http://godsmercy.net/forums/64 en-us Copyright 2006, Kickapps feeds@kickapps.com (FeedMaster) webmaster@kickapps.com (WebMaster) Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:48:46 GMT Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:00:25 GMT Kickapps Feeds 1.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 {pics-1.1 "http://www.icra.org/ratingsv02.html" l gen true for "http://kickapps.com" r (nz 1 vz 1 lz 1 oz 1 cz 1 ) "http://www.rsac.org/ratingsv01.html" l gen true for "http://kickapps.com" r (n 0 s 0 v 0 l 0 )) Search Domain q http://kickapps.com/search/direct/ http://godsmercy.net/topic/2760/t/Risk-Taking-Faith-Is-Corporate-Faith.html Luke 24:49; Acts 2:1-4

Risk-Taking Faith Is Corporate Faith

Jesus had ascended and they were alone. As He departed He told them to take a risk: Go to Jerusalem and wait. They could have gotten queasy and backed out. After all, they didn’t know just what they were waiting for. Fear of the unknown can keep us from taking risks for God. But wait they did. A little band of believers took a risk, stayed in Jerusalem, were baptized by the Holy Spirit and began the church that would change the world!

We as a church body are in a similar circumstance. He tells us to patiently await His next act and be willing to take a risk of obedience to Him. May we be risk takers for the Master!

FOR TODAY: Pray as a church to stay strong.

Written By:
Dr. Bill Tanzey
Associate... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2760 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:00:24 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2758/t/Risk-Taking-Faith-Is-A-Spontaneous-Faith.html Matthew 9:9

Risk-Taking Faith Is A Spontaneous Faith

If you’re like me, you like to formulate a plan before you launch into something major in life. While God often honors planning, at times He wants immediate obedience; risk-taking faith.

Matthew must have been a planner. No one would have achieved his level of success in the tax office without having a business plan and a life plan. Then it happened: On a routine day at the office, the Master walked by and simply said; “Follow Me.” There were no details, no strategies; only “Follow Me.” Matthew did just that.

Those who leave their past behind to obediently follow Jesus are blessed by their risk-taking faith.

FOR TODAY: Ask God for an unplanned opportunity to share the gospel with someone along your path.

Written... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2758 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:20:19 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2757/t/Risk-Taking-Faith-Is-An-Unprecedented-Faith.html Matthew 14:25-33

Risk-Taking Faith Is An Unprecedented Faith

“It’s never been done before.” If anything will stand in the way of risk-taking faith it is tradition and precedence. However, Jesus doesn’t always call on us to practice a safe faith; He calls on us to take risks. So it was with Peter. In the ravages of a horrific storm, Peter and the others thought they were perishing. These guys sure didn’t look like a team of apostles who would soon change the world. They were a hopeless crew of shivering sailors who were convinced they were going to sink to their deaths.

As they were going down, Jesus came to them standing up! Peter knows what he wants: To walk on the water with Jesus. He didn’t stop to say “Well this has never been done before.” He just did it. That’s reckless faith. That’s the kind of faith... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2757 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:37:21 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2753/t/Risk-Taking-Faith-Is-A-Stubborn-Faith.html Mark 5:24-32

Risk-Taking Faith Is A Stubborn Faith

“If I can only touch Him.” This is what this hemorrhaging woman kept saying to herself as she faced a huge crowd that separated her from the LORD. Such a chronic bleeding condition would be hard for a woman of any era, but in her time it was even worse. No part of her life was left unaffected; she lost her family, she lost all her money on failed medical practices and she even lost the privilege to worship.

