Thought for today - 05/31/2013

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
- Hebrews 6:10

Thought for today - 05/28/2013

DEFENDING YOU WITH HIS LIFE 
"One of the most tender images of Jesus is one he supplied when referring to himself as the Good Shepherd. This name reminds us both of our own vulnerability and Jesus' watchful, protecting care. It evokes a sense of belonging, intimacy, and trust, revealing the Good Shepherd as the one who lays down his life for his sheep. 

"When you pray to the Good Shepherd, you are admitting your need for his care and your confidence in his ability to watch over and protect you. Jesus shows us the lengths to which he as the Good Shepherd will go in order to protect his sheep. Unlike those who merely work for pay, Jesus will never abandon his sheep. Instead, he will defend them with his own life."
- From The Names of God: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups by Ann Spangler

Thought for today - 05/27/2013

"A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart."
- Charles Finney

Thought for today - 05/26/2013

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Thought for today - 05/25/2013

ON PRAYER 
Day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: 
To see thee more clearly, 
Love thee more dearly, 
Follow thee more nearly, 
Day by day. 
(Richard of Chichester)

Thought for today - 05/24/2013

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 
- Philippians 4:6-7

Thought for today - 05/23/2013

"No man is a true Christian who does not think constantly of how he can lift his brother, how he can assist his friend, how he can enlighten mankind, how he can make virtue the rule of conduct in the circle in which he lives." 
- Woodrow Wilson

Thought for today - 05/22/2013

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them--every day begin the task anew." 
- François de Sales (1567-1622), The beauties of St. Francis de Sales, London: Cowing, 1829, p. 220

Thought for today - 05/21/2013

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
- Romans 8:1-2

Thought for today - 05/20/2013

LIVE OUT THE ADVENTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP 
"So often we focus on Jesus' mission on the cross to save us from our sins. As marvelous as that is, it's critical for us to grasp the importance of his mission on earth as a rabbi. His goal was to raise up disciples who would become like him. As followers of Jesus, we are still called to live out the adventure of discipleship, becoming like Jesus through the power of his Spirit at work within us. To do that, we need to tune into what he was saying by developing the ears of a first-century Jew. As we do, we'll discover that there are many times in the Gospels when knowing what Jesus doesn't say becomes just as important as knowing what he does say."
- Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith

Thought for today - 05/19/2013

"Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify."
- Ambrose Bierce

Thought for today - 05/18/2013

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
- Ephesians 4:32

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/17/2013

WHEN YOU FEEL DOWN (1)

'We will stand in your presence...cry out to you...and you will hear us and save us."          2Ch 20:9 NIV

 

A parishioner asked his pastor, "Do you ever feel down?" "Sure," he responded. "What do you do about it?" the parishioner said. "I get up again. Being down isn't my problem—staying down is. I'm either up, or I'm getting up. I've learned not to park in between." Although feeling down is universal, sociologists warn us to guard against its two most common causes: fear and fatigue. Let's look at them:

Fear: When Edomite armies marched against Israel's king, fear gripped him and his nation. Feeling powerless, they feared losing their God-given land and possessions. If the stress of the last few years has left you feeling fearful, do what Israel's king did. He turned to God and prayed: "Whenever we are faced with any calamity...we can...stand in Your presence...We can cry out to you...and you will hear us and rescue us" (v. 9 NLT). Don't let fear cause you to abandon your hope and your vision. Instead, stand in God's presence, cry out to Him, and watch Him rescue you. Throughout the Old Testament God reminded Israel of His track record of goodness. He wanted them to remember it and take courage. But sometimes fear would cloud their memory and they'd begin to doubt. Sound familiar? So He told them, "Do not be...discouraged...the battle is not yours, but [mine]" (v. 15 NIV) In other words, "You don't have to defeat the foe that's My job. I'm in charge; trust Me to work it out." So remember Who's in control of your circumstances today. Stand in His presence;  believe His promise!

 

Path Of Life Devotional - FRIDAY MAY 17

 

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Thought for today - 05/17/2013

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."
- Oswald Chambers

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/16/2013

PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION!

