Living Stones

July 20, 2005
Living Stones

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

You are an epistle of Christ, . . . written not with ink but by the Spirit
of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that
is, of the heart. = Corinthians 3:3

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 40-42

I've seen a number of recent reports about efforts to remove monuments
with the Ten Commandments from public places in the US. It's regrettable,
for the monuments celebrate righteousness, and "righteousness exalts a
nation" (Proverbs 14:34). I believe that removing these reminders is a
reflection of our crumbling moral foundations.

There is one enduring monument to righteousness, however, that cannot be
removed: the truth of Christ, written on human hearts by the Spirit of God
(2 Corinthians 3:3).

Those who have the law of God written on their hearts love the Lord with
all their mind, soul, and strength. They demonstrate this love to the
world by showing honor to their parents, faithfulness in their marriage,
and integrity in their work. They respect human life and treat all men and
women with dignity and honor. They don't speak evil of anyone, no matter
how much evil has been done to them. They are content with God and what He
has given them, and they want nothing more. These are the outward signs
that God's law is alive, written on our hearts "by the Spirit of the
living God" (v.3).

You and I are living monuments to His grace. We must stand tall. The world
is watching. —David Roper

You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say;
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,
Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? —Gilbert

God's laws engraved on our hearts can never be removed from the public
arena.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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bless you

I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way...

His love is always with you
His promises are true,
And when we give Him all our cares
You know He will see us through...

So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Just remember I'm here praying
And God will do the rest.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Today

Today I will delete from my diary
two days: yesterday and tomorrow
Yesterday was to learn
and tomorrow will be the consequence
of what I can do today.

Today I will face life
with the conviction that this day
will not ever return.

Today is the last opportunity
I have to live intensely,
as no one can assure me
that I will see tomorrow's sunrise.

Today I will be brave enough
not to let any opportunity pass me by,
my only alternative is to succeed.

Today I will invest
my most valuable resource:my time,
in the most trascendental work:
my life;

I will spend each minute
passionately to make
of today a different
and unique day in my life.

Today I will defy every obstacle
that appears on my way trusting
I will succeed.

Today I will resist
pesimism and will conquer
the world with a smile,
with the positive attitude
of expecting always the best.

Today I will make of every ordinary task
a sublime _expression,

Today I will have my feet on the ground
understanding reality
and the stars' gaze
to invent my future.

Today I will take the time to be happy
and will leave my footprints and my presence
in the hearts of others.

Today, I invite you to begin a new season
where we can dream
that everything we undertake is possible
and we fulfil it,
with joy and dignity.

Have a good day
and a better one tomorrow!

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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angel3 

angel1 

earthjesus 

Philippines in 2020

MANILA , Ortigas Flyover in 2020

Ortigas

Leyte in 2020

Tagaytay in 2020

Makati in 2020

Baguio in 2020

Baguio

Northern Luzon in 2020 (Metro rail)

South Bound in 2020

Southbound

Quiapo Bridge in 2020

Manila to Batangas in 2020

Manila-Batangas

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Now stop dreaming,
Get back to work!!!

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

Thanking God!

     THANK-YOU  


Dear GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done.


I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am thanking you right now  
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better, I am thanking you right now  
 
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me,     I am thanking you right now.    
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears, I am thanking you right now.  
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves,  I am going to thank you right now.
 
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet,   I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job,   I am going to thank you right now.
 
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief,    I am going to thank you right now.    
 
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.        I am thanking you right now.
 
I am thanking you because I am alive.  
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more
and do better.
 I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.  


lFrom: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

The Eye of God

This is a picture NASA took with the hubble telescope called "The Eye of God".


eye


May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

From: Grace Matutina

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.
Amen.


gethsemane

From: Grace Matutina

for women

 

THIS SAYS IT ALL: Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't call when they say they will. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT........... Girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.  A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have  to walk it by yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim,  cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on  your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.  Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.  Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, daughter-in-laws, sisters, sisters-in-law,  mother, mother-in-law, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.   When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.   Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to the women who help make your life work. I just did.

