Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

Is That You, God?  

"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I
have drawn you with loving-kindness."1

I have two sons who are now grown. When they were
little, every night I would hold them and rock them in
my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say
their prayers with them. And then I would say positive
affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God
sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of
you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important
to me," and so on. 

I would often whisper these positive affirmations in
their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if
this ever had any influence on them or did any good,
but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.

I love to tell how, early one morning about 5AM, I
slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through
his open door. I was certain he was asleep--as he
looked like an angel--so I leaned over and whispered in
his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash
he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in
all sincerity, "Is that you, God!?"

I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my
composure, I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "No,
it's not God, but He sent me to tell you that." 

On another occasion this same son was very upset with
me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?" 

As quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part
of God's eternal plan." 

And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why
we are here on earth. 

And as God wanted my son to know that he is loved by
God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter
what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves
you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you
haven't already done so, I trust and pray that you will
realize this today! 

For help to accept God’s love and forgiveness click on:
www.actsweb.org/christian  for  the article, “How to Be
Sure You’re a Real Christian--without having to be
religious."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and
remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or
hindering my being fully open to receiving Your love.
Help me to accept Your love and, in turn, communicate
it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus's name.
Amen." 

1. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV).

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Self-Belief  

Jesus said, "'Everything is possible for him who
believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I
do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"1

Today I want to talk about having a healthy (not
conceited) belief in yourself and in God's purpose for
you. 

Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known author and psychologist
says, "An individual's self-concept [what he believes
about himself] is the core of his personality. It
affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to
learn, the capacity to grow and change, the choice of
friends, mates and careers. It's no exaggeration to say
that a strong positive self-image [self-belief] is the
best possible preparation for success in life." 

A healthy self-belief is not an egotistic "I'm the
greatest" attitude. Such an attitude is self-deception
and a cover for deep insecurity and self-unbelief.
Believing in yourself includes knowing and accepting
your weaknesses as well as your strengths and believing
with God's help that you can overcome your weaknesses
and develop and use your strengths.

One very successful woman, a well-known entertainer,
didn't have much going for her. She would never have
won a beauty contest and at age 38 was living on
welfare. After reading Claude Briston's, The Magic of
Believing, and beginning to believe in herself, Phyllis
Diller's life took a dramatic turn. One gift she had
was the ability to make people laugh. Once she believed
this, she didn't allow what she didn't have to stop her
using what she did have. 

Jimmie Durante was another entertainer who wouldn't
have made a fortune with his looks. But he capitalized
on his weakness and turned it into one of his greatest
strengths. He didn't focus on his physical
attributes--what he didn't have--but on his
strengths--what he did have--and put these to good use
because he believed he could. 

You and I can do the same. 

For an even stronger and healthier sense of self-belief
know that no matter what you have ever done or have
failed to do, God loves you totally and
unconditionally, wants to forgive your every sin and
wrongdoing, and has a God-given purpose for your life
that He wants you to fulfill! All I ask is that you
believe in yourself exactly the same as God believes in
you.2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You have a
wonderful purpose for my life. Thank You, too, that You
believe in me in that You never expect me to do more or
less than what You have planned for me to do. Like the
father in today's Scripture text, 'I do believe; help
me overcome my unbelief.' Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Mark 9:23-24 (NIV).
2. Adapted from "The Power of Belief" by Dick Innes
at:  
www.actsweb.org/articles 

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Code Red  

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance."1

Bruce D. Weaver of Newcomerstown, Ohio, shared the
following experience: One summer evening, my wife and I
drove to pick up our son from Vacation Bible  School.
The sky was growing dark and there was a storm watch in
effect, but no rain was falling yet. 

However, by the time we arrived home with our son, the
wind was blowing fiercely and lightning bolts were
coming down all around us. We hurried inside the house
and began to shut windows. Within a few moments we were
without electrical power. We tucked our son into bed,
trying not to betray our concern regarding the severe
weather conditions outside. 

