‘Now My Eyes See You, Lord!’

‘Now My Eyes See You, Lord!’

Job 42:5
5I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.

You may have heard of God from a friend or colleague. Perhaps you continue to hear of Him in church services on Sundays. Like Job, you say to God, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear.” But God also wants you to be able to say to Him, “But now my eye sees You.”

Now, when Job told the Lord, “My eye sees You,” he was not saying that he saw God physically. He was referring to the moment when he had a personal revelation of God.

Why was it so important for Job to have a personal revelation of God? You see, God wanted Job to know that without a personal revelation of God, the devil could easily steal from him. But from the moment that Job had a personal revelation of God, it was upwards for him, with God restoring to him double of everything that he had lost. (Job 42:10–16)

There was a lady who was separated from her husband because he had an affair with his colleague. But when she came to our church and began to have a personal revelation of God’s personal love for her, she believed God for the restoration of her marriage by the end of the year. She did not just hear of a God who “so loved the world”. (John 3:16) She came to know the God who so loved her!

Not long after that, her estranged husband started dating her and was soon falling in love with her all over again. God also “took care” of the other woman — she resigned from the company. And on the first of January in the following year, the couple moved back into their matrimonial home, their marriage now built solidly on God!

My friend, when you are reading your Bible or hearing God’s Word being preached, and suddenly you exclaim, “I see it, Lord!” that is when your personal revelation of God has come. And you are now in a position to receive all that God has for you!

Christ, The Power And Wisdom Of God

Christ, The Power And Wisdom Of God

1 Corinthians 1:24
24... to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

People today run after two things: miraculous signs and wonders, and knowledge. It was no different in Bible times. The apostle Paul acknowledged that “Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom”. (1 Corinthians 1:22) So when Paul preached Christ crucified as God’s solution to them, the message was “to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness”. (1 Corinthians 1:23) They didn’t understand how getting a revelation of Jesus and His death could give them the miracles they needed or the wisdom they wanted.

Beloved, we don’t have to run after miracles or wisdom today. We just need to run after Jesus because He is “the power of God and the wisdom of God”. The more we know Christ and Christ crucified, the more we will have the power and wisdom of God.

Several church members have shared how they have seen the power of God blast financial debts out of their lives. Not knowing what to do about their debts, they looked to the Lord to deliver them. And the Lord was able to do so mightily because He is indeed the power of God.

So if you are facing a financial debt, Christ has the power to remove the debt. And because He is also the wisdom of God, He will show you where you went wrong and teach you how to stay out of debt forever!

Let me give you another illustration. Let’s say a man, whose wife has left him, looks to Jesus to bring his wife back. Christ, the power of God, brings about a miraculous restoration of their marriage. But it is Christ, the wisdom of God, who will teach the husband how to keep his wife by showing him what he had done wrong and what to do to strengthen the marriage. If the husband does not have this wisdom, it will only be a matter of time before the same problems surface and the wife leaves him again.

My friend, Christ is both the power and wisdom of God to us. As the power of God, He removes obstacles in our paths. As the wisdom of God, He continually directs our paths!

Jesus Understands What You Are Going Through

Jesus Understands What You Are Going Through

Hebrews 4:15
15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

“Does God really understand what I am going through?”

Sometimes, we can’t help but wonder if God really knows what it is like to be poor, rejected by people, backed into a corner by our enemies or sick with aches and pains.

My friend, Jesus was no stranger to emotional or physical pains, poverty or hardships. He was born into a poor family. He had a smelly manger for His birthplace. (Luke 2:7) From an early age, as a carpenter, He knew all about working hard with His hands, standing on His feet all day long and returning home with aches in His body.

The religious leaders of His day made life difficult for Him. They challenged His authority (Matthew 21:23) and tested His teachings. (Matthew 19:3) They also called Him a glutton, winebibber, friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19), and blasphemer. (Mark 2:7)

They said that He was demon-possessed and mad (John 10:20), put Him on the spot when they brought an adulterous woman to Him (John 8:2–11), attempted to stone Him (John 8:59, 10:31–39) and accused Him of perverting the nation. (Luke 23:2)

Have you been chased out of your home because of your Christian beliefs? Jesus understands what you are going through. He was chased out of His own hometown. (Luke 4:29) Have you been rejected by someone you love? Jesus also experienced the pain of being denied by a loved one (Luke 22:54–62) and betrayed by one considered close to Him. (Luke 22:47–48) He also knows all about the sickness you are suffering because He bore your sicknesses and pains on the cross. (Isaiah 53:4)

Jesus certainly understands all that we are going through because being born fully Man, He was “in all points tempted as we are”. He endured His sufferings for our sakes so that we can have His peace and the anointing to rise above the troubles we are facing!