"If you know these things.. .do them." John 13:17 NKJV

 

The Bible says; "Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:20). Certain prayers only get answered when you take action. When the woman with the issue of blood took the initiative, pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment, He told her, "You took a risk of faith...now you're well" (Mt 9:22 TM). And on another occasion we read, "As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten...lepers...they lifted up their voices said, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!' So.. .He said to them, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests" (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). Accordingto Jewish law, an unclean person discovered in the vicinity of the temple could be stoned to death. So by following Jesus' instructions these guys were literally putting their lives on the line. But they did it, and "as they went they were cleansed" (v.14 NKJV). Jesus said, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." Your decisions and actions are based on what you believe. One teacher writes:  "Anybody can believe sitting in church, or when all is right in their life. But when you get outside, you find out what you've really got. Healing power was obviously available, and these men believed Jesus could heal them. That's why they came to him in the first place. They didn't doubt His ability...The key was, as soon as they did what Jesus told them they were healed." So the word for you today is: Put your faith into action.

 

Path Of Life Devotional - THURSDAY MAY 16

 

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Thought for today - 05/16/2013

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/15/2013

EVICT YOUR WORRIES
'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid." Heb 13:6 NIV

Worry is a squatter; you must evict it. In certain situations if a house lies empty long enough, whoever likes it can move in and occupy it. Worry does that too. It roams around looking for an empty mind, then moves in. Has worry taken up residence in your mind today? Is it there when you wake in the morning and go to bed at night? As a follower of Christ you have the authority to serve worry an eviction notice and it must leave. The only thing that enables it to stay is your ignorance of that truth. When your mind is occupied with God's Word, worry sees a "no vacancy" sign and moves on. Paul writes: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2Co 10:3-5 NKJV). The weapons God has given you to fight with are greater than the fears you face. But you must know your weapons, keep them in good repair, and be able to use them. "Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: 'Because you speak this word, behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and [your worries] wood, and it shall devour them'" (Jer 5:14 NKJV). When you believe God's Word with all your heart and begin to speak it in the face of your worries, "It shall devour them."

Path Of Life Devotional - WEDNESDAY MAY 15

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Thought for today - 05/15/2013

"Not much evil is done by evil people.  Most of the evil is done by good people, who do not know that they are not good."
- Reinhold Niebuhr

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/14/2013

THE HEALTHY EDGE OF COMPETITION
"Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Co 9:24 NIV

We say things like, "it's a rat race out there, and the rats are winning," "Nice guys finish last," "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing!" Such sentiments characterize our culture, driving workaholic lifestyles that destroy health, fracture family life, and eliminate the spiritual discipline required to have a growing relationship with God. So what should we do? Avoid all competition? Opt out of the race? Retire and watch the world go by? No, those are not options for a follower of Christ. So: (1) Beware of competitiveness that leads to jealousy. Cain's competitiveness toward his brother Abel led him to murder (See Ge 4:1-8). He tried to put his brother down in order to lift himself up. King Saul tried to kill David when the crowd sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1Sam 18:6-11 NKJV). Those words caused jealousy to grow like a cancer in him. (2) Understand that by seeking to excel in your calling, you exalt Christ. Paul writes: "You've...seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard...for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally" (I Co 9:24-25 TM). No second-rate effort, no settling for mediocre outcomes. "I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me. I'm staying alert and in top condition" (1 Co 9:26 TM). Getting ahead of others isn't what it's about; it's about maximizing all you do for God's glory! "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col 3:23 NIV).

Path Of Life Devotional - TUESDAY MAY 14

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Thought for today - 05/14/2013

"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves."
- D. L. Moody

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/13/2013

YOU CAN OVERCOME BITTERNESS
"Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others." Eph 4:31 CEV

A man who had been bitten by a rattlesnake was rushed to the hospital. When he asked the doctor, "Is It life-threatening?" the doctor said, 'The bite isn't, but the poison is." The "bites" you suffer at the hands of others are painful and upsetting, but they're not lethal. What happens to you normally doesn't destroy you, but what happens in you after wards can. Like venom, bitterness first poisons your mind, then your relationships. It causes you to replay the hurt until it controls you, stealing the future God planned for you. But It doesn't have to be that way. You can overcome bitterness. God says, "Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others." And what God commands, He will give you the grace to do. When Peter asked Jesus, "Should I forgive my brother seven times?" Jesus said, "No, you must forgive him seventy times seven" (See Mt 18:21-22). In other words, "Forgive, and keep on forgiving until It no longer bothers you." What causes bitterness? Anger that's allowed to take residence In your thought-life. God's purpose for anger is to motivate you to tap Into His power for solving problems; otherwise they become permanent Solving the problem resolves and relieves your anger. But anger can become long-term bitterness when you fixate on 'who did it to me,' making you hostile, critical, blaming and punitive. You say, "Can I really stop my anger?" Yes, with God's help you can control your reactions and behaviors, and starve your anger to death. "The fruit of the Spirit Is...self-control' (Gal 5:22-23 NIV)

