MYSTERIOUS MYSTICAL: Fwd: [KrazyKorner] Digest for krazykorner@googlegroups.com

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From: krazykorner@googlegroups.com
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:49:57 +0000
Subject: [KrazyKorner] Digest for krazykorner@googlegroups.com - 14
Messages in 14 Topics
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Today's Topic Summary
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Group: krazykorner@googlegroups.com
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/topics

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Topic: Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ "Matthew 16:24"
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/4ffbb9d12c76a4b
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From: Ruth Ragen <ruthragenic@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 01:06PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/a8ff5739905afe7c

*Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ*

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

by Neil Anderson

PICKING UP THE CROSS DAILY

Matthew 16:24
If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him . . . take up his cross

The cross we are to pick up on a daily basis is not our own cross but
Christ's cross. We are closely identified with His cross, however, because
we have been crucified with Christ and no longer live; Christ lives in us
(Galatians 2:20). His cross provided forgiveness from what we have done and
deliverance from what we were. We are forgiven because He died in our place;
we are delivered because we died with Him. We are both justified and
sanctified as a result of the cross.

To pick up the cross daily means to acknowledge every day that we belong to
God. We have been purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter
1:18, 19). When we pick up the cross, we affirm that our identity is not
based in our physical existence but in our relationship with God. We are
identified as children of God (1 John 3:1-3) and our life is in Christ, who
is our life (Colossians 3:3, 4).

As a result of this acknowledgment, we stop trying to do our own thing in
order to live daily to please our heavenly Father. We stop trying to become
something we aren't, and we rest in the finished work of Christ, who made us
something very special.

Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to save his [natural] life shall lose it; but
whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). Those who
strive to establish their identity and seek to establish purpose and meaning
in their natural life will someday lose it. We can't take it with us! We
must take up our cross daily by acknowledging that life only finds meaning
in Christ.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that because of the cross, I can soar in the
heavenlies with You. You are my life.

--
*No man ever repented of being a Christian
on his death bed.*

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Topic: Bible Pathways "Read Ezekiel 46 -- 48"
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/c44e69ae41d31574
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From: Ruth Ragen <ruthragenic@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 01:05PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/54ee9ab83ae86156

*Bible Pathways
*

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Read Ezekiel 46 -- 48
Highlights:
Reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the Prince of Peace (Ezek. chap.
46), the River of Healing (chap. 47) where He healed them all (Matt. 4:24;
8:16; 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:19; 8:47), the land (Ezek. chap. 48) with the
Temple in the center (48:8), and The Lord is there (48:35).
In a vision Ezekiel saw the waters of life flowing into the Dead Sea,
bringing forth fresh, life-giving water where there had once been death and
desolation. Death passed upon all. . . . death reigned from Adam. . . . even
so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ
our Lord (Rom. 5:12-14,21). Behold, waters issued out from under the
threshold of the House (Ezek. 47:1). Everywhere the river flowed, it brought
life (47:9).
The progress of these waters was gradual but constant. They began at the
Altar, symbolic of the cross. Ezekiel first stepped into waters reaching to
the ancles (ankles), then to the knees, then to the loins; and then they
became a river (47:3-5). They flowed gradually and constantly in the
ever-deepening stream. This illustrates, among other things, God in the
House (Temple) releasing the water of life (Rev.. 21:6; 22:1,17) at the
Altar (Cross) through Christ and His Church as well as eternal life (John
3:15; 17:2) flowing through missionary activities throughout the world. The
Gospel, which is now reaching the entire world, had a small, insignificant
beginning with earnest fishermen, and was opposed by both religious and
political powers conspiring to crush it.
The River of Life has its source in Christ who created all life and whose
glory filled the Temple then spread among all nations of the earth.
Similarly, the growth of grace in the individual life is a progressive work,
beginning with a small stream from Christ the Fountainhead but increasing in
depth and preciousness. Our spiritual insight from the Word of God, like the
waters of the Temple, is shallow at first but grows in depth and
preciousness as we continue to read His Word and become dispensers of the
Water of Life to others.
All the blessings of life come through Christ, who is the Source of the
Water of life (Eph. 3:8; John 4:13-14; 6:27; 10:28). His River of Life has
no limitations. He can cleanse the most vile sinner — no exceptions. His
Water is equally available to all who forsake their sinful ways and desire
Him to be Savior and Lord of their lives. As Lord, He expects you to read
the Scriptures. The verses and chapters are easily understood when you let
the Holy Spirit teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance (John 14:26).
Thought for Today:
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and
envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of
the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
Christ Revealed:
Through the river of living waters and one of the Names of God,
Jehovah(Yahweh)-Shammah, meaning: The Lord is there (Ezek. 47:1-12; 48:35;
also Rev. 21 — 22).
Word Studies:
46:7 as his hand shall attain unto as much as he can afford; 46:24 places of
them that boil where the Temple servants are to boil the sacrifice; 47:2
utter gate outer gate.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Ruth Allen • Staff: Rita
Guerra • Country: Vatican City (900) in Rome, Italy • Major languages:
Italian and Latin • Religious freedom • Approximately 100% Roman Catholic •
Prayer Suggestion: All men need to pray to the Lord, who hears prayers (Ps.
65:2).
Optional Reading:
Revelation 19
Memory Verse for the Week:
John 1:11