Sunday, any day...

Sunday, any day...
By John Fischer

What do I need to worship you Lord? Do I need some religious icon set in stained glass to carry my spirit up out of this earth’s vain pull? Do I need music to lift my soul to another plane? Do I need to have someone tell me how I should think about You, and what I should say to You? Do I need someone else’s words to communicate with You? Do I need someone else’s song or can I gurgle out my own grim attempt, and will You somehow sweeten it before it reaches Your ears?

Do I need to be religious to worship You, or can we just walk along and talk like You did with Your disciples? Do I need the proper prayer order—You know: thanksgiving first, then confession, then protection, then petition, then praise—or will “Help!” suffice? Can You fill in all the rest? Aren’t You here, anyway? Right here? I have the feeling I have Your attention, all the time; the bigger question is do You have mine? I have to honestly say You do not.

Not always, and certainly not enough. Forgive me Lord for forgetting—for missing the fact that You are close enough to whisper in my ear. I worry so much about things that You already know about. You know how this is going to turn out, anyway. If I could just learn to trust You…

Hear me today, O Lord. Accept my worship today even though it’s just an ordinary day. Teach me something today that will change me tomorrow. May I bring You pleasure as much by walking through my day today as I would singing in church, or reading my Bible or praying in a fellowship group.

I’m not a religious person, O God, and if You want the truth, I don’t want to be. I just want to know You and know You are with me. I know You are, just help me to see You today.

Flow With Righteousness, Peace And Joy

Flow With Righteousness, Peace And Joy

Romans 14:17
17For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

If we are supposed to seek first the kingdom of God every day (Matthew 6:33), then we should know what the kingdom of God is in the first place. I used to think that the kingdom of God was the mission fields and that to seek it meant doing missionary work.

Then, I realised that the kingdom of God was not something outside you flowing in — “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking”, but something inside you flowing out — “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

So to seek first God’s kingdom means to make it a priority every day to have your inner man flowing with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness is not your own righteousness based on what you do. It is not good works. It is a gift from Jesus who is your righteousness. (Romans 5:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30) God wants you to be established in the truth that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“Peace be with you” were the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples when He appeared before them after His resurrection. He also showed them His pierced hands and side. (John 20:19–20) God wants you to know that His Son’s finished work has given you peace. Your conscience can be at rest because your sin debt has been settled. You have peace with God, and the peace of God.

Joy will come into your heart when you see Jesus in the scriptures, worship songs or anointed preaching. It is the same joy from the Holy Spirit which filled the disciples’ hearts when they saw Jesus, His hands and His side. (John 20:20)

So every day, make it a priority to see yourself righteous in Christ. Don’t be conscious of your sins, but instead be conscious of your righteousness. And whether you are reading your Bible or listening to anointed preaching, see Jesus with His pierced hands and side, which speak of His finished work. See that your sins are forgiven, and you will flow with peace and joy. When you do this, you are seeking the kingdom of God!

In Life You Can't Turn Back

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport. As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies. She sat down in an armchair in the VIP room of the airport to rest and read in peace.

Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading. When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought, "What a nerve! If I was in the mood I would punch him for daring!".

For each cookie he took, the man took one too. This was infuriating her but she didn't want to cause a scene. When only cookie remained, she thought, "Ah…what this abusive man do now?". Then the man taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half. Oh, that was too much! She was too angry now.

In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place. When she sat down in the seat, inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses, and, to her suprise, her packet of cookies was there, untouched, unopened!

She felt so ashamed! She realized that she was wrong. She has forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse. The man had divided her cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter. While she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself…nor to apologize.
There are 4 things that you cannot recover:

The stone…after the throw!
The word…after it's said
The occasion…after the loss
The time…after it's gone.

Have a positive day!

A letter from Jesus

Dear All,

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many Radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. However, do you want to know something? I was not invited.

