In Whom We Trust... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend Johanna. This is a first! Florida has a new search and rescue animal and it is not normal. Recovery of bodies has normally been by trained cadaver dogs. However, Florida has a lot of water areas that are better searched by a water animal. So little Splash is a trained otter to the rescue! Check him out along with the video here: .-"""-. / o\ | o 0).-. | .-;(_/ .-. \ / /)).---._| `\ , '. ' /(( `'-./ _/| \ .' ) .-.;` / '. | `\-' '._ -' / jgs ``""--`------` Water Rescue Otter! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/waterrescueotter.html --- ...What a great idea! Thank Johanna! Our next sizzling hot new page is from our friends Peggy and my daughter Tammy. This is an adorable one for all our little dog lovers. Mexico's military adopted a Chihuahua and is training him for search and rescue missions. However, he is so cute in his little custom made tactical gear that he is more suited for public relations winning their hearts as he participates in many civic ceremonies and programs. Be sure to check out this heartwarming page here: _ c" U__/ ) ( " " cr Mexico's Military Chihuahua https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogch.html --- ...What a cutie! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person." -- Dr. David M. Burns _____ ,\_+_/, '(("""))' '(|o,o|)' '; = ;' _) (_ /' \_/ '\ /\(_ : _)/\ /||/)___( \ \ \|_)' \/ / | (_/ | | | | |_______| \ | / Sher^: | : ; | ; >HIDDEN FEARS by Mary Jane West-Delgado I just saw a movie about a man who was given a diagnosis of cancer and had a slim chance of coming out of surgery alive. As I sat in the theater alone (my husband is out of town for two days), I couldn't help but think about my own history of brain surgery to remove a tumor that was thought to be cancerous, and that removal of it may cause a stroke during surgery. The scene in the movie that really hit home with me was when, in the pre-surgical room, the family was present until the last second before he was taken away. This is a moment of panic for everyone. As I sat in the theater watching this family and patient clinging to each other, I realized that I had never told my family how very afraid I was after leaving them behind in that room. Though the surgical team was very pleasant and attentive, they were also necessarily pre-occupied and sterile, leaving me to fend for myself emotionally. I lay there worrying about waking up with severe disability, or maybe not waking up at all. I needed someone to be holding me until I was asleep. I really did, but I never told anyone. I was the mother of three toddlers at the time. My doctor advised me to get all of my affairs in order prior to surgery. I wrote letters to each of my children, to be read if they had to grow up without me. Our oldest son was 4 years old, our only daughter was 2, and our youngest son was 11 months old. I felt that I had to be strong for them -- I had to be sure that my kids weren't afraid. I couldn't show my fears, I thought I had to be in "mommy mode" until the very end. It's no secret that a patient and family are desperately afraid at these times. What hit me at this moment during the movie is that, in all these years since then, I never told anyone how afraid I was. I suddenly felt as though I had missed an important step in the grieving process of my own trauma. Those few moments in the surgical suite, before drugged induced sleep, are cold and lonely and downright scary no matter how old you are. So, there I sat in the theater, sobbing uncontrollably for not having let anyone know that I really wasn't the brave little warrior that I had pretended to be. It doesn't matter that I was already a mother at the time. It doesn't matter that I am now 26 years post-op and in good health. What matters is that when I came home from the theater, I emailed my family about it and then cried on the phone about it with my husband. I got it all out, finally. Gosh, I feel so good, now that I've told everyone! -- Mary Jane West-Delgado __________________________________________________ Mary Jane West-Delgado has been published on Heartwarmers twice before with "Cheerleader Mom" and "Wearing 9/11." It is the personal connections she's made, and continued emails from children and parents that make writing a complete joy. Mary Jane is a retired physical therapist and current algebra/ chemistry tutor, transplanted from Wisconsin to the Central Coast of California. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Peter - The Rock "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."1 Long before Duane Johnson took on the name “The Rock" in his athletic career, Jesus had dubbed Peter, his disciple, with the same moniker. Where Mr. Johnson’s name was most likely due to his physical stature, Peter’s was due to the spiritual strength Jesus found in him. Peter is one of the most relatable personalities in Scripture. His absolute humanness makes him so identifiable that his stories have become endearing to us. We read about his indiscretions and waywardness and think, "I would have done the same thing in his place!" We see him pledging his devotion to Christ in one scene (Matt. 26:35), and in the next, Peter is denying that he ever knew Jesus (Matt. 26: 69-75)! But despite his impulsiveness, Peter was loyal. He suffered the same human challenge we all have of wanting to be good and trying to do right but never quite reaching