“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3
Several years ago a submarine was being tested and had to remain submerged for many days. When it returned to port, someone asked the captain, "How did the terrible storm last night affect you?" The officer looked at him in surprise and exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was a storm!" The sub had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached the area known to sailors as "the cushion of the sea." Although violent storms might whip the ocean above into huge waves, the waters deep below are never stirred.
This is the promise that God gives to every believer who is willing to put his total trust in Him. The word for perfect that Isaiah uses means "complete, with no parts missing." God will give us a peace, not just in some circumstances but in all. We will have peace about our family, about our finances and about our health. When we surrender our lives to Him, the God of peace gives us a peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). It is a peace that guards both our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. It's a deep-down peace.
But this peace comes only to those who truly believe in and focus on the promises of God. The apostle James wrote that the person who allows doubts to cause division in his mind will be "like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind . . . he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (James 1:6, 8).
As you read your Bible, be alert to the promises of God. Keep a list of those that are especially precious to you. Think about them. Meditate on them. Focus your attention on them. Pray back these promises to God, not as a reminder to Him, but as a reminder to yourself. If you fill your mind with His promises, God will fill your heart with His peace.
God's peace is for those who trust His purposes.
- Woodrow Kroll, www.backtothebible.org
Post your comments and prayer requests. We appreciate hearing from you.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Joy in the Morning
”weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
”Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” – Psalm 16:11
What do Assyria, Babylon and the Roman Empire have in common? All of them, at one time or another, conquered Israel. Yet they share another commonality—none of them exists today as a nation. You will never get an Assyrian stamp in your passport. No one will every proudly announce to you, "I'm a Babylonian!" None of these once-powerful nations has survived into the 20th century—but Israel has.
Throughout history men and nations have demonstrated their hatred for God's people. The Roman Emperor Diocletian is a good example. He issued an edict in 303 A.D. designed to annihilate the Christian religion and destroy the Bible. The emperor even built a monument on which were inscribed the words Extincto nomene Christianorum (The name Christian is extinguished). Only 25 years later, however, the emperor was dead, and the new ruler, Constantine, commissioned 50 copies of the Bible to be prepared at government expense.
Are you are facing persecution?
At work or school? Maybe people in your own family are seeking to discourage you from living out your Christian faith. God never promised that you wouldn't face these kinds of trials. What He did promise, however, was that ultimately those who afflict His people will fail. Your day of difficulties may seem long, but it won't last forever. Take heart! Morning is coming and when the sun rises, the night of despair is no more.
For every night of trouble, there's a morning of glory.
- Woodrow Kroll, www.backtothebible.org
Friday, June 1, 2007
Rampant Deception
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."- 1 Corinthians 15:33
It seems like everywhere you look these days, someone is pushing a new philosophy—one that won't offend anyone, exclude anyone, or make any absolute claims about anything. According to some, all religions lead to heaven, and there are no eternal consequences for our actions. Others believe in karma, the false theory of reincarnation. Unfortunately, these beliefs are not just floating around on the pages of an obscure alternative book or in a few clips of a late-night television show; they are in our face. There are popular sitcoms based on these beliefs and bestselling books making these false claims. They are inescapable but not unconquerable.
As Christians, we have to be careful what we read, listen to, and watch on TV, for satan's deception through false teaching is ever so subtle and cunning, even able to capture the mind of a believer if he is not grounded in Scripture.
The Bible tells us that in order to stand strong against this deception "you must continue in the things which you have learned . . . the Holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:14-15). We must keep ourselves grounded in the Word of God, for it is our weapon against the rampant satanic philosophies of the day.
In the midst of the deception, there is the Truth.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Singleness is not a curse
David, one of our readers, posted a comment on last week’s message “Broken Things”:
“Psalm 51:17 is one of my favorite scriptures but I had never really connected it to some of the events of my own life until I read your post. I see now how God can work through all things to mold us into the likeness of His Son. It was not till I truly had my heart broken that I finally humbly fell to my knees and asked God to take me and mold me into what He would have me be for Him. I now have a purpose and even though I am single and alone I have more joy and peace than I have ever had at any point in my life.”
Notice that David says that he has “more joy and peace” than he has had at any point in his life. He has discovered, first of all, that surrendering his life and will to God brings joy and peace. Secondly, he has accepted his singleness as a gift from God so that he can devote himself wholeheartedly to growing in Christ-likeness.
Many people view the state of singleness as a curse. On the contrary, singleness can be a great blessing in many respects. The apostle Paul lived his life as a single man and had much good to say about it in 1 Corinthians 7:6-9:
“But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself (single). But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am (single); but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
If you can learn to control your sexual appetite and be content without the need of a husband or wife, it offers great opportunity and freedom to serve God and enjoy life unhindered. Many committed single people claim it is the ideal state to live in.
