Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes
Published by: ACTS International
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Vol. 18 – No. 3516 August 27, 2016
Thought for the week: "All the darkness in the world cannot put out the light of one small candle." – St. Francis Of Assisi
"Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Last fall, an employee at a museum in Washington State tried to feed Stella, a Burmese python. When the creature smelled its dinner of rats, it became aggressive and struck the woman's leg. Firefighters had to pry the snake loose. The museum's owner told reporters the woman hadn't been properly trained to handle the snake.
If that gives you shivers, remember, there's a snake after us too—the old serpent, the devil. We shouldn't be ignorant of his devices, lest we be corrupted by Satan as Eve was deceived by the craftiness of the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3). That's why we study the Bible, the only book that provides proper training on how to handle him. We're to put on the Gospel armor and stand firm against his schemes (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11). We're to pray for deliverance from the evil one (Matthew 6:13). We're to keep our lives free from lust, greed, and other areas where Satan can find a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
The simplest formula is this one: "Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:7-8).
Don't think of Satan as a harmless cartoon character with a red suit and a pitchfork. He is very clever and powerful, and his unchanging purpose is to defeat God's plans at every turn—including His plans for your life.
– Billy Graham, in The Journey As seen on David
Jeremiah's Turning Points at: Click Here
Clint Eastwood: As I enjoy my twilight years, I am often struck by the inevitability that the party must end. There will be a clear, cold morning when there isn't any "more." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat. It seems to me that one of the important things to do before that morning comes, is to let every one of your family and friends know that you care for them by finding simple ways to let them know your heartfelt beliefs and the guiding principles of your life so they can always say, "He was my friend, and I know where he stood."
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
6. How and When to Convey Hard Truths — Motive, Tact, Tone and Timing
by Michael Josephson of Character Counts (971.1)
Trustworthiness is essential to good relationships, and honesty is essential to trustworthiness. Being honest isn't simply telling the truth, though. It's also being sincere and forthright. Thus, it's just as dishonest to deceive someone by half-truths or silence as it is to lie.
But what if honesty requires us to volunteer information that could be damaging or hurtful?
For example, should you say something when a coworker begins to dress or act in a way that's generating ridicule and damaging his or her credibility? What if you discover your friend's husband is having an affair? Do you tell your brother bad things you know about a woman he's getting involved with?
It's easy to rationalize silence in such volatile situations because it's less dangerous for you. Telling hard truths, however well-intended, can seriously damage relationships. On the other hand, silence can be viewed as a betrayal of trust if it's later discovered that you withheld information.
When considering conveying a hard truth, and the principles of honesty and kindness can be in conflict, there's no single right thing to do. In such moments, be respectful and heed these four critical guidelines:
1. Motive. Be sure and pure about your reasons. Your intentions must be honorable and constructive; have the well-being of the other person, or at least the organization, at heart. If you are conveying a hard truth to punish or humiliate the other person, or simply to speak your mind it is not about truth, it's about meeting a personal need or desire, don't rationalize.
2. Tact. Choose and prepare your words carefully. Your wording matters a great deal. If you know the information could be potentially devastating, rehearse to lessen the chance that you'll be misinterpreted or that the person will not perceive your caring and hear your message.
3. Tone. When speaking, avoid self-righteousness or accusations.
4. Timing. Context is crucial. Pick a place and time that will lend itself to a frank interchange. Be sure the setting is appropriate to allow the person to absorb and consider the information. Avoid impulsive statements likely to be construed as an attack.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Jesus said, "'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."1
Walter B. Knight reported how, "An hour after Queen Elizabeth's third child was born, 128 cables were sent to all parts of the world! Lights in Buckingham Palace, the Home Office, Foreign Office, Colonial Office, and Commonwealth Relations Office had burned all night. The palace's big switchboard was manned all night. And personnel on night duty were doubled in the ministries."
How different was the birth of Jesus, "The Prince of Peace." No earthly potentates proclaimed His coming. Atrocious, bloodthirsty Herod concerned himself with the event because he thought some rival ruler had appeared.
God, however, signaled the birth of Jesus by dispatching angelic hosts to proclaim the good news and by placing in the heavens the guiding star to direct humble shepherds and seekers to the lowly place of Jesus' birth.
How different will be the second coming of Jesus. The first time, He came as a babe to identify with lost mankind and to pay the price of our redemption through His death on the cross. The good news is that Jesus is coming again and, when He does, He will come in all His divine glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. To Him every knee will bow. What a day this will be!
Jesus himself promised that He would come back to earth to get and take His true followers to be with Him forever in Heaven. The important thing is to be sure that we are ready for His return and/or to meet God face to face should we pass from this life to the next before Jesus Christ comes back again.
We do this by confessing our sinfulness, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins, and accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord. For additional help see the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for Your wonderful promise that Jesus is right now preparing Heaven for His true followers and that He is coming back to earth to take these ones to be with Him and You forever. Help me to be sure that I am prepared for this great and glorious day to meet You face to face. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, Amen."
1. John 14:1-3 (NIV).
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Oprah Winfrey: "Books were my pass to personal freedom. I learned to read at age three, and soon discovered there was a whole world to conquer that went beyond our farm in Mississippi." – Oprah Winfrey
Books:
Books by Dick Innes, Editor of Weekend Encounter You Can't Fly With a Broken Wing How to Mend a Broken Heart I Hate Witnessing—A Handbook for Effective Christian
Communications
Healing, Wholeness & Happiness by Dick Innes
Loving & Understanding People by Dick Innes
I Hate Witnessing by Dick Innes
God's Formula for Success by Dick Innes
Damaged Emotions by David Seamands
Healing of the Memories by David Seamands
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