GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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~Daily Inspirational ~     The God Who Comforts Us     DECEMBER 15, 2006


The God Who Comforts Us
By Dr. C. Stanley
2 Corinthians 1:3-7


All of us go through difficulties and hardships in life, and we sometimes find ourselves in despair, wondering if God understands or even notices us. He does understand, and He cares enough to rescue us from our sinful state. Not only that---He loves us and cares enough to comfort us when we hurt.

If you look up "comfort" in the dictionary, you will find one meaning of the word, but if you look in the 14th chapter of John, you will discover quite a different definition. In verse 16 (KJV), Jesus describes the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit and calls Him "the Comforter," which means "the one who comes to stand by our side---the one who comes to our aid."

Because believers have the Comforter residing on the inside, we do not have to search around us for comfort. We do not have to look to drink, drugs, travel, or other distractions and pleasures in order to escape our heartaches and trials. We have the source of all comfort dwelling within us.

This means that when we are almost dying on the inside and crying out to God, "I cannot handle any more!" we can expect to sense a little, inaudible whisper that encourages us: "You are going to make it because I am here." When you discern the God-breathed comfort of the Holy Spirit---the One who stands by your side no matter what sadness or difficulty you are facing---it is worth more than anything this world has to offer.

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~     Christmas: Time for Giving    DECEMBER 16, 2006

Christmas: Time for Giving
LUKE 2:1-20

Christmas is a time for giving. There is nothing like the satisfaction of watching someone's eyes sparkle as he unwraps the gift we've selected just for him. This yuletide euphoria is nothing new; in fact, the joy of giving is seen throughout the original Christmas story.

Mary was a giver. She gave her body to the Lord's service. (Luke 1:38) Realizing pregnancy outside of marriage would bring trouble, she nonetheless accepted the responsibility. Because she gave freely, Jesus Christ entered the world through her.

The innkeeper was a giver. While there were no rooms available anywhere in town, this man offered the last possible space to the weary travelers. (Luke 2:7) Because he gave, the infant Lord had a bed on which to lay His head.

The angel was a giver. He gave the most important news in human history: the proclamation of Jesus' birth. Because he gave, men began to seek the Christ..

The giving did not stop there. The shepherds gave praise to God and testimony concerning the Christ child. And wise men, traveling from the East, came to give worship and royal gifts. In all this giving, however, let us not miss the most precious gift of all: Jesus Christ Himself.

Why do we give gifts at Christmas? We give now because God gave so freely then. He cut through your wants and desires to bring you exactly what you needed: a Saviour. God has a Christmas present for you. If you have never received it, there is no better day than today. Merry Christmas.

Author Unknown

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~    “God is for me”    DECEMBER 17, 2006


God is for Me


God is for me. Can you make that statement with a deep sense of certainty? He is, you know. When things are going the way you want, God is for you. When life seems to be falling apart, God is for you. When the Philistines chased David down in Gath, he wrote, "This I know, that God is for me" (Psalm 56:9). What a time to make a declaration like that!

Many of us have found ourselves in a place similar to David's situation at times. Life is closing in . . . the enemy seems to have us cornered and there appears to be no way out. Pleasant circumstances disappear before our eyes and the world turns dark.

At times like that, we may be tempted to cry out, "Why is God against me?" Not David. He assured himself with the truth, "God is for me." He didn't say, "This I feel, that God is for me." There are many times in life that we don't feel like God is for us. No, he said, This I know, that God is for me.

Will you affirm this truth in your own life? God really is for you. Nothing can ever change His mind or heart toward you. If you are His child, His lovingkindness toward you will last forever. (Read Psalm 136 sometime!)

Circumstances may be suffocating you at times, but God is for you! Negative feelings may seem to be strangling you, but God is for you! Life may not make sense at a given moment, but God is for you! Trust Him. When you feel like you're drowning in an ocean of problems, cling to your Heavenly Father. He will prove Himself strong in your life by assuring you of His love.

