Affirmation Texts

By Chad McComas

The following are some affirming texts that constantly remind us of truths that help us standing strong. Something that affirms is something that builds up confidence and faith. May these texts build up your confidence and faith in your God.

ALL
“God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

ALWAYS
“Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

AM
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

ANYTHING
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

“This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14,15

ARE
“No, in all these things we are more than conquers through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” 1 Peter 2:9

CAN
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

EVERYONE
“…for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4

EVERYTHING
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

IS
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

“…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” 1 John 5:1

KNOW
“He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:12,13

NEVER
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:22-26

NO
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“There is no fear in love.” 1 John 4:18

WHEREVER
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

WHOEVER
“Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

WILL
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:25-27

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

“I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds….their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16,17

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” James 5:15

“…will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

“…he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

“He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:7

Blessings (Poem)

By Darla Ivaldi

Like raindrops falling down,
we can see them all around.
They shower us with love,
God’s gift from up above.

We cannot see their face.
They are given by God’s grace
to all those who believe,
and ask they will receive.

To the hearts that are His own,
the Lord has truly shown
there are no reasons left to doubt
all the blessings He pours out.

Darla Ivaldi writes from Roseville, California.

Faith Comes by Hearing…

By Cris Bisch

…and hearing by the Word of God.”

I’ve read this verse in Romans 10:17 many times, but it has only in the past three years that I have begun to understand its significance. In 2003, my husband of twenty-nine years, Cliff, and I were going through a transition in every major area of our life, including a spiritual one. Although we came to Christ back in 1978, had spent several years in Bible College, raised our children in church and were involved in various ministries and revivals, we found ourselves feeling more empty than full.

It was during this time that we reconnected with a pastor that we had been out of contact with for many years. By phone, Keith and his wife Joan shared with us their excitement of having been drawn into a deeper relationship with the Word of God. They had been immersing themselves in the Scriptures day and night by using a CD player in their home and car. Although a pastor for 35 years, Keith found his entire life and relationship with the Word completely different. Their commitment to read the Word daily had been hard to keep, but now listening to the Word 24/7 on CD caused their hunger for the Word to grow. They found that the Word was filling and changing every part of their lives. Keith requested that his congregation do the same. The results continue to be that marriage counseling is no longer necessary, people are overcoming life long problems and at services everyone was speaking the same things. This got us really excited!

Keith brought our attention to Matthew 17:1-8 and Mark 9:2-8 where Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain where he was transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. Peter’s response was to build three tabernacles, but while he was speaking a bright cloud came over them and a voice from the cloud said: “This is my Son, whom I love; hear him.” Peter, James and John fell on their faces in fear and when they looked again, there was no man standing before them except for Jesus. Suddenly, we both understood the importance of concentrating on hearing the New Testament Gospel of Christ. Jesus is the last Word the Father has given us by which we can be saved and grow in the knowledge, grace and love of God. We concluded we had better listen extra carefully to everything Jesus says to us and listen again, and often.

Early in our walk, we studied theology, read scholarly works, memorized scripture and were tested. Later, we prayed fervently for revival and rode wave after wave, only to crash. It has only been in the last few years that we can honestly say that we feel “born again” each day by the washing of the Word and have entered into a more intimate relationship with Jesus. We are finding that as we are continually washed by the Word, our own opinions and interpretations don’t matter anymore. It has become true for us as well, that the more we hear the Word, the more our hunger and love for the Word grows.

There are some great Bible recordings available including the new “Bible Experience” reviewed in the last issue of The Christian Journal and the Listener’s Bible narrated by Max McLean, on CD and MP3.

Cris Bisch writes from Lorane, Oregon.

Fear of Man is a Snare

By Barry N. Shaw

When writing for The Christian Journal, before I put pencil to paper, I pray for wisdom and knowledge from the Lord. Then I search the Bible for insights on the theme for the month. God told King Solomon to “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” and Solomon prayed: “Give me wisdom and knowledge...” and God not only gave him great wisdom and knowledge, but so much more. 2 Chronicles 1:7,10,12

This month’s theme for The Christian Journal is affirmation. Roget’s Thesaurus lists some synonyms for affirmation including confirmation, acknowledgment, corroboration and ratification. While praying for insight into affirmation, the Holy Spirit placed on my heart the words “Fear of Man.” Why fear of man? Because so many times in our lives we look to man rather than God for affirmation and the result is fear, worry and emptiness.

Affirmation can be a process whereby human beings seek acknowledgment and confirmation that they are worthy. Measured by what standards? Acknowledgment by whom?

