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July 16, 2008
20: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, - Acts 20:20
On his way to Jerusalem for the last time, Paul was eager to arrive in time to celebrate Pentecost. But, when the ship docked for a time in Miletus, he called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to visit him. In their last moments together, he gave them final instructions and reminded them how he had served the Lord “with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews” (vs. 13-19). His was a ministry of absolute commitment. He did not allow himself to hold back or be timid. He was so committed to his task that he proved willing to go anywhere and do anything—before small groups or large…in homes or the public arena…when it was comfortable or uncomfortable…when he faced opposition or a captive audience. As a result of this commitment and ministry, “the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing” (Acts 19:20). This is the kind of commitment God is looking for from each of us. He knows how easily we can be distracted, lose focus, or go off course. This is why we need to follow Paul’s example and stay focused on God, to fill our lives with His Word, to spend quality time in prayer, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to be sensitive to His leading. Today, seek God and surrender your life to Him. Ask Him to give you greater boldness and a relentless commitment to His Kingdom. Look at every situation to see how He can use you. Seek to serve and please Him, whatever you do, wherever you go. Live so others can see Jesus in you—any time, any place. | | | | Prayer | | Father, I commit my life to You. Show me how I can be used by You today through the circumstances of life. Use me to impact others with the Gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen. | | | | Extended Reading | Acts 20
Inspiration Today |
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Sorry everyone, I haven't been on mychurch I am still in the process of more oral surgery, getting ready to move out of my apartment into a house of my own and still doing the work for the LORD. My permanent job! :-) I say that with much joy, for no job of this world can compare to the work, I do for my LORD.
Thank you, for all those lovely comments dear siblings they are encouraging, I will try to keep up with all of you. Have a wonderfully blessed and successfully day. GOD bless!
Love,
Della
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26: This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
27: TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
28: PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. - DANIEL 5:26-28
Rembrandt van Rijn had a profound knowledge of the Bible. This great Dutch artist, born on this day in 1606, frequently turned to the Bible for inspiration. In 1635, he turned his attention to the story of Belshazzar’s feast. Historian Paul Johnson observed that Rembrandt invested his painting “with a breathless excitement that has eluded all other artists who have tackled this wonderful subject.” Instead of focusing on the masses attending the feast, Rembrandt brings us into the intimacy of the moment as Belshazzar confronts God’s mysterious message, written by “the fingers of a man’s hand.” The king’s eyes are mesmerized. We feel his shock. What could the words mean? A handful of onlookers share his horrified puzzlement. Rembrandt portrayed the king’s lavish wardrobe, a glorious crown, and golden vessels, perhaps taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. Scholar Simon Schama commented that Rembrandt focused on the gold “as a curse…a kind of leprous contamination.” This gold symbolized Belshazzar’s life—outwardly blessed but inwardly barren. The Bible tells us no one knew what the words meant. Then the queen reminded Belshazzar about Daniel, who was summoned and gave the sobering interpretation: The king had been arrogant, and now it was time for him to face God and give an account of his life. Rembrandt’s painting reminds us that many people focus on accumulating material wealth and power. Like Belshazzar, they are arrogant and proud. But, eventually, all of us will face God to be judged for what we’ve done and how we’ve spent our lives. Today, make sure you are ready to face God. Humble yourself. Seek Him. Surrender your life to Him. And seek first His Kingdom.
Father, I humble myself before You. I seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, rather than earthly riches or power. I dedicate all I have to serving You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Further Reading: Daniel 5
Inspiration Today
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Among the great and glorious gifts
our heavenly Father sends
Is the gift of understanding
that we find in loving friends ...
For in this world of trouble
that is filled with anxious care,
Everybody needs a friend
in whom they're free to share
The little secret heartaches
that lay heavy on the mind --
Not just a mere acquaintance,
but someone who's just our kind ...
For somehow in the generous heart
of loving, faithful friends,
The good GOD in HIS charity
and wisdom always sends
A sense of understanding
and the power of perception
And mixes these fine qualities
with kindness and affection ...
So when we need some sympathy
or friendly hand to touch
Or one who listens
and speaks words that mean so much,
We seek a true and trusted friend
in the knowledge that we'll find
A heart that's sympathetic
and an understanding mind ...
And often just without a word
there seems to be a union
Of thoughts and kindred feelings
for GOD gives true friends communion.
Helen Steiner Rice
And GOD is the greatest gift I ever had for HE is a TRUE FRIEND, in deed, then HE sends other siblings my way.
Della
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