• This is a resource for all us believers to use as a way to start conversations with people who need Jesus. Please read and consider how YOU can use it to fulfill Mark 16:15. Thanks.
    ===================
    "People believe in #God because they are all TOO aware of the reality of their condition." What's this all about? Read on, find out and learn why it should matter to YOU: https://wp.me/p2wzRb-sY
    This is a resource for all us believers to use as a way to start conversations with people who need Jesus. Please read and consider how YOU can use it to fulfill Mark 16:15. Thanks. =================== "People believe in #God because they are all TOO aware of the reality of their condition." What's this all about? Read on, find out and learn why it should matter to YOU: https://wp.me/p2wzRb-sY
    WP.ME
    FACING THE REALITY OF OUR CONDITION
    This meme makes two points that grabbed my attention: God isn’t real People are afraid of reality. I won’t bother with the first point; many websites explore the question of God’s reality (here a…
    1 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 25 Views
  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic.

    Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light.

    As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today.

    When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest.

    Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory.

    When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice.

    I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left.

    Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day.

    Be blessed.

    **Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic. Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light. As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today. When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest. Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory. When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice. I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left. Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day. Be blessed. **Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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  • Choose Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

    What are you thankful for today?

    Sometimes that question is difficult.

    Not because we have nothing to be grateful for, but because problems can become louder than our blessings.

    We notice what we don't have.

    The opportunity we missed.

    The prayer that hasn't been answered.

    The relationship that ended.

    The financial pressure.

    The disappointment.

    The plans that didn't work out.

    And slowly, we can forget everything God has already done.

    The Bible says:

    “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

    Notice that Scripture doesn't say:

    “Give thanks only when everything is going well.”

    It says:

    “In all circumstances.”

    That doesn't mean we should pretend that pain isn't painful.

    It doesn't mean we have to be happy about suffering.

    It means that even in difficult circumstances, we can still find reasons to trust and thank God.

    You can be disappointed and grateful.

    You can be waiting and grateful.

    You can be hurting and still recognize God's goodness.

    Gratitude doesn't deny the storm.

    It reminds you that God is with you in the storm.

    Think about what you already have.

    You woke up today.

    You have another opportunity to live, learn, grow, and serve.

    You have experienced moments of God's protection that you may not even know about.

    You have people who care about you.

    You have lessons from yesterday.

    You have God's promises for today.

    And if you belong to Christ, you have something greater than temporary circumstances:

    You have salvation.

    Jesus gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God.

    That gift cannot be measured by money, possessions, success, or circumstances.

    When everything else changes, the grace of God remains.

    So don't allow your circumstances to determine whether God is good.

    God is good even when life is difficult.

    Sometimes we become so focused on the next blessing that we fail to appreciate the current one.

    We're waiting for the next job.

    The next relationship.

    The next promotion.

    The next opportunity.

    The next breakthrough.

    And we forget to thank God for what is already in our hands.

    Don't let tomorrow steal today's gratitude.

    Take a moment today and look around.

    What has God already given you?

    What prayers has He already answered?

    What doors has He already opened?

    What difficulties has He already brought you through?

    What lessons has He taught you?

    What people has He placed in your life?

    Write them down.

    You may be surprised by how much you have to thank Him for.

    And gratitude changes the way we see other people too.

    Instead of comparing ourselves with someone who has more, we begin appreciating what we have.

    Instead of becoming jealous of another person's success, we can celebrate with them.

    Instead of constantly asking, “Why don't I have what they have?”

    we can say:

    “Thank You, God, for what You have entrusted to me.”

    Gratitude doesn't mean we stop pursuing growth.

    You can be grateful for where you are while still working toward where God is leading you.

    You can desire improvement without despising your current season.

    You can have dreams without allowing those dreams to control your happiness.

    And most importantly, gratitude should lead us back to God.

    Don't just be thankful for the blessing.

    Be thankful to the One who blesses.

    Today, before you ask God for something new, spend some time thanking Him for what He has already done.

    Thank Him for life.

    Thank Him for grace.

    Thank Him for forgiveness.

    Thank Him for family and friends.

    Thank Him for opportunities.

    Thank Him for lessons.

    Thank Him for protection.