We humans tend to look to other people for affirmation that we are OK as human beings. If we look to people for affirmation of our self-worth, earthly standards are applied not only by others, but also by ourselves in concluding that we are beautiful or ugly, rich or poor, smart or dumb, powerful or weak, prominent or obscure. But looking to earthly standards as applied by other people leads to a dead end for when we die, all of the things that we regard as important in measuring our worth will be meaningless. Where then will be our beauty, our bucks, our brains?

Solomon exclaimed at the end of his life: “Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Everything is meaningless!” Ecclesiastes 12:8 Solomon was referring to the things under the sun, not under the Son. He added: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught that we should look to the Father for affirmation, not man. He said: “I do not accept praise from men.” John 5:41 “...beware of man...and fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:17, 28 “There is another who testifies in my favor.” John 5:32 “...the Father who sent me has Himself testified concerning Me.” John 5:37

Thomas A’ Kempis said: “Your peace does not depend on what other people say; whether they think well or ill of you, you remain the same person. The person who has no wish to please others - nor who is afraid to displease them - will enjoy great peace.” The Imitation of Christ, 119.

The peace that Thomas A’ Kempis was referring to is eternal life. Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

Pastor Jon Courson in Application Commentary, New Testament (page 476) writes: “Is your validation coming from your own accomplishments, or from others patting you on your back? It’ll never be enough. You’ll always be one pat shy of satisfaction. Validation for your life will not come from someone pointing out how good you are. Nor will it come from our achievements. True validation comes when you hear the voice of the Father in your heart, saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.”

King David had it right for he knew that the only affirmation we need is from the Lord: “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.” Psalm 7:8 David’s wise son Solomon concluded: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 “A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” Proverbs 17:24

If we find ourselves needing affirmation of what we are, do, or have, we need to fix our “eyes
not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

Barry N. Shaw writes from Applegate Valley, Oregon.

Garden Chocolate

By Bob Hansen

“If chocolate grew in gardens, I might be more interested in gardening.” When my wife made this statement, a few months back, I knew it was profound. It was one of those rare moments when the light of brilliant wisdom breaks through the clouds of dreary, ordinary existence.

And so I immediately set those words to memory that I might later plumb the depths of meaning hidden therein. But I found the task difficult, to say the least. After much deep thought, I was tempted to conclude that her words were a simple restating of what we all know—that many women have a strangely powerful attraction to chocolate. But then I saw that I was only giving in to intellectual laziness. And, to be fair to you, my readers, I could not do such a thing.

And so the mental work continued—hours upon hours of pondering, of stretching the understanding, undoubtedly creating new brain cells in the process, to reach beyond the normal capability of my mind.
Then a light flashed. Motivation! She was speaking, metaphorically about motivation. And thus she referred to geo-political struggles between differing ideologies. Specifically, I suspected she was commenting on the merits of democracy verses communism.

If a person planted a symbolic garden and his labor resulted in a reward that he desired (chocolate being the metaphor for the reward) that person would be satisfied with his economic system. On the other hand, if that person was forced to grow spinach because it was what the systemize bureaucracy required, while he couldn’t stand the taste of spinach, that worker would eventually loose all motivation, resulting in the under-producing of that product. How insightful my wife was.

But then I realized that she might also be referring to issues relating to child-raising. She might be pointing out that if we expect our children to be successful in life, we must teach them to do tasks that aren’t considered pleasant. The weeding of a garden would be an example of that. But, there is a danger that we will frustrate our children if we do not sweeten the tasks (thus the chocolate) at least when the children are in their most tender years.

Now I was confused. Had my wife meant the first meaning, or the second one? Perhaps there was even a third or fourth meaning to which I was blind. The not-knowing was driving me crazy.

Finally, having spent all that my mind could afford, I humbled myself and went back to the source. “Honey, do you remember when you said, ‘If chocolate grew in gardens, I might be more interested in gardening?’”

She replied that she vaguely recalled it.

I was startled at the casualness of the comment. What would it be like to have a mind so advanced that one could consider profound wisdom as a trivial matter? I took a deep breath and asked, “Could you tell me what you meant when you said that?”

She looked at me curiously and I realized she knew the truth about me. When it comes to matters of the mind, I was vastly her inferior. Yet she didn’t seem to hold my inadequacies against me, when she spoke words I will never forget. “I only meant that I prefer chocolate to vegetables.”

The syllables of her words were pearls of wisdom, dripping like the rain from heaven above. A philosopher could not have more succinctly stated, a bard could not have better enunciated…. Wait a minute! I was confused and sought clarification. “Come again?”

“It’s just that gardening is a lot of work. If the result were a harvest of fine chocolate, that would be one thing. But, all you get is vegetables for the effort….”