Path Of Life Devotional - MONDAY MAY 13

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/13/2013

"Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
- Colossians 4:5-6

CONNECTIONS News - 05/12/2013

Connecting man to man to God
For week of May 12, 2013
Issue 459

The weekly newsletter of Path Of Life Ministries.
Our mission is to lead men to Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for Christian men to grow in their faith and minister to others. 

Today's issue is going out to over 2,160 weekly subscribers. Thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates! To have a friend start their own Free subscription to CONNECTIONS, please have them visit:http://www.pathoflifeministries.net/page33.html
or subscribe via rss feed here:
http://www.connectionsnews.wordpress.com/feed


IN THIS ISSUE:

• HOW KIERKEGAARD CHANGED MY LIFE
• MARKETPLACE REVOLUTION
• THE NEW LEGALISM: MISSIONAL, RADICAL, NARCISSISTIC, AND SHAMED
• A MARRIAGE TORN BY BETRAYAL & PORN MOVES TO AUTHENTICITY
• BENEATH THE STEREOTYPES, A STRESSFUL LIFE FOR PREACHERS' KIDS
• STUDY: PRAYER CAN LEAD TO IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS
• IRON MAN 3 AND OTHER BLOCKBUSTERS CAN HAVE A SPIRITUAL IMPACT
• PREDATORY PROSELYTISM: THE HARD SELL
• A LOOK INSIDE THE QUR'AN
• FRIDAY NIGHT REPLAY
• MUCH, MUCH MORE . . .

Read here: http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/connections-news-05122013/

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/12/2013

THANKS, MOM!
"The most precious treasure a man can find." Prov. 31:10 CEV

Erma Bombeck wrote: "When God was creating mothers, on His sixth day of overtime the angel said, 'You're fiddling around a lot on this one.' God replied, 'Have you seen the specs on this order? She's to have 18,000 replaceable moving parts, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a kiss that cures anything from broken legs to disappointed love affairs...and six pairs of hands!' 'Six pairs of hands? No way!' the angel said. God said, 'And the challenging bit is the three pairs of eyes mothers need. One pair that sees through doors, another in back of her head that sees what she shouldn't be able to see, another in front for looking at a child who's goofed and saying, 'I understand, and I love you without speaking.' The angel said, 'Lord, take a break. Tomorrow...' 'I can't,' God said. 'I'm close to creating something so like Myself. Already she can heal herself when she's sick, feed a family on a pound of hamburger, and get a nine-year-old to stand under a shower!' Touching her, the angel said, 'She's too soft!' 'But so tough!' God replied. 'You can' imagine what this mother can endure.' 'Can it think?' asked the angel. 'Not only think, it reasons and compromises,' God said. Running his finger across the mother's cheek, the angel said, 'There's a leak!' 'It's not a leak,' God said 'It's a. tear.' What's it for?' asked the angel. 'It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness and pride.' The angel declared, 'Lord, You're a Genius!"' Just a columnist's fictional story, but well worth pondering.
Thanks, Mom!

Path Of Life Devotional - MOTHERS DAY - SUNDAY MAY 12

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/12/2013

"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."
- Ray Bradbury

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/11/2013

HOW TO RAISE A TIMOTHY
"Your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice." 2 Ti 1:5 NIV