    Thank Him for Jesus.

    Even if today is difficult, find one thing to thank God for.

    Then find another.

    And another.

    Gratitude doesn't change everything around you, but it can change what you see within you.

    Don't wait until everything is perfect before you thank God.

    Thank Him today.

    What are three things you can genuinely thank God for right now?

    #ChooseGratitude #1Thessalonians518 #ThankfulHeart #Gratitude #GodIsGood #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #TrustGod #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA
    Choose Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18) What are you thankful for today? Sometimes that question is difficult. Not because we have nothing to be grateful for, but because problems can become louder than our blessings. We notice what we don't have. The opportunity we missed. The prayer that hasn't been answered. The relationship that ended. The financial pressure. The disappointment. The plans that didn't work out. And slowly, we can forget everything God has already done. The Bible says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that Scripture doesn't say: “Give thanks only when everything is going well.” It says: “In all circumstances.” That doesn't mean we should pretend that pain isn't painful. It doesn't mean we have to be happy about suffering. It means that even in difficult circumstances, we can still find reasons to trust and thank God. You can be disappointed and grateful. You can be waiting and grateful. You can be hurting and still recognize God's goodness. Gratitude doesn't deny the storm. It reminds you that God is with you in the storm. Think about what you already have. You woke up today. You have another opportunity to live, learn, grow, and serve. You have experienced moments of God's protection that you may not even know about. You have people who care about you. You have lessons from yesterday. You have God's promises for today. And if you belong to Christ, you have something greater than temporary circumstances: You have salvation. Jesus gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God. That gift cannot be measured by money, possessions, success, or circumstances. When everything else changes, the grace of God remains. So don't allow your circumstances to determine whether God is good. God is good even when life is difficult. Sometimes we become so focused on the next blessing that we fail to appreciate the current one. We're waiting for the next job. The next relationship. The next promotion. The next opportunity. The next breakthrough. And we forget to thank God for what is already in our hands. Don't let tomorrow steal today's gratitude. Take a moment today and look around. What has God already given you? What prayers has He already answered? What doors has He already opened? What difficulties has He already brought you through? What lessons has He taught you? What people has He placed in your life? Write them down. You may be surprised by how much you have to thank Him for. And gratitude changes the way we see other people too. Instead of comparing ourselves with someone who has more, we begin appreciating what we have. Instead of becoming jealous of another person's success, we can celebrate with them. Instead of constantly asking, “Why don't I have what they have?” we can say: “Thank You, God, for what You have entrusted to me.” Gratitude doesn't mean we stop pursuing growth. You can be grateful for where you are while still working toward where God is leading you. You can desire improvement without despising your current season. You can have dreams without allowing those dreams to control your happiness. And most importantly, gratitude should lead us back to God. Don't just be thankful for the blessing. Be thankful to the One who blesses. Today, before you ask God for something new, spend some time thanking Him for what He has already done. Thank Him for life. Thank Him for grace. Thank Him for forgiveness. Thank Him for family and friends. Thank Him for opportunities. Thank Him for lessons. Thank Him for protection. Thank Him for Jesus. Even if today is difficult, find one thing to thank God for. Then find another. And another. Gratitude doesn't change everything around you, but it can change what you see within you. Don't wait until everything is perfect before you thank God. Thank Him today. What are three things you can genuinely thank God for right now? #ChooseGratitude #1Thessalonians518 #ThankfulHeart #Gratitude #GodIsGood #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #TrustGod #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA
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  • August 26, 2026 (day 238/365)
    WEDNESDAY

    GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY

    “Celebrate God’s Faithfulness”

    Nehemiah 12:43

    “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy.”

    This is the Word of God. Nehemiah 12 describes the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. After years of hardship, opposition, and hard work, the people gathered to celebrate what God had accomplished among them. Their joy was not merely because the wall was finished, but because they recognized God’s hand in their restoration.

    Sometimes we become so focused on our next challenge that we forget to stop and celebrate what God has already done. Every answered prayer, every difficulty He has carried us through, and every blessing He has provided is a reason to give Him thanks.

    True Christian joy comes from recognizing God’s faithfulness. When we remember His goodness, gratitude replaces complaining and praise replaces discouragement.

