Today's Verse : 1 John 4:21

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 15, 2009

VERSE:
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also
love his brother.

-- 1 John 4:21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+John+4:21

THOUGHT:
For over a week, John has reminded us again and again. We must
love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminder, however, is
the clincher. If we love God, then we must love his children and
our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't
"should" or "will try" or "want to." No, we must. The Bible is
careful not to put many "must do" or "thou shalt" commands in
Scripture. But God's point is clear. Love of each other is not
optional, negotiable, or even something to be delayed. God sent
Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not
love those for whom Christ gave so much? As Paul will say to the
Corinthians, "God's love compels us!" We MUST love.

PRAYER:
Sovereign LORD, forgive my sometimes selective practice of
loving your children. I ask you now to bless, to nourish, and to
sustain my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to pray in
particular for several of your children who have great trials and
burdens... (please list some of those you know who need God's
help). In addition, dear Father, please use me to minister to them
in tangible ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20090215

Today's Verse is also available in:
PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/4/0215.html
SPANISH - http://www.laluzdelalma.com/vdh/4/0215.html

|-- Today's Verse Now on Facebook -------------------------|
Now you can add Today's Verse to your Facebook account &
share a daily verse from God's Word with your friends.

Just add the application to your Facebook profile and the
verse will update automatically. Click below for details:

|-- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/159/ ------------------|

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

WOMEN OF FAITH CHRISTMAS, by Women of Faith
Enjoy stirring renditions of Christmas favorites, from the folks you
brought you the popular Women of Faith conferences!
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?153

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 : 1 John 4:21

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 15, 2009

VERSE:
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God
love his brother also.

-- 1 John 4:21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+John+4:21&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
For over a week, John has reminded us again and again. We must
love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminder, however, is
the clincher. If we love God, then we must love his children and
our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't
"should" or "will try" or "want to." No, we must. The Bible is
careful not to put many "must do" or "thou shalt" commands in
Scripture. But God's point is clear. Love of each other is not
optional, negotiable, or even something to be delayed. God sent
Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not
love those for whom Christ gave so much? As Paul will say to the
Corinthians, "God's love compels us!" We MUST love.

PRAYER:
Sovereign LORD, forgive my sometimes selective practice of
loving your children. I ask you now to bless, to nourish, and to
sustain my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to pray in
particular for several of your children who have great trials and
burdens... (please list some of those you know who need God's
help). In addition, dear Father, please use me to minister to them
in tangible ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20090215&ver=kjv

|-- HEARTLIGHT NEEDS YOUR HELP... -------------------------|

We truly need your help to keep the light shining! Please
take a moment to see how you can help us continue our
online ministry of 12 years:

|-- http://www.heartlight.org/support/ --------------------|

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

JUST LIKE JESUS: LEARNING TO HAVE A HEART LIKE HIS, by Max Lucado
In his best-selling book Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado explains that God
loves you just the way you are ... but He refuses to leave you that
way.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?153

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 \/

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-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 3:5-6

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will
make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+3:5-6

|-- Today's Verse Now on Facebook -------------------------|
Now you can add Today's Verse to your Facebook account &
share a daily verse from God's Word with your friends.

Just add the application to your Facebook profile and the
verse will update automatically. Click below for details:

|-- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/159/ ------------------|

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 3:5-6

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / DAILY WISDOM from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6, King James Version
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+3:5-6&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/92/ -------------------/

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

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-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: "The greatest happiness of ..."

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / QUOTEMEAL from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are
loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of
ourselves.

-- Victor Hugo

|-- This Week's Bestsellers at ChristianBook.com: ---------|

Find the bestselling Christian books at Christianbook.com.
Updated every week! Just click the links below:

Bestsellers: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/168/
Just Added: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/169/
Christianbook.com: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/170/

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

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

THE DREAM GIVER: FOLLOWING YOUR GOD-GIVEN DESTINY, by Bruce Wilkinson
In this study of Exodus, Wilkinson exhorts Christians to leave our
comfort zones, brave wilderness trials, confront "border bullies," and
enter the "Promised Land" of God's will.
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!

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 14, 2009

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
February 14, 2009

/--- 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/92/ -------------------/

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

Remembering Valentine's Day, by Steve Brumfield

Okay, guys, stay with me here. I understand and am well aware that
nobody wants advice, but would like to offer up some thoughts about my
favorite holiday ... Valentines Day. I know, this is dangerous
territory for guys, since many consider Valentine's Day to be a holiday
created for women and by women. But my experience is a little
different, but it really is my favorite holiday.

