He loves you and guides you!
Ask fifty people to finish the statement "Live As If" and you are likely to get fifty different answers. For Christians it will mean something different than for non-Christians. Incorporated into the top graphic are the answers given by friends of mine. It is our desire that your answer will be different each time you visit.
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God Is Always Watching
'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell
We are all being watched over. Whether or not you believe in a supreme being, astrology, quantum physics, or any other type of spiritual/non-spiritual theology, everything happens for a reason. In my novel, Sons In The Clouds a physical item was found by one of the main characters during his life's darkest moment. It gave him desperately needed faith, while death was becoming a certain reality.
Have you ever had moments in your life when you just knew favor was placed upon you? That certain circumstances beyond your control went to your benefit, the only explanation being
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Bible and Quote - September 30 - October 4
'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns
(Of David) Save me, O God, for waters have come into the soul. Psalm 69:1 When circumstances seem impossible, when all signs of grace in you seem at their lowest ebb; then rest, even if without feeling, in the Father's faithfulness. D. Tryon
I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:2-3 No matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful
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Hannah: A Woman of Faith
'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester
Hannah: A Woman of Faith
Hannah was married to Elkanah. He loved her but she was barren. Elkanah took a second wife who gave him several children. In spite of Hannah’s state, Elkanah adored her.
In Old Testament times, the people measured their worth on having sons. Society looked down on a woman who hadn’t produced children, especially sons. Although it wasn’t God’s intent, the men of the time took a second wife for at least one of the following reasons:
1.) If they had no sons from the first wife, having a second wife gave them the possibility
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The Power of His Might
'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley
Things happen in life that sometimes leave us frustrated and even afraid. Other things bring us a certain measure of anticipation and even excitement. Some have the capacity to do all of the above mentioned things. Back in 1999 I never thought that, following my forty-ninth birthday I would be flipping burgers at McDonald's. Sure enough, there I was working the "backline" as it's called as the grill man. At times it was hectic and at times it was pretty sedate. But it was work. And I was getting paid and making a living to go along with my "weekend" ministry with the Berea
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The End of the World As We Know It
''Winging It' from Stan Smith
We are commanded in Scripture, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Pretty harsh. Okay. Fine. And then we read, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Okay, now wait! On one hand we must not love the world, but on the other hand the Father loves the world. Now, how is this making any sense?
As it turns out, the term "world" is not as simple as you might think.
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The Jewelry Merchant's Suitcase
'The Way' from Kevin Pauley
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30
A jewelry merchant and a tool seller simultaneously checked into a hotel. The jewelry merchant had his small case, filled with diamonds, emeralds and pearls. The tool seller had a trunk filled with hammers, saws, drills and other kinds of tools.
Both were served by the same porter. The jewelry merchant proceeded up to his room and the porter soon arrived
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Comfort God's Way (11-15-10)
'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington
The contemporary song An On Time God contains these lines: “He may not come when you want Him to, but He'll be there right on time.” Whoever wrote these lines either knew Him or His book (or both), because these sentiments are right on the mark. And in the context of this series, to know that God is always right on time is the source of great comfort.
God promised Abram, childless at the time, that he would become the father of a great nation and that through his seed all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12.1-3). Along with that promise came instructions
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Yes! Be Careful What You Ask For
'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw
Be careful what you ask for! We come to I Samuel Chapter 8, where Israel asks for a king. Oh, be careful what you ask for – God may grant you your request.
How did Israel come to be ruled by a king when she had the living God who had blessed her in so many ways – and what lessons can
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Summer reading - Most interesting books
'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess
Last year my friend Mike Duran asked his readers a few questions about the most interesting and impacting books they have read. I had written a post back in 2006 answering similar questions. I thought my list would probably change since I review about 40 to 50 books per year, and surely I would find a newer book that would take the place of an older one on my list. Even after seven years, my list is about the same. I thought it would be good to get other people's lists (hopefully you will share yours!) so we could get some summer reading done. Here are my answers...
Books that
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Mud Man
'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro
He must have seen the glory beaming out of the one named Adam. He had to see the sunrise and sunset, creativity and passion, strength and love in the muddy mixture. He must have seen the majesty of untold greatness and the beauty of wholeness in this unfamiliar work of creation. Lucifer, in all his anger, resentment and bitterness must have seen Adam as a reflection of Almighty God. He must have shook in fear as he watched the Creator from a distance form, mold and shape the mud into man. Questions and worry must have invaded his mind as God etched away all imperfections to create
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Eternal Forgiveness
''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs
As Christians, we have, in order to become Christians, been deeply convicted of our past sins. Also, as Christians, we need to be convicted of our forgiveness as well as our sins. Do you KNOW that you have been forgiven? Some of us have trouble accepting and believing that we have been forgiven. It may be due to the memories in our heart and mind of our sinful past that causes us have a very difficult time with their past that hinders our spiritual growth, peace of mind, and can even distort our view of life in general. Much of this problem involves forgiving the old self.
As the 1950's belonged to the hard charging knight from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Arnold Palmer, so did the 1960's belong to the burgeoning talents of the chubby kid from Columbus, Ohio, Jack Nicklaus. As the 70's began people wondered who would step forward to challenge the Golden Bear as the new kid on the block for the decade. A number of golfers were poised to have what were thought to be break out careers. Some rose to the occasion from time
Daily Refractions
Words to Ponder
A greater hell I would not wish any man, than to live and not to love the beloved of God. [i.e., the brethren] - Thomas Brooks (1608-81)
'Daily Reading Plan'
from StudyLight.org
Bible-in-a-Year NAS
Jeremiah 41-42; Psalms 139; 2 Peter 1:
Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose up, and struck and killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword and put to death the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land. Ishmael also struck and killed all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah in Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war. Now it happened on the next day after the