Stand Strong

FAITH:

Judah's jealous enemies to the north conspired to put an end to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. For several years, these enemies worked to hinder the Jews. Finally, they persuaded the Persian King Artaxerxes, to stop the building.

Satan always challenges God's followers. Even though Satan occasionally appears victorious, he cannot triumph as long as we stand strong in our faith.

Deadly erosion has plunged our world into frighteningly deep darkness. Some Christians have distanced them selves so far from the lifestyle of the unbeliever that they don't have a clue how dark the world system really is. They don't see its boredom, its flat tastelessness, its terror and its stark hopelessness. There is the inescapable threat of AIDS, along with the abduction of children, alcoholism, fears of growing old, of financial reversal, of marital infidelity, of emotional breakdown. Such darkness surfaces only briefly, then runs and hides its face in the valley of death.

One morning when I had a few extra minutes, I thumbed through a few pages of a local newspaper.....Do you have any idea what that kind of news does to the average citizen? If it doesn't scare the life out of him, it can make him strangely apathetic. The he gets hardened to it....shrugs it off, and says, "Who gives a rip?" So it goes in the darkness. by Charles Swindoll

Applying it: Important projects at work or home or even at church run into problems: injuries strike, the cash flow dries up, arguments arise. Work to resolve the problems you can. Pray for wisdom for the problems you cannot resolve.
Exploring it: Negative Events---Leviticus 19:10-35; Deuteronomy 1:23-40.

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

FRIENDS:

Father, I must confess that I am afraid. Life has given me many challenges, and sometimes I feel so inadequate. Strength my heart, and give me a bold spirit to accept the challenges of life. Help me to live above my circumstances and rejoice in the power of Your presence. You have told me to "trust in the Lord with all my heart." You alone are my strength and my salvation. Help me to rest in this truth today. In Jesus' name , Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
March 1
Matthew 21:23-32 Romans 1:1-17 Psalms 48 Numbers 1-2
March 2
Matthew 21:33-46 Romans 3:18-32 Psalms 49 Numbers 3-4

~The Book of Numbers~
Every life is a pilgrimage.
Every person is on a journey.
Every journey has its challenges.

The book of Numbers is a travel diary. Two million ex-slaves weaving their way through a desert. The trip from Egypt to the promised land can be made in nine days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It took the Israelites thirty-eight years.

What they should have done, they didn't. And what they didn't do, they should have. So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things.

He took them the long way.

Maybe you're on a detour in your journey. Things seem slow. Road seems dark. Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention.

You don't want to spend thirty-eight years missing the point.

FOOD:

Crock Barley, Bean & Corn Burrito Filling

Can also be used as "taco salad" with chips. Originally from Cooking Light special publication.
SERVES 9 , 18 burritos

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 cup barley, uncooked
2 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup frozen corn
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

Place all ingredients in crock pot. Stir well. Cover, and cook on low
setting 4-5 hours.
Serve with tortillas, cheese, cilantro, lettuce, salsa, sour cream--
your favorite toppings.

FUN:

The Beginning

Genesis 1:1-2:3
The magnificent story of The Beginning revealed God's creativity, majesty, and love. Yet the most humbling, puzzling, and awe inspiring act took place when God breathed the breath of life into humanity.
God demonstrated power and love by creating. With only a spoken word God created everything around us. Then, with loving care, he formed Adam out of the ground.
With one decision, history began. Existence became measurable. Our of nothing came light. Our of light came day. Then came sky......and earth. And on this earth? A mighty hand went to work.
Canyons were carved. Oceans were dug. Mountains erupted out of flatlands. Stars were flung. A universe sparkled.....
Our sun became just one of millions. Our galaxy became just one of thousands. Planets invisibly tethered to suns roared through space at breakneck speeds. Stars blazed with heat that could melt our planet in seconds.
The hand behind it was mighty. He is mighty.
And with this might, he created. As naturally as a bird sings and a fish swims, he created. Just as an artist can't not paint and a runner can't not run, he couldn't not create. He was the Creator. Through and through, he was the Creator. A tireless dreamer and designer.
From the pallet of the Ageless Artist came inimitable splendors. Before there was a person to see it, his creation was pregnant with wonder....
Mundaneness found no home in his universe.....
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
LOVE.....
He created a paradise. A sinless sanctuary. A haven before fear. A home before there was a human dweller. No time. No death. No hurt. A gift built by God for his ultimate creation. And when he was through, he knew "it was very good."
But it wasn't enough.
His greatest work hadn't been completed. One final masterpiece was needed before he would stop.
Look to the canyons to see the Creator's splendor. touch the flowers and see his delicacy. Listen to the thunder and hear his power. but gaze on [humanity]---the zenith---and witness all three.....and more.
(From In The Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)
Today you will encounter God's creation. When you see the beauty around you, let each detail remind you to lift your head in praise. Express your appreciation for God's creation. Encourage others to see the beauty of his creation.
Exploration..God the Creator
Nehemiah 9:6; Job 26:7; Psalm 102:25; Acts 14:15; Hebrews 11:3.

FRIENDS: people we need to be praying for
How about the men that have gone forward and are baptized from Virgil's ministry.
We pray that they will remain faithful and not give up their life in Christ when they face difficulties and undesirable circumstances or when things get too good and the world entices them to focus on material things and pleasures

FOOD
Divine Chicken with Green Beans
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes
Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
12 ounces fresh or frozen green beans
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons heavy cream
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add garlic and onion, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook and stir just until fragrant. Mix in the green beans, cover and cook to your desired doneness, at least 5 minutes.
2. Uncover, and stir in the cream and cheese just until everything is coated. Remove from the heat and enjoy.

FUN
click on the link below and be prepared for a few chuckles
http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=fq55ieixwd