--
*No man ever repented of being a Christian
on his death bed.*

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Topic: Quiet Walk "Acts 23"
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/706d518ac5643325
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From: Donna Lowe <donnalowebn@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 01:01PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/d203fedd47a86944

*Quiet Walk
*

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Acts 23

Paul's first trial before Felix, the governor of the region, is not
decisive.

INSIGHT
During World War II there was a popular song with the phrase: "Praise the
Lord and pass the ammunition." This snatch of verse captures a theme that
runs throughout the Bible: Assume human responsibility while relying on the
sovereignty of God. Throughout the Bible, men pray and then act. Paul's
arguments are clever and his logic is deft, as though he is relying on
himself for his freedom. And yet under it all is a peace, a trust, a
confidence that can only be explained by his rest in the Lord whom he
serves. Whether his circumstances are good or bad, Paul regards wherever he
is as the "world" into which the Lord wants him to go to "preach the gospel"
(Mark 16:15).

PRAYER
Praise the Lord that we can rely on Him:
And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation." (Luke 1:46-50)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from
sin:
"Now, therefore," says the Lord,
"Turn to me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm. (Joel 2:12-13)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
A passion for moral excellence
Christian educational institutions
Today's activities
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what
we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for
we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)

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Topic: DAILY WISDOM "Revelation 1:3"
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/79dd73008ce836b5
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From: Donna Lowe <donnalowebn@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 12:59PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/508087d1139f66c6

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and
blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written
in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 1:3

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Topic: Today God Is First 'Opposing God's Leadership'
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/dea4d8110acc3b1b
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From: Jane Grant <janegrantw@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 12:44PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/ce60a835f6796e31

Today God Is First

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Opposing God's Leadership

"The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them" (Num 12:9).
Beware of trying to depose a leader that God has raised in your midst.
Leaders are placed by God in business, government, churches - almost every
place where leaders are required. When God places a person in position of
authority, it is a grievous sin to go against that leadership. God Himself
opposes those who come against His leadership.
God's leaders are not perfect. They make mistakes. That is why following a
leader can require a faith that goes beyond faith in the leader. Our faith
lies in the God who elevated the leader to his or her position.
Miriam and Aaron, the older brother and sister of Moses, had a family
dispute about Moses' wife, who was an Ethiopian and Cushite. She most likely
was a black woman. We do not know the nature of the dispute, but it was a
typical family conflict.
However, the family conflict began to impact God's agenda for a nation. They
were now meddling in God's business. And He did not like that in the least.
God literally brought Aaron and Miriam into the switching house. He judged
both Miriam and Aaron for their rebellion against His ordained leader. "Why
then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Num 12:8).
Miriam was stricken with leprosy and had it not been for Moses' appeal on
her behalf, she would have been cast out for good. God gave her a second
chance but it required being cast away from the camp for seven days. Miriam
and Aaron repented for their rebellion.
If you struggle with a leader that God has over you, pray for that leader.
If God wants to remove that leader, He can do it. Think twice about
conspiring to remove a leader whom God has not chosen to remove yet.

