DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - HIS GIFT OF LOVE DRIVES AWAY OUR FEARS.

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child. – Source Unknown.

There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. We love because God first loved us. - 1 John 4:18-19.

I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. I am so made that worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil. I live better by faith and confidence than by fear, doubt and anxiety. In anxiety and worry, my being is gasping for breath--these are not my native air. But in faith and confidence, I breathe freely--these are my native air.

A John Hopkins University doctor says, "We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than the non-worriers, but that is a fact." But I, who am simple of mind, think I know; We are inwardly constructed in nerve and tissue, brain cell and soul, for faith and not for fear. God made us that way. To live by worry is to live against reality. - Dr. E. Stanley Jones.

One of the problems that are prevalent in some Christians today is fear. Fear is an agonising and stressful emotion, and this is experienced in the fear of being rejected, fear of failing, fear of harm, fear of financial ruin, fear of people, fear of sickness, fear of death etc; At first glance, it does not seem that Love could be effective in conquering these fears, but the Apostle John convinces us that it does, but it has to be the love of God that we use, not our love, that love can fail.

We need to accept the perfect love, which the Apostle John speaks of, here is how this works:

LOVE FOR GOD
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fears. My children when they were young, did do not worry about having something to eat, for all of those years my wife and I had provided for them, they trusted in us. Now if I had not provided for them, they would have been worried, but they knew we loved them and provided for them, so they had no fears about that.

And we as parents had no fear in that area, because we trusted in the Lord, and He provided for us, and still does to this day. But we had other fears that had to be dealt with, some of them are listed above. How did we do that? Well we applied the same principle as we did for our family’s provision, and pretty soon we had a handle on it, we knew we could do nothing apart from Christ, so we used His love to drive out those fears.

For example, just recently my wife contracted Septic Arthritis, this came about through a small blister on her toe, the bones inside the foot were infected, and being a Type 2 Diabetic it compounded this problem, and she was told that she might lose her toes, at once the fear of this began to realise itself, but the teachings and the trust of Jesus came into effect, and she applied the principles of His perfect love.

After four operations and five weeks in Hospital, Jean is now convalescing, she still has her toes, and is on the way to full health recovery, praise His wonderful gift of Love! We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. - Rom 8:28. His wonderful gift of love relieves our fears!

A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday evening on "The Love of God." As the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix. First of all, he illumined the crown of thorns, next, the two wounded hands, then the marks of the spear wound. In the hush that fell, he blew out the candle and left the chancel. There was nothing else to say. - Source Unknown.

LOVE FOR OTHERS
Another aspect of His gift of love, is the more that we love others, the less fears we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fears for the good of others, and we begin to serve each other, as we have never served before. His gift of love causes us to tell others about Jesus, to teach a Sunday School class, to pray for each other, to carry one another’s burdens, to care and comfort each other, and too help others in need.

William Gladstone, in announcing the death of Princess Alice to the House of Commons, told a touching story. The little daughter of the Princess was seriously ill with diphtheria. The doctors told the princess not to kiss her little daughter and endanger her life by breathing the child's breath. Once when the child was struggling to breathe, the mother, forgetting herself entirely, took the little one into her arms to keep her from choking to death.

Rasping and struggling for her life, the child said, "Momma, kiss me!" Without thinking of herself the mother tenderly kissed her daughter. She got diphtheria and some days thereafter she went to be forever with the Lord. Real love forgets self. Real love knows no danger. Real love doesn't count the cost.

The Bible says, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." – Source unknown.

Yes, His gift of love, His perfect love, drives away all our fears. Why don’t you apply these principles today, and watch as your fears are driven out! Hallelujah!

Loving Father, I thank you that your perfect love drives out all fear. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to use this gift of love that is available to me, and use it to deal with my fears. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen!

GBYAY

SUNDAY’S SERMON ON THE BLOG.

I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus. For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge. 1Cor 1:4-5.

The Apostle Paul was absolutely amazing. He is writing, to one of the most problematic churches of his time, and yet he finds reasons to give thanks for them.

Paul is thankful for them because Jesus died for them. When God extends his grace to others, how can we not do the same? He recognises that their misuse of the Spiritual gifts is also a reason to give thanks, they may have distorted them, but when reeled in to honour God, these gifts would be a tremendous blessing to their church.

Even though he has tough words to follow, Paul's example reminds us, that a child of God is something to be cherished, even if they have problems, let us find reasons, to love our Brother's and Sister's in the Lord, even if they have made mistakes.

Loving Father, give me the heart to see reasons to be thankful for all of your children. I confess that it is often so easy for me to view others based on how they view me, or share my theological opinions, or how much trouble they cause me. Forgive me Lord, for I know if you had done the same with me, I would have never been one of your children. Please help me through the power of the Holy Spirit, to rejoice in your children. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

GBYAY

DOGGIE TAILS #11 - IS THIS THE ANSWER TO FUEL PRICES?

Here’s an interesting Doggie Tail from Melbourne, Australia…

POOCH POWER

FUEL prices are a constant worry for some, but they don't concern Skye Bloomfield one bit. The student and sometime vegetable picker, bricklayer and DJ has a novel answer to her transport needs -- Lily, a five-year-old border collie. Her pet provides the torque for Ms Bloomfield, 27, towing her aboard a wide-bodied skateboard. The pair are a familiar sight on the pavements of Bairnsdale, regularly cracking 30km/h.