I stood beside a window on the west side of the house
and looked at the sky, watching intently for a funnel
cloud. Suddenly the telephone rang. It was our neighbor
informing us that a "code red" had been issued for our
area. He confirmed that that meant a tornado funnel
cloud had been sighted close by. I asked him why the
siren in our small town was not sounding. He informed
me it was because of power outage. He further explained
that he had heard on his police scanner instructions
for everyone who could hear the scanner to call their
neighbors to inform them of the "code red." I was
thankful for his concern and I was thankful that the
funnel cloud sighted damaged neither my family nor
anyone else in our area. 

Later that evening, I thought about my neighbor's
concern for me and I reflected upon my concern, or lack
thereof, for my neighbors. Certainly it is important to
inform neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by
the police, because a funnel cloud has been sighted in
the area. But it is all the more important to inform
neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by God,
because in due time Jesus Christ will return. 

God does not want anyone to be destroyed, so God has
sounded a "code red," but not everyone knows it has
been sounded. Those of us who have been informed need
to share the news with our neighbors that God's
judgment is certain and that, without accepting His
full and free pardon, they will be doomed forever. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for those who
told me about Your "code red" gospel message--how
Jesus, Your Son, died for my sins. Please use me to
share Your "code red" message to others and to join
forces with those who are communicating Your "code red"
gospel message to people across the street and around
the world. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

NOTE: To help spread God’s “code red" message around
the world, please join with us as a People Power for
Jesus partner. See
http://www.actsweb.org/people_power.php for more
information and to sign in.

1. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV).

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Being People vs. Program Centered  

"Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when
they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted,
'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us'... Jesus stopped
and called them [the two blind men]. 'What do you want
me to do for you?' he asked."1

I recall having read how, in the 1940s, 80 percent of
all watches sold were made in Switzerland. In the late
1950s the digital watch was presented to them, but they
rejected it because they already had the best watches
and the best watchmakers. The man who developed it
subsequently sold his idea to Seiko--and the rest is
history! 

In 1940 Swiss watch companies employed 80,000 people.
Today, they employ 18,000. In 1940 they made 80 percent
of all watches sold. Today, they make 20 percent--and
the majority are digital! This story demonstrates what
happens when an organization or an individual chooses
to die or fade away rather than change. 

While in the church our message of God's love and His
great gift of salvation never changes, our methods of
ministry and communicating this message need to change
with the changing times and the changing needs of
people. What worked yesteryear may no longer work
today. And if our methods no longer work, we need to
discard them. Becoming product, method, or program
oriented instead of being people oriented spells death
to any ministry, organization, or business. 

When Jesus came, He cut right across the grain of
man-made religious dogma, programs, and traditions that
were not relevant to the needs of the people of Hhis
day. 

In His ministry He was always sensitive to the felt or
perceived needs of His listeners and targeted His
ministry to address those needs. As illustrated in His
encounter with the two blind men His question was,
"What do you want Me to do for you?" To which they
replied, "That we may receive our sight." Before
meeting people's spiritual need, Jesus always
ministered to an individual's personal and felt need.
For us to do less is being less than Christ-like.2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me always to
be sensitive to the felt needs of people, help me to be
as Christ to them, and meet them at their point of
need. In so doing grant that they will be drawn to and
accept You as their Savior and Lord. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."

1. Matthew 20:30, 32 (NIV).
2. Adapted from the book, I Hate Witnessing, a Handbook
for Effective Christian Communications by Dick Innes.
Available from www.actscom.com/store/.

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Reigns of Evil  

"The LORD said through his servants the prophets:
'Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable
sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who
preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols.
Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel,
says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem
and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it
will tingle.'"1

According to Old Testament Bible commentators,
Manasseh's reign as King of Judah over 2,600 years ago
was one of the darkest periods in Judah's history. His
was a reign of evil and his nation paid the terrible
price because they allowed and followed his leadership.