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Topic: Girlfriends in God 'Greed is Contagious'
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/e3db096c4197f70c
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---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: Jane Grant <janegrantw@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 12:42PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/91117c62f8a71b91

Girlfriends in God

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Greed is Contagious

Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in
their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the
living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to
use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should
give generously to those in need; always being ready to share with others
whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their
treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of
real life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NLT).
Friend to Friend
It was a holiday weekend and I was determined to find the best sale in town
– so I headed to the mall. Evidently, everyone else had the same idea
because the mall parking lot was crammed full. Horns were honking. People
were racing into various entrances, an anxious look on their faces. I wanted
to cruise the mall, roll down my window and shout, "Seriously? It is only a
sale, people!" As I drove on, I thought about the harried scene I had just
witnessed and my thoughts turned to the ugly subject of greed. Greed is
contagious. If we spend time with people who are prone to jealousy and
greed, it will be easier for us to be jealous and greedy as well.
When anyone in my house gets sick, they know what is coming. War! I
immediately launch an all-out battle against sickness and germs. I head to
the store in order to stock up on necessary supplies. The list is usually
the same; juice, soup, crackers, yogurt, throat lozenges, tissues, cold
medicine and last, but certainly not least, several cans of Lysol. I then
implement my battle plan. The "sickie" is confined to their quarters. They
are allotted one bathroom, one sofa and one bedroom for the duration of
their illness. The ailing one is not to enter any other area of the barracks
… uh, house … without my permission. I then go room to room; spraying every
surface that they may have touched or even thought about touching. While the
patient is allowed to continue breathing, I tend to follow the feeble one
around, spraying the air that borders those breaths. This procedure
continues until the patient is completely well. I know. I am obnoxious but I
am also successful more times than not. I do not want to catch their disease
and feel it is my personal responsibility to quarantine the sick ones in
order to halt the progression of the illness.
Greed is a noxious disease, one that demands immediate and fierce spiritual
quarantine. We must be careful that we do not catch the spirit of greed and
steer clear of those people who are carriers of this deadly disease.
Greed is an inside job, invading our thoughts and then taking up residence
in a discontented heart as it opens the door for other deadly sins. Proverbs
4:23 issues a clear warning when it says: "Above all else, guard your heart,
for it affects everything you do" (NLT). Greed and honesty cannot exist in
the same heart and God wants us to give with an honest heart.
"I know, my God, that you test people's hearts. You are happy when people do
what is right. I was happy to give all these things. I gave with an honest
heart" (1 Chronicles 29:17, NCV).
In this verse "honest" literally means "with integrity." To give with
integrity is to give the right thing at the right time, to the right person
for the right reason. The reason for giving should always originate in love
- God's love - a love that has been given to us in order for us to give it
away in His name. The circle of giving is a circle of love and it all
started with God when He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
We are loved, so we give love and because we give love, we receive more
love. Matthew 7:2 says "the amount you give to others will be given to you"
(NCV). Luke 6:38 offers a clear picture of God's giving plan. "Give and you
will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and
running over, it will spill into your lap.The way you give to others is the
way God will give to you" (NCV). What and how we give determines what and
how much we receive.
We simply cannot out-give God! I have heard it said that the Lord loves a
cheerful giver but that He will even accept it from a grouch. I have also
heard it said that plenty of people are willing to give God credit but few
are willing to give Him cash. The truth is that the Father looks past the
gift and examines the heart behind the gift. The motive of the heart
determines the acceptability of the gift.

