Hope and Inspiration

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Comment by Kelly P on November 18, 2009 at 7:51am

Hi Nora and everyone! I have been busy finding more work from home stuff. There is an awful lot of scams out there and it is kind of discouraging sometimes, but I also know there are some real businesses with integrity and that's what I have been looking for for quite some time. I also have been working on building a web site to market a business management tool with the company I have worked with for 5 1/2 years, and also working my Health and Life Insurance business. In addition I have been scouring the landscape for an Administrative career, so I am sorry I have been letting so much time go by in between my postings. I love you all and think of you often. I also pray for you and yours.

Nora, I pray all is well with your Dad and that it continues to become better and better. We all know that with our God all things are possible, and that is exactly what I heard back from you in your Dad's situation. I can't tell you how encouraging that is. It is always so great to hear how God can bring us through such things when we give it ALL to Him.

Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are God. That you love us and keep us. I ask you Lord to continue to draw us near and help us to grow our faith daily. Lord, I ask for Wisdom for every day. I pray I will bless you each day with my thoughts, my words, actions and choices. And, Lord I pray the same for my husband, children, family members, friends including the members of Hope and Inspiration.

Thank you Lord, for you are great and greatly to be praised!

Comment by pam watson on November 18, 2009 at 7:08am

Like the song says Life is GREAT and Getting Better. just by beleiveing and waiting on his time not ours.

Comment by pam watson on November 18, 2009 at 7:07am

Yes I am rejoicing with you. Thank You Lord in Jesus name I pray. Love You AMEN

Comment by Leonora on November 18, 2009 at 6:37am

Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy and wonderful name!

Family, are you rejoicing with me?

This is the day that the Lord has made,
and I am going to rejoice because He lives!

Comment by Leonora on November 17, 2009 at 2:36pm

Hello Kelly and everyone!

I have been trying to get in here for two days,
Aol would not work for some reason?

I am glad to be able to see how my Hope & Inspiration
Family is doing?

Kelly I have printed off your wonderful devotions and
I am looking forward to readying them tonight!

Are you all o.k.?

I miss you all so much, as I am now able
to take it easy for a bit.

This is another one of my short breaks for the
month.

I thank God daily for each and every one of you
and for all the prayers and support.

I lifted up your names today, as I asked God the Father
to bless you right where you are in a mighty way!

Please know that I am always an e-mail away!

I love you and my God keep and bless you until
I post again!

Kelly, just to let you know; You are truly a Child of the Living God we
serve.. I Love you and everyone here at Hope and Inspiration!

Have you heard from the others?

Comment by Kelly P on November 12, 2009 at 9:21am

Every Day Light
written by Selwyn Hughes
November 8

Pharisaism in overalls
Luke 18:9-14
"... I thank you that I am not like other men ..." (v.11)
The fruit of the Spirit is not something that is achieved or manufactured, but something that is experienced as we abide in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to produce in us the lineaments of Christ's character.
Many people have equated the sanctified life with keeping an ethical code, but the ethical code is not the source of sanctification but the result of it. If the path of ethical achievement is achieved by self-effort alone, then the person who achieves it comes to have pride in his achievement and falls prey to the sin of Pharisaism. Those who keep the ethical code by self-effort have a taut will and, though they might not realize it, they lapse into the sin of independence -- depending on themselves and not on God. People who struggle to exude goodness have a metallic ring about them -- they appear stern and rigid and have about them the atmosphere of a moral athlete. Those whose goodness is not imposed, but exposed from their deep relationship with the Lord, are sweetly human and exude the character of Christ.

A similar error is made by those who say they have been "doing good turns all their lives." Someone has said that this type of attitude is "the sin of Pharisaism in overalls." Self is very much at the center. It is tainted, not because the "good turns" are evil, but because they are prompted by the self-regarding principle -- I am doing them in my own way for my ends. How deeply this disease of self-interest takes hold on us! It is in you and it is in me. Recognizing it, however, is the first step toward curing it.

Prayer:

O Father, I see that when I strut through life in an attitude of arrogance and pride, I soon stumble. But when I surrender, I succeed. Help me to keep this perspective -- today and every day. Amen.
For Further Study
Col. 1:1-27; Eph. 3:16-19; John 17:23
1. What is "the hope of glory"?
2. What was Paul's prayer for the Ephesians?

