<![CDATA[Christian Reflections and Prayers]]> <![CDATA[FOURTH OF JULY PRAYER]]> Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience
this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for
me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are
free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those
who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example
of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both
physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember
that my freedom was purchases with a very high price.
My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue
to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty
meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord.
Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's
life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others
into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.

Amen
 

]]> <![CDATA[In a world filled with strife there is peace.]]>
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 Scripture:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him."  (Romans 15:14)

Reflection:

Well its that time again.  Its time to pick your
candidate.  I have always been astounded at
the quality of political speech making  that goes on
now.. Like the word peace.  Never do I hear that
word use so much as I hear it from our political
candidates.  The problem is of course political
peace is certainly elusive and fragile.  However
we should be very aware that there is a spiritual
peace that comes from knowing and loving God.
The peace that has and is between God and
humanity is sealed by Jesus Christ. Martin
Luther explains what that peace means in our
daily lives.
" Those who rejoice in God are satisfied with
their peace in Him.  They bravely endure
tribulation and do not desire the peace which
reason calls for: removal of the evil.  They stand
firm and await internal strength through faith.
Neither do they think and worry what the end will be but
always place that matter in the hands of God.
They are not fretting to know when, how, or where
their trouble will be ended.  This is why God, in turn,
grants them grace and prepares for an end for their
evil- and end which shows benefits so great as to
exceed all expectations and desires.
Behold, this is the peace of the Cross, the peace of
God, the peace of conscience, CHRISTIAN PEACE.
Reason connot comprehend how we can have peace
in th midst of strife.  Nor can reason accomplish
this.  It is the work of God that is known only to
the person who has experienced it." (Martin Luther)

You see as a person of faith, a Christian, Christ
Himself is my peace. " He came and preached
peace to you who were far away and peace to
those who were near" (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17)
Isn't it really time for you to learn what peace is
all about?

Prayer:

Thank you God that in Your embrace I find
my salvation and my peace.

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence,it can
only be attained through understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

]]> <![CDATA[Sacrifice]]>
Scripture: 

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21: 13

Reflection:

One of the greatest and most well known missionary was
Dr. David Livingstone.  He was especially admired for his
sacrifice for his savior.  Listen to what he said about
sacrifice.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so
much of my life in Africa.  Can that be called a sacrifice
which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to
God, which we can never repay?  Is that a sacrifice which
brings its own reward in healthful activity, the consciousness
of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a
glorious destiny?  It is emphatically no sacrifice.  Rather
it is a privilege.  (Later on he said)  I never made a sacrifice.
Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great
sacrifice which he made who left His Father's throne on
high to Himself for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will
not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

You know Jesus Christ did not consider it to be to
big of a sacrifice to die on the cross for all of us.
He did it because He loves us. Why should I
think it to big of a sacrifice to spread God's love
right now, today.  You really don't have to be a
missionary like the apostle Paul or Dr. Livingstone.
You don't need to be sent to some remote mission
field. Your mission field may be your neighbor,
your co worker, a family member.  You see we all
need to hear that our Father God had only one
Son, and He gave that one Son to us, so that we
are forgiven, yes you and I and our neighbor are
forgiven.  We are a forgiven people, our sins are
forgiven, all our sins are forgiven.  And we have
eternal life.  We have to do only one thing, and
that is to believe this and to believe in the love of
God.  This is indeed a privilege

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God-   the Savior of the
world.  Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all.  And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

]]> <![CDATA[Who Cares]]> Scripture:

"While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made
a united attack on Paul.....But Gallio showed no
concern whatsoever."
Acts 18: 12,17

Reflection:

Here we see a shinning example of apathy.  If
you read Acts chapter 18, Gallio had a perfect
chance to hear and learn about Jesus Christ, he
had a chance to stand up for something, instead
he just didn't care enough, he was apathetic.
Gallio's brother Seneca, the philosopher, once
said about Gallio, "Few men are so agreeable
about anything as my brother Gallio is about
everything."
I firmly believe that apathy is the work of the
devil and the curse of mankind.  I think it's so
very true that evil does not seek out those who
love or those who hate, but only those who don't
care.  Unfortunately thats the majority of people
including Christians.  I know this is a harsh statement
but true. 
Let me ask you something?  How would you respond
if someone told you that your house was on fire and
your family was inside.  Would you give a big yawn,
shug your shoulders, and say "Oh gee sorry to hear
that".   I don't think so, I mean life threatening situations
demand life saving steps, only quick action can stop
certain danger.  Think about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ as this kind of call to action. Jesus Christ
is calling you because your life is in danger, this demands
your prompt response. Please don't be apathetic, care
about your life, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior let
Him into your heart, the need is now!