I’ve known it for some time that I’m an analyzer. Perhaps in this case I overdid it a little. Still, I suppose there are lessons to be learned from gardens. I could say that my life is a garden and Jesus is the mater gardener. He plants in the soil of my heart, a wondrous crop that he has personally selected.

But weeds also spring up. And, surprisingly, or perhaps not surprisingly, I like some of the weeds. When the gardener comes along to pull them out, I resist. It hurts to have things pulled out of one’s life.

It’s then that I hopefully come to my senses and remember that the gardener is an expert—both wise and far-seeing. He knows the best way to produce a good tasting crop. Something like snow peas that are so crisp and sweet. Or like chocolate—except that chocolate doesn’t grow in gardens—which is what my wife said in the first place.

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington.

Learn To Affirm Your World

By Kathy Anderst

Maybe mother was right. Remember her saying: "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all!" Those words still ring true today as I try to practice this principle in my life. I am not perfect, and my mind may not always think the most positive things of people, but when I try to find at least one positive thing about each person I come in contact with, I am practicing what Philippians 4:8 commands…that we dwell on the positive things. The positives can also be called affirmations. There are two kinds of affirmation. What I give others and what I declare to myself. I have found affirmation invaluable for keeping a positive and realistic view of myself and making others feel good about themselves. Affirming others can be as simple as a sincere compliment, such as "you look really nice today" or "you are awesome!" Another form of affirming others is by actively listening. When someone has feelings to air or an opinion to discuss they will feel affirmed when we simply listen without trying to control how they feel. This may not always be easy, especially when I have a differing opinion or don't understand why they feel what that are feeling. But, I have found a little understanding (without judgment) can go a long way in making a person feel safe and affirmed. Having been on the receiving end of these kind of words and actions, I know how they can carry me through a bad day.

The second type of affirmation, affirmation of myself, is a more difficult. But, as I give myself permission to like myself and remember that God loves me, it is a powerful tool for getting myself out of the old "pity party" routine that I can easily get stuck in. I carry around a wonderful little affirmations booklet that helps me during rough spots. When I start doubting myself, my abilities, or where God has placed me at the moment, I thumb through it. A few I like are: "I can achieve balance and serenity in my life." "I am as happy as I let myself be." “Today I am willing." "There's a lot to be happy for-God has a will for me.” "I am a precious child of God, fallible and free." " I make mistakes, but I am not a mistake.” My very favorite affirmation is: "I have enough, I am enough, I do enough" In this busy society, where DOING and HAVING MORE seems to be valued over simply BEING, I remind myself that my value comes from what is inside of me. I do not have to define myself by my job, or my possessions, but who I am Christ. People will not remember me so much for my things, my house or my career are intelligence, but they will remember me for how I made them feel. Did they feel safe and affirmed by me? Was I generous with the gifts God gave me?

Why not try affirming someone today? Sit and really listen to a friend or family member and tell them you hear what they are saying, then give them a hug. Tell someone God loves him and has a plan for him. Tell her that she is enough just as God made her, then turn around, look in the mirror and say the same thing to yourself! You may find it awkward at first, but giving yourself a mental hug may become a habit you don't want to break. Tell yourself you are worth it!

Kathy Anderst writes from Medford, Oregon.

Dear Amanda

By Rachel S. Neal

Dear Amanda is a letter to Rachel’s niece who, along with her husband and three little boys, was murdered two years ago. Rachel believes that though there is sadness and guilt associated with the tragic loss, the letter expresses hope. Through the darkest of days we Christians who have entrusted our lives to Jesus need not despair. We will see our loved ones again in a land free of guilt, pain and sorrow.

Dear Amanda:

The brittle tendrils of last year’s morning glories still cling to my trellis. New shoots and cerulean blooms aren’t long in coming. Maybe that is why you are heavy on my heart today. I remember how much you loved those flowers.

It’s been over two years since your life was so cruelly taken. It isn’t right. Spring is here and you should be taking the boys for a walk, picking wildflower bouquets, wading in the creek, putting tadpoles in a jar. Your biggest concern should be what to fix for dinner.

It may seem strange that I miss you so much. But you were family from the day my sister took you in, that shy twelve-year-old with a smile that lit up the household. Your heart was aching to give and to receive unconditional love. Your body aching for safety and respect.

We didn’t expect to lose you. Maybe that is why there were so many words I left unsaid, words that never came to my mind until it was too late to say them. I feel that I need to tell you in death the things I should have told you in life. That I love you. That I’m proud of the way you struggled and survived the unfair circumstances of your life. That I wish I knew you better.