Let's Pray
Father, my heart and life are so often filled with greed and discontent.
Right now, I choose to take my eyes off of "things" and focus on what You
want for my life. Thank You for all that You have given to me and for what
You have done in my heart. I praise You, knowing that in You I have
everything I need. Please teach me how to give in a way that pleases and
honors You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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Topic: SALT OF THE EARTH by Jo Ann Kelly
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/c993d56940d159e5
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From: Linda Cartz <lindacartzi@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 12:38PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/16e2251dddb4317f

~SALT OF THE EARTH~

"Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost
his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thereforth good
for nothing, but to be cast under foot of men."
Matthew 5: 13
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We are referred to as "the salt of the earth" as Christians. If the salt
has lost it's savor,
it is of no real value. As we make an effort to make an effect on the
world, we are of value
as the "salt of this earth." Why does the earth need spiritual salt? "It
has been said that
this expression implies to rottenness in the earth; it implies a tendency
to pollution and to
becoming offensive. That is what the Bible has to say about this world.
It is fallen and sinful,
with a tendency to evil and wars. It is also like something which can only
be kept wholesome
by means of a preservative or antiseptic." Without the Spirit of the Lord
living and working
in us, we cannot fulfill His purpose for our lives. We are to be the
"living sacrifice" as we offer
ourselves to the Lord, fully surrendered to Him for His service. Our
sacrifice is to be with
"salt" and will be a sweet savor unto the Lord.

If we go back to the Old Testament, we see that salt was used in the
offerings unto the Lord.
What was the purpose of the salt? Salt made the offering "smell good to
God." It was
as a sweet savor unto God. There is only "one true salt" and "one true
light" in this world
and that is the salt and light of the Lord our God. We are to take the
things of the world
and "savor them with salt, "or soul." We are the "salt or soul" of the
world as created
out of the dust of the earth but transformed by God's creative power and
spirit.
We must inject this same "soul or spirit" of God into the world by letting
His
Spirit flow out from us like salt is dispersed from the salt shaker. God
has poured
His Spirit out and we are as the vessels of God which His Spirit flows
through.

If you add salt to bland food, it becomes transformed and has a good
taste. If you add spiritual
salt to the world, souls can be transformed into the image of Christ through
His light which
penetrates into hearts. We are a reflection of that light as his love
beams into our hearts to
shine forth in a dark world. A little salt can "savor" the lives of
hundreds just as a beam of light
can bring revelation and illumination to many souls through the darkness.
These words
of our Lord should encourage us to be all that we can be for Christ and
fulfill our
calling each day.

Christ has called all of us to be as the salt of the earth. It is each
individual Christian
who must be willing to "leave the salt box and penetrate into the darkness
of
the world as salt and light." We are to make efforts daily as His Holy
Spirit leads us
to plant seeds of faith and his gospel message. Christians cannot afford
to blend
in with everyone or the ways of the world, but as the "salt" of the earth;
we will be
able to affect in a positive way to be blessed and a blessing to others.

We must be willing to be "poured out" for the sake of the gospel and share
His good news with a lost and dying world. Each day we have opportunities
both in the real world and on the Internet to share God's love and plan with
others across this world. God's Word makes a lasting difference in lives
who
need help and hope. The Lord is always there for those who will just look
to Him. Sharing His truths and showing forth His love can help make a
lasting change in lives when we let God lead.

Our prayer is that we will share in the burden of the Lord and as he
strengthens
us with his power, we can fulfill our calling and be blessed by doing our
best.
We serve a God who helps us and will make us effective witnesses for his
glory.
May He be glorified today and always as Redeemer, Lord, and Savior.
We give thanks for his love, joy, and peace, which shall never cease.

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2011, 2004
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

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Topic: Daily Living for Seniors "Colossians 3:12"
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/fff21c69709b6435
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From: Linda Cartz <lindacartzi@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 14 12:36PM -0500
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/f14b5e4c590ec82f

*Daily Living for Seniors
*

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
--Colossians 3:12

In 1935, on a winter night, Fiorello LaGuardia, the mayor of New York City,
showed up at night court in the poorest part of the city. He let the judge
go for the evening and he took over the bench.

A woman in torn clothing, charged with stealing a loaf of bread, was brought
to stand before LaGuardia. She told LaGuardia that her son-in-law had
deserted her extremely sick daughter, and that her grandchildren were
starving. The shopkeeper refused to drop the charges, however, saying she
needed to be punished.

LaGuardia sighed, turned to the old woman, and said, "I've got to punish
you. The law makes no exceptions. Ten dollars or ten days in jail."

