Favorite Blogs

http://bloggingyourpassion.com/how-to-get-others-to-drive-traffic-to-your-blog/

http://christianpf.com/5-bible-verses-about-money-every-christian-should-know/

http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=74756

http://harperhouse4.blogspot.com/

http://www.persecutionblog.com/2011/08/update-on-the-persecuted-church-with-janet-parshall.html

Hannah

What an excellent woman and an inspiration! Hannah, whose name means favor or graciousness, not only showed grace when taunted by Peninnah but also humility when blessed by God. She was bestowed with a son named Samuel whom she gave back to the Lord (1 Sam 1:24-28). Hannah's song, a fervent prayer of worship and praise, is likened to Mary's (the Magnificat). When I read about her, I cannot help but think of the importance of dedicating my children to God. I recognize that God intended me to be a mother. I pray that He will supply me with wisdom, humility and grace that I may bring up my children for His greater glory. First of all, as we think of all Samuel became we realize how the excellencies of many men have usually been foreshadowed, if not exemplified, in the characters of their mothers... As no one in all the bleak world is more fitted to guide little feet God-ward, may heaven grant us more mothers like godly Hannah.   


Refer to "All the Women of the Bible" http://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/all-women-bible/2011/08/15

Idolatry

I awoke with an unsettling question - Has my heart been occupied with something else, more than with God?
Have my affections been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven?
Charles Spurgeon wrote it best,  "A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart."


I do not want a cold or even lukewarm heart. I want a heart fired up for God. But how? Is praying enough? Is reading the Bible enough? Is going to church enough? I must say not. My heart is constantly yearning for something greater than these, something I have yet to find. Perhaps it's about time to get involved in a ministry... if only I could be more committed. I pray that God will help me walk the walk and talk the talk. May He lead me to the right path. May He pave the way for me and grant me direction.

"Amos’s audience felt invincible (having won military victories) and immune (having God on their side). The entire book of Amos aimed to cure them of this delusion. Did they think they had accomplished success all by themselves? Did they think God didn’t see their idolatry and other sins? This should prompt us to ask ourselves if we’re putting our faith in anything other than God—perhaps our own abilities, resources, or plans. If so, the prophet’s wake-up call is aimed at us, too!"
http://www.todayintheword.com/ 8/22/11

A Simple Heart

A hug, a smile...a visit from loved ones
you haven't seen in a while.
An evening stroll, a patient friend
who will walk with you till the very end.
A chivalrous act that brings forth romance
by a soul mate whom you long to embrace.
A cup of comfort
through laughter and tears;
Love and prayers
despite the fears.
Simple gestures done genuinely
turn great because they matter truly.

Warning!

I found a book that had this warning: "Long-term reading will lead to wisdom" - GOOD NEWS, I think!!! This is one sure warning that I better heed. God wrote a Book and it's considered the Operator's Manual on Life. As the author of life, God wants nothing more than to impart wisdom on His breathing, thinking and reasoning creation - the human being. I love the truth found in His Holy Book, it tells me about His faithfulness and lovingkindness. It teaches me that God is in control and has the ultimate answer to life's unfathomable mysteries.
One of my favorite verses can be found in Psalm 23 - the Lord is my shepherd...

Mercy of a Loving GOD

I see the globe from where I'm lying and start to think of God's mercy.
What if, with His mighty hands,
He smites the whole earth until it's nothing but a pile of ashes,
or hurls it into the abyss because He is done with it,
He is done with the human race?
...
But HE is MERCIFUL... his justice is tempered with mercy.
Though this world will end, I know that His Word will reign forever and ever.
May Scripture remind me of the truth that He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.

From www.todayintheword.com for Aug.3rd:
Peter wrote, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:9-13; cf. 1 Thess. 5:1-6). Though it sounds fearful, this will be a day of great rejoicing for Christians because it heralds the return of Christ. We long for this day and cry out, “Maranatha,” or “Come, Lord” (1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20).