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God-   the Savior of the
world.  Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all.  And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can
only be attained through understanding.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

]]> <![CDATA[Who is really poor?]]>
Scripture:

And God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you
need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

Reflection:

Plow Work

Dr. Roy L. Laurin tells of a Christian businessman
who was traveling in Korea. In a field by the side
of the road was a young man pulling a crude plow
while an old man held the handles. The businessman
was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.
"That is curious! I suppose these people are very poor,"
he said to the missionary who was interpreter and
guide to the party. "Yes," was the quiet reply, "these
two men happen to be Christians. When their church
was being built, they were so eager to give something
toward it, but they had no money. So they decided to
sell their one and only ox and give the proceeds to
the church. This spring they are pulling the plow
themselves." The businessman was silent for some
moments. Then he said, "That must have been a real
sacrifice." "They did not call it that," said the missionary.
"They thought themselves fortunate that they had an
ox to sell!"
When the businessman reached home, he took
the picture to his pastor and told him about it.
Then he added, "I want to double my giving to the
church and do some plow work. Up until now I
have never given God anything that involved real sacrifice."

Do I really believe that God does provide?  You know it
is so very true that if I really believe that my God will give me
everything that I need, then I certainly have plenty left
over to give to others.  That is what real faith is,
having so much trust in God that He will take care of me,
in everything I need. If I believe this, then I can really give,
I can really sacrifice, I mean really sacrifice, for my church,
for my brothers and sisters who are in desperate need,
for the guy that needs a place to sleep, or that neighbor
who is ill and needs comfort, or visiting someone at the
hospital, maybe even someone I don't even know.  Maybe
it means the sacrifice of loving someone who, all those around
me, hate.  Maybe it means to stand up for my belief in what
is right in the eyes of my God, and suffer ridicule for it. MAYBE
IT MEANS GIVING UP MY OX AND PULLING THE PLOW
MYSELF!

Prayer:

Thank you God for Your sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ
for me.

Quote:

Emily Greene Balch
Leader of The Women's International League for Peace and
Freedom, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
(1867-1961)

"We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road,
the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping, we
may find one another's hands in the dark
 

]]> <![CDATA[Visit My Grave]]>
A Poem

by Jim Rolfes, Commander
Plymouth County American Legion
Wasmer Post No. 241, LeMars, Iowa
Date unknown

I am a veteran laid under the sod,
I'm in good company, I'm up here with God.
Come to my grave and visit with me,
I gave up my life so you could be free,
Today is Memorial Day throughout this great land,
there's Avenue of Flages, parades and bands.
I can hear music, the firing squad and taps,
Here come my comrades, the Legionnaires the Bluecaps.
One of them just put a flag by my stone,
Some day he'll have one of his own.
They say they have plans, other things to do,
Don't put us aside as you would an old shoe.
Come visit my grave in this cememtery so clean,
This is what Memorial Day means.
There are many of us lying in wakeless sleep,
In cemeteries of green and oceans of deep.
It's sad that for many who fought so brave,
Now no one comes to visit their grave.
They died so you could have one whole year free,
Now can't you save this one day for me?
There are soldiers, sailors, airmen up there,
Who went into battle despite of their fear.
I've been talking up here to all of those men,
If they had to do it, they'd do it again.
Look, someone is coming to my grave,
It's my family, for them my life I gave.
My wife, I remember our last embrace,
As I left the tears streamed down your face.
I think you knew the day I shipped,
I wouldn't return, your life be turned about.
There's my daughter that I used to hold,
Can it be that you're nearly twenty years old?
Next month is to be your wedding day,
I wish I could be there to give you away.
My son's here, too, Dad's Little Man,
Always love your country, do for it what you can.
There is on thing that really did bother,
Seeing you grow without the aid of a father.
I wish you could all hear me from up above,
That a father's best gift to his children is love.
And what better way to prove my love to the end,
Is that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I see it's time for you to go home,
Your visit made it easier to remain here alone.
Don't cry honey, you look so sad,
Our children are free, you should be glad.
Daughter, thanks for the bouquet so cute,
Thank you son for the sharp salute.
Come again, I forgot, you can't hear me from up here,
But I know you'll come visit me next year.
I hope all veterans are treated this way,
On this day to remember, Memorial Day.

Path Of Peace
     
      Path Of Peace
By Paul Mc Cann


Peace is an easy path to tread
Peace is where our fears are mislaid
Peace is beginning to restore
Peace for each man, woman and child
Peace for the troubled streets gone wild
Peace is for the old and the young
Peace in the end will overcome
Peace builds trust into a lifestyle
Peace is a friendly open hand
Peace is a place to understand
Peace in the end will overcome
Peace is for the old and the young
Peace is a legacy to leave
Peace is when we don't have to grieve
Peace is and end to all the hate
Peace is why we negotiate
Peace for all the victims of war

Paul McCann
 

]]> <![CDATA[Christ's Teachings "Resist Not Evil"]]>
Scripture:

"But I say to you, do not resist him who is
evil:  but whoever slaps you on your right
cheek, turn to him the other also"
(Matthew 5:39)

"Jesus said: Ye have heard, it was said of
old, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say unto you RESIST NOT EVIL.  But
if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn
him the other also;  and if one will go to law
thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy
cloak also."  (Matthew 5:38-40 KJV)