 

An Old Farmer's Advice

 

An Old Farmer's Advice: * Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong. * Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance. * Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. * A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. * Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled. * Meanness don't jes' happen overnight. * Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads. * Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. * It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge. * You cannot unsay a cruel word. * Every path has a few puddles. * When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. * The best sermons are lived, not preached. * Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway. * Don't judge folks by their relatives. * Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. * Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time. * Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none. * Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. * If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'. * Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got. * The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'. * Always drink upstream from the herd. * Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. * Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in. * If you get to thinkin'you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. * Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.  From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

Good Question

July 13, 2005

Read: Acts 16:16-34

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." - Acts 16:30-31

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 19-21

"Finding the right questions is as crucial as finding the right answers,"
says devotional writer Henri Nouwen. Yet how easy it is to run ahead of
God's Spirit as we talk to unbelievers about Christ, giving pre-packaged
answers before we listen to their questions.

This tendency was highlighted several years ago when someone scrawled the
words "Christ is the answer!" on the side of a building. A cynical
passerby added these words: "What is the question?"

Paul and Silas, thrown into prison for the gospel's sake, provoked a deep
spiritual question in the heart of their jailer. This question was raised
not because they had preached a three-point sermon at him but because they
prayed and sang hymns to God. When an earthquake opened the prison doors
and broke their chains, the jailer was about to kill himself, fearing that
he would be put to death if his prisoners escaped. But Paul and Silas
stopped him by choosing to stay in prison for his sake. At this he cried
out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).

Today, as then, the Spirit will create the right questions in people's
hearts and make them ready for the right answer—Jesus Christ. —Joanie
Yoder

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live. —Wilson
© Renewal 1952, The Rodeheaver Co.

Christians worth their salt make others thirsty for the water of life.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Above All

June 7, 2005

Read: John 3:22-36

He who comes from heaven is above all. - John 3:31

Bible In One Year: Proverbs 22-24

In the mid-1800s, Ralph Waldo Emerson became a leader in a philosophical
movement known as "transcendentalism," which says that truth comes from
personal insight. Emerson wrote, "To believe your own thought, to believe
that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men—that
is genius."

Sadly, Emerson's faulty thinking took root, and personal thoughts about
God replaced God's thoughts and words about Himself. The Lord said in
Isaiah, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher
than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (55:9).

One of ancient Israel's songwriters expressed God's greatness this way: "I
know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the
Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep
places" (Psalm 135:5-6).

Jesus, the image of the invisible God, is the source of all truth
(Colossians 1:15-19). John the Baptist said of Him: "He who comes from
heaven is above all" (John 3:31).

Only God, the creator of all things, deserves to be called
transcendent—that is, above and beyond all things. Contrary to what
Emerson concluded, truth comes from above, not from within. —Julie
Ackerman Link

No matter how we think and try
To understand the Lord above,
Our thoughts can only amplify
Our need to know His truth and love. —Hess

He is no genius who ignores his Creator.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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That's The Way It Works

June 16, 2005

Read: Romans 15:23-33

Strive together with me in prayers to God for me. - Romans 15:30

Bible In One Year: 1 Kings 5-7

In his book Dear Zoe, Max De Pree writes, "The way to turn problems over
to the Lord is to ask His people for help."

Before flying to Europe on business, Max learned that his daughter was
pregnant. Her marriage, however, was in serious trouble. Sorrow and joy
filled his heart as he prayed and sought to commit her to the Lord's care.

The next day he shared his pain with his close friend David Hubbard and
told him that he was uneasy about leaving for Europe. He asked David if he
would be willing to keep in touch with his daughter, to call or to visit
if necessary. David assured him that he would. Max was relieved but also
perplexed. He said, "Why is it I feel so relieved to place her in your
hands, but last night when I placed her in the Lord's hands, I didn't feel
so relieved?" David kindly explained that this is how the body of Christ
is supposed to work.

The apostle Paul was keenly aware of that fact. Facing possible opposition
from unbelievers in Jerusalem, he asked the Christians at Rome to join in
his struggle by praying that he would be rescued from them (Romans
15:30-31).

Lord, may we not be too proud to ask for Your help by asking for help from
Your children. —Dennis De Haan

God often meets our deepest need
With help we gain from others,
From caring members of His church—
Our sisters and our brothers. —D. De Haan

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians
6:2

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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That's The Way It Works

June 16, 2005

Read: Romans 15:23-33

Strive together with me in prayers to God for me. - Romans 15:30

Bible In One Year: 1 Kings 5-7

In his book Dear Zoe, Max De Pree writes, "The way to turn problems over
to the Lord is to ask His people for help."

