Control the Day-Impact Eternity

Jane's Photo - Florida Skies

Rarely do I post an entire article written by another person - but...Worthy News devotion for today has valuable information for living which can actually change your life - change the way you view a 'day'  or a  'week' - change your thoughts and action for the day .... and that affects your eternity! 

Credit is given where credit is due.  The author of this devotion is listed at the bottom of the blog.  I encourage you to go to Worthy News web site and subscribe to their daily report (Worthy Brief).  I've been receiving this email for many years!  It is one I will keep.

Remember:  Life can always be better than it is...now.
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Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

In this passage, Moses asks the Lord to help us to be aware ofthe limited number of days we have here on the earth, which, in itself, is an important principle of life.  But the Hebrew word in this passage has a deeper meaning than simply "counting" or "numbering" our days. The Hebrew "manah" also means to "appoint" or "ordain". “Teach us to appoint our days,” or “teach us to ordain our days”,  not simply count them. The idea of consecrating our days, or setting them apart for His purposes expresses the deeper meaning.
         
If you let your days go by without ordaining them, they will simply fly by. However if you ordain your days – your weeks –recognizing both their number and potential significance, then ultimately your entire life will be "appointed" and "ordained" for  the Lord's purposes and your years will be filled with meaning and with wisdom – and that will have a profound effect on how you spend eternity.         

Our prayer is that you will not only "number" your days, recognizing how short they really are, but also that you will "ordain" and "appoint" them for the Lord's purposes, and so doing,will hear these wonderful words:    "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"
         
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Negev Desert, Israel

A No-Brainer

Asking "What now, Lord?" instead of "Why, Lord?" is a hard lesson to learn.  It's hard to ask the right question when you're feeling disappointed.  It's hard to ask when your heart is breaking.  It's hard to ask "What now?" when your dreams have been shattered. - Jack Zavada

Did you notice the adjustment in the above paragraph?  Change the "Why" to "What" and add one word, "Now" - - it alters the entire mood of the question.

"Why, Lord?" is often asked in response to a crisis, a disappointment, or because we have been hurt.  We don't understand what happened or why it happened and we are not pleased.  Our confidence, security, and self-esteem has taken a hit.  And we ask, "Why, Lord?"....   It is ok to ask God, "Why?" but you don't need to get stuck there.  If you are stuck in the "Why" mode....This is unbelief talking.

"What now, Lord?"  removes the negative aspect to the question.  Changing the wording of our question to the Lord is not for His benefit, but ours.  Now we are asking with a positive mental outlook.  We are saying "Lord, I know You have this in control....I know You have a plan...Just tell me what is next."   This says, "I anticipate the next move."   This is faith talking. 

Sometimes, we fail to understand in our heart simply because we fail to understand God's heart.  Oh, that we could know how much God loves us!  Yes, we know that He sent Jesus to die for our sins...but we still don't comprehend the love God has for us as an individual.  We think in terms of a corporate, distant God. But he is a personal God.  He is our Father, our Creator! 

If I could fully grasp the fact that God is for me, not against me, and that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be my counselor, my guide, and my teacher.  If I could embrace the nearness of His Spirit, then perhaps I could change my "Why, Lord?" into "What now, Lord?".

Do you know that only 3% of the world’s population manage to plan and reach their goals?   I believe this is partly due to the way we think.  Where would you be at this point in your life if your mental attitude had been, "What now, Lord?"  instead of "Why, Lord?"  How many goals would you have reached because your confidence skyrocketed instead of plummeting to the ground? 

The use of such negative statements forms negative mental habits.  The dynamics of this is great.  Questioning the Lord with a negative tone breeds a spirit of unbelief. 

Matthew 8:26 - Jesus rebuked the disciples because of their little faith.  They woke him to calm the storm...Jesus asked, "Why didn't you calm the storm, O Ye of Small Faith?"  In other words, he scolded them for being negative and allowing fear and anxiety to dominate their emotions in a trying situation.  They were with Jesus, on earth, in the flesh - they could and should have displayed strength. 

Starting today, make this change in your prayer time.  Speak to God honestly from your heart, but with words of faith, declaring "What now" instead of "Why, Lord" .   He  may be surprised, but...He will be pleased. 

