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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
by Linda Hull
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"I meditate on all thy works." Be Transformed! |
In This IssueSeptember, 2008, Volume 14.9 "But
unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift
of Christ." Ephesians 4:7 Letter From The EditorFinding God's perfect peace that passes all understanding... |
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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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The
Believer's
Mission...
Letter from the Editor...
Dear Folks,
Peace is often illusive. Never more so
than we are in the midst of personal trials. We want to trust and believe
that our Lord will deliver us, but our fear that He won't is tangible and seems
born out by evidence of deliveries that never come. We cry out and wonder
if our Savior will come to us in our time of need. We operate from our
plan and our will, forgetting that His is supreme. Who can know the mind
of Christ?
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of
God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor?
Or who first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For
of Him, and Through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for
ever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36 Yet we have hope. For the
Holy Spirit knows what to pray on our behalf. Jesus is our intercessor who
represents us before the Father.
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that
all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose." Romans 8:26-28 Peace
comes from being at peace with God. Peace is a gift that comes from the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Peace results from obedience and trust in
Jesus.
IN THIS ISSUE
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Copyright © 2008 by Linda G. Hull
Did you know that in the midst of the worst possible trials, you can have peace? Peace that results in tranquility, harmony, and assurance; a soul at rest. It does seem hard to believe, doesn't it? Peace is that calm assurance that all is well. While everything around us is falling apart, there is an inner assurance and depth of calm that is unexplainable. It cannot be shaken, unless we allow it. It is ever present with us. Have you experienced it?
Many have struggled through their life's trials, experiencing disappointment after disappointment. They live in fear and anger; bitter because of what God has permitted. They have no peace. In fact they don't believe that peace is possible.
Sometimes we can generate our own peace, usually by making sure that all goes according to plan. When the unexpected enters into our life, when normalcy is upset, life can get pretty topsy turvy. Where is the peace then? Peace is illusive, or so it seems.
Yet the Bible speaks of a peace that passes all understanding. That is the peace we search for with such yearning. The Apostle Paul was a man who had such a peace. He was a man called by Jesus to spread the Good News of salvation and forgiveness of sin. His travels took him all around the coast of the Mediterranean Sea from Israel to Italy. The man who had single-handedly caused the Church to disperse through his zealous persecution was now responsible for planting churches. We read in the New Testament that he was beaten up for the message he preached. He was imprisoned countless times. People rioted and tried to stone him when they heard his message. He was even struck by God with a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble. Yet he writes:
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Jesus knew how persecution felt. He experienced it. He too suffered reproach, false accusation, and the wrath of man. He warns His disciples that the world will hate all believers, because the world hates Him.
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also." John 15:18-23
God knows we are weak, are easily led astray, and that our faith is so small. We become discouraged and downcast when all doesn't go according to our expectations. But He was not without a plan for us. Jesus told us that God would send the Comforter, namely the Holy Spirit, who is the source of our peace.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:26-27
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
We can learn several important truths from the Scriptures:
Having peace is not dependent on our circumstances, whether good or bad. We assume that when trials come, we will lose our peace, but did you know that even when things are going well, we may find ourselves struggling with undefined anxiety, fearfulness, or restlessness. Frustration may dog us. Circumstances can be good, but we can still lack the peace we seek. This demonstrates clearly our lack of trust in Him. Who are you trusting? Yourself?
We can never find peace by changing our outer self.
Peace doesn't come by avoiding unpleasantness. We will always have unpleasant people to get along with. We will always have uncomfortable situations that we must get through. We will always have trying problems that threaten to overwhelm us. Yet, in the midst of all our woes, we can have peace, that calm assurance that all is well.
If your heart is filled with bitterness, envy, unrest, frustration, and anger, you will not find peace. If you harbor ill will towards others, you will not have peace. These attitudes are contrary to the Word of God. Disobedience always leads to a loss of peace because disobedience positions us against God.
"Follow peace will all men, and holiness..." Hebrews 12:14a
From whence does peace come?
Peace stems from Jesus, God's Son, who died on a cross to pay the price the Law required for violations of that Law. Remember that sin drove a wedge between mankind and God. Jesus broke down that wedge, restoring peace between God and mankind. Without Jesus, there is no real peace.
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." Ephesians 2:13-18
Peace is the result of obedience to Him and to His Word. Having a clear conscience generates peace.
Peace is the result of our trust, our certainty that His Way is best.
Peace is the result of relying on Him, and trusting Him for the result He seeks.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16:13
If you are struggling with confusion, then recognize that the evil one is trying to keep you from trusting.
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
Peace does not come when there is a cessation of trouble or trial. You may feel relief, but relief is not peace.
Peace comes when Jesus walks with you through it all, while you calmly abide with Him. Peace comes from the assurance that you belong to God and that He cares for you and about you.
Do you believe that having peace is possible? It is if you believe in Jesus and have accepted Him as your Savior and Lord.
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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People who are hurting often long for God's intervention. Where is He? When will He come? How long must I wait?