Reflection:

These two verses are my favorite two verses
in the whole of Scriptures.  They are also
the most difficult to live by.  Turning the other
cheek is very, very, hard to do. Your not only to
turn the other cheek, your supposed to give him
the other one.  Give....Me....A....Break!  Who in
the world can do that?  Well apparently we can.
I think we need to remember a few things here.
Evil will win some battles, but it will not win the
war. You know why?  Because our faith in
Jesus Christ tells us not to resist evil but to
be better than evil.Thats right! EVIL CANNOT
SURVIVE GOD;S GOODNESS. and God's
goodness is in us.  Also remember that when
you violently resist evil, often you become like
evil.  Evil often time lies in the violence.  Goodness
cannot become evil, then evil does win.  I know
how hard it is, but we must keep turning the other
cheek.  The more we turn the other cheek, the
more God's goodness shines.  Do me a favor will
you?  The next time we hear rumors of a war, let's
remember these two verses. And let's remember
one more thing, Jesus tells us to take care of
the logs in our own eyes before we look for the
specks in others.

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

]]> <![CDATA[Prayer for Pentecost]]> Prayer for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and
enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your
Spirit, and we shall be created, and You shall renew
the face of the earth.
- Based on Psalms 104:30
Prayer for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and
enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your
Spirit, and we shall be created, and You shall renew
the face of the earth.
- Based on Psalms 104:30
Prayer for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and
enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your
Spirit, and we shall be created, and You shall renew
the face of the earth.
- Based on Psalms 104:30
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 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and
enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your
Spirit, and we shall be created, and You shall renew
the face of the earth.
- Based on Psalms 104:30

]]> <![CDATA[Boy am I different]]>
Scripture:

" As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us
everything we need for living a godly life.  He has called us
to receive His own glory and goodness!  And by that same
mighty power, He has given us all of His rich and wonderful
promises.  He has promised that you will escape the
decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that
you will share in His divine nature.  NLT  (II Peter 1:3,4)

Reflection:

What a powerful statement this is.  God has called us to
receive His own glory and goodness.  Man what a gift.
You know I look around me and I see some unbelievably
terrible things. "This world is going to hell in a hand basket".
Armed with His glory and goodness, I don't have to be a part
of all the sin that surrounds me.  I can fight that sin, it does
not have to overpower me.  You see because of God I am an
individual, I am not a part of that sin.  Thats a great feeling,
I don't have to judge others, I can be me, because of God's
glory and goodness.  I am good because God is good. An
unfortunately, in the world today, that makes me different.
I am different, I love to be different, I want to be different,
because of God I live in that difference.  God thank You
for that difference, I look forward to sharing with You in Your
divine nature.

Prayer:

Thank you God for making me different!

]]> <![CDATA[Late But Never To Late]]>
Prayer for Yom HaShoah
(Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Lord, remember not only the men of good will, but also
those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering
they have inflicted upon us. Remember rather the fruits
we have brought, thanks to this suffering: our comradeship,
our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity,
the greatness of heart that has grown out of this.
And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits
we have bourne be their forgiveness.
Appropriate for many faiths
source: Found on a scrap of paper at the liberation
of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Germany

"Father forgive them for they know not what they have
done"   Amen

]]> <![CDATA[Where You Go I Will Go]]>
Scripture:  Ruth 1:1-16 

Reflection:

Today I began yet another study of one
of my favorite books of the Bible, the
book of Ruth.  This book is a true love
story, it is a book that shows true
dedication and love.  Ruth, the
foreigner;  Ruth, the poor widow who
had nothing, ended up marrying a
wonderful Israelite.  In doing so, she
became an ancestor of King David and
of Jesus the Messiah.  But it all began
with a commitment: "Where you go I will
go......Your people will be my people and
your God my God" (v.16).  This is a story
of real honest commitment, to Ruth's
mother-in-law and to God.  Whenever
I loose my way in life, whenever I feel a
real need to fill a void in my life, I read
this short book in the Old Testament, the
book of Ruth.  Because of Ruth, I have
experienced and learned the meaning of
commitment.  Have you made a real
commitment to God?  Please renew that
commitment today, right now.  Strengthen
your ties to the Lord.  I know that He desires
to do much good through you.  Blessings so
wonderful that you cannot imagine, await you.
But it all starts with commitment:  "Lord, take
control of all of my life, I give myself to you.
Have you done this?  If not will you do it
today, right now.  PLEASE MAKE THAT
COMMITMENT!!!

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father I commit my life to You.
Give me the strength to live for You daily.  May
what I do honor You and bring glory to You.  And
may I never forget Your love for me and my
commitment to You.  In Jesus Name Amen.

(excerpts taken from the devotional "Still Gods
Man by Don M. Aycock & Mark Sutton) in
connection with my own thoughts and prayers.
 

]]> <![CDATA[God's Answer]]>
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