the mark. No matter how many times Peter fell short of being righteous, he picked himself up and went right back to following Jesus. His desire to serve the Lord always won out over his sinful nature. Fortunately for us, Jesus is as patient with you and I as He was with Peter. Being near Jesus allowed Peter to be bold, even fearless. When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to try it too (Matt. 14:28); When Jesus performed miracles, Peter wanted to know if he’d be able to do them as well (Matt. 17:20). If there is one thing we can model from Peter, it is that he wanted to be just like Jesus. Because of his actions and the way he spoke, people recognized that Peter had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Seeing Peter’s heart for the people, his humility to admit when he was wrong, and his desire to follow Him, Jesus knew that it was Peter that would be the spiritual foundation for the first church; he would be The Rock upon which the church was built (Matt. 16:18). Peter might have been stubborn and reckless, but the Lord used his bold spirit to bring about a spiritual revival where thousands came to Christ in a single afternoon (Acts 2:38-42)! God can use us too. Even with our imperfections and shortcomings, people will know Jesus through us if we remain in His presence! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, I long to be known for being in your presence. I desire to be bold when speaking of your love and mercy. You are worthy of all of my devotion. Thank you for your patience and your grace. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1: Matthew 16:18 (KJV). Today’s Encounter was written by:Veronica B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...You know the interesting thing about this? The word 'Peter' - petra means a 'pebble' or a 'stone'. Read this verse again... "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter (a stone), and upon this rock (meaning Himself) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus was saying that Peter was like a small stone, and gestering to himself he said He was going to use himself to build His church so mighty that even Satan couldn't destroy it! The bible refers to Jesus as being the church's chief corner stone... Eph.2 [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 1 Pet.2 [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him (Jesus) shall not be confounded. Which we see is true. Even after all these years - the church built upon Jesus Christ has prevailed! As strong as ever! <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Deep Roots "He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."1 Throughout the Bible we find God comparing our walk with Him to His creation - trees, plants, flowers, seeds and soil, vines and branches, birds in the sky, the animals of the fields, and even the universe itself. God knew that because, we too, are a part of His creation we'd be able to relate to all things in nature. In Psalm 1, the godly man is compared to a tree, planted near water, fruitful and prosperous. The verses in this Psalm go back and forth between how a godly man should live versus how the wicked, or ungodly, carries him or herself. We can see that this blessed man meditates on the laws of God day and night. If we want to become a strong tree rooted in our faith, we are guided to dwell on the Word of the Lord, to reflect on it, all day long. Beginning our day with the Lord, in intentional quiet time, is a great way to come across a verse or two that we can take with us throughout the day and verses that we can meditate or reflect upon as we go about our busyness. In verse 3 it says that this tree is planted by streams of water. A tree that has strong, deep roots has grown being watered by a constant source. God is that constant source for us. Jesus is the Living Water! All we have to do is seek to be near Him, constantly, and then enjoy the blessed life that comes when we are deeply rooted in Him! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, I long to spend time in your presence. Please help me minimize any distractions that are keeping me from you. I want to delight in your Word and be constantly watered by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen 1. Psalm 1:3 (ESV). The Encounter for today was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,--. \ _\_ _\/_|_\____.'\ -(___.--._____( \ \ \ \ `--' jg >Don't Trust Your Feelings "'You will not surely die,' the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'" Genesis 3:4-5 On July 31, 1964, Country music star Jim Reeves and his piano player Dean Manuel took off from Batesville, Arkansas. Reeves was piloting his Beechcraft Bonanza and his destination was Nashville, Tennessee. Reeves was qualified only to fly during clear weather, but a storm quickly rose and dark skies and rain buffeted the small airplane. Then about 5 p.m., the plane disappeared from airport radar, just ten miles from Nashville. Two days later, the wreckage and Reeves and Manual's remains were found in a heavily wooded area. The official report said that pilot error was the cause of the accident. Reeves had probably experienced vertigo during the storm. Vertigo is the disorienting sensation caused by an imbalance to the inner ear caused by the person leaning in one direction. While in the dark clouds and the buffeting of the storm, Reeves could not discern what was up or what was down. His inner ear probably gave him the sensation that he was in a turn and he overcompensated by turning the aircraft in the opposite direction. If Reeves had been trained to fly on instruments, he would have been able to overcome this false feeling of orientation. God has given us an instrument to live by - HIS WORD. We are not to trust in our own feelings or to make decisions "by the seat of our pants." Today in prayer, thank God for the Bible, that it can be trusted and it can preserve us from all types of danger. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." ­ Psalm 119:105 A NORVELL NOTE is a weekly inspirational article by Tom Norvell. -<>- __|___|__ [_________] ,,,,, _|// , , ;; ( / < D =o |. / /\| _____|><|_______/o / / '==| :: |==' < / / \ < > /____/ / _/\ | :: | / \ ||_|____|/ |o| | x | ( \ / _'_ \ //// | \ | | | | | | | | | \ _ | _ / \ | / \ | / |_|_| /o | o\ /o _|_ o\ (__/ \__) b'ger >Servants Make Themselves Available By Rick Warren "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB). Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on. Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB). If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient. Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to. If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice. -<>- __ .-'||'-. .' || '. / __||__ \ | /`- -`\ | | | 6 6 | | \/\____7___/\/ .--------:\:I:II:I:/;--------. / \`:I::I:`/ \ | `------' | | \____/ | | , __ ___ , | |======| / | / _ \ |======| |======| ^| | | | | | |======| |~~~~~| | | | |_| | |~~~~~| | |\ [___] \___/ /| | \ \| |/ / `\ \ _ _.-=""=-._ _ / /' `\ '`_)\\-++++-//(_`' /' jgs ; (__|| ||__) ; ; ___\ /___ ; '. ---/-=..=-\--- .' `""` `""` This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod: "It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of s%xual perversion and call it "an alternate life style" and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone s%xual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe s%x...." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet." One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America- the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD." Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion.. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.." --- !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ ...Fortunately Pres. Trump is not ashamed! Trump has made an Establishment of The White House Faith Office: "By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to assist faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship in their efforts to strengthen American families, promote work and self-sufficiency, and protect religious liberty, it is hereby ordered:" Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/bdd6j9yw -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Tricks For Treats 3 http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/tricksfortreats3.html Horse Costumes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horsecostumes.html True Duck Tale http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/duck.html Casa Batllo - House Of Bones http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hbones.html Feather Painting 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/feather2.html Leaf Art Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/art.html Extreme Poodle Makeover http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poodlemakeover.html Great White Shark http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/greatwhite.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html Butchart Gardens http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bgardens.html Attitude is Everything 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude5.html Halloween Animations: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html Who Is Jesus Christ? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whoisjesus.html Bible: Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Fall/Halloween Index! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm A Mind To Work! http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/A_Mind_To_Work.htm Don't Blame God! https://www.stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dont-Blame-God.pdf The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From Franklin Graham: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >Should Christians engage in the political process? There’s a lot at stake in the coming midterm elections. Many issues that are considered political are actually moral issues. William Rice is exactly right—throughout American history, pastors have had a strong and influential voice at key moments in our political history, and they need to raise their voices now! I urge Christians to do their research, to pray, and to vote. The choice is clear. The two parties have opposite stands on almost every issue. One party supports open borders-allowing millions of unvetted, undocumented people to enter this country. Do you? Their party leadership supports men in women's bathrooms and sports, gender transitioning for children, allowing parental rights to be ignored, abortion, and more. Do you? The other party wants our nation to have legal immigration, opposes allowing men in women's sports, and defends the sanctity of life. Who you choose to vote for has never been more important — get out and vote. As Christians, we are to be salt and light in an ever-decaying, dark