Wednesday, March 28, 2007 • Print Article
This is the Day the Lord has Made
by Dr. David C. Cooper
In his book, To See the World in a Grain of Sand, C.L. James tells the fable of a wise old cat that notices a kitten chasing its tail. “Why are you chasing your tail so?” asked the wise old cat. The kitten replied, “I have learned that the best thing for a cat is happiness, and happiness is my tail. Therefore, I am chasing it; and when I catch it, I shall have happiness.”

The wise old cat said, “My son, I too have paid attention to the problems of the universe. I too have judged that happiness is in my tail. But, I noticed that whenever I chase after it, it keeps running away from me, and when I go about my business, it just seems to come after me wherever I go.”

Jesus promised us real happiness and true joy. “I have spoken these things to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Happiness results from positive emotions such as joy, gratitude and hope. Negative attitudes are toxic to the mind and body. Research shows that negative emotions narrow thought. We can’t dream or envision new possibilities when we are filled with negative emotions such as fear, resentment and pessimism. Positive emotions make thinking more creative and resourceful.

Everyday is a celebration of life. Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: “This is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

First, today is the day the Lord has made so receive it with joy and gratitude. Thank God for today. “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Second, God only gives you today, not tomorrow, so focus on today. Don’t get distracted by the failures of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow.

Third, He has made this day especially for you. Today is not an accident; not just another 24 hours.

Fourth, everything in each day is made for you — the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows. God is involved in every aspect of your today. So, “give thanks for everything” (Eph 5:20).

Finally, expect something good to happen today. Then go out and make something good happen. You’ve got to make something happen in order to be happy.

Today is a beautiful day and I'm rejoicing in all the good that God has given me today.

Thank you,

Friday, March 30, 2007
This is the day for:...
Hearing and Knowing God's Voice

Rev. James C. Matthews
"Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him." Genesis 22:10-12

I can remember driving from Cincinnati, Ohio to Dallas, Texas for the first time. We had never made this trip before so I took a road map with us. Everything was going as planned until we encountered road construction. In trying to follow the detour signage, I took a wrong turn and we became lost. Fortunately, I had the satellite based OnStar system. I pressed a button and a voice came through the sound system pinpointing my present location and gave me direction through the unknown territory. I found my way back to the highway and eventually to Dallas by listening to a voice and following the same map I started my journey with. There was never anything wrong with the map and at no time did the voice contradict what the map said. However, the map was printed before the road construction began. The directions OnStar gave me were also based upon a map, but specifically took into consideration my present situation.

Likewise, it is necessary for Believers today, to not only know God's Word, but also be able to hear and discern His voice. We will all encounter situations in life that throw us off course and we find ourselves in places and situations that we never planned on being. God may even lead us to places where we can't find our own way out for the purpose of teaching us to discern and hear His voice. There are some levels of blessing and ministry that we will never be able to enjoy until we are able to hear God's voice. It is our ability to recognize His voice that distinguishes us as belonging to Him. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). It is possible to know God's Word and not His voice. Seminary can teach you His Word, but it can't teach you hear His voice. It is developed through your familiarity and relationship with God. Like a mother who can distinguish her child's cry in the midst of a room of crying children, we must grow to the point in our relationship with God where we can distinguish His voice above all the others.

Abraham clearly heard God's instruction to sacrifice his son Isaac. That is what God told him. When Abraham reached the place where Isaac was to be sacrificed, he heard God's voice again saying, "do nothing to him". This is what God was saying. Same God. Same voice. Different purpose. Being able to hear and discern God's voice, in the midst of the various situations and season in life, will allow us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. If Abraham had not grown to know and heed God's voice he would have lost the very thing God sent to bless him.

God does not always speak audibly, but He is always speaking. He speaks through our relationships, finances, losses, victories, through doors that are open and those that are closed. God's voice provides us the needed direction for the various situations that arise in life.

Do you know God's voice? If God were to speak to you today would you be able to discern His voice above all others? Are you feeling lost or confused about what to do next or whether you are presently doing what is best? If so, listen closely and God will provide the direction you are seeking.

After the Fire
by Jane Larsen [jlarsen65@hotmail.com]

I had a vision of fire. Large orange flames that were thick and high,
yet I felt no fear. As I watched, the Lord laid this in me:

"Child of Mine, have I not promised that I am with you always? Even
when you travel through the heat and the flames, I am there. I hear
your cries and look, I will set you on high ground, where nothing will
harm you, no, nothing, not a hair on your head will be harmed.

You have gone through hard times, trying times and lean times. You have
walked through the valley, you have crawled through the tight places.
You have called Me, El Shaddai, and I have heard your cries--cries that
rent Heaven and reached My ears. I am God who listens to you, I hear.
I am never too busy, no I am never too far.

Do not be forlorn, do not give up this good fight, for there will be
arrows sent from the enemy, there will be hard times, there will be
lean times but I am with you through them all. I am taking you out of
this place, to higher ground, I am setting you alight in a new place
and there you shall dance and sing before the Lord your maker.

I have heard your pleas for wisdom, for strength. I have heard you
ask Me for direction and your hand is in Mine and I walk with you.
I am never far, I do not stray. Here I am, ever with you.

Do not fear what comes one day, for it will be removed, and a new day
is before you. Move forward. There is a day I have made, and I have
called it 'today.' I am the same always. Be still, let Me cover you,
let Me take the burdens off you. Give them to Me, all of them, give
them to Me."