THE GIFT OF LIFE

The Gift of Life

In Genesis, He is the seed of the woman.
In Exodus, He is the passover lamb.
In Leviticus, He is our high priest.
In Numbers, He is the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
In Deuteronomy, He is the prophet like unto Moses.
In Joshua, He is the captain of our salvation.
In Judges, He is our judge and lawgiver.
In Ruth, He is our kinsman redeemer.
In 1 & 2 Samuel, He is our trusted prophet.
In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning king.
In Ezra and Nehemiah, He is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life.
In Esther & Job, He is our ever-living redeemer.
In Psalms, He is our shepherd.
In Proverbs & Ecclesiastes, He is our wisdom.
In Song of Solomon, He is our lover and bridegroom.
In Isaiah, He is the prince of peace.
In Jeremiah, He is the righteous branch.
In Lamentations, He is our weeping prophet.
In Ezekiel, He is our wonderful four faced man.
In Daniel, He is the fourth man in life’s firey furnace.
In Hosea, He is the faithful husband.
In Joel, He is the baptizer with the Holy Ghost and fire.
In Amos, He is our burden-bearer.
In Obadiah, He is the mighty to save.
In Johah, He is our great missionary.
In Micah, He is the messenger of beautiful feet.
In Nahum, He is the avenger of God’s elect.
In Habakkuk, He is God’s evangelist.
In Zephaniah, He is our Savior.
In Haggai, He is the restorer of God’s lost heritage.
In Zechariah, He is the fountain opened in the house of David.
In Malachi, He is the sun of righteousness, rising with healing in His wings.
In Matthew, He is the Messiah.
In Mark, He is the wonder worker.
In Luke, He is the son of man.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is the Holy Ghost.
In Romans, He is our justifier.
In 1 & 2 Corinthians, He is our santifier.
In Galatians, He is our redeemer.
In Ephesians, He is the Christ of unsearchable riches.
In Philippians, He is the God who supplies all our needs.
In Colossians, He is the fullness of God, bodily.
In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, He is our coming king.
In 1 & 2 Timothy, He is our mediator between God and man.
In Titus, He is our faithful pastor.
In Philemon, He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
In Hebrews, He is the blood of the everlasting covenant.
In James, He is our great physician.
In 1 & 2 Peter, He is our chief shepherd.
In 1, 2 & 3 John, He is love.
In Jude, He is the Lord coming with ten thousands of His saints.
In Revelation, He is the KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!

Author unknown
Given by Pastor Tom Curry
Dec 1994

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The Motherly Characteristics of Our Heavenly Father-

TRUE REPENTANCE

Repentance=Changing your mind ,not trying to change your life, you can not change your life otherwise why did Yeshua have to die? Repentance is trusting Christ’s finished work and HIS grace in and through us to change us from the inside out, we can not do this on our own, we must trust Christ to do it for us.This is true REPENTANCE.

Yeshua/Jesus BECAME sin , our sins have been dealt with ,past ,present, and our future sins. The only sin that will keep us from Eternal life is the sin of UNBELIEF, not believing in the FINISHED WORK of Yeshua/Jesus Christ. The sins we commit keep us from having an abundant life here and now they do not keep us from Eternal life.

When we know and understand the truth of who we are IN Yeshua/Jesus Christ, that we have become and are NOW  the Sons/Daughters of GOD, we will no longer choose to sin  and live in the gutter. When we understand who we are  , when we learn to go and be who we are  NOW, why would anyone want to go back and sin, which always leads to death? Change your mind about who you are, Repent, and believe in the FINISH WORK of CHRIST. AMEN

A GARDEN AS A METAPHOR

Working in my garden , my meditations

Childhood prayers

 Here are various version of my favorite childhood prayers. Enjoy!!

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, bless the bed that I lie on. Before I lay me down to sleep, I give my soul to Christ to keep.

Four corners to my bed, four angels there aspread, two to foot, and two to head, and two to carry me when I’m dead.

I go by sea, I go by land, the Lord made me by his right hand. If any danger comes to me, Sweet Jesus Christ, deliver me.

He’s the branch, and I’m the flower, pray God send me a happy hour. And if I die before I wake, I pray that Christ my soul will take.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love entrusts me here,

ever this night (day) be at my side to light, to guard, to rule, and to guide.

