Prophetic Proof ~ Bob Coy

Prophetic Proof

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts . . . .-2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV)

We have discussed that the Bible is central to the Christian faith because it is inspired by God. But if you're a critic when it comes to this concept, you may be saying to yourself, Wait a second. You just built your case about the Bible based on what it says about itself. That's like pronouncing someone "not guilty" in a trial just because they said so.

Is our faith in God's Word founded on this kind of circular reasoning? Do we believe in its inspiration simply because it claims to be inspired? Or do we have another way of proving that it is what it says it is? Pay attention-this is an important point! If we answer no to the last question, then the Bible becomes just another book in the stack that represents the religious philosophies of mankind. But if we answer yes, if there's actually a way to prove this book is from God, it means that its contents are flawless and our faith's foundation is firm.

I'm glad to share with you that the answer is a resounding Yes! We do have a way of proving the inspiration of Scripture-prophecy. In his second letter, Peter proclaimed that we who believe have the prophetic word confirmed. Another version reads, We have also a more sure word of prophecy. The Greek word for sure means "to fix something in place so that it remains stable and unshakable." In other words, the prophecies in Scripture are a stable and unshakable proof of its inspired nature.

How do we know the Bible is really the inspired Word of God? Fulfilled prophecy. We'll spend the rest of this month looking at how it can be used as a mighty weapon against the criticisms and doubts that we're destined to deal with.

Discuss with your group the power of prophecy. How would fulfilled prophecy validate the inspiration of Scripture?

Dig into 2 Peter 1:19. What is the point that Peter is making in this passage? Why is he stressing the urgency of understanding the part prophecy plays in our faith? How has God’s Word been a light in the darkness for you?

Decide as a group to record the prophetic proofs that are covered over the course of this month. Journal your thoughts regarding those prophecies that speak loudest to you.

Humility ~ Bob Hoekstra

Contrasting Results for Self-Exaltation and Humility

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men"…everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:11, 14)

The importance of Jesus' teaching here can be seen in its repetition on various occasions (Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11). The instruction sets forth the universal inevitability of contrasting results for self-exaltation and humility. "Everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

This particular proclamation of the message was given in a parable that warns against self-righteousness and encourages humility. "He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" (Luke 18:9). The contrasting examples in the parable are the prayers of a self-assured repenant leader and repentant publican. "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector" (Luke 18:10). When the self-righteous Pharisee prayed, he was actually having a personal dialogue with himself, even though he vainly addressed his prayer to God?! "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself" (Luke 18:11a). He then appears to begin his prayer in a biblical manner, with an expression of thanksgiving. "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). However, his gratitude was based upon the ungodly assumption that he was innately better than others, particularly, this nearby publican. "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector" (Luke 18:11b). Then, he proceeded to elaborate upon his own virtues by reviewing his religious performance, which obviously seemed very impressive to him. "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess" (Luke 18:12).

This self-righteous Pharisee was so assured of his good standing with God. Yet, he was measuring himself by his own eyes and in comparison to others. The Scriptures that he would claim as his guide condemned such self-righteousness. "There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness" (Proverbs 30:12). Although man may have been impressed with his external behavior, God saw the abomination of his godless heart. "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15).

Dear Lord, I am so grateful that the blood of Christ washes away the times when I have talked or thought—or, even prayed—like this self-righteous Pharisee. Help me to humbly embrace Your perspective, not man's, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Living in victory ~ Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 17:24-47

The Philistine army was ready to fight. Merely a boy, David traveled from his home to the battlefront in order to check on his brothers and supply them with food. There, he heard the notorious Goliath threaten Israel. The young Israelite was outraged: Who was this giant to challenge the Lord's army?

David sensed God's direction and obeyed. A battle ensued between a giant and a boy, but the almighty God stood with the youth. Goliath, along with the entire Philistine army, was defeated.

This is truly an amazing story?we rarely hear of anything this miraculous in our world today. But we, like David, can live triumphantly, even in the midst of terrifying and "impossible" circumstances. First, we need to understand success from the Lord's perspective: Goals should align with Scripture; then our heavenly Father directs us, and we follow with confidence.

