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Hi,
"I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it" (Rev. 3:8). This prophecy concerning the church at Philadelphia doubtless looks forward to a future day. Just a little later we find in Revelation 4:1, what many believe could be a fulfillment of that prophecy: "After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." But who can deny that Revelation 3:8 contains a lesson for our day? In Sunday school we are studying "Finding Your Ministry". When, in our walk through life, God sets before us open doors of opportunity, He clearly intends us to enter them. The only way to avoid entering an open door set before us would be to deliberately sidestep the opportunity. Sadly, how prone we are to do this! Indeed, we often pray God for open doors when He has already set them before us. Paul thanked God for open doors. Acts 14:27: "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." The open doors did not always lead to a pleasant environment for Paul, but he entered with God's help. I Cor. 16:9: "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." Let's learn to pray: "Lord help us see the open doors you have already set before us; opportunities now, and pray for more of those opportunities. But help us not to be selective, but accept the work you call us to. For we know that you always mean it for our good, no our best." God bless you and yours today, and throughout this day, know that you are loved!!! Henry
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Good morning,
From the funny paper: Sluggo: "That new kid in school is a big fat-head!" Nancy: "You shouldn't call people names like that. I never call people names." Sluggo: "Well, I just got mad when he said you were silly looking." Nancy: "What else did that big fat-head say?" Are you one that finds fault? Is it easy for you to criticize? Do you look for those chances? If so, the first thing we can do is look for the motive. Is there something behind our criticism? Nancy had nothing bad to say about that new kid until she "thought" he didn't like her, she "thought" he criticized her. Beware of that trap, and avoid it by your compliments of others. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 May the Lord Jesus bless you and yours today, and always remember that you are loved!!! Hello,
We are told to "fight the good fight of faith", but are you to point today where you feel you have no strength left to fight? If it is a physical or spiritual battle you are experiencing, take note of this giant of faith. Hudson Taylor was so feeble in the closing months of his life that he wrote a dear friend: "I am so weak I cannot write; I cannot read my Bible; I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child, and trust." This wonderful man of God with all his spiritual power came to a place of physical suffering and weakness where he could only lie still and trust. And that is all God asks of you, His dear child, when you grow faint in the fierce fires of affliction. Do not try to be strong. Just be still and know that He is God, and will sustain you, and bring you through. "There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,..." Psalm 65:1a Christ's blessings on you today, as you wait silently before Him, keeping in mind that you are loved!!! Henry |
Henry DeatonHenry D. is from Southern Indiana and writes these wonderful daily devotionals to encourage those at the Dogwood Community Church located in Paoli, Indiana. Henry has graciously agreed to share these wonderful devotionals here at Without Excuse Ministries to encourage you our valued guest! Archives
January 2013
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