Your circumstances may or may not turn out like you want, but He will hold you in His loving and sovereign arms and gently whisper His love to you again and again. Sit in quietness for a moment and listen to his loving voice assure you of that fact until, like the Psalmist, you may say, "This I know, God is for me!"


Steve McVey is the President of Grace Walk Ministries, a discipleship ministry located in Atlanta, GA. If you have been sent this devotional by a friend and want to know more about Grace Walk Ministries, visit our web site at www.gracewalk.org.

This devotional may be duplicated if printed with no changes in its entirety and with the following acknowledgment: Copyright, 2004,used by permission. Steve McVey, Grace Walk Ministries, www.gracewalk.org

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~   HAND CRAFTED       DECEMBER 18, 2006


HAND CRAFTED
By M. Stanford



"Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand" (Ps. 31:14,15).

The environment necessary for one's growth, and the enablement necessary for one's service, are both in the hands of one's Creator. "So He fed them according to the integrity of His heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of His hands" (Ps. 78:72).

"What we have all to do is to walk closely and quietly with the Lord Jesus, and the blessing will come when He has established His work. There is a sifting government of God as well as a perfect redemption, and He is full of patience. His purpose is glory; His ways are the wilderness."

"There are various ways in which as saints we are tried, but through all circumstances God is threading our way, occupying Himself with us, our particular characters, etc., to instruct and develop us. What we want is to realize that our Father loves us so much that He has taken such pains to make us 'partakers of His holiness' (Heb. 12:10). We are apt not to believe the activity of His love. Some trouble comes on us; our Father has been watching us individually for weeks, months, years; watching us to bring this trouble which He sees is needed." -H.H.S.

"How varied are the ways in which our Father bringeth down and lifteth up! We have to learn the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the bright day as well as in the sorrowful day. If He is everything to me in my brightest day there is no fear but He will be my chief joy in the day of sorrow."

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~    THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD      DECEMBER 19, 2006


THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD


Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3: 16·17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God".... It is so good to have this clear and absolute statement of what every redeemed one knows, namely, that we have all the Scripture, and all of the Scripture is breathed out to us from the creative breath of God. We must never come under the influence of any unbeliever who casts doubt upon the extent, content, or origin of the Holy Scriptures.

True believers do not corrupt the Word of God because they know God has given His Word by inspiration.  This word "inspiration" means that God controlled the human writer of Scripture in such a way that the WORDS were put down exactly as God wanted man to have them. These inspired words are therefore infallible and inerrant, which is another way of saying that they are perfect and have no errors connected with them whatsoever. The Bible may deal with numbers, history, science, chronology, the knowledge of God, or man's salvation; and we should be sure that there is no mistake in the words.

True believers reverence the Word of God for many reasons. (I) "...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4). (2) The Bible is the RECORD that God gave concerning His Son (I John 5:9-11). (3) God has magnified His Word above all His name (Psalm 138:2).

True believers should be taught that the Word cannot be lost or changed. Listen to the testimony of I Peter 1:25. " ... the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." Is this Word in heaven or some far away place where man cannot get all of the Scripture? No, it is "the Word" which is preached unto you! The inspired Word of God!
By H. Steinbron

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~       WISE UNTO SALVATION      DECEMBER 20, 2006


WISE UNTO SALVATION


Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3: 15

What a contrast in 11 Timothy Three between the "Scriptures" and "evil men and seducers." The Scriptures are "holy" (Ver. 15) They are "given by the inspiration of God" (Ver. 16; 2 Pet. 1:21). And they are "profitable." The influence of "the unfeigned faith" (2 Tim. 1:5) of Eunice and Lois on Timothy caused the Apostle to write:
   "And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

This "salvation" wherein Timothy was "wise" was not merely the prophetic Scriptures, but "the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13). A companion of St. Paul, he learned "the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified" the Lord of glory" (I Cor. 2:7,8).