    May we never become too busy to stop and thank God for His faithfulness. May our lives be filled with grateful hearts that rejoice in all that He has done. Amen.

    Have a blessed day with the Lord.

    -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto
    August 26, 2026 (day 238/365) WEDNESDAY GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY “Celebrate God’s Faithfulness” Nehemiah 12:43 “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy.” This is the Word of God. Nehemiah 12 describes the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. After years of hardship, opposition, and hard work, the people gathered to celebrate what God had accomplished among them. Their joy was not merely because the wall was finished, but because they recognized God’s hand in their restoration. Sometimes we become so focused on our next challenge that we forget to stop and celebrate what God has already done. Every answered prayer, every difficulty He has carried us through, and every blessing He has provided is a reason to give Him thanks. True Christian joy comes from recognizing God’s faithfulness. When we remember His goodness, gratitude replaces complaining and praise replaces discouragement. May we never become too busy to stop and thank God for His faithfulness. May our lives be filled with grateful hearts that rejoice in all that He has done. Amen. Have a blessed day with the Lord. -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto
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  • GOD IS MY PEACE

    Life may bring storms, uncertainty, and difficult moments, but we don’t have to face them alone. God can calm our hearts, guide our steps, protect us, and give us strength when we feel weak.

    He gives us peace.
    He protects us.
    He guides us.
    He strengthens us.
    He hears our prayers.

    “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1

    No matter what you are facing today, trust God always. Start your day with prayer, feed your soul with His Word, surround yourself with faith and love, be a blessing to others, and give thanks in everything.

    God is with you. God is for you. You are never alone.

    Comment AMEN if God is your peace today!

    #GodIsMyPeace #TrustGod #Psalm271 #JesusChrist #ChristianFaith #Faith #Prayer #BibleVerse #GodIsGood #ChristianPost #Amen
    🌊 GOD IS MY PEACE 🕊️💙 Life may bring storms, uncertainty, and difficult moments, but we don’t have to face them alone. God can calm our hearts, guide our steps, protect us, and give us strength when we feel weak. 🙏 🕊️ He gives us peace. 🛡️ He protects us. 🛤️ He guides us. 💪 He strengthens us. 🙏 He hears our prayers. 📖 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1 No matter what you are facing today, trust God always. Start your day with prayer, feed your soul with His Word, surround yourself with faith and love, be a blessing to others, and give thanks in everything. ❤️ God is with you. God is for you. You are never alone. ✝️ Comment AMEN 🙏 if God is your peace today! #GodIsMyPeace #TrustGod #Psalm271 #JesusChrist #ChristianFaith #Faith #Prayer #BibleVerse #GodIsGood #ChristianPost #Amen
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  • Matthew 22:11-14 NIV “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

    God morning and praise God. I hope you are blessed and having a great morning.

    Long ago in the East, a host of a banquet would provide special garments to his invited guests. These were to his own honor and pride. He would therefore expect all his invited guests to be in that specific attire. Do you think he would allow them who refused to be in his probably expensive, clean and beautiful attire to remain in the banquet? Won't that be a great dishonor to him having spent alot only for someone to participate wearing his or her own garment of choice?

    Jesus Christ uses this to illustrate how it will be for those who accepted Him but wants to do it under their own terms. Those who want to remain in sin but also in Christ. Those who accepted the Gospel but have willingly refused to be transformed by it. They want to be luke warm, not cold not hot. They want to love Jesus by their own lips whilst their actions shows otherwise. Those who have refused to bear fruit of Spirit but instead are bearing fruits of flesh.

    In another place the Bible describes them this way Romans 1:21 NIV "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. "

    Gospel is tranformartive but to those who genuinely accept it and from henceforth take-up their cross and follow Jesus. You cannot tell us you belong to Jesus but also to your old sinful nature. You cannot belong to light and darkness at the same time. Gospel is nothing about mingling with crowd but rather a deep personal relationship with God. It is about true repentance, faith and submission to the ways of God. It is nothing about following your church traditions and what not but rather a deep relationship of submission and obedience to God.

