The Illustrator blog, as well as The Nugget blog have been discontinued. Instead, the blogs will now be published on-line on Facebook.

Answers2Prayer has now its own Facebook Group! The Illustrator and the Nugget newsletters have joined forces and are now on Facebook under the name of Answers2Prayer. This group is dedicated to bringing people closer to our loving God through thought-provoking devotionals and inspirational stories that are published daily. Join us at http://www.facebook.com.

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As always, this is a free newsletter. We hope to brighten your days by helping you make Jesus your focus!

Triumphant Celebration. La Vie en Rose, Part 5

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:14-17 Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The first monument that we recognized as our taxi entered Paris was the Arc de Triomphe. It stands at the centre of la Place de Charles de Gaulle, where twelve avenues converge, right at the top of the famous shopping area called les Champs Elysées (Boy! French people sure like to shop!).

You can imagine the traffic around this renowned place, so much that pedestrians have their own underground walkway to access it.

In 1806, right after his victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon I ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe. It was finally finished in 1836, 30 years later. The design of this Arc was inspired by the antique Arch of Constantine in Rome, but it ended up being twice as high and twice as wide as the original. Although it was designed by the French architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin (A bit long for a first name, don't you think?), it had to be completed after his death by Jean-Amand Eaymond (A bit easier to pronounce!)

The purpose of the Arc of the Triomphe was to celebrate major victories during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Thus, its name! Each great victory is engraved at the top of the Arc, along with a list of 558 generals. In addition, there are four relief sculptures at the base of the Arc celebrating the Triumph of 1810; Résistance, and Peace and the Departure of the Volunteers, also known as La Marseillaise. Finally, the tomb of the unknown soldier can also be found beneath the Arc.

The biggest celebration at the Arc de Triumph happened in 1944, at the end of World War II. During the liberation, General Charles de Gaulle (From there the name of the place) marched victoriously through Paris. Every year on Armistice Day (November 11), there is a great celebration in memory of the triumphant victories over the German armies and over the despot kings of the past, as well as a commemoration for all of those who died for the cause of freedom.

We have an even bigger cause to celebrate, so big that we should be celebrating it daily.

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Rom 8:14-17 NIV)

Thanks to Jesus who died willingly for our freedom, we now have the possibility of becoming not only the sons and daughters of God, but also "co-heirs with Christ"! No need to be enslaved to fear any longer! Jesus set us free! Claim it and you will receive it! Isn't that cause for the biggest celebration of all times?

There is one part of this victory, however, that we often seem to forget. We need to share "in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Just like the French people. Before they could share in the joy of D-day, they first had their share of suffering during all of those wars!

So when we are facing temptation, let's remember that the pain of resisting is but a small part of the suffering that will lead us to "His glory!" Or if we are feeling much like an atomic bomb in our anger, remember that to resist the temptation to get angry is but a fraction of the pain that giving in would bring, and this tiny bit of suffering will lead us to victory. If our addictions are knocking on our door, keep it closed. The pain involved in doing so is but a component of that suffering that leads us to utter joy. Remember: We aren't alone in this. If we rely on Jesus, He will give us the necessary strength!

"Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." (2 Cor 1:9 NIV)

And remember. Though this kind of suffering may look overwhelming at the time, it is insignificant compared to what God has planned for our eternity!

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Rom 8:18 NIV)

Are we ready to celebrate daily? Temporary suffering will lead to eternal bliss if we let God shine through it all!

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

We rejoice with all those whose prayers were answered and thank them for sharing their testimony with us. If you have an answered prayer, may I encourage you to send it to us? These testimonies help others depend more on our loving Heavenly Father. Without Him we would be hopeless. Please send your answered prayer to: prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org

Untangling My Mess

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him [Jesus] because he cares for you.

Untangling My Mess

One hot summer day, my friend's Dad grabbed his fishing pole and called out to his kids, "Okay everybody, get your poles and get in the boat."

Among giggles and silly antics echoing through the lake, all five kids climbed in the small motor boat. It rocked and swayed while all settled in their seats, fishing poles in hand.

Dad glanced at their excited faces. "When we're out a bit farther, all of you cast your poles out. Got that?"

As the boat came to a stop, everyone swung back, then forward. In seconds, all kids had the lines wrapped around necks, arms and each other's strings. In a tangled mess, they stared at each other.

"Silly kids, what are you doing?" Dad shook his head. "You need to know the direction before you throw your lines out."

Isn't that the way of the world? Embarking on the fast motor boat, we rush out into the waters. The heart filled with expectations to catch the best--a little peace, security, freedom, and even fun. Instead, while riding the waves of life, we oftentimes find disappointment, uncertainty and fear. Before we know it, we all stare at each other, tangled in a mighty muddle.

What went wrong? We missed something--the direction, the place, or the timing. The world didn't bring solutions, friends weren't able to help, and family members have their own problems to deal with. So, we turn to our own wisdom, but no luck; it drowned in the undercurrent of negative emotions.

As a result, days are rough and nights are often unbearable. And right when frustration is about to come out in a loud scream, we dab sweat from the forehead and pause. We stop long enough to hear the instruction of all instructions. The call that will turn it all around and bring freedom from the crazy chaos:

"Cast all your anxiety on him [Jesus] because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

When I rode the boat of grief after our youngest son was tragically killed, tangled in sorrow, I cried out to God. One by one, he untangled the clutter of emotions and took each ounce of heartache as I purposefully cast them to Him.

With eyes fixed on the direction Jesus points—to Him, His arms, and His love, pure and abundant, all changes. Let me give you a gentle nudge--don't hold back. Cast them all to the Lord because He does care, does provide, does protect, and has the answers we fish for.

Maybe you're in that boat right now, and while searching for answers, a storm broke loose. Thunder claps above, and the skies have turned black on you. I'd say that's the perfect time, the exact moment to cast those burdens out to Him. No tangling of lines, no confusion or mess--only peace, lasting and certain.

And when night comes, go ahead, fluff your pillow, get comfortable, for sleep will come back when you "Cast your cares on the Lord knowing He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Once you choose to cast it all to Him, the scenery changes. Can you see blue skies between the clouds? Can you almost hear His whisper? He's smiling, outstretching His arms to receive your heartache, catch your fear, soothe those anxious moments, and calm the tremor that rattles your soul.

Janet Perez Eckles http://www.janetperezeckles.com

Announcements:

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Utter Efficiency-How Do I Turn These Things on? La Vie en Rose, Part 4

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Our overnight flight to Paris hadn't afforded us much sleep, and though our 16 km trek through Paris on foot had been worthwhile, it had also been very tiring. We were sure glad to open the doors to our bedrooms in the little hotel near the Eiffel tower. We couldn't wait to prepare ourselves for a well-deserved sleep.