Are things much different in present times? Recall the
reign of Hitler and of Stalin--godless leaders who
slaughtered millions. And look at countries and nations
today where God of the Bible is forgotten, where
Christianity is despised, and where Christians and
others are being slaughtered if they refuse to denounce
their faith and join a different religion, and where
religious zealots are committing heinous acts of mass
murder in the name of a god who is not the Father of
the Lord Jesus Christ and to whom Jesus Christ is not
the Son of God nor Savior of the world--and to whom
followers of Jesus are the infidels who need to be
destroyed.

And let those of us in the West who, in our
complacency, think we are safe and secure see how we
too, as nations, are drifting farther and farther away
from our Judeo/Christian roots and heritage, and
rapidly forgetting God and all that He has done for us.
Do we think we will be protected from evil when we turn
from God?

No we won't. In time we, too, unless we turn back to
God, will go the way of all nations who forgot God and
thereby allowed a reign of evil to rule the land. When
we reject God, we automatically divorce ourselves from
His protection.

People opposed to the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and
anything to do with God and the Christian faith;
leaders without morals; and business leaders without
character and ethics have already done great harm to
U.S. society. Surely Satan has blinded the mind of the
Godless.

What we desperately need today is a revival of the
Spirit; not the revival of a costless, shallow
spiritualism, but a revival of God's Spirit, where we
turn from our sins and come back to God through the
Lord Jesus Christ--and be committed to truth, justice,
integrity and the Jesus way!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, how desperately today's
world needs You and how desperately our country needs
You. I beg of You to send a great Spiritual awakening
to our land and a great revival of the Spirit--and let
Your work begin in me. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. 2 Kings 21:10-12 (NIV).

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Voice in the Night  "Sit up!" the voice in the night said, "and take a deep
breath." It was a stormy night, a personal friend
shared, and we were awakened by an extremely loud clap
of thunder. After the initial fright, checking the kids
and the house, we went back to bed and to sleep. Then
came the voice: I was certain I heard someone speaking.
"Sit up and take in a deep breath," it said.I only
half-awoke and thought I must have been dreaming, so
rolled over and went back to sleep.The voice spoke
again with more insistence, "Sit up and take in a deep
breath." This is weird, I thought so again rolled over
and went back to sleep. "SIT UP! Take in a deep
breath!" the voice spoke again with great urgency. So I
sat up and took in a deep breath ... and smelled smoke!
I was fully awake in an instant ... woke up my husband
... rushed to wake up the children ... we had the
oldest one phone 911 (for emergency) ... my husband
took over the phone ... the operator asked if the
lights were working ... my husband said they were going
out one room at a time. "GET OUT of the house
immediately," declared the operator. "Your house has
been struck by lightning."As quick as a flash the
family rushed outside only moments before the house
exploded and burst into flames. It took firemen six
hours to put the fire out. The house was totally
destroyed, but the entire family was saved. Talk about
a wake-up call! Surely this was a God-thing.
Fortunately the family members were committed followers
of Jesus Christ and even though they lost their house,
their lives were saved. God doesn't usually speak to
most of us in an audible voice. He doesn't have to
because his "wake-up call" is spoken to us repeatedly
in his Word, the Bible. "Wake up!" God says to every
one of us, "Flee from the wrath to come"1 (God's
judgment of sin and evil for the world that has turned
from God will be judged and purified by fire). Wake up,
"It is appointed unto man once to die and after this
the judgment."2 Wake up, "I will come again,"3 Jesus
promised "to take all who believe in me to be with me
in heaven forever." "Wake up," Jesus is coming again
... it may be today. Are you ready? Again Jesus said,
"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in...."4 Whatever
you do don't miss God's wake-up call. Have you opened
the door of your life and invited Jesus, the Son of
God, to come into your heart and life as your God and
your Savior? If not, may I urge you to do that today
... right now ... by praying a simple prayer such as
the following: Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I hear Your
wake-up call, as faint though it may be. I confess that
I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness. Thank You,
Jesus, for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for
all my sins. I invite You to come into my heart and
life as my God and my Savior. With Your help I repent
of and turn from my sinful ways. Thank You for hearing
my prayer, for forgiving me of my sins, and for coming
into my heart and life as my Savior. Help me to live
for You always in all ways. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."NOTE: If you prayed this prayer, please let
us know by clicking on  http://tinyurl.com/pgntm and we
will send you articles (without charge) to help you in
your Christian life. (Be assured that we will never
give any information about you to any other person,
organization, or business.)For more help, Click on
http://tinyurl.com/8glq9 for the article, "How to Be
Sure You're a Real Christian--without having to be
religious."1. Matthew 3:7.
2. Hebrews 9:27.
3. John 14:3.
4. Revelation 3:20.<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Angels Unaware  