As soon as he pronounced the sentence, however, LaGuardia took a $10 bill
out of his pocket and threw it into a hat. And he said: "Here's the $10
fine, which I now remit. Furthermore, I'm going to fine each person 50 cents
in this courtroom for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so
that her grandchildren can eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them
to the defendant."

The next day, a New York newspaper reported that $47.50 was turned over to
the grandmother who had stolen a loaf of bread to feed her starving
grandchildren.
Today, give encouragement or show kindness to someone who wouldn't expect it
from anyone else. Christ came to give life and show mercy to those less
fortunate and those who are sinners—not the high and mighty. Restore the joy
in your life by giving of your time and energy to those who don't have the
blessings that you do.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to show you someone who is less fortunate than
you, so you can extend to him or her the same kindness that Christ first
showed you.

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Topic: David Shares
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/a0173d76c9bc31f8
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---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: nls <nls1933@msn.com>
Date: Sep 14 08:01AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/e6e77f54b5416209

The sin of partiality
Posted by Dave Jenkins on Sep 14, 2011 in James, The Gospel, The
Gospel and the Christian Life | 0 comments Thank you for returning to
Servantsofgrace, if you haven't you may want to subscribe to my RSS
feed. Thanks for your return visit!

"The faith" in James 2:1 refers not to the act of believing, but to
the entire Christian faith (Jude 3), which has as its central focus
Jesus Christ. Christ is the One who reveals the glory of God (John
1:14; 2 Cor. 4:4-6; Heb. 1:1-3). In his incarnation, he showed only
impartiality (Matt. 22:16)—for example consider the non-elite people
included in his genealogy (Matt. 1:1-16) his choice of the humble
village of Nazareth as his residence for 30 years, and his willingness
to minister in Galilee and Samaria, both regions held in contempt by
Israel's leaders. Partially in James 1:3 originally referred to
raising someone's face or elevating the person, but it came to refer
to exalting someone strictly on a superficial, external basis, such as
appearance, race, wealth, rank or social status.

"Assembly" literally means gathering together. Since James was
writing early in the church's history to Jewish believers (1:1), he
used both this general word and the normal Greek word for
"church" (5:14) to describe the church's corporate meetings during
that period of transition. While Jews commonly wore rings (Luke 15:22)
few could get gold ones. However, there are some reports that in the
ancient world the most ostentatious people wore rings on every finger
but the middle one to show off their economic status. The word for
fine clothing refers to bright, shining garments and is used of the
gorgeous garment Herod's soldiers put on Jesus to mock him (Luke
23:11) and of the apparel of an angel (Acts 10:30). It can also refer
to bright, flashy color and to brilliant, glittering, sparkling
ornamentation. James is not condemning this unbeliever for his
distracting dress, but the church's flattering reaction to it.

Although there were people of means in the early church, it mostly
considered of common poor people. Throughout Scripture the poor are
objects of God's special concern (James 1:27). Sit here in a good
place in James 2:3 refers to a more comfortable prominent place of
honor. The synagogues and assembly halls of he first century sometimes
had benches around the outside wall and a couple of benches in front.
Most of the congregation either sat cross-legged on the floor or
stood. There were a limited number of the good seats; they were the
ones the Pharisees always wanted (Mark 12:38-39).

Made distinctions in James 2:4 reveals the true nature of the sin in
this passage, not the lavish apparel or rings of the rich man or that
he was given a good seat. Judges with evil thoughts is better
translated judges with vicious intentions. James feared that his
readers would behave just like the sinful world by catering to the
rich and prominent while shunning the poor and common.

The kingdom in James 2:5 refers to the kingdom in its present sense of
the sphere of salvation—those over that Christ rules—as well as its
future millennial and eternal glory. Oppress in James 2:6 means to
tyrannize. Drag you into court is a reference to civil court.
Blaspheme the honorable name is likely a reference to religious
courts. Wealthy Jewish opponents of Christ were harassing these poor
Christians (John 16:2-4).

