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Oct 29, 2009, 5:20:28 PM10/29/09
to Eternal Ink
ETERNAL INK
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The articles within this publication remain the copyrights of the
authors.
Any permission to reproduce any article, in any format, must be
granted
by the author.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Editor-in-Chief of Eternal Ink - Mary-Ellen Grisham -
eternal...@yahoo.com
Administrative Editor - David Davis - cyber.an...@hotmail.com
Devotions Editor - Pat Earl - brian...@sympatico.ca
Features Editor - Carl Phillips - CarlP...@aol.com
Special Materials Editor - Ivie Bozeman - iv...@rose.net
Poetry Editor - Elizabeth (Betty) Pearson - roy...@sbcglobal.net
Eternal Ink Google Group - http://groups.google.com/group/eternal-ink
Eternal Ink Blog - http://eternalinkblog.wordpress.com/
ISSN#: 1528-9605
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Table of Contents
1) Mary-Ellen's Note
2) Devotion
3) Poetry
4) Feature
5) Christian Living
6) This n' That
7) Inspiration
8) Closing Words
ISSN#: 1528-9605
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1) Mary-Ellen's Note
As we consider the sixth church to receive a message from the Spirit
in Revelations 2-3, we realize that the Church in Philadelphia is a
good church, practically without fault. Even though the church has
little strength, the only mentioned weakness, they have kept Jesus'
word and never denied His name.
The aspect of Christ that speaks to this church is described in
Revelation 3:7: "These are the words of him who is holy and true,
who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and
what he shuts no one can open."
It is interesting to speculate that the key held by David was God's
favor, favor that made him a King, favor that pardoned great sin,
and favor that put him in the lineage leading to Christ. As a man
after God's own heart, David embodied the human struggle that
stretches toward God, thus fulfilling God's image in man and
anticipating the perfect man-God to come, Jesus Christ,
Because of their deeds, Jesus has placed an open door before
the church of Philadelphia which no one can shut. This church has
found favor with God perhaps in much the same way David did.
While not perfect, they hold fast to their faith in Jesus; their
first
love remains. They have "endured patiently."
The Spirit mentions a number of rewards for this church. Those
who follow Satan will bow down to them and acknowledge that
they are loved by Christ. They will be excused from "the hour of
trial" which will test the whole world. Those who overcome and
remain faithful will be a pillar in the temple of God and will remain
therein. These faithful will bear the name of God, the name of the
city of God, and the new name of Jesus.
Perhaps, then, those churches who patiently remain faithful even
with weakness or little strength will find God's power made perfect
in them in much the same way that Paul found God's power made
perfect in him-- even with his "thorn in the flesh" that kept him
humble and aware of the threat of evil. (Second Corinthians 12:7-10)
The churches blessed by God's grace will find that sufficient for
them.
They will maintain their first love of Jesus even in the face of
weaknesses, hardship, or persecution. Their light will shine to a
needy world reflecting the light of God's love and their praise of
Him.
Glory to God in the highest.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2) Devotion
Human For the Sake of Love
By Pat Earl
Last month, an e-friend of mine participated in a walk for the cure
for
ovarian cancer. She not only walked, but through her sponsors, raised
the highest amount of money. All this with a broken toe! Even though
her foot was complaining, she pressed on, thinking of the many
suffering women. As she is a cancer survivor, having come through
treatment a year ago, she can relate to those with ovarian cancer.
As I thought about my friend's accomplishment, my thoughts turned to
Jesus. When pondering our Lord's life, we think of Him as miracle
worker, authoritative preacher/teacher, God incarnate, our
resurrected
Savior. We rarely think of the human side of Jesus. The Bible tells
us
that He was fully God yet fully man.
It also says He can empathize with us because He suffered the same
things we do here on earth (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). He shared happy
times with friends (the wedding at Cana). He worked hard in the
carpenter shop alongside Joseph. He loved His mother, lived with
unbelieving siblings, and mourned when friends died.
Also, like my friend, He walked for the 'cure' of sinners. If we look
at
a map of the Holy Land at that time and trace His travels, we can get
an idea just how far Jesus walked during His three years of ministry.
I'm sure there were days when His sandal-shod feet were blistered
and sore. Yet, He persevered because He could relate to life on earth
where people lived with no knowledge of God and His saving grace.
Because He was human, Jesus felt pain. He knew what it was to be
hungry and thirsty as daily He traveled the dusty roads of Palestine.