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing
some people have entertained angels without knowing
it."1

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God, or
so the story goes. He knew it was a long trip to where
God lived, so he packed his suitcase with cupcakes,
several cans of root beer and started on his journey. 

When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an elderly
woman. She was sitting on a park bench watching the
pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his
suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root
beer when he noticed the lady looked hungry so he
offered her a cupcake. She gratefully accepted and
smiled at him. 

Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it
again, so he offered a root beer as well. Once again
she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! 

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling without
saying a word. 

As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he
was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave but
before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned
around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a big
hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. 

When the boy arrived home his mother was surprised by
the look of joy on his face. She asked, "What has made
you so happy today?" He replied, "I had lunch with
God." Before his mother could respond he added, "You
know what? She's got the most beautiful smile in the
whole world!" 

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy,
returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look
of peace on her face. He asked, "Mother, what has made
you so happy today?" She replied, "I ate cupcakes in
the park with God." And before her son could reply, she
added, "You know, he is much younger than I expected." 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a
smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which
have the potential to turn a life around. 

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a
lifetime. Take no one for granted and embrace all
equally with joy.2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live
that people will see Jesus in me and, seeing Him, will
want Jesus in their heart and life too. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."

1. Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV).
2. I believe this story to be written by Leo Buscaglia,
author of Living, Loving and Learning. If anyone knows
for sure, please let us know.

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God's Appointments  

"Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He
shall bring it to pass."1

Late one evening a professor sat at his desk working on
the next day's lectures. He shuffled through the papers
and mail placed there by his housekeeper. He began to
throw them in the wastebasket when one magazine--not
even addressed to him but delivered to his office by
mistake--fell open to an article titled, "The Needs of
the Congo Mission."

The professor began reading it idly, but then was
consumed by these words: "The need is great here. We
have no one to work the northern  province of Gabon in
the central Congo. And it is my prayer as I write this
article that God will lay His hand on one--one on whom,
already, the Master's eyes have been cast--that he or
she shall be called to this place to help us." The
professor closed the magazine and wrote in his diary:
"My search is over."2

He gave himself to the Congo. His name? Albert
Schweitzer!

If you know about the marvelous missionary service done
by Albert Schweitzer, you will realize that it was no
accident that this magazine was delivered to
Schweitzer's mailbox "by mistake" and then fell open at
the article, "The Needs of the Congo Mission," as he
was about to throw it in the trash.

Over and over again each of us who are committed to
following Christ in our daily life can also testify to
God's appointments in our life. And as we look back
over the past, we can trace the footprints of God
leading and guiding every step of the way. And they
will keep doing so until the end of life's journey and
we meet Jesus face to face and hear his, "Welcome home,
good and faithful servant."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that my life is
in Your hands. Thank You, too, that You lead and guide
me every step of the way when I daily commit and trust
my life and way to You. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Psalm 37:5 (NKJV).
2. Leadership, Vol. 12 No. 3.