Leaving your mark on your children isn't optional, but leaving a godly mark on them is. The seeds you sow today will continue to grow in them lifelong, and in your grandchildren too. Paul saw in Timothy the potential harvest he'd produce for Christ. He saw, too, that the fruit originated with the root: a mother and grandmother who were sold out to Christ. What an encouragement for widowed, divorced, single mothers and those without believing husbands. These two women raised a servant of God without the help of a Christian-father. And Mother, God can enable you to do likewise!
What does It take to raise a Timothy? Two things: (1) It takes a role model. Paul spoke of Timothy's "sincere (Greek: un-hypocritical) faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and...now lives in you." The faith they imparted "first lived in" each of them. If it's to live in our kids, they must first see it living in us. In a world where phonies sometimes masquerade as Christians, genuine faith stands out like a beacon against the night sky. Our children have a built-in "phony-baloney detector" that picks up on counterfeits and rejects them. But the genuine article will draw them like a magnet. (2) It takes teaching God's Word. Timothy's mother and grandmother planted the Scriptures in the receptive soil of his young heart before the surrounding culture could get to him. Paul reminded him, "How from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures" (2Tim 3:15 NIV). That's how to raise a Timothy.

Path Of Life Devotional - SATURDAY MAY 11

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/11/2013

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 

CONNECTIONS News - 05/12/2013

Connecting man to man to God
For week of May 12, 2013
Issue 459

The weekly newsletter of Path Of Life Ministries.
Our mission is to lead men to Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for Christian men to grow in their faith and minister to others. 

Today's issue is going out to over 2,160 weekly subscribers. Thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates! To have a friend start their own Free subscription to CONNECTIONS, please have them visit:http://www.pathoflifeministries.net/page33.html
or subscribe via rss feed here:
http://www.connectionsnews.wordpress.com/feed


IN THIS ISSUE:

• HOW KIERKEGAARD CHANGED MY LIFE
• MARKETPLACE REVOLUTION
• THE NEW LEGALISM: MISSIONAL, RADICAL, NARCISSISTIC, AND SHAMED
• A MARRIAGE TORN BY BETRAYAL & PORN MOVES TO AUTHENTICITY
• BENEATH THE STEREOTYPES, A STRESSFUL LIFE FOR PREACHERS’ KIDS
• STUDY: PRAYER CAN LEAD TO IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS
• IRON MAN 3 AND OTHER BLOCKBUSTERS CAN HAVE A SPIRITUAL IMPACT
• PREDATORY PROSELYTISM: THE HARD SELL
• A LOOK INSIDE THE QUR'AN
• FRIDAY NIGHT REPLAY
• MUCH, MUCH MORE . . .

Read here: http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/connections-news-05122013/

POLM DEVOTIONAL - 05/10/2013

YOU OWE IT TO THEM

"Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me." Isa 8:18 NIV

You may not be able to give your children everything you'd like to, or everything they want, but here are four things you owe them: (1) Connect with them. The story's told of a couple who decided to buy a new playpen for a friend, on the arrival of her sixth child. A year later the friend wrote back saying, "Thank you for the pen. It's wonderful—I sit In it every afternoon and read, and the children can't get near me." Seriously, what do you really know about your child? Their struggles, their heroes, their music, their friends, their fears, their dreams? If your answer is "not much," start making changes right away! (2) Listen to them. If some of us paid as much attention to our garden as we did to our children, we'd be living in a weed patch. You'll never understand your child until you take time to listen to what they're saying—and what they're not saying. (3) Believe in them. As a child, the great Caruso was told by a music teacher that he had no talent at all. Parent, make sure your voice is the loudest. Build their confidence; give them the faith and the self-worth required to overcome the obstacles they'll face In life. (4) Let them see God in you. Three kids were discussing their fathers. One said, "My father knows the mayor." Another said, "My father knows the governor." Confidently the third said, "That's nothing; my father knows God!" Dad, Mom, do you know God? If you don't, commit your life to Him today.

Path Of Life Devotional - FRIDAY MAY 10

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The Spiritual fellowship of the Ekklesia

Listen to "The Spiritual Fellowship of the Ekklesia" hosted by Path Of
Life on 5/10/2013 10:00 PMCDT #BlogTalkRadio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepath/2013/05/11/the-spiritual-fellowship-of-the-ekklesia-1

Thought for today - 05/10/2013

ON PRAYER 
"Can we believe that God ever really modifies His action in response to the suggestions of man? For infinite wisdom does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite agents, whether living or inanimate. He could, if He chose, repair our bodies miraculously without food; or give us food without the aid of farmers, bakers, and butchers; or knowledge without the aid of learned men; or convert the heathen without missionaries. Instead, He allows soils and weather and animals and the muscles, minds, and wills of men to cooperate in the execution of His will. "God," says Pascal, "instituted prayer in order to lend to His creatures the dignity of causality." But it is not only prayer; whenever we act at all, He lends us that dignity. It is not really stranger, nor less strange, that my prayers should affect the course of events than that my other actions should do so."
- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Efficacy of Prayer, pp. 9-10