He knew what it was to be tired, to have to stretch out in the bottom
of a boat, or sleep under the stars on rough ground. Jesus loved.
He loved so deeply that He set aside His heavenly comforts to come
and live among men. He gave His all for the 'cure' and we are the
blessed recipients. May we take time out of our busy schedules to
think about our Lord's selfless sacrifice and may we with all our
hearts thank Him for the arms of love that are wrapped around us,
guiding us toward our future heavenly home.
By Pat Earl
brian...@sympatico.ca
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3) Poetry
Night Light
By Elizabeth Pearson
In bed, a child's fears
May rise to great height
'Til mother comes in
and turns on the light!
The dark is dispelled-
(its visions of doom)
Illumination
now fills the black room!
Fearful is the heart
that knows only night
'Til Jesus come in,
shedding love's bright light!
Dark sin is erased
and wrongs changed to right.
"Turn on" the Bible
God's faithful
'night light.'
(c)Elizabeth Pearson
From her book, Points to Ponder:
Poetry and Prose to Challenge
the Mind and Heart, p. 31.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4) Feature
Candleholders
By Ivie Bozeman
When the bowl hit the floor cracking into several pieces, my heart
literally cracked too. This bowl was an heirloom, handed down to me
from my mother, who had inherited it from her mother's family. It was
not a pretty bowl, it had a few cracks and its age was evident, but it
was a serviceable bowl. It had been molded out of clay by a family
member. It had given many years of service and now, I had been the
one to break it.
As I picked up the pieces, I remembered Paul's words.
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light
shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory
of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of
clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from
us." 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NIV
Paul says we are like those jars or bowls of clay--fragile, chipped,
imperfect--exactly as God designed us to be. We show cracks and chips
as we age; and though fragile at the beginning, we become more fragile
as the years progress. God designed us that way so his grace could
shine through. We are each a vessel of his grace. He intended that
within his earthen vessels his truth could work and shine through. He
made us fragile like clay, not hard like cement.
When we are weak, God is strong in us. Our weakness is an opportunity
for his light to shine through. When we shatter, the Lord is there to
gather up the pieces. (I did gather up the pieces and attempted to
glue them back together, but it was still a broken bowl.) God does
not forsake us when we are broken; he continues to use us in even
greater ways to let his light shine through.
Genesis 32:24-31 tells us about Jacob's struggle and broken-ness:
"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
When the man saw that he could not over power him, he touched the
socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with
the man.
Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.'
But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'
The man asked him, 'What is your name?'
'Jacob,' he answered.
Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,
because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'"
After the man blessed him, Jacob called the place Peniel saying, "It
is because I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared."
"The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping
because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat
the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of
Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon."
When God touches our lives, he changes us. He gave Jacob a new name,
but he also gave him a limp that stayed with him for the rest of his
life. Here God did not heal him of his infirmity but gave him a
problem. Was this to humble him or make him more readily accessible
to God's call?
The Apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh." He prayed to God to
remove the thorn from him. God would not remove the thorn. Paul's
problem clearly caused him great anguish, but God did not see fit to
remove his problem:
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly
great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger
of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take
it away from me, but he said to me. 'My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2 Cor, 12:7-10
I took the glued together pieces of my heirloom bowl, which now had
visible holes where the pieces did not fit together, and used it as a
candle holder. The light shines through the cracks in the bowl and
lights up the darkness of the room I choose to use the candle in.
Even though our lives may seem to be shattered, or our bodies worn
from age, or we have thorns that God will not take away from us, that
doesn't mean he's through with us. The ugly clay bowl had been
serviceable for many years. It became even uglier after I shattered
it, but when the light shines through the cracks, it lights up the
darkness.
His light can still shine through our weaknesses; possibly, even more
greatly than before. He can make candle holders out of us, dispersing
light into other people's darkness...
(c)Ivie Bozeman
iv...@rose.net
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5) Christian Living
*~ Name it, Claim it ~*
By Joyce C. Lock
You have heard the expression 'Name it, Claim it.' Though we would
first
need to know the intent of one's heart, the phrase could imply the
Christian
version of a spoiled brat ... "I am your child. You owe me!"
It has been said that God is honor-bound to do as He said He would
do.
That statement is more correct than the first one. But, first, what
did He say?