I am so sorry, Amanda. I’m sorry I stopped praying for you. I can’t help but wonder if one more prayer would have made the difference. If one more prayer for your safety would have stopped the hideous events that took you and Chris and Michael and Robert, and little Jordan away from us. Was it my fault? I allowed you to drift out of my life when you left my sister’s home. My unconditional love turned into apathy.

I never knew how hard you struggled to make ends meet. I never asked. While I was engrossed in my new job, your boys went without food. You lived in a car while I shopped for new clothes and comfortable shoes. I could have been there for you. I could have, had I cared enough.

Now you are gone and there are no answers. No resolution. No justice. We are left with our heartache and memories and dreams of what could have been.

But, we are also left with hope. We have the assurance that you and Chris and the boys walk with Jesus. Not because you were good or deserved a better life. Not because your young lives were ripped away by the cruel hands of sin, but because you chose to ask Jesus to be the Lord of your heart. In life, you made the only choice that really matters when death steps in. You made mistakes, but Jesus washed you clean and took you to live with Him, gloriously free of your past.

I know you forgive me for neglecting to pray for you. I know Jesus does, too. I also know that someday I’ll see your beautiful brown eyes again when I join you in the land that knows no pain, no guilt, no sorrow.

The hills outside my window are flushing with new life. You would love trekking around up there. You wouldn’t be scared of the ticks, like I am. I hope there are places for you to hike in heaven. And horses. And dogs. And blue morning glories.

I Love You Amanda, Aunt Rachel.

Rachel S. Neal writes from Missoula, Montana. tencenttours@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Evelyn

By Jennifer Anne Messing

Based on a true story

Rated PG for thematic material and language.
*Recommended for family viewing. Parental input advised.*

Check your favorite movie rental stores for availability.

Evelyn is one-hour, thirty-five minute, 2002 United Artists/First Look Media film release, in color, directed by Bruce Beresford, starring Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Vavasseur, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn, and Stephen Rea. This touching, intelligent family drama is based on a true story and takes place in Ireland in the mid-1950s.

Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) is taken by surprise when his wife runs away with another man, abandoning him and their three young children. When local authorities discover that Desmond is unemployed and that there is no wife at home to care for his children, they deem it necessary to take the kids out of Desmond’s guardianship temporarily and place them in Church-run orphanages until Desmond is able to secure and prove stable employment.
Although Desmond is not a perfect man, he is a loving father who enjoys a very good relationship with his three children, and who is quite attached to his oldest who is a girl, Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur). Naturally, Evelyn and her two younger brothers, who are hurting emotionally because of losing their mother, become devastated when they learn they’re going to be separated from their father.

Evelyn soon arrives at the orphanage for girls and her brothers are sent to an orphanage for boys. The nuns at Evelyn’s school are quite strict and some of them are not kind.

Over the next few months, Desmond tries to find gainful employment and strives to overcome his bad habits in order to become a better father. Times are hard in Dublin, Ireland, and Desmond later encounters obstacles in gaining back the custody of his children. With the help of his two friends, Bernadette Beattie (Julianna Marguiles), and Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn), who is a lawyer, Desmond petitions in court for the return of his children. The city court denies Desmond Doyle’s petition.

Desmond is disheartened at the outcome in the city court, but Nick Barron advises him that petitioning the case in the Supreme Court may help. Shortly thereafter, Desmond, Bernadette, and Nick solicit the help of Tom Connolly (Stephen Rea), an ex-barrister, who is now retired. Tom is convinced that the law the government officials are using to withhold Desmond’s kids is unconstitutional and should be challenged. In the weeks to come Desmond and his kids must wait patiently and their faith is challenged as Desmond’s case is brought to the Supreme Court in a long and drawn out, suspenseful court-battle.

Evelyn is a heartwarming and inspiring drama that may bring some tears to the eye. What is most endearing is to see the deep love of a father for his children—what lengths a man will go through, what obstacles he’s willing to overcome to provide for and express love to his children. There are ways that children motivate their parents to become better people, responsible citizens who are less self-centered and more “other-centered.” Sometimes, too, parents can underestimate the maturity level of children. Evelyn Doyle, despite her tender years, displays remarkable maturity and grasp of her faith when she testifies in court.

Evelyn is a movie that strongly affirms the importance of fatherhood and the key role a father has in imparting emotional wholeness and stability to his children. In Proverbs 17:6 (NASB) we read: “The glory of sons is their fathers.”

Pierce Brosnan delivers a serious and compelling performance as Desmond Doyle, and young Sophie Vavasseur plays Evelyn Doyle with skill and believability. All of the supporting cast are well-chosen. The cinematography is beautiful, featuring breathtaking green countryside in various scenes. The dialogue, which is very dramatic in some instances, is well-written and not overdone. Parents are advised that there are some scenes where parental input is strongly suggested to help younger children better understand thematic material.