world." --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes I believe it is our duty to vote the godly choice for our country. If we, as Christians, don't stand up and let God use us as His voice, who will? The Democrats may lie like Talarico in Texas - who I feel is like a false prophet with all his talk about God without a biblical base - saying there are 6 genders and God is nonbinary and boasting his affiliation to Christianity and the church. Then when reminded that Texans are all about red meat and fossil fuel which he said he is against - he changes his tune and lies. Now he says he loves red meat and is not a vegetarian like he had said he was before and that oil is good. He'll say whatever he thinks Texans want to hear just to get elected and then will do what he believes. The Democrats will return to the failed policy of Biden. They will open the borders wide letting all people in unvetted. They will raise taxes and make laws that will cause huge inflation raising oil prices they want to get rid of people using. They will allow noncitizens to get CDL drivers licenses like they did before causing death on the highway by them. They will let the illegals vote in all civil and federal elections and give them free housing, medical, food and education making the hard working tax payers foot the bill. If there is 'free' anything, it will go to the illegals as someone has to pay for it and the rich don't make enough money to do so. At least with the Republicans, you will have ICE deporting the violent illegals and keeping the oil prices as low as possible by not over regulating and taxing it for the American consumer tax payers. Biden caused 24% inflation. Under Trump we have 3% inflation. That means we are still paying an extra $27 for every $100 of goods since Biden era. Trump is trying to bring it down but it takes time and we had the setback with Iran threatening to nuke the world that Trump and Israel had to stop dead in their tracks! We don't want us or our children having to deal with a nuclear Iran who is bent on destroying who they consider little Satan (Israel) and big Satan (America). Once they are taken care of prices will plummet. So don't get fooled into 'free this or that' from the tax and regulation hungry big government Democrats. They had their chance under Biden and blew it by showing us their true colors. Vote All Red! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Give Him All The Glory Joseph had some difficult times in his early years. His brothers tried to kill him and then sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites, in turn, sold him as a slave to Potiphar who was one of Pharaoh's officials. Joseph was then falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown in prison where he sat for several years - things were definitely not going well. Then one day Joseph got his opportunity to make a change. Pharaoh had some dreams which bothered him greatly, but when he sent for the wise men of Egypt, no one could help; "Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him" (Genesis 41:8). Pharaoh was told of a young Hebrew slave who had demonstrated a unique ability to interpret dreams while in prison. Pharaoh quickly summoned Joseph from the dungeon; "I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it" (Genesis 41:15). Wow! This was Joseph's big chance, his opportunity to take matters into his own hands and shape his circumstances. He certainly deserved a break. And after all, doesn't God help those who help themselves? Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest misquotes of the Bible, and a shameful misrepresentation of God. It is much more accurate to say God will faithfully work our circumstances to the good (as seen through His eyes) as we diligently seek Him and love Him with all our heart, and faithfully follow where He leads. Joseph could have used this opportunity to bring glory and honor to himself. But He had learned the important lesson that ALL things come from God and should be used to glorify His name. Genesis 41:16 "'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'" Joseph had been given a wonderful gift, but this gift would only produce fruit as God worked through Joseph's life. This was the same lesson Paul tried to teach the Church in Corinth: "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). It is by God's grace we accomplish anything; "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It is by His grace we have talents and abilities, by His grace we obtain direction and motivation. In fact, it is by His grace we take our next breath! If God provides all the tools, He certainly deserves ALL the praise. Let's never miss an opportunity to use the gifts God has provided. And when our lives produce fruit, let's never miss an opportunity to give Him all the glory! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14 Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16 Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Joseph knew. If it wasn't God's will for him to interpret the Pharaoh's dream then he knew, he'd not get the correct interpretation or any interpretation to Pharaoh's dream. He also wanted to make sure the Pharaoh understood that the interpretation from God would please God and not necessarily be something the Pharaoh wanted to hear. Genesis 41:16 "'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he (God) desires.'" <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Mind of Christ Our Christian walk involves a process of renewing our mind. Paul wrote to the Romans about this renewal as an on-going process of transformation (Romans 12:2). He also wrote about a renewed mind as something which has already occurred; "But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). The consistent message through all the New Testament is that through faith in Jesus we are given a new birth, with a new heart, a new spirit, and a new mind. However, we are continually exhorted to live as a new creation, worship with a new heart, receive guidance and strength from a new spirit, and make decisions and set priorities with a new mind. The life of a Christian, in many ways, involves learning to walk according to the transformed life we have already been given! Philippians 2:5 "Your attitude (or mind in the KJV) should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Jesus came to give His life as a sacrifice for sin. But many portions of His life were for the express purpose of giving us an example by which to live. With all the power of the Universe at His command, He humbled Himself and demonstrated the mind and attitude of a servant; "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). The Son demonstrated a mind of obedience and lived to honor His Father in ALL He did, even though being obedient might result in discomfort or pain... or even death: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). As He obediently served, Jesus also demonstrated a mind void of all pride. With more abilities than we can possibly comprehend, Jesus still gave all the glory to His Father; "By Myself I can do nothing...for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me" (John 5:30). His entire life became an example of how we are to be an empty vessel through which God may work. Moments before He died - after being beaten, whipped, spit upon and nailed to a cross - Jesus still demonstrated the mind of supreme love and forgiveness; "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Though we know we have far to go, the mind of Christ becomes our example to follow. We must develop the mind of a humble servant, void of pride, who desires nothing more than for our Heavenly Father to work in and through our life. Let's live as His Child, loving and forgiving others as Christ first loved and forgave us. We, who have been transformed, ought to continue the process of transformation, and more fully develop the mind of Christ. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:26-58; Proverbs 24:27 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching THE RENEWED MIND - The Believer's Key To Power http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm ========================================================== >-->Good Health, You, And God ... .----. ===(_)== THIS WONT HURT A BIT... // 6 6 \\ / ( 7 ) \ '--' / \_ ._/ __) (__ /"`/`\`V/`\`\ / \ `Y _/_ \ / [DR]\_ |/ / /\ | ( \/ / / / \ \ \ / \ `-/` _.` jgs `=. `=./ `"` >From TruthOrTradition: What does the Bible really say about healing? FAQ: I have heard many Christians say that if a sick person has enough faith, God will always heal him, and that if one does not get healed, it is because he didn’t have enough faith. Others I’ve talked to aren’t sure, but seem to think that healing is not available today. And some say that God is the one who sends sickness to make us humble. Personally, I’m sick of the confusion. What does the Bible really say about healing? The question you have asked is one to which virtually every Christian wants an answer, and, of course, the Word of God is the only place to find answers. This is a huge subject about which many books have been written, and we cannot begin to cover all the pertinent verses in this brief article. We can, however, show you liberating truth from the Bible that should go a long way toward eliminating your current confusion. To handle this subject, it is probably best to break it down into a series of questions. Where did sickness, disease, and death originate, and were they part of God’s plan? _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` There are four main arguments for why these are not a part of God’s plan. The first is that the opening three chapters of Genesis clearly show that God’s original intent was for perfect people to live forever on a perfect earth. Everything God made was “very good” (Gen. 1:31), and neither sickness nor death (which is total sickness) was ever meant to be a part of the picture. It came only when Adam sinned. Not only did mankind suffer as a result of Adam’s sin, but also the entire world has since been held in “bondage to decay” (Rom. 8:21). Even plants and animals get sick and die prematurely. Second, the Bible says that, “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Think about that. We are all loving at times, but God is love, which means that by His very nature and unchanging character, it is impossible for Him to think, say, or do anything that is not totally loving. Making people sick to humble them is not being loving. Third, God created the human body with an amazing, even miraculous, ability to heal itself. Why would He do that if He were also the author of sickness and death? Why would He want to make people sick if their bodies would keep healing themselves? He would be working against Himself. There are some difficult verses in the Old Testament that seem to say that God sent diseases, plagues, etc., but we believe that this can be understood as people bringing upon themselves the consequences of their own sin and unbelief. For a thorough biblical answer to the problem of evil, sin, and suffering, and answers to these questions raised by verses in the Old Testament, we recommend our book, Don’t Blame God! Finally, Jesus always did the will of God, and he never made anyone sick. In fact, he healed “...all that were oppressed of the devil...” (Acts 10:38-KJV). Therefore, God’s will must also be to heal people. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is the “…image of the invisible God…,” meaning that Jesus always said and did what his Father wanted him to, and he became the reflection of his Father’s glory. Thus he could say: “…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...” (John 14:9), meaning that he flawlessly represented God to the world in a tangible, touchable way. If sickness and death are not part of God’s plan for mankind, why are they rampant? Isn’t God in control of these things? No, He isn’t (1 John 5:19). First, it is essential to understand that God gave humans complete and genuine free will. Adam chose to sin, and thus brought disease, death, and destruction into the world. That is not God’s fault. The Fall unleashed a host of germs and viruses that were not part of God’s original plan. Second, human beings have not lived in accordance with God’s laws. He gave many laws to Moses pertaining to cleanliness and healthful practices, which, if followed, ensured the health of the people. Also, God gave them food laws that helped protect them from disease. Third, modern man has added to food innumerable chemicals, hormones, pesticides, etc., that are essentially toxic to the human body. These chemicals produce illnesses of all kinds. Modern farming techniques have also depleted the soil of substances that the body needs for health, and, unless people take a mineral supplement, they can become malnourished and diseased. Vitamins contained in healthful food are often lost in the process of getting to market, or later on in the cooking process. Vitamin deficiencies are responsible for many illness and unhealthy conditions. Plus, many Western folks eat way too much, bringing on themselves all manner of health problems. [For further study read Nutrition and Healing.] Fourth, most people are often anxious, afraid, angry, bitter, etc., and such attitudes do bad things to the human body, even as happiness acts like a medicine. People also deliberately ingest things that are not healthy, like drugs, or are the victim of environmental toxins of which they are unaware. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` What steps, if any, has God taken to bring about healing for mankind? First, “He sent his word, and healed them…” (Ps. 107:20-KJV). God’s Word heals when it is received, understood, and believed. Second, He sent the Living Word, Jesus Christ, in whom is complete healing. Luke 4:18 and 19 (KJV) (18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (19) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Not only did Jesus heal those who came to him with faith, he also empowered and instructed his disciples to do likewise: Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. God anointed Jesus with holy spirit power for his mission on earth, and, since his exaltation as “Lord,” Jesus has anointed each person who believes in him with the same gift of holy spirit. The Lord Jesus is still highly invested in energizing signs, miracles, and wonders, because they are, if you will, part of his advertising campaign. Every Christian now has the same power and authority to heal that Jesus had, and those in the first century Church knew and believed that. For example: Acts 28:8 and 9 (KJV) (8) And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. (9) So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: One of the manifestations of the spirit Christians can utilize is “gifts of healing,” and some are gifted to be “workers of miracles,” which we believe includes miraculous healing. Clearly, God has provided for healing in many ways. Then why don’t we see more healing occurring in the Church today? The simple answer is usually lack of faith, but there is a lot more to healing than merely faith. Although we do see some miraculous healings, there are a number of factors that affect faith and healing that we need to explore. One of them is attitude. Too often people approach the subject of healing with an attitude that limits their trust in God. There is a foundational distinction in the area of healing that we should all understand in order to adopt the right attitude. We know that health and wholeness is God’s will, and that He has empowered us to heal via the holy spirit, but that does not mean that healing is a right, or something that we can demand or “claim,” as some teach. When properly understood, we believe that Scripture reveals that healing is a gift that is received by faith. In the United States we have certain “rights” guaranteed us by our constitution. We have the right to free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion, and these rights are something we can demand. As sons of God, we also have certain rights. Unlike a right, a gift is not something that one can demand. We see that demonstrated in the Gospels in the ministry of Jesus Christ. No one came to Jesus and demanded to be healed. They asked for Jesus to heal them. A gift is given voluntarily, without payment, and is usually presented to the recipient to show favor. Redemption, salvation, and eternal life are some of the gifts God has given us because of His great mercy and grace. He is merciful because He has withheld from us what we truly deserve for our sins, which is death, and His gifts demonstrate His unmerited favor towards us. Healing is one of those precious gifts. We didn’t earn it and we don’t deserve it. Whenever and wherever healing occurs, it is always because of God’s mercy and grace. Note how David associated healing with God’s mercy. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Psalm 41:3 and 4 (3) The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (4) I said, “O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” The Apostle Paul also recognized that healing was a result of God’s mercy. Philippians 2:26 and 27 (26) For he [Epaphroditus] longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. (27) Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. (See also Matt. 17:14 and 15, 20:30-31; Mark 5:18 and 19, 10:46 and 47; Heb. 4:16-5:1; James 5:11; Isa. 58:6-8.) What is the importance of understanding healing as a gift and not a right? _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` It is important first because of the difference between truth and error, and because only truth sets us free (John 8:32). To the degree that we have error we also have bondage, and wrong teaching always produces wrong results. Too much of what passes for “Christian” teaching today comes from tradition and culture rather than from God’s Word. In America, we tend to think in terms of rights and entitlement, but in the biblical culture people thought in terms of patronage. There were serious limitations of goods and services, and if you were to get what you needed, you often had to depend upon the generosity of a patron, whether a landowner, a wealthy person, or an emperor. Analogous to that cultural paradigm, God is a generous patron to whom we can confidently look for the satisfaction of a need, not by “claiming a right,” but by virtue of His generosity and goodness. We believe this is how the first-century Christians viewed healing. In God and Jesus Christ we have the wonderful provision of physical healing, which was first demonstrated by Jesus and then by his followers. We trust our heavenly Father and our risen Lord for healing, and give them the glory. If it were a right, we could congratulate ourselves for asserting our rights, and that is not true faith/trust. When we have a right to something, we can, and generally should, assert that right. But asserting or demanding something to which we do not have a right carries with it an element of arrogance, an attitude God resists (Prov. 3:34, 15:25, 21:4). When the Old Testament saints came and offered sacrifice to God, they had no absolute assurance that God was going to grant their request. On the contrary, the tension of not knowing if your sacrifice was acceptable actually engendered humility, which is something He requires when He gives grace. Though Christ’s atonement did make many things available to us, we receive these by trust and confident expectation in the Generous One, not by asserting our rights. The difference in attitude is subtle, but is the difference between biblical faith and arrogant presumption. “…God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). God desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). The Israelites were approaching Him with the attitude that they merely had to comply with the outward, sacrificial requirements of the Law. They wrongly focused on the sacrifice and not on the heart, that is, the relationship that God desired to have with them in their coming to Him as He prescribed. Our God is not a vending machine, nor is He one merely transacting business with us. Our Father desires an intimate relationship with each of His children. He gives to us in order to bless us and to engender joy, thanksgiving, and more trust in return on our part. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16-KJV). This great article is from: http://truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=671 ========================================================== >-->From DailyBread: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >Longing For Jesus’ Return Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 When I was young, I loved going to Chick-fil-A, a US-based fast- food restaurant, for waffle fries and sweet tea. When, as an adult, I moved to another state, I was shocked to discover there weren’t any locations for hundreds of miles! On family road trips, we’d even plan our routes to allow for stops at Chick-fil-A, all the while hoping someday one would open closer to home. Longing. We all experience it. Sometimes we don’t actually need what we long for, such as a favorite restaurant. Other times, our longings reflect deeper, more desperate yearnings. Writing to the Philippian believers, Paul reminded them to live their lives in light of their deepest longing—Christ’s return and the full coming of His kingdom (Philippians 3:20). Jesus’ coming would make everything whole and transform believers to be like Him (v. 21). Rather than merely longing for what can’t bring lasting satisfaction, Paul says it’s this coming reality that believers “eagerly await” (v. 20)—the day when there will be no more suffering, when we’ll see Jesus face-to-face. Knowing our longings will one day be satisfied gives us the hope we need to live for Christ each day (vv. 12-14). A Chick-fil-A recently opened a few miles from my house, a small reminder that a much more important longing will one day be fulfilled. Until then, we wait. !