I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honor!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

Being happy

"Being happy can be hard work sometimes, it is like maintaining a nice home, you've got to hang on to your treasures and throw out the garbage."

"Being happy requires looking for the good things. One person sees the beautiful view and the other sees the dirty window, choose what you see and what you think."

"Right here, right now, from here until tomorrow"

A strong woman vs. A woman of strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...

but
A woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but
A woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but
A woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
but
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...

A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but
A woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but
A woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but
A woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

************ ********* ****

JESUS, I sing you praises in all seasons
You are marvelous and holy
You are my strength, my rock of salvation
You are majestic full of Glory

THE BELL

This bell is who we are... Amazing!!

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35- 39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship( Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you
are!?


Keep this bell ringing...pass it on:)

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU

Sent

Sent
By John Fischer

Sometimes I act as if I’m just muddling through life. I’m lucky if I make it through a day. People ask me how I’m doing and I hear myself say—even to fellow Christians—“Oh, I’m hanging in there, just barely.” Then I remember Christ praying to the Father: “As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world,” and I have to ask myself: Do I sound like someone who has been “sent?”

If I have been sent, then I am on a mission, and if I am on a mission, how can I just be muddling through life? Somehow I don’t think muddling is in my mission statement.

I’m thinking of Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 where he says that he is always being lead in a public display and is manifesting, wherever he goes, something real about the nature of his faith in Christ, and it is always having an effect on people, and I realize God can accomplish this mission in spite of what is currently happening in my life. Paul even makes this statement right after he has confessed his anxiety over plans not going as expected (verses 12-13). Even then, he could still say he was being lead on a mission.

That means nothing can stop us because nothing can stop God’s work in our lives. It would be great today if when people ask how I am, I could say, even if it’s just to myself, “I’m on a mission,” because I am. I’m on a mission to love God today with all my heart, and let that love reflect in all I do. I’m on a mission to look for opportunities to give a reason for the hope I have in Christ. I’m on a mission to tell my story to anyone who wants to hear it. I’m on a mission to manifest the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ wherever I go. All this can happen regardless of the circumstances in my life. I don’t get to muddle through anything.

In the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” a platoon of men in World War II are on a mission to find Private Ryan and bring him home. Sometimes they struggle with their mission. Some of them almost abandon it, but as long as they are moving with the mission of the group, they are all on it. They were sent.

How about you today? Have you been sent? Then you aren’t just hanging in there; you are on a mission. Be aware of it today, and look for what God has for you.

Keeping On

Keeping On
By John Fischer

Life is difficult. Nothing worth anything is easy to come by.

I’ll never forget my first backpacking experience. I was 21 years old and hiking with a group of experienced high school students. I had never heard of this sport. We climbed over 3,000 feet the first day to get over a pass at 11,000 feet. Of course I had no idea how elated I was going to be reaching the top of the mountain and descending down the other side to a pristine High Sierra lake in the wilderness untouched by anyone other than backpackers on foot. All I could think of for the excruciating last two hours of that first ascent was what on earth was I doing this for? Barely managing one foot in front of the other, focused only on the pack of the kid in front of me, we slowly made our way up above the timberline through gravel and shale that made you slip back every few steps ‘til it felt like you were taking two steps back for every one step forward. I knew nothing of the reward; I knew only to keep going—keep pushing through the pain of adding 35 pounds to my weight, and testing the muscles in my back, legs and lungs that had not been used to this kind of demand. But how all that changed when we reached the top!

A lot of our spiritual journey is the same way. Obedience sometimes seems like nothing but hard work. We keep on moving forward—keep on believing—even when we have no clue how much farther we have to go or what’s on the other side. But I have noticed one encouraging thing about this. My subsequent experiences of backpacking were easier to endure once I knew what was waiting for me on the other side of the mountain. A few rewards of faith under your belt will go a long way towards giving you the courage to believe again, even in testing times.

Once you have believed God and found his faith to be real and full of actual substance in the midst of demanding circumstances, it makes it easier to believe him again when a new trail challenges us. So whether you are on this trail for the first time or the umpteenth time, keep your eyes fixed on the goal and your feet moving one in front of the other, even if you slip back from time to time. It will all be worth it (and much of the pain forgotten) on the other side.

“Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good” (James 5:11).

