Monthly Archives: September 2012
Our Daily Bread – Flying Solo
Read: John 14:15-27
May 20-21, 1927, marked a turning point in aviation history as Charles Lindbergh made the first-ever solo, nonstop, trans-Atlantic flight. There had been other flights across the Atlantic, but none were accomplished by a pilot flying alone. It was a historic achievement. When Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget Field in Paris, he was thronged by thousands of admirers applauding his success. And when he returned to America, he was further honored with parades and awards in celebration of his individualistic courage and spirit.
Even though Lindbergh’s solo flight was dangerous, living in this fallen world of ours can be far more so. Followers of Christ, however, can be encouraged and comforted that we never have to “fly solo.” The night before His crucifixion, Jesus promised that He would not abandon us but would send His Spirit to be with us and in us (John 14:16-17). The apostle Paul later affirmed this, saying, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).
In a world filled with despair and trouble, we can take courage. The Holy Spirit lives within us, providing us with His peace and comfort (John 14:26-27). Aren’t you thankful that you never have to fly solo?
Your Son, and to lean on Your Spirit.
Thank You for Your never-failing presence,
helping me in all the challenges of life. Amen.
Experience God’s Presence Tonight
by Joyce Meyer – posted September 12, 2012
My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly. —Isaiah 26:9
Have you ever noticed that in the quiet darkness of night there seems to be something special about the presence of God? He is always with you, even during the daytime, and you can talk to Him anytime, even when you’re busy.
But during the day there are many distractions that keep you from focusing on His presence for an extended period of time. And by the end of the day you’ve often experienced problems and frustrations that can cause you to feel lonely and needy. It is then that you can finally give time and attention to the one who is the answer to your needs.
When you yearn for God in the night, seek Him earnestly, and you’ll find He will minister to you in a special way. He will provide answers to any problems you may have, and He will give you peace and rest.
From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2004 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
Our Daily Bread – Good & Plenty
Read: Psalm 16
I have to admit that I’ve got a sweet tooth. Of all the candies I love, Good & Plenty is near the top of the list. Life is good when I have a handful of those luscious, sugar-coated licorice pieces!
There are a lot of good things in life. But like a feast of Good & Plenty, the goodness is soon over. Even the best of the good things can afterward leave us feeling empty and even regretful. So when the psalmist declares, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing’” (Ps. 16:2 niv), I am intrigued. We all know that God is good. But when was the last time we embraced Him as the ultimate good in our life?
The psalmist explains just how good God really is: He is our preserver (v.1), our total goodness-giver (v.2), our counsel and instruction (v.7), and the One who makes known “the path of life” and fills us with joy in His presence (v.11). Now that’s what I call good!
Unfortunately, too often we let lesser “goods” eclipse our acceptance of the everlasting goodness of God in our lives. The fleeting nature of lesser goods will ultimately disappoint us—you can count on it. Only God is truly good! And there is plenty of Him for all we need.
And savor all that He has done;
Draw close and give your praise to Him—
The holy, sovereign, faithful One. —Sper
Child-like, Goldfish Faith
Posted by Joel Osteen on 9/7/2012
One time, I heard a story about a five-year-old boy who had some pet goldfish. He really loved his goldfish, but one day for some reason, all but one goldfish had died. Not long after, he and his father walked over to the fish tank to find that the final goldfish was floating on top of the water totally stiff. The little boy said with great disappointment, “Daddy, he died, too.” Before the father could respond, the little boy said, “Daddy, can we pray and ask God to heal my goldfish?”
Well, the boy’s father was a minister. He thought to himself, “I want my son to know that he can ask God for anything, but then I’m going to have to explain how sometimes prayers don’t get answered.” This debate about how to answer was revolving in his mind. Finally, he quit trying to reason it all out and said, “Son, if you want to pray, of course, we can pray.”
Early the next morning, the father heard a very enthusiastic “Yes!” coming from his son in the other room. He went in to see what the excitement was about. The little boy said, “Dad, it worked! The fish is just fine!” Sure enough, that little goldfish was swimming through the water as healthy as could be. The dad nearly passed out! He already had his speech lined up ready to explain everything. He threw that speech away and said in complete amazement, “Son, with God, all things are possible.”
See, when you pray, God doesn’t say, “Make sure it’s practical. Make sure it’s logical. Make sure it’s reasonable. Make sure you can figure it all out.” No, He simply says, “Believe.” When we have this simple, childlike faith, that’s when miracles happen. How do you have childlike faith? By taking God at His Word. Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Make His Word a priority. Let it build your faith and see His miraculous hand of blessing move in every area of your life!
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NIV)
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Characteristics Of Love
Today’s Scripture:
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV.
Today’s Word:
Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, how much you know, or how often you go to church. Spiritual maturity is measured by the way you treat other people. It’s measured by the love you allow to operate through you. First Corinthians 13 tells us about the characteristics of love. One characteristic is that it is not rude. That means, when we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you courteous to other people? Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly for you? Are you gentle when you are driving down the highway and someone cuts you off? Are you patient with your family and coworkers? These are all ways we show love.