It's a no-brainer.  I'll try it, if you will. 
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STARBUCKS, 2 Thumbs Up

Fox News Online:
"CEO Howard Schultz at Starbucks wanted an American manufacturer to produce the mugs."

Thus, the story begins.

Starbucks has a new campaign: Create Jobs for USA. The campaign is branded with the word "indivisible" stamped on mugs, wristbands and bags of coffee. For all the obvious reasons, CEO Howard Schultz at Starbucks wanted an American manufacturer to produce the mugs.

Finally, a news article that makes me proud!  Starbucks offered the job of producing ceramic mugs  to an American company instead of China.  Clyde McClellan at American Mug and Stein in East Liverpool, Ohio, was approached by a representative of Starbucks.   That's just the first thing that made me proud.

The second thing is that when the banks refused a consolidation debt loan for the American company (the need generated because foreign made meant cheaper foreign labor, which meant cheaper production) the Create Jobs for USA program, which is coupled with the Opportunity Finance Network, stepped up to the plate (sorry, I meant cup) and helped with the consolidation loan!!!

This reminds me of the scripture in Exodus 14:1-31 - The Red Sea Situation.  The Impossible Situation.  The one where you are caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue (Red) Sea Situation. The Situation where you feel boxed in - no way out - abandoned - look at the mess I'm in .... situation.   You need a recipe for rescue. 

Charles Tindley was an African-American pastor wrote the immortal hymn, “Stand By Me."

"When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.  When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea, Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.  When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail, Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me."


"Stand by me" is exactly what happened for this American comany.  Now they are up and running. Layoffs prevented and eight new employees added.  Way to go, Starbucks!  This is what America can do if given a chance!  The article concludes with: Now the kilns are fired up and people scurry about American Mug and Stein carrying loads, carving away imperfections in the clay and preparing an American product to be sold on American store shelves.

That's enough to make you want to do the happy dance!  God makes a way where there seems to be no way! 

Whatever the “Red Sea” situation is that you are facing today, remember this, there is a Jesus waiting for you to trust Him to “Deliver” you.
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Robbed at a Drive-Thru?

Good Grief!  Are we not safe anywhere...anymore? 

Who would think it could be true?  Thieves are watching and waiting to make some fast cash in fast food drive-thru lines.  This actually happened!  In Stockton.  A female was in the drive-thru line with her friends when two suspects came up, pointed a gun and robbed them. 

Life must be getting desperate for these robbery folks.  How many of us carry hundreds of dollars in our wallet - if we did, we would stop at Red Lobster, Outback, or ....well, not McDonald's.  Although, I admit, I'm a McD frequent visitor - love their hot-fudge sundae.  With tax, it amounts to a huge $1.29.  I can do that!  And besides, we use the debit card more than cash.  Yes!  I pull out the debit card for my $1.29 purchase.  I don't carry cash...there's no particular reason for this...I just don't go the bank to get cash. 

Has our society become so stupid...or desperate...that we have to rob at a McD's drive-thru?  Here's what happens.   They lie in wait - see you in the line - you are between two vehicles and can't run - they walk up to your window and want your hot fudge money.  In Stockton, they pointed a gun at the lady in order to get her Big Mac money.  These are called crimes of opportunity!  Let me say that again:  these are called crimes of opportunity!  By driving thru a fast food place we are giving idiots an opportunity to rob us....???  Oh, why do I find this the ultimate of stupity?  How sad.  Imagine a mom taking her children to get a Happy Meal - and some thug bangs on her car....wanting the Happy Meal Money. 

When I thought it couldn't get any crazier!! It did. 

ROBBERY TO GO: 

You have got to watch the video of a man jumping through the drive-thru window at a Burger King this year.   Here's the link: http://www.abc57.com/news/national-world/Man-attempts-to-rob-drive-thru-window-142858155.html

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.--It's a robbery attempt, to go. Security camera were rolling, as a suspect jumped through the drive-thru window of a Florida Burger King.  The woman working the cash register, didn't run away. Instead, she grabbed the man and screamed for help.

There's help.  Here's what you do (according to the officers):

1.  Lock your doors, roll up your windows, don't have money or a purse out in plain view, and try to get to a safe location.
2.  And if they see something, make some noise, honk your horn, because normally when you do something like that, the suspect who was going to rob you will flee the area."

