God's Power

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, oh God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!

Psalm 68:34-35


When we consider all God has done for us, we should feel an overwhelming sense of awe as we kneel before the Lord in His sanctuary. Nature surrounds us with countless signs of God's wonderful power. His unlimited power and unspeakable majesty leave us breathless in His presence. How fortunate we are that God cares for us. Look for His strength in the clouds of your life, and it shall surely be there. Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for this day. I thank you for Your grace in Your mercy. I ask you to be with those right now who are in great distress, that they may feel Your presence and know in their hearts that You care for them and will deliver them from their present circumstance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Favor and Honor

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

God does not promise to give us everything we think is good, but He will not withhold what is permanently good. He will give us the means to walk along His paths, but we must do the walking. When we obey Him, He will not hold anything back that will help us serve Him. God is for us having the good things. We need to get our priorities in order so that we can have them. Obedience is a tricky thing. The motivation behind our obedience is of paramount importance. If we obey the will of God, because of what we hope to be blessed with, our motivation is all wrong. If we obey the will of God out of our love and devotion for Him, our motivation is true. So our priorities are one thing, and our motivation is something else; and we need to pay attention to both. Heavenly Father, I thank You Lord for this day. I thank You for Your grace in Your mercy. I thank You for Your ever-loving kindness. I thank You for watching over us and protecting us. I pray today that you would help us get our priorities straight and centered on You. I pray that we would be able to discern Your will for this day, this week, this month, this year. I pray that our motivation is true. I pray that we would act in devotion to what You have already done in our lives, not because of something we yet hope to receive. I pray for contentedness, right now in the name of Jesus. I thank You and praise You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Worry Not

"Who of you by worrying and add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, oh ye of little faith!"

Luke 12:25-28

Jesus commands us not to worry. But how are we to avoid it? Only FAITH can free us from the anxiety caused by greed and covetousness. It is good to work and plan responsibly; conversely, it is bad to dwell on all the ways our planning could go wrong. There are certain things we have no absolutely no control over. That is where God comes in. Worry is pointless because it can't fill any of our needs; worry is foolish, because the Creator of the universe loves us and knows exactly what we need before we need it. He promises to meet all our needs, and not necessarily all our desires, which is a good thing. Victory is ours when we remember how much we mean to God. We are products of the providence of a Heavenly Father, who is indeed fully capable of meeting our earthly needs. The question is: where are we placing our faith? Lord, I ask that You increase my faith today. Allow me to see past my selfish desire, and to look to you, and know that You are seeking to fulfill my needs even before I knew of them. Thank you for Your faithfulness and Your goodness, in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Rise Up

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

Matthew 28:2-4

The stone was not rolled back so that Jesus could get out, but so others could get in and see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as He had promised. The God who did all this to raise Jesus from the dead can today lift you up and let you out of whatever is holding you back from a new and abundant life. Rise up now in His Mighty Name. Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

God's Divine Plan

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him and to him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

This is a prayer of praise to God for the wisdom of his divine plan. Although God's methods and means are well beyond our comprehension, God himself is not arbitrary. He governs the universe and our lives in perfect wisdom, justice, and love. The indication of these questions is that no one has fully understood the mind of the Lord. No one has been his counselor. And God owes nothing to anyone of us. The prophets of the Old Testament, Isaiah and Jeremiah, asked similar questions to show that we are unable to give advice to God or criticize His ways. God alone is the possessor of absolute power and absolute wisdom. In the final analysis, all of us are absolutely dependent on God. He is a source of all things, including ourselves. He is the power that sustains and rules the world that we live in. And God works out all things for His Glory. This is really what it's all about. We have to take our eyes off of ourselves and our little problems, most of which we cause by our selfishness, and place them back on God. It really is that simple.

God Bless you,

J.H.

