http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ Stop in and join us at bluidkiti.com en Thu, 17 May 2012 15:47:39 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5462&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 15:19:05 GMT Each of us can confess our failures to God in prayer and be cleansed and forgiven. As we travel through life, we come across many hurdles and... Each of us can confess our failures to God in prayer and be cleansed and forgiven.

As we travel through life, we come across many hurdles and difficulties. We may be tempted to try to satisfy our spiritual thirst in many ways. But only a close relationship with God offers real, lasting satisfaction. Only God’s living water can quench our soul’s thirst.

Our actions are meant to spread the good news of God's love everywhere.

Take time daily to say thank you to God and to people who help you.

To human eyes we may be nothing, but God has created each of us valuable and unique. We are precious in God’s eyes (Isa. 43:4). By realizing this, we feel happy doing our daily activities and having faith in God’s promise that one day everything will be made beautiful (Eccl. 3:11).

Whatever our condition, God loves us.

When we trust God’s perspective we can experience God’s peace.

Hope in anything except God makes our hope depend on circumstances. But basing our hope in God means we can find joy in situations where it seems joy should not exist.

Look for ways God shows love for you, and find a way to show God’s love to those near you.

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THE FROG HAT by Tina Blessitt
My 9-year-old's last-second request surprised his doctor and taught me a valuable lesson.
Last fall my 9-year-old son, Austin, had his tonsils removed. Before the surgery, Austin's anesthesiologist came to start an IV. He was wearing a cool surgical cap covered in colorful frogs. Austin loved that "frog hat."
The doctor explained that he had two choices. He could either try to start the IV, or he could wait until Austin was up in the operating room. In the OR, the doctor would give Austin some "goofy" gas, and start the IV when he was more relaxed. "So, Austin," he asked, "which do you want?"
Austin replied, "I'll take the gas."
But when the doctor started to leave, Austin called, "Hey, wait." The doctor turned. "Yeah, buddy, what do you need?"
Austin asked, "Do you go to church?" "No," the doctor admitted. "I know I probably should, but I don't." Austin then asked, "Well, are you saved?"
Chuckling nervously, the doctor said, "Nope. But after talking to you, maybe it's something I should consider."
Pleased with his response, Austin answered, "Well, you should, 'cause Jesus is great!"
"I'm sure He is, little guy," the doctor said, and quickly made his exit. After that a nurse took me to the waiting room. Someone would come and get me when Austin's surgery was done.
After about 45 minutes, the anesthesiologist came into the waiting room. He told me the surgery went well and then said, "Mrs. Blessitt, I don't usually come down and talk to the parents after a surgery, but I just had to tell you what your son did."
Oh boy, I thought. What did that little rascal do now? The doctor explained that he'd just put the mask on Austin when my son signaled that he needed to say something. When the doctor removed the mask, Austin blurted, "Wait a minute, we have to pray!"
The doctor told him to go ahead, and Austin prayed, "Dear Lord, please let all the doctors and nurses have a good day. And Jesus, please let the doctor with the frog hat get saved and start going to church. Amen."
The doctor admitted this touched him. "I was so sure he would pray that his surgery went well," he explained. "He didn't even mention his surgery. He prayed for me! Mrs. Blessitt, I had to come down and let you know what a great little guy you have."
A few minutes later a nurse came to take me to post-op. She had a big smile on her face as we walked to the elevator. "Mrs. Blessitt, I couldn't wait to tell you something exciting that your son did."
With a smile, I told her that the doctor already mentioned Austin 's prayer. "But there's something you don't know," she said. "Some of the other nurses and I have been witnessing to and praying for that doctor for a long time. After your son's surgery, he tracked a few of us down to tell us about Austin's prayer. He said, 'Well girls, you got me. If that little boy could pray for me when he was about to have surgery, then I think maybe I need his Jesus too."
She then recounted how they joined the doctor as he prayed to receive Christ right there in the hospital. Wow! Austin had played a small part in something wonderful. But then, so did the nurses who prayed and witnessed.
I thought about John's words in his Gospel, "One sows and the other reaps" (John 4:37). Austin's experience taught me that, although we never know which role we may be called to play, in the end it doesn't matter. What's important is that we remain faithful in sharing the gospel.
"A little child will lead them." Isa.11:6

