"Something MORE To Think About!" series
Be patient... Show your world what God is really like.Galatians 5:22
God's Spirit is your power source...
Don't let sin break the connection.
Roots or Shoots?!
Because they had no root they withered away...
Matthew 13:6
In the life of trees one key to survival is having more roots than shoots. If a tree puts on a lot of top growth and few roots, it is liable to be weak-wooded and short-lived. If a tree puts down a great deal of roots and adds shoots more slowly, however, it is liable to be long-lived and more resistant to stress and strain.
People and organizations can be like trees. The rise to prominence is exhilarating, but anything that puts up shoots faster than it puts down roots is fragile and in danger of breaking, failing, or dying.
Jesus used a similar analogy in His parable of the sower. People who hear the Word and receive it joyfully are like seed sown on stony places; they spring up quickly but endure only a short time because they have no roots (Matt 13:6, 20-21).
Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are the source of our strength. If our roots go deep in the knowledge of God and our lives are hidden in Christ, we'll be strong, resistant to blight, and more likely to survive the storms of adversity.
How deep are your roots?
The roots of stability come from being grounded in God's Word and prayer.
www.deplicque.net
God's Restraint
God has not promised that your life will be easy - indeed it may not be. But He has promised to sustain you in your struggle and uphold you with His mighty arm. If you trust Him, He will empower you to make your way bravely through extraordinary difficulty with faith, hope and Love. The trials God permits in your life will lead to His praise and glory, if only you will abide in Him.
Furthermore, there will be a restraint and a respite. The Hebrew text is somewhat obscure in Psalm 76:10. LIterally it reads: "Surely the wrath of man will praise You, the remnant of wrath (God) will bind."
God will use men's wrath to bring glory and praise to Himself, but when that purpose is fulfilled He will then restrain it. God will not allow you to be pressed beyond endurance. That is His sure promise. When the lesson has been learned, when the revelation of Gods' glory is complete and your soul has been tried and proven -then God will raise His hand and save you. He will say: "No more."
In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort.
www.deplicque.net
(c) DP/ODB 2008
Chip Off The Old Block!
I'll never forget the time as I child that I was at a dinner banquet with my father and I asked him if I could sit on his lap: "Sure" he said and he picked me up.
Over the course of my life, my dad has watched me strike up conversations with lots of strangers as he often did. As I sat on my dads' lap, I turned to the "big-shot" organiser of the banquet who sat next to us. I read his name tag and stuck out my little hand saying: "Hello John, how are you?" It was a proud moment for my dad, because I was imitating him and the things I had seen him do - a chip off the old block!
This is exactly what Paul had in mind when he exhorted us to: "be imitators of God" (Eph. 5:1) But life has a way of making us anything but like God. We are often uncaring, short-tempered, grumpy, and unforgiving - flat-out too much like ourselves and not enough like Him!
Remember, we are saved to bear the Family resemblance, to become increasingly more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
Every child of God should have a growing likeness to the Father.
www.deplicque.net
(c): JS/ODB 2008
2008
The Waiting:
Confessons notre espérance sans fléchir, car Celui qui a fait la promesse est fidèle.
(Hebreux 10:23)
Waiting on God's promises to be fulfilled is part of trusting Him. No matter how long the delay, we must wait for Him.
As the writer of Hebrews reminds us:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering., for He who promised is faithful".
(Hebrew 10:23)
God always performs what He promises.
Angel House International Missions Ministries Association
Karleby Finland
(c) 2007
www.deplicque.net
2008
Why? Why? Why?
Se voi sostente la correzione, Dio vi tratta come figli; qual è infatti il figlio che il padre non coregga?
Ebrel 12:7 (Hebrews 12:7)
Why must I suffer disappointment, sorrow, and tribulation? What have I done that God should send me trials? Is He displease with me? These questions are constantly asked by God's dear children.
Much of this fear and questions is due to our misunderstanding of God's dealing with His own. He has His good reasons. And one of those reasons is for our spiritual discipline. We should be far more afraid of being left alone than of God's chastening, for He wastes no time on worthless objects that give no promise of fruitfulness.
On the shores of some areas in the world are great barren sand dunes that have never felt the point of a plow. But in the rich lowlands beyond them, the farmer is constantly cultivating the soil. The farmer knows what he is doing, so he keeps on breaking up the soil. The deeper the plow works and the more the sharp harrow, the more precious the crop will be when harvest time comes.
