…free from your burdens!

Laying of hands to receive the Spirit
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Several years back, I had wondered why the apostles had to journey to Samaria to "lay hands" upon those believers there in order for them to receive the Holy Spirit. I took a closer look at the over all indwelling of the Holy Spirit which led to a closer study of the gifts of the Spirit. I believe that understanding comes from asking God for help with my understanding so I asked Him. Several passages and other things came to my attention concerning this. One was Peter's vision of the sheet dropping down with all types of food to eat (including those things that were…

Don't Do It!
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Stop! Wait! Put that pen down! Don't do it! Do not write your goals down. At least not until you have read this blog. I've gone through this for to many years. Setting goals for the new year and failing at them. Here is how I now look at goals and goal setting. (Short version) Every thing that man has done, invented or created began with a thought. When Cain killed Abel it began with a thought. When the first horse carriage was created, it began with a thought. When we get up in the morning to get our coffee, tea or soda, it begins with a thought. All we do…

The Word Processors
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

We are all processors of words. All kinds of words. Words we hear others say, words we read, and simply words we may see, but may not understand. We react immediately upon hearing or seeing many different words. Every human reacts in a different way, whether very subtly or vocally, others we have no visible or realized reaction. The manner in which we react is largely determined by life experiences up until we hear the word or words, coupled with heredity. Our responses to all words are modified by life events, and inherited proclivities along with input from a conglomerations…

Applaude Yourself!
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

There’s a wonderful saying, “Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated.” When I think about these words, so many meanings come to mind: the people in your life and their attitudes towards you, the places you frequent socially, your workplace environment and those you meet for the very first time. They also raise the questions: are the people and surroundings you deal with supporting, loving, befriending, even helping you when you need them the most? Or do they pull you down, surround you with negative energy, refuse to acknowledge…

Bible and Quote - April 21-25
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness (and) to let Your servant know. 2 Samuel 7:21 He has set forth by His Word the secrets of His will that He has decided to reveal to us. These He decided to reveal in so far as He foresaw that they would concern and benefit us. John Calvin 1509-64, The Institutes of the Christian Religion You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 2 Samuel 7:22 May my testimony inspire…

His Unfailing Love, Our Hope
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22 (NIV) This past Sunday was World Communion Sunday/Unity Sunday. The churches of my denomination in our town held a Unity Service at the High School auditorium. This service came at the end of a weekend of being a part of a retreat experience with women from another church. As a result, I spent time reflecting on who I am, what I need to do to grow closer to the LORD, and how I can let the light of Jesus shine through to others. Our bishop spoke…

Remote Control
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Life is great, isn't it? Evening comes, work is done, and we sit back in our easy chair and watch a little something on the telly. We grab this device with rows of buttons on its top side and start pushing buttons until we achieve the desired result. What were our ancestors thinking making televisions without remote controls? Consider this. Since the 1950's, just after TV's invention and coming of age, America has grown obese and more sedate according to recent studies. Guess there was something to having to get up off the couch to turn the TV on and off and change channels.…

Whatever Happened to Prayer Meetings?
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

In Acts 12 there is a kind of fun story about Peter in jail. Herod had James, John's brother, beheaded and found out the Jews liked it. So he had Peter arrested and planned to further the fun by killing him after Passover. Well, God had other plans. In the night an angel came in, kicked Peter and told him to get up and go, and they walked out. Peter didn't even know it was real until the angel left him outside the prison. Imagine that! So he went to where he knew Christians would be gathered and knocked on the door. Sure enough, there was a group inside praying for Peter, but when…

Helping the Grieving, Part 1
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15 According to Paul, part of God’s will for your life is that you learn empathy. We are to rejoice with others when good things come their way. But we are also to grieve alongside them when the dark times come. Notice that Paul didn’t say we are to comfort them? That’s because comforting them would be in large part impossible. There is no easy way to help. There are no clear-cut, three-step answers. There is no pill that can be taken, nor wonderful counsel that can be given…

Snow II (1-19-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

During the sunny but cold days that followed last week’s snowfall in Atlanta, I found it necessary to wear sunglasses when driving for any length of time. I had seen snow before, but not like this. Immediately after the snow fell, a slow and extremely cold rain began to fall and formed a crust of ice on top of the snow. The grass, trees, bushes and everything close to the surface of the earth reflected light from all directions; the indirect light literally hurt! For centuries, the word snow has been used to describe objects that are extremely white. In fact, the Bible uses…

For Many This Battle Is Unknown
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Luke 18 verses 1 to 8 – It is all about Jesus and the lady who bothers the judge – and she is persistent – and she is relentless. Jesus invites his disciples to pray – but we must never think we can have a good Prayer Time. What does God think if it? One of the hardest……