The next time you drive through McD's or Burger King or Chick-fil-A...be on guard.  Follow the above two points.  If you don't have a gun - be sure you are riding with your Karate black-belt daughter.  I'll have Suzette escort me the next time I get the hot-fudge crave.  The robber would be so, so sorry.   He/she would suffer from a reversal of fortune.

I love to read about bungled robberies.  Such as:
 ...the  Indiana man who, during the commission of an armed robbery in January 2008, shot himself in the groin with his own gun, effectively ending the crime
... a 27-year-old Englewood, CO  resident, passed a note to a bank teller on the back of one of his own checks.
...A man who went missing in 1985 turned up in the chimney of a gift shop in Natchez, Miss., during renovations 15 years later.

Sometimes, crime just doesn't pay. 

Seriously, the Word says that knowledge will increase in the last days - but I never though stupidy would increase, also. 

Crimes of convenience.  Be prepared.

What else can I say?
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One Is Enough

We met on Mt. Nebo one afternoon.  I was at the picnic area for my usual prayer/study time whe she walked by.  We were the only two people in the area.  She stopped to visit.  I didn't get her name.  I wish I had.  I even wish I had gotten her address.  It would be nice to touch base with her again.  She did mention her home in Texas. 

We visited for a good bit.  I discovered that she is a retired high school art teacher...divorced for about 24 years.

She told me she was camping on Mt. Nebo and I asked if she camped alone.  She said, "One is enough."  This retired teacher didn't let 'alone' hinder her from going and doing...she carried on with life as a whole, healthy person. 

Her answer made quite an impact on me.  One is enough.  The meaning is this:  One is enough - one can still travel, go camping and carry on with life.  Two or more is not a requirement for living.  Toward the end of our visit she invited me to walk over to the camp site to see her small travel trailer.  It was a 1974 model, just like the picture included in this blog.  She opened the door and we stepped inside. Her tiny space was stocked and complete with everything she needed for camping.  Someone had even installed an a/c unit in the back window.  She had camped at just about every park in the state, I think.  One is enough to hook up her little trailer to her Ford 4-cylinder car and...away she goes to explore the world.

I've met people in the past who obviously never understood that one is enough and they spent much time and effort looking for friends in all the wrong places.  One is always enough if you find satisfaction in the things of God.  You are complete in Christ.  A healthy person will once again function normally after a loss - after time - and after a healing process.   Even though the void is huge, Jesus Christ gives you strength and courage to live. 

Never underestimate the power of just one person.  Einstein was one man... Hitler was one man, too. One person can choose good, creativity, or destruction.  One is enough.   One person can bring life to a dying church by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  One can pray down revival. 

I found the following tidbit from an old CBS news article from August of last year.

When one person influences a few others, there are two major effects:

1.  A ripple effect that, over time, can actually impact thousands over generations.
2.  A broadening effect since one person influences many, like multiplying tree branches.

Quotes from the classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life,  help us to understand the importance of one person:

Clarence:  "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Clarence: You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.

Clarence: You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?
George Bailey:  I wanna live again! 

Your life has touched many other lives.  If you touched them but briefly  - that moment in time made a difference to them.

One is enough.  Esther 4:14...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther was just one.  Paul was just one.  David was just one.  Moses was just one.  Elijah was just one....   Jesus was One.  One is enough.

Erma Bombeck said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

Now, go.  Live.  You have a lot to do.
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Paradise on Earth

(My Photo)

Would you like to experience
paradise while at work, home,
or even shopping at Wal-Mart?


You can experience heaven's benefits while in this flesh. 

The thief on the cross gives the greatest example.....Jesus said to him, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)."



Jack VanImpe wrote the following words regarding this thief:
".....as he looked at the center cross and saw Christ, he heard an unbelievable utterance falling from the Lord's lips: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). The thief was startled by the love shown to such villains. It was superhuman. Because of it, he suddenly changed his mind about Christ."

The thief experienced two major changes that day: 
1.  His thoughts about Jesus.
2.  His anticipation of a future. 

When the thief changed his mind and accepted Jesus,  he was assured he would experience paradise THAT DAY!  The paradise which is in the third heaven....the place where Christians go when they die.

Paradise is also a term used for a place that is positive, harmonious and timeless.  We often talk about finding a little bit of paradise on earth.  Is it possible to turn 'where you are' into a paradise?  I believe it is, at least to a degree.  The next question you may ask is, How?  Start inside yourself.  Adopt a new attitude towards people (loving/forgiving people as Jesus did) and make a decision to love Jesus (as the thief did), we can experience a little of "heaven on earth".

