Deep thanks for everyone's concern and prayers ...
We hope to return home Saturday.
Extremely grateful our house appears to be intact, especially after seeing so many who have endured loss of property, many now homeless and without the huge sums of money needed to rebuild.
This has really messed up my praying.
I am not doubting God nor losing faith in prayer.
Just having trouble knowing how to thank God in a way that would not make me distrust or hate God if I heard that prayer while my house were not spared.
If I credit god for diverting the storm in an unexpected direction to bless me, does that mean God overlooked my cousin (damage to his home) or our friends (lifelong missionaries of the Church) in Fort Myers?
I am remembering afresh that faith, prayer, and life with God are rooted in both truth (there are some things we can know for certain) and mystery (there are some things we will never fully comprehend in this life).
I know the Spirit is leading me on is to expose blind spots, weak areas, and incorrect applications of biblical truths that infect my faith.
Recognizing answers, as well intentioned as they might be, that are simplistic is a part of that journey. I know Jesus wants to strip away the explanations I have created and replace them with the simple but radical truth of Scripture.
The Spirit is stirring up good-trouble.
#ItSeemsToMe...That's good.
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Why #ReimagineCHURCH…?
Because many congregations are using rotary phone mind-sets and methods in a touchtone age (digital; texting; video).
The http://Reimagine.Network was created to help you make the mindshift .
“In the decades after 1963, rotary dials were gradually phased out on new telephone models in favor of keypads and the primary dialing method to the central office became touchtone dialing, but most central office systems still support rotary telephones today.”
John 17 BSB
Prayer for the Son
1When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. 4I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.
Prayer for the Disciples
6I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. 8For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
9I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours. 10All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine; and in them I have been glorified. 11I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You.
Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one. 12While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
13But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them. 14I have given them Your word and the world has hated them; for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. 18As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify Myself, so that they too may be sanctified by the truth.
Prayer for All Believers
20I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— 23I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.
24Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. 26And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Giving our burdens to the Lord, from Sally McClung's blog
https://floydandsally.com/blog/2022/8/12/our-faithful-burden-bearer
In dealing with unanswered prayers, it was shared at her memorial service that Joy Dawson said "I will not insult God with unbelief." I've been "chewing" on that. It's a simple statement, but a very profound one. God never promised us that He'd answer every single prayer we uttered, but He has promised us over and over again in the Word that we can have friendship, fellowship, and intimacy with Him. However, that relationship with Him will be hindered if our hearts are filled with any unbelief.
One of my treasures from the last 8 difficult years is the precious fellowship I've had with the Lord. I've had to cling to Him in the midst of the difficulties and challenges. He has been my Rock, my Anchor, my Shelter as I've walked through the storms. He has held my hand, He has whispered encouragement into my heart, and He has guided my steps when I've not known the way to go. His mercies have been new every morning. His power has been made perfect in my utter weakness. His grace has been more than sufficient for every need. He has filled my heart so full to overflowing with His goodness that there is no room for doubt or unbelief. He has been so, so good to me!
When we don't see immediate answers to prayer - or even more importantly, answers to prayers that we have lifted up for months, even years - the enemy loves to come and whisper his lies in our ears. Lies that God doesn't care, and that He's incapable of answering our prayers. He'll say it in subtle ways, but he'll do his best to lure us away from the Father. That's why we have to continually press into the Lord in our relationship - come what may! We can't allow any opening, any foothold for unbelief to enter in.
A powerful protection is proclaiming the promises of the Word - declaring them to ourselves and to the enemy. I have found that singing songs of worship of who God is lifts my emotions and my spirit when I'm feeling low. Speaking and singing the truth of who God is defeats the whispers of the enemy.....and fills any crack where unbelief could enter in.
I can't honestly say right at this moment that I would willingly go through these last difficult years again - the pain is a little too fresh still I think. But I can say with absolute sureness that I wouldn't have wanted to miss the richness of fellowship that has come as I've had to press into the Lord over and over again in the midst of the pain. The intimacy with Him is a precious gift that I wouldn't have wanted to miss. I am beyond grateful for His closeness.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:3,4
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:5
With promises such as these, there is no room for any unbelief in our hearts. God is good and faithful and will be by our side whatever we face!