Only one problem: The lights wouldn't come on. We had read that this hotel had been recently modernized, and the thought had appealed to us. But now we couldn't help but wonder if they hadn't overdone it a bit … Just imagine, 2 reasonably intelligent, albeit tired, adults and 2 teens who know everything (if you don't believe it, just ask them!), scurrying about, scrutinizing every corner of the rooms, trying every light switch, verifying every electrical plug, but to no avail. We were not rewarded with even the tiniest flicker of a light!

Help!!!!

It was when my adventuresome son and wife combined their intelligence that the mystery was finally solved. She found a credit card-shaped slot on the wall and wondered what it might be for, he put the key card into the slot, and voilà! (That's French for "there you are") Light! Without the card, the entire electrical system was dead, but once the card was in place, we had all the light we could have ever needed.

It's actually a pretty neat way to save electricity. After all, you can't leave your room without a room key! But not so neat when you don't know about this device and all you can think of is sleep, sleep and more sleep!

We were now finally able to get ready for bed, but we didn't realize that we needed a power converter to use the power bar we had brought with us from Canada. One loud "Zap", and not only did we fry our power bar, but we also succeeded in blowing a circuit breaker. Once again we were in utter darkness, and our key card could no longer help us.

It took a phone call this time, but soon our lights were back up and running. Ouf! (That's French for "relief") I decided it was time to wash my hands, and I entered the ultra modern bathroom. The toilet was a two-flush kind, the see-through shower walls were extra sleek, and the wash basin looked like a flying saucer (Maybe we could play some Frisbee at night?).

There was a soap dispenser on the wall by the wash basin, but for some reason, it wasn't cooperating. No matter what I tried, it would not dispense any soap. I pulled it, I pushed on the top, I pushed on the bottom, I slapped it, but to no avail. It wasn't until I squeezed it in the middle that a blob of soap emerged. Enfin! (That's French for "finally"!)

And I thought we were technically advanced in North America!

While wondering about all of these wonderful technical advancements, the following text popped up in my head: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." (Rom 8:11NIV)

Just like bringing life to our lights was not possible without inserting our room key card into a slot, and just like we needed to have a converter to use our power bar, and just like I had to accept the "squeezing technique" to get soap from the bottle, I cannot be made alive without accepting God's Holy Spirit as my sole guide in life. I not only have to invite Him into my life, but I must also give Him my driver's seat. Only then will I become really alive, only then will I receive the assurance of my future resurrection. And just like the lights and the soap, once you have the right recipe for success, it works!

And for anyone wanting to stay in this ultra-modern little hotel, don't worry about the hall lights. The hallway may be dark, but once you step in, the lights turn on automatically.

Hum. That sounds a bit like faith, doesn't it?

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us at prayer@Answers2Prayer.org. We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.

Fractured Feelings

Today's Bible Verse: Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

I was feeling sorry for myself the other day. It was the usual round of over worked, over worried, and over stretched. Of course I was the creator of all the stuff that I was experiencing, but in my selfish heart I just wanted God to make things easier, less difficult, and more relaxed. In other words, I was going through a self-pity party and needed God to do what I desired. Instead of fixing my heart on Him, I just wanted God to fix everything for me.

It only lasted a little while (along with a little whine), and then I began to hear about other people with real problems, serious issues, and tragic circumstances. There’s nothing quicker that jolts me out of being self-absorbed than a dose of someone else’s reality. It makes me soon realize that things could be a lot worse and that the stress I experience is no real hardship at all.

I wonder if we Western Christians will ever really understand what faith suffering is all about? Faith sharing is our big thing over here – we share our beliefs, ideas, and opinions quite a lot, but when it comes to faith suffering, that’s a different story.

As I am writing this, Christians in China are languishing in prison. Christ followers are watching their homes burn in India. Fellow believers are being harassed in Iraq and hunted down in Iran. Christians in Nigeria are being ambushed, mugged, raped, and slaughtered. Sudanese and Ethiopian Christians are watching their children die from starvation, malnutrition, malaria, or even measles. Meanwhile, I’m feeling sorry for myself and want the Lord to answer my prayers and respect my feelings.

Hhhmmm, there’s obviously something wrong… John Stuart traqair@aol.com Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Announcements:

One of the ministries connected with Answers2Prayer provides inspirational stories Http://www.sermonillustrator.org . If you have written inspirational stories and would like to share them with others, please feel free to submit them to me. The writer of any story published on our site will receive proper credit. Please submit your story to: prayer@Answers2Prayer.org. Thank you.

The Secret of the Louvre. La Vie en Rose, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

Le Louvre, the famous national art museum of France, has a secret. Located in Paris, on the right bank of the Seine river, it wasn't built to be a museum at all! Instead it was initially built to be a fortress. Philip II Augustus had it constructed early in the 13th century to protect the Seine against Norman and English attacks, and it became a palace for the French kings.

The original structure looked little like the massive, beautiful palace-turned-museum that we see today. Many of the monarchs who resided there added on to the original structure. One built a new wing here, another a mansion over there. Then in 1564, Catherine de Médicis decided to build her own castle in a nearby field. She called it the Tuileries, and it was soon decided that an extravagant palace could be created by joining the Louvre to the Tuileries through a series of buildings. Additions continued to be built until 1682, when Louis XIV decided to move his court to Versailles, and le Louvre is now one of the largest palaces in the world.

In 1793, only four years after the French Revolution, the Louvre opened as an art museum, but Napoleon I and III continued to live in the Tuileries. During an uprising in Paris in 1871 however, the Tuileries was destroyed. Fortunately the Louvre and the buildings leading to the Tuileries were left intact.

The world-renowned Louvre currently covers over more than 48 acres of land. What used to be a palace for the kings has become a delight for tourists and art admirers alike. The long-gone kings, who now only exist in books, have becomes nothing more than fables of the past. The art, however, is admired by young (unless they are forced into the building!) And old alike.

It is interesting to note that most French kings who resided at le Louvre were not well received by the commoners in France. Their tendency to abuse their power eventually led to a revolution, and they became nothing more than a horrible memory from the past. We have to wonder how we will be perceived when we are gone. Will we be remembered as someone who abuses those around us? Will we be renowned for spreading death through our nasty words and actions, and through our selfishness? Or will we be remembered as one bringing life, love and peace to our surroundings?

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (Rom 8:6 NIV)

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Answers2Prayer ministries is offering a series of non-denominational bible studies called "Getting to Know Him". These consist of three in-depths studies:

1. Can you believe the New Testament?

Discover how reliable the New Testament books are. The verdict will be yours to make!

2. Jesus, a Fraud, a Lunatic or the Messiah?

Who was Jesus Christ? Were His claims true? Was He really who He said he was? Is there anyway to verify who He truly was? Who do YOU think Jesus really was? Was He a liar, pretending to be someone that He truly was not? Was He a lunatic, truly believing He was someone that He was not and deserving to be locked up in an institute? Or was He the one He proclaimed Himself to be?