God's plow goes deep, but it is only that in the end, we may forget the plowing, and rejoice in the blessing of bearing much fruit for Him.
"No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Heb. 12:11)
All sunshine and no rain
make for a desert.
www.deplicque.net
God's Spirit is your power source...
Don't let sin break the connection.
A good example always makes a good sermon.
1st Timothy 4:12
Friendships can help dispel loneliness.
Join The Choir!
I'll never forget the first time I saw the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in concert 300 people who had been redeemed out of the bowels of Brooklyn-for crack addicts and prostitutes included - sang their hearts out to God. Their faces glistened with tears running down their cheeks as they sang about God's work of redemption and forgiveness.
Then the Spirit reminded me that if He had not rescued me too, who know where my life would be today? Even what more destructive paths would I have stumbled down if He had not been teaching me qualities like servanthood and self-control?
It became clear that I too am a great debtor to His Grace. It's not only what we are saved: "out of" but what we have been saved "from" that makes our hearts worthy of a spot in the chorus of the redeemed.
Anyone who receives Jesus as Saviour is welcome to join in the choir of praise:
Esrahilaisen Eetanin mietevirsi. Minä laulan Herran armoteoista lakkaamatta, julistan suullani sinun uskollisuuttasi polvesta polveen.
Psalmi: 89:1-2
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever":
Psalms 89:1.
Praise flows freely from the choir of the redeemed!
Faith in God's goodness...
puts a song in your heart...
and... ... praise on your lips.
Active Compassion.
Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart to help, in Jesus' name. Then take action. Make a difference today. Send a card. Give a gift. Offer a ride. Make a call. Love in deed is Love indeed.
Petits enfants, n'aimons pas en parole ni avec la langue, mais en action et en vrit.
1 Jean 3:18.
(Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.)
1 John 3:18
Don't let contentment with earthly goals... prevent you from attaining eternal gains.
No one stands as tall as a Christian on his knees.
The worst criticism
of you
can bring out the best in you.
1st Peter 3:8-9
You can give without loving...
But you can't Love without Giving.
Let's be careful that we do not forget the Lord-especially when all looks bright!
Prosperity may be a greater test of character than poverty.
Deuteronomy 6:12
God's presence with us...
...is one of HIs greatest presents to us.
Om jag far upp till Himlen, är Du där.
(Psaltaren 139:8)
If I ascend into Heaven, You are there.
Psalm 139:8
Believe in God and you'll believe in miracles;
Believe in His Son and you'll experience one!
With All My Art
One of my favorite french painters is Monet.
Exode 35: 31-34
Dieu l'a repli (Betsaleel) d'Esprit de sagesse, d'intelligence et de compétence pour toutes sortes d'ouvrages, pour concevoir des plans, pour travailler l'or, l'argent et le bronze, pour graver les pierres à enchâsser, pour tailler le bois et pour exécuter toutes sortes d'ourvrages d'art.
God created us with different gifts. The Lord created artists, who make life more pleasant by creating beautiful things for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others. When we think of art in worship, we usually think of music. But other art forms have long had a role in glorifying God.
The calling of Bezalel demonstrates God's regard for fine art: Exodus: 35:30-35. God commissioned him to beautify the first official place of worship: the tabernacle. God's purpose for the arts, one person said is: to glorify God and to manifest beauty...
Monet
When artistic talent is enlivened by the Spirit of God, it becomes an act of worship that then can become a witness to point people to Christ.
God has greatly enriched our lives with beauty. And we in turn express our gratitude by displaying His glory in our art.
"(The Lord) has filled him with the Spirit of God... to design artist works.
"
Exodus 35:31-32
The greatest Artist of all time! Jesus Christ!
Don't make a cemetery of your life...
...by burying your talents.
"Change of Address"
Our Heavenly Home... is our REAL-estate! Philippians 1:23
For the Christian...
work, any kind, is ministry.
Colossians 3:23
You cannot start a fire in another's heart...
till it is burning in your own.
Då sa de till varandra: "Kände vi det inte som en eld i våra hjartan när Han talade med oss under vandringen och förklarade Skriften för oss."
Biker Bibel (The Biker's Bible)
Lukas 24:32
Let Jesus share with others...
what you want to keep for yourself.
