Scripture:

"Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who
has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people."
(Psalm 100:3)

Reflection:

Living in a nation that is built upon freedom can be difficult at
times. It is affirmed in the "The Declaration of Independence".
that God has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness, mainly because God values each one of
us. But the framers of the Declaration of Independence new that
freedom did not mean to do anything we please. You see I believe
that true freedom can never be enjoyed by a people who refuse to
love and fear God. As the Psalm says, God made us, not we
ourselves, we are God's people. Real freedom comes from God.
We are responsible to God, because He has created us in love.
I would like to challenge you to recommit yourself to living as one of
God's people. That's really the way to enjoy true freedom.

Prayer:

Lord I recognize that every blessing is a gift from you above, but I
cannot know true freedom till I trust in Your Grace and Love.
Blessed is the nation whose god is the Lord. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING
GOD!

Quote for the day

Muriel Lester
Social Activist, Gandhian Pacifist
(1883-1968)

"The job of the peacemaker is to stop war, to purify the world, to get it saved
from poverty and riches, to heal the sick, to comfort the sad, to wake up
those who have not yet found God."

Reflection:

I don't know about you but I like to pray often.
Prayer helps me, and lifts me up everyday. But
one thing I have discovered about my prayer
life and that is I often use the same phrases,
the same words when I praise my Lord. I have
discovered a Psalm that seems to cover so
strongly my feelings of such worship and
praise to my Lord. I would like to share that
Psalm with you.

I will praise you,
my God and King,
and always honor your name.
I will praise you each day
and always honor your name.

You are wonderful, LORD,
and you deserve all praise,
because you are much greater
than anyone can understand.

Each generation will announce
to the next your wonderful
and powerful deeds.
I will keep thinking about
your marvelous glory
and your mighty miracles.

Everyone will talk about
your fearsome deeds,
and I will tell all nations
how great you are.

They will celebrate and sing
about your matchless mercy
and your power to save.

You are merciful, LORD!
You are kind and patient
and always loving.

You are good to everyone
and take care
of all your creation.

All creation will thank you,
and your loyal people
will praise you.
They will tell about
your marvelous kingdom
and your power.

Then everyone will know about
the mighty things you do
and your glorious kingdom.
Your kingdom will never end,
and you will rule forever.

Our LORD, you keep your work
and do everything you say.
When someone stumbles or falls,
you give a helping hand.

Everyone depends on you,
and when the time is right,
you provide them with food.
By your own hand you satisfy
the desires of all who live.

Our LORD, everything you do
is kind and thoughtful,
and you are near to everyone
whose prayers are sincere.
You satisfy the desires
of all your worshipers,
and you come to save them
when they ask for help.

You take care of everyone
who loves you,
but you destroy the wicked.

I will praise you, LORD,
and everyone will respect
your holy name forever.

Psalm 145

Scripture:

"They mocked the messengers of God, despised His words &
scoffed at His prophets." (2 Chronicles 36:16)

Reflection:

People often turn to me, as a minister, for advice. Sometimes
they want answers to questions that have troubled them for a
long time, or sometime they want advise about matters of heart
or the spirit. Often times they question something that they
had read in the Holy Scriptures. What is frustrating to
me is when you give your professional advice, and they don't
follow it or, what's even worse, they don't listen. This is especially
true when it's advice that is difficult for them to hear. Imagine
how God feels when we ignore His. He's the only One with perfect
knowledge of what's good for us, yet we often act as if we know
better. Guess what we don't!!!!!! Through God's Grace He teaches
us what is best, but doesn't force us to do it. God patiently presents
what is right and good and allows us to choose it. I have a great
idea, "Lets Start Listening Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prayer:

Oh Lord Jesus Christ please teach me to listen to You.
Thank you for your Grace and Your patience. THANK
YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD

Quote of the Day

Baroness Bertha von Suttner
Author, Activist, First Woman Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
(1843-1914)

"The question of whether violence or law shall prevail between states
is the most vital of the problems of our eventful era. Inconceivable
would be the consequence of the threatening world war which many
misguided people are prepared to precipitate."

The man whispered, "God, speak to me"
and a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear
So the man yelled, "God, speak to me"
and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said,
"God let me see you."
And a star shined brightly.

But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted,
"God show me a miracle."
And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair,
"Touch me God, and let me know you are here."

Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But, the man brushed the butterfly away .
and walked on.

(I found this to be a great reminder that God is always
around us in the little and simple things that
we take for granted even in our electronic age
So I would like to add one more:)

The man cried,
"God, I need your help!"
And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news
and encouragement.

But, the man deleted it and continued crying

Don't miss out on a blessing
because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

Thanks Ernie

Scripture:

"By this we know that we know Him
if we keep His commandments" (I John 2:3)

Reflection:

Question: Do you know who you are? Answer
I am a child of God. How I know this is found in I John 2.
1- I know that I have come to know the Lord if I obey
His command. (v.3) Like a child obeys his parents.
2- Whoever claims to live in Him must walked as Jesus
walked. (v6)
3- Anyone who claims to be "in the Light" will avoid hatred
towards others. (v.9)
Well then who are you? Do you really know who Jesus is?
Are you His child? If you are, will you obey His commands?
Walk as He did and love others? If you do this you are
truly a child of God.

Prayer:

Thank you God for allowing me to be your child, to walk
in your light. Give me strength to follow your Commandments.
THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!

Quote of the Day

Abigail Kelley Foster
Pacifist Abolitionist
(1811-1877)

"Go where you are least wanted, for there you are most needed."