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
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Today's Daily Encounter

A Father, A Son, and a Donkey  

"Five times I [the Apostle Paul] received from the Jews
the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten
with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was
shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
I have been constantly on the move. I have been in
danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger
from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in
danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger
at sea; and in danger from false brothers."1

Anyone whose aim and efforts are invested in achieving
noble and worthy goals for God will, without doubt, at
some point face opposition and criticism--and the
greater the hostility of those opposed to God's Word,
God's ways and Christianity, the greater will be the
opposition and even danger. The fact is you cannot
please everyone and those who try to do so end up
pleasing no one!

C. T. Studd, (1860-1931) the famed English missionary
who served God in China, India, and Africa, once
remarked: "Remember the miller's donkey. The miller,
son and donkey went to the market. The miller rode the
donkey all the way and people exclaimed, 'Cruel man,
riding himself and making his son walk.' So he got down
and his son rode; then people slanged, 'What a lazy son
for riding while poor old father walks.' Then both
father and son rode, and people then said, 'Cruelty to
animals, poor donkey.' So they got down and carried the
donkey on a pole, but folks said, 'Here are two asses
carrying another ass.' Then all three walked and people
said, 'What fools to have a donkey and not ride it.' So
let's go ahead with our work for God and not care what
folks say."

Studd also said, "Had I cared for the comments of
people, I should never have been a Missionary."

With a sense of God's call in your heart there may be
times when you need to do what you need to do even if
the whole world votes against you. And that can be
really hard to do, so be sure it's God's call and not
that of your mother, father, friend, or anyone else--or
from your own mixed motives--otherwise when the
pressures of opposition hammer home, you'll crumble
beneath the load.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to know without a
shadow of a doubt what Your plan and purpose for my
life is--and give me the faith, courage, and
determination to pursue and achieve that goal no matter
what--knowing that You are always with me and will
never forsake me. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (NIV).

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Today's Daily Encounter

Keeping the Faith  

The Apostle Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course, I have kept the faith"1

One of my favorite quotes is from Theodore Roosevelt
who said, "In the battle of life it is not the critic
who counts. Not the man who points out how the strong
man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done
better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually
in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat
and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes
short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy
cause. Who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph
of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he
fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his
place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat."

And as another has said: "It is better to have tried
and failed than never to have tried at all."

However, when we seek and discover God's plan and
purpose for our life and give our all to that noble and
worthy cause, we may never get our name emblazoned on
the billboards with the rich and famous, and though we
fumble and fall a thousand times, as long as we keep
getting up and going on, we cannot fail and the results
will last for all eternity.

As martyred missionary, Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool
who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot
lose."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to see Your plan
and purpose for my life, give me the courage to pursue
it with all my heart, and never to give up knowing that
You will be with me to the end. And then, at the end of
life’s journey, may I hear Your welcome words, 'Well
done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of
the Lord.' Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV).

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Today's Daily Encounter

Fear Not  

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of
my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out
of my Father's hand."1

"The great Scottish preacher John McNeill told how,
during his childhood, he had to walk a long distance
home every evening, and his route led through a forest
with a large ravine. Reports said that wild animals and
gangs of robbers were often seen in that area. Great
fear would seize his heart as he made his way past the
spooky looking trees. He recalled, 'One night it was
especially dark, but I was aware that something or
someone was moving slowly and quietly toward me. I was
sure it was a robber. When a voice called out, its
eerie tone struck my heart with fear. I thought I was
finished. Then came a second call. This time I could
hear the voice saying, 'John, is that you?' It was my
father. He had known of my fear and had come out to
meet me.'"2

Being a child of God--one of His sheep--doesn't deliver
us from the storms of life, but our faith in Him gives
us a sure and steadfast anchor--a safe and secure rock
to hold on to knowing that God knows exactly where we
are even in life's darkest and most scary places. As
one of my poems puts it: 

    Sometimes it seems that life
    makes little or no sense
    as we wander blind
    searching for a ray of light
    to lead us to the truth
    or to a God who isn't there.
    But if we will stand still and
    listen with our heart, we will
    hear a rustling in the leaves,
    feel the brush of angel's wings,
    and sense the presence of a loving
    Father playing hide-and-seek,
    waiting patiently--
    wanting us to find Him.3

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You are
always with me no matter what and that You will never
leave me nor forsake me. In the quiet of my heart help
me to know and hear Your voice assuring me of Your
presence and that my life and times are in Your hands.
Always. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. John 10:27-29 (NKJV).
2. Alan Carr, Sermon: "Fear Not."
3. Poem by Dick Innes, Copyright 1996, beautifully
produced ready to frame. See and order from
www.actscom.com/store.