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Holding The Hands Of God by Milton C. Gardner, Jr.
Hand-holding is, I believe, a tradition as old as the creation of mankind. Somehow, I can imagine that Adam and Eve must have held hands as they walked through the Garden of Eden.
Through the centuries, lovers have held hands as an expression of fondness and devotion. In times of distress--even pain and anguish--caring people have reached out to hold the hands of the afflicted and in this silent way have said, "I care."
Often, God's people hold hands as they sing or pray. Thereby, they form a "bond of love" and forge lasting bonds of brotherhood.
Sometimes parents hold the hands of a child who is dreading some pain--perhaps a shot or a medical procedure. Hand-holding is reassuring and comforting.
"Let me hold your hand," we say to a child when we cross a busy thoroughfare. Hand-holding affords protection.
As the family of God, we have the blessed assurance of God's hand to steady and secure us. He offers His hand as an expression of His tender devotion and constant love.
Isaiah sings: "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13).
In times of loneliness and pain, we must needs slip our hands into the strong but gentle hands of God. He loves, He cares, and He protects His own.

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Will the Rope Hold? by Mike Woodard
The summer between my 3rd and 4th year of university I worked at Yellowstone National Park. It was a great summer, full of adventures and new experiences.
On a day off, I had signed up for a day long class in rock climbing. I was successfully making my way up the side of a mountain when the instructor surprised me with an unexpected challenge, when he said, “I want you to push yourself off and fall on the rope!” Questioning why he would ask me to do this, I hesitated, and he wisely pointed out that, “You will never be a good rock climber until you can trust that the rope will hold you. Push yourself off and fall on the rope.”
I was afraid. Obviously, my trust was in my ability to use my hands and feet to scale the mountain. The rope was a secondary source of security, in case I slipped (which I did not plan to do!). I eventually did let go of my hand holds, and I’m here to tell you that the rope held!
There are times when God seems to say the same thing to me as my instructor did that day. “Take the step, release your hands on what you are holding and see that I’m trustworthy.” The writer of the Psalms wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8
Just as I would never be a good rock climber without experiencing that the rope will hold. The same is true of my spiritual life. I will never be a responsive Christ follower if I am unwilling to let go of whatever I am grasping when God says, “Let go, trust me.”
Are you willing to let go of the things that give you security? We can only experience God’s goodness when we take those, sometimes scary steps that take faith. Do you trust God is able to hold you securely when you let go of the things that provide comfort or security? What step is God asking you to take? Could it be he is asking you to let go of a relationship, finances or a position … A thought that comforts me is God holds the universe together it is likely He can provide all I need to hold life together … Enjoy the adventure!
Father God, Help me today to truly trust You and to let go of the things I have been putting my trust in. You alone are able to hold me securely! Thank you.
Questions: What step is God asking you to take today? What are the things we look to, other than God, for our security?

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One Day At A Time by The Vine
Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient. - Matthew 6:34
This last reason our Lord gives against anxiety for the future is that we have nothing to do with the future. God gives us life by days, little single days. Each day has its own duties, its own needs, its own trials and temptations, its own griefs and sorrows. God always gives us strength enough for the day as He gives it, with all that He puts into it. But if we insist on dragging back tomorrow's cares and piling them on top of today's, the strength will not be enough for the load. God will not add strength just to humour our whims of anxiety and distrust.
So the lesson is that we should keep each day distinct and attend strictly to what it brings us. Charles Kingsley says: “Do today's duty, fight today's temptation, and do not weaken and distract yourself by looking forward to things which you cannot see, and could not understand if you saw them.” We really have nothing at all to do with the future, save to prepare for it by doing with fidelity the duties of today.
No one was ever crushed by the burdens of one day. We can always get along with our heaviest load till the sun goes down; well, that is all we ever have to do. Tomorrow? Oh, you may have no tomorrow; you may be in heaven. If you are here God will be here too, and you will receive new strength sufficient for the new day.
One day at a time. A burden too great
To be borne for two can be borne for one;
Who knows what will enter tomorrow's gate?
While yet we are speaking all may be done.
One day at a time,-but a single day,
Whatever its load, whatever its length;
And there's a bit of precious Scripture to say
That according to each shall be our strength.