Extended Family

Extended Family
By John Fischer

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God—some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth. (Ephesians 3:14 & 15 LB)

Wow, that’s a pretty big family. What’s it like to be related to such a big group? It means you’re not alone. You can go just about anywhere in the world and find people that you belong to—brothers and sisters that will welcome you—kindred that will invite you in. Virtually anywhere in the world you can find people who may speak a different language, but possess the same Spirit. There’s a common bond that binds all believers together among all races and all nations. It’s an invisible knowing—a unified common belief: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, because there is only one God and Father of us all, and he in us, and living through us.

It means lots of privileges. You have a great Father in heaven who promises to supply you with all you need according to his riches in glory. You have access at any time directly into his office. His door is always open; you don’t have to knock. You don’t have to go through a secretary or a bodyguard to get to him. You can walk right in and sit on his lap and tell him what you need, or just be there, and enjoy his embrace. He loves that too.

It means you are important. Someone wanted you to exist. Someone knows you by name. Someone called you before you even knew it, to be his child, and someone paid a huge price to make it possible for you to be adopted into this family. You are wanted, desired, and looked after. A way has been prepared for you, even for your future that you do not know yet. You are no accident.

Most of all it means you are loved, not only by God, but by all those in his family. And if it seems that some of your brothers and sisters aren’t too loving, it’s just because, well, we’re all growing up, and we all have a ways to go, but the power to love is there, nonetheless. Just like our earthly families, we have a hard time getting along sometimes, but in the end we stick together because we’re blood. Well, we’re blood in God’s family, too, precious blood—shed on a cross that we might all live eternally together.

According to whom?

According to whom?
By John Fischer

Life is hard. How often we forget that this is the way it is supposed to be. We push against the difficult circumstances in our lives instead of allowing them to work God’s character in us. We act as if the good life is what we deserve. Even the good life we will enjoy in heaven is not what we deserve, so what business do we have assuming everything will be easy down here?

Everything we are going through is for a purpose. God does not waste any experiences on us; he uses everything. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). There are no qualifiers on this. It doesn’t say everything except the stupid things we do, or everything except when we blow it, or everything except for our sin; it just says “everything.” No exceptions.

The only reason this isn’t always tremendously good news for us is the little clause: “according to his purpose for us.” We forget that it is his purpose that is being worked out in our lives, and the only time this would be a problem is when his purpose is not necessarily ours. At issue here is who defines the success, fulfillment and purpose we are seeking—our culture or the Lord?

We get into a lot of trouble when we use our culture’s definition of fulfillment and apply it to our understanding of God’s purpose for our lives. We often assume God is blessing us when things are going great, and God is cursing us when things are going poorly when the opposite could very well be the case. God’s hand and his love are hidden in the difficult things. We should actually be wary when things are “easy,” for this world is not our home nor is it a place to seek the comforts of life. These are culturally defined, not spiritual.

The spiritual things in our lives have to do with what builds character in us, and these are most often the more difficult things. “We can rejoice, too,” says Paul in Romans 5:3&4, “when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.”

So when things are going well for you or things are going poorly, the first things you should ask is “According to whom?”

The Way God Works

The Way God Works

For the past month, my high school students have been reading the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird". The book is set in the 1930's and the plot revolves around a black man that has been falsely accused of raping a young white woman. Atticus Finch (The Lawyer) decided to take on the case of defending this man, even though he knew it meant that he would be looked down upon and would receive insult after insult by the white community. Even though he was consistenly put down by others, he continued to treat those people with respect and dignity.

The main lesson that Atticus was trying to teach his two young children through this case and his actions towards others, is that you can't make assumptions about people until you have walked a mile in their shoes. This theme is all throughout the book. As my students have been reading this novel, we have been talking a lot about how often we tend to think certain things about people without even knowing who they truly are.

