My Inbox of Daily Inspirations: 02/02/08

Today's Verse : Philippians 2:3

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 3, 2008

VERSE:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves.
-- Philippians 2:3

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:3

THOUGHT:
Humility is recognizing who God has made us to be and using that
to serve and redeem others. Living in humility as Jesus did, we
don't just practice the golden rule, but we go one step better --
we treat others better than we would treat ourselves. Because we're
unworthy or unfit? No! Jesus was worthy and glorious, but he
counted others better than himself when he sacrificially gave
himself to redeem them. It's a high standard. It's a hard standard.
It is not for wimps. But it is ultimately glorious (hint, read down
through verses 9-10 and remember that the same type of reward will
be given to the faithful!).

PRAYER:
Almighty God, thank you for adopting me as your child and making
me holy and precious to you. Please help me to see myself as you
do, and then, as one of your precious children, empower me to serve
others in ways that help them see your glory. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20080203

Today's Verse is also available in:
PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/3/0203.html
SPANISH - http://www.laluzdelalma.com/vdh/3/0203.html

/--- Turn Today's Verse into a Poster ---------------------\
Create beautiful 18"x24" posters from any Bible verse!
You can add your own personal note, making them great for
gifts or awards. See the selection:
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/50/

-----------------/

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD, by Brother Lawrence
This edition of this timeless devotional classic will help you
cultivate a continual awareness of God in the everyday.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?223

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi

Today's Verse is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

Today's Verse is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is
part of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine
on the Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles,
plus music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!

http://www.heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-todaysverse@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email message to the unsubscribe address:
unsubscribe-todaysverse@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/todaysverse.html
======================================================================

Today's KJV Verse : Philippians 2:3

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 3, 2008

VERSE:
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
-- Philippians 2:3

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:3&translation=kjv

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20080203&ver=kjv

/--- $5 PER MONTH BLESSES 2,000 PEOPLE ---------------------\
Just five bucks means 2,000 email devotionals can be sent
to believers around the world. Help get the Word out!
\--------------------- http://www.heartlight.org/support ---/

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?ver=kjv

http://www.heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-todaysverse-kjv@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
todaysverse-kjv-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/todaysverse.html
======================================================================

Daily Wisdom NIV : Proverbs 3:1-2

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your
heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you
prosperity.

Proverbs 3:1-2, New International Version
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+3:1-2

/--- HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PLEDGE YET? ------------------\
Your generosity is what makes this ministry
possible! Will you join us? We need you!
\-- http://www.heartlight.org/support/monthly.html ---/

DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/dailywisdom.cgi

Daily Wisdom is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

Daily Wisdom is a part of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading
Christian living e-zine on the Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the
web for even more articles, plus music, devotionals and more
for your Christian walk!

http://www.heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-dailywisdom-niv@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
dailywisdom-niv-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

======================================================================

Daily Wisdom KJV : Proverbs 3:1-2

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my
commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace,
shall they add to thee.

Proverbs 3:1-2, King James Version
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+3:1-2&translation=kjv

/--- Sponsor a Child with Compassion -----------------------\
For less than a dollar a day, you can make a powerful
difference in the life of a needy child. Click on the
following link to learn more about sponsoring a child
through Compassion!
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/31/ -------------------/

DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/dailywisdom.cgi?ver=kjv

http://www.heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-dailywisdom-kjv@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
dailywisdom-kjv-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

======================================================================

Quotemeal: "Since He hath looked upon ..."

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / QUOTEMEAL from HEARTLIGHT --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Since He hath looked upon me my heart is not my own. He hath
run away to heaven with it.

-- Samuel Rutherford

|-- Overcoming Infidelity ---------------------------------|

Divorce Destroys and Infidelity Can be Cured.
Almost 90% of the couples completing our program not
only enjoy restored marriages, they report a much higher
level of marital satisfaction. Click below to find
where healing happens.

|--

http://ads.heartlight.org/email/71/

-------------------|

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

HOUSE, by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker
Best-selling authors Peretti and Dekker join forces for an
adrenaline-laced thriller!
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?252

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

QUOTEMEAL - Your daily diet of Christian quotes... /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/quotemeal

Quotemeal is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus music,
devotionals and more for your Christian walk!

Do you have a favorite Christian quote you would like to share?
Let us know! http://www.heartlight.org/comments/quoteform.html

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-quotemeal@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
quotemeal-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

======================================================================

Daily Heartlight -- February 2, 2008

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
February 2, 2008

-----------------/

=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================

The God of Power, by Bill Sherrill

Most folks, including Christians, have little concept of the power
which is available to those who follow the LORD. In fact, much of the
so-called Christian world spends much of its energy trying to remove
the miraculous vestiges from the Bible and replace them with "natural
phenomena." They say creation was just a way of explaining evolution to
ignorant and superstitious people. The story of Noah was the result of
a local flood. The Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River during
the dry season. On and on we could go. We may spend considerable time
arguing with the "unbeliever" about these and other events, but our
real problem is that too many Christians, too many of us, while
defending the theories of God's power, do not really accept it in our
own lives today.