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Getting Nowhere Fast? by Sheree Motola
"Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there." (Ruth 4:4)
The town gate was the place in town where many legal transactions took place. Boaz wanted approval from the elders to marry Ruth, but he first had to clear any prior claims to her estate. Instead of running around, making things happen, Boaz went to the gate, sat and waited until the people he needed to speak with came by the gate. Boaz was secure in his purpose and knew he was in God's will so he trusted plans to unfold.
Are you rushing around trying to make things happen or are you waiting on God to lead the way? Relax, regroup, and let God lead the way.
PRAYER: Lord, let me learn to wait. Show me your plan for my life and give me the patience and the trust to let it unfold in Your way. Stop me from running around, trying to make things happen and let me rest in your peace. In Jesus' name. Amen

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WHO WILL CATCH YOU? by Russ Lawson
We are living in tough times now. Of course there have always been tough times, haven't there. Jobs are hard to come by, the cost of anything you want to buy has risen, we are making choices now as to how to spend what money we have, that we may not have had to make a few years ago. It seems that every time we turn around they discover some new disease or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer or some other terrible illness.
How do we survive in a world like this? We need to understand that life for the Christian is all about living by faith isn't it? I mean really, everyday we are challenged to go ahead with our living, by faith alone! We could wake up and think, "Something terrible may happen to me today, therefore I'll just say in my bed." Maybe something terrible has already happened to you! It is faith that gives us the power to put those thoughts out of our minds and get up and get on with living anyway.
I can pretty much guarantee you that if you get out of your house or out of your secure place, where ever it may be and try living, something sometime, somewhere will happen to cause you difficulties. It is how we choose to face those difficulties, that makes all the difference to our "quality of life". Walking by faith allows us to see past the difficulties and trust in one who can lift us up above whatever problem the world might put in front of us.
An "email friend" shared this true story with me and I want to share it with you because it teaches us about faith. "My elder son, at the age of about 3 taught me one of my biggest lessons on faith, better than any Sunday school teacher or grown up person could ever do.
I was fiddling in the garden. My son was playing on the porch behind me. Now the porch leading into the house is about one story off the ground as the house is built on a steep incline. I heard a voice crying "Daddy, catch me!" and as I turned around he was in mid air after having jumped off the porch. I did catch him, the impact actually knocking me flat on my back. Thankfully neither of us was hurt. I was just about to scold him when it dawned on me -- he had faith in me. He had complete faith that I would catch him. What a lesson! This is how our faith in God should be, complete and trusting." (Charl Marais)
That story is another example of the type of faith which Peter had when he walked on water, (Matthew 14:25-33). It was a faith of complete trusting in the one that can catch us and keep us from the terror of the world that surrounds us. Yes, Peter, like us, took his eyes off of Jesus and started to sink. But also just like us, Christ loved him enough that when Peter cried out for help, Christ lifted him up!
How do you choose to face life? Will you cower down, afraid of what might happen, or face it with faith and confidence knowing who will catch you, who will lift you up when terrible things do happen?
Paul wrote these inspiring words 2,000 years ago and they still stir our hearts to faith: "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13).
Will you choose to walk by faith not by sight? (2 Corinthians 5:6)

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CHOOSING YOUR WAY Courtesy of Steve May's Monday Memo
Victor Frankl wrote, "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
Think of all the things you can't control: the economy, your health, your income, the choices that your kids make, the decisions that your boss makes... You may have some influence over these things, but not complete control.
But there is one thing you can control: How you respond to every situation. You can respond with anger, doubt, and self-pity ... or with faith, hope, and love. It's your choice.
Again and again in the Psalms we encounter David in difficult situations -- surrounded by enemies, struggling with sin, sinking in despair -- and again and again we see his absolute resolve to think right:
Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5)
You can't control what happens today, but you can control your actions. Don't let any situation get the best of you. No matter what you face, you can choose your own way.

