Lessons From Eagles

"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." ( James 1:2-4 NLT) "Though many of us have seen pictures of a huge eagle's nest high in the branches of a tree or in the crag of a cliff, few of us have gotten a glimpse inside. When a mother eagle builds her nest she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items that seem entirely unsuitable for the project. But then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool, feathers, and fur from animals she has killed, making it soft and comfortable for the eggs. "By the time the growing birds reach flying age, the comfort of the nest and the luxury of free meals makes them quite reluctant to leave. That's when the mother eagle begins stirring up the nest. With her strong talons she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface. As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes more uncomfortable for the young eagles. Eventually, this and other urgings prompt the growing eagles to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to more mature behavior." (Today in the Word, June 11, 1989) Yesterday we implied that motivation comes from within—that only we can motivate ourselves. When it comes to growth, however, there is another motivator to help get us motivated—and that is pain that is either caused or allowed by God. Like the mother eagle "motivating" her eaglets to launch out to grow towards their full potential, pain and troubles in our life can be "God's wake-up call" to "stir up our nest," to motivate us to move us out of our comfort zone, and grow towards our God-given potential to become all that he envisioned for us to be and to do all that he wants us to do. However, it's best to get smart. If we choose to move "out of our comfort zone nest" and become motivated about and involved in God's work, we may avoid some prickly thorns that God may need to send into our life to stir us out of our nest. (Courtesy of Daily Encounter, ACTS International)

In Case of Emergencies . . .

When You Have Sinned . . . Call Psalm 51 When You Deal with Fear . . . Call Psalm 34:7 When You Need Someone to Trust . . . Call Proverb 3:5 When Someone Comes Against You . . . Call Isaiah 54:17 When You Need Christian Assurance . . . Call Romans 8:1-30 When You Need God's Mercy . . . Call Psalm 56 When You Get Angry . . . Call Ephesians 4:26 When You Feel like You Can't Go on . . . Call Philippians 4:13 When You Need Help . . . Call Psalm 121

Thought for the weekend

If Columbus had turned back,no one would have blamed him. No one would have remembered him, either. -- Anonymous

Passion

Every person needs a passionate pursuit. We need something we can pour our lives into, a cause to which we can give our lives. But it should be a worthy passion and a worthwhile pursuit. It should touch on the eternal -- on matters related to God's house, not dollhouses. It was said of Jesus: "Passion for God's house burns within me" (John 2:17, NLT).

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate [keep thinking] on these things."

The Winner (Author Unknown)

The Winner (Author Unknown) [Edited] I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game - a serious game - two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms, and parents. I didn't know any of them, so I was able to enjoy the game without the distraction of being anxious about winning or losing - I wished the parents and coaches could have done the same. The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn't seem to care. They were having fun. In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal. The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you're five years old - because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac - shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late - they scored a third goal. I soon learned who the goalie's parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office; he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quiet. Desperate futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder - yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay - to hang in there. He grieved for the pain his son was feeling. After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I've seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee - and then he cried. He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes - and he cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted. When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, "Jim, don't. You'll embarrass him." But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn't supposed to - the game was still in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all - he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I've never been so proud of a man in my life. He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines I heard him say, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son." "Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me." "Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." It made a difference - I could tell it did. When you're all alone, and you're getting scored on - and you can't stop them - it means a lot to know that it doesn't matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field - and they scored two more times - but it was okay. I too get scored on sometimes. And satan laughs, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - helpless. And my Father - my Father rushes right out on the field - right in front of the whole crowd - the whole jeering, laughing world - and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says, "I'm so proud of you. I want everybody to know that you are my son! And because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you -- The Winner."

