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The
Fellowship Corner
This is where we share emails that
have come to us with you. Some are like journals or testimonials. At times they are smart, informative and sometimes, just
plain funny! We hope that you will take the time, when it permits to share something that you found joy in, with those who
come here. Enjoy!
FROM JOEL OSTEEN
Trust God to Do it His Way
SCRIPTURE
"As the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"
(Isaiah 55:9,
NIV)
A WORD FROM JOEL AND VICTORIA Every person has things they're believing for, situations they want to see changed,
and dreams God has placed in their hearts. But sometimes, we try to figure out how it's all going to happen. If we're not
careful, we'll put God in a box and try to tell Him how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. Today's scripture tells
us that God's ways are not our ways. They are higher and better than our ways. If you don't get your
way, if things don't happen on your timetable, instead of getting discouraged, why don't you believe that God has something
better in store? Just because it doesn't happen your way doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Remember, God has a plan.
He's got it all figured out. Don't limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, simply say, "God, I'm trusting
You. I know You have my best interest at heart. And even if I don't get my way, I'm going to stay open and believe that You're
still directing my steps into the abundant life You have for me." A PRAYER "Heavenly
Father, I choose to trust You. I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams, and desires for the future. Thank You
for working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Work to Please God, Not People by Rick Warren "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though
you were working for the Lord and not for people" (Colossians 3:23 TEV).
The apostle Paul teaches that
we are to work as though we are "working for the Lord and not for people." He's saying that no job is too small;
no job is too menial; no job is too insignificant when you have the right motive and perspective. We should think, "I'm
doing it for God; I'm doing this job as if I'm doing it for the Lord." I used to clean meat lockers in a butcher shop,
and I would clean them as unto the Lord. Now, how do I know if I'm doing my work for the Lord? Two characteristics
will show up in your attitude: excellence and enthusiasm. First, if I'm doing my work, not for the boss
but for the Lord, I'll do it with excellence. That means I give it my best shot—I do the best I can because I'm not
doing it for anyone's approval, except God's. I do it with excellence, being the best I can be. Second,
I do my work with enthusiasm. I'm working for God, therefore, I do it with a cheerful attitude. "Never be lazy, but work
hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically" (Romans 12:11 NLT). When you are working with all your
heart, motivated by the love of Christ, your work is transformed into an act of worship for God.
Message for the week of
March 7, 2010
 Abundant Blessings to Gods' Children Everywhere! This past week, I had time to reflect on many things, seeing
that I had taken ill for a few days before last week's publication. And even while I was sick, I knew that posting each week
was a must. It was because of my faith that I got through the sickness and pain and got my work done. The same is true for many of you who suffer in one way or another. Some of us suffer
with our physical bodies; others with our finances; our relationships; our professions; and even our thoughts. For it is in
our quiet times alone, that we must stay focused on the Lord. For it is easy for the devil to implement the darkness of despair
and anxiety, when we let go of Christ and think that we can do it alone. Surely as the title of this week's chapter, "Peace With God", we are reminded that until
we have obtained the peace that we need to be fulfilled in life, that life itself can be a torrid ride, filled with many pitfalls
and the pains or sorrow and misery. Life was not guaranteed to any of us to be free of all the wrongs of the world. For we
live in a world that is filled with lawlessness. I'm not talking about the written laws of man, but the Word of God. And in many instances, even the laws of man have been ignored
and defied by man. Often putting us in a deeper hole of destructive behaviors then we were already. But when we forget the
laws of God; and how to seek HIM as a guide in our lives, we open the door for seemingly much more worse incidents. It is also my belief that when we begin to adapt Christian thoughts
and purpose, that everything else falls into place in our lives. Even when evils deeds are committed against us, we, as believers,
have the upper hand on the devil. For Christ lives and breathes within us... And we all know that the devil hasn't got a thing
over Jesus Christ. He is the Redeemer! Does that keep the devil and his unknowingly agents of evil and discord from attacking
you and your life? NO. But it will give you the strength, the will and the purpose that you need to survive and not succumb
to the madness of man. So after you've read this
week's chapter summary/review, I hope that you sit down and take some quiet time to think about the person that you are right
now. I want you to think about some of the things that you already KNOW you should change about yourself. But then I want
you to commit to something in your life that you've taken away from God... Prayer... Not just prayer that you do as a routine
to start your day. But prayer where you focus on something you are lacking in your life, and take it to God in prayer. Tell
HIM how much that particular thing means to you; and how accomplishing it in HIS name will change your life and encourage
your spirit for HIS names' sake. Promise HIM that what you do to and for others will be for HIM. And trust me... You
will automatically see a change in your life begin to emerge. For I'll tell anyone that once you've given your purpose to
pleasing God the first place in your life, HE will put that which you need to accomplish anything! Until next week, I pray that you all have a great and blessed week and weekend! God Bless!
RedSnapper149
"Rev. Red" "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the
promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. And
with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts 2:38-40
KJV)
THIS WAS SENT TO ME BY MR. BRAD JOHNSON.
IT IS A CUTE BUT IMPORTANT STORY ABOUT THE GOODNESS THAT IS WITHIN ALL THINGS, EVEN WHEN WE THINK ALL IS LOST. I HOPE YOU
FIND THE MESSAGE AS ONE THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR WALK IN FAITH...
"Burnt Biscuit"
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I
remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long
ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember
waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day
was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly
on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom
apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.
He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard ay at work today and she's real tired. And
besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and
imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone
else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each
others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for all of us today. That we will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts
of our lives and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give us a
relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact,
understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Thank you SpiritBrad!" *** If you would like to
share your experience of hope, please feel free to use the comment box below. If you would like to remain anonymous, please
indicate that also. I'm sure that your testimony will touch someone else's heart and spirit, so don't delay ... share your
testimony with others! God Bless***
Our Chapter of the Week can be found on the "Book Review Series"
page. Please use the menu listing on the left side of this page. Thank You.
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