She might have lost everything else, but this outcast didn’t lose her faith. She wouldn’t be denied. Jesus was on His way to an important mission, but her faith provoked her to make a risky decision: “If I touch Him I will be healed” (v. 28). She didn’t have any clout or money, but her risk-taking faith caused her to refuse giving-up. With that small yet massive act of touching the Savior she... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2753 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:31:39 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2752/t/Risk-Taking-Faith-Does-The-Unexpected.html Mark 2:1-12

Risk-Taking Faith Does The Unexpected

Because of the paralysis he lacked the ability to walk. That should have meant it was impossible for this paraplegic to reach the Master to seek healing. What he had, however, made-up for what he lacked: He had four friends who were willing to take any risk and do whatever was needed to get him to Jesus. These faithful four had hope and confidence, and their faith prompted them to carry him to the roof of the house where Jesus was, remove the hardened clay roof tiles, and lower him through a hole down to the LORD.

It was hazardous and dangerous. The plan was fraught with risk, embarrassment and potential failure. Yet, sometimes faith requires risk. Note what Jesus said about their risk-taking faith: “Son your sins are forgiven…Take up your mat and walk.”

FOR TODAY:... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2752 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:18:38 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2749/t/Life-Long-Educational-Benefits-.html II Tim. 3:16-17; 2:14-18; James 1:21-25

Life Long Educational Benefits!

Paul goes on to tell Timothy that the personal study and obedient application of God’s Word will provide continual instruction in right-living and practical equipping and preparation for every good work. Becoming such a good workman, a good student of the Word of God will enable us to be successful in all we do in life for the Lord. Remember Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3? Review them and take them seriously now and forever.

So, do not think that your schooling is over. Do not drop out of God’s lifelong and life-changing educational system. Instead, become more diligent than ever before. Do some “extra credit” work often. Lead your family by example in continuing to learn and obey God’s Word. Then enjoy the blessings that God has in store for you – far better than a cap, gown, and... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2749 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:31:25 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2747/t/A-Visit-To-The-Principal-s-Office-.html II Tim. 3:14-17

A Visit To The Principal’s Office?

Not exactly, but God’s character education continues with Scripture showing us where we are wrong and then by correcting us to do what is right. The Word of God grades our papers, indicates our mistakes (without the red ink), convicts us of personal sin, and then enables us to make whatever changes we need to make. It may involve our actions, reactions, inactions, attitudes, etc. Paul told Timothy that the Word is “profitable for…reproof, for correction…”

As uncomfortable as these lessons may be at times, do not skip class on those days- no playing hooky or tuning out the teacher, the preacher, or the Holy Spirit who is speaking to you. Your homework response when God convicts you of
something is to confess your sin to the Lord and then obediently to go out and do exactly what God wants you to... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2747 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:32:14 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2745/t/A-Character-Education.html II Tim.3:14-17; Psalm 19:7-11

A Character Education

I’m sure that your children sometimes ask, “Why do I have to study this? I’ll never use it! What good is it anyway?” I remember inquiring such things about algebra and higher math classes. Parents often wisely respond, “Well, this material
trains the mind to think, gives it experience in processing information, etc. Even the discipline of learning is healthy for you.”

God’s Word has an even greater purpose. The study and application of it to our lives is designed to actually change our character. How does that work? It begins by teaching us what is true and right. It is “profitable for doctrine,” for teaching. Much of our world’s philosophies are built on falsehoods and thus, lead man astray. How much better is it to know absolute truth and to build your life on it? What a distinct educational... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2745 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:12:52 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2743/t/A-Curriculum-That-Is-Eternal.html I Peter 1:22-25; Matt. 24:35

A Curriculum That Is Eternal

Most of the textbooks and online sources that your children will study this year are either out-of-date already or will soon be so. As man’s knowledge grows and discoveries are made, these educational sources must be updated, revised, or rewritten to be accurate and relevant. Much about our world continues to change and just keeping up with everything is a real challenge. But this is not so with the Bible. God’s eternal Word is always truthful and relevant and does not change. That can only be so because its Author is the eternal Spirit of God Himself (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21)!