Bible Study Tips

Have you made a deep, heartfelt decision to come closer to the Lord? You are attending a Christ-filled church on a regular basis, you are surrounding yourself with good Christian people and you are reading your Bible every day. Have you wondered though if you are getting the most out of your Bible reading?. There is so much that can be said about what is required or necessary when reading any bible verse, but here are 5 tips to incorporate into your Bible studies to get as much as you can from the Lord’s words. 1. Make sure it is quiet. Remember this is a time for just you and your Lord. The television should not be on, the phone should not be ringing etc. You will want a place of peace and quiet so you are able to connect with the word of God and hear what he is trying to bring into your heart. Do not confuse this with prayer. Prayer can be done anytime and anywhere. When you are trying to study and interpret God’s word it will be much more beneficial if you are in a quiet location. 2. Have a schedule. If at all possible, try and stick to a Bible reading schedule. Of course there are times when the Lord will draw us to a certain part of the Bible and we must obey His wishes. Other than that, you can stick to a “Read the Bible in a year” schedule or something similar to that. This will allow you to focus all your attention on a certain portion of the Bible, allowing you ample time to interpret and bring it into your heart. 3. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Let’s face it, the Bible would not be considered a “light” read and it takes some getting used to. Don’t try and read the Bible as if it was a novel. Take each passage and meditate and pray over it. If the Lord has a special message that He needs to convey to you and your heart you must allow Him to do just that. If you try and digest a large amount at one time, you will also miss a lot of the true meaning behind what you are reading. Take it slow and truly get everything you can out of the Lord’s words. 4. Choose the right Bible. There are many translations of the Good Book. Some of them are easier to interpret then others. If this is your first time truly trying to come closer to the Lord through His word, a study Bible may be your best solution. A study Bible literally explains everything that you are reading. It explains the passages origin, who is speaking the words, who they are being spoken to or who they are about, and most importantly why. If you are just beginning your Bible studies this will be a great tool in getting all you can from your readings. After you feel more comfortable you can move on to one of the many other translations of the Bible instead. 5. Be committed. Making a promise to the Lord to study His word is a big commitment. Make sure that your heart is truly committed to seeing this promise through. Don’t get discouraged, as sometimes the Bible can seem extremely overwhelming. Take your time, open your heart and keep reading. If your heart is open to the word of the Lord, you will hear the Lord speak to you in many aspects of your life. Stay strong and keep reading. You will never regret your decision to do so. Reading the Bible and studying the Lord’s word can change your life in more ways than one. Try to implement the tips and strategies mentioned above and hopefully you will begin to see positive changes in your life, as you grow closer to the Lord through His words in the Bible.

Worthy Words!

"I don't believe that God chose you and blessed you so that you could heap those blessings up upon yourself. I believe God chose you...because He wants to make a difference in this world. And you know what? What I think is scary about God is He didn't come up with any 'plan B.' That He left the church here, and the church is the only group of people and the church is the only institution in the world that can bring about a change. This government cannot do it, so stop depending on the government. Educational systems cannot do it, so stop trusting educational systems. The church was chosen by God to make a difference...And you know what people?...You're gonna make a difference when you lay down your life, and in complete submission to God, choose to die with Him in service to other people." - Rich Mullins, musician best known for "Awesome God"

Clear Direction (By David Massey)

I am often asked what is the hardest part of my job as a Real Estate Appraiser. With my tongue in cheek, but speaking from actual experience, I will respond, "finding the house." I am well-prepared to find houses. In fact, there are so many maps in my car, that it has become a fire hazard! Even with all my maps, sometimes I still cannot find the house without calling the owner from my car and saying, "I am here. How do I get to where you are?" Most of the time, the problem is that there is no number on the mailbox. True callings from God give us clear directions to follow. God is not going to call us toward what He wants for us, only to leave the "number off the mailbox." The frustration for us comes when God decides to dole out only a portion of the directions. God will say, "you are here; I want you there. When you get there, I will tell you where to go next." Notice how God calls Moses to bring His people out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10 So now I am sending you to the king of Egypt. Go! Bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt! (NCV) Our problem is that like Moses, we want all the directions and details at once. If the complete set of directions is not lain out before us, sometimes we give up hope and lose faith in God. We wonder why God abandoned us, when in fact we have abandoned Him. I would never find some of the houses to appraise if I did not simply call the owner for more directions. When we are feeling lost along the way in our lives, we have a direct line to God, through prayer. Don't forget that God always wants what is best for us. He always wants us to ask Him for directions. I fear arriving in Heaven and hearing God saying, "David, I was waiting to give you the last part of the directions, but you never asked." So, how do we apply this to our lives? How do we know if our direction is from God or from our own desires? Test the call. Get your toes wet. I have had people tell me, "I think God is calling me out of the secular marketplace and into a job with a Christian organization." I will always say, "great, test the waters by doing a little volunteer work in the field. Send out some resumes and seek counsel from others that work in that arena." If you are moving in the direction that God has called you, He will continue to move you in that direction. Where God guides, God will provide. Have a call to make today?

Top 10 Predictions for 2014

1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 4. God will still honour the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. There will still be room at the Cross. 9. Jesus will still love you. 10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