I was chatting with a friend this week about the burdens on our hearts. Between us we had a number of burdens we are carrying - for family and for friends. Needs. Concerns. Problems we're trying to solve. Anxieties. Decisions. Protection. Difficulties. Trials. Loss. Illness. Grief. Financial hardship. Trauma. Broken relationships. Marital tensions. The list is long - the weights seem heavy.
We then began to talk about giving our burdens to the Lord. He tells us to do that. He knows we can't carry them - it's too much for us. Every day, sometimes several times a day, I give my burdens to the Lord. I speak them out, one by one. I confess to the Lord how they weigh me down. I ask Him to take them from my heart and mind. When they come back - I give them to Him again.
Some years ago I was so heavy hearted with burdens. I gave them to the Lord, but they would bounce back into my heart and into my thinking. I read the verse about "casting our burdens" on the Lord. As an physical act of what I was doing spiritually, I took a small throw pillow and threw it across the room. It was symbolic to me of what I was wanting to do in giving my burdens to the Lord. Every time I was tempted to take them back, I remembered throwing that pillow. :)
I'm so grateful that the Lord invites us to give our burdens to Him. His shoulders are big enough to carry our cares! And He clearly invites us, instructs us even, to give them to Him. He cares for us and doesn't want us carrying the burdens.
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for us." 1 Peter 5:7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
"Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." Romans 8:28
There have been times when I've felt like one of those big cargo ships with hundreds of containers stacked on it. My burdens felt so big, so numerous, so heavy. Then I realized I'm carrying them, and not giving them to the Lord.
At other times I've felt like I'm trying to walk in a mud pit, but I'm not getting anywhere. Or running a never-ending marathon. Any of these types of feelings reveal that we're not giving our burdens to the Lord. They are robbing us of joy, peace, and freedom.
I take time to mention each burden, speak it out, as I give it to the Lord. I quote the verses where God tells us to give Him our burdens. There have been times when I can feel the weights being lifted from my heart and mind as I do this. He is a faithful burden bearer. He wants us to give our burdens to Him. I'm so grateful for that!
A letter to those who contribute to my ministry (which includes The Reimagine.Network). . .
I am looking at a stack of books and magazines, piled high on my worktable.
Every 6-8 weeks I ship a box of books I've received as review copies from publishers for my interviews. I also include about a dozen copies of the latest "Outreach Magazine" the publisher mails me to share with pastors. Plus booklets and newsletters from ministries that equip pastors in prayer and disciple making. And a file of articles and teaching templates I have written and posted on The Reimagine.Network (the home of Pray.Network, Discipleship.Network, National Pastors' Prayer Network, and Loving Our Communities to Christ).
My hope is that each recipient will find something to read that prompts them to reset how they approach a specific aspect of their ministry.
I also hope they will share the resources with their congregational leaders and other pastors in their community.
Together, we are placing a bag of seeds in someone's hand who can scatter those seeds onto other soil.
May I invite you to pray?
Ask the Lord to use this simple action to multiply the number of leaders we equip.
1:1: Jesus talking with Peter 1:3: Jesus in the garden with Peter, James, and John1:12: Jesus with the disciples 1:72: Jesus commissioning outreach teams of two1:120: The rooftop congregation 1:5,000: A hungry crowd
Like your financial support, your prayer partnership empowers us to reach our goal to engage and equip 10,000 Christ serving leaders.
With much thankfulness,
Phil Miglioratti
The Reimagine.Network
#ReimaginePRAYER...with two words.
#ReimaineCITIES...with prayer
Impacting Communities and Cities Through Prayer
"I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees Thee." - Job 42:5
This is the best Christmas greeting sent to me this year. It reserves the word “Merry” for those who celebrate the winter solstice. For what reason should mankind be merry that the Word had to become flesh?
Years ago, to save advertising costs, the promoters of “Merry Commerce” took Christ out of “Xmas.” Christ has now been restored, if only in the vernacular.
But Evanlogically, has Christ actually been restored to the hearts of people? This could be aided by changing the name and date Christ’s Birth is remembered:
The Commemoration of Christ’s Birth, held annually on Worldwide Communion Day.
But as it was in the beginning… organized religion opposes change to its centuries-old practices. Perhaps those who run the business of organized religion could have their hearts softened by a former commercial business practice: taking something out of Christmas.
Drop the “Merry” for something less gruesome, more befitting honoring our Redeemer for what the Birth of Christ meant… and means.
Listen to the PODCAST or
Read the BLOG POST here!
A Facebook friend posted a Christian music video. The comment accompanying this video was, “There's always time to recommit your Christmas to Jesus. How will you make room for Him in your celebration this year?”
