FAITH:
Luke 8:1-56
Because of increasing hostility from the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus stopped going to the synagogues. Instead he began to preach in the countryside.
Jesus emphasized that not only must we hear God’s words, but we must act on them too.
Only when I reach the point where I solemnly place great store upon what he says will it ever become a powerful force in my life.
Only when I really take Him seriously will His word be made Spirit and life (supernatural life) to me.
Only when I recognize that what I am hearing is in fact and in truth divine revelation designed by deity for my own good, will I hear it as a word from above.
God has chosen to articulate Himself to me as a man in four ways: through the natural created universe around me; through His word expressed by inspired men who reported it in human language I can read and understand; through the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, exemplified in human form; through those other men and women in whom He deigns to reside by His own Gracious Spirit.
He may speak to me deliberately and distinctly through any one or all of these ways. It is my responsibility then to recognize; “O God, You are communicating with me. I will listen. I do recognize Your voice communing with me.”.....
I must set aside what ever else preoccupies my thoughts and give my undivided attention to the Lord.
It is not good enough to “half listen” to God. He demands my total concentration on what He is conveying to me. He knows that anything less will leave me half-hearted.
My positive response results in immediate action on my part. His will is done. His wishes are carried out. His desires are complied with happily. His commands are executed without delay or debate.
In short I simply do what He asks me to do.
This is faith in action---the faith of obedience.
This is the gateway into the good ground of God’s garden.
This is to “hear” the Word and have it come alive.
This is to have Him implant the good seed of His good intentions for me in the good, warm, open, prepared soil of my responsive soul.
The seed will germinate. the young plants will proser and grow vigorously. There will be fruit production of His choosing---a harvest that delights Him and refreshes others. by Phillip Keller
Applying it: As you read God’s Word, listen to the Holy spirit. What is god telling you to do? Don’t ignore his prodding---obey him now.
Exploring it: Hearing--Exodus 22:27; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 59:1; John 5:24; Romans 2:13; 10:17; Revelations 3:20
FRIENDS:
Father, Why do we not hear what you are trying to say to us? Are we too busy with life to stop and listen to what you really want us to be doing. If we are covering up something with our busy ways then reveal that to us so we repent of it and then we can listen and be the fruitful people you want us to be.Thank you for your patience with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BIBLE CHALLENGE
February 3
Matthew 11:20-30; Acts 16:16-40; Psalms 26; Exodus 7-9
February 4
Matthew 12:1-21; Acts 17:1-15; Psalms 27; Exodus 10-12
10 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
1.The encouragement that multi-generational Christian families give to others
2.Good preaching
3.How a good idea from God can grow if you’re listening
4.Seeing a hardened man tear up in repentance
5.A beautiful and for a Sunday drive
6.A warm car seat when you come out of a cold building
7.Friendly people
8.How God tries to guard my health when I let Him
9.The smell of fresh peeled apples
10.Scriptures that inspire--when you know God has given them to you
FOOD:
Poppyseed Coleslaw
Head of Napa Cabbage
1/2 medium white onion
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup apple vinegar
honey (optional)
salt
pepper
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Slice the cabbage into thin ribbons. Put the onion, garlic, oil, and vinegar into the work-bowl of the food processor and pulse until combined. If the vinegar is very tart you may want to add some honey.
Season with salt and pepper and then add the poppy seeds. Don't dress the cabbage until your ready to eat...it's not as sturdy as regular cabbage. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss and serve.
FUN:
Why it's better to be a Woman!
1. We got off the Titanic first.
2. We get to flirt with systems support men who always return our calls, and are nice to us when we blow up our computers.
3. Our boyfriend's clothes make us look elfin & gorgeous. Guys look like complete idiots in ours.
4. We can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.
5. We can cry and get off speeding fines.
6. We've never lusted after a cartoon character or the central female figure in a computer game.
7. Taxis stop for us.
8. Men die earlier, so we get to cash in on the life insurance.
9. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.
10. Free drinks, Free dinners, Free movies ... (you get the point).
11. We can hug our friends without wondering if she thinks we're gay.
12. We can hug our friends without wondering if WE'RE gay.
13. New lipstick gives us a whole new lease on life.
14. It's possible to live our whole lives without ever taking a group shower.
15. We don't have to fart to amuse ourselves.
16. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.
17. We can congratulate our team-mate without ever touching her butt.
18. If we have a zit, we know how to conceal it.
19. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.
20. If we're dumb, some people will find it cute.
21. We don't have to memorize Caddyshack or Fletch to fit in.
22. We have the ability to dress ourselves.
23. We can talk to people of the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.
24. If we marry someone 20 years younger, we're aware that we look like an idiot.
25. Our friends won't think we're weird if we ask whether there's spinach in our teeth.
26. There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.
27. We'll never regret piercing our ears.
28. We can fully assess a person just by looking at their shoes.
29. We know which glass was ours by the lipstick mark.
30. We have enough sense to realize that the easiest way to get out of being lost is to ask for directions.
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