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SPIRITUAL VITAMINS A TO Z Author Unknown
Remember to take your vitamins every day!
Anxious? Take Vitamin A. "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Blue? Take Vitamin B. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)
Crushed? Take Vitamin C. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Depressed? Take Vitamin D. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
Empty? Take Vitamin E. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name." (Psalm
100:4)
Fearful? Take Vitamin F. "Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)
Greedy? Take Vitamin G. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38)
Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" (Isaiah 52:7)
Insecure? Take Vitamin I. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Jittery? Take Vitamin J. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. "Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3)
Lonely? Take Vitamin L. "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Nervous? Take Vitamin N. "Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. "Overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. "Quit you like men and women, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Restless? Take Vitamin R. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him." (Psalm 37:7)
Scared? Take Vitamin S. "Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me." (1 Samuel 22:23)
Tired? Take Vitamin T. "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. "Understand that I am (the Lord). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." (Isaiah 43:10)
Vain? Take Vitamin V. "Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)
Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. "Zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:14)

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Be aware that you are about to see the process of doors of opportunity opening that will be a pleasure and delight. Take advantage of stress-free blocks of time in which you can be restored and renewed both spiritually and physically. Don't push yourself in this time of healing. Let it come. Be open and receive all that I have for you, says the Lord. It will come with a very soft but powerful anointing. Hebrews 4:10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

Resist the temptation to get into condemnation when things don't turn out as you expected they would. Those things that you perceive as being mistakes serve to set the boundaries of your spiritual flow. I would have you pay attention to those boundaries and rejoice in receiving course corrections. I am with you to keep you on the narrow path to your destiny, says the Lord. Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction.

Stay focused, and refuse to be scattered through trying to take on more than you can effectively handle. Take the time necessary to establish yourself in peace and tranquility so that the enemy cannot find an inroad. Confusion and chaos are the devil's playground, but I have given you the peace that surpasses all natural understanding. Settle down in the emotional and mental stability that I have provided, says the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

You are currently in a time of rediscovery and recovery of things that have been lost to you, things that you once possessed either mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. You will have a sense of freedom that is beyond words to describe and will come from the very core of your being. This is a subtle work of My Spirit, says the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."

This is a time when you can and must release all things from the past so that you can move forward in My will and purposes. Cut the ties that bind or keep you bound through disappointment and failure. Keep your focus on the eternal now, and stay ever present with Me, says the Lord. I am doing a mighty liberating work in your hearts and minds. You would do well to cooperate with this work and set your sights on freedom. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
A spiritual time frame is before you, a time in which I will give unusual signs so that you may know that I am with you and that I am at work among you. Therefore, watch. Look and listen for My intervention into your lives with unusual signs that will confirm that which I am doing, says the Lord.

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God Loveth Me by Grace E. Easley
Sometimes I get to thinking
Of the way You care for me,
And I feel so very humble,
That such a thing could be.
For I'm only just a creature,
That you fashioned out of clay,
But You're always making sure that I
Have all I need each Day.
Sometimes when I am worried,
And I don't know what to do,
And things don't seem to work out,
I always run to you.
And what I thought were problems,
Vanish 'neath Your hand,
You take the time to listen,
And you always understand.
My dwelling may be humble,
But You share my small abode,
And when I feel I'm sinking,
You are there to lift the load.
And I count myself the luckiest,
That anyone can be,
Because I know beyond a doubt,
...My Savior loveth me!

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God Is Really There Author Unknown
When the tide comes rolling in,
And the mighty oceans roar,
It can go on land so far
That is all it goes no more
When the storm clouds gather round us
And the great big raindrops fall,
Just so much will fall to earth
As it heeds the Master's call
When the load becomes so heavy
That the body cries in pain,
Remember that this too will end -
Like the ocean and the rain
So adorn thyself with gladness
Remember, God is really there
He takes time to feed the sparrow,
And He always answers prayers

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Loving God Under Trials
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Qualities Needed in Trials
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:12-20

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:2

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11:12

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, 3 On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:1-4

