Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tree 63 Sunday Music Video
What’s the address: What should the New Testament Church look like? - Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sara Groves - "Breath of Heaven"
What’s the address: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” - Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/
Monday, November 8, 2010
Manna for 11/8/10
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
Question for the day:
Why is the devil able to hold so many Christians down?
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please pray for Aaron Ullom, USN Enlisted Medical Assistance Provider both in-land and at sea. Battlefield medics for the Marines, nickname "Doc".
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Christine Henderson has requested prayers for Melody. She has terminal cancer and is having much difficulty. Please pray that the Lord sends the right personnel to assist with pain management, and that the end comes with a minimum of discomfort.
Please pray for St. Louis, Mich. Keryx #1 which will be taking place November 4-7. The devil doesn’t want us in his territory and he will do all he can to disrupt it. Every man involved, whether inside or out, needs God’s protection, discernment and strength.
Please pray for Angela Wojda, who is hospitalized with gall bladder problems. Angela, her family, and doctors are trying to determine whether her having surgery is a good option for her because of a history of heart problems she has. Lord, be with Angela. Comfort her and put your healing hand upon her. Give supernatural wisdom and discernment to the medical staff in understanding was is best for her. May she and everyone in her room experience your presence and peace. Amen
Pastor John
Anonymous - my children Jessica, Ashley, Sara, Hannah, Izabelle and
Christopher
Jennifer Richardson - my son Nick, he has a large swelling in the left side
of his neck that needs to be looked at by a doctor. He has no insurance.
Please pray for wisdom and trust in God for how to proceed.
Schaibles - Have a blessed and great week!
Zill family - strength in family
Brenda Keenan - need to make a decision and she wants to do God's will
Bornheimer - healing health for Gina, continued prayer to guide us in our
business
DeSimpelaere Family - Jayden Lamb - cancer, Rylie Miller - cancer, Ethan
Long
Karen Bauer - Richard Cohee who will be having hip replacement surgery on
Thursday
Anonymous - Carol, Mike Melissa, Pat, Jan, Jayden - fighting caner, Mary Lou
and breast cancer survivors, In sympathy - Jennie, Marge, For healing - John
Ray, Mary (up coming surgeries)
Ruth Swarthout - friend who has lump in breast, prayer for me at the loss of
my husband, friend battling breast cancer for the 4th time plus she has MS
Nancy DeBarr - the Spirit of the Lord to use us in His way
Cole Family - friend Vivian whose son's body was found
Gay Family - Linda Alexander - that her chemo continues to work
Rayman Hays - my family
Carol Greyerbiehl - continues prayer for our troops and their families
Ben Wright - continued prayers for my children, my books with the agent
Morse Family - Terri Puckett
Strong Family - our son Dave, recovering from pneumonia
Joe Booth - that God will continue to use me in His way
Irmy Waldie - Shannon
Breedlove Family - my brother’s surgery on November 5
Today's Bible Reading
2 Timothy 4; Jeremiah 11-12; Psalms 124
TO LISTEN
http://www.audiotreasure.com/webindex.htm
A WORD FOR TODAY
The Cost of Disobedience
In 1 Kings 13, we read about a lion that killed a prophet for his disobedience. That story illustrates for us the importance of obedience, and how disobedience opens the door to calamity in our lives.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
I believe God wants you to get a snapshot of that lion in 1 Kings 13 imprinted in your mind. He wants you to understand that if you willfully disobey God, your adversary, the devil, is not going to just be roaring at you. Like that lion, he is going to be putting a paw on you.
Frankly, I don't know about you, but I don't want his paw on my finances, on my family, on my health, or on anything else. I don't want him sinking his teeth into my marriage. But disobedience opens the door to that.
James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
You see, you have been given authority in your life over the devil. This verse makes it clear—you can resist him. But your authority in Christ as a believer only operates as you have submitted yourself to God's authority through obedience.
If you are disobedient in areas of your life, knowingly disobedient, your authority in Christ will not work.
So here is the question: Today are you being willfully disobedient to God in any area of your life? If so, confess and repent. Otherwise you can be sure the devil will get a paw on your life.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Deep In Love With You
Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fC3IRQ8iyw
…and…
Back to the Bible
with Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
Jericho & Blind Bartimaeus
Monday, November 08, 2010
With today's Back to the Bible,
Woodrow Kroll takes you to Jericho,
for a story about a blind man who saw far more
than those around him.
Series: From the Holy Land (Week 2 of 2)
PLEASE SEE:
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/back-to-the-bible/listen/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@yahoo.com
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
Question for the day:
Why is the devil able to hold so many Christians down?
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please pray for Aaron Ullom, USN Enlisted Medical Assistance Provider both in-land and at sea. Battlefield medics for the Marines, nickname "Doc".
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Christine Henderson has requested prayers for Melody. She has terminal cancer and is having much difficulty. Please pray that the Lord sends the right personnel to assist with pain management, and that the end comes with a minimum of discomfort.
Please pray for St. Louis, Mich. Keryx #1 which will be taking place November 4-7. The devil doesn’t want us in his territory and he will do all he can to disrupt it. Every man involved, whether inside or out, needs God’s protection, discernment and strength.
Please pray for Angela Wojda, who is hospitalized with gall bladder problems. Angela, her family, and doctors are trying to determine whether her having surgery is a good option for her because of a history of heart problems she has. Lord, be with Angela. Comfort her and put your healing hand upon her. Give supernatural wisdom and discernment to the medical staff in understanding was is best for her. May she and everyone in her room experience your presence and peace. Amen
Pastor John
Anonymous - my children Jessica, Ashley, Sara, Hannah, Izabelle and
Christopher
Jennifer Richardson - my son Nick, he has a large swelling in the left side
of his neck that needs to be looked at by a doctor. He has no insurance.
Please pray for wisdom and trust in God for how to proceed.
Schaibles - Have a blessed and great week!