Before flying to Europe on business, Max learned that his daughter was
pregnant. Her marriage, however, was in serious trouble. Sorrow and joy
filled his heart as he prayed and sought to commit her to the Lord's care.

The next day he shared his pain with his close friend David Hubbard and
told him that he was uneasy about leaving for Europe. He asked David if he
would be willing to keep in touch with his daughter, to call or to visit
if necessary. David assured him that he would. Max was relieved but also
perplexed. He said, "Why is it I feel so relieved to place her in your
hands, but last night when I placed her in the Lord's hands, I didn't feel
so relieved?" David kindly explained that this is how the body of Christ
is supposed to work.

The apostle Paul was keenly aware of that fact. Facing possible opposition
from unbelievers in Jerusalem, he asked the Christians at Rome to join in
his struggle by praying that he would be rescued from them (Romans
15:30-31).

Lord, may we not be too proud to ask for Your help by asking for help from
Your children. —Dennis De Haan

God often meets our deepest need
With help we gain from others,
From caring members of His church—
Our sisters and our brothers. —D. De Haan

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians
6:2

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

Shang Yi

DEI GRATIA
Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You and desire nothing save only You.
Let me deny myself and love You. Let me humble myself and exalt You.
Let me think of nothing except You. Let me die to myself and live in You.
Let me accept whatever happens as from You. Let me banish self and follow You, and ever desire to follow You.
-- St. Augustine

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Eyewitness

June 10, 2005

Read: 1 John 1:1-7

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you. - 1 John 1:3

Bible In One Year: Ecclesiastes 1-3

"You don't want to interview me for your television program," the man told
me. "You need someone who is young and photogenic, and I'm neither." I
replied that we indeed wanted him because he had known C. S. Lewis, the
noted author and the subject of our documentary. "Sir," I said, "when it
comes to telling the story of a person's life, there is no substitute for
an eyewitness."

As Christians, we often refer to sharing our faith in Christ as
"witnessing" or "giving our testimony." It's an accurate concept taken
directly from the Bible. John, a companion and disciple of Jesus, wrote:
"We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life
which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have
seen and heard we declare to you" (1 John 1:2-3).

If you know Jesus as your Savior and have experienced His love, grace, and
forgiveness, you can tell someone else about Him. Youth, beauty, and
theological training are not required. Reality and enthusiasm are more
valuable than a training course in how to share your faith.

When it comes to telling someone the wonderful story of how Jesus Christ
can transform a person's life, there is no substitute for a firsthand
witness like you. —David McCasland

Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus' precious blood,
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. —Whittle

Jesus doesn't need lawyers, He needs witnesses.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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A Vision That Transforms

June 6, 2005

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

We all . . . are being transformed into the same image from glory to
glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Bible In One Year: Proverbs 19-21

In one version of the mythical tale of King Arthur, the young king is
hiding in a tree, nervously awaiting his betrothed. After falling, he felt
he had to explain himself to the princess. So he recounted how he
mysteriously was able to pull a sword out of a stone, entitling him to be
king.

"That's how I became king," Arthur told her. "I never wanted to be. And
since I am, I have been ill at ease in my crown—until I dropped from the
tree and my eye beheld you. Then suddenly, for the first time, I felt I
was king. I was glad to be king. And most astonishing of all, I wanted to
be the wisest, most heroic, most splendid king who ever sat on any
throne." Simply gazing at his beloved brought about a change in character
and purpose.

As we reflect on our beloved, the Lord Jesus, we too experience a
transformation. Paul wrote, "We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a
mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians
3:18).

By gazing at our Lord in the pages of Scripture, and by yielding to the
Holy Spirit, we become different people. We will want to become more like
Him. And our highest desire will be to please Him. —Dennis Fisher

Every day more like my Savior,
Every day my will resign,
Till at last Christ reigns supremely
In this grateful heart of mine. —Brandt

Only Jesus can transform your life.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Instinctively Wrong

June 30, 2005

Read: Jude 1:18-20

You, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God. - Jude 1:20

Bible In One Year: Amos 7-9

Saul Gellerman, in his book How People Work, says, "Solving tough
organizational problems may require counter-intuitive strategies." In
business, counter-intuitive is a fancy way of referring to ideas that go
against common sense.