3. Basking in God's Unfailing Love, An Open Invitation to Experience God Personally

To a world gone mad, trying to get to know Jesus may seem foolish. However if you give Him a try, you will desire to get to know Him more and more at the deepest level possible. His relationship with you will be more precious compared to any other human relationships out there. Enjoy getting to know Him.

These Bible studies are available on the Net at http://answers2prayer.org/studies.html . Subscription is free.

These studies are also available via email, for those who do not have web access. If interested, please let us know by sending us an email at prayer@answers2prayer.org

Come and discover the wonderful purposes Jesus has for you. Enjoy!

The Blame Game

Today's Bible Verse: Genesis 3:12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."

The Blame Game

I call it the “blame game.” You know about it, too. Someone does something diabolically wicked and it’s reported in the newspaper. The evidence is there and enough witnesses come forward to make the conviction stand. And then we read about parents, relatives, and friends who sobbingly declare that their child would never do this, or that the police have framed him, or that the System (whatever that is) is to blame. In other words, the wicked event – a murder, a rape, or an armed robbery – all took place by itself. And even though the evidence and witnesses clearly point to his or her guilt, the perpetrator is surely not to blame.

I’ve also seen it happen with drug addicts and alcoholics. I’ve sadly watched them ruin their lives, lose their jobs, and sever themselves from their families and friends. Despite all of these unfortunate things, the addict still mistakenly believes that someone else is to blame.

It’s a sad part of the human condition which has been with us since the very beginning. In the Garden of Eden, God discovers that Adam and Eve have eaten the forbidden fruit. When God questions the couple, Adam blames Eve (and also God for making her). Eve blames the serpent. No one is willing to stand up and say, “God, I cannot tell a lie. It was me.” They don’t even say that they are sorry.

Left to ourselves, human beings can be highly irresponsible and totally unrepentant. But through the mercy of God, the Holy Spirit sometimes afflicts and convicts us of our mistakes. When that happens we have two simple choices: we can go on thinking that we’re not to blame, or we can come to Christ’s Cross and ask Him to hear our confessions. If we approach Him sincerely, He will cancel our sins. We will be at last freed from the “Blame Game” and received into the Light of Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to name our shame and impart from our hearts the failures, mistakes, and blame for the sins we have committed, the relationships we have ruined, and the wrongs we have done. Grant us the courage to make things right with You and with those we have hurt, disappointed, or decried. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Let's Blow Paris! Not in my Lifetime! La Vie en Rose, Part 2

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:5-8 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Let's Blow Paris! Not in my Lifetime! La Vie en Rose, Part 2

We live in a day and age when people blow themselves to smithereens in order to further various causes. You have to wonder why anyone would do such a thing. In reality, most of these people are desperate, without even the slightest bit of hope for a brighter future. For these people, the human promises of an appealing after life may be motivation enough to choose such a horrible death. But how can one justify killing innocent people and children, even those who carry the label of infidel?

When General Dietrich von Choltitz faced similar orders, his response was quite different. He had been appointed the governor of Paris, and he was expected to obey all orders of his führer, Adolph Hitler. The allies had devastated several German strongholds throughout Europe, and Hitler feared that Paris would be next. His orders to General von Choltitz were very specific: "Destroy the city. Do not surrender it intact to the Allies. The city must not fall into enemy hands, unless it is lying in complete debris."

Explosives had been placed all over Paris. In electric and water facilities, under centuries-old bridges spanning the Seine, in the 400-year-old Palais du Luxembourg with its numerous treasures, in the Chamber of Deputies, the French Foreign Office, the telephone exchanges, the railroad stations, the aircraft plant and in every major factory in the nearby area.

Moreover to ensure that Paris would burn, a tunnel under the city was filled to the brim with U-boat torpedoes. Once ignited, these would produce utter devastation.

Although uprisings did start in Paris, General von Choltitz did not follow his orders to fight until the last bullet. Instead, he was able to negotiate with the Résistance to keep violence minimal, thus preventing any damage to the city. When surrounded by allied troupes, he surrendered, and disobeyed yet another direct order from Hitler, he refused to blow up a city that was filled with such beauty and history. You can imagine how furious the führer must have been! I can envisage fumes coming out of his nostrils.

After this, General von Choltitz was shunned by German veteran troupes. It seems that he never regretted his decision to disobey a mad man, however. When he died at the age of 71, several French army officers paid their respect by attending the ceremony. A wreath was laid with the following words: "En souvenir reconnaissante d'une famille de Paris" ("In grateful memory from a Parisian family")

Instead of sowing death, General von Choltitz tried to sow life. Instead of strife, he tried, to the best of his ability, to promote peace in the city of Paris.

What a difference in perspective between those geared for revenge and destruction and those geared to protect lives and promote peace!

Jesus says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matt 5:9 NIV)

The apostle Paul makes us aware that each one of us has a choice to make. We can take the easy road and follow our sinful nature. The result, however, is a mind "set on what nature desires" (addictions), hostility towards God, and a mind-frame geared for death.

We can also choose to decide to live according to God's Spirit, and have our "minds set on what the Spirit desires" ("love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." See Gal 5:22-23). This mindset promotes life and peace.

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." (Rom 8:5-8 NIV)

To which of these two groups do you belong?

Maybe I should reword my question: To which of these two groups would you like to belong?

If you decide on the first group, you have nothing to do. Keep following your natural inclinations, and fate will take its course. But please consider the consequences of this choice carefully!

If you instead decide to belong to the second group, you must accept Jesus as your Saviour and Master and invite His Holy Spirit to guide you to life, peace and freedom. He died for you to make this possible! You can be assured that He will deliver!

"Let's blow…"

"If there is something I would like to blow it's my perverse mindset!"

"Let's do it!"

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.'" (John 14:6 NIV) Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Today is Halloween and many will share sweet treats with children in their neighbourhood. May we learn from God's Holy Spirit to also share the sweet news of redemption from God with those around us. A message of hope for the hopeless!

'Unforgiveness and Worrying About Many Things' Doesn't Please Our Heavenly Father

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 6: 26-30 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not neither do they reap, nor gather in barns yet their heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his statute? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so cloth the grass of the field which today is and tomorrow is cast in to oven, shall he not much more cloth you, oh ye of little faith?

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you” Matt 6:14 KJV

Matt 6:25 KJV

“Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

My mom loves the Lord so much and she taught us to pray about everything. All the same, despite her happy marriage; she used to suffer high blood pressure.

I was so much concerned about it almost to get sick as well.

One day as I was leaving her for school, she was quite unwell, I heard her ask God to show her what she might have done to suffer that much.

Not knowing that we don’t get sick because we have sinned, I went crying to God to show mom what she might have done wrong, but in my childish understanding the lord still answered.

In a dream I saw mom lying down desperately praying for her healing. Her prayers were making a pathway to God in heaven. The heaven opened and her request accepted, immediately an angel was sent carrying her healing whom I watched come down using the same pathway made by the prayers. When the angel landed, he looked at mom, she wanted to deposit the healing inside her body but all on her were small parcels, the angel tried looking on her chest to get in but a small parcel on her chest hindered, in full of compassion, the angel told her, “remove those parcels first” and the angel carrying the healing with him started his same way back to heaven through the same pathway.

