September 8, 2004

Devotional guides to help strengthen your walk in Christ

September 8, 2004

Postby Rev. Doc » Tue Sep 07, 2004 6:58 pm

Spiritual Destiny

"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart."
Ecclesiastes 7:2

A certain courthouse in Ohio stands in a unique location. Raindrops that fall on the north side of the building go into Lake Ontario and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, while those falling on the south side go into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. At precisely the point of the peak of the roof, just a gentle puff of wind can determine the destiny of many raindrops. It will make a difference of more than 2,000 miles as to their final destination.

The spiritual application is clear. By the smallest deed or choice of words we might set in motion influences that could change the course of others' lives here and now and could also affect their eternal destiny.

Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you be an instrument used by Him to influence the spiritual destiny of others.

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
~Albert Schweitzer
"The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible."
~George Burns
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Postby true_noir_chloe » Tue Sep 07, 2004 7:29 pm

In the prayer, I hope that only means, influence and not affect. Since, God's will can not be changed by man's effort. If you know what I mean? ~_^ I'm sure no one's salvation has been lost by me, however, my blessing would have been lost.

[size=84][color=seagreen]YOU SEE


You see into the deepest part of me ---

beyond the fog I hide behind.

You cast your light upon the shadows

that stretch like cobwebs in my mind.

You ease the pain when I am hurting,

and morbid visions from my past

pierce into the realm of Reason

as though I danced on blades of glass.

You grant me strength when I have fallen

and, once again, I've lost my way.

You take my hand in Yours and lead me

into the promise of a brand new day.

You bring order to all my chaos,

yet set my well-laid plans awry.

You place me on a firm foundation ---

then give me wings so I can fly.

You sand away my roughened edges

and polish all the dullest parts

until I stand before Your presence...

a newly-sculpted work of art.

You see into the heart within me,

right through my motives and selfish will.

And yet, in spite of all You see

You say You love me even still.


~by D.M.~

[/color][/size]
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Postby Rev. Doc » Thu Sep 09, 2004 9:24 am

true_noir_chloe wrote:In the prayer, I hope that only means, influence and not affect. Since, God's will can not be changed by man's effort. If you know what I mean? ~_^ I'm sure no one's salvation has been lost by me, however, my blessing would have been lost.


We can only influence by our example. However, the Holy Spirit's work in another's life is the true determination of change. We must also realize that just has we can allow God's love to flow through us as an example to draw people to the cross, the Bible also warns that we can be a stumbling block in the lives of people. We truly must take care of the kind of life we live.
"The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible."
~George Burns
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Rev. Doc
 
Posts: 2025
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:23 pm
Location: South Carolina

Postby true_noir_chloe » Thu Sep 09, 2004 1:02 pm

I agree. I was just being caught up in semantics. Thanks for the devotion, Rev.Doc.

[size=84][color=seagreen]YOU SEE


You see into the deepest part of me ---

beyond the fog I hide behind.

You cast your light upon the shadows

that stretch like cobwebs in my mind.

You ease the pain when I am hurting,

and morbid visions from my past

pierce into the realm of Reason

as though I danced on blades of glass.

You grant me strength when I have fallen

and, once again, I've lost my way.

You take my hand in Yours and lead me

into the promise of a brand new day.

You bring order to all my chaos,

yet set my well-laid plans awry.

You place me on a firm foundation ---

then give me wings so I can fly.

You sand away my roughened edges

and polish all the dullest parts

until I stand before Your presence...

a newly-sculpted work of art.

You see into the heart within me,

right through my motives and selfish will.

And yet, in spite of all You see

You say You love me even still.


~by D.M.~

[/color][/size]
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true_noir_chloe
 
Posts: 3091
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 12:00 pm
Location: Where Tex-Mex is the best! ^_____^


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