Overall, Evelyn is a wonderful, family-oriented film that can be enjoyed by parents and kids of all ages.

Jennifer Anne Messing of Southeast Portland is the author of over 140 articles and a gift book, In the Shadow of His Wings. JenniferAnneMessing@comcast.net or JenniferAnneMessing.com

The Affirmative Christ

By Martin A. Recio

The early followers of the Lord Jesus perceived him as more than a rustic prophet who came from Galilee. To them, and to all who knew him, Christ bestowed life. His very presence moved the spiritual impulse of the people. He stirred the deep expectations of the soul. The quality of life, which Jesus gave, adhered in character to the power of an endless life.

The people believed on him, not merely on his words, but on him personally. In believing, they accepted Christ as what he clamed to be. In his confession, Simon Peter said: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” His miracles were to the people a wonderful manifestation of the grace of God—and of God’s Spirit in him.

Our View of Christ

Our advantage over the earlier followers of Christ is that we have the perspective of the past two centuries. We can see how he dealt with some of the troublesome situations which arose during his ministry. And he did so with a complete trust in his heavenly Father. Our Lord was deeply spiritual and in constant communion with God.

He would seek for a quiet place of prayer: a secret garden or even a mountain top.

Here he would seek that mystical communion of spirit on Spirit. And in these moments, he found renewed strength and determination to carry on his mission, even in the face of the uplifted cross. Like the Lord Jesus, in the stillness of the morning, or in the quietness of evening, we can pause for a few moments of prayer and meditation. We can renew the essence of our inner life. And like our Savior, we can seek a link with him who is the ultimate source of strength and power in the universe. Calmness, endurance, and spiritual renewal—we all need these gifts of grace.

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? … He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:28-29 (KJV)

Christ spoke as one who knew the troubled mind: “Be not anxious for the morrow…Love your enemies… Pray for those who despitefully use you.” “With God, all things are possible.” This leads us to the affirmation and the power of the Lord Jesus. Did he not promise us his presence and power?

The Affirmative Christ

One of the blessings of our religion is that the Christ of the first century is also the Christ of the twenty-first century. His energy cannot be curtailed. His power cannot be restrained. His Spirit and influence keep breaking through all the restrictions men would impose upon them. The Savior’s power and influence remain unquenchable. He remains the Redeemer whom time and space are unable to contain.

What does this mean for us—for me? It means that the Savior’s appeal can be overwhelming in this sense: He can be bound by no barrier. Nor can his Spirit be held by any physical restraint. Nothing that men can do can quench is Spirit or power to renew. He alone is the Giver of all spiritual life. His influence and Spirit move where they will. He can come to us wherever we are and whatever our condition. This is the affirmative promise of our faith: “I well never leave thee or forsake thee.” I will be with thee whithersoever thou goest. Hebrews 13:5
Our Lord’s appeal has refused to die, and surely it extends to us. He can come to us as easily as he came to those of long ago. He comes with the same message, love, and redemptive compassion. And Christ comes with transforming power. He redeems our souls and turns our thoughts to God. Although he appeared in meekness, his coming is with spiritual force and the enduring qualities of life.

In the knowledge of his authority and power, the Lord Jesus said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician.” Luke 5:31 And with these simple words, he would make room for all who would turn to him.

Martin A. Recio writes from Ashland, Oregon.

The Bible is Our Foundation…Our Need For The New Year

By Stewart Whittemore

”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NKJV)
The United States Congress, in 1782, voted this resolution: "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

One has only to look at the statistics of crime in our nation from when the Bible and prayer were taken out of our schools till today to know we created a major tear in the fabric that has held America together for so many years.

As we begin a new year we can each decide to make the Word of God our foundation. God’s way is the only "way, the truth and the life.”

The Bible is the very foundation on which this country was founded. One has only to look at what some of our presidents have said in the past about the Bible, our handbook for living and the promises of God for our salvation. Maybe President John Quincy Adams said it best when he wrote this letter to his son:

"My dear Son: I have myself, for many years, made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year....My custom is, to read four to five chapters every morning immediately after rising from my bed. It employs about an hour of my time....It is essential, my son, in order that you may go through life with comfort to yourself, and usefulness to your fellow-creatures, that you should form and adopt certain rules or principles, for the government of your own conduct and temper....It is in the Bible, you must learn them, and from the Bible how to practice them. Those duties are to God, to your fellow-creatures, and to yourself. ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thy self.’ Let us, then, search the Scriptures....The Bible contains the revelation of the will of God. It contains the history of the creation of the world, and of mankind; and afterward the history of one peculiar nation, certainly the most extraordinary nation that has ever appeared upon the earth. It contains a system of religion, and of morality, which we may examine upon its own merits, independent of the sanction it receives from being the Word of God."

