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Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 19, 2008 at 7:12am

Overcome the Enemy
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And they overcame him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." Revelations 12:11a
It is interesting to me, the depths the enemy will go to keep us from sharing our testimony with others. He tries to diminish the importance of our individual testimony by sending arrows of doubt as to the effectiveness of our testimony. He tries to use guilt and condemnation to keep us quiet, when the testimony of what we have been through is actually what will set others free. He tries to use fear of rejection to keep us from testifying to others because we do not believe our Christian brothers and sisters can handle the truth of our testimony.
Yet and still, Revelations 12:11a states "And they overcame him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." God has given us authority " over all the power of the enemy" Luke 10:19b. The means by which we exercise this authority is by speaking. There is power in your testimony. We must share our testimony with others and continue to overcome the enemy.



Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 18, 2008 at 8:41am

Who Can Fathom Eternity?

God has planted eternity in the hearts of men.
Ecclesiastes 3:10 (TLB)

It doesn't take a wise person to know that people long for more than earth.
When we see pain, we yearn. When we see hunger, we question why. Senseless
deaths. Endless tears, needless loss. . . .


We have our moments. The newborn on our breast, the bride on our arm, the
sunshine on our back. But even those moments are simply slivers of light
breaking through heaven's window. God flirts with us. He tantalizes us. He
romances us. Those moments are appetizers for the dish that is to come.
"No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for
those who love
him" (1 Cor. 2:9).


What a breathtaking verse! Do you see what it says? Heaven is beyond our
imagination.... At our most creative moment, at our deepest thought, at our
highest level, we still cannot fathom eternity.


From: When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1994)
Max Lucado



Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 17, 2008 at 9:12am

The Courtroom of the World

You will be my witnesses--in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in
every part of the world.
Acts 1:8 (NCV)

We are witnesses. And like witnesses in a court, we are called to testify,
to tell what we have seen and heard. And we are to speak truthfully. Our
task is not to whitewash nor bloat the truth. Our task is to tell the truth.
Period.


There is, however, one difference between the witness in court and the
witness for Christ. The witness in court eventually steps down from the
witness chair, but the witness for Christ never does. Since the claims of
Christ are always on trial, court is perpetually in session, and we remain
under oath.


From: Just Like Jesus
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1998)
Max Lucado



Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 17, 2008 at 8:42am

Psalms 117
1
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.



Psalms 118
1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2
Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4
Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7
The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12
They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14
The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16
The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18
The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20
This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21
I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23
This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28
Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 17, 2008 at 7:10am

A Great Testimony
Dr. Jack Graham
Half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. (Nehemiah 4:16)
As a Christian, God expects you and me to be productive.
What a great example we have of this in the fourth chapter of Nehemiah. Once the plot to stop the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was foiled, everybody went back to work with renewed energy.
Even those who weren't actively rebuilding the walls kept armor and weapons ready in case the enemy attacked. Nobody sat around idly!
First Corinthians 15:58 tell us to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...."
And what exactly does "abounding in the work of the Lord" mean? For one, it means we're actively looking for ways to serve God and serve others. It means we're so busy thinking about what we can do next for the Kingdom that we have little time to think about ourselves, worry, and become discouraged!
Today I want to challenge you to go out of your way to serve someone. And don't just do it to do it. Let that person know you're helping them out because your service pleases the Lord you love! It will be a great testimony of a life that's sold out for Christ.
LOOK FOR WAYS TO SERVE AND LOVE OTHERS TODAY... AND EVERY DAY!




Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 16, 2008 at 6:00am

Your Test Leads To Your Testimony!
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Every detail works to your advantage and to God's Glory." 2 Corinthians 4:15 (TM)
When you were a child, do you remember being irritated whenever your favorite television program was interrupted for 30 seconds by a test of the Emergency Broadcast System?
Those emergency system tests are a lot like the trials that come into our lives. They're unscheduled, usually unwelcome interruptions, and they always seem to come at the worst possible time. But unlike the test patterns on television, life's trials don't last for 30 seconds and then disappear. No, they can last for days, weeks, even years. And the exact reason for them may never be completely clear to us. Trials can make us feel helpless, but we do have control over one vital element of a trial - how we respond to it. Understand this: trials are indispensable to our spiritual growth. In fact, we cannot grow as we should without them, as much as we might wish we could. It's your test that leads to your testimony!
Paul writes, "Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace...more and more praise! So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace" (2Co 4:15-18 TM). And Job adds "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10 NIV). It takes a lot more heat to produce gold than it does tin. So which do you want to be?


Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 16, 2008 at 5:27am

Eternal Life


Eternal Life
by Henry Morris III, D.Min.
". . .that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the
name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

Although this powerful, five-chapter letter from the Apostle John is full of
vital insights into the Christian life, it is written to "little children" (1
John 5:21) so that they might "know" the majesty and wonder of eternal life.

John begins his epistle with a reminder that he "knew" this Jesus from whom the
promise of eternal life came (1 John 1:1-3). John was an eyewitness to Christ's
resurrection (John 20), which is the most powerful proof of the claims and
promises of the Lord (Acts 17:31).

Much of that which is applied in John's epistle is based on the precise
teachings of the Lord Jesus Himself, heard by John and recorded in John's Gospel
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 20:31).

Those who believe will "not perish" (John 3:15-16).

The "water" of Christ springs up to "everlasting life" (John 4:14).

Whoever has everlasting life "is passed" from death to life (John 5:24).

Those who come to Christ will "never hunger" (John 6:35).

No one is able to "pluck" the believer out of the Father's hand. (John
10:28-30).

"Whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die" (John 11:26).

Based on the Word of God, John gives us several experiential tests by which we
can know that we "live."

We love and keep His commandments (1 John 2:3).

We know and love the Truth (1 John 2:20).

We love the brethren (1 John 3:14).

We have God's Holy Spirit (1 John 4:13). HMM III

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 16, 2008 at 4:39am

Why Are You Weeping?

The longest nights of weeping
For the hurt that's in my heart,
Are when I cry alone, in pain,
Trapped forever in the dark ...

No relief of deepest sorrow.
Oh, God, please set me free.
I feel so overwhelmed.
What future is for me?

I am bitter.
I am wounded.
I am angry and attacked.
I am weak. For, life is cruel.
Can't You turn the clock right back ...

Back, when life was happy,
When the sun shone down on me,
Before this fierce storm
Hit me violently?

O, Father, why permit
Such angry whips to lash?
Where were You when they struck,
As my heart was deeply gashed?

You could have stopped it, Lord.
Why allow such awful hurt?
My life would be so good, now,
If I wasn't scarred and burnt.

Now, I've screamed all this, to You.
It hasn't changed a thing.
So, for me to live a life, again,
Some change I wish You'd bring.

For, no matter how hard I try
To figure out solutions,
I'm at the end of my resources.
Nothing alters my conclusions.

Oh, Lord, I come to plead for mercy.
Please empty out my heart;
Cleanse and heal, remake it whole.
Give me a brand new start.

I still my crying and my fear.
I admit my way's a flop.
I trust You for deliverance.
Please, undo my tangled knot.

Though, I can't forgive myself.
I believe You have the power.
I give my bitter soul to You.
I will no longer cower.

My crushed heart I give away,
To do with as You will.
I am an empty vessel, Lord,
Only You can fill.

Please, pour Your healing balm,
deep down, into my soul.
Though feeling all discarded,
You, alone, can make me whole.

Lonely, hurting, grieving, damaged;
God stills the falling rain.
Rejected, tempted, attacked or ill;
He heals my heart of pain.

(Lord, cause me to smile, again.)
Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems

Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 15, 2008 at 6:25am

A Healing Touch

Some little girls are called
To love mothers who are ill.
They tiptoe in, to share their love,
And whisper to be still.

With a gentleness and
Wisdom far beyond their years,
They come (as ministering angels)
To kiss away our tears.