POML Devotional - 05/09/2013 - THE BLAME GAME (3)

THE BLAME GAME (3)
"You can't get forgiveness...without...forgiving others." Mt 6:15 TM

Blaming creates enemies. The person you. are blaming will ignore you, compile numerous proofs of their innocence, and resent you. And their friends will defend them and become your enemies. Even your own friends will get fed up with your complaining and distance you. Your "root of bitterness" will spread, causing many [to be] defiled," and making things worse (Heb 12:15 NKJV). Blaming rubs off. Blamers beget blamers. Your family gets pulled in, so they suffer too. "Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious—don't get infected" (Pr 22:24-25 TM). Stop it, you're passing on your misery and dysfunction to those who love you! Blaming is addictive. The justification we feel In blaming hooks us for the long run. It manipulates our anger, making us feel okay about shifting responsibility. It gets progressively easier to complain rather than to resolve the problem. Like any addiction, it has to be fed more and more to achieve its reward. Sooner than you think, you'll become a skilled, confirmed "blame-aholic." Blaming sabotages forgiveness. You can't forgive someone while you're judging and resenting them. And while you're squandering your time and energy blaming them, you forfeit your right to receive God's forgiveness. "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Mt 6:15 NIV). It's time to give up the blame game, own responsibility for your life, and take back your God-given power to respond to things according to His Word!

Path Of Live Devotional - THURSDAY MAY 9

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/09/2013

"We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

POLM Devotional - 05/08/2013

THE BLAME GAME (2)
"The woman you put here...gave me some...and I ate it." Gen 3:12 NIV

Blaming came naturally to Adam and Eve, the father and mother of the human race. After all, who could fault them? God did! Their blaming was a result of how sin had changed them. Their relationship to themselves, each other, their environment, and even God, was radically changed by their irresponsibility. And since God can do nothing with people who won't take responsibility for their decisions, He dismissed them from Paradise. What a price to pay! Here are two good reasons for giving up the blame game:
(1) It makes you a victim. When you make someone else responsible for your circumstances, you put the power to change things in their hands. That means nothing will change unless they decide to change it. You make them master of your fate. Only by accepting personal responsibility can you retain the power to change your circumstances. (2) It makes you miserable. You say, "But they hurt me." Yes, and by harboring resentment you are hurting yourself over and over. The Bible says, "Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time" (Heb 12:14-15 TM). Before you know it your entire outlook gets distorted. "Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite...Esau later regretted that...and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears" (vv. 16-17 TM). Forgive, take back your life, and get out of the blame game!

Path Of Life Devotional - WEDNESDAY MAY 8

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/08/2013

"Christ has turned all our sunsets into dawns."
- Clement of Alexandria

POLM Devotional - 05/07/2013

THE BLAME GAME (1)
"I am innocent...lt is your responsibility!" Mt. 27:24 NIV

More and more, we are becoming a blame-oriented culture. Today our misfortunes are deemed to be somebody else's fault. "I'm this way because of them. They did it to me." And it didn't begin with us. It goes all the way back to Adam in the Garden of Eden when he told God, "The woman...You gave...me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate" (Gen 3:12 NKJV). It's in our DNA! We say the breakdown in our marriage was our partner's fault, or we drink too much because somebody drives us to it, or we're sick because of the fast-food industry; let's sue them! Shifting responsibility may alleviate momentary guilt, but it's a deadly game with no winners. In sentencing Christ to die, Pilate said, 'I am innocent of this man's blood...It is your responsibility!" He thought by dumping the blame onto the Jews he would avoid upsetting either his wife or his critics, and prove himself innocent But the buck stopped at his desk! Understand this: God holds you responsible for your decisions and actions (See Rom 2:6). And your failure to make the right decision, or take the right action, also earns you His guilty verdict. Paul writes, "You cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant" (Gal 6:7 NLT). Others may be guilty of offending you, and that's their harvest to reap. But your harvest depends on your reactions. Accepting responsibility before God is how you alleviate your guilt, discouragement and stress.

Path Of Life Devotional - TUESDAY MAY 7

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/07/2013

"You will never be an inwardly religious and devout man, unless you pass over in silence the shortcomings of your fellow men, and diligently examine your own weaknesses."
- Thomas Kempis

FRIDAY NIGHT ARCHIVE REPLAY - 05/03/2013

FRIDAY NIGHT ARCHIVE REPLAY - 05/03/2013
ONE PASTOR SYSTEM ERROR
What was the scriptural pattern for leadership and shepherding?
Where did it all go wrong?
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepath/2013/05/04/one-pastor-system-error

Thought for today - 05/06/2013

"Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands."
- Psalm 112:1

DEAL WITH THE ROOSTER

DEAL WITH THE ROOSTER
“There is...no condemnation” Rom 8:1 NKJV

Booker T. Washington tells a wonderful story about his mother. Every morning of his young life, he, along with all the plantation slaves, was awakened by the crow of a rooster. Long before daybreak the unwelcome noise would fill the shanties, reminding Washington and his fellow workers to crawl out of bed and leave for the cotton fields. That rooster's crow came to symbolize a life of long days and backbreaking labor. But then came the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln pronounced freedom for all slaves. The first morning afterward, young Booker was awakened by the rooster again. Only this time his mother was chasing it around the barnyard with an axe. That day the Washington family fried and ate their alarm clock for lunch. Their first act of freedom was to silence the reminder of their slavery. Are any roosters stealing your sleep? You might need to sharpen the blade. The great news of the gospel is, yes, His grace is real, and so is your freedom! "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Forget your sins for God's sake, because when you keep bringing them up you bother Him! Does that sound too strong for you? Then read what God says about your sins: "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins" (Isa 43:25 NKJV) God has buried your sins in the "depths of the sea" and posted a sign beside it which reads, "No fishing in these waters" (See Micah 7:19).

Path Of Life Devotional - MONDAY MAY 6

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

KEEP YOUR VISION ALIVE!

KEEP YOUR VISION ALIVE!
We grope...feeling our way like men without eyes." Isa 59:10

The Pilgrim Fathers who founded America landed at Plymouth Rock full of vision. The first year they established a town, the next year they elected a town council. In their third year the town council proposed building a road five miles out into the wilderness for westward expansion. But the townspeople criticized it as a waste of public funds. Amazing! Once they had been able to see across oceans to new worlds, now they couldn't see five miles down the road. What happened? They failed to keep their vision alive. How can you keep that from happening to you?
(1) Keep your vision before you at all times. "Write the vision and make it plain...that he may run who reads it" (Hab 2:2 NKJV). Your vision is the road map for your life. So write it down, read it regularly and keep it before you at all times. (2) Make sure The vision is Yours not somebody elses. In the name of being "sensible," or "practical," many of us ignore our God-given desires. We undertake a career to please our parents, our spouses, or others. That may make you dutiful, but it won't make you successful. You cannot fulfill a vision that is not your own! (3) Believe in yourself even when others don't. You may succeed if nobody else believes in you, but you will never succeed if you don't believe in yoursel. No matter how old you are, always stay young at heart. Pearl S. Buck said, "The young do not know enough to be prudent, therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it generation after generation."

Path of Life Devotional - SUNDAY MAY 5

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/05/2013

"There remains for us only the very narrow way, often extremely difficult to find, of living every day as though it were our last, and yet living in faith and responsibility as though there were to be a great future."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), "After Ten Years" in A testament to Freedom, HarperCollins, 1995, p. 484

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER (2)

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER (2)
"You do not have, because you do not ask." James 4:2 NIV

Here are two more hindrances to answered prayer: (1) Failure to pray. It's estimated that out of the 667 prayers for specific things mentioned in the Bible, there are 454 specific answers. That means the Bible is a book of prayers—and answers. Our problem is, we spend a lot of time talking about prayer and fail to get down to the business of praying. Charles Trumbull said, Prayer releases the energies of God." The goal of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to believe Him and take hold of His willingness. His Word says: "You do not have, because you do not ask." C. E. Cowman wrote: 'No praying man or woman accomplishes so much with so little expenditure of time, as when he or she is praying." Until you learn to pray in faith and wait on God for the answer, you'll get nowhere. (2) Failure to care. When the Israelites complained that God wasn't answering their prayers He told them, 'Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly...share your food with the hungry...Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from [those] who need your help. If you do these things...the Lord will answer' (Isa 58:6-9 TLB). Sin and unbelief are not the only things that hinder your prayers; self-centered living will! A little girl prayed for several weeks asking God for a certain thing. Finally in frustration she said, 'By the way, Lord, I've mentioned this to You several times before." If that's your situation, stop thinking about your own needs and focus on the needs of others.