FOR TODAY: Thank God for His eternal and relevant Word and spend time in it today!

http://godsmercy.net/topic/2743 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:43:15 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2741/t/Our-Continuing-Education.html II Timothy 3:1-15

Our Continuing Education

While this season marks the return to school for our children, teens, and some adults, let us remind ourselves that, as believers in Christ, ours is a “continuing education,” as Paul admonished Timothy in 3:14. Though an adult, Timothy was not to outgrow His need for Scriptural instruction. Though his education in the Scriptures began when he was a child, now that he was an adult and with the world’s forecast predicted to grow worse and worse, he was to continue in them, to remain in an ongoing involvement with the truths of God’s Word. How intense was this continuing education to be? Any need to “burn the midnight oil” or to “pull an all-nighter” in these studies? Read Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3 for the answer.

FOR TODAY: To aid you in your studies, why not join a Bible class, a Sunday... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2741 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:10:35 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2734/t/Once-You-ve-Lost-It-You-Can-Never-Get-It-Back.html Luke 2:41-49

Once You’ve Lost It, You Can Never Get It Back

Time marches on. Time stands still for no man. Even as a young lad discussing the Scriptures in the temple with the scribes and elders, Jesus felt a sense of urgency about doing His Father’s bidding. Jesus used every encounter in His public ministry as a “teachable moment,” and there is no indication in Scripture of missed opportunities. According to Psalm 90:10 - The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Should the Lord tarry, we will all fly away sooner than we may think. Only one life to offer, Jesus my Lord and King. Only one tongue to praise Thee and of Thy praises sing.

http://godsmercy.net/topic/2734 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:53:35 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2731/t/You-Can-t-Keep-It-But-You-Can-Spend-It.html Isaiah 26:8

You Can’t Keep It; But You Can Spend It

Nowadays younger folks call it “hanging out.” Whatever we call it, spending time with friends and loved ones cements our relationships and builds a life of caring for others. Sometimes we call it “Quiet Time,” when we spend some time just “hanging out” with God. Seems a bit flippant to say it that way, but God wants His children to spend some time with Him as we speak to Him and He speaks to us through His Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This is one case in which there is no “spending limit.” Still, all the time you spend with Him is an investment that pays eternal dividends.

Then spend some of your time serving Him by serving others. Your treasury of blessings will be filled and overflowing. What you do for “the least of these,” you do... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2731 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:17:00 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2729/t/You-Can-t-Own-It-But-You-Can-Use-It.html Ephesians 5:15-17

You Can’t Own It, But You Can Use It

We say, “We’re living on borrowed time.” It’s just a “saying,” of course, but one with elements of truth and untruth all rolled up together. Actually, no man owns any time- his own or anybody else’s. If we “borrow” time, God has to be the “lender.” Only He knows our allocation of time. How we “use” our time tells volumes about what we value in life. The Christian’s perspective should be: Our time on earth is short, so we must be careful and conscientious about how we use the time allotted to us--redeeming it by using it to further God’s kingdom.

FOR TODAY: Use your time today for His glory.

http://godsmercy.net/topic/2729 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:33:43 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2727/t/I-Need-To-Make-Time-For-.html Psalm 90:10, 12

I Need To Make Time For...

Time is free, but you can’t buy it at any price. Sometimes we use the phrase, “I need to make time for…”, But the real truth is that each of gets 24 hours per day, and that’s it. We can’t make any more of it, and we can’t accept any less of it. Today’s passage teaches us that our years on earth are certainly limited, especially in light of God’s transcendence of time. Even a long life by earthly standards is miniscule compared to eternity. What then should we do with the time God gives us?

The prayer of Psalm 90:12 answers the question succinctly and completely. We ask God to help us invest our time on earth wisely—with eternal values in view. Henry Van Dyke said, “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2727 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:18:44 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2725/t/A-Time-For-Everything.html Ecclesiastes 3

A Time For Everything

You’ve heard all the questions before. What time is it? How long until…? When will we ever...? Then there are the platitudes: Time will tell; time heals all wounds; time marches on. We try to do things in a timely manner; we try to arrive on time; we remember the time that....