Fortunately, our God is faithful and has continually encouraged us, even when we haven’t been as faithful to Him. For example, three days after the terrible attack in New York on September 11, 2001, in the rubble, was found a large cross made out of the steel girders that once held one of the twin towers together. It was if Jesus was telling the families of the victims and workers there that He was with them in the midst of this terrible tragedy; that He went through much suffering for our sins so that we could be with Him for all eternity. After all, He conquered death and is "the resurrection and the life" and "he that believes in Him will never die.”

That cross is now a permanent monument at "Ground Zero.” It can also be a permanent marker in our lives reminding us of the love God has for us and what He has done and will do for us, no matter what our situation is in this coming year.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV)

Stewart Whittemore writes from Grants Pass, Oregon. stewart33@earthlink.net

The Power of Affirmation

Article

God believes in affirming His people. From Genesis to Revelation there are many powerful affirmations to us. These affirmations are due to God’s love and grace for us. He believes in our future, because He is in charge of our future. His plans for us are sure…the only condition is whether we accept Jesus Christ and believe!

One of my favorite affirmations is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He was so upbeat and encouraging that you’d never know he wrote it from a hell-hole of a prison cell. He tells us: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

God has a plan for all of us. He will carry it out and it will be completed. This New Year will be carried out according to His plans. He will lead and guide each step of the believer. He will change us and mature us.

Yet…there is always a need for affirmation. When we are being beat up by life’s challenges we need to be reminded that we have a God who has a plan who has won the war and will prevail. With all the negative messages of despair and doom that the world offers us on an almost daily basis…we need constant affirmation.

God provides it. He has made sure that through His prophets, His messengers, His disciples, His apostles the positive message comes through. Even His Son Jesus came with a message of affirmation. It’s the Gospel. The Good News. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Our challenge this New Year is to keep emerged in God’s Word…His affirmation. We need to let Him speak to us. We need to make sure we are in His Word at least as much as we are in the world’s word. We can all tell when someone is being affirmed by God’s Holy Spirit. It shows! He or she glows.

Time in a Bottle

By Lynn Ludwick

What an intriguing thought—time in a bottle. I imagine tossing in minutes, hours, even days. Then I’d quickly plop in a cork, before any of it escaped. I’d save it and spend it as needed, as desired. That’s what the songwriter had in mind. Realistically, however, he added: “But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do…”

Time. It’s one of the oddest commodities on earth, whether you measure it by the sun, analog or digital, Timex or Rolex. It’s God’s one gift given equally, twenty-four hours per 365 days a year. So, why does it play out uniquely for each of us? For some, like me, there’s never enough. Others, some in my family a few generations past, invented busyness to pass the idle moments. Inconceivable!

Time is relative. The week before Christmas drags for a child, but there aren’t enough hours in the day for his mother. Compared to my grandchildren I have a lot more of life to think about—more years, crammed with more accumulation of stuff and memories, joys and sorrows.

The very word invades our language. Often there is no time, so we make excuses or start rushing. We tell ourselves or someone else that we’ll do it the next time, a convenient way to procrastinate or bow out of an obligation. When fatigue takes over or we’re perplexed, we take time out—or we send our children there when their behavior is out of order. Our imaginations invent time machines, something to take us backward or forward, momentarily freeing us from our clock-regulated and earthbound existence. And some things are time sensitive, such as us humans who live our appointed decades then take our leave. We have timekeepers—but really, only God can do that. Time clocks, time sheets and time bombs are all geared to regulate schedules and control time.

Since God invented this whole earthly concept (I suspect there are no clocks in Heaven), He has something to say about it. He put it in the psalmist’s heart to implore: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 Who of us wants to arrive at the end of our lives and look back on a wasteland of idle and meaningless days?

There’s no final formula or ultimate solution to time issues. Believe me, I’ve tried most all the organizational schemes to make my life flow more smoothly within its appointed hours. Still, I struggle, operating under the delusion that if I hurry fast enough or get more organized, I’ll have more time.

And now, once again it’s January, and I stand on the threshold of a new year. I thrill at another 365 days, twenty-four hours each. The difference between 11:59 December 31st and midnight January 1st is a mere sixty seconds, yet to our human minds it’s a gift of new beginnings and fresh starts. We believe we can and should do things differently in this new season.

In a way I do have some time in a bottle. On each of those days in the upcoming year I’ll be able to reach in and draw out the minutes and hours, as I need them. “Trust in Him at all times…” Psalm 62:8 —and trust Him with all my time. It will go well with me if I ask the Lord how best to spend my days, to check in with Him each morning.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14

So in the year ahead I’ll closely guard my treasured bottle of time, thoughtfully and wisely rationing its contents.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Lynn Ludwick writes from Shady Cove, Oregon. Lynniegirl45@hotmail.com

We Can’t Do It – That’s Good News!