Many professing to be followers of Jesus today, actually grew up loving
the great stories of God's power in the Bible account, but cannot bring
that power into the 21st Century. While thrilling at the accounts of
faith recorded of the faithful in Scripture, they stumble at the
thought of God supporting men of faith today with power and might. What
a tragic loss!

What a tragic loss!

This "past power" kind of faith in God is a little reminiscent of
Paul's confrontation of the Galatians: "Have you lost your senses?
After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now
trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" (Galatians 3:3 NLT).
I wonder if after seeking to know God because of His great creative and
sustaining power proclaimed in the Bible, how many today are now trying
to "attain (their) goal by human effort."

Review the great stories of God's mighty works. Study the faith-filled
souls recorded in the "Faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11). Reflect on the
promise of God's Son as he says, "And surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 TNIV). Spend time in prayer
considering this truth, "So, you see, it is impossible to please God
without faith" (Hebrews 11:6 NLT).

With Joshua of old we hear the plea, "Choose for yourselves this day
whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord" (Joshua 24:15 NASB). Joshua's people were torn between the gods
of the very people who had fallen before the might of the "living and
true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9 NASB) and the God of Power. People today
are not all that different. They can serve a powerless god of human
wisdom and logic, or they can serve the "One True and Living God" of
power and mystery. However, they cannot serve both! Neither can we!

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control,
brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of
godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them (2
Timothy 3:1-5 NIV).

---------
(c) 2008 Bill Sherrill <sherrill@cox-internet.com>'s Thought for
the Week. Used by permission.

Morning & Evening -- Hebrews 9:22 and 1 Chronicles 4:22

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 2, 2008

MORNING:

"Without the shedding of blood is no remission."
-- Hebrews 9:22

This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish
ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood- shedding.
In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is
clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is
no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for
sin. Am I, then, believing in him? Is the blood of his atonement truly
applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of him. If
we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will
not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing
less potent than the blood of him whom God hath set forth as a
propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why
should we seek another?

Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice
that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Their works, and
prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they
be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and
endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and
behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see that punishment
all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss
the dear feet of him whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in
vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for
comfort: this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal
bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of
Jesus suffering on the cross. "The blood is the life thereof," says the
Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and
joy and every other holy grace.

"Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour's precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God."

EVENING:

"And these are ancient things."
-- 1 Chronicles 4:22

Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of
our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as
misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which
he elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of
vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of
man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world.
Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of
divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were
concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a
theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from
our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify
us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable
love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as
being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had his goings
forth of old; he struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first
of the stars began to shine, and it was in him that the elect were
ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed
covenant union was established between the Son of God and his elect
people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time
shall be no more. Is it not well to be conversant with these ancient
things? Is it not shameful that they should be so much neglected and
even rejected by the bulk of professors? If they knew more of their own
sin, would they not be more ready to adore distinguishing grace? Let us
both admire and adore tonight, as we sing-

"A monument of grace,
A sinner saved by blood;
The streams of love I trace
Up to the Fountain, God;
And in his sacred bosom see
Eternal thoughts of Love to me."

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

SEE THE MORNING, by Chris Tomlin
Award-winning artist Tomlin offers a whole new set of soul-inspiring
easy-to-sing songs about God's faithfulness.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?260

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

MORNING & EVENING from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/spurgeon

Morning & Evening is the classic devotional by 19th-century writer
and preacher Charles Spurgeon. It's part of HEARTLIGHT Magazine,
the leading Christian living e-zine on the Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT
on the web for even more devotionals, plus music, articles and more
for your Christian walk!

http://www.heartlight.org

ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are needed and welcome (and tax-deductible)! Find out how
to help!

http://www.heartlight.org/support

EDITOR: Phil Ware, phil@heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-spurgeon@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
spurgeon-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/spurgeon.html
======================================================================

My Utmost For His Highest : "The Constraint Of The Call"

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 2, 2008

THE CONSTRAINT OF THE CALL

Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1co+9:16&sr=1

Beware of stopping your ears to the call of God. Everyone who is
saved is called to testify to the fact; but that is not the call to
preach, it is merely an illustration in preaching. Paul is referring
to the pangs produced in him by the constraint to preach the Gospel.
Never apply what Paul says in this connection to souls coming in
contact with God for salvation. There is nothing easier than getting
saved because it is God's sovereign work - Come unto Me and I will
save you. Our Lord never lays down the conditions of discipleship as
the conditions of salvation. We are condemned to salvation through
the Cross of Jesus Christ. Discipleship has an option with it - "IF
any man. . . '

Paul's words have to do with being made a servant of Jesus Christ,
and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we
will go. God makes us broken bread and poured-out wine to please
Himself. To be "separated unto the gospel" means to hear the call of
God; and when a man begins to overhear that call, then begins agony
that is worthy of the name. Every ambition is nipped in the bud,
every desire of life quenched, every outlook completely extinguished
and blotted out, saving one thing only - "separated unto the gospel."
Woe be to the soul who tries to put his foot in any other direction
when once that call has come to him. This College exists for you, and
you - to see whether God has a man or woman here who cares about
proclaiming His Gospel; to see whether God grips you. And be ware of
competitors when God does grip you.

