elsalioness’ blog

Escape Temptation

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:13:58 -0800

Luke 4:4 - But Jesus replied, "It is written in the Scriptures, 'Other things in life are much more important than bread."
Beware of enticements that seem to cost little for the present. Satan hopes to get you to do things his way, And he doesn't give up easily. Even after Jesus overcame a third temptation, Satan left only "until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13).
Whenever you are offered a shortcut to happiness, watch out to see who's behind the cashier's counter!
The best way to escape temptation is to turn to God.

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God's Love

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:47:55 -0800

Godslove

We should not trust in ourselves but in God. —2 Corinthians 1:9
Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19).

Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job’s friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it.

As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor. 4:9). No disaster can separate us from God's love. God's love still stands when all else has fallen.

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Love And Compassion

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:35:58 -0800

Romans 12:10 "Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other."
We serve others "with the ability which God supplies that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11).
When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a part of God's ministry to His people. We show our love for God when we love His family.

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Persecution For The Christian Faith

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:39:22 -0800

Christiandangerous

1 Peter 4:16 "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

One October morning in 2006, a woman and her six children were forced to witness an attack on their husband and father. His assailants tried to force him to deny Jesus but he refused. He continued to proclaim Christ as Lord and died praying for his family. The family is determined to follow Christ, even in their grief.

Another man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for allegedly insulting another religion. He’s an outspoken Christian with a passion for Christ. He and his wife and children continue to be faithful and refuse to deny Him.

Persecution for the Christian faith is as real in our world as it was for the Jewish believers in the early church to whom Peter wrote. He prayed, “May the God of all grace, . . . after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. These prayer points from Open Doors USA, a ministry that’s committed to encouraging persecuted Christians, can help guide us as we pray:

• Pray for the safety and faith of the secret believers in countries where it is illegal to share about Christ.

• Pray for the health, perseverance, and encouragement of believers who are imprisoned for the gospel.

• Pray that those whose loved ones have died due to martyrdom will rely on God for their strength.

Together, let’s bring our fellow believers before the Lord in prayer.

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Live By God's Word

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:47:19 -0800

Ephesians 5:2 "Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to Him."
Paul said, "The Lord is grieved when we ignore His teaching and live our own way" (Ephesians 4:30-5:2).

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Seeds We Sow

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:54:23 -0800

Galations 6:7 "Don't be misled; remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it; a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows!"
We can't expect to experience the fruit of God's blessings if we don't recognize the importance of doing our part. Are you weary of the way you are? Ask God for His help and begin sowing seeds of new actions and responses today. In due season the Spirit will give the increase. The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow!

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God's Purpose In Us

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:22:35 -0800

2 Timothy 2:21 "If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold - the very best in the house - so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes."
What is filling the vessel of my life? Is it a bitter attitude that leads to foolish disputes and strife, or is it a sweet spirit that leads to righteousnous, faith, love, and peace?"
We can hallow today, and every day, by setting ourselves apart for God to be used by Him.

Attitude_1024

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True Friend

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:12:14 -0700

Proverbs 17:17 "A true friend is always loyal and a brother is born to help in time of need."
Paul said "Only Luke is with me" (2 Timothy 4:11). There are runners (ones who leave you) and standers (ones who stay with you). Luke was a stander. Paul was very comforted to know he was not alone, as he awaited death.
Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. When people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be.
A true friend stands with us in times of trials!

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Be Like Jesus

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:10:47 -0700

Romans 8:29
For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him - and all along He knew who would - should become like His Son, so that His Son would be the First, with many brothers.
Being like Jesus is the purpose of life for those of us who are called to follow Him. It is the all-consuming goal of our past, our present, and our future. Romans 8:29 tells us that in the past we were "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." In the present, we "are being transformed into the same image" (the likeness of Christ), as we grow from "glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). And, in the future, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).
Being like Jesus is not about keeping the rules, going to church, and tithing. It's about knowing His forgiveness and committing acts of grace and mercy on a consistent basis. It's about living a life that values all people. And it's about having a heart of full surrender to the will of our Father. Be like Jesus. You were saved for it!
Live in such a way that others see Jesus in you

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Scripture Memory

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:03:25 -0700

Scripture memory is more than a helpful mental exercise. The goal is to saturate our minds with God’s truth so that our lives will conform to His ways. The psalmist wrote: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. . . . Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way” (Ps. 119:33,37).

Why not begin committing Scripture to memory? Daily consistency and review are keys to success. And just like physical exercise, this spiritual discipline is enhanced when done with a small group or with a friend. Let’s not forget to remember and follow the life-giving wisdom of God’s Word. Let the Bible fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your life.

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