Just Us

Tree 63 Sunday Music Video

2011-01-09T02:45:00.000-08:00

What’s the address: What should the New Testament Church look like? - Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/

Sara Groves - "Breath of Heaven"

2010-12-27T02:34:00.000-08:00

What’s the address: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” - Please see today's Manna at http://dysmasconduit.weebly.com/

Manna for 11/8/10

2010-11-08T01:38:00.001-08:00

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

5/18 Manna

2010-05-18T02:15:00.001-07:00

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

5/17 Manna

2010-05-17T02:44:00.000-07:00

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

5/15 Manna

2010-05-14T17:55:00.001-07:00

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)

5/14 Manna

2010-05-13T19:21:00.001-07:00

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/

Michael W. Smith - I'll Lead You Home

2010-05-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

5/13 Manna

2010-05-13T02:26:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010

Question for the day:
What memories allow me to see God's divine hand in my life?

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

Connee Babel Bruce - PRAYER ALERT!!! FROM Karen Nagle Williams For AUDRIN KING. Hold the family up in prayer today. Her two year old daughter was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. If you see this post, even if you don't know her, God knows... Please post this to your profile for 1 hour and say a prayer for that little girl (Please...) and God Bless you for doing it!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

May 13, 2010

Remember

Luann Prater

"Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope."
Psalm 119:49 (NIV)

Devotion:
I recall the moments of despair. I couldn't see my way out. Three small children were depending on me and that thought was overwhelming. I would cry in the middle of my mobile home floor, feeling desperately lonely. I wondered if I would have food to feed them or a way to keep them warm.

Child support was $142 a month, but I rarely received it. I worked a full time job, took in laundry, and worked as a waitress during holidays. When all three kids would get sick at the same time, my life felt like a nightmare. The thought of driving off a cliff entered my mind more than once, but I couldn't bear to think what that would do to my kids for the rest of their lives.

I wanted someone (I would have settled for ANYONE at times) to just even pretend to care about me. Would rescue ever come?

Then one day I made the decision to look for the good. My baby went to the potty (hey, that was a big deal). My oldest waved from the school bus. My son poured on a heart-melting smile. Choosing to laugh more than cry and finding the fun in each day was often like seeking buried treasure. But most days the good was there; it just wasn't as noticeable as the bad. Focusing on those moments felt like breath in my lungs.

My theme song was Carole King's "Beautiful" that says, "You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face." Gray had dominated my days for far too long, the sun needed to shine in my life again.

I remember purposely watching other moms who had happy kids to see what they were doing right. And those who seemed to have peace, even in the middle of their meltdowns particularly intrigued me. What did they have that my ‘pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps' mentality wasn't fulfilling?

Jesus. They simply had found the Prince of Peace who sends the Counselor into your heart when you accept Him. Watching those examples made me hunger for that relationship in my own life.

Now, as I look back, I see the string of choices, the dots that all connected. They all brought me to this very day. This day when I am sitting at my breakfast table, peering at the stars glistening in the sky, writing this note to you, my friend. The note says, "You can do this. We can't possibly see the road ahead or try to understand where it is going, but I guarantee you the Creator of the universe is connecting your dots."

Father, I need your help to make it through today. I need to notice the good. Don't let me forget You've brought me through every struggle I've ever faced. Remind me to share that good news with others who need to hear it, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Reach out to a single mom who needs a break. Offer her help.

Reflections:
What memories allow me to see God's divine hand in my life?

How do I share that hope with others?

Who may be watching me, hoping to find lasting Hope?

Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:8, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

Genesis 21:16a-17, 19, "And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
I’ll Lead You Home
Michael W Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgnLfY0t3Mc

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

The Bible's Authority
Over the Church

Thursday, May 13, 2010
PLAY NOW

Who gets the final word? Church leaders,
religious traditions or the Word of God?
Join Woodrow Kroll for the answers...
Series: Is the Bible Really Your Authority?

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/12 Manna

2010-05-12T01:22:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2010

God’s answer:
“I’m not the One Who moved!”

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!!

Please lift Dwight Humm in prayer. He is on his way to Ann Arbor for eye surgery. --Jackie Maxwell

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 12, 2010

Instead of Shame
Susanne Scheppmann

"Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs."
Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)

Devotion:
I turned and walked away from God in anger and disappointment. I tossed away the calling of ministry on my life. The Lord had hurt my feelings, so I left my faith to find a fresh path.

This happened during my twenties. With two toddlers climbing up my legs during the day and crying intermittently during the night, I was physically exhausted. Emotional turmoil began to disintegrate my marriage. My immature faith lacked the stamina to hold to God tightly. So, for seven years I wandered through sin, divorce, and miserable meanderings of my own making. It was a time of spiritual drought—the years of shame.

Although I walked away from God, He did not walk away from me. The Lord allowed me to experience life in the wilderness of doubt, but He was right there watching over me and waiting for me to return to the call of ministry placed on my life at age eighteen.

Eventually, I allowed myself to feel His presence in my life. Little by little, the Lord Jesus wooed me back to Himself. I remember the exact time and place that I felt Him whisper to my spirit, "Let's start over and do it right this time." I wept with relief and joy. I began to study the Bible and allowed it to change my damaged spiritual heart. This time it wasn't going to be head knowledge, but heart knowledge.

My faith was back on track, but I did not think my calling to ministry could ever be restored. Hadn't I traveled too far off the godly path? Surely, God didn't want me anymore in service to His Kingdom. Surely, He had more qualified daughters that could minister to others without the shame of a sullied past such as mine.

However, that is not how God thinks at all. The Bible says, "For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29, NIV). The Lord desires for us to move beyond the shame of past mistakes and into His calling for our lives. He will restore us to useful service in the Kingdom. It takes time and it is a process, but the Almighty God still has a plan for each of our lives. He intends to replace disgrace with rejoicing, so that we may show our world that we are living miracles.

Do I hear an "Amen"?

Dear Lord, thank You for having mercy on me. Display Your will for my life. Enable me to fulfill the gifts and call in my life, so that others will understand Your grace and mighty power, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Reflections:
Do I feel I have lost my chance to use my spiritual gifts?

How can I begin to use my spiritual gifts to display God's mercy in my life?

Power Verses:
Joel 2:26, "You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed." (NIV)

Psalm 36:5, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (NIV)

Romans 11:29-30, "For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Blessed Be Your Name
Tree 63
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du0il6d-DAk

…and…

The Bible's Authority
Over Human Wisdom

Back to the Bible with Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
Wednesday, May 12, 2010

PLAY NOW

We may be intelligent, even wise,
but we've got nothing on the Bible's wisdom and authority,
as you'll see today with Dr. Kroll...

Series: Is the Bible Really Your Authority?

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/11 Manna

2010-05-11T03:30:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010

Question for the day:
Has anything “good” you have done ever turned out to be a much bigger deal than you thought it would when you did it?

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 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 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.

Joe Booth – that my back will heal and everything will go back to normal and there won’t be anymore pain

Coldwell Family – The Wakeman family, the loss of their daughter

Sherry Kerns – Mother Leona Dopp, right hip

Anonymous – daughter’s health issues and their family problems

Anonymous – for my son who has been struggling with addictions, he is moving in the right direction. I want him to remember his faith and to know that God is always with him

Tamara Gandy – a friend who has returned from Iraq and is depressed, has insomnia

Anonymous – Rita Klemish who continues to recover from brain surgeries

Anonymous – My sister who is at the 1016 in Midland

Trombley Family – Faith, strength and healing. Connection with family

Brewster Family – Paula Mann, went through stem cell surgery; Karen Ulmer, dealing with her cancer and chemo

Anonymous – My Family

Carol Greyerbiehl – continued prayer for all our troops and their families

Ben Wright – various job opportunities, my current job, my children

Gay Family – Linda Alexander, scan OK, prayers worked!!

Burkhard Family – Thank you for all of your prayers. We moved into our new house. Please pray for future plans as Michelle was laid off on Tuesday.

Fort Family – Son and daughter-in-law out of work since February. Need employment and above all, God’s guidance and direction

Kaylee Meissner – pray for my grandma Judy. She just went through 2 losses

Anonymous – Our mother, she is struggling with surgery on her arm and is very upset

McLaughlin Family – Dasia Brown for healing for complications with a bone marrow transplant

Sirrine / Miller Family – Grandpa Tom because his lungs are messed up

Holt Family – My brothers Tim and Tom, that they would return to God. Also Casey and Brendan Johansen, that their faith in God would grow

Bornheimer Family – Hooray! Our son Stephen graduated for Concordia University / Ann Arbor yesterday!

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 11, 2010

6:47
Marybeth Whalen

‘"How many loaves do you have?' he asked.
‘Go and see.' When they found out, they said,
‘Five—and two fish.'"
Mark 6:38 (NIV)

Devotion:
I glanced at the clock on the bottom of my computer. It was 6:47 pm and the email had been sent hours earlier. I kicked myself for not checking my email that afternoon and regretted not being able to respond to my friend's plea for prayer as she prepared to share her testimony in a small group at her church. I scanned through her email again and saw that the time she was supposed to begin was at 6:30. Feeling a little foolish, I typed a quick email:

"Dear Karen," I wrote, "It is 6:47 and I am praying your testimony will be effective in the hearts of those who listen." I had no idea why I included the time, it just felt like the right thing to do. I guess because I wanted her to know I did what I could as soon as I could. The next morning, I woke up to this email:

"NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! I was told to arrive at 6:30 and we'd start once the ladies got their kids settled. The leader had me start.....AT 6:47!!!!"