"It was all Lily's idea," said Ms Bloomfield, who has been skating for 17 years. "One day I was fooling around on the board and I had Lily's leash in one hand.

"Next thing she starts to pull me along and hey, we're both having fun.

"We tried it again and now it's a daily event."

Lily tows Ms Bloomfield into the centre of town and back each day, which is a round trip of about 4km. "We do about 30km a week together and she just loves it," Ms Bloomfield said. She found Lily in the Keysborough pound and carried her 10km to the nearest railway station to take her home.

"She'd just been de-sexed and the wound was dirty and uncomfortable," Mrs Bloomfield said. "So I cleaned her up and started to give her the love and care she'd never had and we've been the best of mates ever since."

Just about everyone she meets and talks to says it is a fabulous idea. "But I did have one women recently give me a mouthful of abuse telling me I was being cruel to the dog," Mrs Bloomfield said.

"But border collies are farm dogs who like to run and the exercise keeps Lily fit and healthy. Also, the leash is not around her neck but is connected to a harness around her shoulders and tummy."

Ms Bloomfield said she has a novel way of getting Lily to accelerate. "I must say first that I have nothing at all against cats," she said. "But when I say to Lily, 'Get the cats', she's off like a rocket."

Lily's diet is fresh meat and pasta, some vegetables and for an extra treat, chicken necks. "She costs about $30 a week to feed or about $1 a kilometre. She's great company and I love her to bits."

What do you think?
GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT THURSDAY - GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING IN US. The Conclusion.

"All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they believed that God would be with them." - Hudson Taylor.

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children. God then accepted the people he had already decided to choose, and he has shared his glory with them. What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? - Rom 8:28-31. (CEV)

Yesterday in Part 2, we studied how God Always Works For The Good Of Everyone Who Loves Him. It is a sad fact of many Christians, who have never understood the way God works for them, they struggle on, day by day, in the misguided concept that it all depends on them and their abilities. If we could just grasp, how the power of God works for us, we could relax, and enjoy our walk with Him, as we realise that, “...If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?” In our conclusion of this series, we study how...

He Is Always At Work In The Chosen.

Based On His Purpose And Grace... Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, - 2 Tim 1:8- 9. (ESV)

It was by His purpose and grace, that we are saved! Not because of any good works that we have done, nor anything we have achieved, nor by having Christian parents, nor by attending Church every week, nor by what we can give to Him, but we are saved by His grace, by Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! He has purposed that we are a chosen people!

God's mercy ... goes before the unwilling to make him willing; it follows the willing to make his will effectual. - Augustine of Hippo.

He Chose Us To Be His
We as Christians are said to be chosen, because the Father has granted us an invitation through Christ to be saved, and has imbedded into our heart such an influence as to make us His holy, innocent, and loving children, in our salvation. In this way our salvation can be traced entirely to God…

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. - Eph 1:3-5.

In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery.

"Your Majesty," said Prior Richard, "do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king."
"I understand," said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you."
"Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard. "Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you."

When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The King learned to rule by being obedient." When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he puts us, and when he returns, we'll rule together with him. - Steve Brown.

He Justified And Glorified Us... Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.- 1 Cor 6:11. We were all steeped in sin before we were saved, but Christ has set us free from the bondage of sin and death! Hallelujah!

All unrighteousness is sin; all reigning sin, nay, every actual sin, committed with design, and not repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. Be not deceived. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that they may live in sin, yet die in Christ, and go to heaven. But we cannot hope to sow to the flesh, and reap everlasting life.

They are reminded what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them. The blood of Christ, and the washing of regeneration, can take away all guilt. Our justification is owing to the suffering and merit of Christ; our sanctification to the working of the Holy Spirit; but both go together. All who are made righteous in the sight of God, are made holy by the grace of God. – Matthew Henry.

We Should Rejoice That God Is Always Working In Us... From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. - Isaiah 64:4.

Hallelujah! I have said it before, and I say it again, if God is on our side, can anyone be against us? Hallelujah!

Loving Father, I thank you that you are always working in me, for my development as a follower of Jesus, and I take great comfort and encouragement from the fact that., if you are on my side , who can be against me? I also thank you for the Holy Spirit, who guides me through all this, that I may bring glory to Jesus, in everything I do. In His wonderful name I pray. Amen!

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT WEDNESDAY - GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING IN US. Part 2.

In adversity we usually want God to do a removing job when He wants to do an improving job. To realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the storm. - Source Unknown.

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. - Rom 8:26a.

Yesterday in Part 1, we looked at the sad fact of many Christians, who have never understood the way God works for them, they struggle on, day by day, in the misguided concept that it all depends on them and their abilities. If we could just grasp, how the power of God works for us, we could relax, and enjoy our walk with Him, as we realise that, “...If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?”

We also looked at how God strengthened our prayer life, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and today we study how...

God Always Works For The Good Of Everyone Who Loves Him.

God Is Always Working With Us... We work together with God, and we beg you to make good use of God's kindness to you. In the Scriptures God says, "When the time came, I listened to you, and when you needed help, I came to save you." That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved. - 2Co 6:1-2.

God is continually working with us to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ! He reminds us, of the time that He heard our cry for help when we were lost in sin, and by His grace we were saved, through the sacrificial death of His dear son Jesus. Now it is time for us to help others, who are in trouble, and desperate to be rescued from the kingdom of darkness. The time has come when we must work with Him, and for Him, now is the day for the sinner’s salvation! We must share the good news of Jesus! Hallelujah, what a Saviour, what a Lord!