Zill family - strength in family
Brenda Keenan - need to make a decision and she wants to do God's will
Bornheimer - healing health for Gina, continued prayer to guide us in our
business
DeSimpelaere Family - Jayden Lamb - cancer, Rylie Miller - cancer, Ethan
Long
Karen Bauer - Richard Cohee who will be having hip replacement surgery on
Thursday
Anonymous - Carol, Mike Melissa, Pat, Jan, Jayden - fighting caner, Mary Lou
and breast cancer survivors, In sympathy - Jennie, Marge, For healing - John
Ray, Mary (up coming surgeries)
Ruth Swarthout - friend who has lump in breast, prayer for me at the loss of
my husband, friend battling breast cancer for the 4th time plus she has MS
Nancy DeBarr - the Spirit of the Lord to use us in His way
Cole Family - friend Vivian whose son's body was found
Gay Family - Linda Alexander - that her chemo continues to work
Rayman Hays - my family
Carol Greyerbiehl - continues prayer for our troops and their families
Ben Wright - continued prayers for my children, my books with the agent
Morse Family - Terri Puckett
Strong Family - our son Dave, recovering from pneumonia
Joe Booth - that God will continue to use me in His way
Irmy Waldie - Shannon
Breedlove Family - my brother’s surgery on November 5
Today's Bible Reading
2 Timothy 4; Jeremiah 11-12; Psalms 124
TO LISTEN
http://www.audiotreasure.com/webindex.htm
A WORD FOR TODAY
The Cost of Disobedience
In 1 Kings 13, we read about a lion that killed a prophet for his disobedience. That story illustrates for us the importance of obedience, and how disobedience opens the door to calamity in our lives.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
I believe God wants you to get a snapshot of that lion in 1 Kings 13 imprinted in your mind. He wants you to understand that if you willfully disobey God, your adversary, the devil, is not going to just be roaring at you. Like that lion, he is going to be putting a paw on you.
Frankly, I don't know about you, but I don't want his paw on my finances, on my family, on my health, or on anything else. I don't want him sinking his teeth into my marriage. But disobedience opens the door to that.
James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
You see, you have been given authority in your life over the devil. This verse makes it clear—you can resist him. But your authority in Christ as a believer only operates as you have submitted yourself to God's authority through obedience.
If you are disobedient in areas of your life, knowingly disobedient, your authority in Christ will not work.
So here is the question: Today are you being willfully disobedient to God in any area of your life? If so, confess and repent. Otherwise you can be sure the devil will get a paw on your life.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Deep In Love With You
Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fC3IRQ8iyw
…and…
Back to the Bible
with Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
Jericho & Blind Bartimaeus
Monday, November 08, 2010
With today's Back to the Bible,
Woodrow Kroll takes you to Jericho,
for a story about a blind man who saw far more
than those around him.
Series: From the Holy Land (Week 2 of 2)
PLEASE SEE:
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/back-to-the-bible/listen/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
5/18 Manna
http://www.weebly.com/weebly/userHome.php
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
Question for the day:
When was the last time God told you “No”?
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please continue to pray for the residents from Keryx #2 at TRRP in Tuscola, MI and Straits Correctional Facility as they continue to digest the message that God brought them over this past weekend.
Also, please pray for the preparation of hearts for those whom God has chosen to attend Keryx #17 at Pugsley Correctional Facility this coming weekend. May the Lord’s ministers bring Jesus’ Message with clarity, power, boldness and effectiveness. May each who has been chosen to receive that Word do so with joy, May the Word endure forever in their hearts.
*For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike Brommer as he spreads the Lord’s Seed and witnesses to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead him to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants Mike safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Michael – prayers for his long road to recovery and for treatment of the addictions that he is suffering from
Randi March – for Alan, that the Holy Spirit will counsel him with some major life decisions
Anonymous – my Grandpa Edward
Sirrine Family – Tom Petts – having a lung biopsy, Tracy Sirrine – hip injury
Joe Booth – that the disks in my back will heal and there will be no more back pain
Bonnie Brock – prayers for the Johnson family, they lost their 19 year old son
Fort Family – son and daughter-in-law as they seek employment, that they would hear God’s voice as He directs their search
Anonymous – pray that God would lead my life rather than my sins
Hull Family – Laurie will have CT scan results on Tuesday for lung condition
Strong Family – our son Tj and his wife Megan as they need the Lord for healing and peace in their marriage, Megan and physical healing
Bonnie Bell – Mike Gieryk – facing open heart surgery
Anonymous – losing weight
Breedlove Family – kids to make wise choices as the school year ends
Brewster Family – my mom as she went through her stem cell, Karen and Rob as they deal with Karen’s cancer
Gay Family – Linda Alexander
Zawisze Family – Melissa’s dad, Jim – cancer is entering his bones and causing fractures
Anonymous – my son and his internship in NC
Kramer Family – Good funds from our garage sale so that we can raise money for Relay for Life
Carol Haut – My brother Dan, throat cancer
Bornheimer Family – that each of us could hear God’s voice as he leads us
Holt Family – my brothers Tim and Tom, that they would return to following God
Jenni Czachowrski – Thank God for helping me with my anxiety! The safe return of Chris Earls from Iraq after his one year tour. That I may be a Godly example for my friends that are new to God.
Susan Parsons – Mike and Susan Booth
Carol Greyerbiehl – for all of our troops and their families, especially those deployed. For my beautiful grandson, Trayce and his parents, that they raise him with the Lord each day.
Anonymous – my son’s depression
Patti Loree – My family with their transition of our kids to their other parent, my ability to juggle going to school with teaching in the next few weeks
Gorney Family – Our family growth in the Lord. My healing of all hurts hidden within, that we may be blessed with love and forgiveness
My Brother-in-law, Mike Thelen is in a hospital it Anchorage Alaska. An infection in his bowel burst while he was bear hunting in Alaska. He’s lucky he’s not dead. He is in ICU and on a vent. He is septic but on antibiotics. If he doesn’t die he may not be able to come home for weeks. His wife, mother and two of his brothers just flew out there to be with him. He is mostly unconscious and not responsive. They did surgery on the bowel and removed part of it. He will be on a colostomy bag. He is 44 and married to Lynn ’s sister. He has three children; Taylor 16, Sydney 14 and Noah 10.
Could you pray for Mike and his wife Sheryl and there family. This all just happened this past weekend! Thank-you! --Rolland Bellefeuille
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 18, 2010
Controlling a Complaining Spirit
Glynnis Whitwer
"Now the people complained about their hardships
in the hearing of the LORD,
and when he heard them his anger was aroused.
Then fire from the LORD burned among them and
consumed some of the outskirts of the camp."
Numbers 11:11 (NIV)
Devotion:
As we were getting ready to leave for vacation, one of my children asked for a new video game to play on the drive. Knowing all of our available funds were ear-marked for the trip, I told my child "no" and explained in a compassionate and clear reason why I would not be spending money on a video game prior to a vacation. I explained how much fun we would have and how much this fun would cost. Which, as I was sure he understood, did not leave money for buying video games.
At what I thought was a perfectly logical explanation, that same child, who should have been agreeing with me and trying to find ways to help make this wonderful vacation happen, actually got annoyed. With me. He said, with a very frustrated voice, that he never got anything he wanted. Accompanied with a heavy dramatic sigh, crossed arms and pout.
The tone of his voice, his negative words, and his dramatic body language, raised my eyebrows (I would have only raised one if I could). My back straightened and one hand rose to my hip. "Really?" I said in a low and deceptively calm voice. "You never get anything you want? On the day before we are leaving for an amazing trip that your father and I have worked hard to give you, you can actually say that you have nothing you want?"
Can I just tell you that an ungrateful spirit really is really hard for me to deal with? Especially when I know what is in store.
Sometimes I wonder if that must be how God feels when I grumble about what I don't get. Like when I went through infertility for three years before getting pregnant … three times … then adopting. In hindsight, God was really giving me three more years of wearing a size ten and a brain that could finish a complete thought. At that time, all I saw was emptiness.
The truth is, my child was just demonstrating a human reaction to being told "no" or "not now" by someone who knows what the future holds. Sometimes God withholds a "yes" knowing we need to be prepared to receive His goodness in His time. Other times, when we've been told "no" due to our own bad choices or those of others, God withholds a "yes" to teach us something. Or it's a permanent "no" to protect us. Whichever way, God is always working things together for the good of those who love Him.
I don't think my son ever fully understood why I said "no" to the video game. But over time, as he grew and matured, he learned to trust me more, and believe that I really loved him in spite of saying "no." Even as adults, we have trouble understanding God's ways. Sometimes we may never understand. When that happens, I choose to do a few things that help me mature as a believer. Maybe they will help you too:
• I choose to not complain to others about God.
• I am honest with God about how I feel, but I don't accuse Him of evil or being out to hurt me.
• I choose to trust Him. When the doubts start to surface, I choose again to trust Him again.
• I sing His praises. It reminds me of God's true character, which is always good.
Hearing "no" is never easy. However, as children of a loving Heavenly Father, we can learn over time to trust that He really does have something planned that we are going to love more than what we want right now. When we trust God is working behind the scenes for us, we can control a complaining spirit that threatens to steal our joy. And restore our faith in God's goodness.
Dear Lord, I know I'm often like a child when I get told "no." Help me to understand -- in my head and in my heart -- that You truly love me, and that You are planning something good. Forgive me when I doubt you and voice those doubts in a complaining way, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Application Steps:
Read Numbers 11. Write God's response to the complaining of the Israelites.
Reflections:
What does complaining to others reveal about your character at that moment?
What are some things you can do to stop the complaining cycle and start being more positive?
Power Verses:
Psalm 142:2, "I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble." (NIV)
Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." (NIV)
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Love the Lord
Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV7qTD_X0Rk
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
How to Connect with God
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
PLAY NOW
Many people may believe in God
but they don't know if they can connect with Him intimately.
Dr Kroll contrasts the view of God
in other religions with what the Bible teaches.
God is not silent;
He has spoken through His Word,
and He is eager for us to come to Him through Jesus Christ.
We’ll see examples of God speaking to His people,
why we have a Bible, and how we enter a relationship with God.
This message references: John 1:14
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
Question for the day:
When was the last time God told you “No”?
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please continue to pray for the residents from Keryx #2 at TRRP in Tuscola, MI and Straits Correctional Facility as they continue to digest the message that God brought them over this past weekend.
Also, please pray for the preparation of hearts for those whom God has chosen to attend Keryx #17 at Pugsley Correctional Facility this coming weekend. May the Lord’s ministers bring Jesus’ Message with clarity, power, boldness and effectiveness. May each who has been chosen to receive that Word do so with joy, May the Word endure forever in their hearts.
*For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike Brommer as he spreads the Lord’s Seed and witnesses to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead him to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants Mike safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Michael – prayers for his long road to recovery and for treatment of the addictions that he is suffering from
Randi March – for Alan, that the Holy Spirit will counsel him with some major life decisions
Anonymous – my Grandpa Edward
Sirrine Family – Tom Petts – having a lung biopsy, Tracy Sirrine – hip injury
Joe Booth – that the disks in my back will heal and there will be no more back pain
Bonnie Brock – prayers for the Johnson family, they lost their 19 year old son
Fort Family – son and daughter-in-law as they seek employment, that they would hear God’s voice as He directs their search
Anonymous – pray that God would lead my life rather than my sins
Hull Family – Laurie will have CT scan results on Tuesday for lung condition
Strong Family – our son Tj and his wife Megan as they need the Lord for healing and peace in their marriage, Megan and physical healing
Bonnie Bell – Mike Gieryk – facing open heart surgery
Anonymous – losing weight
Breedlove Family – kids to make wise choices as the school year ends
Brewster Family – my mom as she went through her stem cell, Karen and Rob as they deal with Karen’s cancer
Gay Family – Linda Alexander
Zawisze Family – Melissa’s dad, Jim – cancer is entering his bones and causing fractures
Anonymous – my son and his internship in NC
Kramer Family – Good funds from our garage sale so that we can raise money for Relay for Life
Carol Haut – My brother Dan, throat cancer
Bornheimer Family – that each of us could hear God’s voice as he leads us
Holt Family – my brothers Tim and Tom, that they would return to following God
Jenni Czachowrski – Thank God for helping me with my anxiety! The safe return of Chris Earls from Iraq after his one year tour. That I may be a Godly example for my friends that are new to God.
Susan Parsons – Mike and Susan Booth
Carol Greyerbiehl – for all of our troops and their families, especially those deployed. For my beautiful grandson, Trayce and his parents, that they raise him with the Lord each day.
Anonymous – my son’s depression
Patti Loree – My family with their transition of our kids to their other parent, my ability to juggle going to school with teaching in the next few weeks
Gorney Family – Our family growth in the Lord. My healing of all hurts hidden within, that we may be blessed with love and forgiveness
My Brother-in-law, Mike Thelen is in a hospital it Anchorage Alaska. An infection in his bowel burst while he was bear hunting in Alaska. He’s lucky he’s not dead. He is in ICU and on a vent. He is septic but on antibiotics. If he doesn’t die he may not be able to come home for weeks. His wife, mother and two of his brothers just flew out there to be with him. He is mostly unconscious and not responsive. They did surgery on the bowel and removed part of it. He will be on a colostomy bag. He is 44 and married to Lynn ’s sister. He has three children; Taylor 16, Sydney 14 and Noah 10.
Could you pray for Mike and his wife Sheryl and there family. This all just happened this past weekend! Thank-you! --Rolland Bellefeuille
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 18, 2010
Controlling a Complaining Spirit
Glynnis Whitwer
"Now the people complained about their hardships
in the hearing of the LORD,
and when he heard them his anger was aroused.
Then fire from the LORD burned among them and
consumed some of the outskirts of the camp."
Numbers 11:11 (NIV)
Devotion:
As we were getting ready to leave for vacation, one of my children asked for a new video game to play on the drive. Knowing all of our available funds were ear-marked for the trip, I told my child "no" and explained in a compassionate and clear reason why I would not be spending money on a video game prior to a vacation. I explained how much fun we would have and how much this fun would cost. Which, as I was sure he understood, did not leave money for buying video games.
At what I thought was a perfectly logical explanation, that same child, who should have been agreeing with me and trying to find ways to help make this wonderful vacation happen, actually got annoyed. With me. He said, with a very frustrated voice, that he never got anything he wanted. Accompanied with a heavy dramatic sigh, crossed arms and pout.
The tone of his voice, his negative words, and his dramatic body language, raised my eyebrows (I would have only raised one if I could). My back straightened and one hand rose to my hip. "Really?" I said in a low and deceptively calm voice. "You never get anything you want? On the day before we are leaving for an amazing trip that your father and I have worked hard to give you, you can actually say that you have nothing you want?"
Can I just tell you that an ungrateful spirit really is really hard for me to deal with? Especially when I know what is in store.
Sometimes I wonder if that must be how God feels when I grumble about what I don't get. Like when I went through infertility for three years before getting pregnant … three times … then adopting. In hindsight, God was really giving me three more years of wearing a size ten and a brain that could finish a complete thought. At that time, all I saw was emptiness.
The truth is, my child was just demonstrating a human reaction to being told "no" or "not now" by someone who knows what the future holds. Sometimes God withholds a "yes" knowing we need to be prepared to receive His goodness in His time. Other times, when we've been told "no" due to our own bad choices or those of others, God withholds a "yes" to teach us something. Or it's a permanent "no" to protect us. Whichever way, God is always working things together for the good of those who love Him.
I don't think my son ever fully understood why I said "no" to the video game. But over time, as he grew and matured, he learned to trust me more, and believe that I really loved him in spite of saying "no." Even as adults, we have trouble understanding God's ways. Sometimes we may never understand. When that happens, I choose to do a few things that help me mature as a believer. Maybe they will help you too:
• I choose to not complain to others about God.
• I am honest with God about how I feel, but I don't accuse Him of evil or being out to hurt me.
• I choose to trust Him. When the doubts start to surface, I choose again to trust Him again.
• I sing His praises. It reminds me of God's true character, which is always good.
Hearing "no" is never easy. However, as children of a loving Heavenly Father, we can learn over time to trust that He really does have something planned that we are going to love more than what we want right now. When we trust God is working behind the scenes for us, we can control a complaining spirit that threatens to steal our joy. And restore our faith in God's goodness.
Dear Lord, I know I'm often like a child when I get told "no." Help me to understand -- in my head and in my heart -- that You truly love me, and that You are planning something good. Forgive me when I doubt you and voice those doubts in a complaining way, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Application Steps:
Read Numbers 11. Write God's response to the complaining of the Israelites.
Reflections:
What does complaining to others reveal about your character at that moment?
What are some things you can do to stop the complaining cycle and start being more positive?
Power Verses:
Psalm 142:2, "I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble." (NIV)
Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." (NIV)
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Love the Lord
Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV7qTD_X0Rk
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
How to Connect with God
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
PLAY NOW
Many people may believe in God
but they don't know if they can connect with Him intimately.
Dr Kroll contrasts the view of God
in other religions with what the Bible teaches.
God is not silent;
He has spoken through His Word,
and He is eager for us to come to Him through Jesus Christ.
We’ll see examples of God speaking to His people,
why we have a Bible, and how we enter a relationship with God.
This message references: John 1:14
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
5/17 Manna
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2010
Question for the day:
Who wrote:
“Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom.”
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please continue to pray for the residents from Keryx #2 at TRRP in Tuscola, MI and Straits Correctional Facility as they continue to digest the message that God brought them over this past weekend.
Also, please pray for the preparation of hearts for those whom God has chosen to attend Keryx #17 at Pugsley Correctional Facility this coming weekend. May the Lord’s ministers bring Jesus’ Message with clarity, power, boldness and effectiveness. May each who has been chosen to receive that Word do so with joy, May the Word endure forever in their hearts.
I got a letter from one of my sisters, asking for prayer for a friend of theirs.
She didn't give me a name, but said that this man is obviously under attack and persecution, and she doesn't say lightly that she believes the devil is attacking him.
Indeed, she doesn't say this lightly. I have never heard her use this phrase before.
God knows who this person is that needs prayer.............please help with your prayers for him, and also pray that the persecuted AND persecutor will see God working in this situation, in a way that they cannot deny IS God working.
Thank you and God Bless, --Sandy Brommer
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Please pray for Carey Scortichini as he is in surgery in Winston/Salem for acute appenticitis. Father God, please wrap your loving arms around both Carey and Belinda and help them to feel your presence right at this very moment. I ask that you give the medical staff wisdom and discernment in their treatment of Carey and also, that you fill Belinda with a peace that only you can give her. I also ask that Carey have minimal pain and his healing will be quick. Thank you, Father, for your love and grace. We give all honor and glory to you. Amen. --Lynn Boone
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 17, 2010
Catch the Little Foxes
Melanie Chitwood
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 (NAS)
Devotion:
Holly has a hard time parking in the garage. It sits at a tricky angle, and she has run into the garage wall quite a few times. In fact, her van has plenty of scrapes and dents to prove it. Her husband Dan could choose many ways to respond—he could be angry every time, or he could berate her, but that's not his reaction. He has repeatedly chosen to forgive Holly. Their situation is an example of one of the "little foxes" mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:15: "Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" (NLT). Theirs is a situation that could have become divisive, but because of Dan's gracious response, this "little fox" did not ruin their "vineyard of love."
Do any "little foxes" come to mind when you think about your own marriage? Maybe your spouse was abrupt when speaking to you, didn't give you the attention you wanted, wasn't responsive to intimacy, forgot your anniversary, or got home late without calling recently. Everyday married life presents countless occasions to choose to be offended or to choose to forgive, as today's key verses instruct us.
Without forgiveness, we'll find ourselves becoming irritated, hard-hearted, bitter, and disconnected from our spouse. A friend taught me one way to make sure this doesn't happen: The moment I feel offended, I can choose to forgive. If my spouse says something that makes me mad or hurt, I need to begin praying at that very moment to forgive. Doing this allows God to begin softening our hearts immediately.
In addition to dealing with the little foxes of small offenses, we will sometimes need to forgive our spouses for big offenses. We might be betrayed by unfaithfulness, our trust might be rattled by secrets our spouses keep, or our feelings might be stomped on by spouses who do the same hurtful things over and over again. If one quality makes a Christian marriage stand out from the rest, it's our choice to forgive our spouse. We might feel as if we're ignoring the offense or giving our stamp of approval by choosing to forgive. Our pride and fear might rise up: What if the offense happens again and again? Will I be taken for a fool? What will others think?
Choosing to forgive is an act of obedience to God's commands. Forgiveness entails choosing, often over and over again, not to dwell on the offense because that would allow a root of bitterness to grow in our hearts. But let's be clear: If you're dealing with a sin issue in marriage, choose to forgive but still spend the needed time talking about the situation, praying separately and together, and seeking godly counsel.
Forgiveness is a one of the most essential attitudes for bringing unity and oneness to marriage, and it flows from our relationship with Christ.
Jesus, please cover our marriage with a spirit of forgiveness. I confess that sometimes I want to hold a grudge, to retaliate, or to be right, rather than forgive. Lord, I don't want the enemy to get a foothold in our marriage, so through the power of the Holy Spirit, I slam the door on Satan by choosing to forgive my spouse. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Application Steps:
Dwell on Christ's forgiveness of your offenses.
Say, "I forgive you" today.
Say, "I'm sorry" today.
Choose not to dwell on your spouse's hurtful words or actions.
Don't hold a grudge or seek revenge.
Choose your friends wisely. Take care around others who bad-mouth their spouses.
The moment you feel offended, begin to pray that the Holy Spirit will work through you to forgive your spouse.
Reflections:
What "little foxes" come to mind concerning your marriage?
Have you chosen to be offended and hurt? Or gracious and forgiving?
Have you been avoiding talking to your spouse about a big offense? Can you choose to today to take the first step in talking about this situation, praying about it, and perhaps seeing a godly counselor?
Power Verses:
Colossians 3:12-13, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (NLT)
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
God You Reign
Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMfNe4ZRoU
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
The Quest of God
Monday, May 17, 2010
PLAY NOW
We may think we’re looking for God,
but really, God is looking for us.
Dr Kroll begins this study by looking at God’s quest for man’s heart.
God is searching for men and women whose hearts are thirsty for Him.
We’ll learn what a thirsty heart is,
and how we can use the Bible to connect with God’s heart.
This message references: Psalm 63:1
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2010
Question for the day:
Who wrote:
“Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom.”
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please continue to pray for the residents from Keryx #2 at TRRP in Tuscola, MI and Straits Correctional Facility as they continue to digest the message that God brought them over this past weekend.
Also, please pray for the preparation of hearts for those whom God has chosen to attend Keryx #17 at Pugsley Correctional Facility this coming weekend. May the Lord’s ministers bring Jesus’ Message with clarity, power, boldness and effectiveness. May each who has been chosen to receive that Word do so with joy, May the Word endure forever in their hearts.
I got a letter from one of my sisters, asking for prayer for a friend of theirs.
She didn't give me a name, but said that this man is obviously under attack and persecution, and she doesn't say lightly that she believes the devil is attacking him.
Indeed, she doesn't say this lightly. I have never heard her use this phrase before.
God knows who this person is that needs prayer.............please help with your prayers for him, and also pray that the persecuted AND persecutor will see God working in this situation, in a way that they cannot deny IS God working.
Thank you and God Bless, --Sandy Brommer
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Please pray for Carey Scortichini as he is in surgery in Winston/Salem for acute appenticitis. Father God, please wrap your loving arms around both Carey and Belinda and help them to feel your presence right at this very moment. I ask that you give the medical staff wisdom and discernment in their treatment of Carey and also, that you fill Belinda with a peace that only you can give her. I also ask that Carey have minimal pain and his healing will be quick. Thank you, Father, for your love and grace. We give all honor and glory to you. Amen. --Lynn Boone
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 17, 2010
Catch the Little Foxes
Melanie Chitwood
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 (NAS)
Devotion:
Holly has a hard time parking in the garage. It sits at a tricky angle, and she has run into the garage wall quite a few times. In fact, her van has plenty of scrapes and dents to prove it. Her husband Dan could choose many ways to respond—he could be angry every time, or he could berate her, but that's not his reaction. He has repeatedly chosen to forgive Holly. Their situation is an example of one of the "little foxes" mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:15: "Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" (NLT). Theirs is a situation that could have become divisive, but because of Dan's gracious response, this "little fox" did not ruin their "vineyard of love."
Do any "little foxes" come to mind when you think about your own marriage? Maybe your spouse was abrupt when speaking to you, didn't give you the attention you wanted, wasn't responsive to intimacy, forgot your anniversary, or got home late without calling recently. Everyday married life presents countless occasions to choose to be offended or to choose to forgive, as today's key verses instruct us.
Without forgiveness, we'll find ourselves becoming irritated, hard-hearted, bitter, and disconnected from our spouse. A friend taught me one way to make sure this doesn't happen: The moment I feel offended, I can choose to forgive. If my spouse says something that makes me mad or hurt, I need to begin praying at that very moment to forgive. Doing this allows God to begin softening our hearts immediately.
In addition to dealing with the little foxes of small offenses, we will sometimes need to forgive our spouses for big offenses. We might be betrayed by unfaithfulness, our trust might be rattled by secrets our spouses keep, or our feelings might be stomped on by spouses who do the same hurtful things over and over again. If one quality makes a Christian marriage stand out from the rest, it's our choice to forgive our spouse. We might feel as if we're ignoring the offense or giving our stamp of approval by choosing to forgive. Our pride and fear might rise up: What if the offense happens again and again? Will I be taken for a fool? What will others think?
Choosing to forgive is an act of obedience to God's commands. Forgiveness entails choosing, often over and over again, not to dwell on the offense because that would allow a root of bitterness to grow in our hearts. But let's be clear: If you're dealing with a sin issue in marriage, choose to forgive but still spend the needed time talking about the situation, praying separately and together, and seeking godly counsel.
Forgiveness is a one of the most essential attitudes for bringing unity and oneness to marriage, and it flows from our relationship with Christ.
Jesus, please cover our marriage with a spirit of forgiveness. I confess that sometimes I want to hold a grudge, to retaliate, or to be right, rather than forgive. Lord, I don't want the enemy to get a foothold in our marriage, so through the power of the Holy Spirit, I slam the door on Satan by choosing to forgive my spouse. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Application Steps:
Dwell on Christ's forgiveness of your offenses.
Say, "I forgive you" today.
Say, "I'm sorry" today.
Choose not to dwell on your spouse's hurtful words or actions.
Don't hold a grudge or seek revenge.
Choose your friends wisely. Take care around others who bad-mouth their spouses.
The moment you feel offended, begin to pray that the Holy Spirit will work through you to forgive your spouse.
Reflections:
What "little foxes" come to mind concerning your marriage?
Have you chosen to be offended and hurt? Or gracious and forgiving?
Have you been avoiding talking to your spouse about a big offense? Can you choose to today to take the first step in talking about this situation, praying about it, and perhaps seeing a godly counselor?
Power Verses:
Colossians 3:12-13, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (NLT)
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
God You Reign
Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMfNe4ZRoU
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
The Quest of God
Monday, May 17, 2010
PLAY NOW
We may think we’re looking for God,
but really, God is looking for us.
Dr Kroll begins this study by looking at God’s quest for man’s heart.
God is searching for men and women whose hearts are thirsty for Him.
We’ll learn what a thirsty heart is,
and how we can use the Bible to connect with God’s heart.
This message references: Psalm 63:1
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
5/15 Manna
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010
Question for the day:
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
The Michigan Department of Corrections has granted permission for the Keryx Prison Ministry to bring Jesus’ message of love, grace, forgiveness and restoration to the Tuscola Re-entry program in Caro, MI in Keryx #2 between 5/13 and 5/16. Please pray for the forty men, who will experience this working of the Holy Spirit, and please pray for the men, several from Messiah, who will be bringing the message. For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
Hey everyone, I don’t normally ask for prayers for myself, but I would be so blessed by your prayers for next Tuesday, May 18.
On Tuesday @ 730am I will be having rotator cuff repair surgery done on my left shoulder. Pray all goes smoothly and rehabilitation Is solid and as painless as possible. Thanks! --Pastor Kurt
WEEKENDS
Devotional thought
from the messages of Adrian Rogers
A "Know-So"
or a "Hope-So" Salvation?
BIBLE MEDITATION:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
If you think you’re going to get to heaven by your good works, I guarantee you will always wonder if you’ve done enough. You will not have a “know-so” salvation. You will have a “hope-so” salvation. Rather than standing up straight in confidence like an exclamation point, you will be bent over and wondering like a question mark. That is, until you understand that it’s all by grace. Suppose everybody who wanted to be saved had to run around the block. Some can’t run. What if you had to read a chapter in the Bible to be saved? Some can’t read. But there is one thing that can make the promise sure, and that is grace.
ACTION POINT:
Who can you share this Good News with today? Think of at least one person, and ask God to give you a bold love and a divine opportunity to do just that. We also invite you to read “You Can Be Sure” for more insights on the eternal security of the believer.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Pass It On
Kenny Wesley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRpLoH8VaA
…and…
Encouragement for Today
Only One Thing
Zoe Elmore
"You are worried and upset about many things,
but only one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Devotion:
I had a college professor who told our health class to be sure we had eight hours of sleep, eight hours of work, and eight hours of leisure. It was her opinion that this formula would bring about a balanced life.
I can see you rolling your eyes and thinking, "Really?"
While I don't agree with my professor's formula I do agree that our lives must have balance and in order to achieve that balance we must return to putting our relationship with the Lord first.
Remember the story where Jesus told Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus that she needed to rethink her priorities? Martha was upset with Mary because she dropped what she was doing to sit at the feet of Jesus. Martha, however, continued with her hostess responsibilities until she had enough.
"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'" (Luke 10:40, NIV).
But Jesus told Martha that it was Mary who had put her relationship with the Lord first in her life. "‘Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, ‘You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:41-42,NIV).
Martha was one smart lady and she learned her lesson well. After this encounter, when Jesus arrived to call Lazarus from the grave, it was Mary who stayed in the house and Martha who went out to greet Him.
I love that it was Martha to whom Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, NIV).
Her reply confirms just how much Martha's priorities had changed: "'Yes, Lord,' she told him, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world'" (John 11:27,NIV).
Setting priorities in today's fast-paced life can be challenging for sure.
We try to squeeze as much as we can into the twenty four hours in each day. Yet when we've had enough and can't take any more, that's when we find ourselves crying out to the Lord for help. If you're anything like me you will hear His sweet words whispering to your heart, "Only one thing is needed."
The simple truth is when we put God first in our lives; everything else will fall into place. Our responsibilities will continue and the demands of life will go on but God will be there to help us bring order out of chaos. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6,NIV).
Dear Lord, I confess that my life is pulled in too many directions. When I am anxious about doing things I have trouble hearing Your Word. Help me to treasure the "one thing" that I need and trust You to put the rest in order, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Application Steps:
Prioritize all the commitments and responsibilities you have.
Ask God to reorganize your list and follow His leading.
Reflections:
What is your number one priority today?
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (NIV)
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010
Question for the day:
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
The Michigan Department of Corrections has granted permission for the Keryx Prison Ministry to bring Jesus’ message of love, grace, forgiveness and restoration to the Tuscola Re-entry program in Caro, MI in Keryx #2 between 5/13 and 5/16. Please pray for the forty men, who will experience this working of the Holy Spirit, and please pray for the men, several from Messiah, who will be bringing the message. For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
Hey everyone, I don’t normally ask for prayers for myself, but I would be so blessed by your prayers for next Tuesday, May 18.
On Tuesday @ 730am I will be having rotator cuff repair surgery done on my left shoulder. Pray all goes smoothly and rehabilitation Is solid and as painless as possible. Thanks! --Pastor Kurt
WEEKENDS
Devotional thought
from the messages of Adrian Rogers
A "Know-So"
or a "Hope-So" Salvation?
BIBLE MEDITATION:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
If you think you’re going to get to heaven by your good works, I guarantee you will always wonder if you’ve done enough. You will not have a “know-so” salvation. You will have a “hope-so” salvation. Rather than standing up straight in confidence like an exclamation point, you will be bent over and wondering like a question mark. That is, until you understand that it’s all by grace. Suppose everybody who wanted to be saved had to run around the block. Some can’t run. What if you had to read a chapter in the Bible to be saved? Some can’t read. But there is one thing that can make the promise sure, and that is grace.
ACTION POINT:
Who can you share this Good News with today? Think of at least one person, and ask God to give you a bold love and a divine opportunity to do just that. We also invite you to read “You Can Be Sure” for more insights on the eternal security of the believer.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Pass It On
Kenny Wesley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRpLoH8VaA
…and…
Encouragement for Today
Only One Thing
Zoe Elmore
"You are worried and upset about many things,
but only one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Devotion:
I had a college professor who told our health class to be sure we had eight hours of sleep, eight hours of work, and eight hours of leisure. It was her opinion that this formula would bring about a balanced life.
I can see you rolling your eyes and thinking, "Really?"
While I don't agree with my professor's formula I do agree that our lives must have balance and in order to achieve that balance we must return to putting our relationship with the Lord first.
Remember the story where Jesus told Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus that she needed to rethink her priorities? Martha was upset with Mary because she dropped what she was doing to sit at the feet of Jesus. Martha, however, continued with her hostess responsibilities until she had enough.
"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'" (Luke 10:40, NIV).
But Jesus told Martha that it was Mary who had put her relationship with the Lord first in her life. "‘Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, ‘You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:41-42,NIV).
Martha was one smart lady and she learned her lesson well. After this encounter, when Jesus arrived to call Lazarus from the grave, it was Mary who stayed in the house and Martha who went out to greet Him.
I love that it was Martha to whom Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, NIV).
Her reply confirms just how much Martha's priorities had changed: "'Yes, Lord,' she told him, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world'" (John 11:27,NIV).
Setting priorities in today's fast-paced life can be challenging for sure.
We try to squeeze as much as we can into the twenty four hours in each day. Yet when we've had enough and can't take any more, that's when we find ourselves crying out to the Lord for help. If you're anything like me you will hear His sweet words whispering to your heart, "Only one thing is needed."
The simple truth is when we put God first in our lives; everything else will fall into place. Our responsibilities will continue and the demands of life will go on but God will be there to help us bring order out of chaos. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6,NIV).
Dear Lord, I confess that my life is pulled in too many directions. When I am anxious about doing things I have trouble hearing Your Word. Help me to treasure the "one thing" that I need and trust You to put the rest in order, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Application Steps:
Prioritize all the commitments and responsibilities you have.
Ask God to reorganize your list and follow His leading.
Reflections:
What is your number one priority today?
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (NIV)
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5/14 Manna
DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
Question for the day:
Who Said:
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
The Michigan Department of Corrections has granted permission for the Keryx Prison Ministry to bring Jesus’ message of love, grace, forgiveness and restoration to the Tuscola Re-entry program in Caro, MI in Keryx #2 between 5/13 and 5/16. Please pray for the forty men, who will experience this working of the Holy Spirit, and please pray for the men, several from Messiah, who will be bringing the message. For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
Please pray for Diane Kross a mom of a friend of mine who found out she has a tumor on her brain stem. She will have an appointment at U of M for more testing and plan of action. Please lift her husband George up in prayer, as he is worried about his wife and my friend up as she is very worried and concerned about her mom. I pray that they place this all into your hands Heavenly Father. --Ranee Tessin
Love Worth Finding
The Discipline Of Darkness-Part One
by Adrian Rogers
There are times in a Christian’s life when the lights just seem to go out and we enter a season of darkness.
When faced with calamity and nothing makes sense, the first question we ask is, “Why did God let this happen?” We feel we can bear just about anything if we only knew why. But what we need to ask isHOW. How are we going to respond?
We might as well admit it – Christians are often left in the dark. As you read this, you may be at the deathbed of a child. You may be going through financial distress. You may be enduring misrepresentation and disgrace or have a broken heart because of a broken home. The question haunts you – why?
What do you do when the lights go out?
In this message and the next, I have five propositions to consider. Here are the first three.
#1: Those Of Greatest Devotion May Know The Deepest Darkness
“Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10)
Darkness is not unusual for God’s choicest saints. No matter how close we walk to God, it’s not always sweetness and light. Who ever came up with the distorted idea that if we give our lives to Jesus, all will be joy and rose petals? We’re not going to waltz through life with ever-increasing health, success, a serene old age and a glorious exit. Thousands of saints who love God are deeply perplexed. Think of these Bible saints:
Job, godly man, wrote, “He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and He hath set darkness in my paths” (Job 19:8).
Habakkuk prayed, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:2) The heavens seemed like brass.
John the Baptist found himself in prison. It didn’t make sense that Jesus could work miracles, even raise the dead, and yet John was in prison. He asked Jesus, “Are You the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19).
Even Paul, the great apostle, said, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Great saints of history had the same experience. Read their biographies—many spoke of a dark night of the soul.
So if you’re in darkness, you’re in good company.
Notice that Isaiah describes the person in darkness as one who “fears Him and obeys the voice of His servant.” Darkness, therefore, does not mean we have sinned or are out the will of God.
# 2: THE FAITH THAT IS BORN IN THE LIGHT OFTEN GROWS IN THE DARK
“We should never doubt in the dark what God has shown us in the light.”
It is in darkness that we have to trust the Lord and “stay” upon Him. Think carefully: when have you grown the most? In sunny days when everything seemed perfect? Or at midnight when you cried out to God? It was in the darkness that you grew, wasn’t it?
Faith, like film, is developed in the dark. God wants us to develop a faith that goes beyond our understanding and experience.
How you act in the dark is the real test of your character. Have you noticed in a building when the lights suddenly go out, it’s the little children who begin to run and scream with fear? When the lights come back on, they behave once more.
“We walk by promises, not by explanations.”—Warren Wiersbe
What should you do when the lights suddenly go out in your life?
• First, look to the Lord. Isaiah 50:10 says “trust in Him.” Just because things don’t make sense to you doesn’t mean they don’t make sense. And just because they don’t make sense now, doesn’t mean they won’t make sense some day. If it doesn’t make sense, nonetheless trust the Lord.
• Not only trust, but also obey. Don’t stop praying for an unsaved spouse, even if they seem to get worse. Don’t stop giving in a financial reverse. Don’t stop witnessing, even if no one seems to respond. Don’t stop praising, even if you don’t feel like praising.
• Lean upon the Lord. “Stay” comes from the word for “staff.” Just as a shepherd leans on his staff, leanupon the Lord. David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4) It’s better to be in a dark valley, leaning on Jesus, than on a sunlit mountain without Him.
We may not understand, but relationship is really more important than reason. It may be that we do not know Why in order that we may know Who.
In the dark valley, David no longer talks about the Lord (“the Lord is my shepherd”), he now talks to the Lord (“Thou are with me”).
However dark life becomes, you will find Jesus standing somewhere in the shadows.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
I Will Call Upon the Lord
Petra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_mM7GzvxYI
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
The Tax Collector: Praying for Mercy
PLAY NOW
The last prayer in this series comes from a parable
Jesus told about two men,
a proud Pharisee and an ashamed tax-collector.
We’ll contrast their two prayers,
what they reveal about our heart attitudes
towards each other and towards God.
We'll see God honors the humble,
repentant heart with His presence and His promises,
and consider what it means to pray like this in our lives today.
This message references: Luke 18:9-14
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/back-to-the-bible/listen/the-tax-collector-praying-for-mercy-101976.html
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=658043086&ref=profile
http://twitter.com/home - DysmasConduit/224539
Question for the day: … Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
Question for the day:
Who Said:
What can we pray with YOU about today?
Good morning,
This is just a reminder that every day, while we are studying God’s Word to add to our website, someone from our ministry, Dysmas Conduit, is holding you up before the Lord in prayer. May He greatly bless you today as you pursue His will and He is glorified through you.
God’s blessings, our love,
George & Sidney Granger
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
The Michigan Department of Corrections has granted permission for the Keryx Prison Ministry to bring Jesus’ message of love, grace, forgiveness and restoration to the Tuscola Re-entry program in Caro, MI in Keryx #2 between 5/13 and 5/16. Please pray for the forty men, who will experience this working of the Holy Spirit, and please pray for the men, several from Messiah, who will be bringing the message. For more information about Keryx, please visit http://keryx.org/ .
Please pray for Mike and Sandy Brommer as they spread the Lord’s Seed and witness to His glory while on the road today. Please pray also that the Lord will lead them to Kingdom-profitable loads to carry, and that He grants them safe passage today.
Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.
Christine Babel Henderson - Today when I called my Mother to find out what the Dr. told her about her test. She told me they needed to take more tests. She was told everything so far is pointing towards "colon cancer". Please take a moment from your busy day and remember my Mother in prayer. I lost my Father to liver cancer in 1991, I am NOT ready to let her go!!
Lauren Gibbons
First update on Bud. His surgery went very well. He expected to be in the hospital for 2 weeks afterward but his recovery is going so well that they were talking about releasing him yesterday. The procedure he had done was very invasive and is relatively new. It should keep him cancer free for many years. That's the most recent update I have on him.
Little granddaughter Baylee's surgery went very well. They finished fixing her top palette; this was her second surgery on it. She only had to be in the hospital one full day because she was eating and drinking so quickly afterward. She's a trooper and has never let these surgeries keep her down long. This is about the 4th surgery she's had to have but hopefully this one was the last.
Please continue to pray for continued healing for both. And for Baylee that her trache can be removed soon so she can speak. Right now, she pretty much uses one word "signs" to speak. Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren
Please pray for Diane Kross a mom of a friend of mine who found out she has a tumor on her brain stem. She will have an appointment at U of M for more testing and plan of action. Please lift her husband George up in prayer, as he is worried about his wife and my friend up as she is very worried and concerned about her mom. I pray that they place this all into your hands Heavenly Father. --Ranee Tessin
Love Worth Finding
The Discipline Of Darkness-Part One
by Adrian Rogers
There are times in a Christian’s life when the lights just seem to go out and we enter a season of darkness.
When faced with calamity and nothing makes sense, the first question we ask is, “Why did God let this happen?” We feel we can bear just about anything if we only knew why. But what we need to ask isHOW. How are we going to respond?
We might as well admit it – Christians are often left in the dark. As you read this, you may be at the deathbed of a child. You may be going through financial distress. You may be enduring misrepresentation and disgrace or have a broken heart because of a broken home. The question haunts you – why?
What do you do when the lights go out?
In this message and the next, I have five propositions to consider. Here are the first three.
#1: Those Of Greatest Devotion May Know The Deepest Darkness
“Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10)
Darkness is not unusual for God’s choicest saints. No matter how close we walk to God, it’s not always sweetness and light. Who ever came up with the distorted idea that if we give our lives to Jesus, all will be joy and rose petals? We’re not going to waltz through life with ever-increasing health, success, a serene old age and a glorious exit. Thousands of saints who love God are deeply perplexed. Think of these Bible saints:
Job, godly man, wrote, “He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and He hath set darkness in my paths” (Job 19:8).
Habakkuk prayed, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:2) The heavens seemed like brass.
John the Baptist found himself in prison. It didn’t make sense that Jesus could work miracles, even raise the dead, and yet John was in prison. He asked Jesus, “Are You the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19).
Even Paul, the great apostle, said, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Great saints of history had the same experience. Read their biographies—many spoke of a dark night of the soul.
So if you’re in darkness, you’re in good company.
Notice that Isaiah describes the person in darkness as one who “fears Him and obeys the voice of His servant.” Darkness, therefore, does not mean we have sinned or are out the will of God.
# 2: THE FAITH THAT IS BORN IN THE LIGHT OFTEN GROWS IN THE DARK
“We should never doubt in the dark what God has shown us in the light.”
It is in darkness that we have to trust the Lord and “stay” upon Him. Think carefully: when have you grown the most? In sunny days when everything seemed perfect? Or at midnight when you cried out to God? It was in the darkness that you grew, wasn’t it?
Faith, like film, is developed in the dark. God wants us to develop a faith that goes beyond our understanding and experience.
How you act in the dark is the real test of your character. Have you noticed in a building when the lights suddenly go out, it’s the little children who begin to run and scream with fear? When the lights come back on, they behave once more.
“We walk by promises, not by explanations.”—Warren Wiersbe
What should you do when the lights suddenly go out in your life?
• First, look to the Lord. Isaiah 50:10 says “trust in Him.” Just because things don’t make sense to you doesn’t mean they don’t make sense. And just because they don’t make sense now, doesn’t mean they won’t make sense some day. If it doesn’t make sense, nonetheless trust the Lord.
• Not only trust, but also obey. Don’t stop praying for an unsaved spouse, even if they seem to get worse. Don’t stop giving in a financial reverse. Don’t stop witnessing, even if no one seems to respond. Don’t stop praising, even if you don’t feel like praising.
• Lean upon the Lord. “Stay” comes from the word for “staff.” Just as a shepherd leans on his staff, leanupon the Lord. David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4) It’s better to be in a dark valley, leaning on Jesus, than on a sunlit mountain without Him.
We may not understand, but relationship is really more important than reason. It may be that we do not know Why in order that we may know Who.
In the dark valley, David no longer talks about the Lord (“the Lord is my shepherd”), he now talks to the Lord (“Thou are with me”).
However dark life becomes, you will find Jesus standing somewhere in the shadows.
YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
I Will Call Upon the Lord
Petra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_mM7GzvxYI
…and…
Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
The Tax Collector: Praying for Mercy
PLAY NOW
The last prayer in this series comes from a parable
Jesus told about two men,
a proud Pharisee and an ashamed tax-collector.
We’ll contrast their two prayers,
what they reveal about our heart attitudes
towards each other and towards God.
We'll see God honors the humble,
repentant heart with His presence and His promises,
and consider what it means to pray like this in our lives today.
This message references: Luke 18:9-14
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/back-to-the-bible/listen/the-tax-collector-praying-for-mercy-101976.html
Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=658043086&ref=profile
http://twitter.com/home - DysmasConduit/224539
Question for the day: … Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/
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