“Alas! Oh God! I interrupted shouting, “what are these parcels for???” the angel paused for a moment and answered, this is un forgiveness and also worrying so much about many things.” For me to understand well, in a flash of a second, one of the parcel unfolded, a certain lady who ones accused mom forcefully, appeared to visit us, as usual the way mom is kind to every one, she welcomed her, served her food and then mom paining in her inner heart said, “I have served you just to do the will of God but I don’t forget how you accused me forcefully but God knows.”

Though mom was saying the truth, she was paid pain when she was innocent, God didn’t view it that way, she was supposed to have forgiven already! Then her act of kindness would have been acceptable, and thus at her darkest hour, when she was praying for her healing she would have just received instant healing, divinely from above, which she had long awaited for.

Guess what, the angel left immediately, carrying back his healing.

When I went back home for holiday and gave my mom this message, you know what, before, it was hard for her to forgive, but she started slowly by slowly and it worked. She also stopped worrying about our tomorrow. With time she was able to live without day today medication of high blood pressure. She only needs to observe her diet even today and she loves the lord so much.

Matt 6: 26-30 KJV "Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not neither do they reap, nor gather in barns yet their heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his statute? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so cloth the grass of the field which today is and tomorrow is cast in to oven, shall he not much more cloth you, oh ye of little faith?”

UNFORGIVENESS AND WORRYING FOR MANY THINGS!!!! Will only lock us to slavery, it will never unlock eternity, it will makes one live without receiving answers from God, it also locks out our good health, spiritually and physically. Matt 18:35 KJV

“So likewise shall my heavenly father do unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.”

My good friend, what do you know about your heart now? How many times do we wait on God desperately for answers but with belongings in our hearts? Having our loving Dad ready with our answers but the condition of our hearts can’t receive. We need to reposition ourselves!

We need to check on our receiving ends and put everything in order.

We might be amazed in heaven to be shown all what we have been asking for, unutilized in heaven because we ask, our Jehovah jireh (provider) faithfully provides, but we don’t position ourselves right to receive.

Do you feel like forgiving your neighbor tonight? And what about worrying for tomorrow?

Please know, Jesus loves you so much.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 KJV

Winnie Ngugi Prayer warrior at Answers2Prayer.org

Announcements:

Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us at prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org . We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.

Barbaric Bastille. La Vie en Rose, Series part 1

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Introduction: This new series, which is inspired by our short visit to Paris this summer, is based on Romans 8. La Vie en Rose was first sung by Edith Piaf in 1946. It soon became so popular that the expression "La Vie en Rose", meaning "Life without worry", has become synonymous with the French way of life. Of course a life without worry is not realistic, but we, as Christians, have access to a real "Vie en Rose" through Jesus. Jesus made us "more than conquerors" for a reason, and it was not so that we could to cower in a corner, ashamed of our addictions. Instead, it is to deliver us from evil so that we can enjoy real living. He is our Vie en Rose!

La Bastille.

Though the building no longer exists, it is still well-known throughout the world. The Bastille was built between 1370 and 1380, and it was originally known as the Chastel Saint-Antoine. It was initially used as a fortress to provide protection against the Anglo-Burgundian forces during the Hundred Years' War. Early in the 17th Century, however, Cardinal Richelieu decided to transform it into a prison, first for the upper class, and later on, for more run-of-the-mill criminals.

The lettre de cachet, an arbitrary royal warrant arrest, threw innocent people into the horrors of the Bastille, rendering this fortress as one of the darkest symbols of royal despotism. Although there were worse prisons in France, the incarceration conditions in the Bastille were far from desirable. Anyone who spent even a half a minute thinking about them was filled with revulsion.

Sleeping with rats on damp straw, exposure to extreme cold, and rations of dry bread and water were common occurrences at the Bastille. A prisoner by the name of Constantine de Renneville wrote: ""Under an opening in the wall, I saw human bones; it was like a cemetery, and since I found the cellar in parts without paving, I dug and found a corpse wrapped in rags ... the warder said that they had kept the sorry remains in his cell; two other men and one woman had suffered the same fate." (Lüsebrink, 11) No wonder the French revolted against such a repugnant symbol of tyranny.

In the morning of July 14, 1789, the people of Paris seized weapons from the armoury at the Invalides and stormed the Bastille, releasing its seven prisoners and tearing it completely down. All that now remains of this infamous structure are a few bricks in a park near the "Place de la Bastille". The people of Paris no longer need to tremble at the mere thought of being incarcerated without reason in the horrible Bastille. There is no more condemnation to be found in this horrid place! The seven released prisoners sure can vouch for that!

In a much broader topic, we, too, have been released from our certain horrid destination. No one can claim to be sin free. All of us have been tainted by it, some more than others. Unlike many of the Bastille prisoners, however, we are actually guilty of our crimes! But God in His mercy send His son to die in our place, a death He did not deserve! He died so that we could be set free from any condemnation. He rose from the grave to assure us that we can indeed be freed from any addictions as well.

Like the apostle Paul said, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1 NIV) If the French can celebrate their liberation every 14th of July, we have even more reason to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! Hallelujah! We are truly free from condemnation! Moreover God opened the gates wide for reconciliation with Him! Wow!

What are we waiting for? Let's celebrate! Let's run into the wide-open arms of our Heavenly Father. He loves us! Now that we are in Christ, there is no more condemnation!

Rob Chaffart

Getting Up When You're Feeling Down

Today's Bible Verse: James 2:8 You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself." (The Message)

Do you ever feel blah? Ever wish you had a permanent "picker-upper"? If so, this may be for you.

In the 1920s, if you were looking for a little pick-me-up with your mid-afternoon snack, you might have reached for a cold, refreshing glass of 7-Up. Well, it wasn't called 7-Up back then, it was called "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda." (Say THAT three times fast!)

Inventor C. L. Griggs' original recipe included the antidepressant lithium until the 1940s as a "picker-upper" (www.cadburyschweppes.com). The original Coca-Cola formula also included a "picker-upper" -- cocaine.

Today, people not suffering from serious depression understand that they usually don't need mood-altering drugs to cope with daily life. But most folks struggle with bouts of mild depression, despondency or "the blahs" from time to time. How do you pick yourself up when you're feeling down, without the aid of Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda?

I hope I'm not telling you anything new when I say that talking about the reasons you're down, making needed changes, watching your diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, developing a positive mental outlook and utilizing spiritual resources are all important pieces of our emotional puzzles. But one important strategy for feeling better (and one that's LEAST used) is as important as the rest. It is helping others in need.

* Visit a shut-in neighbor.

* Write a letter.

* Call a friend who has been struggling.

* Volunteer at church, synagogue or the local food pantry.

* Rake someone's leaves.

* Bake homemade bread for a new neighbor.