During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained, by replacing fear with faith in the net.

As we paid nothing for God's eternal love and nothing for the Son of His love, and nothing for His Spirit and our grace and faith, and nothing for our eternal rest...What an astonishing thought it will be to think of the immeasurable difference between our deserving and our receiving. O, how free was all this love, and how free is this enjoyed glory...So then let "Deserved" be written on the floor of hell but on the door of heaven and life. - Richard Baxter.

For The Good Of Everyone... My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. - James 1:2-4.

We Christians should be glad when we are in trouble! Because we have to learn how to trust the Lord, and this comes about by having our trust in Him tested. These are not pleasant times, but we should rejoice as our endurance is strengthened by God, this will bring us to complete maturity, and we will not be lacking in anything, but we will be totally instructed, in every part of the doctrines of His word, and in His complete will concerning us. Hallelujah! Test me Lord!

First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.
Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last, In His good time He can bring me out again, how and when He knows.
Let me say I am here, (1) By God's appointment, (2) In His keeping, (3) Under His training, (4) For His time. - Andrew Murray.

Who Loves Him... Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn't love me, won't obey me. What they have heard me say doesn't really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. - John 14:23-24.

Our love for God is wrapped up in our obedience to Him, and His commands. If we love Him, we learn from His teachings, and then put them into practice. If our love for Him resides in us, He knows that we will share the gospel of Jesus, if we don’t, then we don’t love Him, it is as simple as that. God knows those who love Him, and is always at work in them. There are too many Christians, who are afraid and ashamed to tell others about His love, grace and mercy. So be it, but that is not the practice of those who love Him, perfect love casts out all fear!

Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace. - Thomas a` Kempis.

I have said it before, and I say it again, if God is on our side, who can be against us! Hallelujah!

Loving Father, I thank you that you are continually working in me, and I take great comfort and encouragement from that. I also thank you for the Holy Spirit who helps me through all this, that I may bring glory to Jesus, in everything I do. In His wonderful name I pray. Amen!

GBYAY

LIGHTNING STRIKES THE TALLEST RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN THE WORLD!

We had a very severe thunderstorm here last night, and this is a fantastic photo of lightning striking the Q1 Tower in Surfer's Paradise, Gold Coast. It was struck eight times, but suffered no damage.

It is the tallest residential Tower in the world! 80 levels of luxury living in a magnificent beach location, rising an unprecedent 322.5 metres. Panoramic views of the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Set amidst almost one hectare of tropical landscaped grounds, lagoons, waterfalls and resort facilites.

This is how it normally looks in our, "Beautiful one day, perfect the next" weather, here on the Gold Coast of Australia!

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT TUESDAY - GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING IN US. Part 1.

"How little chance the Holy Ghost has nowadays. The churches and missionary societies have so bound Him in red tape that they practically ask Him to sit in a corner while they do the work themselves." - C.T. Studd.

In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people. We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be.

He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children. God then accepted the people he had already decided to choose, and he has shared his glory with them. What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? - Rom 8:26-31.

I just love this passage of Scripture! I always turn to them whenever I feel burned out, or challenged by the enemy, and I am greatly, I say again, greatly encouraged by them. Don’t you just love this...? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve! He is always working in us!

The sad fact is that many Christians, have never understood the way God works for them, they struggle on, day by day, in the misguided concept that it all depends on them and their abilities.
Someone once said, “The only ability God is looking for in His people is availability, He will do the rest.” If we could just grasp, how the power of God works for us, we could relax, and enjoy our walk with Him. God is always working in us, as...

He Strengthens Our Prayer Life.
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people. Rom 8:26-27.

"When our quiet times have become hurried, how can we expect to give God the adoration that is His due? How can we receive the guidance that God is waiting to give? How can our hearts catch the glow of divine fire? How can we have deep fellowship with those purposes that are really nearest to the heart of God?" – Gordon M. Guinness.

When we are weak, He seeks to strengthen us... The LORD is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him. – 2 Chron 16:9a.

He has promised to us the Holy Spirit to help us... Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. - John 14:16.

Our prayer is to be powered by the Holy Spirit... Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. - Eph 6:18.

"Do the Pentecostals look back with shame as they remember when they dwelt across the theological tracks, but with the glory of the Lord in their midst? When they had a normal church life, which meant nights of prayers, followed by signs and wonders, and diverse miracles, and genuine gifts of the Holy Ghost? When they were not clock watchers, and their meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power? Have we no tears for these memories, or shame that our children know nothing of such power?" - Leonard Ravenhill.

The Holy Spirit is the source of all our requests toward the Father, which are sometimes more than we can utter in our own language, but the Spirit searches our hearts, and knows what we want to say, and then passes them on to Him, and the enemy can’t interfere in any way.

What a joy it is to come to the Lord in prayer, when we know that it is not a chore, not a task, not something we have to do because it is expected, or done by someone who tells us to do it. It is the supreme act of communication by us to the Father, and He has given the Holy Spirit to help us pray, because He knows how we ought to pray to Him! Hallelujah! What a mighty God!

"The secret of the success of the Apostles lay not in what they did and said, but in the presence of Christ in them and with them. They saw with the eyes of Christ, felt with His heart, and worked with His energies. They were nothing; Christ was everything. Christ was living, breathing, and triumphing in their personal lives. Their entire nature being replete with His life, their spirits bathed in His light, and their souls kindled with the fires of His love, they moved in the midst of men as embodiments of supernatural power…

Brethren, this is what we must be, if this mighty Empire (China) is to be moved through us. But to be this, the throne of grace must be our refuge, the secret place of the Most High must be our daily and hourly habitation." – Griffith John.

