<![CDATA[Scripture Exploration ]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com 60 Wed, 16 May 2012 22:34:14 GMT <![CDATA[The Power of Persistent Prayer]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5822997 I think that this article has a lot to say and prayer.  Prayer has to be one of the weaker aspects of American Christianity.

The center of power, it has been said, is not found in summit meetings or in peace conferences. It is found when children of God pray for God’s will to be done in their lives, in their homes and in the world around them.

We cannot pray and remain the same. We cannot pray and have our homes remain the same. We cannot pray and have the world around us remain the same. God has decreed to act in response to prayer. He commands us to ask. And Satan trembles for fear we will.  Read more....



]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5822997 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:33:54 GMT <![CDATA[Choose Christ]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5683824 This year, citizens of the United States of America will exercise one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy—choosing through free and fair elections those who will govern us at local, state and national levels. The right to choose our leaders is a precious one. In the course of our nation’s history, thousands of brave men and women have shed their blood and laid down their lives to provide and protect this freedom. Oppressed people in many nations across the globe can only dream of enjoying such a privilege. We must never take it for granted. Liberty, though purchased by sacrifice, is forfeited by complacency.

As much as we cherish our democracy, however, the most important choice every person must make in life is not a political one, but a spiritual one. Read more
I often tell people that no matter how great the President or how successful his policies were, even if he could make this world like an utopia, it wouldn't be enough.  For though we hunger and do without in this life, though we might dream of the riches of others and ask God "Why not me?"  There is no greater wealth than that of a life filled with Jesus.  When we live a Spirit-filled life, putting our every need in the hands of Christ and trusting in Him, there is a real release and joy.

This thread is also being duplicated at                 http://www.free-fire-zone.com/post/Choose-Christ-5683813?pid=1271996160#post1271996160]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5683824 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:51:35 GMT <![CDATA[Forgiveness 101]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5437026 ]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5437026 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:39:39 GMT <![CDATA[Take away love and our earth becomes a tomb]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5379051 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John 1.14 NRSV)
Love unites us. The poet Robert Browning wrote, "Take away love and our earth becomes a tomb." But the tomb becomes a day of resurrection with love.

Jesus taught this truth to us through his parables and short, pithy sayings. He warned us against being like the ungrateful servant, cautioned us not to be like the older brother, admonished us for having an attitude like the first laborers hired for the vineyard. He taught us not to throw the first stone, to take the log out of our own eye before we sought the speck in the eye of our neighbor, and to pray for those who persecute us. He instructed us to turn the other cheek, forgive seventy times seven, and go the extra mile. He asked us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to do unto others as we would wish them to do unto us, and when entering a room to sit at the foot of the table.

]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5379051 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 05:06:44 GMT <![CDATA[Doubting and Believing]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5360180
Quote:
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20.28
NRSV)

For some unknown reason, one of the apostles, Thomas, was missing that
first Easter evening. Thomas had not seen the risen Lord like the
others had. The apostles told Thomas, "We have seen the Lord." Thomas
was unconvinced. It wasn't that he thought his friends were lying;
their story was simply too good to be true. Thomas wanted proof. He
wanted to see Jesus for himself. Thomas said, "Unless I see the mark of
the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and
my hand in his side, I will not believe."


Thomas was a realist. He had been hurt and disappointed. He had
expected so much from Jesus. Then, to watch him die on the cross like a
common thief was too much for Thomas to bear. He had his hopes dashed
once. Now he wanted to be careful--he didn't want to set himself up for
another letdown. We have to admire Thomas for being so honest with his
doubts. He just couldn't believe without seeing Jesus for himself. Of
course, Thomas did get to see, and he believed.


Have you allowed yourself to see Jesus? Do you believe?


Dear God, help me to believe and to see Jesus at work in my world today. Amen.


Ron Newhouse


I found this under devotions and think that it's pretty good.
]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5360180 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:49:55 GMT <![CDATA[To Hell and Back]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5185097 This video hosted by Dr. Maurice Rawlings, a noted cardiologist, investigates life after death and his experiences with patients that actually saw 'the other side!' It is thought provoking and worth the watching, unfortunately for those without broadband that may not be possible. The video is 89 minutes long, but well worth the watch.

]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5185097 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:53:56 GMT <![CDATA[Benny Hinn --- his words aren't God's]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5070199 The Bible teaches that all Christians should learn how to discern between orthodoxy and heresy. It tells us to test everything, and to then hold on to that which is good. (See: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22Off-site Link). This necessarily involves 'judging' - not of the person, but of his or her teachings and practices (to see whether or not they are Biblical).

Benny Hinn, however, claims that the same Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture tells him something different:
The Holy Ghost is upon me...The day is coming when those that attack us will drop dead. You say, 'What did he say?' I speak this under the anointing of the Spirit. Can I tell you something? Don't touch God's servants; it's deadly...Woe to you that touch God's servants. You're going to pay. 'And the day will come.' The Lord said that to me. He said, 'The day will come when I will punish instantly. Woe to those who touch my chosen.' They will fear us. Hear this: today they mock us; tomorrow they will fear us.
Source: Benny Hinn, "Miracle Invasion Ralley," Anaheim Convention Center November 22, 1991, quoted in Christianity in CrisisOff-site Link, Hank Hanegraaff.
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Instead of obeying God's Word, many of Benny Hinn's followers share his unbiblical rejection of accountability regarding his teachings and practices.

Note that the Bible foretold that there would come a time when certain people will simply not put up with sound doctrine, but instead seek out teachers and teachings which suit their own desires:

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Source: 2 Timothy 4:2-3 NIVOff-site Link
]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5070199 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:26:49 GMT <![CDATA[Forgiveness]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5038723
]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5038723 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:15:59 GMT <![CDATA[The Story of Jonah as Told by The Cutest Little Girl]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5026279
]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5026279 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:33:38 GMT <![CDATA[Jesus and Me]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4834151 What ever comes I know that I have Jesus;
If the economy goes bust I know that I have Jesus;
If evil politicians win everything, I know that I have Jesus;
Republican or Democratic Party I know that I have Jesus;
Whoever is President I know that I have Jesus;
Whether I'm rich or poor, I know that I have Jesus;
If no human loves me, I know that I have Jesus;
If my health fails me, I know that I have Jesus;
If I lose everything and everyone I love, I know that I have Jesus;
There is always hope so long as we have Jesus.


]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4834151 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:10:01 GMT <![CDATA[Jesus in the face of danger]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4824623

Psalm 23

 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4824623 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:13:00 GMT <![CDATA[Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty .. [Agnus Dei]]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4821567 Turn up the volume and let the Holy Spirit carry you away.


]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4821567 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:17:55 GMT <![CDATA[I Know Now]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4818206
]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4818206 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:48:45 GMT <![CDATA[Fears and Victory]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4764503    Since the fall of man evil, selfish men have brought misery upon the world. Though the ages they have enslaved many by force or fear. Through fear they can control people and enslave them. Today the story is the same and we often feel hopeless. We pray for, work for and fight for change, only to be faced with more of the same. Maybe things really are changing for the better and we do not see it because of evil men shirring up fear. It really does not matter if these fears are real or imaginary, the affect is the same. I do not wish to address any particular issue which might provoke such fears; instead I want to focus on how we handle these fears. I have put together this video of Psalms 37 which I have found to be a real help. If I were to pick out one passage it would be this, for it speaks of how God always takes care of those who put their full trust in Him.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.
I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.
All day long he is gracious and lends,
And his descendants are a blessing.


]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4764503 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:07:01 GMT <![CDATA[Faith]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4764012 I found this about faith and thought it was nice.



A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. ~Faith Quotes

As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit. ~Emmanuel

Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother. ~Kahlil Gibran

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith. ~Faith Quotes

Faith, indeed, has up to the present not been able to move real mountains…. But it can put mountains where there are none. ~Friedrich Nietzche

Faith, to my mind, is a stiffening process, a sort of mental starch. ~E.M. Forster

Faith… must be enforced by reason…. When faith becomes blind it dies. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Faith and doubt both are needed – not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve. ~Lillian Smith

Faith can move mountains, but don’t be surprised if God hands you a shovel. ~ Faith Quotes

Faith enables persons to be persons because it lets God be God. ~Carter Lindberg

Faith has no eyes; he who asks to see has no faith.~ Portuguese Proverb

Faith is a passionate intuition. ~William Wordsworth

Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to. ~George Seaton

Faith is confirmed by the heart, confessed by the tongue, and acted upon by the body.~ Sufi Proverb

Faith is courage; it is creative while despair is always destructive. ~David S. Muzzey

Faith is like radar that sees through the fog. ~Corrie Ten Boom

Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch. ~Ramona C. Carroll

Faith is raising the sail of our little boat until it is caught up in the soft winds above and picks up speed, not from anything within itself, but from the vast resources of the universe around us. ~W. Ralph Ward

Faith is reason grown courageous. ~Sherwood Eddy

Faith is spiritualized imagination. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. ~Rabindranath Tagore

Faith keeps the world going.~ Indian Proverb

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Faith makes the discords of the present the harmonies of the future. ~Robert Collyer

Faith makes things possible, not easy. ~Faith Quotes

Faith will move mountains.~ Traditional Proverb

Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there. ~ Faith Quotes

Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~ Faith Quotes

Have faith — God calls forth life even from eggs.~ Indian Proverb

He who has faith has… an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well – even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly. ~B.C. Forbes

He who lost his faith, has nothing more to lose.~ Spanish Proverb

If there was no faith there would be no living in this world. We couldn’t even eat hash with safety. ~Josh Billings

In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t. ~Blaise Pascal

Reason is our soul’s left hand, Faith her right. ~John Donne

The priest’s friend loses his faith, the doctor’s his health, and the lawyer’s his fortune.~ Italian Proverb

To me faith means not worrying. ~John Dewey

Weave in faith and God will find the thread.~ Traditional Proverb

Who doesn’t keep faith with God won’t keep it with men.~ Dutch Proverb


]]> http://scriptureexploration.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4764012 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:31:51 GMT