Royal law is better translated as sovereign law. The idea is that this
law is supreme or binding. This sovereign law "love our neighbor as
yourself" is quoted from Lev. 19:18, when combined with the command to
love God (Deut. 6:4-6), summarizes all the Law and the Prophets (Matt.
22:36-40; Rom. 13:8-10). James is not advocating some kind of
emotional affection for oneself-self-love is clearly a sin (2 Tim.
3:2). Rather, the command is to pursue meeting the physical health and
spiritual well-being of one's neighbors (all within the sphere of our
influence; Luke 10:30-37) with the same intensity and concern as one
does naturally for oneself (Phil. 2:3-4).

If is better translated since as the Greek construction of this
conditional statement indicates that this practice was in fact
happening among James' readers. The form of the Greek verb for the
phrase "show partiality" indicates that their behavior was not an
occasional slip but a continual practice. Convicted by law refers to
the commands in Deut. 1:17 and 16:19. The phrase "transgressors"
refers to those who go beyond the law of God. Respect of persons makes
one a violator of God's law.

"Whole law one point" means that the law of God is not a series of
detached injunctions but a basic unity that requires perfect love of
him and our neighbors (Matt. 22:-36-40). Although all sins are not
equally damaging or heinous, they all shatter that unity and render
men transgressors, much like hitting a window with a hammer at only
one point will shatter and destroy the whole window. "Accountable for
all" means not in the sense of having violated every command, but in
the sense of having violated the law's unity. One transgression makes
fulfilling the law's most basic commands—to love God perfectly and to
love one's neighbor as oneself—impossible. The quotations in James
2:11 are taken from Exodus 20:13-14 and Deut 5:17-18. Judged refers to
the teaching of Paul in Romans 2:6-16 and the law of liberty to James
1:25.

Too often we look the commandments from a negative view point. We do
so because most of them are cast in a negative form: for example, do
not murder, do not commit adultery, and do not steal. Bu the Ten
Commandments have a positive side also. They teach us that within the
boundaries of God's protective laws we have perfect freedom. As fish
thrive in water because water is in their natural habitat, so the
child of God flourishes in the setting of the law. He realizes that
God has graciously given him these laws for his protection and safety.
He knows that "the law of the Lord is perfect" and "that the precepts
of the Lord are right" (Psalm 19:7-8). He experiences the love of God
in these commandments, so that he in turn can express his love to God
and his neighbor. Why does the believer keep the law of God? He keeps
he law because in this way he is able to show his gratitude to God.
The law of God then is a rule of gratitude for the believer.

From biblical history we learn the sad story that God's people failed
to keep the law of love by neglecting mercy. In the days of the
prophets for example, God told the unrepentant Israelites that he
required mercy and not sacrifice (Hos. 6:6). Next Micah asked and
answered the question: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (6:8) And
last, God spoke through the prophet Zechariah: "Administer true
justice; show mercy and compassion to one another" (7:9). But the Jews
turned a deaf ear to God's instruction and hardened their hearts
instead. The person who refuses to extend mercy will experience God's
justice without mercy.

Man can never claim God's mercy, however, by performing deeds of
mercy. Mercy is never earned but is always granted when it is sought.
If we were able to earn it mercy would no longer be mercy. We must
look to the One who grants it to us. Mercy does not triumph at the
expense of justice; the triumph of mercy is based on the atonement
wrought at Calvary. The Christian knows that in the judgment day,
mercy triumphs over justice because of Christ's meritorious work.

=============================================================================
Topic: Encouragement for Today
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/1195c4c679656107
=============================================================================

---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: nls <nls1933@msn.com>
Date: Sep 14 07:33AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/94e9d0b3485a1199

September 14, 2011

My Thoughts vs. God's Word
Melissa Taylor

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more
abundantly." John 10:10 (NKJV)

Do you ever question if you are good enough? Are you more likely to
dwell on what's wrong with you than what's right with you?

One day I realized I was scrutinizing myself to find out what my
problem was. The more I picked myself apart, the more it dawned on me
another voice was egging me on; the voice of the enemy, Satan. As I
listened to his lies, my sense or worth and security were zapped.

For a long time I didn't even recognize him for who he was. The
negative thoughts and deceitful suggestions simply sounded like my own
voice.