Do Good to Please God
1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:1-4

37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18

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Just A Note
Ah, my blessed and forgiven child. Come take my hand and let’s walk awhile. I just wanted to talk to you a minute and remind you that I love you. I wanted to remind you I’m here for you and I understand your struggle and the things you are going through.
I know it seems when the hour is the darkest that I’m far away but that is far from the truth. I want you to remember that I’ve mirrored your every struggle, cried your every tear, smiled your every joy and experienced your deepest pain. Don’t ever forget the things you deal with I’ve felt those same things before.
Don’t be afraid. Don’t run away. Most of all do not give up and lose hope. Always remember I’ve come a long way for you. I’ve experienced my greatest agony for who you are. We have a lot of history you and I. Don’t ever forget that. The last I would ever do is give up on you and walk away. I will never leave or forsake you.
Remember my Father's house has many mansions. I went to prepare a place for you and will return to take you there. I want to share all that with you. There are blessings for you that you cannot even fathom. When the road is rocky and the circumstances fierce when things are misunderstood and confusing I am near you. I feel your struggle. You are never alone.
Smile, child of mine! I love you and you must remember to lay your burdens on me. I’ve paid for them already. There is no need for you to fret and worry. Let me carry that as well.
I just wanted you to pause a minute and remember me. Dwell on me and not your problems and struggles. I’m bigger than all those things and I will never ever take you where I have not already been.
I love you blessed child of mine. Do not ever forget that. Come to me and I will give you rest.
Jesus

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O God, help us to love and respect one another as your children. Give us the knowledge, wisdom, and courage to be your arms and legs here on earth as we spread the good news of your love for each of us. Amen.

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Read Through The Bible
2 Samuel 22
1 Then David spoke to the Lord the words of this song, on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 And he said: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. 5 “When the waves of death surrounded me, The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. 6 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. 7 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. 8 “Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry. 9 Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it. 10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet. 11 He rode upon a cherub, and flew; And He was seen upon the wings of the wind. 12 He made darkness canopies around Him, Dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 13 From the brightness before Him Coals of fire were kindled. 14 “The Lord thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered His voice. 15 He sent out arrows and scattered them; Lightning bolts, and He vanquished them. 16 Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered, At the rebuke of the Lord, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils. 17 “He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. 18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my support. 20 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. 21 “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. 22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all His judgments were before me; And as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. 24 I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity. 25 Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to my cleanness in His eyes. 26 “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; 27 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. 28 You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down. 29 “For You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord shall enlighten my darkness. 30 For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. 31 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 32 “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 33 God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. 35 He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great. 37 You enlarged my path under me; So my feet did not slip. 38 “I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. 39 And I have destroyed them and wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet. 40 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose against me. 41 You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me. 42 They looked, but there was none to save; Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. 43 Then I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I trod them like dirt in the streets, And I spread them out. 44 “You have also delivered me from the strivings of my people; You have kept me as the head of the nations. A people I have not known shall serve me. 45 The foreigners submit to me; As soon as they hear, they obey me. 46 The foreigners fade away, And come frightened from their hideouts. 47 “The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! 48 It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me; 49 He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. 50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name. 51 “He is the tower of salvation to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore.”

************************************************** *********

Dear God, the world is thirsty for you. Thank you for sending Jesus to quench our thirst. May all those who are weary come to you for living water. We pray in gratitude, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”* Amen. *Luke 11:2-4 (KJV).

Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=866 .
Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5462 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5461&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:23:33 GMT A Place For You by David C. McCasland If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you... A Place For You by David C. McCasland

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. —John 14:3

A couple who brought their elderly aunt to live with them were concerned that she would not feel at home. So they transformed a room in their house into an exact replica of her bedroom at the home she left behind. When their aunt arrived, her furniture, wall hangings, and other favorite things felt like a special “Welcome home!” to her.

In John 13:36–14:4, we read that at the Last Supper Jesus spoke to His disciples and tried to prepare them for His death. When Simon Peter asked, “Where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward” (13:36). Jesus was still speaking directly to Peter (and also meant it for all of His followers) when He said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions [rooms]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (14:2-3).

Heaven is a family gathering of believers from every tribe and nation, but it is also our Father’s house—and in that house He is preparing a room just for you.

When you arrive in heaven and Jesus opens the door, you’ll know you’re home.
I have a home in heaven above
From sin and sorrow free—
A mansion which eternal love
Designed and formed for me. —Bennett

For the Christian, heaven is spelled H-O-M-E. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5461 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5460&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:13:17 GMT New Chapter I am always growing and progressing. Around this time of year, students graduate from colleges and universities. It is significant... New Chapter
I am always growing and progressing.