Well, the Lord has been teaching me this lesson this week. For the past week, my husband and I have had a 19-year old staying at our house. He came to Clermont from Wisconsin because he wanted to help our church (we are a new church plant) out in different areas. Well, "John" is a free spirit. He's all about adventure and he's all about developing relationships with others. He's also a college age student. One who doesn't always clean up his room or his mess in the kitchen. If you know me, you know that I tend to be a clean freak! So, it has taken some adjusting on my part. At one point, I was allowing myself to really get mad about all of this. At one point, I was getting annoyed by the smallest things. Then it happened. The Lord really spoke to me. He reminded me of what I was just teaching my students this past week. He reminded me of who it is that we are called to love. He reminded me of those people that he reached out to. All I have to do is think of the 12 Disciples. Talk about a crazy group of men. I'm sure they were not always the easiest men to get along with. But you know what, the Lord loved them, believed in them, and helped them in any way possible. And guess what-The Lord has told me that this is what I need to do with "John"-love him, encourage him, and help him in any way possible even if I get "annoyed" at times.

So, who in your life is the Lord calling you to love, encourage, and help? Who are those people in your life that tend to annoy you?

When you start to get annoyed with someone, remember how patient the Lord is with us. His love for us never fails. He continues to believe in us, encourage us, and help us-if we will allow Him to.

Dysfunctional families

Dysfunctional families
By John Fischer

I once saw a cartoon of a huge convention hall full of empty seats except for one kind of wimpy guy sitting on the front row all by himself. Over him was a banner: “Welcome to the First Annual Children of Non-Dysfunctional Families Conference.” It’s somewhat comforting to know we all have this “family” problem.

I wonder how much of this tendency towards the dysfunctional carries over to our spiritual family in Christ? Actually, in my experience, it’s not much different. Not because we aren’t Christians, but because we aren’t finished yet. We are all in process and as such we have just as many things to work out in our spiritual family as we do in our human ones. The difference is that at least we are all on the same page as to recognizing it, wanting to do something about it, and having plenty of resources to help us, not the least of these being the Holy Spirit who lives in us all.

John Fischer is an author, speaker, and songwriter based in Southern California. His latest book, Love Him in the Morning, is being released this month by Revell Publishing.

In the early ‘70s, I was a singer/songwriter of what was then called, Jesus music, and because of very conservative views of music in the church, our guitar strumming, drum banging music was not welcomed in many Christian settings. Once I played my music in the chapel of a Christian college amidst much controversy among the faculty and administration. Later, someone sent me a letter that was published in the school newspaper written by the Dean of the college, decrying my music as “garbage” and not fit for the kingdom of God.

My first inclination was to carry the letter around for a while and speak unkindly about a man who could do such a thing. Then I realized I was doing the same thing to him, and it made no difference that he was the perpetrator. I was now an accomplice in the same crime. So I made an appointment to go talk to the man and apologize for what I did—half wanting to seek forgiveness, and half wanting to test the presence of the Holy Spirit in us both. Could people with such strong disagreements come together in the Lord?

The answer to my question was a resounding YES. The man responded to my confession with humility and began to share with me what a tough year he was going through culminating in the slow and painful taking of his wife by cancer. We prayed, cried and embraced, and never once talked about music.

We cannot point out the wrongs of others, but we can point out our own and that can open the way to a spiritual bond in spite of our dysfunctions. Is there someone in your spiritual family you have wronged and maybe they don’t even know about it? Make a commitment to go talk with them as soon as possible and get ready to be surprised by the Holy Spirit.

Bug letters to God

Bug letters to God
By Jon Walker

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NAS)

There’s a story of a business executive who, at the end of a long day of travel, climbs into bed at a hotel. As he begins to nod off, he feels something crawling up his legs.

Leaping up and fumbling with the light, he throws back the bedsheets to discover the bed is full of bugs.

Changing rooms was not enough to satisfy the man’s disgust. Upon arriving home, he wrote a complaint letter to the hotel’s corporate headquarters.

Weeks later he received a reply directly from the president of the company:

“We are absolutely appalled that a man of your position and reputation should have had such an experience in one of our hotels. We are deeply embarrassed, and we assure you we are working diligently to correct this problem, and it will never happen again.”

After reading the reply, the businessman - feeling quite good about himself - went to file the letter. But a small post-it note slipped out of the hotel’s envelope. Picking it up, he saw the words, “Send this man the bug letter.”

Have you been sending bug letters to God? Have you been saying you’re sorry when, in fact, you have no real intention to change?

It’s easy to say you need to be a more supportive husband and a more attentive father. Do you mean it, or have you sent a bug letter to God?

It’s easy to say you need to be a more loving mother and a more encouraging wife. Do you mean it, or have you sent a bug letter to God.”