Yes, there's always time to recommit your Christmas to Jesus. Yet humans often have enough trouble with simple commitment, let alone recommitment. Organized religion is not helpful in this.
Nearly 1700 years ago, Christmas was officially set as December 25th. It was hoped this winter solstice feast timing would encourage pagans to commit to Christ.
Over the centuries pagan traditions infiltrated Christmas: fir trees, house decorating and gift giving, etc. The Christmas season morphed exponentially, of late, into holiday shopping season. Thus, humans are now overcommitted. For Believers it is worse. They have ONE extra commitment non-believers do not.
Leaders of organized religion themselves greet others with a hearty Merry Christmas. If one thinks about this Evanlogically, that greeting is, at best, gruesome. Gaiety toward the impending slaughter to “save our bacon?” Talk about Matthew 7:6!
Believers pray, “… lead us not into temptation…” yet that is where organized religion allows them to stray at Christmas. I pray for religious leaders to “…deliver them from evil…” by changing the name of, and date for, the remembrance of this Birth.
The real question is, “Will organized religion facilitate believers making room for Him in COMMEMORATING THE REASON FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST next year?
Reduce the flock’s over commitment. The date to start doing that is October 2, 2022, Worldwide Communion Day.
Then the question becomes, “Will the National Council of Churches facilitate believers making room for Him by COMMEMORATING THE REASON FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST on October 2, 2022?
My current pastor shared a Christmas poem called: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Manger. If you'd like to view it, just click on the link.
So, I sent Bill the following message:
Was this a parody? I sensed the meter of the secular poem, “The night Before Christmas.”
Would it be OK with you if this poem were shared with the 1st Evanlogical Church congregation when they Commemorate the Reason for the Birth of Christ?
You could present it yourself! The Commemoration will be held Sunday, October 2, 2022 in conjunction with Worldwide Communion Day.
1st Evanlogical Church of Open Your Eyes, Look Around and Pay Attention.
Located in the forest through the trees.
Seekers of needles in hay stacks welcome.
If you make a grievous mistake, then realize it, shouldn’t you correct it?
Organized religion made such a mistake when it officially set December 25th as Christmas. This overlapped a pagan feast, now called the winter solstice.
Over the succeeding centuries, Christmas was infiltrated by pagan practices. Fir trees were incorporated in the 16th century. Father Christmas arrived in the latter part of the 19th century.
Christmas became commercialized early in the 20th century. Later “Xmas” was used to reduce advertising costs for merchants. Near the end of that century, what was now called holiday shopping season expanded. It now encroaches on the 4th of July.
This 1700 year-old tradition, Christmas, is annually buried under pagan based, secular commotion. Each year Christians participate in this procession: a funeral procession that is reburying Christ.
It’s time for Christianity to confess its Christ dishonoring error. It’s time for Christianity to correct its conduct. It’s time for Christianity to commemorate, not “celebrate,” the reason that Christ had to be born on earth. A more Honoring time would be the first Sunday in October – Worldwide Communion day.
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/RichardHSkibaJr
A triolet related to Hosea 6:1–3
by Salvatore Anthony Luiso
Return, and follow on to know the LORD:
And He shall come unto us as the rain.
Come, bow before Him who should be adored:
Return, and follow on to know the LORD.
Come, seek His face; come, be refreshed, restored:
Leave all our sin as loss, take God as gain.
Return, and follow on to know the LORD:
And He shall come unto us as the rain.
Contrary to congregational opinion, Evanlogicals do not hate December holidays.
Christians say that Christ is the reason for the season. Evanlogicals hear that. Amen! Opening their eyes, looking around and paying attention, however, Evanlogicals wonder if the Christian slogan rings True.
You better think
When you go out on that shopping spree
Yeah, think
Think about it Evanlogically
Christ’s message would come through more clearly if we separated the commemoration of the birth of Christ from the winter solstice holiday shopping season.
People at the mall every day
Buying gift cards at the stores
With time getting short, they lose focus
Ah, be careful you don't lose yours
We shouldn’t be trying to fool God as to what we’re actually doing this time of year. He can see for himself.
You better think
Hanging ornaments upon that tree
Think
Think about it Evanlogically
Paraphrasing the Bible, let’s render unto the winter solstice that which is the winter solstice’s. Then render unto God that which is God’s – on Worldwide Communion day. That is closer to a possible time of the year for the Birth of Christ anyway.