* Wash your spouse's car.

* Volunteer to baby-sit for a young mother.

* Plan an unexpected act of kindness.

* Give a gift for no reason at all.

The needs are abundant, and those who put aside some regular time to do something kind for others will often forget they were feeling low. Why does is work? I don't know … it just does. Reach out and lift somebody else up and for some wondrous and magical reason, you lift yourself up, too.

Corrie Ten Boom beautifully said, "The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation." And if you've been feeling low, the best time to donate a piece of yourself is now.

Steve Goodier Life Support http://www.LifeSupportSystem.com

A Home Far Away From Home. Seeds to Life, Conclusion

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 2:11-12 Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. (The Message)

It's amazing the different kinds of hotels that welcome you for an overnight stay. Some of them welcome you with smiles, others don't seem to have woken up yet, and still others make you wish you had never arrived.

Nothing can compare to our stays at Le Petit Hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland, and at Pension Katharina in Jungholz, Austria. Both places received us with open arms, as if we were long lost friends. Both of them sat with us and gave us tips for our sightseeing adventures. Both of them made us feel valuable and welcome.

At Le Petit Hotel, my mother-in-law in Canada had troubles reaching us by phone. There were no phones in the rooms, and the receptionist had told us ahead of time that if we were downstairs when the call came in, we could talk on the hotel's main line. She then stayed with us to help us receive our call. When the call didn't come, she gave us her cell phone and encouraged us to use it to call my mother-in-law in Canada. She was at the hotel helping us for over an hour past her normal working hours, despite the fact that she had to be back at work for 6:00 a.m. the following morning.

At Pension Katharina, there were also no phones in the rooms. This time when my mother-in-law called, the owners came personally to the door of our room, bringing us their portable phone. They then offered to do our laundry for us, and they also charged our MP3s. That evening we entered a room filled with folded laundry and no worries about where to find a Laundromat.

The kind of reception we received in these two hotels make us want to go back. Not only did we have a nice place to stay, but we also made some friends in the short time we were there. I can truly say these places were like a home far away from home, and believe me, if we ever find ourselves in either Zermatt or Jungholz again, we know where we will stay!

Compared to eternity, our stay here on Planet Earth is also but a short stay away from home. Because there is so much beauty and so many exciting things to do here, we sometimes forget that this is but our temporary residence. May we never lose sight of our real home! May we never start feeling so comfortable in our temporary home, that it works to the detriment of our eternal destiny!

"Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives." (1 Peter 2:11-12 The Message)

"And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth… Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Heb 11:13, 16 NIV)

My friend, where is your home?

"Do you really want to stay in my decrepit hotel? Are you sane?"

This is the kind of reception we once received in a hotel in Northern British Columbia …

Rob Chaffart

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On Hold or Hold on?

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 91:14 If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. (The Message)

Whenever he is afraid, he comes to me.

It makes me feel good, and for whatever reason, gives him comfort.

"It's okay," I repeat over and over.

I hold him, kiss him and feel his fast beating heart gradually slow down.

It reminds me of my boys. I don't get to hold them as much any more, but I have had the occasion to reassure them that "It's okay," even in their adulthood.

This time it was Phil, our one year old furry kid.

He really doesn't like to be held. He's curious, active and in every sense of the word still a puppy.

Marianne was vacuuming. Ricky fights the bright eyed demon every step of the way. He doesn't fear things he can see. He fears things he can't, like thunder and fireworks.

Lucy, our other older puppy, just stays out of the fray.

She's the "alpha dog," and can't afford to let the boys see her as anything less.

This all reminded me today of times when I was afraid.

I can remember calling for help only to be put on hold.

But, like Phil, I have always found comfort running to the Father. He says, "It's okay," and helps me to hold on.

My heart beats slower in the comfort of His arms until I feel safe again. Like Ricky, I rarely fear the things I can see, but cower in a corner of my mind when faced with things I can't.

I wrote these words for one of my wall hangings and greeting cards: "What I can understand I can handle.

What I can't understand I give to God."

I need to remind myself of that.

God doesn't put you "on hold," He tells you to "Hold on!"

Bob Perks 2believe@comcast.net

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The One in Control. Seeds to Life, Part 9

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Circumstance can either bring waves of great tidings of hordes of utter misery and despair. But because it tends to bring us more bad news than good, if left to its mercy, we would end up desperate and hopeless. If properly addressed however, circumstance can be used as a guide to lead us to right decision, especially if we combine them with the power of God's Word and His Holy Spirit, and circumstance can be used to bring us closer to God.

A few days ago you read a story about our run up Kapuzinerberg, in Salzburg, Austria (See Rush on Kapuzinerberg). We weren't even halfway up the mountain when the menacing clouds that had plagued us for the past hour began emitting boisterous thunder. The rain was coming down as well, and I couldn't help remembering stories I had heard of kids who were struck by lightening while standing in wet grass. That's when I realized that our circumstances were far from desirable.

But what should we do? Retrace our steps to the bottom of the hill or persevere? Despite my heavy huffing and puffing that were a result of the climb, I somehow managed to have enough breath to utter a simple prayer: "Lord guide us, protect us and keep us safe. Thank you Lord."

Immediately I was filled with inner peace, and I knew that God would protect us.

In reflecting on this experience later, I realized that although it was raining, we were not getting wet. Initially the trees of the forest protected us from this liquidy stuff, but even after we had reached the top and made our way back down the mountain, through the streets of the old town, to the bus stop where we had to wait 15 minutes for our bus, we still weren't soaked to the skin. Our hats must have kept us dry, or at least the important body parts! But though we had been in the steady rain for the past two hours, it wasn't until we had finally entered our hotel that it started to rain in earnest. It came down in sheets, giving a whole new meaning to the expression, "It's raining cats and dogs" (poor animals)! If we had stayed outside for even a moment longer, we would have been drenched to the bone.

"Thank you Lord!" Was all we could say.

His response? "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Ps 91:4 NIV) Experiencing God is out of this world! We may not be able to rely on people, but we sure can on the Lover of our soul! He is the One who is in control of all of our circumstances, if we let Him!

May we learn to depend on Him, and rather than letting our circumstances blow us over, let's let them bring us closer to Him!

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Rom 8:37 NIV)

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Phil 4:11-13 The Message)

Are raindrops falling on your head? Look up to the Provider and rejoice! He will see you through anything, because He loves you!

Rob Chaffart

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Trust

Today's Bible Verse: 2 Cor 5:7 It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. (The Message)

"The little bird has chosen his shelter; above it are the stars and the deep heaven of worlds; yet he is rocking himself to sleep without caring for tomorrow’s lodging, calmly clinging to his little twig and leaving God to think for him" Martin Luther (1483–1546)

A few years ago I underwent surgery on my right hand for a condition known as Dupuytren’s Contracture. The little finger curls in and if not corrected will pull the other fingers down also. No big deal, apart from the fact that I am not ambidextrous and found that minor everyday tasks became major exercises. More recently I have required eight procedures on my eyes to deal with macular degeneration, cataract removal and ocular implants.