Time can bring order to our lives, or it can enslave us. Consider Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. Seems almost like a puzzle or riddle, doesn’t it? I believe the writer is saying, simply but eloquently, that life happens to all of us, and we are bound by the constraints of a finite existence--TIME. But, how we allow God into our lives moves us from the limitations of time to the freedom of Eternity. God brings order from chaos, replaces despondency with joy; gives hope, restores souls, reconciles man to... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2725 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:37:53 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2714/t/No-Myths.html I John 1:9

No Myths

Among the subtle popular myths about God, here is one: “God can forgive us because His love is stronger than His justice.” Not true. God is holy and just and loving and compassionate all at the same time and in a perfectly balanced nature. Our verse says that God is “just” to forgive us our sins. How so? Simple. Jesus died for us. Forgiveness is possible not because God ignored our sins and pretended they didn’t exist, as some human perception of love might suggest. Rather, God can forgive us because Jesus PAID for our sins. And just as God’s justice demanded that payment for sin be made, God’s justice now requires that forgiveness be offered. A perfect, holy God can now do no less, as beautifully written in song: “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe. Sin has lost its crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.”

http://godsmercy.net/topic/2714 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:28:57 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2711/t/No-Doubts.html I John 1:9

No Doubts

Promises are only as good as the people who make them. President Ronald Reagan made famous the phrase, “Trust but verify.” He was talking about nuclear disarmament, of course, but it’s pretty sound advice for many aspects of life. It’s good to trust and to believe in others. But whether it be among nations or people, promises tend to get broken.

Well, with God, of course, there is no doubt. His nature and character provide His verification. To know that God’s promise of forgiveness is accompanied by His faithfulness is an amazing thought. Is it ever possible that you will confess and God will NOT forgive? No! He will always keep His promise. He has done it in every moment of history; He will do it today; and will do so every instant of the future… forever!

FOR TODAY: Trust God to forgive... ]]> feeds@kickapps.com (TBONE61) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2711 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:15:30 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2709/t/No-Excuses.html 1 John 1:9

No Excuses

“IF we confess…” Hmm…what’s confess? Is it saying words? Is it doing something? Mostly it is an attitude. Rather than an action of the lips or the body, confession is an assent in the mind. To confess is to see our sin like God does: wrong, without excuse, and separating us from Him.

We tend to excuse ourselves for wrongdoing. God does not. We cite circumstances, other people, inherent weaknesses… all kinds of things make our sin seem less, well… sinful. Confession and excuse are mutually exclusive. The words, “God, please forgive me” cannot be effective if our attitude is saying, “It’s not my fault.” The first step in confession is admission: “I did wrong and I can’t blame anyone or anything else.”

FOR TODAY: http://godsmercy.net/topic/2709 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:31:43 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2708/t/No-Hiding.html John 1:8 and 10

No Hiding

Three Bible verses for this week: 1 John 1:8-10. Read them each day. Memorize verse 9 if you have not already. All of us will need it many times in our lives. It is a wonderful promise from God about forgiveness of our sins.

Today let’s look at verses 8 and 10 and notice that hiding from sin is not an option. Is there anybody who really thinks they have no sin? You know better don’t you? Don’t deceive yourself. Ignoring or dismissing sin only blocks the path to forgiveness. Verse 8 teaches us that we have a sin nature (you don’t have to teach a child to lie). Verse 10 reminds us that we have actually done wrong. God knows; the people around you know; you know. You have sinned. I have sinned. But God forgives.http://godsmercy.net/topic/2708 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:28:06 PST http://godsmercy.net/topic/2702/t/Do-you-need-blessings-.html feeds@kickapps.com (susan) http://godsmercy.net/topic/2702 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 07:23:43 PST