS Best Educational Software for Children
If you’re struggling to get your kids off the computer and focused on schoolwork, you’re not alone. Project Tomorrow, a non-profit education organization, has learned through their 2007 Speak Up survey* that over 64% of kids from kindergarten through high school regularly play online or electronic games. In fact, kids are spending more time gaming than in previous years says Brendan Sinclair of Game Spot in a 2007 article based on a study conducted by NPD Group. So parents, fight fire with fire by taking advantage of kids’ gaming interest by using interactive educational games.
Many parents go to the computer store for appropriate software, then end up disappointed after they get it home. Let’s face it, we don’t want to waste our money on software that won’t hold our kids attention and doesn’t really teach them anything. The best games are competitive and offer a high level of interactivity. Following are some suggestions divided by age group that consistently ranked high with reviewers.
Age 4-6
Math Missions: The Race to Spectacle City Arcade K-2 by Scholastic (Parent's Choice Award)
Amazon.com ranks this game as #1 in math software for children. Story based math games teach math skills while kids have fun. Parents say their kids love it and are learning math concepts as the game adjusts to the skills of the player. Game is available at Amazon.com for $44.99 new while also offering used versions. Compatible with Windows XP/Macintosh.
Ages 6-8
Reader Rabbit I Can Read With Phonics for Grades 1 & 2 by The Learning Company
Parents consistently give this game a five star rating. Amazon.com ranks it at #1 in Reading and Language. Parents find their kids enjoy learning the sounds of the alphabet and quickly pick up basic reading skills while having fun on Reader Rabbit’s Road Trip. Skills are reinforced and expanded while traveling through the fifteen Reader Lands. Game features interactive story books and over 100 reading lessons. Purchase at Amazon.com for $11.99 with used versions available. Game is compatible with Windows and Macintosh.
Reader Rabbit Math Adventure by The Learning Company
Game can be purchased for $11.99 new with used versions available and is compatible with Windows/Macintosh. Amazon.com ranks this as #1 in early learning. Parents give the game five stars. Difficulty levels can be set to prevent boredom and keep the child challenged.
I Spy Treasure Hunt (original version) by Scholastic (Parent's Choice Award)
Amazon.com ranks this game #3 in thinking and problem solving skills. It’s available for $24.99 new, with used versions available. Kids love gathering the clues to find scraps of a treasure map; offers three games for kids to play. Parents rate this high with four and half stars, but report it has a problem with the sound. The little rhymes are cut off at the end. Game is compatible with Windows XP and Macintosh 0S9 and below.
Ages 9-10
Zoombinis Logical Journey by the Learning Company (Parent's Choice Award)
Amazon ranks Zoombinis Logical Journey by the Learning Company #1 for math and thinking and problem solving skills. Parents and kids rave about this delightful game. Reviews cited the fun and excitement of real puzzle and problem solving while helping the Zoombini people travel to Zoombiniville. Says compatible with Windows 2000 and XP/Macintosh, but some users had difficulty playing the game on the Macintosh platform. Available from Amazon.com for $11.99 new with used available. This has been discontinued by the manufacturer, so look for some great deals.
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game by Viva Media (Parent's Choice Award)
Amazon.com ranks this game #1 in puzzles and logic. Kids and parents love the over 200 puzzles solved while building amazing contraptions using gears, cranks, and levers. It includes a virtual lab for conducting experiments and a physics engine with air pressure allowing kids to explore gravity, electricity, and more. Purchase for $13.99 at Amazon.com new with used versions available. Game is compatible with Windows XP and Macintosh OS X.
The Oregon Trail, 5th Edition by the Learning Company.
Amazon.com ranks this game #1 in Social Studies. Game is compatible with Windows, including XP and Vista/Macintosh on versions 9.0 and lower. Kids will love exploring the Oregon Trail deciding what to pack and learning to make wise choices. Play once or twice and some may get bored. Available through Amazon.com for $7.49 new with used available.
Ages 11-12
Cluefinder’s Math for Ages 9-12 by The Learning Company
Rated #2 on Amazon.com for Math. Available for $11.99 new with used versions available. Game is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, 98/Macintosh. Parents rate this game with four and a half stars. Features fifteen games at ten skill levels, but is not for the struggling student. Games are fast paced, requiring quick thinking and multi-tasking, reports one parent.
Bookworm Deluxe by Mumbo Jumbo
Everyone will love this game of word building.
Available from Amazon.com for $14.99 with used versions available. Game is
compatible with Windows 98, 2000, & XP. Most parents gave it a five star
rating. Kids will enjoy developing their words skills as they strive to
beat their personal best and move up to the next level. Tiles are strung
together to form words. Used tiles are removed and play continues. Burning
tiles make it challenging because once the burning tiles reach the bottom, game
is over. Scrabble lovers will enjoy this game! One parent reports that a
universal patch is needed to unlock the game for XP systems. Check with the
company to confirm.
* For the full report from Project Tomorrow on technology use in education, released in April, 2008, go online to: http://www.tomorrow.org/docs/National%20Findings%20Speak%20Up%202007.pdf
To learn more about homeschooling please contact me!
CHECK OUT THESE HELPFUL RESOURCES>>>Just click on the logos.
Providing Christian Homeschool Curriculum and online courses for families who want to build a Biblical worldview.
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"Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." Matthew 23:28
THOUGHT
PROVOKERS
"The Bible teaches that your life philosophy is either man-centered or Christ-centered, either man-pleasing or
Christ-pleasing (1Th 2:4, Gal 5:16). These are the only two options."
-John Thompson
Quote taken from Pathway to Christian Marriage by John Thompson copyright 2007.
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"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
"Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:10-11
* More recipes can be found at Free Recipes.
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3 oz. cream cheese 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 4-6 slices bacon, cooked crisp (reserve bacon fat) 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk dash of nutmeg and pepper Cut cream cheese and butter into flour and salt, blending well. Chill one hour, then divided into balls. Press into miniature muffin tins. Refrigerate until ready to fill. Saute onion in bacon fat until transparent. Dice bacon. Beat eggs, milk, and spices together. Fill each muffin cup with a pinch of onion, bacon, and cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of egg mixture to each cup. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 10 minutes. Note: These freeze well, and can be reheated at 350 degrees.
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1 pkg. sugar cookie dough 8 oz. cream cheese 2 cups powdered sugar 8 oz. Cool Whip Fresh Fruit: banana, strawberries, pineapple or any combination of three favorites Spread cookie dough in prepared pizza pan. Bake cookie dough in pizza pan according to directions. Cool. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar on low speed with mixer. Fold in Cool Whip. Stir lightly at low speed. Spread evenly on top of cookie dough. Arrange alternate fruits on top. Refrigerate.
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1/2 gallon of rainbow sherbet 1 2-liter bottle ginger ale Place sherbet in punch bowl. Pour ginger ale over sherbet slowly. Mix together by stirring slowly to maintain carbonation. Complete by floating frozen strawberry and pineapple slices. |
"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6
To avoid peeling potatoes, just boil until tender. Drain and add cold water. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Then just scrape off the peel.
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The
Believer's
Mission...
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