 From sinful stain O keep me free, and at death’s hour my helper be. Amen.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. When at dawn I greet the day, Teach me, Lord, to walk thy way. God bless Mommie, Daddy, too. Not just now, but all life through. God bless little creatures small, Feed and shelter, one and all. God bless everyone we love, Here on earth and up above. Little children, where’er they be, God bless them, and God bless me. Help me to be kind and true. Gentle loving — just like You. Let me always thankful be For all the blessings given me.

 

 

A prayer to St. Michael the Archangel:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.0

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the Powers On High,

thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Germany: guardian angels are dispensed with, but the angels are retained in force. fourteen angels in a band every night around me stand two to my let hand two to my right who watch me ever by day and night two at my head two at my feet to guard my slumber soft and sweet two to wake me at break of day when night and darkness pass away two to cover me warm and nice and two to lead  me to paradise

Venice:

I go to bed I know not if I shall arise thou lord who knowest keep good watch over be before my soul separates from my body give me help and good comfort in the name of the father son and holy ghost

Sicily

I lay me down in this bed with Jesus on my breast I sleep and he watches in this bed where i am laid five saints i find two at the head, two at the feet in the middle is st Michael

Greek

In my little bed I lie down to sleep I lie down with my mother Mary the mother Mary goes away and she leaves me Christ for company

Four corners of my bed Four angels over head Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Bless this bed I lay upon

Four corners to my bed, Four angels ’round my head, One to watch, one to pray, And two to bear my soul away.

I go by sea, I go by land, The Lord made me with his right hand, If any danger come to me, Sweet Jesus Christ, deliver me.

For he’s the branch and I’m the flower, Pray God send me a happy hour, And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

I lay my head on our Lady’s knee Jesus come this night to me Heart of Joseph I adore thee Heart of Mary I implore thee Heart of Jesus pure and just In those three hearts I place my trust.

Teach me to always to say what’s true. Be willing in each task I do. Help me to be good each day, and lead me in thy holy way.

I pray whatever wrongs I’ve done, You will forgive me every one. Be near me when I wake again, and Bless all of those I love. Amen.

Bless the bed that I lie on.

The are four corners to my bed,

Four angels round my head,

One to watch, and one to pray,

And two to bear my soul away.

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP I PRAY THEE, LORD, MY SOUL TO KEEP.

THY ANGELS GUARD ME TROUGH THE NIGHT AND KEEP ME SAFE TIL MORNING LIGHT.

LORD MAKE ME A BOY/OR GIRL WHO’S BRAVE OF HEART,

WILLING AND STRONG TO DO MY PART.

LORD PLEASE HELP ME TO BE GOOD EACH DAY, AND ALWAYS BE HONEST IN MY PLAY.

LORD, WHILE I LIVE I WANT TO BE FROM QUICK AND ANGRY PASSIONS FREE,

WITH GENTLE THOUGHTS AND HAPPY FACE, AND PLEASANT WORDS IN EVERYPLACE.

I PRAY WHATEVER WRONGS I’VE DONE YOU WILL FORGIVE THEM EVERY ONE.

BE NEAR ME WHEN I WAKE AGAIN, AND BLESS ALL THOSE I LOVE. AMEN

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, Bless this bed I lie upon.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Now the day is over, Night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening, steal across the sky,

Jesus, give the weary Calm and sweet repose; With Thy tend’rest blessing May mine eyelids close.

When the morning wakens, Then may I arise Pure and fresh and sinless In Thy holy eyes.

Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me By Mary Lundie Duncan (1814-1840) & John Stainer (1840-1901)

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me; Bless Thy little lamb tonight; Through the darkness, be Thou near me; Keep me safe till morning light.

Through this day Thy hand has led me; And I thank Thee for Thy care; Thou hast warmed me, clothed and fed me, Listen to my evening prayer.

Let my sins be all forgiven; Bless the friends I love so well; Take me when I die, to heaven, Happy there with Thee to dwell. Amen.

I pray the Lord, his life is mine, I live in Him, I can not die.

God is my health, I can’t be sick. God is my strengh, unfailing quick.

God is my all, I know no fear, since Life and Truth and Love is here. Forever and ever. Amen.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

When at dawn I greet the day, Teach me, Lord, to walk thy way.

God bless Mommie, Daddy, too. Not just now, but all life through.

God bless little creatures small, Feed and shelter, one and all.

God bless everyone we love, Here on earth and up above.

Little children, where’er they be, God bless them, and God bless me.

Help me to be kind and true. Gentle loving — just like You.

Let me always thankful be For all the blessings given me.

Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Thy love guard me through the night, And wake me with the morning light

When in the morning light I wake, Teach me the path of love to take.