For a number of years, I would get my wife candy and flowers. Sue liked
the candy. However, she did not like the cut roses. After all, they
were cut -- they were just dead flowers to her, plus they charge twice
as much for the "dead ones" as they do for live ones. So about ten
years prior to her death, I started doing silly things ... small
things.

For about ten years, I had gotten Sue a stuffed singing something --
most of these were simple stuffed animals that "sang" a classic song of
some kind. One year it was a mouse dressed up in an evening gown with a
little wig and microphone singing "Fever." Another year it was a
Gorilla that sang "WILD THING." And on and on I had selected a new
stuffed animal for each. It was challenging to come up with a new one
each year, but fun at the same time. (Hint: I got most of these from
Walgreen's.)

I don't know what more I would have done.

Sue liked some better than others; however, we saved them all. In
February of 2007, I went to a Michael's crafts store in Cool Springs
and got a bunch of stuff to decorate our mantle. I got all the singing
stuffed things out from previous years and put them on the mantle -- I
was sneaking around the house to do this at 2 or 3 in the morning.
Then, I put the latest addition, a dog that sang "I Can't Stop Loving
You" beside the coffee pot and a note telling her to go in and play cut
six on the CD, a John Denver song, "For You." I also got a white shoe
polish pencil so I could write things on the mirror in the bathroom and
over the window above the kitchen sink.

Perhaps you have a routine, perhaps not. My experience suggests that
women appreciate thoughtfulness more than big gifts ... at least this
was true in my case. So on Valentine's Day of 2008, I thought back with
fondness on my precious wife and our life together, realizing that if I
had known Valentine's Day 2007 would have been our last one, I don't
know what more I would have done.

Guys, let's not take for granted the preciousness of the ones we love
and remember them in simple ways that say, "I love you!"

---------
(c) 2009 Steve Brumfield <steve.brumfield@gmail.com>

RELATED LINKS:
* Home is Where ...
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200411/20041118_home.html
* Surprised by Love
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200702/20070212_surprisedbylove.html
* Phone Call of Love
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200702/20070214_calloflove.html

This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200902/20090214_remembering.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?253

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!

HEARTLIGHT DAILY EMAIL /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/ \/

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

ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are 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-heartlight@maillists.heartlight.org

HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
heartlight-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.

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

Morning & Evening -- 2 Kings 25:30 and Luke 8:47

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 14, 2009

MORNING:

"And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the
king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life."
-- 2 Kings 25:30

Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a store to
last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily
pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's
people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need
tomorrow's supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as
yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does
not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we
have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want.
Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink
or wear more than the day's supply of food and raiment; the surplus
gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a
thief. One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy
burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the
greatest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a
craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give
us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachin's
case is ours, we have a sure portion, a portion given us of the king, a
gracious portion, and a perpetual portion. Here is surely ground for
thankfulness.

Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply.
You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from
above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided
for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer,
and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus all
needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual
allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the
table of mercy.

EVENING:

"She was healed immediately."
-- Luke 8:47

One of the most touching and teaching of the Saviour's miracles is
before us to-night. The woman was very ignorant. She imagined that
virtue came out of Christ by a law of necessity, without his knowledge
or direct will. Moreover, she was a stranger to the generosity of
Jesus' character, or she would not have gone behind to steal the cure
which he was so ready to bestow. Misery should always place itself
right in the face of mercy. Had she known the love of Jesus' heart, she
would have said, "I have but to put myself where he can see me-his
omniscience will teach him my case, and his love at once will work my
cure." We admire her faith, but we marvel at her ignorance. After she
had obtained the cure, she rejoiced with trembling: glad was she that
the divine virtue had wrought a marvel in her; but she feared lest
Christ should retract the blessing, and put a negative upon the grant
of his grace: little did she comprehend the fulness of his love! We
have not so clear a view of him as we could wish; we know not the
heights and depths of his love; but we know of a surety that he is too
good to withdraw from a trembling soul the gift which it has been able
to obtain. But here is the marvel of it: little as was her knowledge,
her faith, because it was real faith, saved her, and saved her at once.
There was no tedious delay-faith's miracle was instantaneous. If we
have faith as a grain of mustard seed, salvation is our present and
eternal possession. If in the list of the Lord's children we are
written as the feeblest of the family, yet, being heirs through faith,
no power, human or devilish, can eject us from salvation. If we dare
not lean our heads upon his bosom with John, yet if we can venture in
the press behind him, and touch the hem of his garment, we are made
whole. Courage, timid one! thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God."

/--- 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/92/ -------------------/

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

TWELVE ORDINARY MEN, by John MacArthur
If Christ can accomplish His purposes through the lives of common men
like these, imagine what He has in store for you.
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!