The Last Will Be First

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Matthew 19:28-30

Jesus turned the world's values upside down. The disciples were astonished at this teaching. They thought that if anyone could be saved, it would be the rich, whom their culture considered especially blessed by God. Consider the most powerful or well-known people in our world today-how many got where they all are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come, the last will be first-if they got in last place by choosing to follow Jesus. Do not forfeit the eternal reward for temporary benefits. Be willing to make sacrifices now for greater rewards later. Be willing to accept human disapproval, while knowing that you have God's approval. After all, that's all that really matters.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Banish all Fear

For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

II Timothy 1:6-7

Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul urged him to be bold. When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so that we can continue to do God's work. Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power, love, and self-discipline (sound mind). These are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Follow His lead each day so that your life will more fully exhibit these characteristics. The average person is apt to spend more time with his fears than he does with his faith. If that is you, it is time that you turn that around. Do it now. Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for this day. I pray that you would banish all fears the come upon us today by the power of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Cry to the Lord

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him, I tell my trouble. When my spirit goes faint within me, it is You who know my way. I cry to You, oh Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I have been desperate need. Psalm 142:1-3,5-6

Have you ever felt that no one cared what happened to you? David had good reason to feel that way, and he wrote, "I cry to you, oh Lord." Through prayer, we can pull of our tailspin and be reminded that God cares for us deeply. Forget all the formalities and just tell God how you feel. Nor do you need to keep checking to see whether or not you got through. "My ear is not heavy that it cannot hear." Jesus said, "If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." Remember that our feelings do not tell us the truth about God. We may feel as if things are crashing down around us; we may feel as if God is 1000 miles away, but the Bible tells us, "I shall never leave you, nor forsake you." We have to believe what the Bible says; simply believe. Therein lies the peace that surpasses all understanding. God Bless you, J.H.

The Desire to be Healed

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John 5:6-8

After 38 years, this man's problem had become a way of life. No one had ever helped him. He had no hope of ever being healed and no desire to help himself. The man's situation looked bleak and hopeless. But no matter how trapped you feel in your infirmities, God will minister to your deepest needs. Don't let a problem or hardship cause you to lose hope. God may have special work for you to do in spite of your condition, or even because of it. Many have ministered effectively to hurting people because they have triumphed over their own hurts. This man allowed Jesus to come in to his life and exchange his explanation for an experience with God Himself that ultimately put him back on his feet. Heavenly Father, whatever ails us today, I ask that you remove it right now in the name of Jesus. According to Your Will, Lord God, may it be done. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

God's Healing

He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God to do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His command to keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who he heals you." Exodus 15:26

God promised that if the people obeyed Him they would be free from the diseases that plagued the Egyptians. Little did they know that many of the moral laws He later gave them were designed to keep them free from sickness. God's laws for us are often designed to keep us from harm. Men and women are complex beings. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives are intertwined. Modern medicine is now acknowledging what these laws already assumed. If we want God to care for us, we need to submit to his directions for living. The healing from God covers the whole range of man from his soul and mind to his body, even to his material need. "God is no respector of persons." Whatever He has done for others, He can do it again for you. "I am the Lord, I change not." Heavenly Father, touch the need of every reader right now in the name of Jesus and for Your glory. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

God's Authority

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." 1 Kings 17:3-4 On the authority of God's Word, needs can be met by means that will stagger the imagination of man. God can do anything, and today, you can believe him for a miracle in your life. Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day. I thank you for your grace and your mercy. I thank you for watching over us. I thank you for meeting our every need. I pray that you reinforce the hedge of protection around me, my friends and family, and protect us from the hurt, arm or danger. Allow us to see your magnificent work in the small circumstances of our life today. Encourage us to acknowledge You in all of our ways. Let our lives glorify You and honor You today. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

When Two or Three are Gathered

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20

Jesus looked ahead to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ's Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God's will, not their own; thus, the requests will be granted. Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for this day. I thank you for watching over us and protecting us. I thank you for your grace and your mercy. I thank you for your forgiveness. Lord, I ask for you to increase my faith today, in order to seek out other believers and pray in accordance to Your will. I pray for those of us who are linked through the reading of this passage, that they may come together in unity and pray for our needs as well as well as the needs of others. I pray that You would be with us and hold us to account for the lives that we lead and the light that we shine within this dark and depraved world. I pray that you remove any excuses about why we are not able to do the things You ask us to do. I ask that you provide us with the grace, wisdom, discernment and strength to do Your will in our lives that we may fulfill our purpose today. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

Persevere

So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you receive what He has promised. For just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. Hebrews 10:35-36

The writer encourages his readers not to abandon their faith in times of persecution, but to show by their endurance that their faith is real. Faith means resting at what Christ has done for us in the past, but it also means trusting for what He will do for us in the present and in the future. If you are hanging out there on the low limb, don't forget the One who made the tree. Look up, the Lord is waiting to give you a hand . . . and a new heart. Heavenly Father, touch the ones who are struggling just now, and give them strength to persevere, in Jesus' Name. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

Build on the Rock

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Matthew 7:24-27

To build "on the rock" means to be a hearing, responding disciple of Jesus, not a phony, superficial one. Practicing obedience becomes the solid foundation that is able to weather the storms of life. Like a house of cards, the fool's life will eventually crumble. Most people do not deliberately seek to build on an inferior foundation, instead, they just don't think about their life's true purpose. Many people are headed down the wrong path, not out of stubborness but out of thoughtlessness. Part of our responsibility as believers is to help others stop and think about where their lives are headed and to point out the consequences of ignoring Christ's message.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day. Thank you for providing an immovable foundation in my life. Thank you for bringing me out of the valley of darkness and setting me upon a the mountaintop of righteousness. I pray that you guide me down the path that You would have me go. Give me a discerning heart that I may sense your presence in all things and in all places. Allow me to make right decisions today based upon Your Will. Allow me to shine a light for those who don't know You as they should. Give me the wisdom to know when and how to act in order to lead more into your Kingdom. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless you,

J.H.

Pursue God

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded. Don't give up in your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask Him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love, and understanding. He will give them to you. That's His promise. Heavely Father, I thank you for this day. I pray that you would watch over my family and I today. Grant me wisdom and strength to make wise choices. Allow me to see your presence around me in all circumstances and to remain in your Word. Prevent me from becoming selfish and overly concerned about things that are out of my control. Give me the grace to acknowledge that you are with me, even at times when I feel completely alone. Allow me to stand on the promise, "I shall never leave you, nor forsake you." In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.

Give Generously

All the believers were one in the heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. Acts 4:32,34

Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be quite helpful, if handled well. Steady conflict between people, however, is not nearly as beneficial. Spiritual unity is essential among those you love the most - loyalty, commitment, and love for God and His Word. Without spiritual unity, the church cannot survive. It is no wonder that the global church is as fractured as it is today. Many people are more concerned about who believes what and which type of worship they provide rather than actually just helping people in need. None of these early Christians felt as if what they had was their own, and so they were able to give and to share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. We must ask yourselves how we feel about our own possessions. Do we hold on with clenched fists and fear of losing them, or do we hold them loosely, ready to give them up easilty for those in greater need? We need to adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and that we are only sharing what is already His. Heavenly Father, I thank you, Lord, for this day. I thank you for all the blessings that you have given me. I pray that you build within me a pure and generous heart. Help me to see the needs of those around me and give me the ability to fill those needs. Teach me what true unity is within my family and within my church. Bring your Church together right now, in the name of Jesus. Encourage us to become the power on earth that you created us to be. Let our faith soar today and everyday that we may move the mountains of poverty, hunger and strife that exist so prevalently in our society. Change us, O Lord, and do it quickly, I beg you. I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.


6"Is this not the fast which I choose,
To (M)loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to (N)let the oppressed go free
And (O)break every yoke?
7"Is it not to (P)divide your bread with the hungry
And (Q)bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the (R)naked, to cover him;
And not to (S)hide yourself from your own flesh?
8"Then your (T)light will break out like the dawn,
And your (U)recovery will speedily spring forth;
And your (V)righteousness will go before you;
The glory of the (W)LORD will be your rear guard.
9"Then you will (X)call, and the LORD will answer;
You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am '
If you (Y)remove the yoke from your midst,
The (Z)pointing of the finger and (AA)speaking wickedness,
10And if you (AB)give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your (AC)light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
11"And the (AD)LORD will continually guide you,
And (AE)satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And (AF)give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a (AG)watered garden,
And like a (AH)spring of water whose waters do not fail.
12"Those from among you will (AI)rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will (AJ)raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the (AK)breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010


On January 12th, a massive earthquake shook Haiti, affecting large numbers of already very vulnerable people. Many Foodgrains Bank member agencies have staff, programs and long-standing partnerships in Haiti. They are already organizing responses to the disaster. Foodgrains Bank will respond as food needs are identified by our member agencies.

Canadian food grains Bank is no ordinary bank. Helping to relieve hunger is no ordinary cause.

Whether you give grain or cash, you can support the relief and development program of your own denomination, or the general program. All gifts are tax-deductible. Receipts will be issued for contributions of $10 or more (cash or grain).

Despite challenging logistics, we know that more than 95% of food shipped arrives at its intended destination.

The Foodgrains Bank operates with no commercial debt. For financial results and a statement of financial position click here.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank has a funding agreement with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) that has provided us with 4:1 matching grants up to a maximum of $20 million a year.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a registered Canadian Charity, 11883 1106 RC 0001.

Love One Another

One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:35-40

The Pharisees, who had classified over 600 laws, often tried to distinguish the more important from a less important. So one of them, an "expert in the law," asked Jesus to identify the most important law. Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. By fulfilling these two commandments, we keep all the others. They, in fact, summarize the entire 10 Commandments. Jesus says that if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep these commandments. Far too many people would rather look at God's law and worry about all we should not do, instead of focusing on all we can do to show our love for God and others. I submit to you that the reason the world is in such dire trouble today is because we have made so little over this great commandment. Remember: "Love covers a multitude of sins." Begin walking forward in this commandment today and see how God responds. God Bless you, J.H.

Love Your Enemies

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Matthew 5:43-46

By telling us not to retaliate against our enemies, Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good. The Pharisees interpreted some of the Old Testament teaching (such as Leviticus 19:18) as though they should love only those who love in return. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies. If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. This is one of the most difficult things that God requires of us because it goes completely against our natural inclinations. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love. Particularly those who are in the habit of stealing cars in the middle of the night. Once the Spirit of Christ strengthens you in this area of your life, you will be able to practice the presence of God as never before. All men will know that "you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." That includes everyone. And that type of love takes work and a lot of practice. God Bless you, J.H.

Love and Acceptance

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God, my God." Ruth 1:16

Love is a wonderful and mysterious force imparted to us by God and gloriously shared by his people to degrees that are beyond our own comprehension. Ruth was from Moab and of a race that was detested by Israel, however that didn't stop her from worshiping the true God, nor did it stop God from accepting her worship and blessing her greatly. The Jews were not the only people God loved. God chose the Jews to be the people through whom the rest of the world would come to know Him and this was fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born as a Jew. Through Him, the entire world can come to know God. Acts 10:35 says that "God accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." God accepts all who worship him; He works through people regardless of where they come from. The book of Ruth is a perfect example of God's impartiality. Although Ruth belonged to a race often despised by Israel, she was blessed because of her faithfulness. She became a great grandmother of King David and a direct ancestor of Jesus. No one should feel disqualified to serve God because of race, gender or national background. And God can use every circumstance to build his kingdom. Believe it and accept that you are worthy. God bless you, J.H.

True Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This is what true love is. Love demonstrated by God is always directed outward, never inward. It is utterly unselfish. It is not concerned about its own needs and wants, but only about the needs and wants of others. For us, this kind of love goes completely against our natural inclinations. It is natural for us to think about ourselves first, and others second. But that is not God's will. Jesus did not die on the cross because he was thinking about Himself. He died on the cross because He was thinking about you. The world knows no greater love than this: than he who lays his life down for his friends. It becomes possible to practice this kind of love only if God helps us to put aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love to others as we should, while expecting nothing in return. That is the key. The more we pray, the more we become like Christ, the more love we will be able to give other people, and the more we will be able to follow God's will. God Bless you, J.H.

Made Perfect in Weakness

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. II Corinthians 12:8-9

We don't know what Paul's thorn in the flesh was, because he does not tell us. Some have suggested that it was malaria, epilepsy, or a disease of the eyes. Whatever the case, it was a chronic and the debilitating problem, which at times kept him from working. This thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal; but God refused. Paul was a very self-sufficient person, so this thorn must have been very difficult for him. It kept Paul humble, reminded him of his need for constant contact with God, and benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life. The fact that God's power is displayed in weak people should give us great courage. Though we may recognize our own limitations, we must rely on God for our effectiveness rather than simply on our own energy, effort, or talent. Our weakness, not only helps develop our character; it also deepens our worship, because in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength. God Bless you, J.H.

Be Encouraged

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Paul says that because of the Resurrection, nothing we do is in vain. Sometimes we hesitate to do good, because we don't see any results. But if we can maintain a heavenly perspective, we will understand that we often will not see the good that results from our efforts. If we truly believe that Christ has won the ultimate victory, that fact must affect the way we live right now. Don't let discouragement over an apparent lack of results keep you from working. Do the good that you have the opportunity to do, knowing that your work is having eternal results. God bless you, J.H.

Choose Life

John 10:10-11 (New King James Version)
10 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.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep

In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life He gives right now is abundantly richer and fuller than anything you can possibly imagine. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. Life truly begins at the age when the "Rock of Ages" takes over. Contrary to what you may think, feel or have based upon your experience, the Lord is highly in favor of you having more of life and not less, and more reason to live it. That is why He created you. He created you as living, relational beings and He wants nothing more than for you to be at peace with yourself and everyone else and to find contentment in all that you do. Choose life. God Bless you, J.H.

The Crucifixion

Who, being a in a very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Philippians 2:3

Whatever you may think of Mel Gibson and his politics, he was instrumental in creating one of the most accurate depictions of the crucifixion in his movie, "the Passion of the Christ." We, as a people, have a tendency of "cleaning up" the crucifixion in our own minds in order to digest its atrocity. Due to the crucifixion, the symbol of the cross has become of paramount importance to our salvation. In Roman times, death on a cross was the form of capital punishment used for nototious criminals. It was excruciatingly painful and humiliating. Prisoners were nailed or tied to a cross and left to die. Death might not come for several days, and it usually came by suffocation when the weight of the weakened body made breathing more and more difficult. Jesus died as one who was cursed. How amazing that the perfect man should die this most shameful death, so that we would not have to face eternal judgment. What an amazing gift. And this gift can only be accepted in one way: not by working diligently in order to somehow make yourself "worthy," but by simply saying, "Yes!" to Jesus. Say "Yes" today, J.H.

What is Atonement?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Peter had learned about suffering from Jesus. He knew that Jesus' suffering was part of God's plan and was intended to save us. He also knew that all who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer. Peter learned these truths from Jesus and passed them on to us. However, the Truth is: Christ died for our sins, in our place, so we would not have to suffer the punishment we deserve. The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross carried with it the atonement for both soul and body. The sad report of so many of us is that we are reluctant to trust Him for either. When bad things happen to us, we ask the question, "Why me, God? What did I do to deserve this?" assuming that something we have done (or not done) has wrought havoc in our lives. We feel as if God is punishing us in some way. But that is not at all what the Bible teaches. The Bible clearly demonstrates time and time again that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we might have life and that more abundantly. So you have a choice: you can walk around sulking with your head ducked low thinking everything you do is going to draw the ire of a vengeful God, or you can walk boldly to Throne of Grace and claim that which is rightfully yours, and be forgiven. I hope you decide to take it today and never let go. God Bless you, J.H.

Come to me

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38

Jesus' words, "come to me and drink," alluded to the theme of many Bible passages that talk about the Messiah's life-giving blessings. In promising to give the Holy Spirit to all who believed, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah, and that was something only the Messiah could do. Jesus used the term living water to refer to the Holy Spirit. Wherever the Holy Spirit is accepted, He brings eternal life. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus' followers at Pentecost and has since been available to all who believe in Jesus as Savior. If you are weary of the desert and tired of the search, turn to Jesus today and He will meet all your needs and forgive your sins once and for all. All you have to do is ask. God Bless you, J.H.

Give it all

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father - to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6

There was only one way to deal with the sin problem, and Jesus became that answer. Jesus is portrayed as an all-powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in peace. He is not just a humble earthly teacher, he is the glorious God. When you read the Apostle John's description of the vision, keep in mind that his words are not just good advice; they are truth from the King of Kings. Don't just read his words for the interesting and amazing portrayal of the future. Let the truth about Christ penetrate your life, deepen your faith in Him, and strengthen your commitment to follow Him no matter what the cost. Turn it over to him. The cleansing is complete, and it is free. God has made it easy for us. It is we who make it so very difficult through our excuses, our complaining and our whining. Give it up. And do it now. God Bless you and keep you, J.H.

To Us a Child is Born

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6-7

In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both 'Wonderful Counselor' and 'Mighty God.' This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin. He has been true to His Name and true to His Word. He is qualified to help you in every area of your life. Trust in him today.

God Bless you,

J.H.

The Path

I am the way and the truth and the the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him. John 14:6-7

As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, He is the reality of all God's promises. As the life, He joins His divine life to ours, both now and eternally. Jesus says here that He is the only way to God the Father. Some people may argue that this is too narrow. In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, "Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to You!" God Bless you, J.H

Your Faithfulness- Brian Doerksen

Your Faithfulness lyrics

I don't know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?
I don't know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness
I don't know if these clouds mean rain
If they do, will they pour down blessing or pain?
I don't know what the future holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness
Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother's tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness
I don't know how or when I'll die
Will it be a thief, or will I have a chance to say goodbye?
No, I don't know how much time is left
But in the end, I will know your faithfulness
When darkness overwhelms my soul
When thoughts and storms of doubt
Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful
Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother's tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness
I don't know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?
I don't know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

Compassion

But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. Luke 10:33-34

The Samaritan showed great compassion on the wayward traveler. This fact is made even more impressive with the knowledge that there existed a deep hatred at that time between Jews and Samaritans. The Jews saw themselves as pure descendents of Abraham, while Samaritans were a mixed race produced when Jews from the Northern Kingdom intermarried with other peoples after Israel's exile. The compassion demonstrated by the man in this parable is just like Jesus. He always comes to where we are with all that we need and just-in-time. Do not worry about the ones who have passed you by. Think about the One who has gone all the way for you. God bless you, J.H.

Knowledge

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will to all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12

In this passage, Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossian church that was similar to Gnosticism. Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in and of itself is empty. To be worth anything, it must lead to a changed life and right living. Paul's prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: 1) That they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will to all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and 2) They would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated; we need to use that knowledge in order to make good decisions in our life. Paul, wanted the Colossians to be wise, but he also wanted the them to use their knowledge. Knowledge of God is not a secret that only a few can discover; it is open and available to everyone. God wants us to learn more about Him, and also to put our belief into practice by helping others. God bless you, J.H