Today you have the opportunity to create moments of bliss...walk on cloud nine (while on this earth).  Simply surrender to Jesus Christ and make a determined choice to love others, especially the unlovable.  

Reality check, here. Christians struggle, too. Not everything about a christian's life is a bed of roses. The difference is that Jesus Christ makes it possible (through him) to overcome the world, turning a less than perfect place into a place of paradise. He promised us a peace that passes all understanding. His peace in you doesn't change those around you...or necessarily change your circumstances...but it will change the inside of you. With Him you are more than a conqueror! The peace and presence of Jesus inside...creates a calm - a new positive persepective...thus, creating an anticipation for a great future, your future! Hopelessness and negativity will wane in your newly discovered paradise.

Paradise is in you...until you are in paradise.

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HELL'S FREEDOM

This is the story of Mr. I. Resist

Mr. I. Resist lives a life of freedom.  He lives his way - doing what he wants.  He loves his life of freedom.  He lives life to the fullest!  No restraints.  Ah, the freedom he has!

Mr. I. Resist has chosen this path and as his name suggests, he resists any concern shown by parents or christians.  Many people are like Mr. Resist.  They want nothing to do with God.  They pursue their freedom to live a life which is opposite of everything Heaven has to offer. 

There are also freedoms in hell. If the things of God are resisted and unwanted here, people will have the opportunity live without them in hell. In other words, hell has freedom...and some of those freedoms are listed here.

IN HELL THERE IS FREEDOM FROM:

1.  The Presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.
2.  Righteousness.
3.  The Word of God.
4.  Worship of God the Father.
5.  The love of God.
6.  The angels in heaven.
7.  Eternal bliss and joy. 
8.  The glory of God.
9.  The peace of God
10. Eternity with redeemed loved ones.
11. Reigning with Christ.
12. Heavenly rewards.
13. Health and healing.
14. Relief of pain and sorrow.
15. Holiness.
16. Heaven itself.

I know.  This is not a fun read. It's not a normal blog.   But, Jesus talked about hell more than heaven and He is not willing that any perish.  Hell was made for the devil and his angels...not for mankind. 

You can resist Jesus Christ and His call to repentance.  You have the freedom to choose your destiny.  If you don't want Him and His love in this life  - you are allowed an eternity without Him.  In hell you can live a life of free of everything belonging to God.  Hell does have freedoms...but you won't enjoy them.  Everything in the above list that is missing in hell is enjoyed by saints of God when they inherit heaven. 

Or,  you can choose salvation through Jesus Christ while on this earth and inherit eternal life in a place of beauty.  John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Someone wrote:  Whatever we consider to be a joy here on earth will be heightened millions of times beyond anything we can conceive when we get to heaven.  The apostle Paul put it this way: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:9).

Revelation 7:16 "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat..."

Heaven is a real a place, just as hell is a real place.  And heaven is a better country, a city built by God.  It's where Christians go when they die.  It's where Jesus is. 

I'd rather have Heaven's Freedoms...than hell's freedoms, any day.

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Simple Ways to Increase Intelligence??

I was drawn to this article:  5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Intelligence.

Right off the bat, I am confused.  If the five ways are simple, then how will it increase my intelligence?  Just for fun I think I'll take a look at these five ways.  You might want to do a copy/paste here...or at least put your own spin on the points!  We could benefit from getting smart-er.

1) Stop Watching Television So Much.  I paraphrased that.  But it's 'simpler' to understand.  :)  Their point was: I don't have to think when I watch television and my brain doesn't have to recharge.  By the time I crash at night, I have little concern about my brain recharging.  In fact, my energy is as far as the east is from the west, and I don't want to think.  So, I watch the news.  Or Netflix.

They suggest reading a book instead of watching television.  While I totally agree with this thought, I must admit that if I start to read after a long day - I won't be awake through one chapter.  It would benefit me to pile up earlier, I suppose, and read while I have my right mind.

2)  Exercise.  Now, this is a unique thought!  Why haven't more people listed this as a source of gaining intelligence?  True, it does invigorate you, and true, it does increase your energy.  But, I've also seen a few buff bodies...with little brains.  On TV.