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  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter
Authenticity  

"When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him,
'Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing
false.'"1

"There's a story about a woman finding herself alone in
an elevator with the famous and very handsome Robert
Redford. As the elevator moved up the floors, the
woman, like many of us might, found herself
uncontrollably staring at the movie star. Finally, in
her excitement and nervousness, she blurted out: 'Are
you the real Robert Redford?' To which Redford
responded, 'Only when I'm alone.'" 

I think that if I were an actor--especially one as
successful as Robert Redford--I might find it very
difficult to be the real me when I am not acting a part
and may all too readily forget who the real me is. 

Even without being an actor, I find that one of the
most difficult things in life is to be honest with
myself. It's hard enough to know and admit what my true
feelings are, let alone my motives! And it's all too
easy to act out any part to avoid facing the real me. I
may act the part of a super-nice (saccharine sweet)
fellow to avoid facing my unresolved anger…or
super-brave to hide my hidden fears…or gruff and macho
to hide my insecurity and so on. 

However, it's only as I get real and courageously
honest with myself and God that He can help me to grow
and become the person He wants me to be. The same goes
for getting close to people. Only to the degree that I
am open, honest, and real can I relate intimately with
those I love. And, unfortunately, the more I hide my
true self the more I will live with others together
alone apart--a very lonely and unfulfilling existence. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be
real--one in whom there is nothing false--so that I can
become all that You planned for me to be and have
loving, wholesome relationships with You and all of my
loved ones. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. John 1:47 (NIV).

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  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Ready to Give a Defense  

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect."1

Alan Smith tells the story about a carpenter who was
giving evidence about an accident he had witnessed. The
judge asked him how far away he was from the accident. 

The carpenter replied, "Twenty-seven feet,
six-and-one-half inches." 

"How can you be so sure of that distance?" asked the
judge. 

"Well, I knew some idiot would ask me. So I measured
it!" replied the carpenter. 

Oops ... not a good way to answer a judge! 

As Christians we need to be prepared to give a
reasonable answer to everyone who asks about our
Christian faith--and to do this in a spirit of
"gentleness and respect." 

Remember too, that our life speaks much louder than any
words we ever say. Furthermore, people who know we are
Christians will be constantly reading and hearing the
messages our life broadcasts. May we, like the early
Christians, be known by our love for one another and
for our gentle spirit and respectful, courteous manner.


Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me always to be
prepared to give an answer to all who ask me about my
Christian faith--and help me always to answer in a
gentle and respectful manner. And help me to so live
that my life will always be communicating Your love to
every life I touch. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV).

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  and made possible through the donations of 
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  http://www.actscom.com
  
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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Vivid Warning Signs Ignored  

"But understand this: If the owner of the house had
known at what time of night the thief was coming, he
would have kept watch and would not have let his house
be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the
Son of Man [Jesus Christ] will come at an hour when you
do not expect him."1

"National Geographic magazine (May 1984 issue) showed
through a series of color photos and drawings the swift
and terrible destruction that wiped out the Roman
Cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in A.D. 79. The
explosion of Mount Vesuvius was so sudden, the
residents were killed while in their routine: men and
women were at the market, the rich in their luxurious
baths, slaves at toil. They died amid volcanic ash and
super-heated gasses. Even family pets suffered the same
quick and final fate. It takes little imagination to
picture the panic of that terrible day. 