By Pete Miljkovic

“WWJD!” What Would Jesus Do seems to be the rally cry of the Christian. I believe however that if we read the Four Gospels and try to emulate our Lord Jesus we are in for a life of misery and failure. We either realize that we can never be what Jesus was (this side of heaven) or we lie to ourselves and others as we work for righteousness within ourselves. Hypocrite? It’s a black hole that sucks us in deeper and deeper. I am just beginning to understand how many millions of Christians are suffering from this deception. Why is this happening? Because thousands of churches are teaching a different Gospel. They are teaching us to be good Jews according to the Jewish Law. It is a subtle deception. Galatians 3:1-6 says: “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain? So then does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” In other words, salvation is a gift from God (not of our works) AND sanctification (our walk as Christians) is also a gift from God and not of our works. This revelation from God is extremely significant. He does it all! Not many churches teach this. Rather they apply rules and misquote the Bible, they set standards which are not our standards…they quote Jesus, who was specifically speaking to the Jewish nation, expecting us to comply . …in short, they go back to the Law.

“WWJD!” What was it that Jesus actually did? Jesus came into a Jewish world and proclaimed that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. (Matthew 4:17) Who was He preaching to? It was the Jewish people. He said to His disciples: “do not go in the way of the Gentiles…but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” Matthew 10:5,6 “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24

BUT, as a Crucified and Risen Christ He said about Paul: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear my Name before the Gentiles…” Acts 9:15. He anointed Paul as THE Apostle for the Gentiles. We ignore this precious fact at our peril. Paul was told things by Jesus that were not previously known (or expected). Paul was the Apostle of Grace, sent by Jesus to preach salvation by Grace, through Faith in Christ, apart from the Law. (See Acts 13: 38,39)

Ephesians 3:1-12 is dramatically clear: Paul says he is “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles” to give us “the dispensation of Gods Grace” which was up until then a “mystery” “which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men” “to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God”

This was breaking news about a new dispensation (of Grace) for the Jew and Gentile alike. These wonderful words are hugely significant to us. Once we see them clearly, our Bible studies will flourish as we learn new truths.

Jesus in the Flesh taught strict adherence to the Law of the Jews – not for salvation, but as a witnessing tool. He knew how impossible, in our fallen condition, compliance to the Law was (and the spirit behind it). Furthermore, in1 Timothy 1:9 we are told that the “Law is not made for a righteous person.” So, Jesus taught through Paul that the Gospel of Grace in Christ Jesus and Sanctification in Life is in Christ Jesus alone. Paul says: “I know that nothing good dwells in me.” Romans 7:18 God knows this about us and provides His abundant Grace. I am glad to know What Jesus Did, but even happier to know that I can’t do it! That’s Grace.

Let’s hold onto these words, because when we fail (and we will) we will know for sure that Jesus Christ is there, with a plan made for us before the foundation of the world. He will hold us and love us. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His han.” Psalm 37:23, 24

The purpose of scripture, and of life itself, is that we may know Christ. Paul says that we should encourage one another: “resulting in a true knowledge of Gods mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2 Jesus Himself is peace (See Ephesians 2:14) A relationship with Jesus is the whole point; nothing else will satisfy.

Pete Miljkovic writes from Williams, Oregon. dayspringic@cs.com

What's In My Pocket? Glad You Asked!

By Allie Martin

(AgapePress) - A Pennsylvania-based ministry continues to motivate Christians to read, carry, and share the Word of God.

It was back in 1893 when the Pocket Testament League was formed as a way to encourage believers to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since then the ministry has distributed hundreds of millions of pocket-sized Gospels of John to members who are asked to give them away. In recent years, public school students have handed out more than 20,000 copies of Scripture from the League.

Mike Brickley, president of the Pocket Testament League, says the ministry continues to impact people's lives and to witness "incredible things" simply because people are reading and sharing the Word.

"We're saying to Christians, 'Hey, why not carry the Word of God in your pocket?'"

he shares. And as a result of that encouragement, he says that "thousands and thousands of Christians are sharing their faith for the first time in their lives [and] people are coming to faith from reading Scripture."

Research shows that 76 percent of salvation decisions are the result of one-on-one encounters in which a person actively shared their faith with someone else. Brickley says the ministry hears regularly from members who are spreading the life-changing message of the gospel.

"I know Scripture says that it's living and active, but I had no idea until I started reading the stories [from those whose lives have been changed]," he says.