    The end of those that are lukewarm is clear. They will be cast out of God's presence at the judgement day. Matthew 7:23 NIV Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Brethren, be among the chosen not just those who accepted invitation. It'll be very painful if you wasted all your time lying on salvation. Make it true today through true and genuine repentance and it's tranformartive power.

    God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom.
    Matthew 22:11-14 NIV “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” God morning and praise God. I hope you are blessed and having a great morning. Long ago in the East, a host of a banquet would provide special garments to his invited guests. These were to his own honor and pride. He would therefore expect all his invited guests to be in that specific attire. Do you think he would allow them who refused to be in his probably expensive, clean and beautiful attire to remain in the banquet? Won't that be a great dishonor to him having spent alot only for someone to participate wearing his or her own garment of choice? Jesus Christ uses this to illustrate how it will be for those who accepted Him but wants to do it under their own terms. Those who want to remain in sin but also in Christ. Those who accepted the Gospel but have willingly refused to be transformed by it. They want to be luke warm, not cold not hot. They want to love Jesus by their own lips whilst their actions shows otherwise. Those who have refused to bear fruit of Spirit but instead are bearing fruits of flesh. In another place the Bible describes them this way Romans 1:21 NIV "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. " Gospel is tranformartive but to those who genuinely accept it and from henceforth take-up their cross and follow Jesus. You cannot tell us you belong to Jesus but also to your old sinful nature. You cannot belong to light and darkness at the same time. Gospel is nothing about mingling with crowd but rather a deep personal relationship with God. It is about true repentance, faith and submission to the ways of God. It is nothing about following your church traditions and what not but rather a deep relationship of submission and obedience to God. The end of those that are lukewarm is clear. They will be cast out of God's presence at the judgement day. Matthew 7:23 NIV Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Brethren, be among the chosen not just those who accepted invitation. It'll be very painful if you wasted all your time lying on salvation. Make it true today through true and genuine repentance and it's tranformartive power. God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom.
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  • BE GRATEFUL TO GOD

    Ten lepers were healed but only one returned to give thanks; don't be like the nine lepers; be like the one who, after being healed, went to Jesus and gave thanks. (Sharing your testim is also a way to thank God)

    BY: PROPHET ELIJAH
    BE GRATEFUL TO GOD Ten lepers were healed but only one returned to give thanks; don't be like the nine lepers; be like the one who, after being healed, went to Jesus and gave thanks. (Sharing your testim is also a way to thank God) BY: PROPHET ELIJAH
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  • Hello to all, please keep me in your prayers. It's been a busy year. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and I need prayers. Thanks to all, much love
    Hello to all, please keep me in your prayers. It's been a busy year. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and I need prayers. Thanks to all, much love
    Like
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  • *SEED FOR LIFE*
    Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting. They are all alike discreditable and in place of these give thanks.
    • Ephesians 5:4

    The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking, sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ... Let no low witticism escape your lips. All frivolous words, all lightness and trifling, are enticements of the enemy to deprive you of spiritual strength... Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in the barrenness of the soul and the loss of the favour of God... Trim your lamps, and keep them burning, that wherever you may go, you may reveal in speech and action precious rays of light.
    • Radiant Religion, p.237

    *• A Point To Ponder •*
    God does not forbid happiness, wholesome laughter, or genuine enjoyment. Rather, Scripture calls us to examine the quality and influence of what we allow into our minds and conversations.
    _(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)_
    *SEED FOR LIFE* Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting. They are all alike discreditable and in place of these give thanks. • Ephesians 5:4 The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking, sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ... Let no low witticism escape your lips. All frivolous words, all lightness and trifling, are enticements of the enemy to deprive you of spiritual strength... Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in the barrenness of the soul and the loss of the favour of God... Trim your lamps, and keep them burning, that wherever you may go, you may reveal in speech and action precious rays of light. • Radiant Religion, p.237 *• A Point To Ponder •* God does not forbid happiness, wholesome laughter, or genuine enjoyment. Rather, Scripture calls us to examine the quality and influence of what we allow into our minds and conversations. _(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)_
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  • Daily devotion for August 25th
    How To Celebrate
    At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

    Nehemiah 12:27
    It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful.

    There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy.

    There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving.

    Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.
    Daily devotion for August 25th How To Celebrate At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12:27 It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful. There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy. There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving. Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.
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