People with needs wonder if their needs
will be met. Consider
People know that God is able, but the
question that lurks in the back of their minds is will He.
Jesus meets our needs. He humbly healed the sick, restored the lame, forgave sins, and saved souls from the penalty of death.
Have you experienced the tender mercies of God? King David did. He saw first hand what God would do for those who love Him. He experienced God at work in His life.
"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." Psalm 145:8-9
"I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." Psalm 142:5
"The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: the Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down." Psalm 146:8-9
"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." Psalm 138:3
Trust Him. For He is able to do all that is best for you.
It is easy to take His tender mercies for
granted. Each is precious. Each is a blessing from Him that
demonstrates His love for you. When despair threatens to overwhelm and
defeat you, remember you are loved.
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"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18
MUSINGS... 2nd Timothy
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
-2 Timothy 1:6-12
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Filling up on God’s Best for You
by Nancy Twigg
I confess I am a bit of a junk food junkie. When faced with the choice of fresh fruit or a handful of chocolate chip cookies, I’ll take the cookies every time. Within an otherwise balanced diet, I know there is nothing wrong with enjoying a few sweets here and there, but it’s up to me to make sure cookies don’t replace the healthy foods my body needs.
In the same way, when God gives us material possessions and experiences to enjoy, He wants us to derive pleasure from them, but He doesn’t want that pleasure to take the place of the spiritual and emotional sustenance only He can provide.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of looking to temporary diversions to satisfy deep-seated needs. Isaiah 55:2 asks bluntly, “Why spend money on what is not food? Why work for what does not satisfy you? Listen carefully to me. Then you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the richest food there is” (NIRV). In other words, why waste time and money gorging yourself on empty calories that will never fill you up? Why run yourself ragged chasing after frivolous things that fade away? God is our only True Source of satisfaction. Compared to what He offers us, everything else is spiritual junk food.
Life becomes much clearer when you understand that things can never satisfy the deep longings of the heart. When you grasp this truth, you are freed from the constant drive for instant gratification. You are free to enjoy possessions without being controlled by them, because you know they cannot meet all your needs.
So how do you switch your focus from finding satisfaction in worldly stuff to finding satisfaction in God? Consider these three steps that will help you:
1. Recognize that there is a problem. Things God gives us to enjoy can easily stand in the way of our enjoying God. Have you allowed yourself to be so filled up on junk food that you don’t have room left for God’s feast? If you’re not sure, ask God to show you ways in which you regularly look to sources other than him for fulfillment. When you ask, be ready to be surprised at what he may reveal! You may realize that some other seemingly harmless habit isn’t as harmless as you thought.
2. Release that problem to God. Once you have identified problem areas, invite God into the situation to help you change. Ask Him to suppress your appetite for quick fixes and temporary highs and to replace it with a healthy hunger for the lasting satisfaction only He can give. In addition to asking for His help, do your part by positioning yourself to better connect with him. Spend some extra time in prayer. Listen to praise and worship music. Participate in a new Bible study. These activities will help you draw near to God so you can experience fulfillment in Him.
3. Remove yourself from problems before they start. Make a commitment to avoid those situations in which you are tempted to seek temporary gratification. If your downfall is shopping at the mall, go only when you have a legitimate need. If you are a sucker for mail-order catalogs, don’t even open them before throwing them away. If you look to entertainment for your feel-goods, restrict the frequency of your restaurant or movie outings. Break the control these hindrances have over you by controlling your contact with them.
Have you been trying to find lasting happiness in temporary pleasures?
If so, you are eating a greasy burger and fries when you could be dining on lobster and prime rib! But as you learn to depend less and less on things, you will find the clarity of satisfaction like you’ve never known before.
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Nancy Twigg is an author and speaker who loves inspiring women
to live more simply. She is the author of three books and the editor of Counting
the Cost Ezine:
www.countingthecost.com/index1.htm
To learn more about Nancy’s speaking and writing ministry, visit her online at www.keepitsimplesister.com <http://www.nancytwigg.com>
GRANDMOTHER'S SCRAPBOOK
"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
Summer-Evening
By Augusta Baldwyn
Calm is the evening.
Not a ripple stirs the crystal waters of yon limpid stream
That blushes deep beneath the last bright ray the sun has left at parting,
And which throws a lovely radiance round.
Not e'en the breeze ruffles a moment one pure tranquil wave,
But breathes soft whisp'ring music through the woods,
Bending the flowers on the mossy shores,
And graceful willows o'er the silent brooks,
To bathe in coolness there.
Afar the hills, are glowing in the sunshine;
While below o'er the low valley
Gentle evening casts her veil of pensive shades.
I love this hour of melancholy calmness,
For my heart hath sympathy from nature.
O I feel no more my spirit's loneliness;
No more I sigh for draughts to fill the longing mind, the bosom's emptiness.
My spirit soars, and seems to roam 'mid nature's loveliness,
And in her beauties and her stillness finds mysterious happiness.