Scripture also tells us that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud. It is not rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails. Notice that these characteristics don’t have anything to do with feelings. That’s because love is a choice. You can choose to walk in love toward people even when you don’t feel like it. Today, make the choice to do what is right. Choose today to show kindness and be courteous to others. Look for ways to cultivate the greatest thing in your life—love! As you do, you’ll move forward into the life of blessing God has in store for you!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so that I can show love to others. Teach me to be patient and kind and treat others the way You always treat me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Be Positive
by Joyce Meyer – posted September 11, 2012
I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, [so] that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech [to speak of your faith] and complete knowledge and illumination [to give you full insight into its meaning]. —1 Corinthians 1:4–5
The Word of God says, “Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!” (Psalm 34:14). “Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]” (Philippians 2:14).
Be positive. Get rid of gossiping and complaining. Start your day by reading the Bible so that you will know how to speak from the authority of God’s Word. Spend time listening to God, and then tell others what you hear Him say. Bring life to whatever situations you face.
From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
Our Daily Bread – Imitate The Good
Read: 3 John
Most people would agree that life is a painful mixture of good and bad. It’s true in marriage, friendship, family, work, and church. Yet we are surprised and disappointed when self-centeredness takes the stage within a fellowship of those who seek to worship and serve Christ together.
When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (3 John 1:3-8). In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be head of everything” (v.9 Phillips), had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to the church. In the meantime, he urged the congregation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (v.11). John’s words echo the instruction of Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire.” Yet John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is the pathway that honors our Savior.
Be patient and humble in conflicts (Rom. 12:12-21; Gal. 6:1).
Follow the guidelines in Matthew 18:15-18
with the desire to restore erring fellow Christians.
Pursue Loyalty
Today’s Scripture:
He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life… – Proverbs 21:21, NASB.
Today’s Word:
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal—to our family, friends, country, job—then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through thick and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people—even if you get a “better” offer.
Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Can you be more loyal? Don’t let the distractions of everyday life keep you from being dedicated. Look for ways to show honor to those around you. Is there something you need to set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show love by staying loyal. As scripture promises, when you pursue loyalty and righteousness, you will find the abundant life God has planned for you!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of life in Your Word. Show me any area where I can rise up higher by pursuing loyalty. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be more faithful and supportive to those around me. Let Your light shine through me as I pursue righteousness and loyalty today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Remembering 9/11: We Will Never Forget
We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.
The 9/11 Memorial will provide a live webcast of the New York City ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Join us in remembering and paying tribute at 911memorial.org. The live webcast will begin at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2012.
To view more 9/11 Memorial sites please visit the links page.
DIY Monday: Bath Bomb Fizzies
If you are as old as I am I’m quite sure you remember the all famous line of “Calgon take me AWAY!” Well today my friends I have just the thing for you, BATH BOMBS. Everybody loves bath bombs. It’s like taking a bath in champagne, only without the show tunes and chorus boys. They are fairly simple to make and are the perfect gift for that special someone. Or just simply use them as a special treat for yourself.
For this recipe, the ingredients are pretty common and easy to find in most areas. Essential oils can be found in small amounts at places like health food stores and craft stores. Just make sure, if you buy fragrance oil, that you are buying “body safe” oils and not the stuff for candles or oil warmers. So get the music playing, the candles lit and the wine poured. It’s time to get pampered.
Here’s What You Need:
6 Tablespoon citric acid
2 Tablespoon cornstarch
3 Cup baking soda
1 teaspoon fragrance or essential oil
4 drops food color
5 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Circular Mould, Optional
Storage Container
Mixing Bowl
Waxed Paper
Tiny Cup or Bowl
HAND SHAPE METHOD
1. Mix all dry ingredients listed in Things You’ll Need (citric acid, cornstarch, baking soda) in a bowl.
2. Mix some vegetable oil, fragrance and coloring together in a different bowl or cup.
3. Slowly pour the oil mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix well.
4. Create the ball shapes. When all ingredients are well mixed, roll the mixture into 1″ balls, and set them on waxed paper to dry.
5. Allow to harden. The bath balls/bombs will be semi-hard within 2-3 hours, but require a full 24 to 48 hours before they’re fully dry and ready for storage.
6. Store bath balls/bombs in a sealed container, away from moisture.
7. Add a few to the bath and enjoy! For gift giving, the balls/bombs may be placed in individual candy cups. Or wrap in cellophane with a satin ribbon for a more sensuous look.
MOULD METHOD
1. Mix together some citric acid powder and baking soda. Mix them together really well.
2. Add a colouring of your choice.
3. If you want it to be fragranced, add whichever fragrance you want. For example, you could make a purple bath bomb with a lavender scent.
4. Put your mixture into circular moulds.
5. After a few minutes take the bath bombs out and leave them to dry. This usually takes 3 or 4 hours.
6. Then your bath bombs will be finished and ready to use!
*Designer’s Note(s) –
1) Either fragrance and/or coloring is optional. or use vinegar!
2) Suggested vegetable oils include coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil, although any emollient oil is good!
3) Use small molds to make three-dimensional fizzy bath shapes.
Source: wikiHow
I Am Lady Fab 