There’s no Scriptural prohibition on shopping for gifts in December or even having parties. Just don’t worship any sun gods.
Then Christians could sincerely wish everybody a merry commerce without any spiritual guilt whatsoever.
Contrary to congregational opinion, Evanlogicals do not hate December holidays.
Christians say that Christ is the reason for the season. Evanlogicals hear that. Amen! Opening their eyes, looking around and paying attention, however, Evanlogicals wonder if the Christian slogan rings True.
You better think
When you go out on that shopping spree
Yeah, think
Think about it Evanlogically
Christ’s message would come through more clearly if we separated the commemoration of the birth of Christ from the winter solstice holiday shopping season.
People at the mall every day
Buying gift cards at the stores
With time getting short, they lose focus
Ah, be careful you don't lose yours
We shouldn’t be trying to fool God as to what we’re actually doing this time of year. He can see for himself.
You better think
Hanging ornaments upon that tree
Think
Think about it Evanlogically
Paraphrasing the Bible, let’s render unto the winter solstice that which is the winter solstice’s. Then render unto God that which is God’s – on Worldwide Communion day. That is closer to a possible time of the year for the Birth of Christ anyway.
There’s no Scriptural prohibition on shopping for gifts in December or even having parties. Just don’t worship any sun gods.
Then Christians could sincerely wish everybody a merry commerce without any spiritual guilt whatsoever.
What Did Jesus Do?
and what can we do?
by Alan Doswald
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”
Hebrews 10:24NIV
Several years ago, people had bracelets and bumper stickers that said “WWJD”-what would Jesus do? It might be better to ask, “What did Jesus do?” We don’t have to wonder about that. In His keynote address Jesus told us what He came to do:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19NIV
James was anointed or set apart by God to do these 4 things:
- To preach good news to the poor.
- To proclaim freedom for the prisoners.
- To bring recovery of sight for the blind.
- To release the oppressed.
The gospels tell us how Jesus did these things.
He preached good news to the poor.
He shared good news with a despised Samaritan woman that changed her life and her entire community. He also started his most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount with, “blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20NIV He preached good news to the harassed and helpless-the lost. (Matthew 9:35) Jesus loves the poor-in fact the first people to hear about Jesus coming were very poor-the shepherds.
He proclaimed freedom for the prisoners.
Jesus delivered several people that were possessed by demons. In one town, Jesus freed 2 men from bondage to demons and in doing so, he freed their town from having to put up with them (Matthew 8). He also freed a woman caught in adultery from a death sentence (John 8). Even on the cross, he gave freedom to a dying criminal and said he would see him in paradise (Luke 23:43). Jesus freed those trapped in many types of bondage.
He provided recovery of sight for the blind.
He healed people who were physically blind (Matthew 9, Mark 8, John 9). One of them was challenged by enemies of Jesus and said in reply, “one thing I do know, I was blind, but now I see” (John 9:25NIV). What a testimony! Jesus also made one man blind, then restored his sight and gave him his marching orders-the Apostle Paul.
He released the oppressed.
In Mark 1, a leper came to Jesus and asked to be made clean. Lepers were the most oppressed group in that day-totally excluded from society. Jesus had compassion on him, touched him and healed him. By the way, no one touched lepers. In Luke 7, Jesus forgave and restored a sinful woman, who was oppressed by those around her. Jesus told her “your faith has saved you, go in peace” Luke 7:50NIV.
As followers of Jesus what can we do as we follow Jesus and His example? 1 John 2:6NIV says, “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” As children, many of us played “follow the leader”. Let’s never stop following our leader. Acts 10:38NIV says that Jesus went around doing good. We can do that.
We can preach good news to the poor.
They’re all around us, even people with lots of money, can be poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). Look around you-your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow students. Ask God to open your eyes to their poverty. A few years ago I got to know an elderly man across the street. In time we became friends and he learned I was a minister. He asked to be born again and baptized. Later he told me “this is the moment I’ve been waiting for my entire life.” It’s good news.
We can proclaim freedom for prisoners.
One night, years ago, I got a call from a friend that I knew was an alcoholic. He was in the hospital and he told me he had been an alcoholic for many years and couldn’t stop drinking. He asked me if God could help and I said yes. I immediately took him a Bible and led him to Christ. God freed him that night and he never took another drink. I know that it doesn’t always work like that, but God has the power to free people from addictions of all kinds. We can lead people to freedom.