Around this time of year, students graduate from colleges and universities. It is significant that the ceremony marking the completion of their studies is called commencement. All that they have worked for and looked forward to completing becomes not an end, but a beginning.

So it is in my life. Every time I achieve a goal, I find myself at a place of beginning as well as completion. Before a new chapter has a chance to unfold, I may feel I’ve come to a standstill. Yet as soon as I realize I am ready for something more, a new door opens.

Sure in my faith in God within, I know a good purpose is being fulfilled through me. As I close one chapter in my life, a new one opens with hope and promise. And I am ready!
I am the Alpha and the Omega.—Revelation 1:8

Daily Word ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5460 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5459&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 13:14:14 GMT Bloom TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “The righteous shall flourish...” (Psalm 92:12, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria I remember walking in... Bloom

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“The righteous shall flourish...”
(Psalm 92:12, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

I remember walking in the woods one time when I came upon a clearing filled with weeds. As far as I could see, these dead, dried-up weeds had covered up everything. As I walked a hundred yards further in, I saw a single, beautiful flower that had grown up among all those weeds. It was so colorful and so different from everything that surrounded it. I thought, “That’s what God wants us to be: vibrant and blooming wherever He’s planted us.”

Friend, no matter what season you are in today, God wants you to bloom right where you are. That doesn’t mean you’re going to always be in that situation. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big or plan for the future. It simply means that you are going to choose to be your best on the way to where you’re headed. It means you go out each day with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. It means you give God glory in everything you do. Always remember, bloom where you're planted and let Him work in and through you all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your hand of mercy upon my life. Today, I choose to bloom where I’m planted. I choose to trust You and honor You knowing that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I love You and bless You in Jesus’ name. Amen! ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5459 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5458&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 11:17:05 GMT Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that I am well, and strong and able to work. I do appreciate the work You have called me to do. Lord, sometime I do... Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that I am well, and strong and able to work. I do appreciate the work You have called me to do. Lord, sometime I do get weary, but help me not to complain. I am most blessed to be Your child and I thank You for Your abundant blessings in my life. Many lack the blessings I have. I am grateful that I am not hungry and I do not have bombs going off above my house. Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world that are experiencing those trials. Protect them and provide for them. I will not complain of my light afflictions when I think of many in the world that do not even have the essentials of a secure home. Lord, use each of us who are Your children to reach out to those that do not have the blessings that we have. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. ]]> Prayers and Prayer Requests bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5458 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5457&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 05:56:02 GMT Thursday, May 17, 2012 You are reading from the book Food for Thought Hunger Is a Habit Have you ever had the experience of being so... Thursday, May 17, 2012

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Hunger Is a Habit

Have you ever had the experience of being so interested in what you were doing that meal time came and went before you realized that it was time to eat? Because you were not thinking about food, you were not aware of being hungry.

Eating provides a diversion from the tasks of the day. It is something to do when we can't think of anything else to do. Often our "hunger" in anticipation of a meal arises because we look at the clock and see that it is almost time to eat. Instead of being aware of how we are feeling internally, we allow habit and external cues to stimulate our appetite. "It is noon; therefore, I must be hungry."

The more we can concentrate on activities other than eating, the more successful we will be in controlling our disease. We need a program, one which gives meaning to our days and satisfaction to our spirits. Our Higher Power will lift us out of the rut of destructive habits if we sincerely give our lives into His care.

Teach me constructive habits, I pray. ]]> Other Addictions MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5457 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5456&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 05:53:02 GMT Thursday, May 17, 2012 You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go Boundaries Sometimes, life and people seem to push and... Thursday, May 17, 2012

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go

Boundaries

Sometimes, life and people seem to push and push. Because we are so used to pain, we may tell ourselves it doesn't hurt. Because we are so used to people controlling and manipulating us, we may tell ourselves there is something wrong with us.

There's nothing wrong with us. Life is pushing and hurting to get our attention. Sometimes, the pain and pushing are pointing toward a lesson. The lesson may be that we've become too controlling. Or maybe we're being pushed to own our power to take care of ourselves. The issue is boundaries.

If something or somebody is pushing us to our limit, that's exactly what's happening: we're being pushed to our limits. We can be grateful for the lesson that's here to help us explore and set our boundaries.