Not everyone has the gift of singleness.
But then again, the apostle Paul also said, it is better to marry than to “burn” in lust:
“but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” – 1 Cor.7:9
Not everyone has the gift of singleness. If they cannot control their sexual drive and are always lusting after the opposite sex (and sinning in the process), then it is better for them to find a Christian spouse to marry and satisfy their need for companionship and sexuality. Although, the apostle Paul adds, you will have trouble in the flesh (vs. 28). The married state brings the potential for relational problems and added responsibilities or restrictions on what you can do or can’t do with your time.
Pray and ask God to give you wisdom. He will let you know if you should remain single for the rest of your life. Or, maybe He wants you to remain single for a certain season of time until He can do the work He needs to do in you. However, If God reveals to you that you do not have the gift of singleness and that you are to pray for Him to send you a godly Christian husband or wife, then by all means do so. It’s not a sin to get married or remarried (if you are divorced), if that is the case.
“Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” – 1 Cor. 7:1-3
- Lu Castillo
FREE INDEED MINISTRIES
Post Your Comments and prayer requests. We appreciate your feedback.
“Psalm 51:17 is one of my favorite scriptures but I had never really connected it to some of the events of my own life until I read your post. I see now how God can work through all things to mold us into the likeness of His Son. It was not till I truly had my heart broken that I finally humbly fell to my knees and asked God to take me and mold me into what He would have me be for Him. I now have a purpose and even though I am single and alone I have more joy and peace than I have ever had at any point in my life.”
Notice that David says that he has “more joy and peace” than he has had at any point in his life. He has discovered, first of all, that surrendering his life and will to God brings joy and peace. Secondly, he has accepted his singleness as a gift from God so that he can devote himself wholeheartedly to growing in Christ-likeness.
Many people view the state of singleness as a curse. On the contrary, singleness can be a great blessing in many respects. The apostle Paul lived his life as a single man and had much good to say about it in 1 Corinthians 7:6-9:
“But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself (single). But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am (single); but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
If you can learn to control your sexual appetite and be content without the need of a husband or wife, it offers great opportunity and freedom to serve God and enjoy life unhindered. Many committed single people claim it is the ideal state to live in.
Not everyone has the gift of singleness.
But then again, the apostle Paul also said, it is better to marry than to “burn” in lust:
“but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” – 1 Cor.7:9
Not everyone has the gift of singleness. If they cannot control their sexual drive and are always lusting after the opposite sex (and sinning in the process), then it is better for them to find a Christian spouse to marry and satisfy their need for companionship and sexuality. Although, the apostle Paul adds, you will have trouble in the flesh (vs. 28). The married state brings the potential for relational problems and added responsibilities or restrictions on what you can do or can’t do with your time.
Pray and ask God to give you wisdom. He will let you know if you should remain single for the rest of your life. Or, maybe He wants you to remain single for a certain season of time until He can do the work He needs to do in you. However, If God reveals to you that you do not have the gift of singleness and that you are to pray for Him to send you a godly Christian husband or wife, then by all means do so. It’s not a sin to get married or remarried (if you are divorced), if that is the case.
“Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” – 1 Cor. 7:1-3
- Lu Castillo
FREE INDEED MINISTRIES
Post Your Comments and prayer requests. We appreciate your feedback.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Blessed To Read Your Testimony
I was blessed to read your testimony. Praise God for His redeeming and
transforming power. I myself could relate to a lot of the torment you
experienced before my salvation about 4 years ago. And now I'm battling and
standing in the gap for my husband. I need as many spirit-filled prayer
warriors that I can find to pray for him. I know he has a mighty call on
his life, being who he is and coming from the family that he comes from.
I've been looking for people to ask prayer from, and I felt the Lord allowing
me to contact you.
God Bless!
Annel
transforming power. I myself could relate to a lot of the torment you
experienced before my salvation about 4 years ago. And now I'm battling and
standing in the gap for my husband. I need as many spirit-filled prayer
warriors that I can find to pray for him. I know he has a mighty call on
his life, being who he is and coming from the family that he comes from.
I've been looking for people to ask prayer from, and I felt the Lord allowing
me to contact you.
God Bless!
Annel
Thursday, May 3, 2007
National Day of Prayer 2007
Dear beloved in Christ:
Today, May 3, 2007, we commemorate our National Day of Prayer in America. Below is the President’s Proclamation. Please remember our nation and it’s leaders in your prayers today.
Lu Castillo
Free Indeed Ministries
****
National Day of Prayer, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation.
Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him. Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, friends, and loved ones. We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.
At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to respect the freedom of religion by recognizing each year a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2007, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Today, May 3, 2007, we commemorate our National Day of Prayer in America. Below is the President’s Proclamation. Please remember our nation and it’s leaders in your prayers today.
Lu Castillo
Free Indeed Ministries
****
National Day of Prayer, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation.
Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him. Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, friends, and loved ones. We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.
At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to respect the freedom of religion by recognizing each year a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2007, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Thursday, April 19, 2007
You Can Be Victorious
Read Psalm 45:1-5
We often think of Jesus as gentle, meek and mild. He was that, of course. "I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29) is what He said in His invitation to us. But the Lord is also a conqueror. The psalmist said about Him: "Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty. And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility and righteousness" (vv. 3,4). That doesn't sound like the meek and gentle carpenter of Nazareth!
Have you ever considered Christ as Conqueror?
So often we view Jesus only through the four Gospels, where we find Him a Servant. We see Him as a humble man, the Servant of God, ministering to people. But here we read about a Conqueror with a sword who is riding in majesty. On the cross, Jesus completely defeated Satan. He also overcame the world. He said to His disciples, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" John 16:33). And He certainly overcame the flesh. Christians are identified with His victory. We have crucified the flesh (Gal. 2:20). We have been raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). And Christ wants to give us victory today.
But first, we must want victory. Some people would rather walk on the margin of the battlefield and be a walking victim instead of a marching victor. So examine your heart and say, "Lord, I want victory today."
Second, we must yield ourselves to Christ. We don't fight for victory; we fight from victory. The simple secret of winning in the Christian life is to identify ourselves with Christ, trust Him and follow Him. We'll have battles to fight, to be sure, and sometimes we might stumble and fall. But keep in mind that Christ is riding in majesty. Why don't you ride right along with Him by faith?
Jesus has conquered life, and we may stand with Him in victory. Before we can, though, we must want victory, and we must yield ourselves to Him. Are you a conqueror? By faith identify with Christ and share His victory.
- Warren Wiersbe, backtothebible.org
Post your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
We often think of Jesus as gentle, meek and mild. He was that, of course. "I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29) is what He said in His invitation to us. But the Lord is also a conqueror. The psalmist said about Him: "Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty. And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility and righteousness" (vv. 3,4). That doesn't sound like the meek and gentle carpenter of Nazareth!
Have you ever considered Christ as Conqueror?
So often we view Jesus only through the four Gospels, where we find Him a Servant. We see Him as a humble man, the Servant of God, ministering to people. But here we read about a Conqueror with a sword who is riding in majesty. On the cross, Jesus completely defeated Satan. He also overcame the world. He said to His disciples, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" John 16:33). And He certainly overcame the flesh. Christians are identified with His victory. We have crucified the flesh (Gal. 2:20). We have been raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). And Christ wants to give us victory today.
But first, we must want victory. Some people would rather walk on the margin of the battlefield and be a walking victim instead of a marching victor. So examine your heart and say, "Lord, I want victory today."
Second, we must yield ourselves to Christ. We don't fight for victory; we fight from victory. The simple secret of winning in the Christian life is to identify ourselves with Christ, trust Him and follow Him. We'll have battles to fight, to be sure, and sometimes we might stumble and fall. But keep in mind that Christ is riding in majesty. Why don't you ride right along with Him by faith?
Jesus has conquered life, and we may stand with Him in victory. Before we can, though, we must want victory, and we must yield ourselves to Him. Are you a conqueror? By faith identify with Christ and share His victory.
- Warren Wiersbe, backtothebible.org
Post your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Does God care?
President George W. Bush is expected to veto a bill congress has recently passed approving stem cell research. He says it destroys life because stem cells are extracted from a human baby fetus. In the extraction process, a human life is killed. What do you think?
Speaking of life...I had someone abandoned a black kitten in my front yard Sunday and it was apparently sick so I brought him into the house and tried to nurse him back to life. His legs were paralyzed and he couldn't walk or stand up. I kept him in a box and spoon-fed him milk for about a day. I thought he might make it and kept praying for him. However by evening time yesterday he started crying and crying while I was watching the evening news. I picked him up and put him on my lap. While I petted him he began going into spasms and finally died in my arms.
I was so sad afterwards. I said to the Lord, "Why did you bring this kitten into my life just to break my heart?" I figured it was so that I could give the kitten some love in his last moments and let him know he didn't die alone.