Whilst not having any fears concerning surgery, what did worry me was having a full anaesthetic. Family history did not fill me with confidence - my father-in-law died during prostate surgery and my mother did not come out of an anaesthetic when having a minor foot operation. So, whilst in theatre waiting for the anaesthetist to insert the needle, it occurred to me how much we must trust others at such times.

Suffice to say that I awoke some two hours later with a heavily bandaged hand and some minor discomfort, thankful that all went well and that my trust in the anaesthetist and surgeon was not misplaced. Neither was my trust in God.

I can have some sympathy with Biblical tribes who had to place their trust in others, not knowing what the outcome would be. Unlike those great leaders, men like Moses who trusted God implicitly, the followers had to put their trust in the man. How difficult it must be for doubters and unbelievers to place their whole trust in a person. Every day as we go about our lives, we may not give thought to the trust we must place in others - doctors, nurses, airline pilots, bus drivers - and countless other people who, in performing their daily tasks, have our safety and well being in their hands.

In these troubled days as we reflect on the threat of terrorism and conflict in many parts of the world, we are required to trust the judgement and motives of our leaders. Can we be sure that they have put their trust in God as they lead us into the unknown? We can hope, maybe presume, but we cannot be sure. What we can be sure of is the unfailing love of God as we bring our concerns to Him with complete trust.

“Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but his smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” (From the hymn “Trust and Obey” John Henry Sammis).

Pastor Ron

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Surrounded by Fog. Seeds to Life, Part 8

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:6 The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

We only had one goal that morning: To visit Grossglockner. Rising to 3,797 meters (12,457 feet), Grossglockner is the highest peak in Austria, and the 10 kilometer (6 mile) long Pasterze Glacier at its base, covering an area of 19.5 square meters (7.6 square miles) is the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. Both of these natural wonders can be found in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park, and that was our destination.

The weather seemed nice enough at first, but once in the park, the fog set in. In fact, the higher we climbed with our car, the foggier it became, to the point that we could see absolutely nothing. Not even the road!

One of the stops along the narrow, windy road was supposed to be the Alpine Naturschau Museum. My wife noticed the sign indicating the turn off just as we were passing it, but there was absolutely no way we could tell just where the museum was located. My wife was sure it was down a little trail to the right, and I was sure that it didn't exist at all. (We later learned that we had both been wrong. It did, indeed, exist, but it was off the road to the left! Good thing we didn't go looking for it in that fog!)

After our friendly argument over the location of the museum, we crept onward, heading (we hoped!) For the viewing tower on Edelweiss-spitze. The visibility didn't improve, and my poor wife's knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.

Once at the pass, the fog cleared slightly, just enough for us to locate the viewing tower and the gift shop, but by the time we had parked the car, the fog was as thick as ever. Various viewing stands pointed out this and that mountain peak, including the invisible Grossglockner, but as far as we could tell, there weren't any mountains at all! Just a bunch of thick, soupy air. We took some quick photos anyway, imagining as we did to the following potential conversation: "Here is our picture of Grossglockner."

"Where? I can't see anything!"

"It's right there in the fog!"

"You're joking, right?"

"I am not kidding!"

"Yeah, right!"

It reminded us a little of faith. Just because we can't see our miracle, we believe it isn't there. But just because we can't see it doesn't change the fact that it is there waiting for us!

At the gift shop at Edelweiss-Spitze we asked the store manager about the weather conditions throughout the park, and he gave us some discouraging news: "This system is moving off of the glacier, so it will just get thicker as you get closer. There's no way will you be able to see either the mountain or the glacier today! Your best bet is to come back tomorrow afternoon, when according to the latest weather predictions, it will clear up."

We were all a bit disappointed as we headed to our car. We decided to eat our picnic lunch in the car (it was about 8º C-a bit cold for an outdoor picnic!), and after prayer, we all felt complete inner peace and that all would turn out well. I was reminded of that day's morning devotional: "The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (Rom 8:6 NIV)

Suddenly my younger son exclaimed, "Papa, look behind you! We can see the mountains!"

I turned around and sure enough the air seemed to have cleared a little. But how could it be possible when the weather specialist insisted that the weather would only get worse!

We quickly took some pictures, and then we decided to drive on towards the glacier and the highest mountain in Austria. Not only did we get pictures of Grossglockner, but also of the Pasterze Glacier which was supposedly creating all that fog! An impossibility according to human weather specialists!

If we had relied on humans, we would have missed this huge blessing. Human guides, after all, are often wrong. Instead we relied on God's most assured guide: His Holy Spirit, and He provided us with beauty that day!

The Holy Spirit is our second ally when making daily decisions. The Holy Spirit never contradicts His written Word, the Bible. After all, how could the author contradict Himself, especially if He is not human? He is the most reliable guide in this world and He will lead us "into all truth" if we depend solely on Him.

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13 NIV)

Surrounded by fog? Don't worry, and don't take the word of any human being. Let God's Spirit be your guide. He will lead you to the sunny glamour of His Truth.

Rob Chaffart

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Glued Glasses and Sewed Jackets

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 12:9 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. (The Message)

The longer I live the more I see that our souls’ eyes and the world’s eyes aren’t the same. Just today, for instance, I was sitting at my kitchen table when suddenly my soul’s memories took me back 13 years in an instant. I remembered sitting at that same table getting out a needle and thread to sew a rip in my jacket. It was one of many gotten from years of working in a lumber mill. That day, however, was my day off and I was enjoying every moment of it with my kids.

Suddenly my toddler climbed on my knee for a game of "blow on my belly". His giggles tickled my soul but his arm also accidentally knocked off my glasses, breaking the frames for the hundredth time that year. At that time money was tight, miracle glue was cheap, and new glasses were not. I put my son down then, glued and reset the frames, and set them on the table to dry. Sewing the jacket without my glasses, though, was no easy task. On my thirtieth try at threading the needle my little daughter came in the room. I asked her if she could put the thread through the eye for me. She did on the first try and handed it back to me with a smile. "There you go, Daddy!", she said with sparkling eyes before heading back to her room to play.

I often wondered back then why I was having to struggle so hard just to get by. I wondered why I didn’t have the money to buy the new clothes and glasses that others took for granted. Now thirteen years later I think that maybe God was having my soul spend that time learning what the true riches in life really are. That giggling toddler in my arms was one of them. That loving daughter with the sparkling eyes was another. Compared to them all the money in the world was just worthless paper. Nowadays money doesn’t seem quite so important, but every loving hug I get from one of my children remains priceless. These lessons in love sometimes take a lifetime to learn, but what’s a lifetime when seen from the eternal eyes of your soul.

