A Lesson from Children's Faith

Martin Juwa- 

"Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Luke 18:17 KJV

The prayers of small children are interesting. (Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

#39 Prayer and the Commonplace

   Samuel Chadwick: Moses and Elijah were not ordinary men. They were so unusual that they were chosen from among all the Old Testament saints to come and talk with Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration.

   One was the Leader of the Old Covenant, and other was the most dramatic of its prophets. Their tasks were unique. God called them to duties that demanded frequent and intimate intercourse with Himself. (Google image, Jesus, Moses and Elijah)

20 More Benefits of Praying in Tongues

Jean Oathout: Glenn Arekion tells us, "We are delving into how powerful and beneficial tongues are for us today. The Word of God is loaded with revelations to bless your life and take you to the next level.

   Everything that you are reading is for you to experience victory in Christ Jesus over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Let us further look in the benefits of praying in other tongues. (Google image, Study God's Word).

#16 Widespread Effect of Finney's Ministry

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: About 1830, according to the estimate of Dr. Henry Ward Beecher, at least 100,000 were converted and joined the churches in one year through the Finney-related revivals and their spreading influence. 

   Probably this was the greatest harvest since Pentecost. (Google image, The secret of Finney's success, by Gordon C. Olson)

One Invitation at a Time

Debbie McEwen: How did I come to know Christ? How did I start on my walk with Him?

I was asked the other day how I got to the point that I know him so well that whether I live or die, it is for Him.

If I live I get to do His work. If I die, I spend eternity with Him in heaven. I win either way. (Google image, Jesus, by permission by Nancy Lee Moran, nancylee@nancyleemoran.com).

Elaine Miller's book: We All Married Idiots

Elaine W. Miller has some very interesting things to share with us about healthy marriages in her book: We All Married Idiots

Elaine and her husband share a wonderful life and ministry together. They developed and taught ten marriage retreats. Annually, they travel to Europe as Pastoral Care Couple to missionaries in Bosnia. 

Three adult children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren complete their joy.

We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change ...

www.amazon.com › ... › Rating: 4.6 - ‎88 reviews
Christian Living › Marriage

Healthy Marriages Make Healthy Churches

"Dan and I desire to share our marriage story at your church or retreat center.

Dan's retirement as Pastor and District Superintendent with the Christian and Missionary Alliance provides us with time to pursue our passions. One close to our hearts is growing healthy marriages. You see, we almost threw away our marriage, and we want to prevent other couples from making the same mistake.

Let us laugh with you, teach you, help you experience marriage as God intended..."

{I hope you'll check out Elaine's blog for the rest of this very important announcement.}

Elaine W. Miller updated her status: "Amazon has We All Married Idiots pinned under their Pinterest Selling Books!" A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association More about Elaine W. Miller...This is why we write: Andrew Payack writes:  "I can't say enough about the content of this book and how it changes lives but most importantly, hearts. I was in the worst place in my life with my wife of 26+ years when she wanted a divorce, not to mention 6 beautiful children. My friend and pastor, lent me this book and it changed me, but most of all it was ALL the scripture I needed to overcome the sadness. Also, I got my christian wife to read it as well. She read it and I believe that she was convicted by the holy spirit, and our marriage was saved. Praise God! we are in love now more that at our wedding! Thanks for writing such a powerful book. I have to give the book back to my pastor, but I will definitely be buying one for myself and my wife. We plan to read it from time to time to keep our marriage strong and filled with Christ!"

From Elaine's daughter:

On Love and Thankfulness for the Weary Mom

Pray with me:

   Father, I know Elaine is sincere, and that
she has been able to share her testimony,
which has been a help to those of us who
have read her book. 

   What You have taught her has been
such a blessing to so very many.

   I pray that my readers will look into her helpful book soon, and discover that we've all acted like idiots from time to time in our marriages.

   Elaine's insight is refreshing and stimulating, as it challenges us to make some changes in our approach to our own marriage.

   May Your Spirit quicken us to consider this: Three Things You 

Will Never Change ... (and 10 things you can change).

   I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 2 Chron. 7:14 "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Today’s quotes: Nancy Leigh DeMoss -“The ultimate purpose of 
marriage is not to make us happy, but to glorify God.”

“The family is one of God’s greatest masterpieces.” ~Unknown 

Some thoughts today: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! God already loved us! It wasn't as though we earned His love... You can be absolutely confident of His love for you, my friend!

- God wants us to simply come to Him, as He is Love, to ask for His help to love our mates. Wouldn't you think that would be His desire to help us to accomplish?

- Our job is to not worship a god that suits our own beliefs. The great and holy God is very aware of our needs, and He'll work on our behalf to handle things His way, if we ask Him.