-----------------/

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

CURE FOR THE COMMON LIFE: LIVING IN YOUR SWEET SPOT, by Max Lucado
In Cure for the Common Life, Max Lucado offers practical tools for
exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, putting your strengths
to work, and living in your "sweet spot" for the rest of your life.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?256

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST - by Oswald Chambers /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/devotionals/my_utmost

This email is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our service encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus music,
devotionals and more for your Christian walk!

This devotional is copyright Oswald Chambers Publications,
< http://www.oswaldchambers.co.uk >.

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-myutmost@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
myutmost-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

======================================================================

Praying with Paul : "Waiting for Redemption"

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / PRAYING WITH PAUL from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

WAITING FOR REDEMPTION

Romans 8:26-27

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+8:26-27

Dear Father, who knows my secrets,

Help me to wait patiently for my redemption. Thank you for giving
me your Holy Spirit to make up for the inadequacies of my body and
spirit. I know not how to pray as I should, so I praise you for
your Spirit, who takes my inexpressible groanings and lifts them to
the Lord Jesus, thus sharing in his intercession for me.

I thank you that the Holy Spirit searches out the remotest cranny
of my heart, knows me in a way that I cannot even know myself, and
expresses to you what I wish that I could say but cannot. How
wonderful! How loving!

Thank you, Lord, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Hallelujah.
Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again!

In the name of Jesus and with the support of your Spirit I come to
you, with gratitude for doing these things. Amen.

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

HOUSE, by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker
Best-selling authors Peretti and Dekker join forces for an
adrenaline-laced thriller!
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?252

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

PRAYING WITH PAUL from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/praying_paul/pwp.pl

Praying With Paul is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine would like to thank Eldon Degge and Meridian
Publishing for permission to make this devotional available via email.

Praying with Paul is also available in a very attractive paperback book
that may be ordered directly from the author, Eldon Degge, 828 Byrd
Drive, Abilene, TX 79601. Single copy price is $10. A better way to
place your order is to go to <http://www.treasurez.org/OrdrPDWP>.
At this web site you will find all about pricing (including quantity
discournts) and an order blank you can print out, fill in and mail to
place your order.

No part of this may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of Meridian Publishing, 3040 Chalevoix, S.E., Grand
Rapids, MI 49546.

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-prayingwithpaul@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
prayingwithpaul-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

======================================================================

WJD! -- Blasphemy? I Think Not! -- Mark 2:8-11

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! --

http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Blasphemy? I Think Not!

Jesus knew that these teachers of the law were thinking those
things about him. So Jesus said to them, "Why do you have
these questions in your minds? The Son of Man has power on
earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe
you are thinking it was easy for me to say to the crippled
man, 'Your sins are forgiven.' {No one could see if it really
happened.} But what if I say to the man, 'Stand up. Take your
bed and walk'? Then you will be able to see if I really have
this power or not." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "I
tell you, stand up. Take your mat and go home."

-- Mark 2:8-11 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus heals people for many different reasons and under many different
circumstances. The bottom line is this: Jesus heals folks because he
loves them and wants to bring them to God. In this instance, however,
Jesus is moved by two additional things. First, he sees the faith of
this man's friends and he is touched by their concern. Second, he is
frustrated with the cynicism and opposition from those who are present
only to criticize him. They doubt his authority, so he demonstrates it:
he heals the man! Then he emphasizes that the miracle he has done shows
he has the authority to forgive sins. The real challenge for you and me
is to recognize that Jesus' authority doesn't just extend to his power
to teach and command, but also to heal, mend, help, forgive, and bless.

TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty LORD of the ages, thank you that your authority has
been powerfully demonstrated in Jesus. Help me open my heart to him
fully and to not only respond with obedience to Jesus' commands, but to
also let him in to nurture and bless. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!

http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html

>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:

http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/0202-wjd.html

>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+2:8-11&sr=1&t=erv

Content-type: text/html

=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================

VELVET ELVIS: REPAINTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Rob Bell
In this provocative, hopeful book, Bell asks what the church might look
like if today's believers fully embraced "the way" of love, peace,
sharing possessions, compassion, risk, forgiveness, and harmony.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254

Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!

WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd

This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support

What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!

http://www.heartlight.org

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.

OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================

My Inbox of Daily Inspirations

Blog Archive

Blog Top Sites

Sponsors Link

Today's Verse : Philippians 2:3

Today's KJV Verse : Philippians 2:3

Daily Wisdom NIV : Proverbs 3:1-2

Daily Wisdom KJV : Proverbs 3:1-2

Quotemeal: "Since He hath looked upon ..."

Daily Heartlight -- February 2, 2008

Morning & Evening -- Hebrews 9:22 and 1 Chronicles 4:22

My Utmost For His Highest : "The Constraint Of The Call"

Praying with Paul : "Waiting for Redemption"

WJD! -- Blasphemy? I Think Not! -- Mark 2:8-11