Joseph J. Mazzella joecool@wirefire.com

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Useless Maps. Seeds to Life, Part 7

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

In this series we have discovered that we can react in 4 different ways to the messages of God. But those who have decided to let God's seeds germinate in their heart need guides in their lives, and God has given us three. The first and most important of these is referred to as the map for our lives: God's Word, the Bible. None of the guides God has given us will ever contradict this map.

Have you ever gotten lost, even though you had a map?

I have decided that maps are not what they used to be. Especially the generic, free kind! They may give a general idea of where certain cities can be found, but they lack the details of more expensive maps.

While driving through Austria, we had to wonder why we were continually finding ourselves headed in the wrong direction. Our host at the bed and breakfast where we were staying shed some light on the situation. After trying to show us the route we should take on our free map, he said, "How can you get by with such a map!" Needless to say, we spent the day making multiple u-turns and wondering where all the towns we drove through mysteriously came from.

Finally, after stopping for the hundredth time to ask local people for directions, we decided to stop at the next gas station and purchase a more reliable map. With this goal in mind, we set out. The only problem was, we didn't have any idea where the next gas station might be, and once again, we found ourselves utterly lost.

As my wife was driving, I was the one closest to the sidewalk that the elderly gentleman was walking down. I lowered my window, and in my quasi deformed German, I asked him: "Excuso bitte, waar ist the closest gasoline?"

He looked at me funny. Had I said something wrong?

"Gasoline???" He repeated.

"Ja, Ja, gasoline for the auto," I replied.

"Gasoline???" He said again.

I could only guess he was somehow stuck on that word, so I tried my best to communicate my request using gestures. I pretended to have a nozzle in my hand and was sticking it in a make-believe car, but to him my gestures must have looked more like a deadly snake that I was trying to push into his hands, because he backed away.

All of a sudden his face lightened up and a string of unintelligible (to me, anyway!) Words escaped from his lips: "Möchten sie benzene finden?"

I had no idea what he said, but my wife, who had taken German in school, was nodding and saying, "Ja!", so what possible harm could there be in agreeing with the frightened old man? I nodded my head, too: "Ja, ja."

Unfortunately for me, he then began rattling off directions in German, directions to what I could only hope was the nearest gas station. My wife was nodding her head and preparing to turn the car, but I was completely lost.

"Repeat bitte?" I requested innocently.

And he did. With lots of gestures. And thanks to his gestures I thought I knew which way we should be heading. More importantly, my wife seemed to know where to go, and we were soon back on the road, heading, I hoped, in the right direction. And sure enough, a gas station soon appeared.

There was absolutely no comparison between the excellent, detailed map we purchased at that "benzine" station, and the useless one I had brought from Canada. Every town, village, and wide place in the road anywhere in Austria could be found on that map, and our biggest challenge now became how to manipulate the huge, double-sized piece of paper into a manageable size!

I'm happy to say that we never got lost again, and we never again had to backtrack. Or at least not while we were in Austria! And most importantly, elderly gentlemen no longer had to worry about my attempts at German. We had a reliable guide, and as a result, not only were we safe, but so were the others on the road!

As believers we also have a reliable map that always guides us to the right destination: heaven! Many pretend they know the way, but if their way does not match this map, then don't follow them! They will lead you astray. It may be a very innocent deception, just like the free map we were originally trying to navigate with, but in the long run, they will cause a lot of trauma. Avoid them!

The only reliable map provided by the direct inspiration of God's Spirit is God's Word, the Bible. You can never go wrong if you follow its advice. Moreover God will never contradict His written word. It will lead you to eternity and will help you avoid the pitfalls of deception and sin (For more information about the Bible, go to http://www.answers2prayer.org/bible_studies/new_testament/index.html ).

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Ps 119:105 NIV)

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb 4:12 NIV)

If you are planning a trip to Europe, don't hesitate to buy one of those huge, detailed maps that are available in bookstores throughout North America. It will save you being labelled a "menace" in the country you plan to travel in, and most importantly, you won't get lost!

Rob Chaffart

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Alive on the Outside

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:37-38 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

From a distance, it looked like a victim of last year’s hurricane. My friend Sarah, pointed. “Look at that!”, she exclaimed. I followed her finger, and saw the huge tree where half of it had been ripped off. Literally. The jagged place showed just where the wind force lopped off a giant part of the tree.

We walked closer to it and noticed a dark area in the trunk. Upon closer examination, we found, what appeared to be, the heart of the tree all blackened and dead looking. How could the tree be alive if it were dead on the inside?

I thought of Rita. Radiation treatments had claimed her dark, curly hair. On the outside, her body was failing. On the inside, her spirit was more vibrant than ever. While we were visiting, her sunken eyes were closed, breathing shallow. But oh my, the peaceful expression on her face said it all. Talk about shekinah; the glory of the Lord shone from within her. Her spirit was very much alive, even though, on the outside, her body was wracked by disease

Last week I was at the home of a neighbor. Terry looked great on the outside, acted fine too. She welcomed us, chatted animatedly, graciously offered a snack her husband had laid out on the kitchen table. We were there to pray with Terry, whose diagnosis was stage 4 metastasized cancer. She was thin, and her body clearly showed signs of battling a disease. On the inside, though, her spirit was vigorous, as was clearly evident as we prayed together.

Looks are deceiving, and things are not always what they seem. Some people are alive on the outside, yet dead on the inside, in their spirit. Still others look sick on the outside, yet are very much alive in their soul, on the inside.

At Terry’s home, I found this note taped to the bathroom mirror, which her son kindly let me copy : Cancer is so limited.

It cannot Cripple love Shatter hope Corrode faith Destroy peace Kill friendship

Suppress memories Silence courage Invade the soul Steal eternal life It cannot Conquer the Spirit.

The bible tells us we are “more than conquerors through Jesus Christ". (Romans 8:37).

That is very good news.

Sally Ireland Kennedy Irish Thursdays Weekly Devotionals © 2009 http://www.sallyikennedy.com Subscribe, or unsubscribe http://www.sallyikennedy.com or email sallyikennedy@bellsouth.net

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No One Will Know! Seeds to Life, Part 6

Today's Bible Verse: Job 28:24 He knows where everything is on earth, he sees everything under heaven. (The Message)

Secrets, especially ones that belong in the dark closet, are best kept quiet. After all, no one needs to know what kinds of nefarious things we have done in the past. No one will hear us when we whisper our nasty words into the ears of those who will be hurt by them. Our dirty deeds can remain a secret between us and our victims, right?

While visiting Innsbruck in South-west Austria, we were surprised by the numerous visitors that flooded the old town. We could hardly move through the crowds, and the noise of everyone busily conversing between themselves in foreign languages was nearly overpowering. For all we knew, people could have been telling horrendous secrets and no one would have ever known the difference.

Or at least that's what I thought… In our ambition to savour this city to the fullest, we climbed the steps of the 14th century Stadtturm, the city tower next to the old town hall. Being 56 meters high (184 feet) it provides an outstanding view of the city. Just the thing for a photographer buff such as myself!