God knows the intent of your heart and the truth of your priorities. Today, why not tear up your form letters and speak to him from the depths of your heart?

Point to ponder: Telling God you’re sorry doesn’t mean anything if you don’t intend to change.

Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NAS)

What will you do about it: Be genuine. Make the decision to truly repent – which means turning 180 degrees – and take whatever steps you must to change your behavior.

Prayer: Apologize to God for your bug letters and ask him to keep you honest in your prayers.

Running on empty

Running on empty
By John Fischer

Our second child was born prematurely, away from home. As you can imagine, it was a major crisis situation. There was much to do: find a temporary place to live, restructure our calendars, look after the needs of our one year-old in a new environment with all the attention going to his new baby sister, and be big enough to take on everybody’s emotions.

I could say I rose to the occasion but what I would really mean is my faith rose to the occasion. For the five weeks surrounding the time we waited for our new daughter until she could survive outside an incubator, I was on a spiritual high. In heightened emotional situations, I always find my faith more palpable. I not only believe God, I run on faith. Makes me think of Jackson Brown’s song “Running On Empty” because that’s what it feels like. I’m empty, but I’m still running, because I’m on faith alone. There’s no doubt about it. It can be exhilarating.

Then something happens when life returns to “normal” (which isn’t really normal, it’s just that the immediate pressure is off), it becomes harder to actually run on faith because I have so many other support systems I’m used to running on—things other than the Lord. It’s too easy to fall back on old ways of coping. In other words, it’s harder for me to live by faith when things are going well than when I am in crisis.

But here’s what I think the truth is: what I might call “normal” is an illusion. Life is in just as much of a crisis when I’m not feeling it as when I am. In fact, it is probably worse because my guard is down; I’m not on the lookout. I’m taking my ease.

Don’t be lulled to sleep by the “normal.” “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 LNT).

If we could really see the truth, we would see that we are empty all the time. In a spiritual way, we are perpetually in need of the Spirit in order to do the simplest of things. Be careful not to let your guard down.

Pray Everyday

"Pray always." (1 Thes. 5,17) What else does this simple scriptural sentence mean except that all our lives God calls us to prayer?

Praying is not easy. Every day so many other things call for attention. And the world around us puts little value on prayer; it tells us to put our minds to more important matters. It is not easy to pray today.

Yet God tells us to pray.

Beginning and ending the day are privileged moments for prayer. These morning and evening prayers drawn from the psalms and the scriptures also include selections from the word of God. During the Advent, Christmas, and Lenten seasons, which are the great seasons of prayer for the church, you will find special resources at this web site.

As you use this site, may the Holy Spirit within you come to your aid and guide you gently to the God who loves you.

The beginning of wisdom

The beginning of wisdom
By Tom Holladay

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

Because Proverbs is all about wisdom, many consider Proverbs 9:10 to be the most important verse in the book.

It's hard to disagree. This verse tells me where the starting line is - to even begin to have wisdom I have to have something called "the fear of the Lord."

That phrase is difficult for many of us to understand. These words come with a lot of emotional baggage attached. The first picture most of us see is not at all what the verse is talking about. For most of us, the "fear of God" conjures up images of anger and punishment, of a God who is both distant and threatening.

What do these words really mean? If I had to sum up this phrase in one word, the word would be "AWE.”

The best way I know to picture this is our attitude towards electrical power. I love what electricity does and the benefits that it brings, but would be very careful about sticking my finger into a light socket. I have a healthy respect for electrical power.

Take that attitude, add in the fact that God is ALL powerful and multiply it by the truth that he PERSONALLY cares for us each moment of each day, and you begin to approach what this phrase "the fear of the Lord" really means.

The more respect I develop for God's power and God's person, the more I open the door to wisdom in my life.

So where do you start? It's hard to just tell yourself "I have to feel awe today.” One of the best ways I know to invite an attitude of awe into your life is to focus on what God has created. When I give him full credit for what he has made it gives me a fuller appreciation for how great he really is.

Give it a try. Tell him, "thanks - really thanks," for a part of his creation right now!

Point to ponder: Wisdom comes from having a healthy respect toward God.

Verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

What will you do about it: You can’t just conjure up awe, but you can begin to cultivate it by putting your mind on God’s creative power. Look at the clouds overhead and the grass underfoot. Smell the rain. Eat a peach. Be amazed at God’s inventiveness – and praise him for it!