Comment by Kelly P on November 12, 2009 at 9:20am

Bible Pathway Ministries
Read Acts 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The purpose of the Church (1:8). Band together, be still, pray, then God moves (1:13-14).
The power of the Holy Spirit (2:1-21). The message: Jesus, crucified, risen, exalted as Lord and Christ (2:22-36); Altar call (2:37-40); Results — the 1st Church (2:41-47). The message we should all share (3:18-26).

Following the ascension of our Lord into Heaven, about 120 disciples met in an upper room. . . . all continued with one accord in prayer. . . . Peter stood up . . . and said . . . this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled . . . concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. . . . it is written . . . his bishoprick (position) let another take (1:13-20). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter also revealed to those devoted disciples that they were actually witnessing the fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Joel over 700 years earlier: In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh (2:16-17; Joel 2:28-32).

Peter went on to say of Jesus: David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face . . . Therefore did my heart rejoice . . . Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (sheol/grave), neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One (Jesus) to see corruption. . . . Therefore being a prophet . . . He . . . spake of . . . Christ. . . .This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts: 2:25-35; Ps. 16:8-11; 110:1). To another crowd, Peter again quoted the Old Testament, saying: Moses truly said . . . A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up . . . Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say. . . . God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities (Acts 3:22,26; Deut. 18:15,18-19). Later, Peter quoted Psalm 118:22, showing that Christ, the Stone which was set at nought (rejected) is become the Head of the Corner (the Cornerstone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts: 4:11-12).

The Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament confirms the importance of knowing the Old Testament if we are to understand the New Testament. The Holy Spirit led him to write: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Thought for Today:

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).
Word Studies:

1:3 after His passion =b> after He had suffered death; 1:12 a Sabbath day's journey =b> a little over one-half mile which was the extent a Jew was to travel from home on the Sabbath; 2:27 leave My soul in hell =b> forsake Me in the grave (Sheol).
Cross References:

For Acts 1:20: See Ps. 69:25; 109:8. Acts 2:17-21: See Joel 2:28-32. Acts 2:25-28: See Ps. 16:8-11. Acts 2:34-35: See Ps. 110:1. Acts 3:22-23: See Deut. 18:15,18-19. Acts 3:25: See Gen. 12:3; 22:18.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Government Official: Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) • Country: Kyrgyzstan (4.7 million) eastern central Asia • Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian • Religious freedom • 75% Muslim; 20% Russian Orthodox; 5% Other (Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant) • Prayer Suggestion: Exalt the Lord, for He is holy (Ps. 99:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:25

Comment by Kelly P on November 12, 2009 at 9:19am

Daily Word Power Point from Dr. Jack Graham
Who is your neighbor?

November 10, 2009

..."You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbor as yourself."

--Luke 10:27

Who is your neighbor? That was a good question in Jesus' day, and it remains an important one today.

Now, you and I might be tempted to think of a neighbor as someone who lives close to us. But let me challenge your thinking along the lines that Jesus challenged the rich young lawyer in Luke 10.

In his encounter with Jesus, a man asked the Lord, "Who is my neighbor?" He knew he was required to love God and to love his neighbor as himself. So he wanted to know specifically who it was that he was required to love.

But Jesus saw that the man was thinking law, not love. So he told him the story of a Samaritan man who went above and beyond to help a complete stranger whom he found dying along the road to Jericho.

This parable provided the ultimate answer to the question, "Who is your neighbor?" Jesus said that your neighbor is anyone who has a need that you can help meet!

This was a defining moment in the life of the young lawyer, and this new understanding had the power to change his life. Will you let it change yours?

Love God with all your heart, and show his love and kindness to the hurting people around you... your neighbors... wherever you find them.

YOUR NEIGHBOR IS ANYONE WHO HAS A NEED THAT YOU HELP MEET!

