tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85482089928203956852024-03-20T04:45:59.497-07:00Ever In His PresenceYou have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.comBlogger809125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-15597585820272988112012-03-26T19:40:00.002-07:002012-03-26T19:49:43.040-07:00Promise from 2 Peter 3:3-7"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this 'coming' he promised?' Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. But they deliberately forgot that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men."<br /><br />*******************************************<br /><br />The "last days" is the time between Christ's first and second comings; thus we, like Peter, live in the last days. We must do the work to which God has called us and believe that he will return as he promised.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-33428565032887388932012-03-22T18:08:00.007-07:002012-03-26T19:40:14.496-07:00Promise from, 2 Peter 3:11-13"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."<br /><br />******************************************<br /><br />God's purpose for all people is not destruction, but re-creation (Isiah 66:22 and Revelation 21:22). God will purify the heavens and earth with fire; then he will create them anew. We can joyously look forward to the new earth, God's good world!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-5604246451756872002012-03-20T05:36:00.001-07:002012-03-20T05:36:00.082-07:00Promise from 1 Peter 5:10-11"God who shows you his kindness and who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong , and support you as you suffer for little while. Power belongs to him forever. Amen!"<br /><br />******************************<br /><br />What ever it is that causes us to suffer here in this world is only temporary. God's promise is to restore you, strengthen you , and make you strong by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within you. Take comfort in his promise. God is faithful!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-16634452678337871972012-03-19T06:32:00.005-07:002012-03-19T06:52:28.094-07:00Promise from Mark 9:35"Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." <br /><br />**********************************<br /><br />The message of Jesus is simply contrary to human nature. In order to be last and to serve all means a change in our pride & position, not just physically it also requires a mental adjustment. It is natural for children, teenagers, and young adults to want to be the first and the very best and to let others serve them. <br /><br />However it is an awakening when one becomes a parent and their child's needs must come first. A parent becomes last and serves out of love.<br /><br />The sooner we teach our children these discipines, the more natural their actions become, it becomes a joy to serve others and humbly go last.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-15096612480523863252012-03-16T13:59:00.002-07:002012-03-16T13:59:00.617-07:00Promise from Romans 15:13"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."<br /><br />************************************<br /><br />To be filled completely with joy & peace will come as we TRUST in our Almighty God in ALL areas of our lives. He is the source of ALL hope, and He has proven over and over that His promises are trustworthy. <br /><br />Look for fellow believers with that confident hope, you will know that the Power of the Holy Spirit is causing that to happen.<br /><br />I pray that you may be filled completely and overflow!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-88280563766189164552012-03-15T17:45:00.002-07:002012-03-15T17:57:08.712-07:00Promise from Proverbs 19:17"One who is gracious to a poor man or woman lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his or her good deed."<br /><br />********************************<br /><br />There are so many needy people all around us. Sometimes it is a physical need, sometimes an emotional need, sometimes a spiritual need. Be gracious to those God has put into your life, you are there for a reason. There are great ways that God repays His Faithful.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-44794581052800737452012-03-15T00:50:00.002-07:002012-03-15T00:56:09.527-07:00Promise from Zephaniah 3:16-17"Do not fear, do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."<br /><br />*******************************************<br /><br />Think about all these promises. . .<br />God will delight in you<br />He will quiet you with his love<br />and rejoice over you with singing<br /><br />Sooooo much better than living in fear!!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-36040860444539913162012-03-13T15:06:00.002-07:002012-03-13T15:12:40.449-07:00Promise from 2 Peter 3:9"The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."<br /><br />***********************************<br /><br />God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered. But God is not slow; he just is not on our timetable. <br /><br />Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realization that time is short and we have important work to do. Be ready to meet Christ any time, even today, yet plan your course of service as though he may not return for many years.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-3625901915099262632012-03-12T06:06:00.002-07:002012-03-12T06:13:52.636-07:00Promise from 1 Peter 4:12-13"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed!"