Prayer: Ask God for wisdom. Tell him you want to be more in awe of him. Start your prayer by thanking him for something he created.

The armor of God

The armor of God
By Jon Walker

“Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephes. 6:14-17, NLT)

I know some people who won’t get out of bed in the morning without praying a prayer based on Ephesians 6. Here’s one version you can use today:

Father, today, in Jesus’ name, I put on the girdle of truth. I thank you for I know who I am and that I have the power of the Holy Spirit within me. God is in control of my life.

Thank you that I can put on the breastplate of righteousness. In all situations, help me to respond from the truth and not from my emotions. I can refuse to receive lies from the enemy.

Today I strap on the sandals of the gospel of peace. Wherever I go, I can be a peacemaker, helping others make peace with you. Help me to remember that there’s a difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker and that mercy triumphs over judgment.

You, my shield of faith, are sufficient to protect me from any arrows and slings the enemy throws my way; and I recognize that my faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

Thank you that you are giving me the mind of Christ. Because I wear the helmet of salvation, I can receive the truth; and I don’t have to think in old, fleshly patterns. My mind is being renewed by the power of God. I can take thoughts captive for Christ.

The sword of the Spirit is your Word, the Bible. I can use your Word to deflate any slings and arrows from the enemy, knowing I do not battle flesh and blood; rather the fight is against the father of all lies. Help me also to use your Word to spread your gospel across the world.

Lord, I set my mind and heart on you today. I dedicate this whole day to you. I only want your will for my life. Through the name and blood of Jesus, I ask you to bind the enemy in my home, at my children’s school and at my job.

Point to ponder: God has provided all the armor you need to face today’s battles.

Verse: “Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephes. 6:14-17, NLT)

What will you do about it: Write Ephesians 6:14-17 on an index card and keep it close by today. When you feel a battle brewing, whether that be a temptation or a conflict, remind yourself again of the armor God has given you.

Prayer: Tell God you need him to be your shield today. Thank him for his protection

A soldier's point of view

A soldier's point of view
By John Fischer

On Memorial Day, my wife and I watched the 15^th annual memorial service from Washington, honoring men and women who had died and been wounded serving their country from World War II to the present war in Iraq. It was extremely well done and very moving. We wiped our tears away often as we watched soldiers tell their stories and actors speak for those who could not speak for themselves.

What made it especially poignant was the current controversy over our involvement in Iraq and the scandal of the treatment of prisoners that has dominated the news recently. Regardless of ones position on the current occupation in Iraq, the soldiers who serve don’t get to have an opinion, or if they do, it doesn’t really matter—they just take orders and do what they have to do. So much depends on your perspective. Seeing through the eyes of a common citizen at home and seeing through the eyes of a soldier in combat are two entirely different things.

When it comes to our mission here as followers of Christ, we can see things through the eyes of a regular guy going to work and trying to make it in the world, or we can see things from the perspective of the Holy Spirit and God’s work in bringing people into his kingdom. In light of spiritual truth, we are all soldiers in combat. No matter how people debate the issues of life, religion and politics, we know the ultimate question is a person’s eternal state. We must keep focused on the central issue: do the people in my neighborhood and my circle of friends know Christ? Do they know God is not counting their sins against them any longer and is welcoming them through his forgiveness, no questions asked? (2 Corinthians 5:19)

We are ambassadors of the greatest news the world has ever known. Regardless of the reasons that keep us functioning and busy in society, the real issue is on the spiritual front lines. We can have all sorts of points of view when it comes to the way our country is operating, but when it comes to the big issue of the souls of men and women—and why we are here—we need to ask God for a soldier’s point of view.

Always and Forever

What would you do if every time you wanted someone they would never be there?

What would you do if for every moment you were truly happy there would be 10 moments of sadness?

What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt?

So, I just wanted to say, even if I talk to you rarely since I know You.

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you.

Remember, everyone needs a friend, someday you might feel like you have NO FRIENDS at all.
Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will.

I'll Always Be There; In times of trouble, In times of need.

If you are feeling sad; You can count on me.

I will give you a wink; Until you smile.

Give you a hug and stand by your side.

I'll be there for you till the end.

I'll always and forever, be your friend!

5 simple rules to be happy

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return. So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook the excuses.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.