Comment by Kelly P on November 12, 2009 at 9:18am

This is from yesterday, Veterans Day

Love Worth Finding Ministries with Adrian Rogers
Daily Devotional

NOVEMBER 11

Remembering Those Who Have Sacrificed for Us
"And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place." Exodus 13:3

Each year on Veteran's Day, November 11, Americans remember those brave-hearted souls who fought and gave their lives so that you and I would have the rights and privileges of living in a free country.

Remembering is important. In fact, God instructs His people on many occasions in the Old Testament to remember from whence they came and to remember His providence. It is by the mighty hand of God that we are saved, we are protected, and we are free to live in the Land of the Brave. Never take that freedom for granted, my friend. It is a precious commodity for which the world hungers, and it is a powerful charge for you and me to protect.

Do you know of someone in your life who has served in the armed forces of this country? Make it a point this week to express to them your gratitude for their service.

Comment by Kelly P on November 12, 2009 at 9:10am

In all my busyness I read this Daily Devotional and see what it means to me. Hmmm, yes, it has great meaning for me. I have been too busy to get the Daily Devotionals posted (also was down with a migraine, but only for about a day and 1/2). Reading these devotionals always gives me things to think about and apply to my life. Here ya' go. They are really goodies.

Encouragement for Today by Proverbs 31 Ministries

November 12, 2009

Please Interrupt Me
Lysa TerKeurst

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Devotion:
I wonder if the greatest witnessing tool available to us Christians is often pushed aside because of our busyness.

The other day I was focused on all the items on my seemingly never ending to do list. As I was sitting at a stoplight a friend called me and started lamenting that her son had forgotten his lunch and his belt required by the school's uniform policy. She was stressed and trying to get in touch with her husband who'd just dropped her son off at school. She was at home with a new baby feeling groggy from a sleepless night and overwhelmed by her situation.

Her son could probably get his friends to share their lunches with him. But, the belt would be a problem. The school would call her when they noticed the missing belt and require her to bring one. She lives over 20 minutes from the school.

As I sat at the stoplight listening to my friend, I looked to the store off to my right. That store has belts. That store has lunch food. I was faced with a decision. Could I help? Well, I could but my schedule would have to be rearranged a bit. Would I help? My friend wasn't asking but in that moment I knew it would be a tremendous blessing for her.

This day I wouldn't let my busyness take precedence over the blessing of divine interruptions and opportunities to love. So, I helped.

I don't know this for sure but I suspect my friend had been asking Jesus to please help her. It's hard being up half the night with a sleepless baby. It's hard to find a new normal when life gets a little off kilter by changes in the family dynamic. It's hard when you need help but feel like everyone is so busy you hate to bother them.

Now, I'll admit, I'm a task-oriented person so it doesn't come naturally for me to look for ways to be interrupted in the midst of my busyness. But sitting at that stoplight, I realized the power of pausing. Pausing just long enough for Jesus to tap on the edge of my heart and say, "Could you? Would you? Do this as if it's the most important part of your day and not an unwelcome interruption."

The Bible teaches one of the most important precepts is love. When we love others we are living the message of Jesus. And listen to what Psalm 19:8 says, "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

Oh how many times have I missed the joy of pausing to live and love and light the world for Jesus?

Dear Lord, help me to pause today and remember my great witnessing tool is to simply be available to love others. Show me where I can love. Make me courageous enough to step aside my carefully planned to do list and look for ways to be an answer to the prayers someone has prayed today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa's blog for a fun contest to win a gift for you and one to share with a friend!

Speaking of friends... we'd like to invite you to the girlfriend's get-away of a lifetime! Join Lysa TerKeurst, Karen Kingsbury, Angela Thomas, Renee Swope and some other gals from Proverbs 31 Ministries for the Girl's Getaway Cruise in 2010! It's surprisingly affordable and just the getaway we girls need to get recharged and refocused. For more information, click here.

And if you are looking for a great Bible Study to do with your girlfriends, Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst is a great one to consider.

Application Steps:
Spend some time praying about an opportunity to be interrupted today. Remember when the interruptions come...connect them with the prayer you prayed and enjoy your experience of God.

Reflections:
Is there anyone in my life that is currently going through some changes where I could practically lend a hand?

How can I create some more white space in my life to make myself more available to help others?

Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 15:7-8, "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs." (NIV)

Psalm 19:8, "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (NIV)


© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

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