Today, I will give myself permission to set the limits I want and need to set in my life. ]]> Family and Friends of Alcoholics and Addicts MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5456 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5455&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 05:50:12 GMT Thursday, May 17, 2012 You are reading from the book Touchstones What sort of God would it be who only pushed from without? —Goethe ... Thursday, May 17, 2012

You are reading from the book Touchstones

What sort of God would it be who only pushed from without?

—Goethe

Oh, we hate to be pushed! We get upset and angry when someone is pushing on us. What man likes it? Sometimes God does pushing, and it takes a while for us to realize it is God's pressure on us that we feel. Our natural reaction is to resist and push back.

When we keep getting headaches or stomachaches, maybe we should listen for the message. An unsettled feeling in our lives about women, money, health, work, or something else may carry a message for us. God might be pushing from within. In this program we try to develop our ability to hear God's will for us. Sometimes a problem is, in fact, a spiritual message. When we stop resisting and start listening, we soon grow wiser and stronger.

God, your message is not always clear to me. Today, I will try to put aside my own habit of pushing back so I can have a clearer mind to receive it. ]]> General Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5455 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5454&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 05:48:30 GMT May 17

"Defects"

"We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

Step Six

After taking the Fifth Step, many of us spend some time considering "the exact nature of our wrongs" and the part they'd played in making us who we were. What would our lives be like without, say, our arrogance?

Sure, arrogance had kept us apart from our fellows, preventing us from enjoying and learning from them. But arrogance had also served us well, propping up our ego in the face of critically low self-esteem. What advantage would be gained if our arrogance were removed, and what support would we be left with?

With arrogance gone, we would be one step closer to being restored to our proper place among others. We would become capable of appreciating their company and their wisdom and their challenges as their equals. Our support and guidance would come, if we chose, from the care offered us by our Higher Power; "low self-esteem" would cease to be an issue.

One by one, we examined our character defects this way, and found them all defective—after all, that's why they're called defects. And were we entirely ready to have God remove all of them? Yes.

Just for today: I will thoroughly consider all my defects of character to discover whether I am ready to have the God of my understanding remove them.

pg. 143 ]]> Narcotics Addiction - Substance Abuse Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5454 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5453&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 00:37:02 GMT Image: http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-240x320-butterflies/0315.gif Awakening Each caterpillar begins a new life, knowing very little....

Awakening

Each caterpillar begins a new life,
knowing very little.
Spending the days to come,
trying to solve the riddle.
Who are we?
why are we here?
What’s my purpose?
are all questions we hold near.
Near to our hearts,
until the day comes soon.
Where we make the transition,
and retreat into our cocoon.

In our time of change,
discovering things we choose not to cower.
Because we seek to know,
the divine power.
Some people deny,
some people fight.
Some people choose not to change,
and they take flight.
Rest assured,
that God will find them soon.
And help these people,
enter their cocoons.

It’s called being enlightened,
but I think we should know.
That this is God’s plan,
for He wants us to grow.
His plan is for everyone,
to learn, & to grow.
So that He may draw us closer,
and we may finally know.
Our questions are answered,
as we come out of our cocoon to fly.
This is the life that’s meant for us,
we are God’s butterflies.

- - unknown

]]> MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5453 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5452&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 22:02:24 GMT Wednesday, May 16, 2012 You are reading from the book Food for Thought Rebellion Compulsive overeating may often be a form of rebellion. In... Wednesday, May 16, 2012

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Rebellion

Compulsive overeating may often be a form of rebellion. In the past, the more we tried to diet, the more we rebelled against the diet, and the more we overate. We were rebelling not only against a diet but also against other people, ourselves, and our Higher Power.

We should never consider abstinence as defined by OA to be just another diet. To do so would be to invite further rebellion. We compulsive overeaters seem especially prone to fight constraints of any kind. Rather than constraining us, abstinence is our liberation. We no longer have a diet to rebel against.

When we accept abstinence, we decide to have three measured meals a day with nothing in between, and we decide to avoid our personal binge foods. What those meals will consist of is our choice, and we make the choice daily. All we have to do is plan what we will have, measure it, enjoy it, and then get from one meal to the next without taking the first compulsive bite. Simple. There is no diet to rebel against.