When You Worry

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Have you been struggling and planning, worrying and sweating, crying and running at a furious pace, trying to move that mountain by yourself again? God asks that you "cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you" *(1 Peter 5:7)*. Think about what your worrying says to God when you refuse to give things over to Him. When you worry about money, you're telling Him that He is unable to provide for His children, that although He has riches beyond belief in heaven, He is too stingy to share them with you. When you worry that no one understands you, you're telling Him that although He has been with you since before you were formed in the womb and has carved you into the palm of His hand, He doesn't know you. When you worry that you will not have enough food, you're telling Him that although He rained down bread from heaven in the desert to feed His children, you are the one He's forgotten. When you worry that your enemies will have victory over you, you're telling God that, although He has given you spiritual battle gear to defend yourself, that despite His track record of being a giant slayer, a Red Sea divider, a lion mouth closer, and a furnace cooler, He can't handle your co-worker, your neighbour, your former friend. When you worry that your children have decided to follow the world instead of your example, you're telling God that He doesn't keep His promises, that, despite the fact that you have raised them up in the way they should go, they'll stray because, basically, He lied. When you worry because the doctors told you that children are impossible, that a cure is impossible, that healing is impossible, you're telling Him that this world controls your fate. You're saying that prayer time with Him is merely something to pass the time. You're saying that although He can raise the dead, make a virgin conceive, open the womb of a woman well past eighty, heal a 12 year issue of blood, make the blind see, and the lame walk, He can't help you. When you worry that you won't be able to do enough to earn forgiveness, you're telling Him, "That's okay, Lord; no need for Your Son to die, I can earn my own forgiveness." You're acting like Jesus never died, or like there was no need for Him to go to the cross. When you worry that no one will love you, that you'll be lonely for the rest of your life, you're telling Him that His love is insufficient. You're also saying that, although He has promised life more abundantly, He was lying, that despite the fact that He started off saying that it is not good that we be alone, He's changed His mind. When you worry and refuse to give the problem over to Him, you're telling Him that although He could create the world, He can't handle what's going on in your world, so *you* will. You are saying that He won't work things out, that obstacles cannot be overcome, that mountains can't be climbed, that healing cannot occur, that what is lost will not be found, that joy does not come in the morning, that He is not the God of a second chance, that the promised land has been swallowed up by the desert, and that you have explored the height, depth and width of His love and found it to fall short of your needs. Think about all that you're saying to the one who loves you the most and who has all power. Really think about it. Then open your hands and release what you've been holding onto. Bow down on your knees and ask Him to forgive you for doubting Him. Walk away with a peaceful heart and note the footprints that go before you to straighten the crooked places, prepare a way in the wilderness and make water spring forth in the desert. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my nearsighted nature and pride. That is You around the bend, Lord; how could I not see You? How could I not trust You? Let me tell you, Jesus, all that is on my mind. I'm tired of standing in the rain. Allow me to find shelter under Your wings. My list of worries is long but so is Your patience. Allow me to begin... (Originally written by Kimberley Dubard, Arlington, Virginia, USA) [Edited]

One Another Stuff

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Heb 10:25) Love one another (John 13:34,35; 15:12,17). Honour one another above yourselves (Rom 12:10). Live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16). Have concern for each other (1 Cor 12:25). Serve one another in love (Gals 5:13). Teach and admonish one another (Col 3:16). Encourage one another (1 Thess 4:18; 5:11). Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13). Love one another deeply, from the heart (1 Pet 1:22). Serve each other (1 Pet 4:10). Show humility toward one another (1 Pet 5:5). Have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will(Romans 12:1,2)

Will Jesus Come to Earth Again?

Year after year with "tireless regularity and eternal patience," God reminds the world every Christmas tha the sent his Son, Jesus, to save lost mankind. Christmas is also God's reminder that Jesus is coming back to earth for all who have accepted him as their personal Lord and Savior. His first coming is an indisputable fact of history. His second coming to end this world age is as certain. According to Bible scholars, there are 1,845 references in the Old Testament and 318 in the New Testament about Christ's coming again. This means for every prophecy in the Bible about Christ's first coming--every one of which was fulfilled in minute detail--there are eight about his second coming! Jesus is coming again. God has promised this in his Word, the Bible. Jesus himself promised it as well. And all the signs that Jesus and the Bible said would immediately precede his return are evident today, also reminding us that Christ's return could be very soon. If it were today, would you be ready?

The Detour Is the Route

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret....Psalm 37:7 If life is a highway, most of us are racing down the interstate, hitting the breaks in the congestion, overheating our engines, and running out of gas. Well, take a detour for a moment and read Psalm 37:7. Think of this verse as a winding mountain road with relaxed speeds, glorious overlooks, and scant traffic. Now consider: This detour is the quickest way to the destination. We can accomplish so much more when we're relaxed as we trust the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Resting in the Lord means recognizing He's in control. Your problems are His concern, and His promises are your inheritance. You may have reasons to worry, but you have better reasons not to. The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms, and the Lord knows your needs before you even ask. He will take care of you. Resting in the Lord is the exact opposite of the spirit of our age. But who wants the spirit of this age anyway? Let the Spirit of God fill you with all joy and peace as you rest in the Lord. Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart. ~ Jean S. Pigott (via David Jeremiah's Turning Point)