There are too many times that I have been in a situation like that and done nothing because I couldn't do it "right." I beat myself up with thoughts like: A better friend would have prayed as soon as the email came out. A more organized person would have checked her email earlier. How often do we feel like we fall short of what we could be doing as Christians? We wish we could give more, pray harder, speak up more, offer more time. And in the end, because we can't do as much as we want, we throw up our hands and do nothing. Because we can't do it all, we don't do anything at all.

As I read my friend's response, I was glad I did something, taking the little I had to offer and giving it anyway. I was too late by my timing, but not by God's. I had missed the opportunity to pray for my friend before but God miraculously had me open the email at the moment she was beginning and pray then.

In Mark 6:35-44, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5000 men. The disciples told Him that they didn't have enough to feed the crowd. They were ready to give up. I love the question that He asks them in our verse today: "Well, what do you have? Go and see." When they turned over what they did have to Him, He was able to multiply it beyond what they could have imagined.

So many times I come to Him and say the same: "I just have this little tiny bit…of money, of time, of resources, of energy."

And He says, "Bring what you have to me. That's all I ask. Let me take care of it from here."

So I ask what little you might have to give? You might not be able to give $1000. But you could give $10. You might not be able to pledge hours and hours to serve at church. But you can serve once a month for one hour. You might not feel comfortable speaking to crowds. But you're great at sharing what God's doing in your life one-on-one. You might not be able to lead a prayer ministry. But you can pray for a friend who needs it, even if it seems like you're too late.

Let God take your little and make it much. Let Him take your 6:47 and make it right on time.

Dear Lord, show me how I can respond when I feel like I don't have enough. Help me to offer my little in Your name and watch You respond in multiples. Open my eyes to the times I need to offer what I can and let that be enough, trusting You with the rest, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Jesus is asking you: What do you have? Go and see. Spend time today seeing what you have.

Reflections:
What are the things that keep you from saying yes? Fear? Inadequacy? Insecurity? How can doing something little help you overcome these things?

Power Verses:
2 Kings 4:43, "'How can I set this before a hundred men?' his servant asked. But Elisha answered, ‘Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.'" (NIV)

2 Kings 4:44, "Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
The Way I Was Made
Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF5SZWox_JE

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

The Inerrancy and Infallibility
of the Bible

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PLAY NOW

We're so used to things being imperfect and full of mistakes,
it's hard to believe that something could be totally without error.
But that's exactly what the Bible is...

Series: Is the Bible Really Your Authority?

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/10 Manna

2010-05-10T03:29:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

DAY, MAY, 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:

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.

Tammy and I are requesting prayers for Ryan Claypool, a 10 year old that is having a heart cath at Childrens Hospital in the morning. May 10th.
He has already had open heart surgery 3 times and is looking at the possibility of three more. He almost did not make it through the last. We are asking for prayers for Ryan, his mom , dad, step dad, and rest of the family. Thank you and God Bless you --Todd and Tammy Moore

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.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 10, 2010

Reshaping My Family Tree
T. Suzanne Eller

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself;
it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit
unless you remain in me."
John 15:4 (NIV)

Devotion:
The manager at Atwoods just might think I'm a stalker. I'm the one in the Red Durango driving slowly by the garden section every time I'm in town. I've already selected two hardy trees on the Atwood lot, and I can tell you exactly where I'm going to plant them when it's time.

Spring. Just breathing that word makes me happy. Flowers. Birds singing. Digging happily in the dirt. Yesterday I knelt to admire the dark shoots on my Knock Out rose bushes, and the green buds on my perennials.

But there is a tree that used to cause me pain. The branches of my family tree bent under the weight of addiction, of physical and verbal abuse, of parenting patterns that didn't work but that were handed down from generation to generation like bad apples.

When I became a mom, I determined that my family tree had to grow in another direction. I had nothing to cling to in the natural. My parenting knowledge was based on a broken childhood filled with chaos.

That's when faith was grafted in.

I prayed as I walked my colicky baby girl. I asked for strength when I was mentally exhausted from piles of laundry, from nursing, and from encouraging and disciplining three little ones. I closed myself in my bedroom, getting alone with God when I had a fight with my teen, admitting that, "Sometimes I don't have a clue, God." Faith didn't make me a perfect parent, but it did give me hope that I could be the mom I wanted to be.

Motherhood was often challenging, but it was also an immense blessing.

Today I'm still a mom, though my role has changed. I have two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law I love like crazy. And now little Elle is on the way. My first grandchild will be born in July, and Gramma can't wait to hold her in my arms.

Even as I write this, I fight tears because I can clearly see how Jesus answered a young mom's prayers.

Maybe, like mine, your family tree is crooked and gnarled with disease. You don't have to do it alone. Grafting in faith is simply inviting Jesus into the process. Faith plants seeds of hope. It prunes away parenting patterns and legacies that caused injury and harm to you, so that you can give your children something greater.

And greatest of all, new branches sprout, taking you and your family in a new direction entirely.

Dear Jesus, I invite You into my family tree. Where there is brokenness, may You be the Healer. Where there is disease, may You prune so that new life can begin. Come alongside me as a mom. Let me see the beauty of these children You have placed in my heart and in my life. Thank you for walking with me every day.

Application Steps:
Growing tips for your child:

Water: Encourage with sincere praise.

Shape: Love the child always while addressing the behavior with calm, consistency, and reasonable consequences.

Prune: Be honest about unhealthy parenting patterns that affected you as a child that continue on in your home. Replace unhealthy patterns with those that produce stability.

Harvest: Look beyond the now (feelings) to the end result. Your child is a work in progress. Consistency will produce fruit.

Reflections:
"If our kids see us humbly committing each new day to Jesus, they'll learn that He truly loves and cares about every detail of our lives. That's humility." Susie Larson, author of Growing Grateful Kids.

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV)

Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
For Those Tears I Died
Donnie Sumner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kLa9XjsHvo

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

The Inspired Revelation of God

Monday, May 10, 2010
PLAY NOW

The Bible claims to be "breathed out" by God.
Find out what that means
and how it affects your approach to this Book...

Series: Is the Bible Really Your Authority?

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

Happy Mother's Day, all

2010-05-09T03:16:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

SUNDAY, MAY 9, 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:

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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Winning the Battle for the Home

Love Worth Finding with Dr. Adrian Rogers

PLAY NOW

The artillery of hell has been aimed against your family,
because Satan knows if he can hurt us at home,
he can hurt us all over.
In this fast-paced, hard-hitting lesson,
Adrian Rogers give five factors for building
a strong moral life and keeping sexual immorality
from tearing your home apar

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Before the Morning
Josh Wilson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MniOtRnCO9I

…and…

Listen to Thru the Bible
Sunday Sermon
Dr. J. Vernon McGee

The Apostasy Has Arrived

Sunday, May 09, 2010
PLAY NOW

Peter, Jude, and others all predicted the coming apostasy.
Dr. McGee said that what was a cloud the size of a man’s hand
in the days of those men is in our day a raging storm.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Thru_the_Bible_Sunday_Sermon/

…and…

Please join Sidney and me at Messiah Live
Get a (Better) Life!
9:30 EST
http://messiahondemand.org/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/8 Manna

2010-05-08T02:45:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010

Question for the day:
What are your plans for Mother’s 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:

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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

"What Are Your Plans
for Mother's Day?"
Love Worth Finding - May 8, 2010

"Honor thy father and thy mother:
that thy days be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
Exodus 20:12

The Bible says to "honor your father and your mother," so when we observe Mother's Day or Father's Day, we are obeying the Scripture. You can honor your father and mother three ways: Obey them when you're young, care for them when they are old, and honor them at all times. How do you give them honor?

Show them respect.

Express gratefulness. Give them thanks. Learn to develop the attitude of gratitude. Have you thanked your parents for all that they've done?

Listen to their counsel.

Show your parents love. Think of what you owe your parents. They gave you life. I'm convinced that the closest thing to God's love is the love of a mother.

Why don't you sit down and write a letter to your mother or father and tell them how grateful you are for them? I'll tell you one thing, they will read it over and over again. And when they die and you're going through their things, you'll find that letter tucked away in their most treasured possessions. Do it, rather than saying I wish that I had. And if your parents are not living, give them honor and thank God for their memory.
________________________________________

Watch Adrian Rogers and Love Worth Finding Video Online

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Rescue Me
Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDiZwjnDgI

…and…

Now Playing:
God's High Calling for Women
Grace to You Weekend with John MacArthur

Saturday, May 08, 2010
PLAY NOW

If you caused an accident and someone was hurt,
you'd want to do whatever you could to make things right.
Now imagine being responsible for . . .
plunging mankind into sin.
It's a painful scenario, but important to understand
in light of God's design for women.
John MacArthur explains, today on Grace to You Weekend.

Series: God's High Calling for Women

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace-to-you-weekend/listen/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/7 Manna

2010-05-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 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:

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!!

Please pray for Ed especially this Fri at 1PM. He has his reg 3 month apt. breathing test and the 6 minute hall walk. He has to walk at least 450 feet in 6 minutes OR he gets taken off the transplant list!!! He will need God's strength to be able to do that far in that short of time. Not sure what happens next if he gets de-listed...I have a notebook with questions written down. Just please lift Ed up in prayer if possible at that time. Thanks! Hugs and love, --Cathy

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 7, 2010

The Dailyness
Ariel Allison Lawhon

"Blessed is the man who listens to me,
watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway."
Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)

Devotion:
Life wouldn't be so hard if it wasn't so daily. As I sit here surrounded by laundry and dishes piled high in the sink, I see more than ever how life wears us down one day at a time.

