ACTS International
Home Page of ACTS International
Home Page of ACTS InternationalHow to Find and Know God without having to be religiousLife Help Articles dealing with faith, family, and practical helps for purposeful livingDaily and Weekend Encounters with more than a third-of-a-million worldwide subscribersSupport the Work of ACTS International a not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible for U.S. donorsCurrent report on the ministries and services of ACTS InternationalOnline Store of ACTS ... ACTS CommunicationsAbout ACTS International
ACTS International Home Page Click here for the current issue of  Daily Encounter
         
     
   
Tell a Friend Site Map Share and/or Bookmark
   
         
   
 Dick Innes


Weekend Encounter

Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes          
Published by: ACTS International

To receive the email edition of Weekend Encounter (without charge) click on the Subscribe button.

Privacy policy: We do not sell or rent subscriber's e-mail
addresses to anyone. We value your privacy.

 
Global Communications Outreach:
Learn how to be a missionary right from your own home and have a vital part in worldwide gospel outreach by becoming an ACTS People Power for Jesus Partner. Click HERE There is no charge.
 

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
 
Index
1.   Words of Wisdom
2.   On the Lighter Side
3.  

Snake Handlers

4.   My Twilight Years
5.   True Success
6.   How and When to Convey Hard Truths — Motive, Tact, Tone and Timing
7.   A Contrast of Births
8.   Receive Daily Encounter Devotional  without Charge
9.   Weekend Encounter E-mail Edition  without Charge
10.   Know God ... Without Having to Be Religious
11.   Prayer Partners Needed
12.   Please Help Support Weekend Encounter
13.   Helpful Books, CDs, and Cassettes
14.   Services without Charge
15.   ACTS in Action Report
16.   Archives for Daily and Weekend Encounter

1. Words of Wisdom

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." – The Dali Lama

"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word—excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it." – Pearl S. Buck

"Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the flowers. Kind deeds are the fruits." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"No one can make you jealous, angry, vengeful or greedy—unless you let him." – Napoleon Hill

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God" – Corrie ten Boom, author, The Hiding Place.

Index

2. On the Lighter Side

An airhead walks into a store and is immediately curious about a shiny object on sale. He asks the shop assistant, "What is that?"

The assistant responds, "It's a thermos."

"What does it do?"

"It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold." So the airhead buys one.

The next day he brings the thermos to work with him. His boss, also an airhead, asks, "What's the shiny object?"

"It's a thermos."

"What does it do?"

"It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold."

His boss then asks, "What do you have in there?"

The airhead replies, "Two cups of coffee and a popsicle."

– Source Unknown

Index

3. Snake Handlers

"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

Index

4. My Twilight Years

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."

Index

5. True Success

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.

– Robert Lewis Stevenson

Index

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.

© 2016 Josephson Institute of Ethics; reprinted with permission. Michael Josephson, one of the nation's leading ethicists, is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the premier youth character education program, CHARACTER COUNTS! For further information visit www.charactercounts.org

For Commentaries go to: http://whatwillmatter.com/category/commentary/

Index

7. A Contrast of Births

Sample of Daily Encounter by Dick Innes

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).

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon, click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php.

Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

For more information on Daily Encounter, Click HERE.

To Subscribe Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/subscribe.php.

Index

8. Receive Daily Encounter E-mail ... Without Charge

Daily Encounter, a without charge weekday e-mail inspirational from ACTS International is now going to 362,000+ subscribers. Scores of letters from around the world have come from readers saying how much they are being helped by this brief, practical devotional.

Over 100 million e-mail Daily, Weekend and Prayer Encounters are delivered to subscribers every year!

Click HERE for more samples of Daily Encounter
Click HERE to subscribe

 

 

NOTE: Some ISPs (especially AOL) now use e-mail filtering software that allows you to add e-mail addresses to your 'buddy', 'safe', or 'approved' list. Please be sure to add acts@actsweb.org to yours so you won't miss any issue of Daily Encounter.

Index

9. Receive E-mail Edition of Weekend Encounter ... Without Charge

Click HERE to subscribe

 

Index

10. Know God ... Without having to be religious

Click HERE to Know God and be sure you're a real Christian

 

Index

11. Prayer Partners Needed

One of ACTS greatest needs is Prayer Partners to stand with us as we seek to share the gospel with millions of people around the world through E-mail and the Internet and to win the lost to Jesus. If you would like to be an ACTS Prayer Partner, please subscribe to the Prayer Encounter list. Approximately one prayer report is e-mailed monthly. Thank you.