We can provide recovery of sight for the blind.
Blindness is both physical and spiritual. In 2 Corinthians 4:4NIV it says that Satan blinds the eyes of unbelievers so they can’t see the light of the Gospel. We can shine our light into their darkness and help the blind to see. John Newton, a former slave ship captain, wrote a song called Amazing Grace that said “I once was blind, but now I see.” Do you know people who are blind?
We can release the oppressed.
The oppressed are those who suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin. Do you know people who are abused, neglected, bullied, left out, lonely, lost? You can, help free them from their oppression by simply loving and befriending them. Every child in school can befriend someone who is lonely and left out-it will change their life. Even during COVID, people are only a phone call away.
One thing Jesus did that we can’t do is to atone for our sins. Jesus was called, “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29NIV). The Bible says that Jesus would save His people from their sins, which is the very thing that can change our lives forever. We can follow Jesus and serve others as Jesus did. Jesus said that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for others. Let’s be followers of Jesus and serve others.
“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16NIV
black hole - Hubble Telescope image
They think the whole world revolves around them!
EZEKIEL 38:12 NLT
Rabbi Hillel asked a good question in Ethics of the Fathers:
“If I am only for myself, who am I?”
Selfishness runs counter to My will, and isolates you from others.
The earth is not the center of the universe—the Eternal One is.
Earthly-mindedness is limiting and worrisome.
Go about your business, ignoring Mine, and you will go spiritually bankrupt.
The sun is not the center of the universe—the Son of God is.
The Light of the World illuminates the Way to the Truth of Life.
The Sun of Righteousness holds everything together, including you.
The north star is not the center of the universe—the Bright Morning Star is.
The Creator of the cosmos directs the traffic patterns of the galaxies.
The Star-Maker inspires hope in the darkest night of your soul.
You are not the center of the universe—I am.
Self-centeredness is laughable and sinful.
Egocentricity breeds lust, impurity, greed, idolatry, anger, and slander.
Egomaniacs eventually self-destruct—they love themselves to death.
Arrogant enough to take a do-it-yourself approach to life?
Self-righteous to the point of taking center stage and claiming holiness?
Convinced you are strong enough to handle any problem you may face?
Smart enough to figure out all the enigmas of the world?
Bragging you have it made, the world wrapped around your finger?
Christ-centeredness alone is eternally significant.
Find a nobler purpose—honoring your Savior in all you do.
Enjoy greater pleasure—celebrating the joy of His company.
Experience higher power—surviving difficulties by His grace.
Celebrate greater purity—thinking your Master’s thoughts.
Live His way—beyond yourself.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 288, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
You boasted proudly against me, and I have heard it all!
EZEKIEL 35:13 NLT
When you talk big, you think small.
Are you actually arrogant enough to claim that—
by your power you have accomplished great feats?
by your wisdom you have figured out the riddle of the universe?
by your intelligence and strategy you have conquered the evil one?
by your hard work you have built a financial nest egg?
by your rebellion you have found your own way?
Are you really insolent enough to pit yourself against the Almighty?
Are you conceited enough to feel stronger than the Omnipotent Creator?
Are you egocentric to the point of believing you can do-it-yourself?
The essence of sin is attempting to live independently of Me.
Unchecked pride will cause you to foolishly repeat Lucifer’s folly—
exalting yourself and claiming to be greater than the Creator;
trusting your ingenuity instead of the Sustainer of the universe;
feeling stronger than the One who whispered stars into existence.
If you strut, you will stumble—if you brag, you will blush—
if you carry on, you will get carried away.
I am in heaven and you are on earth—keep your words to a minimum.
Do not multiply words—be quiet and realize that I am God.
Avoid high-sounding speeches, designed to impress others—
they do not impress Me!
Thank Me for My unfailing love—My mercy that forgives sin,
My grace that helps you endure, My patience that encourages faith.
Worship Me all the time—sing My praises in sunshine and shadow.
Honor Me with all you are—boast only of the cross of My Son.
If you want to brag, brag about the great things I have done for you.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 287, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
My book, SIGNS, is out!
Please pray with me for God to use it as He desires
"SIGNS: Stories highlighting the signs recorded in The Gospel of John," is available to buy on Amazon.
You will not yet find SIGNS there, but you can see all of my published books on my Amazon Author Page, Amazon Author Central
