A LOOK AT END TIME PROPHECY THROUGH THE EYES OF AN UNWORTHY SERVANT

Daily Prayer for April 30 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:41-42, NIV Dear Father in heaven,  we lift our eyes to you. You allow earthly events to follow their own course, and even your own Son had to suffer and die. But your plan is already prepared and you will act in our time according to your will. We pray, “Your will be done, your will!” In the midst of all the suffering let your love be revealed in many places, wherever it is possible for people to understand it. You have always protected us; protect us still. You have done much for us and we want to praise your name. We want to be people who always acknowledge you and praise you, for you will never let any be lost who hope in you. Be with us this night, help us, and send us the strength we need to serve you, also in our everyday life. Amen.  

Daily Dig for April 30 Thomas Merton Sunrise is an event that calls forth solemn music in the very depths of our nature, as if one’s whole being had to attune itself to the cosmos and praise God for the new day, praise him in the name of all the creatures that ever were or ever will be. I look at the rising sun and feel that now upon me falls the responsibility of seeing what all my ancestors have seen, in the Stone Age and even before it, praising God before me. Whether or not they praised him then, for themselves, they must praise him now in me. When the sun rises each one of us is summoned by the living and the dead to praise God. Source:  Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander    

HIS GIFTS INSPIRE US TO GIVE Tuesday, April 30, 2019 |  2 Corinthians 9:1–16 A study in  Scientific American  tested whether it is better to give than to receive. Participants were given a choice between receiving a monetary award or donating money to a charity. The result? “Our brains seem to suggest that the joy of being a gift’s giver may eclipse that of being its recipient.” As we conclude this month’s study on the incredible gifts God has given us, what is our response? If God has given us everything from breath to nourishment and from love to hope, it should be clear that we too are called to give. The Corinthians had faithfully supported Paul with finances and assistance. “For I know of your eagerness to help,” said the Apostle (v. 2). Their giving supported the Lord’s work and Paul’s ministry. He encouraged them to be consistent in their giving and not to neglect those in need. This passage reminds us how to give. First, we are to give deliberately and t...

April 30, 2019 An Awareness of God 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The three commands in today’s passage may look simple because they’re short, but many people find them challenging to obey. Our lives are so full of responsibilities and activities that it’s all we can do to keep up our schedules, let alone live as these verses command. There’s only one way to succeed—not by trying harder but by focusing on Christ. When He becomes the center of our attention, our attitude and behavior will change. Rejoice Always.  The realization that our omnipotent God is constantly with us puts troubling circumstances in their proper place—under His authority. It also helps us sense the incomparable joy of His companionship, even in difficulties and suffering. Pray without ceasing.  It’s important to set aside time each day to come before the Lord with our problems and requests. But believers also long for an ongoing attitude of prayer, which, like a continual conversation, is expressed ...

No Maverick Cells in Me MY DEEPEST HOPE DURING CANCER August 7, 2018 Article by  John Piper Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org Two hours before writing this sentence, I received a phone call from a friend whose adult son was just told by the doctor that the medical professionals have done all they can do, and that barring a miracle, his cancer will be fatal. This would be the second child my friend has lost to cancer. I mention this because I am painfully aware that not everyone gets a reprieve from the cancer diagnosis the way I did — so far. There are several ironies surrounding my own experience with cancer. My biopsy for prostate cancer happened on our thirty-seventh wedding anniversary, and the surgery to remove the cancerous gland happened on Valentine’s Day. It’s okay if you smile, even though cancer is not a laughing matter. Routine Exam, Everything Changes Let me set the stage. It was a routine checkup with my urologist, after ye...