Jesus is still looking for a few common folk like you and me, who are willing to commit out-of-the-ordinary, intentional acts of selfless sacrifice, so that He can turn our offering into His glory.
Commit such an act today!
Are you only existing or truly living?
To know God puts a song in your heart...
And a smile on your face.
God provides the armor to withstand temptation...
but we must put it on.
The more bitter the desert experience...
...the sweeter the water of the oasis.
www.deplicque.net
(c) ODB 2007
Oto przydę niebawem, a moja zaplata jest ze mną, by tak każdemu odplacić, jaka jest jego praca
.
Behold! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me.
Apokalipsa Sw. Jana 22:12 (Revelation 22.12)
As the world grows darker,
The promise return of the Son grows brighter.
27th November 2006
From the mouth
From the same mouth comes blessings and curses.
Jakob skrev att:
Från samma mun...
kommer välsignelse och förbannelse.
Så får det inte vara, mina bröder.
Jacques écrit que:
De la même bouche...
sortent la bénédiction et la malédiction.
Il ne faut pas, mes frères, qu'il soit ainsi.
Jakob/Jacques/James 3:10
Gaining Respect
The world looks with disdain on Christians who do not live what they say they believe.
That's why we should remain true to our convictions. Consistency of character is what gains the respect of others.
If you're living for Christ, you may lose some precious loved ones and friends, but you won't lose their respect.
Stand for what you believe=Christ and His way.
Daniel 1:8 Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.
Love in return for love is natural.
But Love in return for hate, is supernatural.
Den förtvivlade börde röna godhet från sin vän...
To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend.
Job 6:14
Do you have a friend in need?
Think of some ways you can help. Show the Love of Christ and then share the Gospel.
You never know what might happen when you lend a helping hand.
Real Love puts actions to good intentions.
Anger is just one letter short of.... danger.
When Satan is knocking at your door...
simply say:
" Jesus , could You please get that for me?"
Now that is a goodie to memorize isn't it? ;-)
I don't know if this situation with Hurricane Katrina has made you stop and think about what is important, but it sure has made me reflect on what matters in life. I thought of the tsunami and then Katrina, and so many other things happening in the world recently.
The flood in Noah's day for example.
You know, people were just going on in their own mindset... Not listening to his warnings... Living their lives as if there was no tomorrow...not caring about others, fighting, arguing, killing, misunderstandings between the church, christians, the world. And then BOOM! God's Word is true, even if it does not "look" like it with the natural eye!
I am not saying that God causes hurricanes or the tsunami, so don't misunderstand me. But I am saying that circumstances in our so-called "stable" lives, can change in a flash...
As I watch CNN and see all those people, dealing with Katrina, or a situation like in the tsunami, (these things will take years, decades if ever to recover from)... Those that have lost their pets, their loved ones, no place to work, no money, think of those in hospitals, those at home sick, invalids and there was no help for them... disease, sanitation, no place to sleep, no food...lost their homes that they have spent their lifetimes working for...
Yes Lord! We do have so much to be thankful for today... I wonder if we today, who are still "safe" in our own country or State, our homes, with our "secure" jobs, food and so on, are thinking about what really matters?
Have we made things right with those that we have had arguments and misunderstandings?
Have we called someone or written a short line to tell someone they are appreciated and loved?
Are so we busy with ourselves that we don't stop and give thanks to the Creator for all He has done, for all He has so graciously given us? Or are we taking Him for granted?
Just like that, in the blink of an eye, like the tsunami, like Katrina, all that we hold dear can be taken away. So, let's live our lives full of love, full of giving, caring and doing in the name of the Lord.
Let someone know, while you can. that they are precious, to you. It doesn't have to be a hurricane or a tsunami for our lives to change in the blink of an eye... Christian-Charles de Plicque
Everytime you speak...
Your mind is on parade.
It Won't Be Long!
The ways of the world...
This week on tv, there was a program about how famous artists spend their money. It was interesting to watch, from a christian perspective, as we begin to see, that the Word is true. We see know these things will come to pass, even before they do! Yet when we see them, still it is mind boggling...
The mobile phone, for example, that the music stars "prefer" costs a mere: 21,000 dollars... Yes! You read right! It is some kind of mobile Crystal Platinum thing or other....
