Never be defeated

FAITH: 

Psalms 143:1 - 144:15  

Whether David felt afraid or joyful, he found strength by reading God's Word and praying.

David knew life went by too quickly to neglect his relationship with God. Regardless of the situation, David put his relationship with God first.  

God's way is to take some word in His Book and make it spirit and life. Then, relying upon that word, it is possible for us to go on from strength to strength. There is always something new in our lives which calls for vital faith, if we are to go on with God; but there is always the word waiting in His Book which will meet us just where we are and carry us further on. It will be a fight to the end -- "the good fight of faith" is His word about it --but full provision is made for victory in that fight, and whether the matter that negates us has to do with our inner life or the outer, there is nothing to fear; It is our Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. We need never--by his grace we shall never--be defeated. 

by Amy Carmichael  

Applying it: Out of all the minutes in a day, how many do you devote to God? Consider setting your alarm earlier tomorrow so that you can spend time praying and reading Gods word. 

Exploring it: Morning Prayer---Psalms 5:3; Mark 1:35

 

FRIENDS: Father, clear my thoughts and open my mind that I might see You. Help me to dwell on things that will bring glory to You. Renew my mind each day and transform me into the person who wishes to please You through willful obedience to Your Word. Give me the mind of Christ that I might look beyond my own selfish desires and live to please You every moment of every day. For You are more wonderful than words can say.I praise you God. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE 

March 3 

Matthew 22:1-14; Romans 2; Psalms 50; Numbers 5-6 

March 4 

Matthew 22:15-33; Romans 3; Psalms 51; Numbers 7-8

March 5

Matthew 22:34-46; Romans 4; Psalms 52; Numbers 9-11 

~ The Book of Romans ~

At the moment I don't feel too smart. I just got off the wrong plane that took me to the wrong city and left me at the wrong airport. I went east instead of west and ended up in Houston instead of Denver.  

It didn't look like the wrong plane; but is was. I walked through the wrong gate, dozed off on the wrong flight, and ended up in the wrong place. Paul says we've all done the same thing. Not with airplanes and airports, but with our lives and God. He tells the Roman readers,  

There is no one who always does what is right, not even one (3:10) 

All have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory.....(3:23)  

We are all on the wrong plane, he says. All of us. Gentile and Jew. Every person has taken the wrong turn. And we need help. 

In this profound Epistle, Paul explores all the wrong options and takes us to the only correct one. The wrong solutions are pleasure and pride. (chapters 1 and 2), the correct solution is Christ Jesus (3:21 - 26). According to Paul, we are saved by grace (undeserved, unearned favor) through faith (complete trust) in Jesus and his work. The letter concludes with practical instruction for a growing church, including thoughts on spiritual gifts (12:3-8); genuine love (12:9-21); good citizenship (13:1-14). The final chapters provide brilliant instruction for dealing with everything from church division to difficult brethren.  

Romans is a life-changing letter for people who are willing to admit they are sinners. For those who admit they are on the wrong plane, the letter provides the correct itinerary.

 

Read it and take note. That flight home is one you don't want to miss.

 

10 Things To Be Thankful For 

1. Clearing out the attic 

2. The smell of a new car interior 

3. Hot soup and crusty bread 

4. The first bloom you spy in spring 5. A warm robe on a cold night 

6. Tears at the end of a good movie 

7. The smell of the ocean 

8. Playing a game with a child 

9. A friend sharing their heart 

10. A sunny day after a storm 

 

FOOD:  

D.I.Y. Toothpaste 

makes 1/4 cup  

6 tablespoons baking soda 

2 tablespoons salt 

2 tablespoons glycerin 

20 drops peppermint, spearmint or cinnamon essential oil  

Mix all the ingredients together into a smooth paste. Store in a covered container.  

FUN: 

In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day an Irish joke 

 

Paddy was in New York .

 

He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing.

The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, "Okay, pedestrians." Then he'd allow the traffic to pass He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.

 

After the cop had shouted, "Pedestrians!" for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, "Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?"