The Bible opens with a serpent slithering into the lives of Adam and
Eve. He filled their heads with lies they believed which separated
them from God. Jesus, too, was tempted by this liar. He was ready
though, with the Word of God, to defeat the evil one.

We too can have this weapon in our arsenal. As we fill our hearts and
minds with Truth, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves and the
lies Satan whispers to our hearts.

When I compare my negative thoughts to God's Word, the differences
amaze me:

My thoughts: I want to give up.
God's Word: Be committed. Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts: I'll feel lost.
God's Word: He watches my paths and establishes my ways. Proverbs
5:21, 4:26

My thoughts: No one loves me.
God's Word: He loves me more than life. John 3:16

My thoughts: I'm ugly.
God's Word: I'm wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

My thoughts: I'm all alone and no one understands me.
God's Word: He will never leave me. He has plans for my life.
Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts: I'm just not good enough.
God's Word: I was created in His image. Genesis 1:26

Are you ready to replace lies with God's truth, so when the enemy
tries to slither back in with false accusations, you'll be ready to
combat him with what God's Word says about you?

To get started, evaluate your thoughts and pray for wisdom to
distinguish the voice of the enemy. Condemning thoughts that steal
your confidence of who you are in Christ aren't from God. Let's commit
today to renew our mind with the Word of God each day, and replace
those worn-out, deceitful lies with Truth.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your life-giving truth. Please fill me with
Your Word so that I can live in freedom and confidence! In Jesus'
Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Dive into God's Word with Melissa's Online Bible study of A Confident
Heart by Renee Swope. Click here to be a part of this powerful study
and community!

You won't want to miss the dynamic A Confident Heart Conference Call
Series either! To purchase the series click here.

What others are saying about A Confident Heart:

• This book pierced my heart, as no other reading, hearing, or
experience has.

• This is so what I need! I love how you remind us to pray God's Word.
His truth is only what makes a difference with toxic thoughts.

• I felt like you were writing about me. I find myself not doing
things that would bring joy because of not being good enough. This
book describes how I have felt all my life.

We invite you to join thousands of others participating in Melissa's
Online Bible Study! Visit her blog to sign up and also enter to win a
free Conference Call Series for you and a friend!

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch
eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving
ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't
compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we
are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us.
Thank you!

Application Steps:
Read the verses in this devotion and write down what God's Word says.

Reflections:
Are my thoughts reflective of who God's Word says I am?

If not, what are one or two I will begin to change by memorizing some
of the verses above?

Power Verses:
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think
about such things." (1984 NIV)

Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

=============================================================================
Topic: In Touch Ministries with Dr. Charles Stanley
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/3102db0b9c3bb6f9
=============================================================================

---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: nls <nls1933@msn.com>
Date: Sep 14 07:15AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/ce86cf76366cc958

September 14, 2011

Reconciling God's Love and Justice

Psalm 33:4-5

Some people reject the message of salvation because they are offended
by the Bible's description of God's wrath. Even believers struggle to
reconcile the Lord's love and justice. How can He at the same time be
perfectly loving and perfectly just? In an attempt to come to terms
with this dilemma, we often try to soften the message of judgment and
instead emphasize the Father's loving qualities. But love and justice
are not contradictory terms. In fact, you can't have one without the
other.

God's love brings good into our lives. But if there is no justice, sin
runs rampant and causes untold pain and suffering. No one thinks a
judge is loving when he refuses to punish guilty criminals. To set
them loose in society is not healthy for either the wrongdoer or the
community. In the same way, our loving heavenly Father cannot allow
sin to go unpunished.

But this presents an even bigger dilemma for mankind. We are all
guilty before a holy God. That is why Christ came to earth. He bore
divine wrath for all our sins so that the Father could be both just
and forgiving. His justice was satisfied by the most loving act of all
time—Christ's death on the cross. Now those who by faith accept Jesus'
offer of salvation will never experience punishment for their sins.

Although in heaven believers will all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ, there will be no reason to fear. Our judgment has the
purpose of determining rewards, not dishing out punishment. Out of
gratitude, we should prepare now for that time by living for the Lord
every day.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley,
please visit www.intouch.org.