Second, we?like David?ought to have a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished. Good goals should be clear enough to write in a sentence or two. For example, David's aim was to free God's people from their enemies. Our goals may be huge and lifelong, like modeling dependence on Jesus for our children. Others, such as creating a weekly family night, are simpler to achieve.

Whether facing a daunting challenge like David's or an easier undertaking, you should live intentionally. Ask the Lord for direction and purpose as you write down goals, both big and small.

The same God who led David in victory desires to lead you today.

Making a difference ~ David McGee

Acts 13:3-5

"Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant."
NKJV

Life Lesson

We all should be ministers and make a difference in this world.

In the book of Acts, the progression of the life of Paul is revealed. Initially, we see Paul fighting against God. Paul is living out his life doing his 'own thing' when he meets God in a very real way. Paul's experience on the road to Damascus began this progression where we see him begin to give his life over to God. The book of Acts allows us to watch first hand as we see this man give his life away. A danger is to look at Paul's life and think, "Wow, that was great for Paul, but can my life really make a difference?" I used to ask myself the same question, but not anymore. You see, one of the beautiful truths of God's Word is that God will work through anybody who is willing. He is not looking for ability, but for availability. Throughout the Bible we see men and women accomplishing great and incredible things. These men and women had some of the same weaknesses and wanderings we do, yet the Lord used them to touch many lives. The most difficult part of this journey is the first step. I encourage you to take the first step. Step out in faith and begin to walk the incredible journey God has planned for you. You will look back in amazement at what the Lord will do. I know I do every day.

Dear Lord,
You tell us to pray for workers in the harvest. Lord, I want to pray that You make me a worker in the harvest. Whatever my gifts and abilities are, Jesus, I lay them before You now and ask You to work through me to help change this world. I know I am not saved through these acts of service, but because I am grateful for Your forgiveness, I desire to serve so others may come to know You. I am a Christian because someone cared. Now it is my turn. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spiritual exersize program ~ Mark Balmer

Based on “Under HIS Influence – Changed Lives” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 9/26-27/09,

Message #MB390; Daily Devotional #5 - “Spiritual Exercise Program”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): You start an exercise program and change your eating habits and you see results from your changes. You are excited and people can see the difference. You tell them what you are doing to bring about these changes in your life. Then as time goes on, other things start interrupting your exercise and diet changes and you find yourself sinking back into your old ways. I believe we do this with God also. We put our faith in Jesus and start following Him. We see results from our changes and so do others, but as time goes on we allow interruptions in our life to take our focus away from our new way of life. The power within us becomes depleted as we have given in to other “masters”.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (Galatians 3:3, NLT) We need a constant refilling of the Holy Spirit to empower us – we cannot have an effective, changed life without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Just like with an exercise program, we have to be diligent in order to see changes. We won’t lose weight by sitting on the couch watching TV and eating ice cream. If there are no changes in our eating or exercise, we will not see any changes in our physical bodies. Apply this to our spiritual life - to see results you must make changes. We have to choose our “Master”. A personal relationship with Jesus requires an effort on our part. Spending time with Him every day in prayer and in His Word are part of our spiritual exercise program. Thankfully, unlike our own human physical exercise program, we have supernatural power within us to continue on even when life throws us interruptions. This requires us to take action to ask to be filled daily with the Holy Spirit so we don’t have to rely on our own power to see results. We fail miserably to live up to God’s standards in our own human effort. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23, NLT)

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Do you have a spiritual exercise plan? Have you been distracted by everyday interruptions so that you are no longer seeing effective results? No one is commenting on the changes in your life because they just aren’t evident anymore, like when you were first empowered by the Spirit. Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (Romans 6:15-16, NLT). What is taking you away from having an effective spiritual exercise program? Are you putting in the effort or are still sitting on the couch? If we are not obedient to God’s will for our life we will find ourselves trying to do life in our own human effort and wondering why we are frustrated and not seeing results. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. (Romans 7:6, NLT) We need a spiritual exercise plan and we need to make it our priority everyday so the changes in our habits become evident. If there is no evident change in your life, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is residing within you waiting for you to get serious and tap into Him.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 8:1-11

