Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.

--- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[madheir]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

just a little note to all believers

a song i love

because of who you are i give you glory
because of who you are i give you praise
because of who you are i will lift my voice and say , lord i worship you because of who you are

jehovah jirra my provider
jehovah nisci lord you reign
jehovah shalomn my prince of peace and i worship you because of who you are.

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

As it comes

If you delay living the joys until later, they can fade to almost nothing before you ever experience them. If you delay addressing the problems until later, they can become far more difficult and imposing by the time you get around to them.

Instead, live life as it comes. Work through the challenges as they appear, and drink in the joys as they come along.

If you delay rest and relaxation for too long, you'll grow weary and burned out. If you delay effort for too long, the best of life's opportunities will pass you by.

Rest when you're tired, and get back on your way when you're rested. Listen to the rhythm of life, and live it as it comes.

Stop waiting for things to get better, or easier, more comfortable or more convenient. Go with what you have here and now.

Find the value in each moment, in each situation as it arises, then live that value. Make the very most of life, each moment as it comes along.

-- Ralph Marston

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV



May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Christmas is a joyous time of the year. It is a celebration of life, love, endless possibilities and eternal hope, because of Jesus Christ. Yet sometimes, among all the preparation and celebration, we fail to maintain fellowship with the very One we are celebrating. There is nothing more satisfying in our lives, than the precious time we spend in the presence of God; giving Him all of our anxiety; gleaning His wisdom and being refreshed by His Spirit. It is a retreat and a sanctuary for our souls we desperately need each day, even more so during the holiday season, with the added pressures and extra social interaction with family and friends. Many a festive celebration has been known to go sour, because of a careless response, or a harsh word. As we embrace this Christmas season, let’s not forget to embrace the love, compassion, humility, mercy and grace, of the One who made it all possible.

--- God Today Devotions - 18/12/03

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Forgo the talk

There are those who talk endlessly about what they're going to do. Then there are those who get busy and do it.

The talkers usually get all the attention, for that's what they've learned to do. What the doers get is not attention or glory, but solid and meaningful results.

The next time you hear someone complaining or advising, criticizing or second guessing, think about what you're hearing. It is the sound of ineffectiveness.

Too often, talking about taking action becomes a substitute for actually taking that action. Talking is easy and doesn't carry much downside risk, but it also doesn't offer much upside potential.

When all you're doing is talking, you can quickly and easily change from one approach to another and back again. Action, on the other hand, takes time and commitment.

Yet it is action, not mere talk, that brings real and valuable results. You'll move the world forward when you forgo the talk and put your energy into real, honest, effective action.

--- Ralph Marston

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Keeping A Balanced Schedule

Key Passage "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16).

If you have problems with time management, then the Christmas season is likely a stressful time. With all the shopping trips, decorating, and visits to friends and family, your schedule may seem overloaded with things to do.

But, take heart! You don't have to live in stress due to an unbalanced schedule this Christmas season or anytime during the year. God certainly wants you to use your time wisely, and, in so doing, mature into the person He wants you to be.

Are you overextended in one area while lacking in another? Are your priorities completely out-of-sync with what God has planned for your life?

In order to change any aspect of our lives, we need to follow certain guidelines. As believers, our standard is Jesus, who perfectly managed His schedule throughout His ministry.

This month, let's examine the day-to-day life of Christ, and see how He managed and maximized His short amount of time here on earth.

First, Jesus began each morning spending time alone with God (Mark 1:35). He listened, fellowshipped, and received direction from His father for tasks to be accomplished each day.

Second, Christ also spent time fellowshipping with family and friends. Jesus was with his mother at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), and we also know that Jesus developed a close friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He certainly invested in the lives of the people around Him.

In addition, Jesus utilized most of His time ministering to others. He taught and trained the disciples and the many others that He encountered on His journeys. This was the reason Christ became man-not only to become grace incarnate, but to spread the good news of His Father throughout a sinful world.

The Bible says that Christ also worshiped God. Whether it was in the synagogue or on the road with His disciples, Jesus certainly found an opportunity to worship His Father at some point during each day.

With this hectic schedule, Christ would have been physically worn down without periods of rest. In Mark 6:31-32, He instructs His disciples to find a secluded place to rejuvenate. Jesus realized it was physically impossible to continually serve without enjoying occasional periods of rest.

Christ also took time for fun and recreation. Children aren't attracted to serious-minded people, but only to those who are gentle, loving, and fun to be around. Jesus, indeed, was a man who attracted many, including children. We also know that Christ spent time out on the water, fishing and enjoying time in a boat with the disciples.

As you observe the life of Christ, how closely do your day-to-day activities reflect those of Jesus? Are you slothful and lazy? Are you a workaholic, filled with anxiety?