If I live another day, I pray the Lord to guide my way.

Why God Came As A Man

Picture by Larry Fanning http://www.artcountrycanada.com/fanning.htm

Author Unkown

There was once a man who didn’t believe in God, and he didn’t hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion. His wife, however, did believe, and she also raised their children to have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.

“That story is nonsense!” he said. “Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!” So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn’t see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn’t go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It’s warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn’t seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn’t catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. “Why don’t they follow me?!” he exclaimed. “Can’t they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?” He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn’t follow a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could save them,” he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn–and one by one the other geese followed it to safety.

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: “If only I were a goose, then I could save them!” Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. “Why would God want to be like us? That’s ridiculous!”

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese–blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son to become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of the birth of Christ, he realized. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood why Christ came as a man.

Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: “Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!”

Author unknown

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

”As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.” (Rom 3:10-12)

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw (drag in the Greek) all mankind unto Myself. This He spoke concerning what manner of death He should die.” (John 12:32, 33)

THE GIFT OF A NEW DAY

  Sitting here early on the last morning of 2011, drinking my coffee and just thinking about what pops in my head , I started thinking about how we tend to compare everything , we compare this day with yesterday or the same day a year ago or 23 years ago on this date. I tend to compare my pain level today with yesterday, or last week or last year and I do the day and myself an injustice.  The weatherman compares today’s weather with yesterdays, with a year ago, with the record weather on today’s date. We compare our lives with others and we compare our lives today with what it was in the past. I believe we do ourselves a disservice when we do this. Today is what it is, it is not the past or the future, it is today. It is brand new, literally. It should not be compared with yesterday. What happens today is what the day is , it is unique and frankly it is what it is. Each day is truly a gift of now, it is unique and one of a kind, what we do today, what happens good or bad, successes or our failures today will belong to that day only. We can keep that day as a memory to think about but we must not compare it with any other day because in truth there is nothing to compare the day to , it is what it is. We compare everything to gauge whether or not it is ‘normal’, and I am thinking , normal to what? Just like the weatherman averages the temperatures to tell us whether or not today’s temperature is normal, again normal to what?
Today is a gift, if I am trying to lose weight, or if I am trying to quit drinking or smoking or what ever it is, I should not compare how I did or am doing with my past actions, today is what it is, a new beginning and so we can ,today decide whether or not we will eat that piece of cake or smoke that cigarette or drink that drink, a choice we should make moment by moment when the temptation rares it’s head. I view a temptation as a gift too, because we get the gift of a little time to choose whether or not we want to take the temptation or not, we don’t always get a chance to choose like that and temptations give of that gift of a little time to decide whether or not we want to do what we are being tempted to do, time to weigh the options and consequences of our actions if we do what we are being tempted to do. Many people do not take that gift of time the temptation gives us ,to look at our actions and at the consequences  that arise because  of them.

So on this last unique day of 2011 , I will look over the past year, at the gifts and challenges it gave me and give thanks that I was given yet another year to live my life and savor all that it was and I will try not to think about 2012 because it has not happened yet, I will savor this day on it’s own merit. My only New Year’s resolution is to take each day as it is,  a new beginning and a chance to be who I choose to be each moment of that day and I hope that this will allow me to see the gift I am being given every new day.
blessed be,
PATC

BUILD YOUR FAITH

http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/build-your-faith.html

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”

You build your faith by reading and speaking God’s word. The Bible tells you that as you renew your mind, you will be transformed.

You renew your mind with the word of God

If you’re feeling defeated, it could be because you’ve been listening to the lies of the enemy.

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”

Let God’s word tell you who you are and what you have. Don’t give any attention to anything that tells you differently. God’s word is true.

• Acknowledge, agree with, recognise, confess and speak, the word of God
• Choose to see yourself as God sees you
• Speak out these truths even when you don’t yet see the reality

 

When God called Gideon a mighty warrior there was no evidence to suggest that it was true. God saw and spoke what Gideon would become.

Learn what God says about you and accept God’s opinion of you.  Believe what God says about who you are in Christ and you will become what you are in Him. By faith, believe the truth and act on what you believe.

You will build your faith as you constantly remind yourself of who you are in Christ.

Biblical Confessions To Build Your Faith

Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing; but in Jesus I can do all things. I choose to see myself as He sees me according to His living Word. My life is hid with Christ in God. I will say the same things that God says in His Word. How can two walk together if they don’t agree?