Be content with your gift ~ Joyce Meyer

A Glorious Freedom

A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing, he can take unto himself nothing] except as it has been granted to him from heaven. [A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven; there is no other source]. — John 3:27




In the third chapter of John's gospel, the disciples of John the Baptist came to him and reported that Jesus was beginning to baptize as John had been doing and that now more people were going to Jesus than were coming to John. This message was carried to John in a wrong spirit; it was intended to make him jealous. The disciples who brought the report were obviously insecure and being used by the devil in an attempt to stir up some wrong feelings in John toward Jesus.

In the verse above, what John was saying to his disciples was that whatever Jesus was doing, it was because heaven had gifted Him in that way. John knew what God had called him to do, and he knew what Jesus was called to do. He also knew that a person could not go beyond his call and gifting. John was saying to his followers, "Be content." He knew that God had called him to be a forerunner for Jesus, to prepare the way for Him, and that when it was time for Jesus to come to the forefront, he had to become less visible to the people.

Here are John's words to his disciples in reply to their statement regarding the crowds who were flocking to Jesus: "He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so]." (John 3:30) What a glorious freedom that John enjoyed! It is wonderful to feel so secure in Christ that we do not have to be in competition with anyone.

Twitters from Rick Warren

• Kingdom-minded leaders give children's & student ministry PRIORITY "...They ARE the kingdom of God!"-Jesus. Love Next Gen!9 minutes ago from web

• It takes about 10yrs of local church pastoring to lose the arrogance u pick up in seminary,otherwise u likely wont lose it.about 9 hours ago from web

• "The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns.Enemies flee!This one thing I know:God is for me!" Psalm 56:9 LBabout 15 hours ago from web

• It's HOW u live,not HOW LONG that matters; the donation of ur life,not the duration. U choose 2waste, spend,or invest timeabout 15 hours ago from web

• Your creation cost nothing. Your salvation cost God’s son. Your sanctification costs your ego.about 17 hours ago from web

• http://twitpic.com/k00p6 - Hell fears the cross. Godloves it.We ignore it.The Cross is I crossed out.All over Saddleback!about 17 hours ago from TwitPic

• USAToday asked to post winning cover of THE HOPE YOU NEED contest Fri. AM! We're also giving a gift 2 everyone who entered!6:22 PM Oct 1st from web

• "In the Church of Jesus Christ there can &should be no non-theologians." - Karl Barth6:16 PM Oct 1st from web

• Fear-based evangelism lasts as long as the fear.U need Jesus not because U'll die tonite but because U must live tomorrow6:15 PM Oct 1st from web

• "Just as my mouth can taste good food, so my mind tastes truth when I hear it." Job 12:11 (Living)4:27 PM Oct 1st from web

• Last taboo illness is mental.If u have a family/friend I care; rw@saddleback.com "Help me,my thoughts are troubled" Ps55:22:28 PM Oct 1st from web

• Pain can Protect"Surely it was for my benefit Isuffered such anguish.In ur love u kept me from a pit of destruction"Isa38:1712:50 PM Sep 30th from web

• Some people are so open-minded their brains fall out. Prov.14:15 "Only fools believe everything they hear"10:50 AM Sep 30th from web

• Grief is God's tool to help life transitions.Cry with another person present.It's healing.Never stuff it or cry alone.Mt5:410:25 AM Sep 30th from web

• http://twitpic.com/jp0q0 - Saddleback’s Kyle Loza won Xgames past 3yrs! SoVOTE http://bit.ly/1rqN7T11:45 PM Sep 29th from TwitPic

• Anytime you teach about giving, the generous will smile, and the stingy will squirm. That’s what makes it fun!8:09 PM Sep 29th from web

• "God is our Rock. Any other foundation for your life is like trying to stand on Jello"- @Tom_Holladay ,Saddleback Pastor3:50 PM Sep 29th from web