I say again, if God is for us, who can be against us! Hallelujah!

Loving Father, I thank you that you are continually working in me, and I take great comfort and encouragement from that. I also thank you for the Holy Spirit who helps me to say the right things to you. In Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen!

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - ASSURANCE OF OUR FAITH!

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, Purchase of God;
Born of His Spirit, washed in His Blood!

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. - Heb 10:22.

Sometime when you're in an airport, observe the difference between passengers who hold confirmed tickets and those who are on standby. The ones with confirmed tickets read newspapers, chat with their friends or sleep. The ones on standby hang around the ticket counter, pace and smoke, smoke and pace. The difference is caused by the confidence factor.

If you knew that in fifteen minutes you would have to stand in judgment before the Holy God and learn your eternal destiny, what would your reaction be? Would you smoke and pace? Would you say to yourself, "I don't know what God's going to say, will it be 'Welcome home, child,' or will it be 'Depart from me; I never knew you'? - Bill Hybels.

Whenever we come before our almighty God, we must have the confident assurance of our faith in Christ. Our hearts need to be pure and Holy. Whether it is prayer, praise, or worship, we need to washed and cleansed in the precious blood of Jesus!

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24.

We need to be fully persuaded, that God will receive us and accept us for the sake of His Son, and that the sacrificial death of Christ, gives us full authority to expect every blessing we need. We need to be cleansed from our evil conscience. Having that deep sense of guilt which our conscience felt, eradicated, and our hearts filled with the peace, and love of God, given us by the Holy Spirit.

An elderly man said to H.A. Ironside, "I will not go on unless I know I'm saved, or else know it's hopeless to seek to be sure of it. I want a definite witness, something I can't be mistaken about!" Ironside replied, "Suppose you had a vision of an angel who told you your sins were forgiven. Would that be enough to rest on?" "Yes, I think it would. An angel should be right."

Ironside continued, "But suppose on your deathbed Satan came and said, 'I was that angel, transformed to deceive you.' What would you say?" The man was speechless. Ironside then told him that God has given us something more dependable than the voice of an angel. He has given His Son, who died for our sins, and He has testified in His own Word that if we trust Him all our sins are gone.

Ironside read I John 5:13, "You may know that you have eternal life." Then he said, "Is that not enough to rest on? It is a letter from heaven expressly to you." God's Spirit used that to bring assurance to the man's heart. - H. A. Ironside.

What a joy it is when we have the assurance of our faith and we can come boldly and confidently into the Father presence for our needs, because of Jesus! Hallelujah!

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, Purchase of God;
Born of His Spirit, washed in His Blood!

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour, all the day long!

What a Saviour, what a Lord, what a God! Praise His wonderful name this Monday morning with the assurance of our Salvation!

Loving Father, I thank you that I have the assurance of my faith! I give you the honour and the glory, and praise the wonderful name of Jesus! My heart is so full of joy, because I have been washed and cleansed in the precious blood of Jesus, my heart and my conscience is clear and Holy! I thank you again in the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen!

GBYAY

BOURDAIS WINS GOLD COAST INDY 300!

Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais powers his Newman Haas Team car, to win an action packed Indy 300, on the Gold Coast today in perfect weather!

Bourdais took the chequered flag 9.130 seconds ahead of A J Allmendinger, with a further 31.852sec back to another American, Jimmy Vasser, in third place in the 57-lap race.

My favourite Paul Tracy, was involved in a crash at the beginning, and after repairs came back and was leading after 20 laps, but was forced to withdraw because his engine was smoking. Ah well, there is always next year.

Bourdais, the only driver to finish every race this year, has won six races this seaosn. He has 344 points in the championship standings, 78 ahead of Spanish team-mate Oriol Servia, with Englishman Justin Wilson third (231). The final race of the series takes place in Mexico City on November 6.

The Indy saw record crowds again, and it is now the most attended of any sporting event in Australia, that is saying something for a sports mad country!

GBYAY

SUNDAY'S SERMON ON THE BLOG.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matt5:14.

Darkness dominates our world. Despite appearances, darkness controls much of what is said, and how it is viewed by the world.

When people live for Christ, they will be noticed. Their allegiance to Jesus and His righteousness cannot be ignored. So what are we going to do with that light? Are others going to see and be drawnto our Father in Heaven who sent his Son as Saviour? Or, are they going to reject the way of Christ because our walk is all talk, and not much service?

Let us allow them see God's grace through our lives, so they will come to know the Saviour!

Loving Father, I thank you for your grace that saved me. Please help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to reflect your character and grace in all that I do, so that when folks notice me and know of my Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

GBYAY

DOGGIE TAILS #10. ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER!

A lovely Doggie Tail from Manchester, England...

SANDY the sheep dog is not right in the head - she can only turn left. She has driven her owners round the bend by refusing to take a right turn in the road.

Now, they have called in a pet psychologist to point Sandy in the right direction Danny and Barbara Willock were baffled when she sat down in the street on her daily walks and refused to budge.But it soon became clear the loveable three-year-old rescued pet was simply refusing to take a right turn. So, what should be a 10minute walk from their home to a nearby park, has turned into an hour-long three-mile circular hike - always turning left.