Consultants who advocate such thinking are simply reinforcing the advice
of Jesus. Over and over, He urged His followers to do what God said was
right, not what desire, instinct, and intuition told them to do.

Desire says, "I want it." Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to
receive" (Acts 20:35).

Instinct says, "Me first." Jesus said, "The last will be first, and the
first last" (Matthew 20:16).

Intuition says, "I'll feel better if I get revenge." Jesus said, "Do good
to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27).

Wanting something doesn't make it good. Achieving something doesn't make
it valuable. And having strong feelings about something doesn't make it
right. As Jude wrote, those who follow their own desires and instincts
lead others into conflict and division (1:18-19).

The alternative is to be spiritual, which means doing what does not come
naturally. In fact, it requires supernatural strength that only God can
give. —Julie Ackerman Link

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me. —Hewitt

You can trust your instincts when you are trusting Christ.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Inadequate Treatment

June 24, 2005

Read: Jeremiah 6:10-19

They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, "Peace,
peace!" when there is no peace. - Jeremiah 6:14

Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 7-10

A sprained ankle, so common during summer activities, can cause lingering
problems if not properly treated. Minor sprains respond well to RICE:
rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But people who ignore a serious
sprain and keep going in spite of the pain run the risk of a greater
injury.

A podiatric surgeon says we often get used to sprains and put up with
them, but "even minor sprains should be rehabilitated so they don't happen
again." And, of course, a major injury always requires proper treatment.

When Jeremiah spoke the Lord's message against the corrupt spiritual
leaders of Judah, he said: "They have also healed the hurt of My people
slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14).
He repeated the accusation of inadequate treatment for serious spiritual
injury in 8:11, then asked, "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no
physician there . . . for the health of the daughter of my people?"
(v.22).

Jeremiah's searching question inspired an old spiritual that proclaims the
message of hope and forgiveness we still need today: "There is a balm in
Gilead to make the wounded whole; there is a balm in Gilead to heal the
sin-sick soul."

That balm is the healing power of Jesus for our deep wound of sin. Have
you applied His balm? —David McCasland

Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work's in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. —Trad.

The Great Physician always has the right remedy.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs
16:9"

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Just Watch

July 11, 2005

Read: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. - 1 Corinthians 11:1

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 13-15

The young boy looked up at his grandfather and wondered aloud, "Grandpa,
how do you live for Jesus?" The respected grandfather stooped down and
quietly told the boy, "Just watch."

As the years went by, the grand-father was an example to the boy of how to
follow Jesus. He stayed rock-steady in living for Him. Yet the grandson
often lived in a way that was not pleasing to God.

One day the young man visited his grandfather for what both knew would be
the last time. As the older man lay dying, his grandson leaned over the
bed and heard his grandpa whisper, "Did you watch?"

That was the turning point in the boy's life. He understood that when his
grandpa had said, "Just watch," he meant, "Imitate me, just as I also
imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). He vowed that from then on he would
live as his grandfather did—striving to please Jesus. He had watched,
and now he knew how to live.

Is somebody watching you? Are there younger Christians who need to see
that it is possible to live for Jesus every day and in every way?
Challenge them—and yourself. Challenge them to "just watch." Then show
them the way. —Dave Branon

Be aware that someone's watching
As you go along your way;
Your example is remembered
More than anything you say. —Hess

There's no better sermon than a good example.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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one dollar and eleven cents

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its
hiding place in the closet.
She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.
Three times, even.
The total had to be exactly perfect.
No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store
with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he
was too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.
Nothing.
She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster.
No good.
Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass
counter.
That did it!
“And what do you want?“ the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
“I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages.“ he
said without waiting for a reply to his question.
“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,“ Tess answered back in the
same annoyed tone. “He's really, really sick. and I want to buy a
miracle.”
''I beg your pardon?“ said the pharmacist.
“His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and
my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a
miracle cost?“
“We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help
you,“ the pharmacist said, softening a little.
“Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get
the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.“
The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked
the little girl, “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?“
“I don't know,“ Tess replied with her eyes welling up. “I just know he's
really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay
for it, so I want to use my money.“
“How much do you have?“ asked the man fromChicago.
“One dollar and eleven cents,“ Tess answered barely audibly. “And it's all
the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.“
“Well, what a coincidence,“ smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents---
the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.“
“ He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her
mitten and said “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and
meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.“
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing
in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it
wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.
Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led
them to this place.
“That surgery,“ her Mom whispered “was a real miracle. I wonder how much
it would have cost?“
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost - one dollar and
eleven cents.
Plus the faith of a little child.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a
higher law.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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what keeps you...