Crumbs litter the floor and dirty smudges cover the windows. And I have yet to discover where that smell is coming from. For this mother of four, a simple trip to the grocery store requires an act of God and Congress - attempted only when we are down to powdered milk and Ramen noodles. Not thirty minutes ago a little one-year-old boy clung to my legs, belting out that scream- you know the one, bats can hear it. And I felt my coping skills slipping away. Not because he was crying but because he cries every day.
The daily-ness.

The job of motherhood feels so vast, and frightening, and unending. I am called to raise these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and yet there are days that I can't seem to get out of my pajamas much less lead them in a time of prayer. I think anyone could endure the temper tantrums of a small child or the rebellion of a teenager or the constant needs of another if they lasted just one day. But the truth is that these things are the stuff of daily life. And when I am honest with myself, they grind down the rough edges of this woman. Because parenting can not be all about me when diapers must be changed, noses wiped and beds made.

In those moments I force myself to take a deep breath and thank God for this season of life. These children. The privilege of wiping noses and bottoms and countertops. A privilege many women would love to have, but don't. I remind myself that the days are long but the years are short. And one day I will look in the rear-view mirror and see empty seats. The cup that is overflowing right now will slowly drain. The stretch marks will fade. And I will find that a new set of daily struggles has overtaken me. When that day comes I will find the strength to face them as well because God gives the grace, daily.

The daily-ness.

As C.S. Lewis once said, "The thing is to rely on God… Meanwhile, the trouble is that relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing has yet been done."

Your daily-ness is probably different than mine, but it is nonetheless God-ordained. It is exactly what we need to live dependent on His grace instead of our own strength. The One who knows us best, who knit us together in our mother's womb, has allotted these days that are equal parts trial and triumph. And He knows that we will see Him most clearly from a place of dependence.

So today I embrace the normal things. The daily things. Another round of laundry. The ring in my toilet. The dust on my dresser so thick a child could write his name. But even more than that I want to celebrate the important things. A child slowly learning to read. A husband that finds his comfort in my arms. A baby who learns to walk and talk. Because all these are the things of life: some mundane and some holy. And all of them must be received daily.

Dear Lord, sometimes daily life is just hard. And we're tired. And overwhelmed. But You promised to be our strength and our hope and our comfort. So today we look to You for what we need. Please meet us in this, our daily-ness, and help us receive Your grace, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Pray that God will help you embrace your daily-ness, whether it be young children, a physical ailment, or financial difficulties.

Make an effort to honor God with an attitude of trust during this season of life.

Reflections:
How can trusting God with my daily struggles point others to Him?

How would my life be different if I started each day thanking God for this season and the struggles it contains?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:11, "Give us today our daily bread." (NIV)

Luke 9:23, "Then He said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (NIV)

Titus 3:14, "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessitates and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Undo
Rush Of Fools
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

The Tax Collector: Praying for Mercy

Friday, May 07, 2010
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/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/6 Manna

2010-05-06T03:14:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010

Question for the day:
Who wrote:
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

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 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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 6, 2010

Sweating in Church
Lysa TerKeurst

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans,
for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father
knows what you need before you ask him."
Matthew 6:7-8 (NIV)

Devotion:
Recently, I was studying what causes people to feel spiritually frustrated. The two top reasons? Bible study and prayer.

I get it.

I can clearly remember sitting in church sweating because everyone else knew instantly how to get to every passage in the Bible the preacher man referenced. But not me. I was more interested in counting the preacher man's spit droplets than any of the fiery words he was spewing out.

Others seemed all wrapped up and excited in what this preacher man had to say. They'd shout loud, "Un-hunh's" and "Amens!" What was I missing?

And then there was my prayer life. Or the lack there-of. It's not that I didn't want to pray but the whole concept of talking to God felt weird. I tried to copy the prayers of those who seemed like they knew they were doing more than talking to the air.

But then my quirky self would sneak in and leave me feeling foolish for what I'd just said to the God of the Universe. "Dear Lord, take this food to the nourishment of my body. (Good so far.) And if you could change the molecular structure of these cheesy fries to be like carrot sticks that sure would be bomb-diggity." (Hunh?)

Like the saying goes, "We've come a long way baby." Except that I'm pretty sure you could still trip me up in finding certain passages in the Bible. And I'm pretty sure you might still hear me say bomb-diggity in my prayers. But according to what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:7, I think He's okay with that.

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

For me, sincerity and simplicity are two keys to unlocking spiritual frustration with both my Bible study and my prayers. Why do we make it all so complicated? In Colossians 4:2 we are instructed to, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (NIV). I am challenged by these words today. Do I get up from reading my Bible and praying and start intentionally watching for God? Do I sense His activity and remember to be thankful? Watchful and thankful are great words to ponder when I start trying to overcomplicate my time with Jesus.

I think a few honest moments spent with God reading His Word, sharing our heart, and listening for His instruction are quite perfect. I might even say they are bomb-diggity.

Dear Lord, I want to connect with You through my prayers and my Bible reading. Help me to be watchful and sense Your activity in my life. Help me to connect the verses I read and the prayers I pray to circumstances You bring my way each day. Thank You for loving me even when I'm sweating in church. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Read Colossians 1 and see what words stir your heart today. Write them on a 3x5 index card. As you go through your day be watchful and look to see why God drew your attention to these words. Then thank Him for His presence and His provision.

Reflections:
Do you find it interesting that Jesus told us not to babble in our prayers? Have you ever felt spiritually frustrated in your Bible reading and prayer life? How might simplicity and sincerity help with this?

Power Verses:
Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (NIV)

Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Praise You In This Storm
Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

Now Playing:
Habakkuk: Praying for Revival

Thursday, May 06, 2010
PLAY NOW

During a time of national crisis,
Habakkuk prayed mainly for the
moral and spiritual condition of God’s people
and for spiritual revival.
Dr Kroll offers background on this prophet
and the two petitions in this prayer.
First, that God would revive his people,
and then that He would remember His people,
tempering judgment with mercy.
It teaches us about urgency,
praying for spiritual needs,
not making demands on God
and approaching God with praise as well as petitions.

This message references: Habakkuk 3:1-19

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/5 Manna

2010-05-05T01:53:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 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:

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.

I would like to ask everyone a huge favor at this time.....If you could take a few minutes today to say a prayer for Dasia. She is having many complications since her transplant over a year ago. She has been down in Ann Arbor for a while with respiratory problems. She really needs a lot of prayers right now. Please pray that God will grant her healing to this lengthy illness. Her lungs are sooooo fragile, please be specific on what to pray for. She is in need of total healing of her lungs and the rest of her body. Lift her up to God. I know all things are possible with God and that's what keeps me going. I know that He has the power to heal. He has a plan for all of us, we just don't know what it is. The only thing that we can do is lift her up in prayer. Please take some time tonight/today to do just that. Everybody thanks you!
Gods Blessings to each and every one of you!
Mindy McLaughlin

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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 5, 2010

Extending Grace
Francine Rivers

"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
This is the great and foremost commandment.
The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Matthew 22:37-39 (NASB)

Devotion:
Over the past three years, I have looked time and again at a small picture of my mother and grandmother together before they were estranged. I dreamed of having my mother and grandmother sitting with me and talking over a cup of coffee while I worked on a novel about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Both women were strong Christians who served in their churches. Each of them had a heart for others. And yet, conflicting loyalties dug a chasm between them in their later years.

What caused the estrangement? Quite simply, Dad wanted to retire to Oregon where he and Mom would have a better and more affordable retirement. This meant selling their California property, and the cottage in which Grandma lived. Mom had promised Grandma she could always live with them, and Mom and Dad planned to build the house and then move Grandma up north to join them. In the meantime, Grandma would live in Merced with my aunt. Upon completion of the house, my parents extended the invitation to Grandma to move in with them. They had built the house for possible elder disability: wider halls and doorways, and lower kitchen counters to make it accessible if any of the three of them ended up in a wheelchair.

Grandma refused to come.

Though my parents made numerous trips south to visit her, Grandma never changed her mind. Nor did she ever travel north, not even to visit or see the beautiful home my parents had built. A few years later, Grandma had a stroke. Mom and Dad rushed to be at her side, but Grandma died before they could arrive. Mom grieved deeply. In tears, she said to me, "I think she willed herself to die just so we'd never be able to talk things out." Those words haunt me.

After my mother's death, my brother sorted through the family papers and boxes of pictures. We talked about Mom and Grandma's relationship. I told him how I wished they had worked things out and could have loved one another the way they did in the picture he had sent. My brother believed the picture indicated they had. My aunt, on the other hand, felt certain Grandma never forgave Mom.

I look at their faces now as I write this. I see how they leaned into one another. Their lips are relaxed and curved, their eyes shining. And I pray whatever grievances Grandma held so tightly, she relinquished in the end. God can work right up to our last breath. Of this I am certain: Grandma believed in Jesus. So did Mom. I hold to Jesus' promise that He would not lose a single one who belonged to Him.

Yet, having seen their earthly pain, I do not want to make the same mistakes with my daughter. I want to share my life with her, offer my experience and hope - and, above all, my faith in the God who will watch over and guide her, and fulfill the plan He has for her life. In order to encourage, I will say often, "I love you." "You are God's gift to me." "You are a daughter of the King of kings."

Dear Lord, I thank You for the mother and grandmother You gave me. I thank You for the lessons they taught me. You have a plan for each of us, Lord, and it is a plan to build up our faith and not tear us down. I love You, Father. I trust You. I rest in You. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Reflections:
Do I need to make amends with anyone?