Shop worker Barbara, 59 now takes Sandy by car, when the walk is too long. But the barmy pet has started causing problems inside the house. She refuses to let the couple iron or vacuum.

Barbara, of Manchester, said: "Sandy is a lovely sweet-natured dog, but she's crazy. You can't make her turn right during walks. Left is OK, but try to turn right and she'll sit down, lie or run away. The vet says it's one of her quirks. She also wouldn't let me bring out the ironing board. She goes crazy, barking and tries to jump on it. It's the same if I want to vacuum. You can only do it if she's out of the house."

Barbara added: "We've had problems with Sandy ever since we got her from an animal rescue shelter two-and-a-half-years ago. She had been badly treated and we think that's why she's not right. But she's very good with children and even babies. "

Barbara and Danny, 61, a builder, have called in animal behaviour expert Dr David Sands to help. TV viewers will see his efforts to cure Sandy in a show on the Animal Planet digital channel next month.

Barbara said: "Sandy's got better with the ironing board and vacuum cleaner since Dr Sands came. She still won't turn right, though."

What a strange Dog, but it is obvious Barbara and family love Sandy, let's hope that they fix the problem. I am no Pet Psychologist, but I reckon a big tasty bone, thrown in the RIGHT direction, might help! :)

GBYAY

WARNIE AWARDS

Congratulations are in order with two new Warnie Winner's...

Wayne Moran's 'Question's & Answers' which I am very familiar with, and Just Taylor's 'Between Two Worlds' which I am not familiar with, but will endeavour to do so as I read it daily.

Congratulations guys on your well deserved Warnie's!!

Why not pop in and leave an encouraging comment to these two fine Christian Blogger's.

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT FRIDAY - A JOYFUL HEART!

My face in the mirror
Isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty,
The cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely
And so does my lawn.
I think I might never
Put my glasses back on.
– Source Unknown.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Pro 17:22.

"The proper way for man to pray," said Deacon Lemuel Keyes; "The only proper attitude is down upon his knees."

"Nay, I should say the way to pray," said Reverend Doctor Wise, "Is standing straight with outstretched arms with rapt and upturned eyes."

"Oh, no, no, no," said Elder Snow, "such posture is too proud." A man should pray with eyes fast-closed and head contritely bowed."

"It seems to me his hands should be austerely clasped in front. With both thumbs pointing to the ground," said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

"Last year I fell in Hodgkin's well head first," said Cyril Brown. "With both my heels a-stickin' up, my head a-pointing' down; And I done prayed right then and there; best prayer I ever said, The prayin'est prayer I ever prayed, a-standin' on my head." - Our Daily Bread.

Once more the end of the working week comes to a close, and we are anticipating having a wonderful weekend, and some much needed rest (not for pastor’s though). For those having to work, keep your chin up, your turns coming! ( Here is some humour that will make heart joyful...

Two men were talking together. The first challenged the other, "If you are so religious, let's hear you quote the Lord's Prayer. I bet you $10.00 you can't."

The second responded, "Now I lay my down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

The first pulled out his wallet and fished out a ten dollar bill, muttering, "I didn't think you could do it!" - Source Unknown.
---------------------------------------------
One pastor went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals. The reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the glasses didn't work so well. In fact he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked through them.

He explained to the congregation that the new glasses were causing problems, "I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses," hesaid. "You see when I look down I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me sick." – Source Unknown.

It is a wonderful and God-given gift to have a sense of humour, a lot of Christians and Churches, would be a whole lot more happier, if they just lightened up a bit...

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, - Psa 63:5.

"I'm not fat; I am a nutritional over-achiever."

CAN GOD USE YOU?
Next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember ...

NOAH was a drunk...
ABRAHAM was too old...
ISAAC was a daydreamer...
JACOB was a liar...
LEAH was ugly...
JOSEPH was abused...
MOSES couldn't talk...
GIDEON was afraid...
SAMSON had long hair, and was a womanizer.
RAHAB was a prostitute!
JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young...
DAVID had an affair and was a murderer...
ELIJAH was suicidal...
ISAIAH preached naked...
JONAH ran from God...
NAOMI was a widow...
JOB went bankrupt...
JOHN the Baptist ate bugs...
PETER denied Christ...
The DISCIPLES fell asleep while praying...
MARTHA worried about everything...
MARY MAGDALENE was demon possessed...
The SAMARITAN WOMAN was divorced....more than once!!... ZACCHEUS was too small...
PAUL was too religious...
TIMOTHY had an ulcer....
AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD!!!!
Here I am Lord......

SO ONCE AGAIN LET US REMIND OURSELVES, THAT BEING CHEERFUL KEEPS YOU HEALTHY, IT IS A SLOW DEATH TO BE GLOOMY ALL THE TIME!

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to remind myself that Jesus died to set me free, help me Lord to live that life, and be determined in Him to have a joyful heart, in Jesus wonderful name I pray, amen!

HAVE A GREAT AND GODLY WEEKEND!
GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT THURSDAY - THREE PRINCIPLES FOR OUR PRAYERS.

"The time factor in prayer is very important. In the exercise of prayer, God is not tied to our clocks. Neither is He at the other end of the phone to receive and answer our two-minute calls. It takes time to know the mind of God, to shut out the material things of earth, and to be wholly abandoned." -Hugh C. C. McCullough.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. - John 14:12-14.