"The saddest part is that these people did not have to
die. Scientists confirm what ancient Roman writers
record--weeks of rumblings and shakings preceded the
actual explosion. Even an ominous plume of smoke was
clearly visible from the mountain days before the
eruption. If only they had been able to read and
respond to Vesuvius's warning!"2

With tireless regularity--every year--Christmas and
Easter remind us of the first coming of Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, who came to earth as a babe and then,
as a man, died on the cruel Roman cross for the sins of
lost mankind. This also reminds and warns us that Jesus
promised He would come to earth a second time, but this
time it would be as King of kings and Lord of lords to
put down all reign of terror and to take His true
followers to be with Him forever in heaven. As every
prophecy in God’s Word about Christ’s first coming was
fulfilled in minutest detail, we can be just as certain
that the prophecies promising His second coming will
also be fulfilled in detail.

When Jesus' disciples asked Him what would be the signs
of His coming again, He said that there would be many
"rumblings" (warning signs); that is, wars and rumors
of wars, earthquakes, pestilences, "Men [people] will
faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on
the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At
that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a
cloud with power and great glory. When these things
BEGIN to take place, stand up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near."3

Could all the wars, violence, deathly disease,
disasters, and increased terrorism in today's world be
part of the warning signs Jesus said would occur
preceding His second coming--just as there were
warnings preceding the explosion of Mount Vesuvius?
Jesus is coming again. The exact day and hour we don't
know, but the signs of the times may be an indication
that His coming is getting nearer every day. 

When He comes, it will be sudden and swift. The
important thing is that we are ready NOW. For He will
come when the vast majority of people least expect it.
Let's not be like the people in the Roman cities of
Pompeii and Herculaneum in A.D. 79 who failed to heed
the warnings of Mount Vesuvius and suffered a dreadful
quick and final fate. Whatever you do, don't put off
any longer making sure that you are ready for Christ's
return. For help see No. 4 below. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that we have
Your promise that Jesus is coming again for this is the
blessed hope of every Christian everywhere. And thank
You that You clearly told us and warned us about the
coming ‘rumblings’ (signs) that are to precede your
second coming. Please awaken us to the fact that it
could be today. And help us to spread Your salvation
message to as many people as possible worldwide while
the door is still open. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Jesus in Matthew 24:43-44 (NIV).
2. Michael Bogart, Lemoore,  California. Leadership,
Vol. 6, no. 4.
3. Luke 21:26-28 (NIV).
4. For help see “How to Be Sure You’re a Real
Christian" at:  http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

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  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Letting Go to Find  

"Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it."1

"True love is like quick-silver," said Ann Landers, "if
you hold it in the palm of your hand, it will remain.
If you try to grasp it, it will slip through your
fingers." Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He
said, "Whoever will save his life will lose it: and
whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it." 

Some parents never let go of their children even when
they are adults. Out of their own insecurity they cling
to their offspring and smother them. In so doing they
drive them away and the thing they need the
most--love--they lose. As the saying goes, "If you love
someone, let them go; if they come back to you, then
they are truly yours. If they don't, they never were."

In other words, when we cling to life to live for
ourselves or cling to someone else for our own sake out
of our own need, we lose what we need the most--love.
This is because we have mistaken need for love. Only as
we let go of clinging are we free to love and live life
to the full.

When we do this and truly love, we give love without
strings attached. In so doing we receive more love to
give. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please heal the deepest
wounding of my heart so I am set free to truly love
others and You without strings attached, and to be a
clear channel through whom Your love for others will
flow. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus in Matthew (16:25). 

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  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Service  

"Then the man who had received the one talent came.
'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man,
harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where
you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went
out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is
what belongs to you.'"1

"Sir Michael Costa, the celebrated conductor, was
holding a rehearsal. As the mighty chorus rang out,
accompanied by scores of instruments, the piccolo
player--a tiny pint-sized flute--thinking perhaps that
his contribution would not be missed amid so much
music, stopped playing. Suddenly, the great leader
stopped and cried out, 'Where's the piccolo?'