If making amends might in any way harm the person I have hurt, how else might I make amends?

Power Verses:
John 15:12, "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." (NASB)

Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (NASB)

1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins." (NASB)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Forgiven
Sanctus Real
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F9z54g30Eo

…and…

Solomon:
Praying for God's Blessing
Back to the Bible with Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
PLAY NOW
The dedication of the Lord’s Temple, built by Solomon, involved a significant time of prayer from Solomon. We'll see how Solomon prepared to pray, and then the hallmarks of this prayer for blessing. It begins with adoration of God, acknowledging His faithfulness to His promises; a request for forgiveness, a commitment to follow and obey God, and it closes with worship again. It also teaches us how to treat the house of God.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/4 Manna

2010-05-04T03:43:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010

Question for the day:
Who built the place where you will sleep tonight?

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 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!!

Pray for Noreen Humm who is having surgery Tuesday AM.

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Please continue to pray for my brother Larry Starke and his family. He is too weak for chemo, so they have sent him home. He is now waiting to go to be with our Lord. Thank you, --Jan Vedrode

Hillebrand Family – Erin as she goes through some personal challenges. Pray that she follows God and takes the right path.

DeCorte Famly – Blake DeCorte

Shaffner Family – Thank You for the blessings of this faith family!

Long Family – McKenna and Mrs K

Bornheimer Family – Healing and direction

Hays Family – Karen starting a new job

Molly Holt – that my brothers Tim and Tom would return to God

Roberts Family – our sons, Tim and Tom, that they would return to God

Carol Greyerbiehl – continued prayer for all of our troops and their families

Patti Loree – grace for each day through business chaos and just life

Breedlove Family – Those being confirmed today, that we as their church family will encourage them in their walk with Jesus.

Dore Family – quit smoking

Bill Hooper – new children of God from women’s Keryx weekend just finished

Kramer Family – Ali Minnis - heart surgery, Julie Creasman – cancer

Swarthout Family – husband with lung cancer, many more with cancer, Harriet, Flo, Bob, Dennis, James, Christie, new kidney

Sisco Family – son in law in harms way, our spiritual growth

Katie Haag – my cat Skittles

Brian Pickleman – guidance as I seek His direction in my life and my next career opportunity

Brewster Family – Paula Mann, Karen Ulmer, Dean’s shoulder

Melani Martin – My mother and father as it is my deceased brothers birthday today

Karie Prohaska – my son’s leg to get better, pray that his new doctor will fix it, no more pain

Gay Family – Linda Alexander, having a catscan on May 4th

Warren Family – Darlene, possible cancer

Kelly Hirschman – my son Brent really seems to be turning his life around, pray that he will get the position he is seeking

Gorney Family – strength and endurance in our marriage, guide and build us in worship and prayer, pray for our family growth in God’s word

Sweebe Family – Shari ’s continued healing from kidney removal

Joan McMahon – Emily Pittman

Maggerts – job for child

Lou and Jan Vedrode – Jan’s brother, Pastor Larry Starke, at home with cancer, waiting to be taken to his Father’s house

Anonymous – A healthy pregnancy

Anonymous – A new journey for a family reorganizing strength for this difficult split in the road

Anonymous – Sue Haiser, Melissa S, Carol V, the family of Tom Gilstad, for my family and friends as we face challenges

Anonymous – people at work are being eliminated, many changes are being made, people are worried and troubled

Anonymous – our financial stability, health and well being

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
May 4, 2010

God the Builder
Wendy Pope

"For every house is built by someone,
but God is the builder of everything."
Hebrews 3:4 (NIV)

Devotion:
Anything my nine year-old son sets his mind to, he can build. Whether he is working with Legos, K'nex, or hammer and nails, you can count on him to build a masterpiece. When he was only seven he informed me he planned to build a clubhouse from scrap wood the "worker-men" from the construction site down the road had given him.

I gave him a list of logical reasons why he could not build a clubhouse. My little guy listened, and then proceeded to tell me his logical reasons for how he could build a clubhouse. I knew in my mind I was right, but there was no convincing my "worker-man."

It turns out I was wrong. He built that clubhouse: a floor, four walls (including cut outs for doors and windows) and a roof. This was proof positive he was born to build.

There was another young man who was born to build: Jesus. Jesus' earthly father Joseph was a carpenter by trade and customary to the times, taught his son carpentry skills. I picture Jesus as a young child carrying His tools of the trade, honing His skills. He probably hammered a nail or two in places His mother preferred He not. Perhaps He built benches for their humble home. Maybe Jesus even entertained thoughts of building a clubhouse! Yes, Jesus was born to build.

Jesus was born to build, but His primary building project was not buildings, furniture, or other wood items. Jesus was born to construct the majestic splendor of a living temple of God - His church. He does this through the lives of God's children. Jesus is our builder, fashioning us to reflect the image of God.

The Greek rendering for the words "built" and "builder" in our key scripture is the same. The definition for these words is quite interesting: to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready; of one who makes ready for a person or thing; of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary. Commentaries further explain the "house built" in our key verse is not a literal house, but a spiritual house.

God our Builder wants to erect, furnish, and prepare us to be ready to reflect His image. His desire is to adorn and equip us, His "living temples," with all things necessary to fulfill the purpose for which we were born. So many times we deny God access to our lives, giving Him logical reasons why we could not possibly be built into His image. He stands ready to give you reasons why you can be built into the image of God.

Are you ready to say yes to God's master plan for your life? He is the Builder of everything. He wrote the blueprint of your life before you were born. Will you let Him craft your life into the masterpiece it is meant to be?

Dear Lord, today I give You the keys to my heart, Your home. Forgive me for keeping You locked out of parts of my life. I want You to come into my heart and life to begin construction. You are the Master Builder; I give You permission to do all things necessary to craft me into the masterpiece I was meant to be, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
In a quiet place, read Psalm 139.

Reflections:
What ways do I reflect the image of God?

What areas of my life do not reflect the image of God?

Am I willing to allow God my Builder to do all things necessary to build me into His image?

Power Verses:
Psalm 127:1, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (NIV)

2 Corinthian 5:1, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."

1 Corinthians 3:16, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Summer Snow
Keith Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O1IpPyxxXY

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

Stephen: Praying for Forgiveness
Back to the Bible with Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
PLAY NOW

Stephen prayed a powerful prayer,
asking God to forgive those who were killing him.
Dr Kroll looks first at Stephen's ministry and how it led to his martyrdom. Then we'll examine this confident prayer which
reflects a knowledge that God has all things in His plan.
Forgiving others is important for our benefit, but also for them;
Stephen was concerned about the spiritual situation
of those who were stoning him.

This message references: Acts 6:1-7:60

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/3 Manna

2010-05-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

Question for the day:
Are you stressed out about something today?

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 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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Love Worth Finding
Adrian Rogers

The Reason We Are Stressed

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matthew 6:30

Do you know the reason we're stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, "Oh my goodness, I'm not going to have what I need!"

Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don't worry about what you are going to wear. He's saying only one thing is important – His righteousness. These things don't even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don't find your satisfaction in Him, you're going to be stressed.

Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Can Anybody Hear Me
Meredith Andrews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNAfXgxFjAo

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

Daniel:
Praying for Our Sinful Nation

Monday, May 03, 2010
How do you go about praying for your nation?
Join Woodrow Kroll for a look at Daniel's approach...
Series: The Power of Praying People

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/2 Manna

2010-05-02T03:14:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010

Question for the day:
Ever wondered why the trials you face aren’t endured by anyone else?

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 keep Kim Kalahar in your prayers. They have discovered she has a brain tumor. Thank you! --Jackie Maxwell

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!!

Joe Booth called me last night and asked for prayer for his family and
the Praay family as his Grandmother, Beulah Praay passed away this
week. Thank you, --Josh Burkhard

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

The Testing of Your Faith
Devotional thought
from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
1 Peter 4:12 - “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Has something bad happened to you and you said, “Oh me. What did I do? I must have done something terrible. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened”? And before you knew it, you fell headlong into a pity party of morbid introspection — taking yourself apart piece by piece to see where you went wrong. If you’re like most people, you have. But have you ever thought that maybe you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, but God is simply testing your faith? This is an important truth for you to understand, because if you don’t, you may get discouraged. The seeds of doubt and discouragement sprout in the soil of ignorance.

ACTION POINT:
Read Exodus 16 about the testing of the Lord in the lives of the Israelites while wandering in the desert. What applications can you give to your life?

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Bring the Rain
Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

…and…

Turning Point
Dr. David Jeremiah

Tribulation Harvest

Friday, April 30, 2010
How many times have we cried out to God in a trial,
asking the Lord to remove us from a situation?
We forget that God's plan throughout time
has not been to deliver out of a trial,
but to deliver through the difficulty –
even if it meant death for His child.
For those believers who will live
through the trials of the Great Tribulation,
what a consolation it will be to know that deliverance is in heaven.

Series: Escape the Coming Night
Revelation 7:9-17

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Turning_Point/

…and…

Please join Sidney and me at Messiah Live
Get a (Better) Life!
9:30 EST
http://messiahondemand.org/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

5/1 Manna

2010-05-01T01:42:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 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:

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 April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Please keep Kim Kalahar in your prayers. They have discovered she has a brain tumor. Thank you! --Jackie Maxwell

Kathy Mull called and said that she is still at Covenant Cooper and is recovering well from her knee relacement surgery yesterday. She thanks us for the prayers! Please pray for continued healing and restoration! --Lauri Potter

Facing Temptation
Devotional thought from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When you face temptation, remember it is not a sin to be tempted. Temptation to sin is not sin. If temptation were a sin, then Jesus would be a sinner, because Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus was tempted in all points, just as we are, yet without sin. Jesus felt what you feel. He was just as much a man as though He were not God at all, and He was just as much God as though He were not man at all. He was the God-Man. And praise God, Jesus never sinned, though He knew those temptations.

ACTION POINT:
Are you facing a temptation today that you feel no one has ever faced? Turn to Jesus and He will meet you there.

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Call On Jesus
Nicole C Mullen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9u1OAJ41G8

…and…

Grace to You Weekend
John MacArthur

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Series: God's High Calling for Women
God's High Calling for Women

A lawyer once explained a key strategy:
Say what you want people to believe . . . repeat it often . . .
and eventually they'll believe.
Unfortunately, Christianity has suffered from such a tactic –
unjustly earning the label "anti-woman."
But what does the Bible really say about women?
John MacArthur shows you . . . today on Grace to You Weekend!

1 Timothy 2:10-11

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You_Weekend/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/30 Manna

2010-04-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010

Question for the day:
Can our words really kill?

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 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!!

Please lift Erin, a friend of Mike and Mauria Adomeit's, who is in her 28th/29th week of pregnancy. Erin has had a difficult pregnancy and now is being given meds that will speed up the development of the baby's lungs as the doctors feel that delivery will be very soon.
Please pray for this little baby - that God will protect this life. Please pray protection for both mom and baby and that the remainder of this pregnancy will be lengthened and all will go smoothly. --Lauri Potter

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Dan Thompson - Glenda's Dad, Bill Horton, is not doing well. Metro called Becki and Jack and said he is getting quite weak. He doesn't interact much with anyone any more and sleeps almost all the time. Thanks for your prayers.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
April 30, 2010
Words of Life or Death
Melanie Chitwood

"The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)

Devotion:
I often hear my husband Scott say something to my sons that brings a smile to my face. "Have you told your mom you love her today? Don't ever forget you have the best mom in the world." When I hear him praise me to our sons, I feel encouraged and appreciated. From my husband's example, I've learned to be careful about the words I say not only to my husband but also about my husband.

Today's key verse tells us our words can bring "death or life." In our marriages, this means our words can either tear down our spouses or build them up. I've been noticing lately whether I'm more likely to say words such as, "I'm married to the greatest man," or words like, "I told you so," or "You don't even try to understand me."

What about you and your words to your husband? When you speak to your husband, do you fill him up with praise, or make him feel like he's not measuring up?

Let's also consider the words we say about our husbands to others. What kind of things do you say about your husband to your children? Your best friend? Your sister or mother?

I tend to be a "venter" when I am angry or frustrated with my husband. Sometimes I turn to others because I'm seeking validation for my angry feelings. Often I vent when I haven't taken the time first to deal with the situation with God. I'm learning that if I go to the Lord first in prayer, pouring out my heart to Him, He changes my heart and brings me to a place of repentance and calmness. Then I'm able to let go of my anger and move on, or talk to my husband about it in a loving manner.

Scripture gives plenty of evidence that God's words have the power of life. In Genesis we're told God created every inch of the world with His spoken words. John 1:1 tells us that Jesus is the Word. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus heals countless people with the power of His words. In a similar manner, our words have accomplishing power. God wants our words to bring life to our marriages. We can choose what we will sow—words of life or words of death—and we will reap the consequences many times over.

Use today's application steps to fill up your husband with words of life.

Dear Lord, let my words to my spouse and about my spouse draw us closer to one another. Teach me to communicate in ways that build my husband up instead of tearing him down. If pride, stubbornness, selfishness, or any other sin is preventing me from speaking words of life in our marriage, Lord, I confess that right now. Make me aware of any words of death I've spoken in our marriage. And as the Holy Spirit brings those to my mind, help me confess and turn from them, especially any words of divorce. Break any curse on our marriage from hurtful, angry, or destructive words. Guided by Your wisdom and love, may our words to and about one another build a protective wall around our marriage, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Considering the list below, which words do you speak most frequently to your husband, "words of life" or "words of death"? Plan on blessing your husband with at least one phrase from the "words of life" suggestions.

Words of Life
I appreciate how hard you work.
You are an incredible husband.
You have great insight.
I'm really looking forward to going out with you.
I'm sorry.
I was wrong.
Will you forgive me?
Thank you.
I understand.

Words of Death
You never listen to me.
You just don't get it.
I told you so.
You should have…
I wish you could just try to understand me for once.
How could you think that?
Why did I ever marry you?
That was dumb.
We'd be better off divorced.

Reflections:
What situations tend to cause you to speak "words of death" to your husband?

Are there certain words you need to make off-limits in your marriage?

In what other relationships do you need to practice speaking "words of life"?

Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:29, "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." (MSG)

Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (NLT)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Closer To Love
Matt Kearney
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMRXXBGotnw

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

Title

Intro

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/29 Manna

2010-04-29T02:57:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010

Question for the day:
What’s the most undignified thing you’ve ever done?

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 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.

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Gretta Coppens will be having surgery tomorrow at U of M. Please pray for Gretta, that she feels peace through you. Also pray for guidance for her doctors.
Thank you. Jackie

Please pray for my 4 year old Grand Nephew in Clare, MI. His joints are swollen and he's been having problems getting around the past few days. He will be going to University of MI Medical center in the near future for further tests. The medical people are looking at a possible case of Rheumatic Fever, however, tests at U of M will be required before that final diagnosis can be made. Thank you so much for holding Nevin White up for a blessing - along with the White Family. God bless! -- Dick

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
April 29, 2010

Undignified Worship
Glynnis Whitwer

"…It was before the LORD who chose me
rather than your father or anyone from his house
when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel -
I will celebrate before the LORD.
I will become even more undignified than this… ."
2 Samuel 6:21-22a (NIV)

Devotion:
I grew up in a traditional church, singing traditional hymns. Being a Christian was very matter-of-fact for me. I was a Christian in the same way I would have told you I was a student.

Nothing much changed in our little church. Every Sunday, faithful men and woman of God taught Sunday school, served on committees and made lemonade, coffee and cookies for after-church fellowship. It was a wonderful experience and I grew up loving God's Word, His church and its people.

When I was a high schooler in the late 70s, I was introduced to Christian "rock and roll." Being in Arizona, we got overflow from the California Jesus movement, and were familiar with many of the bands coming on the scene. I heard songs by Keith Green, Second Chapter of Acts and Phil Keaggy. These songs depicted a faith in God that was passionate and alive. Something stirred within me as I listened to their music over and over.

I can still vividly picture myself in a sold-out symphony hall before a live concert as one half of the room yelled, "We love Jesus, yes we do. We love Jesus how ‘bout you?" I was on the other side, and we answered as loudly as we could, repeating the challenge. Joy and celebration vibrated through the hall as we shouted, jumped up and down and waved our arms in the air for love of Jesus.

It was completely undignified and I was completely undone … never to be the same. I knew I wanted a faith like that. I wanted to be so excited about Jesus that it overflowed, and I didn't care what my worship of Him looked like.

A few years ago, I read the story of King David dancing before the Lord. Now there was someone who didn't worry what others thought. David had overseen the return of the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, and as it neared, he couldn't contain his joy. He replaced his kingly attire with a simple outfit and danced with all his might.

His wife, Michal, watched from the window and didn't approve of David's behavior. She was disgusted with him, and told him so. David wasn't fazed, and responded with words that encourage me today, "It was before the LORD who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel - I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this …" (2 Samuel 6:21-22a).

David was so in tune with God's heart, that he was unconcerned with the judgmental comments of others. David's only focus was on worshipping his God with sincerity and abandon.

That is my hope and prayer for myself. I want to let go completely of the fear of man, and worship with uncontained joy. When I am older, too old to dance in some people's opinion, I hope you'll find my gnarled hands raised, my gray head bobbing and my body swaying in worship. My kids and grandkids might be embarrassed. But, yes, I will be even more undignified than that for my King.

Dear Lord, King David got it right, and I want to as well. You are worthy of all my worship and adoration. Forgive me for letting the opinions of others influence my worship of You. Help me to focus more on Your majesty, and less on myself, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Set aside some time this week to worship God. Read the Psalms, listen to music or just sit somewhere quietly. Write down five characteristics of God that make Him worthy of our praise.

Reflections:
Read 2 Samuel 6:14-23. Describe the scene in verses 14 and 15. What are some of the ways people are rejoicing and worshiping God?

How can David's answer to Michal help us overcome the fear of other's opinions?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 29:25, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (NIV)

John 4:23, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Fingerprints of God
Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gvf8ZRdO-o

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Deposed Ruler
Thursday, April 29, 2010
What happens when you're overthrown?
When someone else rips off your position of power of significance? Join Woodrow Kroll for another study on David...
Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 2 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/28 Manna

2010-04-28T03:09:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT
FREE FOOD
(Isa 55:1)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

Question for the day:
Ever said, “I’m not doing that again,” and then did?

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 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.

Event: Pray vigil for Huron Valley Keryx weekend #5
Start Time: Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm
End Time: Sunday, May 2 at 9:00pm
Where: Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility

Lauren Gibbons April 27 at 11:53am
Good morning,

My oldest grandson's grandpa, Bud, is going in for an invasive surgery next Monday. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining surrounding the organs in the abdomen) last summer. He's undergone all the standard chemo. and radiation but this surgery is supposed to either kill you or pretty much clear it up. They inject chemo. directly into the lining.

His wife is disabled and totally depends on him. If anything happens to him she would be completely lost and probably grieve herself to death.

I have tried to talk to him about the Lord in an e-mail. His Dad was a preacher and maybe that says it all. Sometimes those kids don't feel the love and acceptance they should, so I've heard. Basically, I got no comment from him accept that he appreciates my prayers. So, I would ask for strength for me and those who love him and spiritual/physical healing for Bud.

The bad/good? part is that my only granddaughter is having what we hope is her final surgery 3 days later, next Thursday...I say good because my son and his wife are more focused on that...at least right now anyway. She is having surgery on her top palette in her mouth and adenoids removed. She has a trache (long story) in her neck to breathe but once this final surgery is performed, the idea is to be able to take that out and she should have all prior surgeries and hopefully most medical issues behind her.

I'd like to get as many people praying for Bud and Baylee Ann as possible and for God to pave the way for successful surgeries for both.

Thanks so much. God bless you, Lauren

Please pray for my sister, Cathy Dean. Her back pain is so much worse and doctors tell her that her only option is back surgery. She has been "getting by" for over a year now on meds, but they cannot increase her dose as she would not be able to drive or work if she takes anything stronger. She will have an MRI on her back tomorrow, and then will be meeting with a back surgeon as soon as possible. Pray for the doctors who will be reading her test results and meeting with her, that they have the wisdom to make the right choices for her. Pray that she will continue to feel God's strength and comfort as this is not what she wants happening now since Ed is still waiting for a lung donor. Pray for God to provide a donor very soon for Ed. Pray for them not to worry too much about how this will all work. Pray for them both to remain strong in their faith and to not lose trust that God is really in control. Oh, God, please help them through this!

Thank you for your continued prayers! They are so much appreciated!
Barb Patrick
<(((><

Anonymous – for deliverance from alcohol for a friend

Rohn Family – the birth of our newborn granddaughter Payton

Anonymous – the family of Tom Gilstad, our family and friends, our military and legislators, self – awaiting biopsy

Zill Family – for our son Scott

Holt Family – for my brothers Tim and Tom – that they would return to following God

Sirrine Family – Grandpa Tom, he is ill – not sure what is wrong with his lungs

Booth Family – for Robby and Joe to be restored to healthy

Greyerbiehl – continued prayer for our deployed troops and their families

Willey Family – Upcoming appointment at U of M for our daughter Jody (shunt malfunction)

Dennis Miller – a job as soon as possible

Gorney Family – Thanks be to God for our family, to continue in His glory and grow, employment

Coppens Family – The Young and Gilstad families

Kelly Hirschman – Meadow Morrow (6) recovering from injuries received in an automobile accident, my sister Lori and her daughter Amanda

Gay Family – Linda Alexander

Karie Prohaska – my sons leg is not healing

Trombley Family – strength, guidance and healing

Cole Family – Family of Tom Gilstad and the Bullock Creek Community

Breedlove Family – The Young and Gilstad families

Tracy and Mike Young – Strength and support for the Carolyn Young family

Ryleigh Kramer – Julie Creasman - cancer, Aly Minnis – heart surgeries

Maggert Family – jobs for family

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY
April 28, 2010

Love is Powerful
Rachel Olsen

"By his divine power,
God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.
We have received all of this by coming to know him,
the one who called us to himself
by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

Devotion:
Do you find yourself doing what you know you should not? Do you find it hard to stop?

Yeah, I know.

I've had several discussions lately with people stuck in patterns of behavior they want to quit. They keep sinning. What's more, they feel completely awful about it. Guilty. Shameful. Some to the point of hating themselves. And yet they feel powerless to stop - powerless to resist.

The Bible says when we return to our vices again and again, we are like dogs returning to our vomit (Prov. 26:11). Eww, ick!

So why do we do this when according to the Bible, Christ has conquered sin on our behalf so we can overcome its power? If, "by his divine power God has given us everything we need for living a godly life," why does sin have any place in our lives?

The answer is the same reason a dog returns to her vomit. Gross as it is, she gets some degree of satisfaction from it. She likes it. See what I mean:

• Lust - or its fulfillment, sexual indiscretion - feels pleasurable in the moment.
• Overeating—or its biblical term, gluttony - feels comforting in the moment.
• Power - called "lording it over someone" in the Bible - makes you feel significant.
• Lying is convenient at the time.
• Splurging and spending - compared to saving or giving -- feels fun and rewarding.
• Stomping and yelling feels cathartic and justifiable.

This list could go on ad nauseam. Sin has power because we enjoy it. It promises something we want - pleasure, escape, wealth, power, attention. Sure it always has consequences we don't want, but in many cases those don't over power its feel-good moments or perceived benefits.

In short, sin has power because we love it.

What can help us overcome the sins that we have love-hate relationships with? A surpassing love. A greater love that carries with it no hate, no guilt, and no shame. A love that actually delivers the many benefits it promises. A love that is full of beautiful grace and soul-deep compassion.

A love more attractive and more powerful than the allure of sin.

It is the love of God displayed in Christ.

When we catch hold of that love - when we read of it regularly, drink it in, pray for it and see it at work in our lives - we cannot help but love Him back with all our heart, soul and mind.

And in that state of all encompassing love, sin pales in comparison. Its power grows feeble. Immersing ourselves in the everlasting love of God, we become willing and able to walk away from sin

We can give up that because we have THIS.

Dear Lord, forgive me for the sins I return to. Cleanse me with Your majestic love and grace. Reveal to me the depth of Your love, the extent of Your sacrifice, and the beauty of the mercy You grant me daily. Open my eyes to see Your love afresh and may I be empowered to walk away from sin towards Your heart, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:
Fill your mind and heart today with the love of God. Read the power verses below, look up others in your Bible.

Reflections:
What sin do I return to? What is the benefit I feel this sin provides me?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 8:17, "I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me." (NLT)

Jeremiah 31:3, "Long ago the LORD said to Israel: 'I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.'" (NLT)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY
Before There Was Time
Caedmon's Call
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFQU0gMe1Uo

…and…

Back to the Bible
Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Father Failure
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
David was a great king but he had a little trouble being a great dad.
Dr. Kroll looks at David's family and the troubles they brought to his life...
Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 2 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to
dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/27 Manna

2010-04-27T02:58:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010

Question for the day:

Ever been accused of having two left feet?

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 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.

Event: Pray vigil for Huron Valley Keryx weekend #5
Start Time: Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm
End Time: Sunday, May 2 at 9:00pm
Where: Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

April 27, 2010

Two Left Feet

Susanne Scheppmann

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.'

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ's power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ's sake,

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,

in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Devotion:

The accordion wheezed in and out with the melody, while the tuba burped out the rhythm—oompah pa pa oompah. The oompah band, dressed in traditional Bavarian attire—red knickers, canary yellow knee socks, small hunter green vests and green felt caps with bright red feathers wagging from the brim—played for the crowd. Each musician clutched his instrument as if it were his lover and then nodded toward the audience, encouraging them toward the dance floor.

Several members of my extended family stared at the video recording of my father-in-law's retirement party. We sat mesmerized as we relived the gaiety of those priceless moments. With oompahs playing in the background, we watched ourselves hitch arms and jig in a large circle. And, of course, human nature as it is, we all wanted to see ourselves dance to oompah music.

Suddenly, I spied myself. I thought, "Ugh!" Unfortunately, my father-in-law paused the video and said with an air of surprise, "I didn't know you had two left feet."

I have many deficiencies—two left feet is a minor one. Trust me, I have some real doozie problems in my life—like we all do. But I know for a fact that no matter how large or small my deficiencies, Christ is all sufficient in my life. I have been a Christ follower for over thirty years and not once has Jesus failed to meet my needs. I can say along with King David, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song" (Psalm 28:7, NIV).

I may have a myriad of deficiencies, but I can still sing for joy in His strength.

We all have deficiencies. God created us that way. Why? So that we would learn to depend on Him as our key verse states, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"

So today, I am going to dance in faith with my two left feet. Will you join me in trusting Jesus, our Almighty God, with your deficiencies?

Father, I recognize my need for Your strength in my life. My day-to-day existence is fraught with deficiencies. Thank You for being more than enough in my life. Thank You for being my Almighty God, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:

Consider in what areas you need the strength of Christ today. Take a short time to pray and ask Him to give you endurance and the hope to see you through each difficulty or deficiency you face today. Remember He is our Almighty God.

Reflections:

What type of "deficiency" do you feel you have?

Do you believe you can overcome it by yourself?

How can God's strength enable you to endure difficulties?

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 1:20-21, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes‘ in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen‘ is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ." (NIV)

Psalms 37:39, "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble." (KJV)

Psalms 147:11, "Those who fear God get God's attention; they can depend on his strength." (MSG)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

Who Am I?

Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA

…and…

Back to the Bible

Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Fallen Hero

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

No matter how great the man, he still has his weaknesses and failures.

David was no exception but his experience

holds valuable lessons for you today...

Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 2 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/26 Manna

2010-04-25T23:06:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

Question for the day:

Ever had “Jiminy Cricket” prick your conscience?

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

Amber Lonczak - Baylee is still having a hard time, day 6. She finally stopped vomiting, but she is so out of it, I am afraid she is getting too dehydrated again. We would love some more prayers sent our way!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

April 26, 2010

When God Calls a Woman

Micca Monda Campbell

"I took you from the ends of the earth,

from it farthest corner I called you.

I said, ‘You are my servant,'

I have chosen you and have not rejected you"

Isaiah 41:9, (NIV).

Devotion:

Growing up in church, I was familiar with the term called although its meaning had little interest to me. Once I sensed God's call on my own life, the term took on new significance. The emotion I felt most was fear! Like Moses, I thought of everything that would disqualify me for ministry.

Later on, I realized those were only excuses. The God who calls us equips us. My mind understood this truth, but the rest of me struggled with fear. Anxious thoughts raced around my head such as, Did I hear God correctly or was this sense of service coming from my own desires? Eventually, I found peace in Paul's words:

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:1, NIV).

I noticed that Paul was called "by the will of God." That means that ministry is not something you and I choose. God does the choosing. We can choose to do any other profession on earth, but ministry. To do ministry, you and I must be chosen by God.

According to Billy Graham, people go into ministry work for various reasons. Most are thankful for their salvation. Others have a genuine desire to help others. Many are merely following in their parents footsteps. And some desire the respect that comes with the profession. These are all good reasons, but the peace-giving key to being in ministry is knowing you were called there by God.

Each person should be able to pinpoint a time in which they became certain God called them into a lifetime of service. This is the first step to overcoming fear. This can be a Damascus Road experience like Paul's or a growing sense that God has separated you for His service. It may be a mixture of both. The important thing is not how you were called but that you were called. This person not only has God's favor but His promised presence and provision. Trusting that God will make up for what you lack is the second step to putting fear to rest.

Moses had doubts and fears about his ability to be in ministry, but God didn't. He knew just what He was getting when He called Moses. What's more, God knew what He was getting when He called you, too—someone about your size, with your heart, your personality, your accent, your background, your talents, and even your flaws. God looked you over good and said, "Yep, she'll make a fine partner! Someone who recognizes the reality of that statement understands that they are not working for God but with God.

There is a huge difference.

Fear, worry, and anxiety are symptoms of doubt. Doubt often means our focus is on self instead of God. When we trust God to do what we can't, it takes the burden off us and places it on Him. Then, as we look to God, we see reflected in His eyes great potential that only He can accomplish as we join Him.

Lastly, we grow in confidence through confirmation. Many times others will notice the call on your life or your giftedness before you will. Take these comments as confirmation. Other ways to affirm your call is through a godly counselor, mentor, or pastor. My pastor played a huge part in my preparation and confirmation into ministry.

God wants you to be certain of His plan and purpose for your life. Whether you're called to serve within your church or in full time ministry, there's no need to fear. You can be confident that God will provide all you need.

Dear Lord, I don't always see the obvious—Your provision; but I trust it's there to empower and guide me beyond my imagination. I'm placing my fear aside today and saying "yes" to whatever You have for me. Lead the way with assurance and clarity, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:

If you don't know your purpose, seek God and wait and watch for the ways in which He answers. If you sense God has called you into ministry, make certain you were chosen by God. Relinquish your fear and commit to His will. Next, seek godly counsel and direction. Finally, gain experience and training.

Reflections:

What is holding you back from serving God with confidence? Identify it and give it over to God.

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 9:8, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." ( NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:24, "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

Better Than A Hallelujah

Amy Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD_pCr_Xrnc

…and…

Back to the Bible

Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

The Holy Spirit Convicts You

Series: The God Within: What the Holy Spirit Does (Week 2 of 2)
The Holy Spirit is more than a Jiminy Cricket pricking our conscience.

He's the power of conviction in our lives, as you'll see today...

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/back-to-the-bible/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/25 Manna

2010-04-25T02:36:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2010

Question for the day:

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

My Redeemer Lives

Nichole C. Mullen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p4G2GbPYQA

…and…

Listen to Thru the Bible

Sunday Sermon

Dr. J. Vernon McGee

The Swan Song of Simon

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Peter, in his deathbed statement, tells us to have confidence in our faith,

avoid the apostasy brought by false teachers,

and be encouraged that God is in control.

2 Peter

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Thru_the_Bible_Sunday_Sermon/

…and…

Please join Sidney and me at Messiah Live
Get a (Better) Life!
9:30 EST
http://messiahondemand.org/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/24 Manna

2010-04-24T03:58:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010

Question for the day:

Ever tried to break free from something destructive in your life?

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

Event: Pray vigil for Huron Valley Keryx weekend #5
Start Time: Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm
End Time: Sunday, May 2 at 9:00pm
Where: Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility

My brother's wife, Ann has had her 5th surgery in a year and is again back in the hospital. They've removed much of her intestinal tract and she still can't eat without being sick. Her blood level is 4 (should be 11). they are trying to find out where the problem is but are pretty confounded. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. My brother is very worried and has his own heart problems. Thanks --Lynn Boone

Please lift up in prayers Stacey Doherty, sister-in-law to my Daughter Sandi, Stacey was 30 1/2 weeks pregnant, she had been in the hospital with high blood pressure and on complete bed rest. They took tests and found the baby was not gaining weight and they were trying to make it to May 4th, but today @ 11:21am they took the baby she was 14 1/2 inches long, 1 lb. 14 oz. and her name is Carli Evelyn Doherty, please pray for her to gain weight and if it is God's will, she will be strong enough to go home in no time. Also, pray for Stacey and Matt, they are first time parents and very nervous about everything.

Devotional thought

from the messages of Adrian Rogers

Don't Try to Hurry the Harvest

BIBLE MEDITATION:
James 5:7b - “... the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Sometimes the things that count the most seem to take the longest to get here. Some giant sequoias in California are 300 feet tall. That’s the height of a 30 story building! Yet each one began with the smallest of seeds that began growing and maturing since before the time of Christ! That’s a long time. You may say that you’re going to serve God. Then you start to do something for Him, but when you don’t reap a harvest immediately, you get discouraged. Don’t try to hurry the harvest. In due season, you will reap.

ACTION POINT:
Have you shared Christ with people and yet they haven’t been saved? Read Isaiah 55:11 and Romans 10:13 and receive His encouragement.

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

Hold Us Together

Matt Maher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-he2DohfwWE

…and…

Grace to You - Weekend

John MacArthur

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Series: A Course for Life

Breaking Free From Sin

The Bible teaches that you, me, everyone

is born a slave to something more addictive than alcohol,

and more destructive than the worst illegal drug.

I'm talking about sin. How do you break its hold?

Consider that as John MacArthur arms you for the war on sin,

today on Grace to You Weekend with John MacArthur.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You_Weekend/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/23 Manna

2010-04-23T02:16:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Question for the day:

Have you ever had to take a few steps back to move forward?

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

Event: Pray vigil for Huron Valley Keryx weekend #5
Start Time: Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm
End Time: Sunday, May 2 at 9:00pm
Where: Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility

My Nephew Ronnie and his wife Dawn lost their eight year old son yesterday in a house fire in Coleman and I was hoping you could say a few prayers for them. Ronnie is currently in Midland hospital. They are keeping a close eye on him as he is blaming himself for not being able to get Jordan out. I know God will help them thru this terrible time, but extra prayers would be appreciated. I will write more later. Thank You and God Bless. --Alice

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

April 23, 2010

In Tents Again

Marybeth Whalen

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt;

I will make you live in tents again,

as in the days of your appointed feasts."

Hosea 12:9 (NIV)

Devotion:

Many times in the Bible we read about God giving us direction, pushing us forward and providing us with a future. But have you ever felt like He has taken you backwards instead? Have you ever wondered why?

In today's verse we read about Him telling the Israelites that they were going to take a few steps backwards. They had gotten out of Egypt, moved on with their lives, stepped towards a future, but forgot their God in the process. He determined that the best thing He could do was to take them back to the days they lived in tents, back to the time they celebrated feasts and remembered His goodness. A time, the Bible notes, they were filled with indescribable joy in spite of their surroundings.

God has had to take me back many times, I am sad to say. I get in forward motion, so focused on what lies ahead, that I forget what He has done for me in the past. Living in fast forward gives me little time to rewind, to replay what He has done on my behalf, to rejoice over His sovereignty. Sometimes He has to take me back—not because He is punishing me, but because He knows how spiritually forgetful I can be. He simplifies my life for me, weeding out the distractions so I can refocus on Him. He puts me in "tents" again so I can remember where I started.

Maybe today you are feeling like you are in "tents" again financially or professionally. Maybe your marriage seems to be in "tents" again. Maybe you are going through something with a child that feels reversed when what you really want is to move ahead. Let God take you back, and trust that forward motion doesn't always mean growth.

Sometimes going backwards is what He knows is best for you. Trust the direction He is taking you. Settle into those "tents" and look for Him to dwell among you as He did with the Israelites. Instead of grumbling and complaining about where He has you, choose to feel His nearness and soak in His love. Sometimes He puts us in "tents" again because there is something He once taught us that we need to relearn. What might that be for you?

Dear Lord, I don't like going backwards. I want to move ahead but I know that isn't always what's best for me. I trust the direction You are taking me, even if it means going back. I want to draw closer to You and I trust Your guidance. Please reveal Yourself to me in "tents" again, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:

Think of a time when God took you backwards. What did you learn from that time? Did you draw closer to God? Journal about that experience and write down today's verse.

Reflections:

Do you accept when God takes you backwards? Do you seek to learn whatever it is He is trying to teach you or do you rebel against where He has you?

Power Verses:

Nehemiah 8:17, "The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this. And their joy was very great." (NIV)

Exodus 29:46, "They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

One Thing I Know

Selah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sON021K1Z7E

…and…

Back to the Bible

Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Man of Honor

Friday, April 23, 2010

David had every reason to eliminate Saul, his enemy.

But something held him back.

Woodrow Kroll explains the virtue of godly honor...

Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 1 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/22 Manna

2010-04-22T01:54:00.001-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010

Question for the day:

Has God ever hurt your feelings?