• Our world is in trouble because we are too serious about trivial matters & flippant about things of eternal significance.-THE HOPE YOU NEED12:03 PM Sep 29th from web

• Focus on being holy not hip, competent not cool, obedient not outrageous, annointed not attractive, praying not posing.10:56 AM Sep 29th from web

• Obedience beats experience:“Lord,we fished all night & caught nothing.But becauseYOU SAY SO" WOW! Keep on fishing! Lk 5:5-710:23 AM Sep 29th from web

Function in ministry ~Jon Courson

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
	1 Thessalonians 2:5-6
Whether it be in the business world, the sports world, or the arena of ministry, don’t covet someone else’s position. Don’t say, ‘I want that cloak; I want that spot, so I’ll use whatever flattery or treachery it takes to get it.’ I am reminded of the account in I Kings 22 ... ‘Listen Joe,’ said King Ahab of Israel to King Jehoshaphat of Judah, ‘I’ve got a problem with the Syrians. So let’s form an alliance and battle them together at Ramoth Gilead.’ Jehoshaphat agreed and upon his arrival at Ramoth Gilead, found Ahab waiting for him. According to the Septuagint, Ahab suggested Jehoshaphat wear his royal robes. Jehoshaphat agreed, and off they went into battle. Unbeknownst to Jehoshaphat, however, the Syrian army had been instructed to spare everyone save the king of Israel. Consequently, imagine Jehoshaphat’s surprise when, cloaked in the king of Israel’s robes, he found the entire Syrian army heading straight for him. ‘Wait a minute! I didn’t ask for this,’ you’ll say as the arrows of criticism fly towards you. Oh, but you did when you coveted that position on the team, that space in the office, that spot behind the pulpit. That’s why Paul didn’t come to the Thessalonians with flattery and manipulation. Instead, he came with simplicity and honesty.

Set apart for God's use ~ Daily Light

MORNING

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Love is strong as death. - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

Ye are washed, ... ye are sanctified, ... ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. - Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. - I beseech you ... brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

REV. 1:5. Song 8:7,6. John 15:13. I Pet. 2:24. Eph. 1:7. I Cor. 6:11. I Pet. 2:9. Rom. 12:1.

EVENING

There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

Over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses ... Jehonathan: and over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri: and over the vineyards was Shimei. These were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.

God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

I COR. 12:5. I Chr. 27:25 27,31. I Cor. 12:28,11. I Pet. 4:10,11.

One Year Bible Blog ~ Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 ~ Philippians 4:1-23 ~ Psalm 75:1-10 ~ Proverbs 24:17-20

October 3rd One Year Bible Readings

Posted: 02 Oct 2009 07:00 PM PDT

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 ~ Philippians 4:1-23 ~ Psalm 75:1-10 ~ Proverbs 24:17-20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today we begin the book of the prophet Jeremiah! Below is a painting from the year 1630 titled "Jeremiah Laments the Devastation of Jerusalem" by the artist Rembrandt. This painting can be viewed today in Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum.

~ Jeremiah ~
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Jeremiah’s life covered the last forty years of Judah’s existence. The burden of his message was for God’s people to accept the judgment of God so that a new beginning could be made. He lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people by the enemy, the slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple of God. He warned the people concerning these events, pleading with them to turn from their sins, but to no avail. He received only scorn and persecution. Jeremiah’s life is described in some detail, thus making him the best known of the Old Testament prophets.
Theme: In the crisis days during which Jeremiah lived, he had but one message for the people: Repent and turn to God. All false hopes must be abandoned and God must be given his rightful place in the nation. Nothing can save the people – neither their wealth, their armies, their diplomats, nor even their religion – only God can save. The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a memorial for all time that when a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Jeremiah also has a message of hope. Although Judah had abandoned God, God had not abandoned them and would once again show himself mightily on their behalf. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 13) A great commentary on the book of Jeremiah by Donald Curtis is at this link. Below is another painting of the prophet Jeremiah. This one is by Michelangelo from the years 1509-1512 and is in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Today in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 26 we read this sad statement - "Like a thief, Israel feels shame only when she gets caught. Kings, officials, priests, and prophets--all are alike in this." How about us in our lives today? Do we only feel shame when we get caught? Do we realize that God knows exactly what we are doing even if we think we might be doing something in "secret"? Do you realize there are absolutely no secrets with God?

