Verse for Today

James 4:10

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

 

 

P.U.S.H.

 

 

Pray Until Something Happens

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.
The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day.
For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into his weary mind:
"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved."
Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said,
"Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."
That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.
"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately,
"My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done.
Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.


When everything seems to go wrong ... just PUSH!
When the job gets you down ... just PUSH!
When people don't react the way you think they should..... just PUSH!
When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ...just PUSH!
When people just don't understand you ... just PUSH!

For a long time it seemed to me that real life was about to begin, but there was always some obstacle in the way. Something had to be got through first, some unfinished business; time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

My Aussie Cake

　
　
　

Hello my friends,

Well, it's been a busy start to the year for me, and January is nearly over!
Today I have celebrated Australia Day, we had a lovely bar-be-que on my balcony, as the weather was not very good, raining on and off all day!
So nice to share a day with friends, and talk about our history, and how we used to celebrate when we were young.
Sydney city, was busy, with ferry races on our wonderful Sydney Harbour, and lots of activities everywhere!
I think about my heritage, (I am 5th generation Australian), and my ancestors from England and Ireland, how they stuggled to make Australia their home, and I know how blessed I am to live in this wonderful country!
I hope you enjoy reading a little about our history.
God Bless
Kerry

History of Australia Day
Australians have a national holiday every January 26th to remember their origins and celebrate their achievements.
ORIGINS:On January 26, 1788, a fleet of ships landed at what is now Sydney, Australia. These ships were under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip and had brought a load of prisoners from England. The prisoners on the ships were not all criminals as we would think of them today. Many of them were people who had been arrested because the government didn't like what they had to say. And some were poor people who had been jailed because they owed money.
These prisoners were the first Europeans to settle in Australia.
Before 1783 (when the Americans won the Revolutionary War) many of Britain's unwanted criminals had been sent to the United States.
The desire to get rid of criminals was not the only motivation for colonizing Australia. Botany Bay, Australia made a good port of call for British ships travelling in that part of the world. Also, Australia's raw materials were an attractive reason for colonizing the country.

TODAY:Since that time, millions more have chosen Australia as their home. And wherever they are from, they all take part in celebrating Australia Day.
During the last weekend in January, Australians enjoy folk dances and music of the many national groups that make up their land. These musicians and dancers appear in the oldest part of Sydney (called The Rocks) near the harbour where the first Europeans landed.
Captain Arthur Phillip's landing in the harbour is re-enacted each year.

Australia's National Flag　

In the top left hand corner is the Union Jack. This shows that Australia is part of the British Commonwealth. Beneath the Union Jack is a large white star with seven points. The points represent the six states and the territories. Originally this star had six points. The seventh point, for the territories was added in 1908.

On the right hand side are the stars of the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross was chosen because it can always be seen in the Australian sky at night.

　 The Aboriginal Flag

The Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas, an artist and an Aboriginal, in 1971. The flag was designed to be an eye-catching rallying symbol for the Aboriginal people and a symbol of their race and identity. The black represents the Aboriginal people, the red the earth and their spiritual relationship to the land, and the yellow the sun, the giver of life.

In the late 1960s, Aborigines stepped up their campaign for indigenous land rights through protest marches, demonstrations, banners and posters. The protests increased in the early 1970s and Harold Thomas noticed they were often outnumbered by non-Aborigines with their own banners and placards. He decided they needed to be more visible and the idea of the flag was born.

The Aboriginal flag was first raised in Victoria Square in Adelaide on National Aboriginal Day in 1971, but was adopted nationally by Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in 1972 after it was flown above the Aboriginal "Tent Embassy" outside of the old Parliament House in Canberra.
The Aboriginal flag is increasingly being flown by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. In view of its increasing importance in Australian society, the Government initiated steps in 1994 to give the flag legal recognition. After a period of public consultation, the Government made its own decision in July 1995 that the flag should be proclaimed a "Flag of Australia" under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953. The flag was so proclaimed by the Governor General of Australia, William Hayden, on 14 July 1995. 　

　

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

A VERSE FOR TODAY

Romans 4:18-21
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead -- since he was about a hundred years old -- and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Verse for Today

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
author unknown

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind... let it be something good.

Author Unknown

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,

Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
Think big anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack if you help them.Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway. 

Dr. Kent M. Keith

Verse for Today

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

The Road of Life

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized his picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.
But later on, when I met Christ, it seemed as though my life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back, helping me pedal.
I don’t know when it was that He suggested that we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable…
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when he took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and
through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal.”
I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?”
He laughed and didn’t answer… and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lords and mine.
And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.”
So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received,
And still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it;
But He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bent to take sharp corners,
Knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
And I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
With my delightful constant companion Jesus Christ.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says…”Pedal”
                                                                            Author  Ralph Unknown

A little humour for today.......

God Loves You! 

 from UCB The Word for Today

'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us...' 1 John 3:1 NIV

God knows everything there is to know about you, including your past, present and future. He doesn't miss a thing. He knows your name: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.' (Isaiah 43:1 NKJV) He also knows your address: 'I know...where you dwell...' (Revelation 2:13 NKJV) And here's the most amazing part. With full knowledge of you, He loves you! He doesn't say, 'I love you, if.' There are no 'ifs' in God's heart. His love for you existed before you were born and it will exist after you're gone. 'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!' Does that mean God doesn't care what we say or do? No, to love without condition doesn't mean to love without concern. Sometimes we confuse unconditional love with unconditional approval. God doesn't approve of betrayal, selfishness, pride, dishonesty, lust, resentment or any other form of sin. These are the opposite of the love God wants to instil in our hearts. God's unconditional love just means He continues to love us even when we blow it; that He waits for us like the father waited for the return of his prodigal son. It's important that we hold to the truth that God never stops loving us even when He's grieved by what we do. 'Why is that so important?' you ask. Because God's love is the magnet that will draw us back to Him every time.



SoulFood: Job 21-23, Matt 5:38-48, Ps 3, Pr 1:29-31

Strengthen Your Faith

from UCB word for today

...You gave me room when I was in distress...' Psalm 4:1 NRS

When God wants to make you a bigger person, He does it through 'distress'. The way to build stronger muscle is to lift more weight. Now when a muscle is put under stress, you groan. But if you persist, that muscle grows stronger and what you were groaning about last week you are smiling about this week. Who said the Christian life was supposed to be easy? Not God! His Word compares it to a battlefield, not a bed of roses. '...endure hardness, as a good soldier...' (2 Timothy 2:3 KJV) Satan's number one target is your faith! Jesus said to Peter, '...Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail...' (Luke 22:31-32 NKJV) In the same way you separate wheat from chaff, Satan wants to separate you from your faith. Not only did Peter survive this attack, he grew through it and wrote: 'Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' (1 Peter 4:12 NKJV) Because we tend to be shocked when trials come our way, Peter deals with our attitude toward attack. He wants us to know how to think when we're under attack, to understand the appropriateness of the battle we are in. Satan may attack your health but he's after your faith. He may attack your finances but he's after your faith. If he can destroy your confidence in God and His Word, he wins and you lose. So the word for you today is: 'Strengthen your faith.'



SoulFood: Ex 17:8-16, Eph 3:14-21

Verse for Today

Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”

 I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver

Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend ... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present — love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure — the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.— Sarah Ban Breathnach

Happy New Year

A Thought To Start The Year....

...people choose to change and chase their dreams in the new year, but when you think about it... nothing stops you from doing all of that any time in the year.


Happy New Year my friends, may you have happiness always,
God Bless
Kerry