"We started getting stories from people all over this country who had either been given the Word of God by somebody and encouraged to read it, or they found it," the League president says. "You wouldn't believe where they find these little Gospels of John -- they find them in garbage cans, they find them in subways, they find them in buses, they find them in the back pockets of airplane seats."

Membership in the Pocket Testament League is free, as are copies of the Gospel of John in a variety of cover designs. The League's website -- PocketPower.org -- carries stories of encouragement and praise from members about their encounters and experiences sharing the Word of God in pocket form.

Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.

Who Will Take The Son?

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A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.

A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art."

The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later.

There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"

There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"

Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"

But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

"We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the Masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"

A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."

"What about the paintings?"

"When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until now. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

The Yada Yada Sisterhood

By Patti Iverson

What do you get when you take 12 zany women, every Tuesday evening, and a pot of coffee? You could get a bunch of slogans: “The best part of waking up...”, "...good to the last drop.". "Mountain Grown", or” Celebrate the moments of your life." Perhaps you'd hear a bunch of dumb Juan Valdez or Mrs. Olsen jokes. At my house what you get is a group of coffee drinkin’women called, “Yadas!”--as in "yada, yada, yada..." The famous phrase evoked much laughter on the television sitcom, Seinfeld. It could've been replaced with "Etc., etc, etc., as in The King and I musical, or even "Blah, blah, blah...” but it seems "Yada, yada, yada...” tickled the writer's funny bone the most, as well as ours. With our group, aptly named The Yadas, we've taken the phrase further in it's meaning.

Yada, in the Hebrew, means, "to know in a relational sense". "Yahweh" is God's personal name, as in "I Am.” Yada Yahweh is an invitation to know Yahweh and to understand who we are and why we're here on this earth. Let me introduce you to our "Yadas" so you can get to know them:

Karen: bright, bubbly and a successful fiction writer/editor. Linda: educated and a former English teacher. Sarah: Linda's daughter and a nurse in Cardiology. Lori: quiet, shy and is writing a historical/fantasy novel. DJ: a western woman with a heart of gold who works at Christian bookstore. Donna: lives at the beach and has written novels about women in the military. Sandy: a "wild woman" who delights in the outdoors amongst the wild things. Jen: a beautiful, hot shot realtor. Max: a preacher's wife helping the hurting by writing about Blended Families. Andi: a lovely poet with a sensitive spirit, Connie: a musical humorist Me: I write a column in this paper, am a clown, and Mrs. Claus. Wow! What a motley crew we are. God put us together because we loved coffee. Yes! We are that shallow. Yes! That is enough of a bond to get women together. But oh, it's not enough to KEEP them together...

Over the years we've discovered our love of all things literary be it from the written, spoken, or musical word. We all are writers, but our more common bond is in the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. (Well, plus the java) We do not attend the same churches, we don't live in the same neighborhoods, none of us work together, and our children didn't grow up in the same schools. It's kinda wierd, don't ya think? It's God 'n coffee that binds us together. How cool is that? Or hot, as the case may be!

Over a good cuppa joe, each done to our own special taste, we solve all the problems of the world and society. We laugh until we cry, or sometimes cry until we laugh. Issues come up where no one has the solution or answers, but that usually causes us to pray together, which not only helps us, but also honors the God who created the Yadas in the first place. It is a gaggle of women who can be themselves, and not have to "put on a happy face" if it's the sad heart that's running life at the moment. We don't judge one another, nor gossip about anybody else, either. Why, we won't talk about you if you're not there. We'll save it for when you are there, and then talk about you right TO your face! Ha!

Some Tuesdays the Boggle game comes out. Ooooh, you really shouldn't play this game with a bunch of avid wordsmiths! They are seriously deranged with killer instincts when it comes to making words out of little tiles with letters of the alphabet on them. On those nights I'm mostly interested in the coffee and assorted treats. I am not quick enough, nor smart enough to tangle with those” coffee fiends, drinking beans, while wielding minds for wordy finds”.

I found out from the Internet, (such a reliable source), that there’s a 60-70% reduction in suicide among female coffee drinkers and an appreciable reduction among men. Coffee is an antidepressant. Well golly! Who knew? It sure works for the Yada Yada Coffee Crew and none of us has committed suicide.

Sometimes it’s just holding a nice cuppa warmth between your hands and talking your heart out that does the most good in the world, plus the hugs and smiles that join hearts as you share ‘n bare your soul.

How I thank God for the Yada Yada sisterhood, and a really good cup of coffee stirred with laughter and love. It is good to the very last drop, when filtered through the grace of Jesus and really fun friendship.

Patti Iverson writes from Medford, Oregon. randpi@charter.net