=============================================================================
Topic: God's Minute by Pastor Allen
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/ea6253d0d16559da
=============================================================================

---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: nls <nls1933@msn.com>
Date: Sep 14 06:54AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/cd8d4d77af040d86

Blessed is he whose transgressions are
forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord
does not count against him and in whose
spirit is no deceit.
( Psalms 32:1-2 *NIV )

Often people feel that they have committed a sin in the past that can
not be forgiven. A sin that is so horrible that God could never
forgiven them. This is simply not true! For; If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness. ( 1 John 1:9 )

After all Jesus even forgave a thief on the cross, did He not?( Luke
23:40-43 ) This is because when we confess our sins and ask for
forgiveness, our past sins are cleansed from the Book of Life by the
Precious Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ! For, In Him we have
redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance
with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom
and understanding. ( Ephesians 1:7-8 )

Therefore never feel that a sin you have committed in the past can not
be forgiven, that simply is not true! For our Savior paid the price
for the sin debt for the whole World on the cross! So, it can be said;
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but
delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will
tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths
of the sea. Amen. ( Micah 7:18-19 )

All My Love & Prayers,
Pastor Allen

[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
[ Audio---Subscribe---Change of Address---Unsubscribe ]
at: http://www.godsminute.com
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2011 by Apostle Paul Ministries. All Rights
Reserved.

=============================================================================
Topic: Daily Word from Pastor Jack Graham
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/7aadebbaa6efc409
=============================================================================

---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: nls <nls1933@msn.com>
Date: Sep 14 07:02AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/755c6e0f1994e054

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you
were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

I love baseball. For me, there's nothing better on a nice summer
afternoon than catching a game at the ballpark. Now, there are several
roles that must be filled on the baseball field for the game to run
properly. Sure, you have your players and your coaches, but one of the
most important people in the contest is the umpire.

An umpire keeps the peace in a ball game. An umpire makes sure that
the teams are playing by the rules. And when someone steps out of the
confines of the rules, the umpire is the one who holds them
accountable through penalties and outs.

Now, in today's passage, the word rule carries the sense of "umpire."
That is, "… let the peace of Christ umpire your hearts…." You see,
when you're walking in the will of God, the peace of God lives in you.
But the moment you step out of bounds, the peace of God says, "You're
out!"

There's no peace when you're outside of the will of God. There's only
hurt and pain. And when you feel that hurt and pain, that's God
holding you accountable for stepping out of bounds.

If you want to know God's peace, walk in His will. And if you step out
of His will, allow Him to hold you accountable so that you can be
fully restored!

BE OPEN TO GOD'S ACCOUNTABILITY IN YOUR LIFE BY WALKING IN HIS WILL
AND KEEPING HIS PEACE IN YOUR HEARTS.

=============================================================================
Topic: Wisdom from the Psalms~Psalm 115:15
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/t/7b15903178f07bc6
=============================================================================

---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: 2GoneFishin <twogonefishin@yahoo.com>
Date: Sep 14 02:03AM -0700
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/krazykorner/msg/39b8183e8fdf62e

September 14

Psalm 115:15
The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he
given to the children of men.

Joey tossed his candy paper on the playground. Patty ran over from
where she was playing with her friends, and said, "You pick that up!"

"I don't have too. Who made you boss?"

"It's not nice to throw trash on the ground."

"It's okay. I learned in Sunday school that God gave the earth to us,
and we can do anything we want to with it."

Indeed, God had given the world into our hands, but His deepest hope
is that we will care for it and protect it. Like careless children, we
allow the earth to be mistreated. Like a fragile toy, the earth will
be damaged beyond repair. What we will do then, God only knows, but
for now we must learn to treat God's creation as God Himself would.
Otherwise, how will He ever trust us to share eternity with Him in
heaven?

Prayer: Do no let me be careless with Your creation, Lord. I love the
beauty of this world, but I am not a lways quick to protect it. Help
me to value our planet more dearly. Amen.

2GoneFishin'
please visit us at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KrazyKorner

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

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