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

Hello Prayer Warriors,
Please pray for my Dad's friend, a 16 year old boy who has cerebal palsy and contracted an infection. He's in the U of M hospital in Ann Arbor and his organs are failing. Praise God he's been confirmed and baptized. Please pray for strength and peace for this boy and his family. Thank you, --Karen Sieffert

Sallie Piering – Protection for my kids, wisdom in raising teens

Booth Family – Bobby Wilson to turn his life over to God, Betty Wilson, continued healing

Rathbun Family – work

Gorney Family – Spiritual growth in our family, employment, following God’s path

Breedlvoe Family – Carolyn Young, Cathy Jacobs, praises for a wonderful women’s event day!

Trombley Family – all of God’s children

Gay Family – Linda Alexander

Boone Family – my friend, to love herself and her family

Shorts Family – my mom and the baby

Wayne Tennant – moving to Arizona, thanks for everything!

Northam Family – daughter Tari Wyse, quick recovery from emergency surgery

Carol Haut – my family

Carol Greyerbiehl – Praise God for the birth of her grandson Trayce and that both mother and baby are well! Continued prayer for her son Kyle.

Sirrine Family – People trying to rebuild their lives from natural disasters

Randi March – prayer for reconciliation of a relationship

Brewster Family – Karen Ulmer and Paul Mann, leukemia; Alicia Hadley, job; Riegle’s, Brewster’s, personal problems

Please pray for Fred Kreuger. He was hospitalized following a severe stroke on Palm Sunday. He is paralyzed on his leftside and can not swallow or eat. Pray that his doctors are providing him with the care that is best for him.

Pray for recovery for Steve Zill who was admitted this past Thursday with a blood clot in his lung. He was at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw. He is being released Tuesday to go home. --Gale Pretzer

Please Heavenly Father put your healing hand over my Aunt Jenney who is in ICU battling for her life. If it is your will please bring her through this and give her full recovery. Give the family comfort knowing that she is in your hands and you are taking care of her.

Please lift Curtis Weber up in prayer today as he hasn’t been feeling well and Pastor Kurt is going to take him to Urgent Care this morning to find out what is causing this sickness.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

April 22, 2010

When God Hurts Your Feelings

Lysa TerKeurst

"I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Devotion:

Has God ever hurt your feelings? I'll be honest, sometimes I'll read those verses from Philippians listed above and think to myself, "This is a tough pill to swallow."

Content in any and every situation?

Really?

A few years ago my daughter was a state champion gymnast. To see her do gymnastics was like looking at God smile. She was beautiful, graceful, and captivating to watch.

Then one night while practicing for one of the largest tournaments she'd ever competed in, she fell. It was a move she'd done hundreds of times with the greatest of ease. But this time something went terribly wrong and that one mistake ended her gymnastic dreams.

We spent a year going from doctor to doctor only to be told she'd never be able to support the weight of her body on her injured shoulder again.

I'll be honest, this was a tough pill to swallow. Watching a 14 year-old girl wrestle with the fact that her dreams were stripped from her doesn't exactly lend itself to feelings of contentment. Now, I know in the grand scheme of life, people face much worse situations. But in her world, this was huge.

It was so tempting to want to wallow in the "why" questions and tell God He'd hurt our feelings.

Why did this happen?

Why didn't You stop this God?

Why weren't my prayers answered?

Have you ever been there? Have you ever had a big situation in your life where you just couldn't process why God would allow this to happen? Or maybe even a small annoyance like losing your keys or having a flat tire on a morning you really needed to be somewhere.

It's so tempting to wallow in the why.

Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn't unspiritual. However, if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question.

If asking the why question doesn't offer hope, what will?

The what question.

In other words: "Now that this is my reality, what am I supposed to do with it?"

Philippians 4:8, "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things" (NIV).

I like to call this verse "directions on where to park my mind."

And that's exactly what Ashley has had to do with her dashed gymnastics dreams. Instead of wallowing in why did this happen, I've had to help her say:

This is my reality, now what am I going to do with it?

What can I learn from this?

What part of this is for my protection?

What other opportunities could God be providing?

What maturity could God be building into me?

Switching from the why to the what questions paves the road to parking our minds in a much better place.

Is it always easy? Nope.

But is it a way to find a perspective beyond situations where we feel God has allowed something in our lives we don't understand and we absolutely don't like? Yes.

Dear Lord, I want to process everything I face in life through the filter of Your love. I know You love me. But sometimes it's just hard to understand the circumstances that come my way. I find myself consumed with trying to figure things out rather than looking for Your perspective and trusting You. Thank You for this new way to look at things, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:

Mentally walk yourself through parking your mind in a better place by remembering an event that happened this week and looking for God's protection, provision, and process of maturing you.

Reflections:

Am I afraid to have honest conversations with God about how I really feel about some of my circumstances?

How might it be helpful to really talk to God about things that hurt me?

Why is it helpful to ask what now, instead of wallowing in the why questions?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (NIV)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

If We've Ever Needed You

Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2biS7-Tuxw

…and…

Back to the Bible

Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Faithful Friend

Thursday, April 22, 2010

There's nothing like a good and faithful friend for making your life better.

See how David's friendship shaped his life, with our study today...

Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 1 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

Please send your prayer requests to

dysmasconduit.@gmail.com

4/21 Manna

2010-04-21T03:05:00.000-07:00

DYSMAS CONDUIT

FREE FOOD

(Isa 55:1)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010

Question for the day:

Who wrote:

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!”

What can we pray with YOU about today?

Good morning,

God’s blessings, our love,

George & Sidney Granger

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:

Mike Brommer is asking for the Lord’s guidance regarding their finances.

Pray for recovery for Steve Zill who was admitted this past Thursday with a blood clot in his lung. He was at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw. He is being released Tuesday to go home. --Gale Pretzer

Sallie Piering – Protection for my kids, wisdom in raising teens

Booth Family – Bobby Wilson to turn his life over to God, Betty Wilson, continued healing

Rathbun Family – work

Gorney Family – Spiritual growth in our family, employment, following God’s path

Breedlvoe Family – Carolyn Young, Cathy Jacobs, praises for a wonderful women’s event day!

Trombley Family – all of God’s children

Gay Family – Linda Alexander

Boone Family – my friend, to love herself and her family

Shorts Family – my mom and the baby

Wayne Tennant – moving to Arizona , thanks for everything!

Northam Family – daughter Tari Wyse, quick recovery from emergency surgery

Carol Haut – my family

Carol Greyerbiehl – Praise God for the birth of her grandson Trayce and that both mother and baby are well! Continued prayer for her son Kyle.

Sirrine Family – People trying to rebuild their lives from natural disasters

Randi March – prayer for reconciliation of a relationship

Brewster Family – Karen Ulmer and Paul Mann, leukemia; Alicia Hadley, job; Riegle’s, Brewster’s, personal problems

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY

April 21, 2010

Embraced by the Father

Susanne Scheppmann

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Devotion:

Her smile lit up the room when her daddy entered. Her rosebud lips spread into a wide beam of a smile. Her silky black hair leapt about her face as she bounced excitedly on the balls of her feet. She looked like Snow White after a large cup of espresso. The man started the music and began to walk toward her. He stopped and opened wide his muscular arms—the familiar invitation to dance. She raced to him and perched herself atop his feet. They began two-stepping to their special song, "My Personal Penguin." The princess was dancing with her Prince Charming—her daddy.

Bittersweet joy washed over me like a warm spring rain as I witnessed this scene between my son and granddaughter. Happiness for my granddaughter flowed into my heart, but there was also a tinge of sadness. I regretted never having experienced the same type of father-daughter relationship with my earthly dad.

My own father resembled the character of Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. He was suave, handsome, and self-assured, but a rogue. I traveled through my childhood and adolescence wishing for a Rhett Butler type of man to whisk me off my feet. I desired a rogue to embrace me with a wild and untamed love. Because of my "father image," I actually desired imperfect love from people. A flawed love would hurt, but it still appealed to my broken heart. I believed falsely that love could only be achieved through volatile sparks of emotion, fueled by the uncertainty of the love.

Of course, it was all a misguided representation of a girl's broken heart. But now, I have learned to know a perfect love—the love of my heavenly Father. Only He has been able to fill my heart with a perfect love. The night I accepted His love, He began to reveal to me the character of a faultless Father. As the Father embraced me, my idea of errant love slid into oblivion. I learned the true meaning of love as I gained knowledge of God. He taught me His characteristics and personality through the diversity of His names, but my favorite will always be Father—Abba—my Daddy.

Do you know Abba—the heavenly Father? He is waiting for you with His arms wide open. Come and be embraced by the Father.

Dear Lord, thank You for revealing the true love of a Father to my broken heart. Help me learn to live out my life in Your perfect and holy love. Remind me that You love me just as I am—flaws and all. Thank You for Your love, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Application Steps:

Read Zephaniah 3:17. Write down the activities that sound like a father loving his daughter. Imagine yourself sitting on the Father's lap and allowing Him to sing over you.

Reflections:

What is my mental image of a father?

Do I believe that God loves me as a perfect father would? Why or why not?

What hinders me from accepting God's unconditional love?

Power Verses:

1 John 1:2-4, "The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." (NIV)

Galatians 4:6, "And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.'" (NLT)

YOU TUBE SONG FOR TODAY

You’re Worthy of My Praise

Vineyard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcWkt7rxrg

…and…

Back to the Bible

Woodrow Kroll and Tami Weissert

David: Wise Heart

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

David was a man after God's own heart but what did that heart look like?

Join Woodrow Kroll for more from the life of David...

Series: David: Pleasing the Heart of God (Week 1 of 2)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Back_to_the_Bible/

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