The "evil men and seducers" however, not only murdered the Lord Jesus Christ, but "resist the truth" and are "men of corrupt minds" (2 Tim. 3:11), who "persecute" (Ver. 11) the Lord's messengers. The world system is "ever learning, [but] never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (Ver. 7). And their profit in technology, what is it? And the Scriptures, which are "holy," do not consider them "godly," neither do they themselves.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God ....Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1:18-21)
By RUSSELL S. MILLER,

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational ~   PEACE WITH GOD, ACCESS TO GOD AND THE HOPE OF GLORY


PEACE WITH GOD, ACCESS TO GOD AND THE HOPE OF GLORY
by C. R. Stam

According to Rom. 4:25, Christ was delivered to death for our sins and then raised from the dead because He had fully settled our debt. The results of this mighty work of redemption are marvelous indeed to ponder over.

First, it means for every believer in Christ, that "being justified by faith we have peace with God" (Rom. 5:1). If Christ has paid for our sins and the barrier between God and us has been removed, why should we not enjoy peace with God? Why should we not rise in the morning, go about our work during the day and retire at night with complete confidence that all is well; that we are at peace with God and that He loves us as His very own?

But more: Verse 2 goes on to say that by Christ we also have "access by faith into this grace wherein we stand." If the barrier of sin has been removed and we are at peace with God, what is there to keep us out of His presence, especially when He Himself bids us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"? (Heb.4:16). How wonderful to have a standing before God in grace! to be at peace with Him and to enjoy free access into His presence by faith!

But there is still more. Not only does the believer in Christ enjoy peace with God and access to God, but, as this same verse says: "We rejoice in hope of the glory of God." "Hope" in the Bible is, of course, more than a wish. It is an eager anticipation of wonderful things to come. Heb. 6:19 says: "Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast." Man has always been afraid of the glory of God. When the glory of the Lord shone round about the Judaean shepherds "they were sore afraid." This was because "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). But the simplest believer in Christ may rejoice in the anticipation of sharing God's glory some day.

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational  STANDING, WALKING AND RUNNING FOR GOD   DECEMBER 22, 2006


STANDING, WALKING AND RUNNING FOR GOD
by C. R. Stam


In a way the Christian life is a stand; in another it is a walk, and in still another a race.

In I Cor. 15:1 the Apostle Paul writes of "the gospel... wherein ye stand" and in Rom. 5:2 of "this grace wherein we stand," while in Gal. 5:1 he bids us: "Stand fast... in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Perhaps all this is well summed up in his appeal to his beloved Philippians:

"Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown... stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Phil. 4:1).

But the Christian life is more than a stand -- it is a walk (which in Scripture refers to conduct). Once, says Paul, we walked "in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1,2) but having been saved by grace, through faith in Christ, we are now to "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Thus the Apostle bids us to "walk worthy of the Lord" (Col. 1:10), to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16).

But the Christian life is even more than a walk; it is a race. Sad to say, many Christians whose "walk" is consistent and commendable, have never come to look upon the Christian life as a race. These never put enough into it so that it might be said of them that they are running. Yet the same great Apostle wrote, by divine inspiration:

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

The word "patience" in this passage points up the fact that the Christian life is not a short "hundred-yard dash"; it requires much endurance. Thus we should put into it all that we have. "They which run in a race," says the Apostle, "run all," but they do not all receive the prize. Hence the admonition: "So run that ye may obtain" (I Cor. 9:24).

Those who have not trusted Christ as Savior have not even begun to stand, or walk, much less to run a race for Him. These might as well forget rewards until they first accept "the gift of God... eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~     Saved By His Life       DECEMBER 23, 2006


Saved By His Life
by Anabel Gillham


For if while we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God through
the death of His Son,
much more, having been reconciled,
we shall be saved by His life.
- Romans 5:10

How many sermons did it take? How many years did I refuse to even consider Christianity? Poor Mom and Dad, they tried so hard to put me in places where I'd hear the gospel, everything from private Christian schools, to Vacation Bible School to church camp. Well, I wish they were here to see me now. I finally made that decision and started a new life. Jesus is my Savior and I'm trying to allow Him to be my Lord, but I keep falling flat on my face. What's wrong? I try and try, but I keep falling. You talk about miserable! Oh, my family doesn't know and I'm keeping up a good front with my accountability buddy. But I'm about ready to throw in the towel. There's got to be more to Christianity than I've tapped into. (Anonymous)