Our God loves His creatures great and small. He cares about everything we go through. He is concerned about little kittens and sparrows too. He is such a loving and compassionate God that nothing we may go through in this life escapes His awareness and loving care.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?" - Luke 12:6
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
- Lu Castillo, Free Indeed Ministries
Post your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
These devotional messages are made possible through the generous gifts of supporters like you. Your gift is appreciated to help keep this ministry touching the lives of lost and hurting people. To partner with us, go here to make a donation, or write us at: Free Indeed Ministries, P.O. Box 1671, Moore Haven, FL 33471.
Email: befreeindeed@att.net / Website: www.befreeindeed.com
Need Counseling? Visit our counseling website at: http://www.befreeindeed.com/counseling2
Post your prayer requests and let us pray for your needs.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“If the Son, therefore, will make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” - John 8:36
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" - Isaiah 52:7
If you wish to be unsubscribed from this list, please email us at: befreeindeed@att.net
Speaking of life...I had someone abandoned a black kitten in my front yard Sunday and it was apparently sick so I brought him into the house and tried to nurse him back to life. His legs were paralyzed and he couldn't walk or stand up. I kept him in a box and spoon-fed him milk for about a day. I thought he might make it and kept praying for him. However by evening time yesterday he started crying and crying while I was watching the evening news. I picked him up and put him on my lap. While I petted him he began going into spasms and finally died in my arms.
I was so sad afterwards. I said to the Lord, "Why did you bring this kitten into my life just to break my heart?" I figured it was so that I could give the kitten some love in his last moments and let him know he didn't die alone.
Our God loves His creatures great and small. He cares about everything we go through. He is concerned about little kittens and sparrows too. He is such a loving and compassionate God that nothing we may go through in this life escapes His awareness and loving care.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?" - Luke 12:6
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
- Lu Castillo, Free Indeed Ministries
Post your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
These devotional messages are made possible through the generous gifts of supporters like you. Your gift is appreciated to help keep this ministry touching the lives of lost and hurting people. To partner with us, go here to make a donation, or write us at: Free Indeed Ministries, P.O. Box 1671, Moore Haven, FL 33471.
Email: befreeindeed@att.net / Website: www.befreeindeed.com
Need Counseling? Visit our counseling website at: http://www.befreeindeed.com/counseling2
Post your prayer requests and let us pray for your needs.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“If the Son, therefore, will make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” - John 8:36
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" - Isaiah 52:7
If you wish to be unsubscribed from this list, please email us at: befreeindeed@att.net
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Work That Honors God
Did you know that your secular work can be used in a way that honors God? It's true. Pastor Woodrow Kroll explains how to turn your 9 to 5 job into a form of worshipping God.Work That Honors God
"And she said, 'Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house." - Ruth 2:7
There's a delightful story about a king, many years ago, who called his wise men together and gave them this commission: "I want you to compile for me the wisdom of the ages and put it in book form so we can leave it to posterity." The men left the king and worked hard. Sometime later they returned with 12 volumes. The king looked at the imposing volumes and said, "It's too long and I fear people will not read it. Condense it!" Still later the wise men returned with only one volume. Again the king said, "Condense it." They then reduced the volume to a chapter, then to a page, then to a paragraph and finally to a sentence. When the king saw the sentence, elatedly he announced. "Gentlemen, this is truly the wisdom of the ages." The sentence simply said, "There are no free lunches."
Ruth recognized that sage truth as well. She did not wait for someone to come along with a handout; instead, she worked from "morning until now." She was diligent in her labors and made a very favorable impression on the other harvesters.
God expects those who bear the name of Christ to honor Him through their work. Paul taught that "if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thess. 3:10). He also reminded the Christians at Thessalonica, "Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you" (v. 8). A slacker is not only a disgrace to himself, but he brings shame upon the Lord as well.
Consider your job a blessing, not a burden. No matter how menial it might seem, see your work as an outlet to honor the Lord. Approach it every day with enthusiasm and dedication. After all, even the ability to work for a living is a gift from God (Eccl. 5:18-19).
Work can be worship when you do it for God
- Woodrow Kroll, www.backtothebible.org
Post your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
These devotional messages are made possible through the generous gifts of supporters like you. Your gift is appreciated to help keep this ministry touching the lives of lost and hurting people. To partner with us, go here to make a donation, or write us at: Free Indeed Ministries, P.O. Box 1671, Moore Haven, FL 33471.
Email: befreeindeed@att.net / Website: www.befreeindeed.com
Need Counseling? Visit our counseling website at: http://www.befreeindeed.com/counseling2
Post your prayer requests and let us pray for your needs.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“If the Son, therefore, will make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” - John 8:36
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" - Isaiah 52:7
If you wish to be unsubscribed from this list, please email us at: befreeindeed@att.net
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