Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Amazing Grace



Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here a thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

<'(((<<

Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Friday, February 23, 2007

Healing Scriptures





Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and healing shall spring up quickly. Isaiah 58:8

Who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes we were healed. I Peter 2:24

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20

Daughter your faith has made you well, go in peace, And be Healed of your disease. Mark 5:34

Whatever you ask for in Prayer with faith you will receive. Matthew 21:22

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Eqyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. Psalm 103:3

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22

But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Heal me, O Lord and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14
... and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. Matthew 14:36b


"WE ARE HEALED IN THE NAME OF JESUS"


For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. Jeremiah 30:17

But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousnes arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachai 4:2

For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Matthew 8:8

And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in the synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. Mark 16:18

And the whole multitude sought to touch him for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. Luke 6:19

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:22

Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the chruch; and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:14-15-16

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

All Scriptures are taken from the KJV.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

IS THE BIBLE TRUSTWORTHY?







HOW MUCH OF THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2THIMOTHY 3:16

HOW DOES GOD SPEAK TO THE PROPHETS?
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.. 2PETER 1:21 1:

WHAT THREE PARTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPYURE DID JESUS REFER TO IN HIS TEACHINGS?
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, LUKE 24: 44,45

ACCORDING TO JESUS TO WHOM DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT REFER?
Search the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. JOHN 5: 39


Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:0ught not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. LUKE 24:25-27

WHY ARE THE EXPERIENCES OF MEN AND WOMEN RECORDED IN THE BIBLE?
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:11

WHY ARE THE NEW TESTAMENT EXPERIENCES OF JESUS RECORDED?
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. JOHN 20:31


WHAT CAN BE THE RESULTS OF BIBLE STUDY?
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 TIMOTHY 3:15

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURES?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17

ACCORDING TO JESUS, WHERE DO MEN FIND TRUTH?
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. JOHN 17:17

WHAT MISTAKE DID THE SEDDUCEES(a sect of the Jews) MAKE CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURE?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. MATTHEW 22:29

WHY CAN'T MAN IN HIS SINFUL NATURE, UNDERSTAND SPRITUAL THINGS?
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-14

WHO ONLY CAN GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTHS?
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. JOHN 16:13

WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THE BIBLE?
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 TIMOTHY 2:15

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE STUDY AND SERCH THE BIBLE?
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. ACTS 17:11

PROMISES:

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. PSALM 119:105


Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. PSALM 119:11


* * * * * * *



Written By:- Shrikanth D. Shendkay
WRITTEN ON:- 10/11/2006
COURTESY:- HOLY BIBLE, THE WAY TO CHRIST.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

The Wooden Bowl



Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 5:16






I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note:


* I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

* I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

* I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

* I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life".

* I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

* I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

* I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

* I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

* I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

* I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

* I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!


People love that human touch... holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

Author unknown

Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, Ephesians 6:8

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Matthew 25:40



Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Living Word


Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:28

I have heard many people say and some say it almost in a bragging manner, "I have read the Bible through more than once". That is wonderful! We should read our Bible but my question is, "Are you spending time with the Living Word?"

Jesus is not only the Written Word; He is also the Living Word. I have not read the entire Bible through word for word. I have tried many times but I would always get stopped when I got in the Old Testament where there is much law and history.

I do know the Heart of the Living Word! I know what makes Jesus happy and what makes Him sad. I don't always please Him because I am still living in this old flesh and in this sinful world. However, He knows my heart and He knows how much I love Him.

Please keep reading your Bible but also spend time with the Living Word. Allow Jesus to rise with Joy in your heart. The Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Let others see the Living Word shining brightly in what you say, where you go, what you watch, who you associate with, and what you do.

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,for non-profit ministering purposes.



Author unknown

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But Jesus answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3-5

Saturday, February 10, 2007

The Reading of PSALM 23


There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man show of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23. Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -- "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" -- the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind, if tonight, I recite Psalm 23?"

The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and to stand front and center on the stage to recite the psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent. With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm.


When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"

The young man humbly replied, "Well, sir, you know the Psalm...but I know the Shepherd."


It makes all the difference.


AMEN AND AMEN!!

Friday, February 09, 2007

THE RACE

RUN THE RACE

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24




I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14



Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye,
"There's no sense running anymore... three strikes and I'm out... why try?"
The will to rise has disappeared, all hope had fled away, so far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.

"I've lost, so what's the use", he thought "I'll live with my disgrace."
But then he thought about his dad who soon he'd have to face.
Get up, an echo sounded low, get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, so get up and win the race.
With Borrowed will, "Get up!", It said, "You haven't lost at all,
for winning is more than this, to rise each time you fall."

So he rose to win once more, and with new commitment
he resolved to win or lose, at least he wouldn't quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he'd ever been,
still he gave it all he had, and ran as though to win.
Three times he'd fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.
To far behind, no hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner as he crossed.
First place, head high and proud and happy, no falling, no disgrace.
But when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place,
the crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last, with head bow low, unproud.
You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said, "I didn't do so well".
To me, you won, his father said, you rose each time you fell.

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
"Quit! Give up, you're beaten," they will shout in my face.
But another voice within me says, "Get up and win that race!"


Author Unknown


Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7,8


Wednesday, February 07, 2007

"Recipe for Kindness"




Fold two hands together
And express a dash of sorrow
Marinate it overnight
And work on it tomorrow.

Chop one grudge in tiny pieces
Add several cups of love
Dredge with a large sized smile
Mix with the ingredients above.

Dissolve the hate within you,
By doing a good deed
Cut in and help your friend
If he should be in need.

Stir in laughter, love an kindness
From the heart it has to come,
Toss with genuine forgiveness
And give your neighbor some.

The amount of people served
Will depend on you,
It can serve the whole wide world,
If you really want it to.


Author Unknown