As I was busily shooting photo after photo, my wife caught my attention. "Stop for a minute," she said. "Listen to the people down below!" I put my camera down and peered out over the rail as she had suggested, fully expecting to hear the same cacophony I had heard from the street level, but to my surprise, not only could I clearly see every individual action of each person in the square below, but I could distinctly hear each word that was spoken! If I could have understood all of those different languages, I would have been able to understand every conversation that went on 184 feet below me without any effort at all!

How was this possible?

It was our vantage point. Our spot, high above the city, made it possible for us to eavesdrop effortlessly. Suddenly it struck me that there are truly no secrets in this world. Every decision we make has repercussions, either for the good or for the bad. The laws of physics, as well as the laws of life make sure of this. The more stubbornly selfish we become, the more people get hurt. The more we focus on Jesus, the more people will be blessed.

Secrets of the past will be one day be laid open in front of everyone. This may or may not happen in this life-time, but if not, it will certainly happen on Judgement Day. How? Because just as we could distinguish every conversation and every action from the top of the Innsbrook Stadtturn, God can do this even more effectively: "He knows where everything is on earth, he sees everything under heaven." (Job 28:24 The Message)

We need to ask ourselves if it's really worth our while to hang on to our past secrets. Instead, wouldn't it be better to search for forgiveness and make amendments? Wouldn't life be more worthwhile if there were no longer any worries about being discovered? If we had the assurance that we were living in God's will?

Our decisions will have repercussions for eternity. May we live without regret!

"There is something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God's yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman." (Rom 2:15-16 The Message)

"Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it." (1 Peter 1:22 The Message)

What is your pet secret?

Rob Chaffart

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It Dawned on me!

Today's Bible Verse: Heb 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age — and Sarah herself was barren — was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

I find a lesson in everything. Particularly my mistakes. If you know me, you would then realize that I am continuously learning because I make so many mistakes.

This lesson comes at the first light of dawn.

Every morning, just as the sun is even beginning to think about rising, my dog, Phil wakes me up.

Every morning.

At first I thought it was when the news papers were delivered. But I've been awake at that hour and Phil doesn't move.

Then I thought it was when one of the neighbors left for work. He works for the state and has one of those trucks with the back up warning sound. For the life of me I can't figure why he doesn't back up the drive when he comes home, so he doesn't have to back down the drive early in the morning.

No, Phil sleeps through that, too.

He wakes up at the first call of the birds.

As soon as he hears one bird chirp, he is up.

That somehow even applies to times when all the windows are shut in our bedroom and the air conditioner is running.

Instinct.

So, what the lesson here?

Faith. Phil responds because he knows if the birds are awake it must time.

The birds respond on to a promise.

When God created them He made a promise that the sun will always rise and He will provide them with all they need for that day.

The exact same promise He made you.

How often have you not responded to the promise?

Faith is a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark.

If you awaken to darkness, sing. For He has made YOU a promise.

Bob Perks

A Way Paved to Hell. Seeds to Life, Part 5

Today's Bible Verse: 2 Peter 1:10 So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing…

Branau am Inn is a simple yet attractive town in upper Austria. Its rustic stores are neatly lined up with fashioned displays, the church steeple proudly towers above the skyline, and flowers decorate the streets, the remains of medieval walls, and the houses, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

This quiet little town can also be found in the history books, for it hosts the birthhouse of one rather well-known name from the past: Adolph Hitler. Adolph, the 4th child of Klara and Alois Hitler, was the only one in the family to make the history books. His dad, a hard-working man, held considerable status in the Austrian custom services and he provided well for his family's needs.

Adolph was a medium student, whose only ambition in life was to become an artist. Unfortunately, this ambition did not please his father. He eventually left school with the equivalent of a ninth grade education, and his 1907 application to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts was denied. It seems that Adolph was "unqualified" for their programs.

After both of his parents had passed away, Adolph lived on his inheritance, as well on an orphan fund, which required that he continue his studies. He pretended to do just that, but he was unwilling to work, and after exhausting all of his money, Adolph ended up in a homeless shelter.

Between 1910 and 1913 Adolph painted and sold postcards and pictures. He also began debating his unique ideas with others in the shelter. He failed to register for the Austrian draft and ended up fleeing to Munich, Germany. He eventually was extradited back to Austria, but was then rejected by the army as physically unfit.

When World War I broke out, Adolph volunteered for the German army. While he laid in the hospital, temporarily blinded by mustard gas, Germany was declared defeated. It was at that time that he began to blame Jews for the defeat of Germany, and he decided to enter politics in order to save the country.

Little by little Hitler began developing his speaking skills, and he eventually rose to power and changed the world with his ambitions. This led to World War II, and it has been estimated that between 50 and 70 million people were killed during this atrocious War.

How could someone from such a quiet little town grow up to make the kinds of choices made by Adolph Hitler? Interestingly, it was just one decision leading to another, but these affected the world.

Our own actions are no different. We may think that our petty sins have no consequences on anyone, but they do. Think about it: families are destroyed, children become estranged and people are herded into a life of hell. All because of one wrong action that lead to another.

Beauty may surround us. We may even be attending church regularly. But if we live for ourselves instead of for God, we will eventually cause damage that will affect not only ourselves, but our loved ones as well. True love cannot co-exist with selfishness. It is utterly impossible.

This is why the apostle Peter urges us to not put off our choice to accept God's invitation to salvation through His son Jesus. Only Jesus can bring meaning and purpose in our lives. Only He can turn our lives into blessings to others.

"So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing…" (2 Peter 1:10 The Message)

If in doubt about the consequences of your actions, consider Adolph Hitler's life. He had a promising future, but his choices didn't fulfill him.

Are our lives making a difference to others, or are we just barely trying to exist? Are others blessed by our decisions, or do our decisions hurt them? In the hereafter, will we be received with open arms or with disdain?

It's not too late to accept the offer of the Lover of our soul. He can change our destiny around and make it worthwhile! The choice is ours to make!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Rob Chaffart

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Answers2Prayer ministries is offering a series of non-denominational bible studies called "Getting to Know Him". These consist of three in-depths studies:

1. Can you believe the New Testament?

Discover how reliable the New Testament books are. The verdict will be yours to make!

2. Jesus, a Fraud, a Lunatic or the Messiah?

Who was Jesus Christ? Were His claims true? Was He really who He said he was? Is there anyway to verify who He truly was? Who do YOU think Jesus really was? Was He a liar, pretending to be someone that He truly was not? Was He a lunatic, truly believing He was someone that He was not and deserving to be locked up in an institute? Or was He the one He proclaimed Himself to be?

3. Basking in God's Unfailing Love, An Open Invitation to Experience God Personally

To a world gone mad, trying to get to know Jesus may seem foolish. However if you give Him a try, you will desire to get to know Him more and more at the deepest level possible. His relationship with you will be more precious compared to any other human relationships out there. Enjoy getting to know Him.

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Come and discover the wonderful purposes Jesus has for you. Enjoy!