Click HERE to subscribe

Index

12. Help Support Weekend Encounter

    "Changing the World . . . One Person at a Time" 

Weekend Encounter and Daily Encounter are just two of the ways the nonprofit organization, ACTS International, is working to improve the spiritual and emotional life of many thousands of people around the world.

Every weekday Daily Encounter is going to 362,000+ subscribers, and every week Weekend Encounter is going to 7,000+ subscribers worldwide—many of whom are in places where it is forbidden to spread the Christian gospel and message. Plus, we reach several hundred thousand more every week through our advertising. As a result, every day we are seeing an average of 5-6 salvation responses from around the world—almost 3,000 in the past 12 months!

If you find value in the Weekend Encounter and/or Daily Encounter, we hope you will be comfortable donating at least $26. That's only 50 cents a week for an entire year (tax-deductible in the U.S.). You can donate in one of the following ways:

Donate Online: You can donate online at ACTS secure web site. Click HERE on ACTS support donations.

Donate Through PayPal:You can donate securely through PAYPAL. Click HERE on PayPal. Where it says Payment For: type in Donation.

Donate by Telephone: ACTS accepts credit card donations by phone by calling 1-949-940-9050.

Donate Through Postal Mail: If you prefer to write a check or money order, please send it and make it payable to:

     ACTS International
     P.O. Box 73545
     San Clemente, California 92673-0119
     U.S.A.

Index

13. Helpful Books, CDs and Cassettes

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

   On Sale at: http://www.actscom.com/store

CDs/Cassettes:

  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

  On SALE at: http://tinyurl.com/2unmmy

Index

14. Services Without Charge

 1. Bible concordance and Bible helps
 2. New Hope Crisis Counseling with trained
     lay/volunteer counselors. www.newhopenow.org
 
3. E-Word Today for a daily Bible reading
 4. To find your ZIP+4 Area Code in the U.S.A.
 5. How to find and write to your U.S. Representative
 6. ASK ... Smart answers fast
 7. Send a greeting card without charge for all occasions
 8. To check the weather in your area
 9. Hoax Web Sites
10. Plus many more sources of helpful information

GO TO: http://www.actsweb.org/links.php

Index

15. ACTS in Action Report
 
Click HERE for ACTS in Action ... Monthly Report Letter
 
16. Archives for Daily and Weekend Encounters
 
Click HERE for ARCHIVES: Daily and Weekend Encounters
 

"Because the world is hungry,
go with bread.
Because the world is filled with strife,
go with peace.
Because the world is filled with deceptions and lies,
go with truth.
Because the world would die without,
go with the love of God."



© 2016 ACTS International


Know God

ACTS International
PO Box 73545
San Clemente, CA 92673-0119
U.S.A.

To receive the email edition of Weekend Encounter
without charge click on the Subscribe button.

Privacy policy: We do not sell or rent subscriber's e-mail
addresses to anyone. We value your privacy.

 
   
         
   
Site Map   Top
   
     
         
Find Peace With God footer
 
  ARTICLES
About God
About Faith
Relationships
Success/Failure
Solutions
Recovery
Ask the Teacher
Better Living Tips
Friendship
Words of Love
Words of Inspiration
People Power for Jesus
Simple and Effective Witnessing for Christ

SITE TRANSLATIONS
Spanish Espanol
French Francois

  DEVOTIONS
Devotionals
Daily Encounter
Weekend Encounter
Encuentros Diarios
Archives
Subscribe
When God Is Silent
Prayer Partners
  Needed

Special Needs

BIBLE HELPS
Helps and Studies
Today's Reading
Annual Reading

  QUOTES AND TESTS
Today's Quotes
Happiness Test
Stress Test

ACTS IN ACTION

ACTS Websites
ACTS in Action Report

COMMUNICATIONS

Syndicate ACTS Articles
"I Hate Witnessing"
   Audio—No Charge

Opening Closed Minds
Effective Communications
Jesus, the Communicator
Punching Holes in
   the Darkness

  REPORTS
About ACTS
Be an ACTS Friend

MISC.
People Power Invite
Links
Weather
Privacy Policy
Snail-Mail List
Contact Us/Feedback

ACTS BOOKSTORE
Online Bookstore


Site Map
Report problems to ACTS International
All pages in this site © Copyright 2005-2024 by ACTS International
P.O. Box 73545, San Clemente, CA 92673 U.S.A.
 
HOME   Daily Encounter  Find Peace With God