<br /><br />*******************************<br /><br />That is a hard one to understand when you heart is broken, or bleeding. God has promised a home for his faithful children in eternity, reunited with our loved ones who have gone on before us. Hang in there family-in-Christ, the BEST is yet to come. <br /><br />Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds knowing that the testing of your faith will make you mature and complete. Read James Ch 1, blessed is the man who perseveres under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God promises to those who love him.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-25120773429315457382012-03-09T18:40:00.000-08:002012-03-08T18:46:19.841-08:00Promise from Psalm 103:11-12"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us."<br /><br />******************************************<br /><br />Think about it . . .east and west can never meet!<br />This is a symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness - when he forgives our sin, he separates it from us and doesn't even remember it! We need never wallow in the past, for God forgives & forgets.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-8689639205978967222012-03-08T18:31:00.003-08:002012-03-08T18:39:53.430-08:00Promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."<br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br />There are 4 provisions God requires for forgiveness.<br />1. Humble yourself by admitting your sins.<br />2. Pray to God, asking for forgiveness.<br />3. Seek God continually.<br />4. Turn from sinful behavior.<br /><br />True repentance is more than talk - it is changed behavior!<br /><br />Whether we sin individually, as a group, or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will answer our earnest prayers.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-83285693726665819412012-02-01T07:45:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:54:37.600-08:00Promise from Lamentations 3:22-23"Because of the Lord's GREAT love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23<br /><br />******************************<br /><br /><br />Jeremiah knew from persoanl experience about God's faithfulness. God had promised that punishment would follow disobedience, and it did! But God also had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise also. <br /><br /> Trusting in God's faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the future.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-84862735404614608792012-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-31T12:29:00.325-08:00Promise from John 15:5-8" I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Fahter's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."<br /><br />*************************************************<br /><br />Remaining in Christ means, believing that he is God's Son, confessing that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and doing what God says in obedience, finally continuing to believe the gospel and relating in love to the community of believers, and those searching to know Jesus Christ.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-2496129511817214042012-01-30T19:48:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:58:17.791-08:00Promise from Hebrews 4:1-2"Since, the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."<br /><br />********************************<br /><br />Just as in the days of the early Christian church, difficulties of the present moment overshadowed the reality of God's promise and the people doubted that God would fulfill his promises. When we trust our own efforts instead of Christ's power, we too are in danger of turning back. <br /><br />That is part of our faith, STANDING on His PROMISES when we can not see what is ahead!!!!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-81004620818673676642012-01-27T06:15:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:28:39.718-08:00Promise from James 1:5"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5<br /><br />*********************************<br /><br />You would be a fool not to want wisdom. Using God's principles in our everyday lives is the most important purpose of our studies. Wisdom is the ability to make good use of knowledge, to recognize right from wrong in simple words, good judgment.<br /><br />1 Kings 4:29 "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East. He was wiser than any other man. His fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five." <br /><br />AMAZING. I earnestly desire great wisdom. The passage tells us all we need do is ask God for it and it will be given <strong>generously</strong> to anyone. AMAZING!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-29110335541472339662012-01-26T13:47:00.000-08:002012-01-26T13:51:58.598-08:00Promise from Revelation 1:3"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Revelation 1:3<br /><br />***********************************<br /><br />Just this week I read that 50% of the homes in America are void of books. That's right!!! There are people out there who do not know the joy reading a book. That includes the MOST important book, the BIBLE. I am humbled by the gift God has given me. I can pick up God's Holy Word at any time and read His Promises and take comfort knowing that My heavenly Father is always with me.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-56560037479898157562012-01-23T05:04:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:37:25.256-08:00Promise from Psalm 23:4"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me."<br /><br />Psalm 23:4<br /><br />**************************************************<br /><br />The Lord is my rock and my salvation of whom shall I fear?? Do we really believe these words or just repeat them at times to help another through a difficult trial. It is through our own difficult trials that we can testify that God alone carried us through. Fear is from satan, peace that passes understanding is from God. His rod and staff, protect and guide us in the valley and God will see us through to the other side. Take God at His divine word!