Can you relate? How many of us have said, "There's GOT to be more to the Christian life than I'm experiencing!"  How many people sitting in the pew on Sunday simply made their weekly pilgrimage and will face next week just like they faced last week, in their strength, carrying their burdens, basking in their achievements, minimizing their failures? They're doing it their way. But go on down the pew where others are wrestling with their failures. Anger. Smoldering pain. Depression. The magazine with the centerfold. Selfish. Foul language. And there are times when both groups think about how disappointing they must be to God, how they want to do better and wonder if there isn't more to Christianity than this.

If you identify, you are a disappointment to God. Not because you picked up the pornographic magazine or did things your way. He is disappointed for you because you haven't gone far enough in your relationship with Him. Yes, He's your Savior and you're trying to let Him be your Lord. But there's another step. You see, you can never walk consistently with Him as your Lord until you take up your cross (and you die on a cross) and allow Christ to be your life! He longs to walk past the magazine rack for you. He wants to face life for you all week long. You can't overcome the gossip and lust, but He can. Jesus Christ is the only one who has ever lived or will ever live the Christian life. We choose our way or His way!

Let's say that you are a promising tennis player. Your coach is a pro who says you've got the makings of a champ! Now, would you rather have your coach on the sidelines shouting instructions or, if possible, would you have him crawl inside your body where he could make the shots through you while sizing up your opponent's weaknesses? Oh, you'd still be you with your unique talents and gifts, but He would be your source. Hey, you really would be a champ!

This is the gospel that God initiated when we asked Jesus to come into us to save us. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. If we have been saved by Jesus' death, then what is His life saving us from?  From the pressures of life on Earth! Christ living the Christian life through us is just as much a part of the gospel as Christ dying for us.

Don't throw in the towel! You need Christ as life. This is your answer. God has no plan to help you meet your circumstances. Jesus living through you is God's provision to meet every circumstance! But if you keep trying to stay in control, you'll keep failing or lack His peace. And it won't change...not until you say:

Jesus, blessed Savior and Lord, I can't make life work and I need You to make it work for me, through me. I need You to be my life, to handle the backhand blows, the smashes, the lobs, the serves, the wins and the losses.. Show me how to let You do it all for me through me, please Lord.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~     The Christmas Story Unplugged     DECEMBER 24, 2006


The Christmas Story Unplugged - Page 1
By Pres Gillham

   "IN those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

   "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."

   Not far from Bethlehem, bivouacked in the Judean hills with his hoards of demons, Satan contemplated Joseph's journey. In the spiritual battle for the hearts and lives of humankind, this inconsequential couple, pregnant out of wedlock, an embarrassment, were the avenue by which God would initiate His coup de grace of mankind's redemption. While the world took no notice, Satan knew, God knew, the demons and angels knew, and Joseph knew---Mary was pregnant with the Messiah. With His birth, it would be Christmas.

   God was not perturbed or anxious. His plan was working just as He had conceived it from before He laid the foundations of world. Although not visible to Joseph and Mary, an elite corps of angelic, special agents guarded their every move. The hosts of heaven stood ready to trumpet their praise to God with a celebration second only to that planned for the End of Time. The arch-angel, Michael, and the armies of heaven stood at "red alert" should God issue them a command. Christmas must not be deterred. Meanwhile, Satan paced, spat, and cursed to himself, brooding, There must be a way.

   While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, "the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

   With the sound of Mary's labor pains, Satan stalked closer, determined to destroy and devour the child, the hope of mankind, the light of the world, the Crown Prince of heaven's kingdom. His was a desperate plan conceived for a desperate moment. In Satan's war of rebellion, this birth was the harbinger of a heavenly weapon unparalleled in the universe and was without equal in all of hell's arsenal. In the intimate quiet of this Middle Eastern stable, in a stall filled with fresh straw, Mary labored while all around her the demons lurked and the devil poised for a fatal blow to her helpless child. Christmas was imminent.

   The ranks of angels in heaven's army waited in disciplined anticipation for a command from Michael, whose eyes were fixed on God. Before them was an earthly scene not unlike any other birth. But from a spiritual perspective, a great initiative was about to be launched. Awaiting the birth of Jesus was an anxious man, Joseph, and a great, red dragon-Satan-having seven heads and ten horns and a tail that twitched from side to side doing violence throughout the universe as if to destroy the stars in the sky. His rage at this young woman was controlled only by his anticipation of her giving birth to the Son of God, the heir to the throne, a seat he wanted for himself..

   With one final push the baby was born and the enormous dragon lurched forward. The heavenly hosts broke into praises to God accompanied by trumpets and cymbals. God nodded. Michael and the armies of heaven leaped at His bidding and there was war in the heavens between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his demons. The tide turned quickly against the serpent of old, the great dragon, the deceiver of the world. It was Christmas morning.

======================See Page 2

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The Christmas Story Unplugged - Page 2
By Pres Gillham

   As the world slept placidly Mary cradled her new-born. Joseph methodically tended to his family and freshened the straw in the stable while the cattle chewed their cud. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'

   "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'''

   On this night, the course of history changed. Earth, hell, and heaven would never again be the same. In a placid Judean town, nestled in the hills, in a simple feeding trough for livestock, a helpless boy-child with an olive complexion was wrapped in rags and laid to rest on fresh straw. God had invaded earth, the seat of the dragon's bastion. All around the spiritual world convulsed with the ebb and flow of combat. The great dragon did signs and wonders, children were murdered, and Joseph and Mary eventually fled to Egypt for safety. Michael and the army of heaven carried them as though on eagle's wings. While the hosts of heaven declared the glories of the Lord and his grace, the dragon dragged the very stars from heaven and flung them angrily about.

   In Bethlehem, a baby was born. In heaven, a spiritual revolution established an earthly beachhead that would forever change the course of history and reclaim the hearts of mankind. Christmas had come. The angels filled the universe with their songs. God had become a man.

   We live in parallel worlds, and as, Philip Yancey says, "One world consists of hills and lakes and barns and politicians and shepherds watching their flocks by night. The other consists of angels and sinister forces and somewhere out there places called heaven and hell. One night in the cold, in the dark, among the wrinkled hills of Bethlehem, those two worlds came together at a dramatic point of intersection. But the few eyewitnesses on Christmas night saw none of that They saw an infant struggling to work never-before-used lungs."

   Unflinching in His determination, God continues to execute His plan of reconciliation. It is His all-out, last ditch effort to once again state in words we cannot mistake, in words that echo from the lips of an angelic envoy in the Judean hills, down to the pits of hell, up to the ramparts of heaven, and into the hearts of every man, woman, boy, and girl: "I love you. Merry Christmas."

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~   FROM THE CRIB, TO THE CROSS, TO   DECEMBER 26, 2006


FROM THE CRIB, TO THE CROSS, TO LIFE - Part One
By Paris



We must have birth to have Life, Christ born as a babe to become a King, went to the cross to become a Saviour, and thru the burial and resurrection we can have the Exchanged Life. Jesus said I have come to give you life. He also said "I am the truth, the way, and the Life." (John 14:6)

God called Jesus Christ to what seemed unmitigated disaster. Jesus Christ called His disciples to see Him put to death; He led every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. Jesus Christ's life was an absolute failure from every standpoint but God's. What seemed failure from man's standpoint was a tremendous triumph from God's because God's purpose is never man's purpose.

We can focus on the birth, or focus on the death, but even more important in this age of Grace is to focus on the Mystery, that we are buried with Him, raised with Him, seated at the right hand of God the Father, in Him.

Why not focus on Christ our Life? And not what we can do for Him. But what He has done for us, and will do in and through us. (Phil 2:13.) Few today see or stand upon the fact that our history in Adam, ended at the cross. When we believed that the Lord Jesus Christ died for us, we were taken out of Adam, and put into Christ. Our past will plague us until we acknowledge that we are now a new creation in Christ, (2 Cor. 5:17), and that we are safely hidden in the risen Lord Jesus, (Col. 3:3).

The secret of being like the Lord Jesus is, that we are to know Him; and what He has done for us. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin," (Romans 6:6). When did this happen, lets take a look at Galatians 2:20. " I have been crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Yes, this took place 2000 years ago, and you were their also.

The things that happen do not happen by chance, they happen entirely in the decree of God. God is working out His purposes.

If we are in communion with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purpose, we shall no longer try to find out what His purposes are. For we will know He is our Life. "And to you - dead as you once were in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your natural state - He has nevertheless given you Life with Him ....." (Colossians 2:13 Weymouth.)

Praise God, what a blessed truth this is, that we do not have to perform in order to be accepted by Him.  Scripture tells us that He has "blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly sphere in Christ, (Eph 1:3.) "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we are to be holy and without blame before him in love." (Eph. 1:4) "To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph 1:6.)

We are to rest in Him, to give up our self efforts, in other words distrust not in our own strength, and instead of striving to live like the Lord Jesus allow Him to live His life through us as He greatly desires to do.

The spiritual babe has faith for the wondrous fact that he will go to heaven when he dies. The spiritual father has faith for the inexpressible fact that he has died in Christ and that he is a new creation, and that his life is hid in Christ in God. (Col. 3:3.) Many  have been mislead by thinking that by reading the Bible you become like Christ, transformed but you will find diligent students of the Word who may never say anything incorrect in doctrine yet who never seem to grow in Grace and walk in spiritual reality.

Continued 12/27/06

Your Christian walk is no accident --- it is an Echo of
who you are in Christ

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~   FROM THE CRIB, TO THE CROSS, PART 2   DECEMBER 27, 2006


FROM THE CRIB, TO THE CROSS, TO LIFE - Part Two
By Paris


All blessing of this dispensation of Grace are wrapped up in a Person and by means of the Word of God, we make spiritual progress as our hearts learn to find everything in Him. The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me..

Depending upon the Lord as our Life means that we are no longer depending upon ourselves, and this is not easy. It is very difficult to give up on ourselves, and to arrive at the conclusion that the Lord is the only source of our peace and joy. As we give up on ourselves and turn to the Lord we discover His life in us.   The New Testament inform us that we have a new Identity in Christ, "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized (Identified) into Jesus Christ were baptized (identified) into his death." (Romans 6:4) "And he found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God upon faith: That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:9-10).

What a blessed truth has been imparted to us through the scriptures given by the Apostle Paul.  Never before the Apostle Paul was this truth given, it was hidden in God, just as the New Covenant was hidden in the Old Testament. May we have the boldness as Paul did to speak out for the Mystery, that "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power," (Ephesians 1:18-19.)

Paul stresses the importance of understanding who He is, (" I pray that you) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God," (Eph. 3:18-19.)

When we have experienced the intimacy of His love, the rest of life falls into perspective. All the confusions and complexities of this world are brought into subjection by His love and righteousness. Should you be in such an extreme situation right now, don't waste time trying to uncover a "way out."  Allow God the latitude to do His perfecting work of faith.

My prayer for each that read this, is that they will come to know this wonderful truth, and experience the peace, and joy that comes with knowing Christ as your Life, resting in the wits and the wisdom of God, and not your own wits. If we have a purpose of our own it destroys the simplicity and leisureliness which ought to characterize the child of God.  "For me to live Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21.)

Paul stresses the importance of understanding who He is, (Eph. 1:18-19) This I consider to be my life verse, that I may know!  When we have experienced the intimacy of His love, the rest of life falls into perspective.  All the confusions and complexities of this world are brought into subjection by His love and righteousness. Should you be in such an extreme situation right now, don't waste time, allow God the latitude to do His perfecting work of faith.

In His grip, Paris

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~      Indestructible Joy      DECEMBER 28, 2006


Indestructible Joy
by Anabel Gillham

Can you relate...

Something will happen and the joy will be fairly ripped from our breast, thrown on the ground, stomped and crushed and torn, and we stand there, confused and hurt, and empty - devoid of joy.

But a word will be said

a small sound will come

a tender touch

and from somewhere deep within there is a tiny ember.

   You know what it is! And you find tears streaming down your face, for welling up inside from that ember comes JOY - the joy you thought was gone forever. This joy is a "knowing," it is not a "feeling." It is knowing that He has everything under control. It is knowing that He loves me, that He lives in me, and that I am secure in Him.

   Paul knew this joy; he mentioned it fourteen times in his letter to the Philippians and he was in prison at the time. What do you suppose his cell looked like? Light and airy? Clean, nice bed, adequate bathroom facilities and nourishing meals? I don't think so. What were the circumstances in Paul's life? No stress? No enemies? Abounding comfort? Everything going his way? Skipping happily down "the yellow brick road?" What was he going through? Let's look:

  Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:24-29

   To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
1 Corinthians 4:11- 13

  The joy that Paul was telling us about was obviously indestructible! He wrote to us about having joy while he was enduring indescribable pain, isolation, disappointments - all of the things he listed. Then he gives us the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit and it is all encompassing as you think about it:

Love. Joy gives me beautiful songs of love.

Peace. Joy frees me from anxiety.

Patience. Joy causes me to realize that God has everything under control.

Kindness. Joy frees me from hateful, gruff, unkind words and opens the gates of compassion and tenderness.

Goodness. Joy makes serving others a pleasure.

Faithfulness. Joy gives contentment in the most adverse circumstances.

Gentleness. Joy gives me calmness under pressure.

Self-control. Joy sets me free so I don't have to play games any longer for other people. I know wherein my joy lies. "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

"Lord, this indestructible joy is mine. I don't need to pray for it or plead with you to grant this joy to me. It is mine because You live in me! I know that! So what am I to do? I am to open the gates and let that joy flow out of me. I keep it all dammed up inside - letting my inhibition and pride control this river of joy. I pray for courage, dear Lord. If I smile at someone - no matter how brusque they look, generally they smile back. And if I just had the gumption to twirl around in the street, dancing with pure joy, I think some folks might just dance with me or encourage me. I can just hear them: "Go to it, Girl!" "Great!" And they would clap and cheer. Of course there are those others, but I can ignore those who think I'm crazy! Right, Lord? Amen."

   Joy! It is mine today forever because He is forever and He lives in me!
My joy - my peace - is no one's responsibility but my own! No harsh or unkind word, no slight, no wrong committed by anyone can rob me of my joy and peace unless I let it!

   "Lord, You have given me the power to refuse any word and defuse any act that would rob me of my joy and peace. May I be alert and aware of Your power within me. Thank You. Amen."

For Lifetime Guarantee, that's Grace.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~      THE CHURCH AND THE TRIBULATION   DECEMBER 29, 2006


THE CHURCH AND THE TRIBULATION
By Pastor Bob Hanna



A prominently held view among Christian believers states that the church, the Body of Christ, will be included in the tribulation - the time of Jacob's trouble. Our apostle says otherwise. Writing to members of the body, he declares, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [the day of the Lord] shall not come except there come a falling away [literally], a departure first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4.)

Verse seven states, "He who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder] until he be taken out of the way." That which hinders is the church, the Body of Christ. The rapture will take us out of the way. "And then shall that Wicked [one] be revealed." This is the great deceiver whose being revealed begins the tribulation period. Hence the rapture precedes the tribulation, which means that the church will not go through the tribulation. Verses nine through twelve graphically describe the activities of the man of sin during the first half of the tribulation. By this time we, members of Christ's body, will be in heaven with our Lord and Savior "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (I  Thess. 4: 18).

Some of those who put the church in the tribulation say that we are present In the first 3.5 years. Others say that we will not be raptured until after the full seven years. Either way, there is no substantiation to be found In Scripture. One verification of the fact of the rapture preceding the tribulation: our apostle nowhere instructs or advises us re how we would cope with the conditions or how to survive accordingly.

Our apostle repeatedly assures us in this regard. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:8,9). "For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:9).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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