Has the Spark Gone Out of Your Marriage?

Jill Savage shares with us, "What are some practical ways to turn your heart in the right direction when the spark seems to have gone out on your marriage?  1) Change your thoughts..."

14th- Sunday evening’s post:  Devoted to Prayer
Dr. Charles F. Stanley

16th- Tuesday's post:  #25 Territorial Spirits
C. Peter Wagner

18th- Thursday's post:  #26  Spiritual Power in Evangelism
C. Peter Wagner

20th- Saturday's post:  He Will Heal You
Max Lucado

A popular post: A God you can Count On Dr. Charles Stanley 

gives us five things we can count on: "On the basis of God's character, what assurances can we depend upon every single 
day? 1. God will extend His lovingkindness to us..."

Lets join them!..

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
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AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse
Kindle $.99

In my book, you'll find 31 devotions with a Scripture, a short prayer,
and a quote. The last chapter is my personal testimony of God's Goodness to me in learning these thoughts, that I've shared in the book.

Bridal Shower Devotional
Bridal Wisdom for Women

My book in paperback $7.95
Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

A great gift for someone!

                                                                   ~ 

One Who Understands

David Roper shares with us that his friend's husband was in the last stages of dementia. 

"In his first introduction to the nurse who was assigned to care for him, he reached out for her arm and stopped her to introduce her to his best friend—one who loved him deeply.

Since no one else was in the hall, the nurse thought he was delusional.

But as it turned out he was speaking of Jesus. She was deeply touched but had to hurry on to care for another patient.

When she returned, the darkness had closed in again and the man was no longer lucid.

Even though this man had descended into the darkness of dementia, he knew that the Lord was his best Friend.

God dwells in the fathomless depth that is our soul. He can pierce the darkest mind and assure us of His tender, loving care.

"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide us from Him" (Ps. 139:12a).

We do not know what the future holds for us or those we love. We too may descend into the darkness of mental illness, Alzheimer's, or dementia as we age.

But even there the Lord's had will lead us and His right hand will hold us tight (v.10).

We cannot get away from His love and personal care." —David Roper

God knows each winding way I take,
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
And me He never will forsake—

He knows and loves His own. —Bosch

Jesus loves me. This I know.

Our Daily Bread

10/22/14

(Google image and emphasis added)

Pray with me:

   Father, thank You for the assurance that You'll be with me no matter what I go through in life.

   I'm glad that You can pierce the darkest mind and assure us of Your tender loving care.

   It's good to know that You'll be holding my hand, and that I'll never be away from Your love and personal care.

   I pray for Your peace to always be mine . In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

   

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 16:5 "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."

Today’s quotes: Phyllis Freeman – “God can help us overcome the enemies—sin, fear, anger, and doubt. At the point of need we’re given enablement beyond the powers of our enemy as we trust in a faithful God.”

Gwen Smith – “So whatever you face today, friend, run. Run to win the prize. Run like the wind. And when you fall; don’t throw in the towel, don’t point fingers, don’t stew, and don’t quit. Get right back up and run again… in the mercy, strength and grace of God."
Speaker / Author / Worship Leader / Songwriter

Inspiring Women To Live Fully in Grace and Truth 

Co-founder of Girlfriends in God

Some thoughts today: Apart from Jesus Christ, we are all lost. 
People are in flagrant sin, but Jesus saves! 

- Jesus' death, resurrection, and rising from the grave provides a way to be rid of our sins. He took the punishment that we deserve...Do we understand how great a blessing Christ's sacrifice is on our behalf? Not really!

- As God the Father is holy, He cannot allow sin to come into His presence. We need to be cleansed, my friend. Whether we were guilty of great sin, or have lived a "good life", we are all in need of the salvation that Christ provides. 

12/2- Tuesday’s post:  #21 The Threefold Cord
C. Peter Wagner

4th- Thursday's post:  #22  The Living Parable
C. Peter Wagner

6th- Saturday's post:  I am Broken
Debbie McEwen

7th- Sunday evening's post: Only Him
James Cagle

A popular post: Some Interesting Quotes Devotions for MORNING and EVENING with OSWALD CHAMBERS 
Inspirational Press New York.

“Every element of self reliance must be slain by the power of God. 

Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power.” (pg 260)

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse Kindle $.99
A great gift for someone!

Bridal Shower Devotional

Bridal Wisdom for Women

My book in paperback $7.16
Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Wisdom for Brides (Christian
Marriage, Counseling, & Help)

Christ Heals the Hurting

       Christ Heals the Hurting 

             by James Cagle 

The blade was not of Damascus steel,

Nor was the stone made of granite;

But still the blade wounded very deep,

As the stone, by the hand that threw it.

In a time of peace, the traitor caught

The trusting heart unguarded, unaware;

And smote his companion to the ground,

With whom the path of life was shared.

This sort of blow pierces the soul’s depth,

Causing real pain that is silently borne;

Wounds of this sort are only felt in the heart;

The flesh is safe, while the soul is torn.

Such inner wounds aren’t given by the foe,

But are made by dear intimate friends;

Those whom we trust and believe their love,

And who we let hurt us again and again.

Soon the soul is completely without feeling

And the heart is callous from the many scars;

Until another blow cannot bleed the heart

And the soul no longer reaches beyond its bars.

Life is then enclosed in a shroud of fear,

With the resolve that love ministers pain;

Looking out from a past that’s thwarted the future,

With tomorrow’s that seem pointless and vain.

The light is now gone from the once shining eyes,

The countenance is changeable stoic;

For this heart paralysis has taken away hope

And destroyed all that was once heroic.

A high wall is painfully built all around

As the stones are laid one hurt at a time.

To protect against love he imprisons himself,

Where all alone he will spend the rest of his time.

But the tender embrace of the loving Shepherd,

And a generous outpouring of His grace;

Heals all of the wounds and softens the heart

And renews the desire to again run life’s race.

The passive will He enlivens and sets free

And the soul flies out of its cold dark prison.

The past is forgotten with the best yet to come,

For with Christ life again has rhyme and reason.

Christ Heals the Hurting by James Cagle

James wrote this to me...

"I hope my poem can in some way help others come to see 
that their only hope is in Christ.  And that Christ is deeply 
interested in our pain and getting us beyond it.

I wrote the poem Christ Heals the Hurting because of the pain and hurt I had received many times by those who said they loved me.  

The original poem was called Hurt, and did not have the last eight lines.  I had actually been hurt and knocked down so many times by "loved ones" that I did not want to go on.  

I was so tired of the pain, the hurt and the struggle.  But quite literally (and I'm crying as I write this) God came to me and lifted me out of my pain and hurt and gave me the desire to go on.  It was then that I wrote the other eight lines and changed the title.  Hopefully God will use it to help others as well."

James Cagle

Permission to Grieve

Toni Campbell

"We don't have to have it altogether all the time.  Life isn't tied up with a bow.  Sometimes, we experience loss.  And sometimes, we just need permission to grieve before we move on to those new chapters in life.

And that's okay." 

As seen on lakeside lessons 7/9/14 Check out the entire post by Toni Campbell. 

Parenting in the Early Years: Take Care of Yourself

By JillSavage on Jul 15, 2014 12:17 pm I remember the day well. I had a newborn, a four-year-old, and a six-year-old. As a stay-at-home mom, I’d been with them all day and I was exhausted. Mark walked in the door from work and I said desperately, “I wanna make a deal with you.” He looked at me, surprised. I’m sure I sounded like a crazy woman. “Thirty minutes. That’s all I want is thirty minutes.” “Thirty minutes of what?” he asked. “Thirty minutes to myself, in my bedroom, with the door closed. That’s it.” “Well, if you think it will make a difference, I can make that deal.” (This is such good advice, I wanted to share it with you mothers of young'ns. I hope you'll forward this post link to any mother who needs it. Thanks!)

Let’s pray: 

     Father, James and I hope his message will 

help some folks who are hurting. May his thoughts bring hope and help to the readers.
    No doubt, some have checked in, hoping to 

find answers for themselves. May they sense 

Your presence, Father, and realize that healing 

is in the Name of Jesus. In Christ's Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Rom. 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Today’s quotes: James Cagle – “We find that facing our trouble helps us conquer our fears and we wonder why we were running from them in the first place. We also find that facing our fears help us mature and builds our character and gives us wisdom. Troubles and problems are sent our way by God and are actually intended to make us grow up. But only as we face them rather than run from them. It is our response to our problems that determines the kind of impact they have on our life.” 

- Eddie Jones – “The Lord is able to give you much more. More is not enough. God is. When you find yourself in need, turn to God. He is able to provide what you need and then some.”

Some thoughts today: You can wrestle with God all you want, but He will bless your simple obedience.

- Don't be boxed in. Don't fear to step out for God's Kingdom. A fresh anointing will come!

- You are not a second-class person if you're God's child. Have the confidence that you are special to Him.

27th- evening's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 1 Jean Oathout

29th- Tuesday's post:  #105  Communicate Regularly C. Peter Wagner
31st- Thursday's post:  #106  Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner
8/2- Saturday's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 2 Jean Oathout

A popular post:  His Shining Light James P. Willis tells us, "It occurred to me while it’s important for us to show God’s love during the good times, His light shines the brightest in our darkest hours."

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com/

I invite you to check out the above link, to see the many interesting topics of Christian Poets and Writers. 

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99 a review would be
appreciated. 

Bridal Shower Devotional

Bridal Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.96

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) 

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Will the Roof Really Cave In?

Tammie Johnson - Why do 
people say, 'If I walk into a 
church, the roof would cave in?'

They don't know that when a 
new person comes to faith in
Christ, fireworks go off in 
heaven. 

The angels celebrate the new arrival! (see Luke 15:10)

If they only knew how much God loves them, and how happy He is to see them make the effort to get right with Him! 

But some folks are so convinced they're so bad, that God would not accept them.  

   And it's just not true. 

God loves them no matter where they've come from. No matter what they've done. 

If only they could understand...

That Jesus died on 
the cross so their sins 
could be forgiven, and so 
they can be washed as white 
as snow. 

But it is so very sad that we 
have some Christians out 
there preaching God's laws, 
and not his love. 

This is the truth: God loves people so very much that He longs for a relationship with them. He accepted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, Who was born of a woman, and Who endured the agony of the punishment that we deserve for our sinfulness. 

After He was crucified on the Cross, He went into Hell and left the sins of the world there, so if anyone repents of their sins, He's provided forgiveness for them! 

(Can you imagine the stir He caused going there? A good book Jean has read is, A Divine Revelation of Hell  $3.99) 

Jesus was then raised from the grave and ascended to the Father in Heaven, to present His sinless, Holy Blood on our behalf. He thus provided atonement for us by giving His life on the Cross. 

This provision is available for everyone to accept or reject. No one will be excluded for any reason, other than unbelief. It's God's offer to us all.

But what do some teach? If you do this or that you can't be saved and go to heaven. 

   And that is the farthest thing from the truth. 

Because of this teaching, many people never get to know God.

God must be so sad when this
takes place, and I can visualize 
tears streaming down his face. 

   God wants them to know the truth. 

When there's true repentance 
for what we've done, there's 
forgiveness available in and 
through Christ's sacrifice on 
the Cross. 

I can hear Him crying out, 

   "Come to Me, come to Me, My children. Be not afraid." 

Oh, if only they could learn how much God loves them, they might run into churches and fall on their knees, praying,

"Help me, help me know the truth."

"For God so loved the world,
 that he gave his only begotten 
son. That whosoever believeth 
in him should not perish, but 
have everlasting life." John 3:16

Do I speak as if God were Real? Yes I do. 

Because he is! 

Tammie Johnson
(Used by permission)

Let’s pray:

   Father, with the truth in
mind that You love the folks
all around us, may we be
more open to Your leading
us to speak to them of Your
provision in Christ Jesus.

   Help us remember that You
celebrate each person who
comes into our churches
looking for truth and guidance.


   May we give a warm welcome to each of them, knowing You are watching how they are treated among us. It determines whether or not You'll draw unbelievers to our church!

   Will those who return for a visit be welcomed, no matter their past?

   I want to be a part of the welcoming team, that reveals Your love, kindness, gentleness, and mercy.

   Set a watch at the door of my mouth, that I may not sin against You, or anyone! (see Ps. 141:3 & Ps. 19:14)

   I ask for Your help, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today’s awesome Bible promise: Acts 20:32 NCV “Now I am putting you in the care of God and the message about his grace. It is able to give you strength, and it will give you the blessings God has for all his holy people.”

Today’s quotes: Marvin Williams - "Many today are trapped under the weight of sin, but our great God can rescue us from underneath those burdens and then send us into the world to tell others that He can set them free."

Our Daily Bread - "Those who've been rescued from sin are best able to help in the rescue of others." 7/7/14

Some thoughts today: There's power in our words. Our words effect those around us. Is your mouth saved? James 1:26 talks about bridling our tongues.

- We can choose what we're going to speak. Lean on God to help. Ps. 19:14
gives us an excellent prayer to pray.

- Positive attitudes will make a way for you. Your joy in the Lord is your strength, as it comes from God.

27th- Sunday’s post:  Christ Heals the Hurting James Cagle

27th- evening's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 1 Jean Oathout

29th- Tuesday's post:  #105  Communicate Regularly C. Peter Wagner

31st- Thursday's post::  #106  Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  The First Step —Accept Carole 
Tschumper says, "Tell God you trust Him even if you 
don’t understand. That’s what faith is. The shrill sound 
of the smoke alarm jolted us out of bed. At four a.m. 
my husband and I were sent running down the hallway."

Praying with friends
and studying the Bible
strengthens
our faith.

(Google images used)

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99


Bridal Shower Devotional

Bridal Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)

(I give my personal testimony in the last chapter)

http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com/

I invite you to check out the above link, to see the many interesting topics of Christian Poets and Writers. 

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!