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Forgiving self... is that biblical?
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Someone once pointed out to me that the notion of forgiving yourself was not a Biblical principle. I hunted and searched for hours trying to find something in the Bible about forgiving oneself. The closest I came was David’s Psalm 51 when he asked God to create in him a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within him. When you compare his Psalm 32 in verse 3 When I kept silence, then my bones became old, through my howling all day. We see the consequences of unconfessed sin. But that is different from forgiving one’s self for past transgressions which we have confessed…

Affectionately and Watchfully
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Isaiah 46:3-4 (NLT) "Listen to me, all you who are left in Israel. I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (Amp) Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, …

The Implant Age?
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

It has been suggested by some that since technological advancement is escalating at such an increasing rate, something must done to enable commerce to verify the true identity of anyone using a credit card or other medium to facilitate commerce safely. Several suggestions include an eye implant, or a chip installed in the hand, or perhaps an implant in the head of a potential buyer or seller to facilitate verification of someone performing a transaction. Those who dishonestly attempt to circumvent the common verification methods seem to be becoming more and more complicated.…

The Birth Of A Hero
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

When you think about your personal heroes, what names come to mind: a parent, sibling, action figure, military veteran, or stranger you witness saving a life? Maybe it’s the elderly lady selflessly serving free Thanksgiving meals inside the homeless shelter, an ER Doctor working exhaustively for three days straight, or just someone that reaches out their car window at an intersection handing over a dollar bill to a stranger in need. No matter who they are, we all want, and wish for someone who’s larger than life. Heroes come in many shapes, forms and patterns,…

Bible and Quote - April 20-24
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

.how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 We can dispense with uniformity if we possess unity. Charles H. Spurgeon, 1834-92 God remembered us in our low estate, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, Psalm 136:23 Our Saviour kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, 'I can clean that if you want.' And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin. Max Lucado, Upwords Psalm of David. I will…

Attitude
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Did anyone ever tell you that you had an ‘attitude’? I have. By this, I mean I have sometimes had what people consider a bad frame of mind. When I have less than a pleasant outlook, I look at things as being very dark—a lot like the glass is half-empty. As a child of God, I do him dishonor when I complain and grumble about things, especially those I cannot change. While I read in our newspapers about many events that could cause me to become disheartened, God has taught me to look at those issues with His eyes. …

Train Up a Child
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

One day, while in WalMart, I watched as a little boy not more than four accidently knocked a box of Pop Tarts from an aisle display. Before I could even wonder what would happen, the little fellow stooped over, grabbed the box of Pop Tarts and replaced it in the display being careful to make sure that it was sitting just right. I was amazed. I have seen similar scenes in stores before. They always seem to play out the same way. The child knocks something over, the parent says for them to pick it up and the child doesn't while the parent just walks away. Later, the parent knocks…

Ephesians 5: On Divorce
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Ephesians 5 is famous for what it says to married couples (Ephesians 5:17-33). Or should I say "infamous"? Truth be told, a lot of people, even Christians, don't much like it. All that "wives submit" stuff and all. Gotta do something different, right? Well, in fact, we don't get that option if we're going to be true to the Word of God. We need to stick with what He says. My point here, however, is not to repeat the very clear commands of God that wives submit to their husbands and husbands love their wives as themselves. I mean, it's abundantly clear, even if…

Charaktocracy, Part 1
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy – one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity…Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap. – 1 Timothy 3:2-4,7 HCSB The church is not a monarchy. The pastor is not the supreme ruler. The church is not a republic.…

Justification XXIV (3-28-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

“Your Sin Remains” “But now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.” (John 9.41). These are the closing sad words in the case of Jesus and the blind man. It was not the blind man who couldn't see; it was privileged Pharisees whose sins could not be remedied. There was remedy, but they refused to admit their need! Dialogue in the Dark is a world exhibit now in the Atlanta area that is designed to raise the awareness level regarding the site impaired. I went there recently with my wife and through that exhibit, I learned things that I could never…

Leadership in the Light of God
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Daniel Chapter 4 is a remarkable document. It is a state document, and we have very few of these from the ancient world. This is a decree – a royal letter - to all the people - from a powerful Emperor. It is a declaration of peace. It is also a testimony. He found God and he wanted……