Alyson Kieda- After years of struggle and crying out in prayer, Frank quit drinking. He attributes his continued sobriety to God's work in his life. But he also made some important changes, He no longer kept alcohol in the house, watched for warning signs in his thinking and moods, and was wary of certain situations. He leaned on God and knew not to leave an opening for temptation or sin. Struggling in prayer
"Be alert and of sober mind," the apostle Peter warned. "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Peter knew we needed to be watchful because the devil's attacks are often unexpected — when it seems like our life couldn't be better, or we think we'd never be tempted in a certain area.
James too warned his readers to submit to God and "resist the devil." When we do, our enemy "will flee" (James 4:7). The best way to resist him is to stay close to God through prayer and time in Scripture. When we do, God comes near to us (v.8) through His Spirit (Romans 5:5).
James also offered this encouragement: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up: (James 4:10). We all face challenging moments in life when we're tempted and struggle. We can rest knowing that God wants us to succeed and overcome. He is with us in our troubles.
In the name of The One Who Was, Who Is, and Who is To Come. Who is above all and before anything that was. All things are from Him, through Him, for Him, and in Him, are held together. He is Eternal. Manifest in the flesh, but with no sin, justified in the Spirit, witnessed to by angels, believed on in the world, He is the Most High, the Sovereign, the Powerful, and Supreme over all.
He alone is worthy of adoration. He was slain to receive power. Now resurrected, all riches, wisdom, strength, and honor belong to Him. He is full of mercy, grace, and truth. He is the Eternal Judge, and He alone has the power to forgive sins. Blessed be His Holy Name.
His name is Jesus, and He is God. We pray in His name. Amen.
My weekly advice from the book, Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo by Elaine W. Miller: (p. 23)
"The beauty of cancer research is that every day brings a new discovery. Shortly after my 'low-survivability' diagnosis, a new drug was approved for treatment of my 'high-risk' leukemia. One pill daily (and God) stopped the progression of my cancer, giving me hope for many years of joyful living. Reality: "One day our bodies will stop breathing and we will meet the Lord. Are you ready? I hope so. If you're unsure, pray."
#137 Testimony- about a friend's husband
"During the Vietnam war, my husband served as a helicopter medevac corpsman. Once, when his helicopter was shot down, he survived injuries that could have been fatal. Another time, he happened to stand up in flight to prepare for landing and boarding wounded Marines. At that moment, a bullet shop up through the seat he had just left. By an instant, he escaped death. Our days are in God's hands. death could come to us momentarily or years from now. The date and time is God's call, not ours."
1831-1835 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-
1831- Ez. 16:44a "Behold everyone that uses proverbs shall use this proverb. . .
As is the mother, so is her daughter."
1832- Is. 29:9a "Stay (stop) yourselves and wonder."
1833- 1 Chron. 16:14 "He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth."
1834- Jer. 22:16 "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well
with them: was not this to know me? saith the LORD."
1835- Matt. 22:16b "Master, we know that Thou art true, and teachest the way of
God in truth."
#137 Hymn- I'd Rather Have Jesus
George Beverly Shea, "America's beloved gospel singer," has traveled with the Billy Graham evangelistic team since 1946. He was born in 1909 in Winchester, Ontario. Bev's mother , the church organist, had a piano that came from England; and, seated in front of its keys, she became a sort of "human alarm clock" for the family.
When Bev was 21, he began working for the Mutual Insurance Company of New York, assisting medical examiners in obtaining information relating to the applicant's health history. Among those who came into the office was Fred Allen, host of a cost-to-cost radio talent show.
Learning that Bev liked to sing, Mr. Allen arranged an audition, and a few weeks later Bev found himself singing "Go Down Moses' to a nationwide audience on the National Broadcasting Company. Though he lost the contest to a yodeler, he received fifteen dollars and a taste of widespread fame.
One Sunday shortly afterward, Bev sat down at his mother's organ to practice for the morning church service. His eyes fell on a clipping she had left for him there, a poem written in 1922 by Mrs. Rhea F. Miller. As Bev read the words, they spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. An appropriate melody came easily, practically composing itself.
When Bev's mother came in from the kitchen, he played and sang it for her. Wrapping both arms around him, she placed a wet cheek against his. In church that morning, Bev sang "I'd Rather Have Jesus" publicly for the first time. It later became a sort of "signature song" expressing his own decisions in life.
"I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause, / I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame, / I'd rather be true to His holy name . . ."
Some encouraging words-
"When we're full of ourselves and wise in our own eyes, it's impossible for God to empower and use us. But when we're weak and empty, God can do great things through us as we simply take the place of a bondservant." Andrew Murray
Church Notes: ZEAL IN GIVING
Wealth draws us from childhood.
2 Cor. 8:1-7 The Macedonian church was a good example for us.
They gave according to and beyond their own needs.
The Corinthian church was to do the same, to give, even though they were in need.
Abundant joy comes from providing for others' need.
We're to give weekly as God reveals individually.
We're to be earnest in sharing our gifts, a zeal to give.
We're to look at the need and provide as we are able.
As Children of God, we're to have our eyes on Jesus, giving ourselves to Him.
Our act of grace in giving to others' needs as we see it, is given in faith.
We're to get back to tithing - giving the first portion to the Lord's work.
We're to consider what we care about, what we could do without in order to give to
our churches' needs.
We're to lay up everlasting treasures, not just earthy ones.
Seek first the Kingdom and all other things will be added.
We're not to worry about anything.
The world tries to tell us we need more! We're to be content in Christ.
We're to have a zeal to give to the Lord's work!
Upcoming posts:
5/16- SMALL BEGINNINGS- Kristen Holmberg
23rd- THE EXCHANGE - Jasmine GOH
30th- PARTING WORDS- Dave Branon
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
PARTING WORDS 