"Hope and confidence should not be placed in the extent and perfection of organizations, nor in the experience which has been accumulated and the agencies and methods which have been devised in a long century of missions, nor in the unusual strength of the missionary body, nor in the multitude who have been gathered from every nation and race and faith into the native Church, nor in the wonderful resources and facilities of the home Church, nor in far-sighted and comprehensive plans, nor in enthusiastic forward movements and inspiring watchwords. It is easy to magnify human personality and agencies. Prayer recognizes that God is the source of life and light and energy." – John R. Mott.

We need to pray, and prayer is the almighty equipment that God has given us, to accomplish His work, in and through us. However, like any tool there is always the danger of abusing it. When we pray, we must endeavour to do it in the right manner. The sphere of prayer has its Measure, Means, and Might, the three principles by which we are to give our attention to...

MEASURE
“Whatever you ask...” A good definition of Measure: an appropriate restraint, limit or bounds. The measure of our praying or asking, is defined not as a “whatever you want,” but by the measure of who believes in Jesus. The measure of who works... the works of Jesus; The measure of who is glorified... God the Father.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Eph 3:20-21.

The Lord can do far more than we ask or think, and He can do it in superabundance! Because His power is working in us for His glory, and this is measured out to us, by the measure in which we believe in Jesus!! Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!

MEANS
“...In My name...” A good definition of Means: a method, a course of action, or an instrument by which an act can be accomplished or an end achieved. Means; safeguards our praying of excessiveness; Means; is not an end to our prayers, but the beginning. Means; is a belief in the work of Jesus, and to what end He works...

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. - John 16:24.

Jesus explained to the disciples that they hadn’t yet asked Him for anything, because they were not yet convinced, that He was the great mediator, between the Father and mankind. Now they could have the assurance that they may come to the throne, and ask for anything in His name! Hallelujah, we also have the assurance that assurance when we come to the throne, Father hears and answers our prayers, but only through Jesus!

The central significance of prayer is not in the things that happen as results, but in the deepening intimacy and unhurried communion with God at His central throne of control in order to discover a "sense of God's need in order to call on God's help to meet that need" - E.M. Bounds.

MIGHT
“...this I will do...” A good definition of Might: the strength or ability to do something. The ability to answer prayer is not of us, but in Christ. Might; is resting in the strength of Christ. Might; is hoping in the ability of Christ; Might; is trusting in the accomplishment of Christ...

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5.

If the branches of the vine are separated in any way from the vine, they can produce nothing and wither and die, in the same way, if we try to accomplish anything for God, apart from Jesus, it will never succeed, we will wither and die, as some have done! Everything that we attempt for God, must be branded by Christ! Hallelujah, praise His mighty name!

“The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.” - James Hudson Taylor.

WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF OUR PRAYERS? WHAT IS THE MEANS AND THE MIGHT BEHIND OUR PRAYERS? LET IT BE JESUS!

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to put these principles of communication with you, into practice. In Jesus’ wonderful name I pray! Amen!

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT WEDNESDAY - IMPLEMENT AN ATTITUDE OF TRUST!

Unused truth becomes as useless as an unused muscle. - A.W. Tozer.

And he asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven." And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.

And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. - Mark 8:5-9. ESV

Many Christians I know, are wondering why things are so tough on them, and ask me why God doesn’t meet their needs. There are many reasons why they are asking and not receiving, and I do not intend to list them all, or even try. But I know from my own experience, in my walk with Christ, that in order to receive from the Lord, I had to implement an attitude of trust.

There were many times in my in my early years as a Christian, when I struggled to understand why the Lord didn’t meet my requests, for the things that I needed, and for my family. It was confusing to me as a new Christian, when all around me I saw other Christians having their needs met. So one day I cried out to the Lord, and He said... “John, you have the wrong attitude for trusting me. You must not expect things to happen through other people, or other means, simply trust in me, and implement an attitude of trust, and you will see my hand in your needs.”

When I obeyed what the Lord had told me, and I started to develop that attitude of trusting in Him only for my needs, then things began to change for me and my family. I would love to tell you that every need we had was answered, alas it wasn’t to be, but things did change dramatically for us, and when we were missionaries in Europe for five and a half years, we seen some outstanding miracles of provision, that was to shape my attitude of simply trusting in Him for everything.

Observing some of the above principles from our Scripture was the beginning of the implementation of changing my attitude of trust...

Jesus asks them what they had and they told Him just 7 loaves of bread. His answer... SIT DOWN! There has to be a transfer of faith, from the seven loaves, to the bread of life, Jesus! Just as there must be a transfer of our faith, from our resources, abilities, and human efforts, to the compassionate, almighty divine provision, of our Lord and Saviour, JESUS! There are three principles that must take place, in learning how to implement an attitude of trust...

FAITH! It takes faith to just sit down, when every thing inside of us screams to get a second job, borrow our way out of trouble, etc., In other words “WORKING” it out ourselves. we really need to SIT DOWN at the Master’s feet. We say, “Yeah, but we’re supposed to do what we can, right?" We are to obey what He tells us to do! Sometimes, He requires some effort on our part, and other times, He just says obey what I say.

During an especially trying time in the work of the China Inland Mission, Hudson Taylor wrote to his wife, "We have twenty-five cents--and all the promises of God! - W. Wiersbe.

EXPECTATION! After we sit down by faith, look up and expect something to happen, we don't know when or how it will happen, we just expect that it is going to happen. Why is this so hard to do? Well, we need to push aside our pride, and totally trust in Him to provide an answer, after all, He is ever present, all seeing, and all powerful, and we are neither. Hallelujah! Expect something to happen!