Tenderly, we hear their loving hearts
With every smile, so sweet,
And, as we feel that love,
We hear God gently speak.

"I am here to walk with you
Through the darkest storm.
Though, at times, you feel all alone;
With your strength long gone.

I am here to carry you
Through the stormy night.
You may feel so weak, unable to go on.
But, I am here, arms holding you.

Your effort cannot keep you strong.
I am coming, in your deepest pain,
To whisper, "Trust Me. Now, you can.
For, I am here and I know
Your heart is crying in the rain.

One day soon, you will not fear.
In your darkness, I will restore.
I am here to replace all that is not.
Light will come to you once more.

For, I am the One
Who can see you through.
In lonely nights, longing to see
The sun, I will come to carry you.

Do not fear for your family.
I am able to fill in every gap.
I can meet their daily need.
It is not for you to fret.

I understand how you wish
You could give them more.
But, I am making sure they will know
My everlasting love the more.
Soft Whispers from

Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

Comment by Ladyjd721 on September 15, 2008 at 5:34am

Tell It
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Revelations 12:11, KJV
I discovered something while a student in law school that shed light on why so many people are bound by situations they should be set free from. During an Evidence class, we came to the topic of "Testimony". In summary, I discovered that testimony serves the purpose of proving the truthfulness of a matter by the confirmation of another who has (preferably) first hand knowledge of the events. This person is called a "witness". This individual only qualifies as a witness if they have "first hand knowledge or experience" of the matter. The most powerful testimony a witness can possess is "eye witness" testimony. The testimony of a witness who lacks this first hand knowledge is categorized as "hearsay". Hearsay has very little probative value and is often excluded from being accepted into evidence. Oftentimes, the freedom and very life of the one being tried, depends on eyewitnesses that are willing to testify concerning what they know.
As I read Revelation 12:11, I thought about what I learned in law school. It occurred to me that many people are unnecessarily bound and perishing in their trials because the enemy has shamed the witnesses from coming forward and testifying about their our own experiences and what they know. The enemy knows that our testimony has the power to defeat him and set the accused free. Many people are serving life sentences in bondage, condemnation, and some even losing their lives, because they’ve lost all hope of things getting better or them surviving what they’re going through. However, we are living testimonies or evidence that you can make it. The enemy tried to destroy our bodies, minds/souls and spirits - but failed. Our testimony proves that the devil is a liar and defeated.
Testimony, by its very nature, is not for the one testifying but for the benefit of the one being tried. I don’t care how shameful your past may have been; someone else needs the deliverance that is in your mouth. There is a ministry in your testimony that cannot be denied or refuted. Proverbs 18:21 declares, that the "power of life and death is in the tongue".
It is interesting to note that the root word for "testimony" in the Greek is "martus". It is the same word from which we get the word "martyr". A martyr is someone who died for what they believe and know to be true. I mentioned earlier, that "hearsay" testimony is generally not accepted as evidence. However, there are exceptions to this rule. One such exception concerns the "words of a dying or dead person". These words are considered unusually reliable because a dying or dead person has nothing to lose by telling the truth. They are no longer subject to fear, intimidation or the power of those who have an interest in the outcome of a matter. They’re free to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help them God!
As born again, blood washed, forgiven Believers, we too are dead to the guilt and shame of our past that others cast upon us. It is all under the blood, buried in the watery grave of baptism and crucified with our old man. When and if we fall short, we can pray for forgiveness and God forgives us, never to be brought to our charge again. With this being the case, let me ask you a question: What are you afraid of? What’s keeping you from testifying to others of what God has brought you out of and delivered you from? Others are struggling with the same thing you’ve been delivered from and need to know the truth - that God is a deliverer!
The text says, "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." Jesus has done His part in perfectly defeating the enemy. He shed His blood and rose from the grave. Now we must do ours by tell our testimony! Every time you tell it, it reminds the devil he’s defeated! Go ahead, don’t be afraid or ashamed - "tell it!"


Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan

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