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Have you ever seen a show-off? They have something that you don’t have, in the form of skills or knowledge or even material possessions they want to put on visible display to elevate themselves above you. Who would be better positioned to be a show-off than me? For I could heal the sick and raise the dead. I commanded the forces of nature and fed multitudes from one small lunch. Yet I did not do these things to show off. I did not do them to separate myself from those who observed, but to provide an example for them to follow. I expected my followers to feed multitudes themselves after I showed them how. I was delighted when they followed me, and I am delighted when you do too.

I found this video on Facebook.  This can be a controversial subject, but I thought Mark Brown's analysis was good and wanted to share it with you.  Food for thought.

Let's get something straight right off the bat. God loves, speaks to, and can use children! He did not create a junior Holy Spirit to dwell within them at salvation - they get the whole enchilada, because God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). His plan is for ALL flesh to know Him, love and have fellowship with Him, and serve Him out of that loving relationship. Nowhere in Scripture is there a separate plan for kids and adults. It's all the same!

Have you ever encountered people who were desperately in need of guidance and direction who would not be quiet long enough to receive it? I promise wisdom for those who ask, and that those who seek and ask and knock will find and receive and have the door open for them. Does this seem like such a simple thing that it is a promise too good to be true? Such a minor condition for receiving so much. Yet you would be amazed at how many will not meet that condition. There is some humility involved in recognizing that the solution you need is not within you. This is a small price to pay for receiving divine wisdom. 

I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov. 6:16,17).

I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel & curses those who don't... (Gen. 12:3).

I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7).

I will vote for the most pro-work candidate because God says if a man does not work, let him not eat (2 Thess. 3:10).

Today marks one week until the election.  The past couple days have been worrisome for all those in Hurricane Sandy's path.  As we fast and pray for either of these things, or for a family member, or for a job, or whatever else, let us remember that we are still in the palm of His hand!

Does it seem to you that workers criticizing the boss behind his back is a normal and expected practice? Do you find Biblical guidance on this matter? Passages regarding servants can be considered directly applicable to employees, and the Bible does not condone murmuring or rebellion in any form. Such practices work against you. To undermine the authority of one in authority over you can only be demoralizing to you and all who listen to you. If you are in an intolerable situation you are free to move on and find another manager worthy of your allegiance. Until then you can take comfort in knowing I am in authority over those in authority over you.

I have posted these messages for years without much reference to myself. Reading a blog posting from a friend made me realize that I should issue a disclaimer. I hope that you don’t get the impression that my life is a living expression of these words I hear from Jesus. I wish it were but in reality I am in tension between the righteousness I affirm and the reality of my life which includes weakness, selfishness, thoughtlessness, lust, and greed. I can identify with Paul when he says the good that I would I do not and the evil I would not I do. Through this I trust in Jesus who is in the process of delivering me and completing the good work he has begun in me.

from a friend

I have a colleague (Teresa) who has been battling with cancer for some years now. At her last doctor’s visit on Thursday last week, she was told that the cancer has spread to her liver and vertebrae. She acknowledges Jesus as her healer and is asking for prayer. Can you please send out a prayer request to your mailing group for Teresa’s request?

The following journaling is from Brenda Shannon-Muniz who is enrolled as a student in the How to Hear God's Voice course at Catch the Fire School of Ministry in Sugarland, Texas. What a powerful picture of the Lord's love for us! Read and be encouraged today.

Do you map out responses, planning in advance for every situation you may encounter? Don’t let this become a burden to you. You can’t imagine everything that could happen, and most of the things you can imagine will not happen. Don’t miss out on the fullness and richness of life now by engaging in this form of worry. If you do not believe that tomorrow will take care of the things of tomorrow then at least believe that I am in control of tomorrow and today. I call you to a walk of continuous trust in me. If you do this you will have a peace unknown to those who fend for themselves by controlling all they can. If the evil of today is sufficient for it, then so are the mercy, grace, and blessing, knowing that there will be an equally abundant supply tomorrow. 

I quiet myself: “I love You, Lord. I am here. Open the eyes of my heart that I may see You, Lord. Open the ears of my heart that I may hear You, Lord. I want to see You. I want to hear You. I love You. My life is in Your hands. I submit to You. I lay down my life before You. Have Your way in me, Lord.”