3)  Next, I should read books that are challenging.   I did that.  Stephen James' series, The Pawn and four that follow - will challenge the dog out of you to make it through each chapter without feeling like a wimp.  I read every one of the books.  n...I didn't have to re-read the book to discover the author's style!  The article stated that reading a classic book would change my view of the world.  If that's the case, I need to send a classic book to the President of Iran and a few more leaders .... they are the ones who need their views changed.  I have a good view of the world from where I sit.  So far, I'm the one in a free country!

4)  Go to bed early, Get up early -  That's a good point.  A good one, but an old one.  Early to bed, early to rise....has been around a long, long time...long before people knew how to increase their intelligence.  They also advise taking naps when sleepy.  Yeah, sure...run that by your boss after lunch.  Go ahead, lay your head down on the desk.  You may increase your intelligence alright, but you will find yourself unemployed.  (Just joking here...I know we need proper rest...but it hasn't yet increased my intelligence)

5)  Last, but not least:  Take a Walk and Think about things and get those thoughts organized.
Reflect.  Reflect.  Reflect.  Simple.  Feel smarter yet?  You should.

Forgive me for being a smart alec about this guy's simple article providing simple ways to get smart...but it's late - I'm tired - and sleepy - and this is just about as intelligent as I can get.  It's just that simple.

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Layered Chicken Three-Cheese Enchilada

Use your favorite enchilada sauce to prepare this recipe, which layers corn tortillas, chicken and three kinds of cheese into one hearty casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 3/4 cups red enchilada sauce
• 9 corn tortillas, each about 6 inches in diameter
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded yellow cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onion tops for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

In a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.  Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 6 to 7 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool.

Add the chicken to the onion and stir well to combine.

Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 3 1/2 qt round whide Dutch oven.  Arrange 3 tortillas in a single layer on the sauce, overlapping them as needed to cover the sauce.  Top with a generous 1 cup of the chicken-onion mixture, 1/2 cup of the sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese.  Repeat the layering 2 more times, alternating the direction of the tortilla layers and finishing with 1/2 cup sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese. 

Transfer to the oven and bake until the ingredients are heated through and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions and cilantro.  Serves 4 to 6.


Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

A GATE TO NOWHERE

My Photo-May, 2012

We were camping on a nearby mountain. I went for a short walk around the area and discovered  two gates. One in particular captured my attention.  It looked like a gate, blocked like a gate, opened like a gate - but it lead nowhere.    There was no road on the other side.  Nothing on the other side needed to be contained. I couldn't find a purpose for the gate.  It was nothing more than a Gate to Nowhere.

I've heard of a road to nowhere but this was my first time to see a gate to nowhere.  Segments of life can resemble a gate to nowhere. There is far too much nonsense consuming our time and energy, leaving us dissatisfied and wanting more out of life.

A Gate to Nowhere (pertaining to life) might be worry, doubt, maybe a critical spirit, sin, anger...get my drift?  Negative thoughts serve no purpose and will get you nowhere.   I was driving back from Texas a few days ago and caught myself sinking emotionally and mentally...because of negative thoughts.  Immediately I captured the thoughts and began to speak aloud:  Lift it Up!  Lift it Up!  Lift it Up!  I scribbled these three words  on a notepad while driving!  Lift it Up!  I continued to talk out loud:  You don't have to think like this.  You can think differently.  Lift up your head.  Lift up those thoughts!  Come on!  It's not like this.  Lift it Up!

It worked!  I didn't open a Gate to Nowhere! 

From a sermon (not mine): People with a clear-cut sense of purpose can withstand many challenges, inconveniences, and difficulties that others cannot. They do not give up. They do not break the 11th commandment — “Thou Shalt Not Whine.”

I must not open a gate called Self-Pity.  Someone said, "If you get into the habit of self-pity, you will probably ruin a lot more of your life than bad circumstances will ever ruin".  I don't need a gate called Self, period.   The gate of Self excludes God and will get me nowhere.  I have no purpose outside of Jesus Christ because He is the giver and sustainer of life.  

Jesus provides gates with purpose....gates to somewhere.  His gates are profitable for living. 

Psalm 118:19
"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Revelation 21:25
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

Revelation 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

A Gate to Nowhere or A Gate to Somewhere? 

It's a choice.
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