Life is a continuous process of getting used to things we hadn't expected. Source Unknown.

REST! Now, let us take our hands off all our circumstances and situations, and simply rest in Him. Leave it all to Him! Don't wrestle, just rest! Don't worry, just rest! Don't lose sleep over anything, just rest! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? - Luke 12:25.

Sir Wilfred Grenfell, medical missionary in Labrador, found himself adrift on an ice flow, headed out to sea. He mercifully killed his dogs, made a coat out of their hides, put up a distress flag, and lay down and slept. Later he said, "There was nothing to fear. I had done all I could, the rest lay in God's hands." - Donald Campbell.

We must put these 3 things into action… FAITH; EXPECTATION, and REST! This will help us to... IMPLEMENT AN ATTITUDE OF TRUST!

Loving Father, I ask for forgiveness, for the times that I have had a bad attitude towards you, concerning unanswered prayer for my needs. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to take on board the principles contained in your word, that I may implement an attitude of trust in you. I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus, amen!

GBYAY

EASTER CHICKS?

I have heard of Easter Eggs, but Easter Chicks? I wonder if their eggs are coloured? ;-) These little guys come from Iraq. If only the rest of the country were more colourful.

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT TUESDAY - TEACH US LORD!

The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life is either expressly set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture, unto which nothing at anytime is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of man. - Westminster Confession of Faith.

Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies. Don't abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats. I know that I will live to see the LORD'S goodness in this present life. Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD. - Psa 27:11-14.

One of God's faithful missionaries, Allen Gardiner, experienced many physical difficulties and hardships throughout his service to the Savior. Despite his troubles, he said, "While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me." In 1851, at the age of 57, he died of disease and starvation while serving on Picton Island at the southern tip of South America.

When his body was found, his diary lay nearby. It bore the record of hunger, thirst, wounds, and loneliness. The last entry in his little book showed the struggle of his shaking hand as he tried to write legibly. It read, "I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God." - Allen Gardiner.

We have heard this expression many, many times...Our God is a Good God! But the problem we have is, we hear it, we read it, we know it, but do we believe it? If we really believed it, we would see more victorious and confident Christians around us, but sadly in my experience, there are so few.

Most Christians I know, are trying to be financially prosperous, or trying to become a super, dooper, Christian Super person! But they are missing the point; as they buy the latest book, or attend the latest Seminar, or trying to have the best and biggest Church! And the point is... they need to stop trying, and BE TAUGHT BY THE LORD!

Teach me your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you. Psa 25:4-5.

The Psalmist cries out for the LORD’S teaching! He pleads to be taught in the LORD’S ways, he desires to live according to the LORD’S truth, he recognises that he can only be rescued from his life of darkness, by the LORD, and he affirms his trust in the LORD!!

Where is our pleading today? Where are our desires today? Where is our recognition today? Where is our trust today? If we can answer these questions truthfully, and find that we are not pleading, have no desire, do recognise, and have no trust, then we desperately need the LORD’S teaching! TEACH US LORD!

Our future as Christians is the ‘Goodness of the Lord!’ Our help as Christians is the Goodness of the Lord, in the ‘Land of the Living,’ here and now!! God's Goodness flows from His passion for us!

God has promised us His Goodness! Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. – Psalm 34:8.

God has proven His Goodness for us! In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son---will he not also freely give us all things? - Romans 8:32.

Often I have heard people say, "How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!'" Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart.

I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. "No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: 'For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.'" Corrie concludes, "There is an ocean of God's love available--there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love--whatever the circumstances." - Corrie Ten Boom.

How can we not cry out for the LORD’S teaching? How can we not cry out for the LORD’S truth? How can we not cry out to the Lord, that we believe in Him? How can we not cry out to the LORD, that we trust Him? How can we not cry out...TEACH US LORD?

Loving Father, forgive me for trying to live my life in my own strength. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be taught by you, help me to learn your truth, and help me to trust you for all things pertaining to my life. Teach me Lord! In the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen!

GBYAY

DOGGIE TAILS # 9 - MAN'S BEST MAN.

This is a beautiful Doggie Tail, from Aberdeen, in Scotland…

A DOG-MAD couple avoided a family row by making their pooch best man at their wedding.

Jan Farry, 55, and Graham Guyan, 45, wanted their day to go off without a hitch but the men in the family were vying for the starring roles. So the animal lovers, from Aberdeen, decided they'd let their three pets do the honours at Saturday's ceremony.

So best man Toby, page boy Billy and ring bearer Kinty walked proudly down the aisle with their owners. Magician The dogs even had their own outfits that matched the bride and groom's tartan themed ensembles.

The couple tied the knot at Aberdeen FC's Pittodrie stadium, where they work as cleaners. Their special day also featured a magician and barbershop singers.

Jan said: "We've both got quite big families and lots of friends and they all wanted to be in on the action.”We didn't want anyone to be upset or feel left out and we love our dogs to bits, so having them take the main roles solved a lot of problems. "It worked out perfectly because everyone had a great day and, most important of all, the dogs behaved themselves."

Boxer Toby trotted Jan down the aisle and gave her away. Cross Border collie Kinty carried the rings in a special pouch tied round her neck, while Billy, also a Boxer, played page boy.

The couple exchanged vows in front of the Rev George Goldie, who said: "One of the things we learn to do in married life is to share. "You've shared today with your family of dogs as well as family and a great number of friends. "Home is a place for family, be they children or dogs."