God will love us in at least as many ways as He did the people of old:
"The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart
to all
generations." Psalm 33:11 (KJV)
"God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth
him,
and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." Acts 10:34-35 (KJV)
But, we do not get to pick out our favorite verse, stomp our feet, and
say,
"I want it, now!"
To claim what God has named, we first ask Him to give us direction in
our
situation. His promise, a Bible wisdom, or whatever answer to prayer
is
given will help us know where He would have us stand. Perhaps a
Bible
verse that touches our heart will let us know that it is God's desire
for us
also as our heart is where He dwells.
Then, once we have heard from God, we can claim it in full assurance
that
God will bring it to pass. Faith is not to be placed in our ability
to have
enough faith, or even in our ability to command. Faith is to be in
none
other than God, who promised He would never break His word, who will
love us beyond what we have yet imagined--because of who He is.
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that,
if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
1 John 5:14 (KJV)
He names it. Then, we claim it.
(c) by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
6) Christian Living Poetry
Finding it All
By Joyce C. Lock
We search to win life's battles, to climb Mount Everest,
To give our best in all we do, and let God do all the rest.
We learn of power, strength, and might - searching for victory;
Determining to not give up the fight, as it maps our destiny.
We search to be more Christ-like, in all we say and do,
And to reach out to help others by using the Master's tools.
We find, to overcome Satan and the storms that rage within,
When sea monsters come to shore, we can always run to Him.
We search for happiness (of a lasting kind)
And know that, even through trials, pure joy we can always find.
We search for Heaven's treasures. We fight the roaring sea.
We search for Peace, Hope, and Love - and find it all in Thee.
(c) by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
At the Heart of War - ISBN 1846020085
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7) This n' That
PLAY ON WORDS FOR CHRISTIAN FUN AND INSIGHT
By Elizabeth Pearson
My "HEART" Open to God
God must be honored (HE) by having an (EAR)open to (HEAR)ing His
Word, and (ART)iculating what I have heard from Him to others.
Make any sense?! It was fun anyway. Betty
THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS
By Mary-Ellen Grisham
When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1945, a manuscript
entitled the Gospel of Thomas (or the Sayings of Jesus) was found
also. If you do a search for this Gospel, you will find many sites.
I
would suggest you choose one that does not shape the gospel to a
point-of-view but rather just offers a translation of the manuscript.
Always our check of material is against the known truth of the
accepted Bible, but I find helpful insights from this lately found
gospel. Most of the words and ideas are in keeping with the rest of
New Testament Scripture, and I find a larger meaning coming from
the translation that truly gives me a powerful insight into Jesus'
aim
for our lives.
The idea of the Kingdom of Heaven being within and around us
along with the other ideas in this book suggests to me a complete
way of looking at my daily living. Just to the degree I have
difficulty
or problems with my relationships, it will be to that same degree
that
I have trouble understanding and applying God's truth. The more I
am able to cultivate inner peace because of outward harmony and
love with others, the more I will perceive God's truth and be a part
of
God's Kingdom. Our relationships with family, spouses, the church
Body, and others directly reflect our understanding of God's truth
and
our embodiment of the Kingdom in our lives. It is a stiff standard
to
realize that our actions do reflect our faith, and in a sense, create
the
judgment of our effective Christian living.
While all fall short and are saved by faith in Jesus and God's grace,
still we can press on to a higher standard in our day to day living.
The spirit of love, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is a steady guide for
us
as we move toward the best we can be. Our journey here will prepare
us for the peace and harmony in Heaven.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8) Closing Words
For years, I have thought that Jesus did for each of his disciples
just
what each needed to secure him in his faith. Jesus did not return to
His Father without loving care for each of His close followers. We
see evidence of this in the New Testament as he interprets ideas
and teaches His followers. I also see evidence of this loving care
for
Thomas in the Gospel that bears his name. Ever the slow-to-believe,
Thomas may have needed these further directions and assurances.
Praise the Lord for the love that will not let us go!
We truly hope that you have found blessing and inspiration in this
edition of Eternal Ink. If so, please share a copy with a friend or
non-believer.
To subscribe to Eternal Ink, send a blank email to
eternal_in...@associate.com
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to
eternal_ink...@associate.com
Until our next issue, may God bless you richly.