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ Reflect & Pray What do you long to see Jesus make right? What do you most anticipate about your future with Jesus? Dear Jesus, please fill us with hope as we wait for Your return. Today's Insights When Paul wrote Philippians, he was writing from prison (1:13). While there, he also wrote Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, which are referred to as the Prison Epistles. How did the apostle endure such difficult times? In part, by focusing beyond that moment to when he’d see his Savior and in part by focusing on others. While imprisoned, his heart was breaking for those who were living in opposition to the gospel: “As I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18). His tears demonstrated his concern for others. Our hope in Jesus and concern for others can lift us beyond our present circumstances to lives of hope and purpose as we wait for our longings to be fulfilled when Christ returns (vv. 14, 21). --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...It is interesting Ephesians was written with the perspective of God's love while Colossians was written with the perspective of God's correction. Apostle Paul wrote these great books while in prison. Amazing! ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >In Whom We Trust (by Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, http://www.gdwm.org) Hezekiah became the king of Judah soon after the northern tribes of Israel had been taken captive by the Assyrians. Judah was now being threatened by this same Assyrian army. Hezekiah was young and had a strong desire to do right in the eyes of God, but his faith was being greatly tested. Seeing his kingdom would soon be under attack, Hezekiah sought help through an alliance with Egypt. Though this alliance was not wrong in itself, the action was taken out of fear and without consulting God. This action was not only foolish, it was sin! Isaiah 31:1 "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord." Hezekiah made the same mistake all too common among believers today. We say we believe God's Word is true, but fail to trust Him with the real trials of our life. It was easier for Hezekiah to place his trust in what he could see, than in the Hand of God which he "believed" but remained unseen. When the Assyrian's actually attacked Jerusalem, Hezekiah's faith had greatly increased. As he spoke with his soldiers, Hezekiah demonstrated full confidence in God. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." Where do we turn when the enemy threatens? If our faith is restricted to the inside of church walls on Sunday morning, we are definitely ill- prepared. We must learn to walk in the presence of God all through our day so we KNOW God is with us. When we trust Him and love Him with ALL our heart, we begin to walk in victory regardless of the physical outcome of a particular battle. God may certainly direct us to protect ourselves, or avoid conflict; but with our eyes firmly set on Jesus, we must understand the real war has already been won. This truth is worth repeating! Regardless of the outcome in each of life's many battles, the end of the Book has already been written...Jesus wins!! When we are under attack, let's put substance to our faith and allow our lives to demonstrate in Whom we trust! SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings The Arm Of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/The_Arm_Of_GOD.htm Trust In The Lord http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Trust_In_The_Lord.htm ========================================================== ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >--->Perfectly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpSny-0qaM Lyrics: I would be perfect, if it wasn't for the little ways I fall short every day of my life I would be perfect, if it wasn't for the million things that I never can seem to get right But I got this peace inside, cause I know that every time I give you failures and you give me grace All of my problems don't push you away And somehow you love somebody like me Don't know how you do it but you do it perfectly, you do it perfectly Oh God you’re perfect and you’re never gonna break a promise, You’re faithful beginning to end And I don’t deserve it oh cause I got nothin I can offer you, but you took me in and called me your friend I give you failures and you give me grace All of my problems don't push you away And somehow you love somebody like me Don't know how you do it but you do it perfectly, you do it perfectly, aye Oh, perfectly known, perfectly made, because of the cross I am perfectly saved I give you failures and you give me grace All of my problems don't push you away And somehow you love somebody like me Don't know how you do it but you do it oh, oh, oh, I give you failures and you give me grace All of my problems don't push you away And somehow you love somebody like me Don't know how you do it but you do it perfectly You do it perfectly, woah, oh, perfectly perfectly God you do it perfectly >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************