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Don't Be Afraid

May 6, 2005

Read: Isaiah 12

God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. - Isaiah 12:2

Bible In One Year: Psalm 76-78

I have an ancient leaf blower that I use to clean up our patio. It
sputters, rattles, smokes, emits irritating fumes, and is considered by my
wife (and probably by my neighbors) to be excessively noisy.

But our old dog is utterly indifferent to the racket. When I start up the
blower, she doesn't even raise her head, and only reluctantly moves when I
blow leaves or dirt in her direction. That's because she trusts me.

A young man who occasionally mows our yard uses a similar blower, but his
is not tolerated by our dog. Years ago, when she was a puppy, he teased
her with the machine and she has never forgotten. Now, when the man enters
the backyard, we have to put her in the house, because she growls, barks,
and snarls at him. Same set of circumstances, but the hands that use the
blower make all the difference.

So it is with us. Frightening circumstances are less troublesome if we
trust the hands that control them. If our world and our lives were
governed by a thoughtless and indifferent force, we would have good reason
to fear. But the hands that control the universe—God's hands—are wise
and compassionate. We can trust them in spite of our circumstances and not
be afraid. —David Roper

When fear and worry test your faith
And anxious thoughts assail,
Remember, God is in control,
And He will never fail. —Sper

God is in control, so we have nothing to fear.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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I Will Be Good

May 23, 2005

Read: 1 Samuel 15:10-23

Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? - 1 Samuel 15:19

Bible In One Year: Psalm 127-129

When Queen Victoria was a child, she didn't realize that she was in line
for the throne of England. Her instructors, trying to prepare her for the
future, were frustrated because they couldn't motivate her. She just
didn't take her studies seriously. Finally, her teachers decided to tell
her that one day she would become the queen of England. Upon hearing this,
Victoria quietly said, "Then I will be good." The realization that she had
inherited this high calling gave her a sense of responsibility that
profoundly affected her conduct from that day forward.

Our Scripture reading for today tells how Saul had been chosen from among
the people of Israel as their anointed king (1 Samuel 15:17). Almighty God
had honored him greatly in giving him this position as leader of His
special nation. But Saul didn't think about the kind of attitude that
should accompany his high calling. If he had, he would not have pounced on
the loot of battle as if he were the leader of an outlaw band (v.19).

As believers, we are children of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans
8:16-17). We have a noble calling. Let's always keep in mind who we are.
This will help us to say, as young Victoria said, "I will be good."
—Herb Vander Lugt

O Lord, you see what's in my heart,
There's nothing hid from You;
So help me live the kind of life
That's honest, good, and true. —D. De Haan

A child of the King will want to display the manners of the court.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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Free-Falling

May 12, 2005

Read: Deuteronomy 32:1-14

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
- Deuteronomy 33:27

Bible In One Year: Psalm 94-96

In the tender song of Moses found in today's Bible reading, God is
portrayed as a dedicated mother eagle who can be trusted by her young,
even in the scary experience of their learning to fly (Deuteronomy
32:11-12).

A mother eagle builds a comfortable nest for her young, padding it with
feathers from her own breast. But the God-given instinct that builds that
secure nest also forces the eaglets out of it before long. Eagles are made
to fly, and the mother eagle will not fail to teach them. Only then will
they become what they are meant to be.

So one day the mother eagle will disturb the twigs of the nest, making it
an uncomfortable place to stay. Then she will pick up a perplexed eaglet,
soar into the sky, and drop it. The little bird will begin to free-fall.
Where is Mama now? She is not far away. Quickly she will swoop under and
catch the fledgling on one strong wing. She will repeat this exercise
until each eaglet is capable of flying on its own.

Are you afraid of free-falling, unsure of where or how hard you will land?
Remember, God will fly to your rescue and spread His everlasting arms
beneath you. He will also teach you something new and wonderful through
it. Falling into God's arms is nothing to be afraid of. —Joanie Yoder

He will ever keep your soul,
What would harm, He will control;
In the home and by the way
He will keep you day by day. —Psalter

God's love does not keep us from trials but sees us through them.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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