Blessings, Mary-Ellen
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WE ARE PLEASED TO BE PARTNERS WITH LIVING2SERVE AND
GRATEFUL TO THE ARKWEBS TEAM OF MINISTRIES FOR ALL
THEIR HELP.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The articles within this publication remain the copyrights of the
authors.
Any permission to reproduce any article, in any format, must be
granted
by the author.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Editor-in-Chief of Eternal Ink - Mary-Ellen Grisham -
eternal...@yahoo.com
Administrative Editor - David Davis - cyber.an...@hotmail.com
Devotions Editor - Pat Earl - brian...@sympatico.ca
Features Editor - Carl Phillips - CarlP...@aol.com
Special Materials Editor - Ivie Bozeman - iv...@rose.net
Poetry Editor - Elizabeth (Betty) Pearson - roy...@sbcglobal.net
Eternal Ink Google Group - http://groups.google.com/group/eternal-ink
Eternal Ink Blog - http://eternalinkblog.wordpress.com/
ISSN#: 1528-9605
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Table of Contents
1) Mary-Ellen's Note
2) Devotion
3) Poetry
4) Feature
5) Christian Living
6) This n' That
7) Inspiration
8) Closing Words
ISSN#: 1528-9605
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1) Mary-Ellen's Note
As we consider the sixth church to receive a message from the Spirit
in Revelations 2-3, we realize that the Church in Philadelphia is a
good church, practically without fault. Even though the church has
little strength, the only mentioned weakness, they have kept Jesus'
word and never denied His name.
The aspect of Christ that speaks to this church is described in
Revelation 3:7: "These are the words of him who is holy and true,
who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and
what he shuts no one can open."
It is interesting to speculate that the key held by David was God's
favor, favor that made him a King, favor that pardoned great sin,
and favor that put him in the lineage leading to Christ. As a man
after God's own heart, David embodied the human struggle that
stretches toward God, thus fulfilling God's image in man and
anticipating the perfect man-God to come, Jesus Christ,
Because of their deeds, Jesus has placed an open door before
the church of Philadelphia which no one can shut. This church has
found favor with God perhaps in much the same way David did.
While not perfect, they hold fast to their faith in Jesus; their
first
love remains. They have "endured patiently."
The Spirit mentions a number of rewards for this church. Those
who follow Satan will bow down to them and acknowledge that
they are loved by Christ. They will be excused from "the hour of
trial" which will test the whole world. Those who overcome and
remain faithful will be a pillar in the temple of God and will remain
therein. These faithful will bear the name of God, the name of the
city of God, and the new name of Jesus.
Perhaps, then, those churches who patiently remain faithful even
with weakness or little strength will find God's power made perfect
in them in much the same way that Paul found God's power made
perfect in him-- even with his "thorn in the flesh" that kept him
humble and aware of the threat of evil. (Second Corinthians 12:7-10)
The churches blessed by God's grace will find that sufficient for
them.
They will maintain their first love of Jesus even in the face of
weaknesses, hardship, or persecution. Their light will shine to a
needy world reflecting the light of God's love and their praise of
Him.
Glory to God in the highest.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2) Devotion
Human For the Sake of Love
By Pat Earl
Last month, an e-friend of mine participated in a walk for the cure
for
ovarian cancer. She not only walked, but through her sponsors, raised
the highest amount of money. All this with a broken toe! Even though
her foot was complaining, she pressed on, thinking of the many
suffering women. As she is a cancer survivor, having come through
treatment a year ago, she can relate to those with ovarian cancer.
As I thought about my friend's accomplishment, my thoughts turned to
Jesus. When pondering our Lord's life, we think of Him as miracle
worker, authoritative preacher/teacher, God incarnate, our
resurrected
Savior. We rarely think of the human side of Jesus. The Bible tells
us
that He was fully God yet fully man.
It also says He can empathize with us because He suffered the same
things we do here on earth (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). He shared happy
times with friends (the wedding at Cana). He worked hard in the
carpenter shop alongside Joseph. He loved His mother, lived with
unbelieving siblings, and mourned when friends died.
Also, like my friend, He walked for the 'cure' of sinners. If we look
at
a map of the Holy Land at that time and trace His travels, we can get
an idea just how far Jesus walked during His three years of ministry.
I'm sure there were days when His sandal-shod feet were blistered
and sore. Yet, He persevered because He could relate to life on earth
where people lived with no knowledge of God and His saving grace.
Because He was human, Jesus felt pain. He knew what it was to be
hungry and thirsty as daily He traveled the dusty roads of Palestine.