I choose to trust God. His Word will be the final authority in my life. I base my entire life upon God and His living Word. Because I meditate upon His Word day and night and carefully do all that is written in it, I will prosper.

I’m not just an ordinary person; I’m a child of the living God. I’m not just a person; I’m an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. I’m not just a sinner; I’m a new creation in Jesus. I’m part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. I’m one of God’s chosen people.

Jesus has declared me not guilty. I refuse to be discouraged. God is the God of all encouragement. There is no condemnation for me because I’m in Christ Jesus.

Satan is the father of lies. I won’t listen to his accusations. I am cleansed by Jesus’ blood. No weapon formed against me will succeed. I will disprove every tongue that rises against me in judgment.

My mind is being renewed by the word of God. I will pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations. I will bring every thought captive to the will of Christ.

I am accepted by God. If God is for me, who can be against me? Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. As the Father loves Jesus, so Jesus loves me. I have the righteousness of God through Christ. I am not a slave of sin, I’m a slave of God and a slave of righteousness.

I will continue in God’s word. I know the truth and the truth has set me free. I am free indeed because Jesus has set me free.  I have been delivered out of the kingdom of darkness. I’m now part of the kingdom of God.

I will submit to God. When I resist the devil, he has to flee. No temptation will overcome me which is not common to man. God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond my strength. With any temptation He will also provide me with a way of escape, so that I can endure.

Jesus always causes me to triumph. I’ll reign as a king in life through Christ Jesus. The Word of God lives in me. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. I am an overcomer. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God gives me the victory through Jesus Christ my Lord.

I am a success to the glory of God. All His blessings will come upon me and overtake me because I obey the voice of the Lord, my God. I am confident that those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing.

I will not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Speak God’s word daily. Believe it. Allow the living and active Word of God to build your faith, renew your mind and transform your life

WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW WHO I AM IN CHRIST?

Who I Am In Christ

http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/who-you-are-in-Christ.html

Why do I need to know who I am in Christ?

You need to know who you are in Christ so that you can live a successful Christian life.

The more you agree with God about your identity in Christ, the more your behaviour will reflect your God given identity.

Learn to see yourself as God sees you. Accept what God says about you and become the spiritual person you are. God’s opinion is the one that counts.

Understanding who you are in Christ will give you a strong foundation to build your life on. Knowing who you are in Jesus is the key to a successful Christian life.

Your identity doesn’t depend on something you do or have done. Your true identity is who you are in Christ.

When you are in Christ you are a new creation, the old has passed away. It’s time to stop living out of who people say you are and take hold of the truth of God’s word.

You need to know who you are in Christ so that you can know what to do, when to do it, where to go, and how to do it

Who I am in Christ

 

Because you are in Christ, every one of these statements is true of you.

• I am loved 1John 3:3
• I am accepted Ephesians 1:6
• I am a child of God John 1:12
• I am Jesus’ friend John 15:14
• I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him Romans 8:17
• I am united with God and one spirit with Him 1Corinthians 6:17
• I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life live in me 1 Corinthians 6:19
• I am a member of Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
• I am a Saint Ephesians 1:1
• I am redeemed and forgiven Colossians 1:14
• I am complete in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:10
• I am free from condemnation Romans 8:1
• I am a new creation because I am in Christ 2Corinthians 5:17
• I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved Colossians 3:12
• I am established, anointed, and sealed by God 2Corinthians 1:21
• I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind 2Timothy 1:7
• I am God’s co-worker 2Corinthians 6:1
• I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Eph 2:6
• I have direct access to God Ephesians 2:18
• I am chosen to bear fruit John 15:16
• I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house 1 Peter 2:5
• I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature 2 Peter 1:4
• I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me Hebrews 13:5
• God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do Philippians 2:13
• I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need James 1:5

 

Simply choose to believe what God says about you.

“How can two walk together unless they agree?” Amos 3:3

 

Try reading the above list every day for a month, preferably out loud. The more you know who you are in Christ, the more your behaviour will reflect your true identity.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2

 

To live an effective Christian life you need to know and believe who you are in Christ. Understanding your identity in Christ is crucial to your success.

The best way to renew your mind and experience transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking who you are in Christ 

Train yourself to say the same things that God says in His word. Become who you are in Christ. God wants to do more in your life than you imagine.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

I am accepted…
John 1:12	I am God’s child.
John 15:15	As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in       spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through       Jesus Christ.
	I am secure…
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all       circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and       I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He       started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power,       love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant…
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a       channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.