The gentle air, laden with odor from the sylvan groves,
Breathes bliss around me,
And its low sweet voice seems the soft whisperings of joy
To soothe the weary heart;
And softly peace descends,
Lulls to repose the ruffled waves of grief,
Casts to oblivion every earthly thought,
Making fair Nature's solitudes appear
Fraught with some bliss of heaven,
For we feel the presence of Jehovah!
His power is seen, His works proclaim him,
And his voice is heard in nature's harmonies.
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*Public Domain
http://www.utmostchristianwriters.ca/poetry-gallery/christian-poetry2.php
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"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
HOME SCHOOL TIPS
AVOIDING THE FIRST MONTH BLUES
The first days of school always brings a sigh, doesn't it? We may remember our own "first days" from our childhood. The first day of school signals the end of the summer holiday, and back to business as usual. No one ever wants the holiday time to end, but alas it must. Try the following tips to help get you through the first month...until your routine becomes a habit.
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Gird up with early morning prayer and quiet time. It may cost you some extra sleep, but you need to be prepared emotionally, mentally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually.
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Have a good breakfast, but nothing too heavy or everyone will be sleepy. Start your family off with a fresh juice, fruit, organic yogurt, and eggs.
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Prepare your materials ahead of time, so there are no last minute rushes to gather supplies and assignments.
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Wear comfortable clothes. Don't you remember those school days with tight fitting new shoes, scratchy petticoats, and crisp new dresses? Weren't you distracted? At the same time, make an effort to get everyone ready for class time by getting dressed and combed and ready for the day.
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Plan a mid-morning break, preferably outside with a light snack and cool drink. Enjoy these last summer days. Hey, through in some exercise and bike riding and you have just accomplished PE!
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Try to eliminate extra chores the first month. Do the basics until the schedule settles out.
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Avoid planning evening activities to allow for adequate time to grade papers and prepare for the next day. Getting back into the swing of school time requires all your attention.
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Warn friends and family that school at your house will be in session. Ask them to hold their calls until an appointed time.
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Use your crock pot to prepare the evening meal. Add a salad and rolls.
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Take pictures to record the momentous occasion of the first day of school!
To learn more about homeschooling please contact me!
TRY OUT THESE HELPFUL PRODUCTS! >>>Just click on the logo to go directly to the site.
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Purchase Christian Homeschool Curriculum and online courses for families who want to teach a Biblical worldview to their children.
TRY OUT THESE HELPFUL PRODUCTS! >>>Just click on the logos to go directly to the site.
This is a wonderful free downloadable program for all your record keeping needs! I have used it successfully for years!
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"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." Psalm 37:37
THOUGHT PROVOKERS
The Living Water
"...Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" John 7:37b-39
"The Holy Spirit is the divinely appointed substitute for and representative of the personal and humanized Christ. How much is He to us! And how we are to be filled by Him, live in Him, walk in Him, and be led by Him! How we are to conserve and kindle to a brighter and more consuming flow the holy flame! How careful should we be never to quench that pure flame! How watchful, tender, loving ought we to be so as not to grieve His sensitive, loving nature! How attentive, meek and obedient, never to resist His divine impulses, always to hear His voice, and always to do His divine will. How can all this be done without much and continuous prayer?" -E. M. Bounds
Bounds, E. M. "Book Four: The Reality of Prayer." The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds On Prayer. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2000. 294.
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RECIPE CORNER
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
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Click on the links to go to the recipe or scroll down.
"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 or Free Cooking Recipes.
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2 carrots, thinly sliced 2 celery, stalks, thinly sliced 1/2 -1 onion, sliced 1 chicken, cut up into parts 1/4 cup organic chicken broth pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon diced garlic or to taste Place carrots, celery, and onion into crockpot. Then place chicken pieces on top. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth. Cook on Low 8 hours.
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6 each chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, frozen 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup organic chicken broth 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup cauliflower florets 1 cup carrots, peeled, sliced Place frozen breasts in crockpot. Mix juice, broth, honey, dry mustard and teriyaki sauce. Pour over chicken in crock. Cook on low for 4 hours. One hour before serving, place vegetables on top of chicken. Do not stir. Cook one hour or until vegetables are cooked, but not soggy. Serve over rice or noodles. Note: Thawed chicken breasts, require one less hour of cooking time.
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"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." John 10:27-29
Hair Care...
Use 1/8 -1/4 cup vinegar (depending
on length) mixed with 2 cups water as a final rinse for your hair to make your
soft and remove built up hairspray. Work through hair strands, then rinse
to remove vinegar. (Do not use on dyed or bleached hair.) To
lighten hair gradually naturally, squeeze 1 tablespoon of a lemon into a gallon
of water, then pour over hair. Work through hair strands. Allow to
sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Use for several shampoos until hair is
sufficiently lightened. Works best on blonde or light brown hair.
Clean your brush and comb as well as your purse comb and brush
every time you shampoo. Remove hair from brush and comb after each use.
When washing, use a small amount of shampoo on your brush, work into a lather,
then rub brush over comb. Rinse and air dry.
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