New Testament - Wow... so many great teachings from Paul here today as we close out his letter to the church in Philippi! Paul's letter to the church in Colosse begins in our readings tomorrow! I love Philippians chapter 4 verse 4 today - "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!" How does this verse speak to you? Are you full of joy in the Lord right now? Are you always full of joy in the Lord? Why or why not? Do you think Paul's teaching here is correct - should we always be full of joy in the Lord? Let us rejoice!

Verses 6 & 7 are so very powerful for each of us to truly learn and put into practice in our lives today! "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Do you worry? Why does Paul tell us not to worry about anything? What did Jesus say to us about worrying in the Sermon on the Mount? What does Paul tell us to do instead of worrying? Pray. This is a powerful powerful thought! Think about this the next time you catch yourself worrying. You know that when you worry you are wasting energy and time. So, why not follow Paul's simple instructions here - when you catch yourself worrying, start praying. Really. Don't give one more minute or one more ounce of your energy to worrying. When you find yourself worrying, get down on your knees and pray! Tell God what you need - AND thank him for all he has done. Sure, it may be tough to thank God at your moment of worrying, but you should do so, in addition to telling him what you need. We should always thank God. And then... here's the beauty.... you will experience God's peace! His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Jesus! Let us each stop worrying and start praying! Actually... while I'm already down this path, think about this. Do you think that you spend more time each day worrying or praying? Really, think about this. How many minutes a day would you say that you worry? And how many minutes a day would you say you pray? My hunch is that worrying takes up far more minutes for most of us... Look at how we are wasting precious time on worrying! We don't have that kind of time... Let us pray!

And finally Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9 are so beautiful: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you." What type of things do you think about typically? Do you typically think about what is true and honorable and right? Do you often think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable? Do you think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise? Or are you filling your mind with other thoughts? Thoughts that, like worry, are a complete waste of your precious time here on this earth? Will you instead put into practice Paul's teachings - and the teachings you have received this year from the One Year Bible - and allow the peace of God to be with you? I really like this image below as an overview of our readings in Philippians chapter 4 today:

Bible.org's commentary on our readings today in Philippians chapter 4 verses 1 through 9 titled "Stand Fast, Stand Together" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 75 verse 7 is so powerful and so true... I need to hear this over and over again - "It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall." You and I do not judge. Well, we might try to judge, but it's all in vain if we do. And we risk turning judgment onto ourselves when we do. God alone judges. God alones decides who will rise and who will fall. We do not. God is God. We are not. This is a very good thing to always remember! :) We should also always remember we are so not this man below when it comes to other people's hearts or eternal destinies...

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 24 verses 17 & 18 we read – “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.” This is a powerful Proverb and reminds me that Jesus took this Proverb one step further in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. This Proverb says “do not gloat when your enemy falls.” This in and of itself may be a hard teaching in our lives. Well, let us also recall Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 5 verses 44 and 45 – “I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Jesus tells us to actually love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us! How’s that for a hard teaching? But. . . a beautiful teaching. A True teaching. A teaching we must put into practice in our lives. So, yes, let us not gloat or rejoice when our enemy falls. But more than that, let us love and pray for our enemies. Why? Perhaps through love and prayer they will one day not be enemies, but could actually be brothers and sisters? How are you doing with these teachings in your life? Do you have any enemies in your life? Are you not gloating or rejoicing when they fall? Are you literally praying for and loving your enemies today? Would this be a holy thing to put into practice in your life this very day?

Worship God: Philippians 4:6 reminded me of the song "The Prayer" that has been sung by several artists. I believe Celine Dion wrote the song. Here is a beautiful version of the song by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin. This song starts off a bit slow, but stick with it. The duet with Yolanda and Donnie by the end is powerful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XfJZg3osHI

Have you ever prayed "The Prayer"? Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike