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Hislady
on 3/24/11 5:51 am - Vancouver, WA

Ohhh so sleepy this AM, the bed is sooo tempting. Someday I think I'm going to see just how long I can sleep! Bet I could make the Guiness book of records! I just pray that we all have a great day and that lots of folks will get their surgery approvals today. God bless! Karen

Hislady
on 3/24/11 5:47 am - Vancouver, WA

Lap Band on 10/19/07

Topic: RE: Thursday Blessing

I bet we are all guilty of that and need to work on it. I know I am too.

Patricia R.
on 3/23/11 7:11 pm - Perry, MI

RNY on 08/28/06

Topic: RE: Thursday Blessing

I am so guilty of putting things before the Lord. I love my Phillies and Eagles. I love my Munchkins, and look forward to their visits. I love my dog, who is named after one of the Phillies. I love to check my status on Facebook, and connect with friends like you all. BUT, I do not carve out enough time to maintain a health relationship with the Lord. I am retired, and have plenty of time to do so, but I fail at it none the less.

I must set aside time for my devotions, and just get back to basics. I am ashamed of this situation, and want to correct it.

Hugs,
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer 96179

Patricia R.
on 3/23/11 7:02 pm - Perry, MI

RNY on 08/28/06

Topic: Thursday Blessing

March 24

Lighting the Fire Again

Matthew 22:36-38

Let’s continue looking at the Lord’s warning to the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:4). The Ephesians are a model of cooled-down faith. Their fervor is gone, though they’re still going through the motions of serving God and even defending the faith.

Christ’s warning to the Ephesians extends to modern-day believers whose hearts have grown cold. He looks at distracted and complacent Christians who are laboring for every reason but the right one, and He cries out, “What I want is not your empty service; I want you!"

The heart cools gradually as a person gives higher priority to other relationships and activities than to the Lord. Our enemy Satan has subtly shaped how the word “idol" is perceived. He’s limited the definition to false gods. The truth is, anything that distracts from God qualifies as an idol. For example, the god of this age is sports. So many believers know more about stats than Scripture and show more passion in the stands than in a worship service.

Returning to a life of passionate service for God begins with repentance. We must assume responsibility for drifting away from our first love. Then, we’re to put Jesus Christ back on the throne of our heart and reconnect with Him through regular prayer and Bible meditation.

God desires an intimate relationship with every believer. So let me ask you a question: Are you excited about Jesus? Our best and purest devotion will be to whatever or whomever we prioritize above all else. If that is not Jesus, repent and let Him rekindle the flame of your first love.

Hislady
on 3/23/11 2:28 pm - Vancouver, WA

Lap Band on 10/19/07

Topic: RE: Wednesday P&P

It's amazing what you can accomplish from bed! In the last several years I've been there alot! I had 2 broken legs at different times( one of them I wasn't even allowed to put weight on, had to have a commode next to the bed and do a swivel turn and land on the pot!) then I had 4 toe surgeries so I did everything from bed, thank God for hubby he cleaned, cooked, shopped, did the laundry and walked the dog. He can be quit the Suzy Homemaker at least until I get better then he goes plain stupid!I'm so glad your sis is able to help.
I'm so sorry you are having so much pain, mine weren't too bad but I did have lots of pain meds available where you have to tuff it out, I'm praying for you to stay strong. Try to sleep as much as you can and it really should improve in a day or so once the dratted swelling goes down abit. Hang in there kiddo you are being prayed for.

Patricia R.
on 3/23/11 8:48 am - Perry, MI

RNY on 08/28/06

Topic: RE: Wednesday P&P

I have a praise....I am managing to accomplish stuff while sitting up in bed, with my foot elevated.

BUT, I desperately need prayer for pain relief. The pain I am experiencing is beyond words.

Have to go.

Trish

Hislady
on 3/23/11 7:20 am - Vancouver, WA

Lap Band on 10/19/07

Topic: Wednesday P&P

Started the day out nice, hubby and I drove to town and picked up a few things. What's nice is that as a rule we go our seperate ways during the day and do whatever we need to do, so this was a change.We didn't even annoy each other.
Please pray for my friend Becky, she's been very ill for 3-4 weeks now. Acts like the flu but doesn't get better. She has a endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled for Fri.Just praying they will figure out what the problem is. God bless! Karen

Hislady
on 3/23/11 7:15 am - Vancouver, WA

Lap Band on 10/19/07

Topic: RE: Wednesday Blessing

We can work till our fingers fall off and it won't make a difference unless it's done with God's glory in mind. Good thing for this old gal cause I can't keep up with kids.

Patricia R.
on 3/23/11 3:32 am - Perry, MI

RNY on 08/28/06

Topic: RE: Wednesday Blessing

I have to admit that there were many times I served the Lord out of compulsion, not out of love or obedience. Many years ago, we attended a legalistic church, where it was made clesar that the church doors were open on Sunday morning and evening, and Wednesday evening. It was equally clear that we were expected to be in attendance whenever the church doors were open.

Now, I am at a different church, and relationships are emphasized, not rules. I am grateful that my understanding of what God desires has changed. God has impressed on my heart that my relationship with Him is based on love and grace, not by what I do.

Hope this makes sense.

Hugs,
Trish

Patricia R.
on 3/22/11 9:11 pm, edited 3/22/11 11:50 pm - Perry, MI

RNY on 08/28/06

Topic: Wednesday Blessing


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Wednesday, March 23, 2011	Email Facebook Twitter Print

March 23

The Priority of Relationship

Revelation 2:1-7

Ephesuswas the home of a tremendous ministry. Despite harsh
persecution, the church planted by Paul endured opposition,
spread the gospel, and was quick to challenge false prophets.
But 30 years after the apostle left, John’s revelation included a
stern warning for those believers.

Imagine how the words of Revelation 2 must have struck the
Ephesians when they read them. After complimenting their
service to the gospel, Christ said, “But I have this against you . . .
" That phrase was no doubt extremely disconcerting. The Lord
warned them that they had left their first love. In other words, all of
their work was being done with wrong motives.

Christ called the Ephesians to remember their love for Him and
their delight in His salvation. Service is no substitute for an
intimate relationship, but modern believers continue to fall into
this subtle trap. The commendable things that we do count for
nothing unless they stem from a vibrant personal connection with
God. Our work can’t be effective or fruitful unless He is in it.

In fact, God is more interested in you and your personal
relationship with Him than in a thousand lifetimes of good works.
He desires to be the satisfaction and delight of His children so
that their service is a result of loving devotion.

There are plenty of wrong reasons to labor for the kingdom.
However, God is satisfied only with service motivated by love for
Him. He wants those with selfish intentions to return to their first
love. In that way, hearts and minds can be renewed, and service to
the Lord will be more fruitful.

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