How much of each day do you spend with God or with family, ministering to others, worshipping, resting, and simply having fun? Without all of these vital aspects of a balanced schedule, as demonstrated by Jesus, our schedule can become imbalanced and our spiritual and physical lives can suffer.

The Christmas season may have already thrown you for a loop. You may be worn down from time-sapping activities such as shopping, decorating, and preparing for visitors. In celebrating the birth of Christ this year, take some time to implement His daily schedule into your life.

Vow this season, and throughout the next year, to follow Jesus' example of a balanced schedule.

---by Dr. Charles Stanley

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Hymn Story - I Heard The Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out that same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to hear that his own son had been killed on Christmas Day.

He stood in his doorway contemplating what life was all about after receiving the telegram. Why such sorrow had come to him especially on the birth date of the Savior Christ. Then he heard the church bells, they spoke to him. He stood and listened to them. Later that day he wrote these words.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.

At this Christmas time whether you are in sorrow or in joy you can know that God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. He knows your every need and longs to comfort you and be that special friend you need. Seek Him. He will give life real meaning and your heart real peace, the peace that passes all understanding.

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Reason for the Season

Something important is happening! The literal meaning of "Christmas" is "Christ's Mass", the celebration of Christ. We all want a joy-filled Christmas that truly celebrates Christ but the holiday season often leaves us with very little joy and a feeling of emptiness. How can we have a joy-filled Christmas?

I believe that the secret to the celebration of Christmas is found in giving. Maybe we are giving the wrong gifts. Maybe we are giving gifts to the wrong people or maybe we are not receiving the right gifts. The first step toward a joy-filled Christmas is receiving God's gift to us.

Luke 2:8-12 "There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (NIV)

God gave the greatest gift of all when He gave Jesus! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son". John 3:16

Christmas is not a date on the calendar. It is a way of life. But like the innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away, we often put up a sign in our heart that reads, "No room!" Oh, we can participate in the festivities of the Christmas season but until we receive the gift of Jesus we will never truly experience Christmas.

To have a Christ-centered Christmas we must not only recognize God as the center of a season but we must make Him the center of our whole life! He chose to dwell in our hearts but He didn't have to do it that way. He could have been born into a palace. His first home on earth could have been a mansion but He came to a manger and His birth was announced by shepherds instead of Kings. The greatest of all miracles took place in the midst of total simplicity. And today He comes to us once again in the midst of our simple daily lives.

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

In the beginning

...was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14, NIV

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Keep away from small people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

--- Mark Twain.

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Taming Fears

1. Say The Words
- Outwit denial by verbalizing the truth.

2. Research The Options
- Information has never been so readily available! Make some phone calls; search the Internet; read some literature; talk to someone to know.

3. Rally Support
- Rally a network of living breathing human beings who can encourage you from this point on.

4. Make A Plan
- Now finalize your plan of action. What exactly must you do to experience complete freedom from whatever it is you've been afraid to admit to anyone, even yourself?

5. Take Action
- It takes time to make permanent changes in your life, so get started! In fact, it takes twenty-one days of practicing a new behavior before it starts to turn into a habit, so don't become discouraged if you can't solve your dilemma overnight.

--- Lists to Live By - Third Collection.

[Guest]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Originally posted by CEW:
[qb] In the beginning

...was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14, NIV [/qb]

(((CEW))) you took the words out of my mouth!!! I was just coming to write the same thing. Isn't that just the most awesome thing written? You know those words have to be read in context to really appreciate what is being said, and once you do they become etched as it were upon the believers heart. My goodness ..."In the beginning" that is so precious to me especially when I correlate that to another verse which says (paraphrased) Jerimiah 10: "4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [1] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

And also when Christ said "I chose you, you didnot choose me." When you think on it's deeper meaning it is truly mind boggling, for in essence it is saying that God knew of us even before He created the world. How marvelous is our God!

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Jedi 1: I can sense your awe at how awesome and marvelous a God we serve! The quotation from John is one of those that if I start talking about it there is no stopping, but the majesty of the revelation never fails to warm my heart. The one from Jeremiah you quoted also happens to be one of my all time favorites.

"In the beginning...God." How awesome! Now, if we could only learn to put Him in the beginning of all we do!

[Diplomat]

Re: Take 5 - A Moment of Reflection IV

Less Is More

- Relationships
Every additional person with whom you try to connect takes energy from others you care about. Make deliberate choices. You don't have to be best friends with the whole congregation at church or everybody on your block. Surface relationships are okay - if based on respect and kindness.

- Communication
Every word you say uses energy. Keep opinions, criticisms, and information at a minimum. Try to joke, listen, compliment, and smile more.

- Sensitivity
Love is the greatest gift you have to offer. Make it a priority. However, don't be responsible for the results. If you give love and your recipient is still sour-faced, remember that he was already that way.

--- Lists to Live By - The Third Collection.