Jan added: "It wouldn't have been the same without the dogs.”

And everyone settled into their kennels on their honeymoon, and they all barked happily ever after! ;)

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - HOW TO ALWAYS DO AND SAY WHAT IS GOOD.

It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians. - Francis Bacon.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. - 2Thess 2:16.

Edward Steichen, who eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers, almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures. At 16, young Steichen bought a camera and took 50 photos. Only one turned out -- a portrait of his sister at the piano. Edward's father thought that was a poor showing.

But his mother insisted that the photograph of his sister was so beautiful that it more than compensated for 49 failures. Her encouragement convinced the youngster to stick with his new hobby. He stayed with it for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call. What tipped the scales? The vision to spot excellence in the midst of a lot of failure. - Bits & Pieces.

In our Scripture today, Paul explains that as all our grace comes from the Father through Jesus, so His unfailing courage and hope, that is necessary for us for us to be encouraged and strengthened, must come the same way! Hallelujah!

What a great boost for the start of this new week, to be encouraged and strengthened by God, to do and say, what is good. Too often we try to do things in our own strength, and when it does not work for us, we become discouraged. We need to stop living our lives in our own understanding, wisdom and riches...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. - Prov 3:5-10.

Vivian H., for 2 and a half years lived in a home without running water. She had to drive to a spring and load up five gallon jugs to haul back home. All the while there was a perfectly good well with a 600 gallon reservoir on her property. The water was there, she didn't know it could be used. - Source Unknown.

If we acknowledge Him, He will work it all out for us, whatever the situation or circumstance! We will be physically refreshed and strengthened, and He will make sure that we want for nothing, as well as being filled to overflowing with His Holy Spirit! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. - Psa 23.

You can't break God's promises by leaning on them! - Source Unknown.

I don’t know about you, but I would rather let God run my life for me, than try and stumble through it on my own, why don’t we let go and let God have control. Doing it His way, means we will always do and say what is good! Hallelujah! Bless His wonderful name!

Loving Father, my desire is to do and say what is good, help me by the power of the Holy spirit to accomplish this, for my benefit, and for the benefit of others. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen!

GBYAY

SUNDAY'S SERMON ON THE BLOG.

Your real life is Christ, and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory! - Colossians 3:4.

Today, my life is fantastic, a loving wife who came home from Hospital last Monday, and is looking beautiful and healthy, great kids and grandkids, great church, great weather, and totally blessed with all I truly need.

But this will change, because life is bound up with mortality. Love is connected with flawed people. Separation by distance, difference, and death are bound to happen to a certain extent.

The incredible blessing I have in Christ, however, is that my true and lasting life is hidden with Christ in God. So while things may be good in my life right now, they're always vulnerable to being touched by mortality. When Christ comes, they will be gloriously perfect and unstained by evil, death, or decay. Now that's good news! Hallelujah!

Loving Father, I thank you so much for your overwhelming and generous grace that saved me from sin. Thank you for Jesus, whose resurrection from the dead insures my resurrection to lifewith you, and the resurrection reunion that I will have with all those who belong to you. Until that day, when I get to meet you face to face, I will continually thank you and praise you. In the wonderful name of Jesus, amen.

GBYAY

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT FRIDAY - A JOYFUL HEART.

Happy is the person who can laugh at himself. He will never cease to be amused. - Habib Bourguiba.

Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time. - Proverbs 17:22. (GNB).

In The Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient, Norman Cousins tells of being hospitalized with a rare, crippling disease. When he was diagnosed as incurable, Cousins checked out of the hospital. Aware of the harmful effects that negative emotions can have on the body, Cousins reasoned the reverse was true. So he borrowed a movie projector and prescribed his own treatment, consisting of Marx Brothers films and old "Candid Camera" reruns.

It didn't take long for him to discover that 10 minutes of laughter provided two hours of pain-free sleep. Amazingly, his debilitating disease was eventually reversed. After the account of his victory appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, Cousins received more than 3000 letters from appreciative physicians throughout the world. - Today in the Word.

Well folks, it’s the end of another working week here in Australia, and time for another ‘Joyful Heart’ post, sorry about my overseas readers, but this will help you to face another day at work! As someone once remarked... “Thank God it’s Friday, and Sunday is coming!” ENJOY!

CHRISTIAN ONE LINERS
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
The phase that is guaranteed to wake up an audience: "And in conclusion."
To make a long story short, don't tell it.
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given. - Source unknown.

It is by God’s great mercy and grace, that He helps us to be joyful. We have to appreciate that He made us to be joyful... May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord! I say it again: rejoice! - Phil 4:4. Let us be continually joyful, for this joy only comes from a relationship with Jesus! It is His will that we rejoice! Hallelujah!

Laughter improves any meal--experts even say it aids digestion. Ask everyone in your family to contribute five jokes or riddles on slips of paper. Keep them in a jar on the table and during dinner take turns drawing them out and reading them. - Paul Lewis.

SO ONCE AGAIN LET US REMIND OURSELVES, THAT BEING CHEERFUL KEEPS YOU HEALTHY. IT IS SLOW DEATH TO BE GLOOMY ALL THE TIME!

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to remind myself that Jesus died to set me free, help me Lord to live that life, and be determined in Him to have a joyful heart, in Jesus wonderful name I pray, amen!

HAVE A GREAT AND GODLY WEEKEND!
GBYAY