~Sermonsnacks Publishing~

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

One of the things we often struggle with is that we can't seem just to be "content".   When we realize that whatever weakness we have that is leading to our uneasiness can be replaced with the strength of God, then we can find contentment.  What needs to be replaced in our life?  Take time every day to let God have a look around at your life, let His word guide you.  Spend time with Him...  He will show you contentment.

Psalm 24:3-4 (The Message)

Psalm 5:3 (New International Version)

Psalm 26:3 (NIV)

Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

If in the middle of all that is going on in your life as you grow up you always remember how much God loves you and that he sent his son Jesus for you it will be easy to navigate the things ahead. Walk only in what you know in your heart is true.........what you know in your spirit is from God's word and his Spirit.  One day at a time...it will be great.   God Bless.   Don and Karen

One of God's greatest commands is "Honor thy parents"  the link below will help show you one way you can do that....  it will be a blessing to you and them.   God Bless.   Don and Karen

http://www.familylife.com/articles/article_detail.asp?id=486

Can I Lick the Spoon?

By Wendy Pope

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16 (NIV)

With two children in the house I often have the opportunity to come last. A tradition in my life since I was young girl is making chocolate milk with Hershey's Ô syrup. The highlight of the experience is licking the chocolate off the spoon when the milk is mixed. This is a pleasure that I had managed to keep to myself until about six months ago. My six-year-old observed me enjoying the delightfully sweet treat after mixing his milk one day. Since my secret pleasure has been revealed, I rarely get to enjoy the treat.

One particular day when I had been the hands and feet of Jesus to many people, served faithfully in every area of my responsibilities, I wanted a treat. No, I knew I deserved a treat! Then it happened—my son asked to lick the spoon. I wish I could say that with the love of Jesus, I handed him the spoon, but I stood there in a mental argument with the Lord reminding Him of all the great things I had done that day. In a silent pause, I was reminded that I was here to serve not to be served, so I handed the spoon to my son.

Laying down what you think you deserve is difficult. Putting others needs and wants in front of your own does not come naturally. It requires a minute-by-minute reliance on the Holy Spirit to enable you to live beyond yourself.

No matter what season of life you are currently in, someone will inevitably ask to lick the chocolate off your spoon, the very pleasure you believe you deserve. Let me encourage you to live beyond yourself in that moment and hand them the spoon. The blessing you give will come back to you ten-fold. Do you know how I can make that statement? I can because I have lived this truth. After I gave my son the spoon, I remembered that I could dip the spoon right in the can to get as much syrup as I wanted and I did.

Lord, I understand that by nature I have a selfish spirit. It is my desire to live outside of that nature and to live in Your nature, a nature of gentleness and kindness. Help me to do this today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.
When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful.
When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable.
When you are the weakest, He is the most able.
When you are the most alone, He is intimately present.
When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest!
When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.
When it is darkest, He is the only Light you need.
When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.
When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.
When you say that you cannot, remember that He can!

Author uknown;   God Bless.........Don and Karen

Jeremiah 32:27 (New International Version)

Psalm 139:1-2 (The Message)

Psalm 20:4 (New King James Version)

Many young people are graduating from college during this month after many years of study and preparation for "Life".  Our prayer is that God would grant you your "Heart's desire".  that you would fulfill God's purpose for your life.  It is not so important you know the whole plan he has for you life right now.  It is important that you listen carefully to him, keep him closer than a brother or sister, always love and respect him and you will see that he has a wonderful plan for your life.  Nothing is impossible with God.  Congratulations!  Life in Christ is great!  God Bless,  Don and Karen

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (The Message)

Psalm 46 (New International Version)

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (New International Version)

Psalm 72: 9-14 The Message

Foes will fall on their knees before God,
      his enemies lick the dust.
   Kings remote and legendary will pay homage,
      kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
   All kings will fall down and worship,
      and godless nations sign up to serve him,
   Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
      the destitute who have run out of luck.
   He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
      he restores the wretched of the earth.
   He frees them from tyranny and torture—
      when they bleed, he bleeds;
      when they die, he dies.

"He frees them..."  Whatever it is that seems to you to have you "trapped",  God is in the business of freeing you.  He has opened a place in His heart for you......He knows what you need right now.  You are never down and out with God.  Let Him restore you today.   God Bless you today.      Don and Karen

Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)

If you or someone you know needs help and hope, it is my prayer that this web-site will be a blessing.    God Bless.....Don     www.mercyministries.org

Hey.......I bet you'll like this site!   Check it out today.  God Bless!     Don

www.christianteens.net

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away."....2 Tim 3:5

What kind of person is one who has a "form" of godliness?    One that claims to know Jesus, but doesn't act like it?   A Sunday only Christian?  What do they mean about "denying" the power thereof?   When we respond to the unconditional love that God has for us and listen to His Holy Spirit, that still small voice, and act in that power we know in our heart is real.   That power helps us when we can not go further on our own,  that power that gives us the words to say or not say to a hurting friend.  That same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.  Not totally understanding how is.............Faith!          Have faith, believe in God and His power at work in your life every day.....thank Him for it every day and watch and see what happens!   God Bless...              Don