Path Of Life Devotional - SATURDAY MAY 4

http://www.pathoflifeministries.net

CONNECTIONS News - 05/05/2013

Connecting man to man to God
For week of May 5, 2013
Issue 458

The weekly newsletter of Path Of Life Ministries.
Our mission is to lead men to Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for Christian men to grow in their faith and minister to others. 

Today's issue is going out to over 2,160 weekly subscribers. Thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates! To have a friend start their own Free subscription to CONNECTIONS, please have them visit:http://www.pathoflifeministries.net/page33.html
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IN THIS ISSUE:

• ARE CHRISTIANS MORE LIKE JESUS OR MORE LIKE THE PHARISEES?
• NFL QUARTERBACK DREW BREES SPEAKS ABOUT HIS FAITH IN JESUS
• THE SHEPHERD
• THE LINKS BETWEEN FAMILY AND FAITH
• RED LETTER CHRISTIANS
• STUDY: FAMILIES HOLD MOST SWAY WITH TEENS
• SURVEY: MANY AT CHURCH NOT HELPING OTHERS GROW
• THE SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE SIN
• THE SECRET FAITH OF WASHINGTON
• THE OCEANS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD
• GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES
• 15 COUNTRIES CITED FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS
• FRIDAY NIGHT ARCHIVE REPLAY
• MUCH MORE . . .

READ HERE: http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/connections-news-05052013/

Thought for today - 05/04/2013

"Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it."
- Psalm 34:14 (The Living Bible)

ONE PASTOR SYSTEM ERROR

ONE PASTOR SYSTEM ERROR
What was the scriptural pattern for leadership and shepherding?
Where did it all go wrong?
The hierarchical system of church government, where a pastor (with perhaps an assistant) is perched on the apex of a pyramid of say seven elders and twelve deacons, developed slowly and has encroached itself solidly in the psyche of "church" goers today.
Let's look into this heresy.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepath/2013/05/04/one-pastor-system-error

Thought for today - 05/03/2013

Is it possible to scream at the bottom of your lungs?

Path Of Life Devotional

STOP DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION
"Perfect Jove casts out fear."1 Jn 4:18 NKJV 

Are you trying your best to serve the Lord, yet you sometimes doubt your salvation? Though you're unaware of any particular sin in your life, you still feel unworthy to stand in God's presence, confident of His acceptance. Read this Scripture. Better yet, write it down and carry it with you: "Perfect love casts out fear." Now, if God loved you with an imperfect love you'd have cause to worry. Man's love, which is imperfect, keeps a list of sins and consults it often. But not God's love. The moment you place your trust in Christ He views you as righteous" and fully accepted from that point on. His love casts out your fear because It casts out your sin. Do you remember these words from John's epistle? "If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things" (un 3:20 NKJV). That means it's possible to be forgiven, yet feel unforgiven. So when you feel unforgiven, doubt your feelings instead of doubting God. Don't give your emotions a vote. Go back to Scripture. God's Word outranks all self-criticism and self-doubt As Paul told Titus: "God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone!.. Tell them all this. Build up their courage" (Tit 2:11,15 TM). Are you trusting in Christ as your Savior? Then begin to love boldly and live robustly. Nothing fosters courage like a clear grasp of grace. if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (un 1:9 NKJV). Note the words, "All unrighteousness." Having received God's forgiveness, live forgiven!

Path Of Life Devotional

http://www.PathOfLifeMinistries.net

Thought for today - 05/02//2013

ON PRAYER 
"Do I want to pray or only to think about my human problems? Do I want to pray or simply kneel there contemplating my sorrow? Do I want to direct my prayer towards God or let it direct itself towards me?"
- Hubert Van Zeller

Thought for today - 05/01/2013

"Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22