He knew what it was to be tired, to have to stretch out in the bottom
of a boat, or sleep under the stars on rough ground. Jesus loved.
He loved so deeply that He set aside His heavenly comforts to come
and live among men. He gave His all for the 'cure' and we are the
blessed recipients. May we take time out of our busy schedules to
think about our Lord's selfless sacrifice and may we with all our
hearts thank Him for the arms of love that are wrapped around us,
guiding us toward our future heavenly home.
By Pat Earl
brian...@sympatico.ca
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3) Poetry
Night Light
By Elizabeth Pearson
In bed, a child's fears
May rise to great height
'Til mother comes in
and turns on the light!
The dark is dispelled-
(its visions of doom)
Illumination
now fills the black room!
Fearful is the heart
that knows only night
'Til Jesus come in,
shedding love's bright light!
Dark sin is erased
and wrongs changed to right.
"Turn on" the Bible
God's faithful
'night light.'
(c)Elizabeth Pearson
From her book, Points to Ponder:
Poetry and Prose to Challenge
the Mind and Heart, p. 31.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4) Feature
Candleholders
By Ivie Bozeman
When the bowl hit the floor cracking into several pieces, my heart
literally cracked too. This bowl was an heirloom, handed down to me
from my mother, who had inherited it from her mother's family. It was
not a pretty bowl, it had a few cracks and its age was evident, but it
was a serviceable bowl. It had been molded out of clay by a family
member. It had given many years of service and now, I had been the
one to break it.
As I picked up the pieces, I remembered Paul's words.
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light
shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory
of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of
clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from
us." 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NIV
Paul says we are like those jars or bowls of clay--fragile, chipped,
imperfect--exactly as God designed us to be. We show cracks and chips
as we age; and though fragile at the beginning, we become more fragile
as the years progress. God designed us that way so his grace could
shine through. We are each a vessel of his grace. He intended that
within his earthen vessels his truth could work and shine through. He
made us fragile like clay, not hard like cement.
When we are weak, God is strong in us. Our weakness is an opportunity
for his light to shine through. When we shatter, the Lord is there to
gather up the pieces. (I did gather up the pieces and attempted to
glue them back together, but it was still a broken bowl.) God does
not forsake us when we are broken; he continues to use us in even
greater ways to let his light shine through.
Genesis 32:24-31 tells us about Jacob's struggle and broken-ness:
"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
When the man saw that he could not over power him, he touched the
socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with
the man.
Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.'
But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'
The man asked him, 'What is your name?'
'Jacob,' he answered.
Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,
because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'"
After the man blessed him, Jacob called the place Peniel saying, "It
is because I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared."
"The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping
because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat
the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of
Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon."
When God touches our lives, he changes us. He gave Jacob a new name,
but he also gave him a limp that stayed with him for the rest of his
life. Here God did not heal him of his infirmity but gave him a
problem. Was this to humble him or make him more readily accessible
to God's call?
The Apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh." He prayed to God to
remove the thorn from him. God would not remove the thorn. Paul's
problem clearly caused him great anguish, but God did not see fit to
remove his problem:
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly
great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger
of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take
it away from me, but he said to me. 'My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2 Cor, 12:7-10
I took the glued together pieces of my heirloom bowl, which now had
visible holes where the pieces did not fit together, and used it as a
candle holder. The light shines through the cracks in the bowl and
lights up the darkness of the room I choose to use the candle in.
Even though our lives may seem to be shattered, or our bodies worn
from age, or we have thorns that God will not take away from us, that
doesn't mean he's through with us. The ugly clay bowl had been
serviceable for many years. It became even uglier after I shattered
it, but when the light shines through the cracks, it lights up the
darkness.
His light can still shine through our weaknesses; possibly, even more
greatly than before. He can make candle holders out of us, dispersing
light into other people's darkness...
(c)Ivie Bozeman
iv...@rose.net
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5) Christian Living
*~ Name it, Claim it ~*
By Joyce C. Lock
You have heard the expression 'Name it, Claim it.' Though we would
first
need to know the intent of one's heart, the phrase could imply the
Christian
version of a spoiled brat ... "I am your child. You owe me!"
It has been said that God is honor-bound to do as He said He would
do.
That statement is more correct than the first one. But, first, what
did He say?