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 Discipline Of Heeding"

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

February 14, 2009

THE DISCIPLINE OF HEEDING

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and
what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the
housetops.

Matthew 10:27
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=mt+10:27&sr=1

At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us
to heed Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are
put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him. "What I
tell you in darkness" - watch where God puts you into darkness, and
when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now
in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet.
If you open your mouth in the dark, you will talk in the wrong mood:
darkness is the time to listen. Don't talk to other people about it;
don't read books to find out the reason of the darkness, but listen
and heed. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is
saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a
very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.

After every time of darkness there comes a mixture of delight and
humiliation (if there is delight only, I question whether we have
heard God at all), delight in hearing God speak, but chiefly
humiliation - What a long time I was in hearing that! How slow I have
been in understanding that! And yet God has been saying it all these
days and weeks. Now He gives you the gift of humiliation which brings
the softness of heart that will always listen to God now.

|-- Today's Verse Now on Facebook -------------------------|
Now you can add Today's Verse to your Facebook account &
share a daily verse from God's Word with your friends.

Just add the application to your Facebook profile and the
verse will update automatically. Click below for details:

|-- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/159/ ------------------|

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

YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE: 50 PRAISE & WORSHIP SONGS, by The Maranatha Singers
You'll be lifting your hands and your voice while enjoying this
collection of praise & worship classics performed by the Maranatha
Singers---available only from CBD.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?153

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 : "An Invited Guest"

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

AN INVITED GUEST

Romans 11:17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+11:17

Dear Father, king of banquets,

May I enter your halls wearing the appropriate garment, the
righteousness of Jesus Christ, not that of my own making. The false
righteousness of adherence to man-made rules is a worthless
covering. Only the true righteousness of belief in your Son will
make my appearance acceptable to you.

Grant me true humility. If I boast, let it be about you. Let my
pride be in what you have done for me, not in what I make of
myself.

In the name of Jesus, the honoree of the banquet, I offer thanks
for inviting me to your feast of good things. Amen.

|-- This Week's Bestsellers at ChristianBook.com: ---------|

Find the bestselling Christian books at Christianbook.com.
Updated every week! Just click the links below:

Bestsellers: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/168/
Just Added: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/169/
Christianbook.com: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/170/

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

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

11 INDISPENSABLE RELATIONSHIPS YOU CAN'T BE WITHOUT!, by Leonard Sweet
Using 11 classic figures from Scripture, Leonard Sweet details key
personal attributes that make up God's Dream Team for your life.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?255

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! -- Persecuted! -- Matthew 5:10-12

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Persecuted!

"What great blessings there are for the people that are
treated badly for doing good! The kingdom of heaven belongs
to them. People will say bad things against you and hurt you.
They will lie and say all kinds of evil things against you
because you follow me. But when people do those things to
you, know that God will bless you. Be happy and glad. You
have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did
those same bad things to the prophets that lived before you."

-- Matthew 5:10-12 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
You mean we are really blessed by being persecuted for doing what is
good and by being insulted for being righteous? Now that's hard to
take! Seeing ourselves blessed by God in such times is very tough. How
can we be glad when we are persecuted, spoken about badly, and have
evil lies told about us when we are trying to do good? But that is
exactly what we see in the book of Acts. The early disciples considered
it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. In his first letter,
Peter is constantly reminding believers to make sure that if they are
going to suffer, they suffer because they have done what is right, not
what is wrong. You see, the journey of discipleship is about developing
the character of Christ and carrying on the great tradition of
faithfulness demonstrated by the prophets. If they faced persecution
for doing right, shouldn't we think we will? Even more, history has
repeatedly reminded us that those who suffer to bring a blessing to
others have a witness that cannot be silenced. That's why God is not
ashamed to be called their God and why the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to
them. More than just being happy, Jesus said these people will have a
great reward!

TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy God and Righteous Father, thank you for reminding me that the
first goal in my life is not to be protected, but to be used to share
your grace. Help me to know that being persecuted for doing what is
right is following in the steps of Jesus. Give me the courage and the
passion to help lead others to the wonderful discovery of you, your
grace, and your great reward. 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/matthew/0214-wjd.html

>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+5:10-12&sr=1&t=erv

/--- READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD? -----------------------------\
ACU students do every day! Click to find out more
about Abilene Christian University, recognized as one of
"America's Best Colleges" by the U.S. News & World Report.
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/4/ ---------------------/

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

PRAYING GOD'S WORD, by Beth Moore
You will truly be liberated after reading Beth's book dealing with
powerful emotions from the burden of anger, bitterness, to
unforgiveness.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?255

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