One famous singer, pays only 250 dollars, a piece, for their underwear...
And then the world blames God for all the starvation, sickness, poverty in our world...
When I watch the news these days, I really begin to see that all that has been fortold in the Word, IS quickly coming to pass. There IS no peace. A lot of talk, but no peace.
Israel! Gaza! Even with the so-called evacuation, still Israel, praise God, holds the reigns on Gaza! That is Gods' land. It shall not be moved no matter if every nation turns against her. And that too is coming to pass..
Be encouraged in welldoing. Watch and pray!
As one of Andraé (Crouch's) songs says: "It Won't Be Long!".
Enlevelse / Eläytyminen / Empathy=
your pain...
in my heart.
1 Corinthians 12.26
A world in despair
needs true believers that care.
The only leader worth following...
is one who is following Christ.
The Bible will tell you what is wrong...
Before you have done it!
Are you passing through the deep waters of trial and disappointment?
Does everything seem to be going against you?
4th October 2005
These apparent misfortunes are not accidents. The Lord allows such things for a blessed purpose. So patiently trust Him. If you know the Lord, someday, you will praise Him for it all!
God transforms trials into triumphs. I am a witness!
When people hear us say we are Christians, they may wonder if our faith is real.
Our lives will answer the question by reflecting the reality of Christ.
Someone who is trying to run their own life, without Jesus
is like an infant trying to drive a mac truck.
It is not wise....
The writer of Psalm 119 obviously did a lot of mental chewing as he read God's Word. No fast food for him! God's Word is not meant to be fast food. Take time for a good long chew... To be a healthy Christian, don't treat the Bible as snack food.
Needy people who cross our path, become our new "neighbors", and we must be a neighbor by helping them. Too often we think of neighbors as related to us by geography. Instead, Jesus indicated that we are to consider anyone in need as a neighbor, regardless of who they are or where they live.
Look around. Someone needs your help, mercy, and love. They are your new neighbors.
Good excercise for the heart:
reach out and help your neighbor.
Luc/Luke: 10:29
Et qui est mon prochain?
I think before we can understand the music of Heaven, we will have to go beyond our earthy concept of music.
I think most earthly music will seem to us to have been in the "minor key" in comparison to what we are going to hear in Heaven.
Sula...
hyvyys ja laupeus
seuraavat minua
kaiken elinaikani...
23 Psalmi: 6
It does not say some days, but ALL THE DAYS our our lives....
Now think about that and that should bring a smile to your face!
To tell someone a difficult truth...
we should wrap it...
in the language of (God's) Love.
Death is not a period - -
It's only a comma.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
Mieheskäs mieli pitää sairaankin pystyssa,
mutta kuka voi kantaa murtunutta mieltä?
Sananlasku 18:14
A man's courage can sustain his broken body,
but when courage dies, what hope is left?
Proverbs 18:14
The Living Bible Translation
To get the most out of life...
Make every moment count
for Christ.
J'ai combattu jusqu'au bout le bon combat.
J'ai achevé ma course.
Je suis resté fidèle à mai foi.
11 Timothée 4:7 (2 Timothy 4:7)
The best commentary on the Bible...
is a person who puts it into practice.
For every minute you are angry...
you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
Some christians are angry at certain people and hold grudges. When they are confronted with their unforgiving attitude and urged to make things right, they sidestep the issue and refuse to heed the clear instruction of Scripture. True, we cannot change another person's heart, but we are responsible for our own attitude. The Bible says: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." No, we can't keep the sun from going down. But we can keep it from setting --on our anger. And that means we must forgive.
Witnessing isn't just a job to be done...
It's a life to be lived.
Live as if Christ is coming back today .
We make a living through what we get
we make a life through what we give.
Winston Churchill
One of our reasons for living
should be...
is
to
give
the devil
a nervous breakdown.
Joys and sorrows intermingle...making us reflect on the faithfulness and on God's glory so vital to us in this life and the one to come. We need to be reminded of a promising praise-filled future in our Savior's presence.
In the sadnesses of life, we need the anticipation of joy, the joy that comes from singing of God's Love and enjoying His presence forever.
Those who know Christ now, will sing His praises forever.
I will sing (it is a personal choice that we make)..
.I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. Psalm 89:1
You cannot be tempted with what you don't think.
Angel House International Missions Ministries r.f.
Karleby Finland
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