I pray that I will no longer need to rebel. ]]> Other Addictions MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5452 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5451&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 21:58:52 GMT Wednesday, May 16, 2012

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go

Self Love

"I woke up this morning and I had a hard time for a while," said one recovering man. "Then I realized it was because I wasn't liking myself very much." Recovering people often say: I just don't like myself. When will I start liking myself?

The answer is: start now. We can learn to be gentle, loving, and nurturing with ourselves. Of all the recovery behaviors we're striving to attain, loving ourselves may be the most difficult, and the most important. If we are habitually harsh and critical toward ourselves, learning to be gentle with ourselves may require dedicated effort.

But what a valuable venture!

By not liking ourselves, we may be perpetuating the discounting, neglect, or abuse we received in childhood from the important people in our life. We didn't like what happened then, but find ourselves copying those who mistreated us by treating ourselves poorly.

We can stop the pattern. We can begin giving ourselves the loving, respectful treatment we deserve.

Instead of criticizing ourselves, we can tell ourselves we performed well enough.

We can wake up in the morning and tell ourselves we deserve a good day.

We can make a commitment to take good care of ourselves throughout the day.

We can recognize that were deserving of love. We can do loving things for ourselves.

We can love other people and let them love us.

People, who truly love themselves do not become destructively self-centered. They do not abuse others. They do not stop growing and changing. People who love themselves well, learn to love others well too. They continually grow into healthier people, learning that their love was appropriately placed.

Today, I will love myself. If I get caught in the old pattern of not liking myself, I will find a way to get out. ]]> Family and Friends of Alcoholics and Addicts MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5451 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5450&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 21:55:58 GMT Wednesday, May 16, 2012 You are reading from the book Touchstones The work will teach you how to do it. —Estonian proverb We learn... Wednesday, May 16, 2012

You are reading from the book Touchstones

The work will teach you how to do it.

—Estonian proverb

We learn this spiritual program as we learned to ride a bike or to swim. We could never get it from reading a book. We only learn it by doing it and by following the example of others. As we first entered the program, we may have thought, "Oh I understand this. In twelve meetings I'll have it licked."

Many men have had difficulty trusting, so we try to understand everything before we get involved in it. But as long as we try to figure it out first, we remain on the outside looking in. Doing the practical things in this program - taking inventories and making amends, praying for guidance from our Higher Power, carrying the message to others, selecting a sponsor, will teach us the essentials for spiritual recovery.

Today, I will take the risk of learning by living the spiritual life. ]]> General Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5450 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5449&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 13:33:09 GMT Crumbled Castles In the Middle Ages, castles were constructed as fortified residences of lords and nobles to protect and defend their land. In order... Crumbled Castles
In the Middle Ages, castles were constructed as fortified residences of lords and nobles to protect and defend their land. In order to guard the main entrance, gatehouses were built around them, which were large structures up to three stories high that contained weapons, guard rooms and small openings from which to attack against invasion. Its strength kept the castle secure.

Those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches…
Psalm 49:6

Like a gatehouse, many people feel protected by money. Proverbs 18:11 reads, “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall,” (NIV) which ties into today’s verse as well. Confidence placed in financial blessing can foster a false security and a boastful sense of immunity. The recent years of economic hardship have exposed that weakness and left many with crumbled castles.

Unlike wealth, there is no circumstance that can shake a foundation built on trusting God. Today, thank the Lord for His blessings and depend upon Him for provision.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19

K.B. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5449 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5448&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:37 GMT Life I am in the flow of life. Life is God made evident. I behold life in the vitality of a nourishing rain, the warm sunshine of a spring day,... Life
I am in the flow of life.

Life is God made evident. I behold life in the vitality of a nourishing rain, the warm sunshine of a spring day, and a field arrayed in wildflowers—all divine life in expression.

The life of God flows through me as well. I express my divine potential when I develop my interests and follow my dreams. I feel new enthusiasm for life as I let go of fear and limiting beliefs. I see that my life holds great opportunity for joy and fulfillment.

Every experience offers me a chance to grow into my full potential, to learn and to express what is uniquely mine to offer. I am in the flow of life, and I am unfolding my divine indwelling pattern.
He turns a desert into pools of water … And there he lets the hungry live. —Psalm 107:35, 36

Daily Word ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5448