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-73693093239875289742012-01-21T07:56:00.000-08:002012-01-21T08:04:06.980-08:00Promise from 2 Chronicles 16:9"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9<br /><br />**************************************<br /><br />How does one commit their heart FULLY to the Lord?<br /><br />1. Pray fervantly<br />2. Be in the WORD<br />3. Look for opportunities to serve others<br />4. Fix your eyes on your eternal goal<br />5. Live in peace with othersAllenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-56760664168729272662012-01-11T05:29:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:41:03.507-08:00Promise from 1 Kings 8:20"The Lord has kept the promise he made: I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel."<br /><br />*************************************<br /><br />What an undertaking building that temple was!!! Today on earth, building a temple is just as difficult an undertaking because we are the temple. The struggle to maintan, uplift, and nurture self - let alone a family - to follow the Lord's teaching is what every modern day Solomon strives for. Lord, help us remember God's promise of redemption. Help us to build our temples on the rock.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-58360816563133805752012-01-05T17:47:00.000-08:002012-01-05T17:52:51.595-08:00Promise from Lamentations 3:22-23"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."<br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br />You and I, as humans, say things that we just cannot keep to. But when God makes a statement, a promise, we are can be SURE that His words will be kept. He is TRUE to His words, and for that reason alone, we can trust the words of the Bible. Trusting in God's faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the future.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-86002092429047779762012-01-03T05:55:00.000-08:002012-01-03T06:13:00.709-08:00Promise from 2 Corinthians 1:20-22"No matter how many promises God has made, they are ALL "YES" in Christ. So we shout "AMEN" to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes us stand firm in Christ. <br /><br />He annoints us.<br />Sets his seal of ownership on us.<br />And puts his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come!!!<br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br />Paul was telling the Corinthians that All of God's promises of what the Messiah would be like are fulfilled in Christ. Jesus was completely faithful in his ministry; he never sinned; he faithfully died for us; and now he faithfully intercedes for us. And we can trust God to keep his promises today.<br /><br />I love the thought of the Holy Spirit being deposited in me. If I had a bank book, like in the olden days, I would see where I would grow my account by adding to the funds. But this deposit was made by God!! PRICELESS<br /><br />Think how valuable you are!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-4605474171736512062011-12-27T17:56:00.000-08:002011-12-27T18:04:04.343-08:00Promise from Proverbs 3:3-6"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart.<br />Lean not on your own understanding.<br />In ALL your ways acknowledge Him,<br />and He will make your paths straight."<br /><br />****************************<br /><br />How simple, yet so profound.<br />Do you really want a straight path in life? <br />Then go to the Lord, bow before Him humbly, seeking wisdom and understanding of the scriptures. Don't try to figure "things out" with your own reasoning. Be still and spend time absorbing the meaning of the message left for us in the Bible.<br /><br />It is like visiting your best friend everyday on FaceBook, when you meet God in your quiet time reading from the Holy Scriptures. The Big difference is that God offers eternal benefits that are out of this world.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-69357131013152562732011-12-09T06:24:00.000-08:002011-12-09T06:31:32.494-08:00Promise from Psalm 103:2-5"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."<br /><br />************************************************<br /><br />I go to the LORD every morning to remind me of ALL His benefits!<br /><br />Those who are called His children are filled with blessings that most of us do not consider. <br /><br />Our GOD is an AWESOME GOD!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-38820329812338346672011-12-07T04:54:00.000-08:002011-12-06T17:31:26.816-08:00Promise from Exodus 33:19"The LORD said to Moses, "I will make all My goodness pass before you and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."<br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br />It does not therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh; "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Romans 9:15-18<br /><br />Therefore, it is not by works that we will be saved, but simply by the mercy that our Heavenly Father graciously bestows upon us.Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548208992820395685.post-86084312083412674472011-12-06T03:32:00.000-08:002011-12-06T05:15:09.939-08:00Promise from Isaiah 30:18"The LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"<br /><br />********************************************<br /><br />God yearns to be gracious, compassionate and just in our lives. Our blessed Creator wants to hold a special place in our hearts IF we will only allow Him entry. Christianity isn't hard! However Christianity is a choice. Either you believe in God and His promises, or you don't. Isaiah says BLESSED are ALL who wait for HIM!!!Allenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353988335712790618noreply@blogger.com0