God will love us in at least as many ways as He did the people of old:
"The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart
to all
generations." Psalm 33:11 (KJV)
"God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth
him,
and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." Acts 10:34-35 (KJV)
But, we do not get to pick out our favorite verse, stomp our feet, and
say,
"I want it, now!"
To claim what God has named, we first ask Him to give us direction in
our
situation. His promise, a Bible wisdom, or whatever answer to prayer
is
given will help us know where He would have us stand. Perhaps a
Bible
verse that touches our heart will let us know that it is God's desire
for us
also as our heart is where He dwells.
Then, once we have heard from God, we can claim it in full assurance
that
God will bring it to pass. Faith is not to be placed in our ability
to have
enough faith, or even in our ability to command. Faith is to be in
none
other than God, who promised He would never break His word, who will
love us beyond what we have yet imagined--because of who He is.
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that,
if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
1 John 5:14 (KJV)
He names it. Then, we claim it.
(c) by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
6) Christian Living Poetry
Finding it All
By Joyce C. Lock
We search to win life's battles, to climb Mount Everest,
To give our best in all we do, and let God do all the rest.
We learn of power, strength, and might - searching for victory;
Determining to not give up the fight, as it maps our destiny.
We search to be more Christ-like, in all we say and do,
And to reach out to help others by using the Master's tools.
We find, to overcome Satan and the storms that rage within,
When sea monsters come to shore, we can always run to Him.
We search for happiness (of a lasting kind)
And know that, even through trials, pure joy we can always find.
We search for Heaven's treasures. We fight the roaring sea.
We search for Peace, Hope, and Love - and find it all in Thee.
(c) by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
At the Heart of War - ISBN 1846020085
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7) This n' That
PLAY ON WORDS FOR CHRISTIAN FUN AND INSIGHT
By Elizabeth Pearson
My "HEART" Open to God
God must be honored (HE) by having an (EAR)open to (HEAR)ing His
Word, and (ART)iculating what I have heard from Him to others.
Make any sense?! It was fun anyway. Betty
THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS
By Mary-Ellen Grisham
When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1945, a manuscript
entitled the Gospel of Thomas (or the Sayings of Jesus) was found
also. If you do a search for this Gospel, you will find many sites.
I
would suggest you choose one that does not shape the gospel to a
point-of-view but rather just offers a translation of the manuscript.
Always our check of material is against the known truth of the
accepted Bible, but I find helpful insights from this lately found
gospel. Most of the words and ideas are in keeping with the rest of
New Testament Scripture, and I find a larger meaning coming from
the translation that truly gives me a powerful insight into Jesus'
aim
for our lives.
The idea of the Kingdom of Heaven being within and around us
along with the other ideas in this book suggests to me a complete
way of looking at my daily living. Just to the degree I have
difficulty
or problems with my relationships, it will be to that same degree
that
I have trouble understanding and applying God's truth. The more I
am able to cultivate inner peace because of outward harmony and
love with others, the more I will perceive God's truth and be a part
of
God's Kingdom. Our relationships with family, spouses, the church
Body, and others directly reflect our understanding of God's truth
and
our embodiment of the Kingdom in our lives. It is a stiff standard
to
realize that our actions do reflect our faith, and in a sense, create
the
judgment of our effective Christian living.
While all fall short and are saved by faith in Jesus and God's grace,
still we can press on to a higher standard in our day to day living.
The spirit of love, enabled by the Holy Spirit, is a steady guide for
us
as we move toward the best we can be. Our journey here will prepare
us for the peace and harmony in Heaven.
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8) Closing Words
For years, I have thought that Jesus did for each of his disciples
just
what each needed to secure him in his faith. Jesus did not return to
His Father without loving care for each of His close followers. We
see evidence of this in the New Testament as he interprets ideas
and teaches His followers. I also see evidence of this loving care
for
Thomas in the Gospel that bears his name. Ever the slow-to-believe,
Thomas may have needed these further directions and assurances.
Praise the Lord for the love that will not let us go!
We truly hope that you have found blessing and inspiration in this
edition of Eternal Ink. If so, please share a copy with a friend or
non-believer.
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Until our next issue, may God bless you richly.
Blessings, Mary-Ellen
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WE ARE PLEASED TO BE PARTNERS WITH LIVING2SERVE AND
GRATEFUL TO THE ARKWEBS TEAM OF MINISTRIES FOR ALL
THEIR HELP.
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