"The sound of that one small instrument was necessary
to the harmony, and the Master Conductor missed it when
it dropped out. The point? To the Conductor there are
no insignificant instruments in an orchestra. Sometimes
the smallest and seemingly least important one can make
the greatest contribution and even if it doesn't seem
to make that big a difference to the audience at large,
the conductor knows it right away! 

"In the church, in life and in God's work on earth the
players and the instruments are diverse--different
sizes, different shapes, different notes, different
roles to play. But like the piccolo player in Sir
Michael's orchestra, we often in our own sovereignty
decide that our contribution is not significant. Our
contribution couldn't possibly make a difference. And
so we quit playing. Stop doing that which we've been
given to do. We drop out. But the Conductor immediately
notices."2

From our perspective your and my contribution may be
small, but from God's viewpoint it is critical. So,
whatever you do, don't bury your piccolo (talent) but
put it to use in service for the Lord remembering that
we serve God by serving people and doing it in Jesus's
name. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the gift/s
You have given to me and for the part You have given me
to play as You orchestrate Your plan for the world in
which I live. Help me to play my part diligently,
faithfully, and to the best of my ability always for
Your glory and the benefit of others. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s
name, amen." 

1. Matthew 25:24-25 (NIV).
2. Adapted from Richard Love, Sermon: "Blowing Your
Horn," Memphis: Sermon Illustrations, 1999. Cited on
www.eSermons.com.

<)))><    
  
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  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
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  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
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  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.

  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Cognitive Dissonance  

"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in
keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so
that by following them you may fight the good fight,
holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have
rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith."1

Beliefs are remarkably powerful in that they are to our
lives what a rudder is to a ship. That is, they control
the direction and destiny of our lives. Furthermore,
while we don't always live the life we profess, we
always live the life we believe. Simply put, if I
believe I am a failure, I will set myself up to fail.
If I believe I am a successful person, I will succeed,
and so on. 

Another critical point to remember about beliefs is
that while we may begin with healthy beliefs but if we
fail to live up to them, we will experience cognitive
dissonance; that is, mental disharmony that is caused
by guilt. Because of this discomfort, the danger is
that we may change our beliefs to match our lifestyle.
And then, instead of living the life we believe, we end
up unhappily believing the life we live--a dangerous
and self-destructive path to follow. 

The good news about beliefs is that we get to choose
them. In so doing we choose the direction and destiny
of our life. Thus we need to choose our beliefs
carefully and base them on reality and not on that
which is convenient, or on false teaching or faulty
perceptions from the past. We need to base them on
God's Word and his principles for successful daily
living. 

For some in difficult circumstances it may be difficult
to believe in God and that he has a specific purpose
for your life. Nevertheless, we still believe in God by
choice as exemplified by a World War II prisoner of war
who wrote on a cellar wall in Cologne, Germany: "I
believe in the sun, even when it is not shining; I
believe in love, even when I feel it not; I believe in
God even when he is silent." 

Another powerful thing about beliefs is that they
determine not only the destiny of our present life, but
also our relationship to God and our destiny for the
life to come. God's Word, the Bible, says, "For God so
loved the world that he gave his one and only Son
[Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life."2 Also, "Believe in the
Lord Jesus, and you will be saved [for the life to
come]."3 And again, "To all who received him [Christ],
to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God."4

Remember, too, that beliefs are only wishes until we
act on them!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the wisdom
to choose my beliefs carefully--beliefs that are in
harmony with Your Word, the Bible. And give me the
courage to always live in accordance with these beliefs
and never change them to match a less than wholesome
lifestyle. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1.  Timothy 1:18-19 (NIV).
2. John 3:16 (NIV). 
3. Acts 16:31 (NIV). 
4. John 1:12 (NIV).

NOTE: Today's Daily Encounter is also adapted from "The
Power of Belief" at: http://tinyurl.com/79peh. 

<)))><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Quality Marriage and Relationships  

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who
call on him in truth."1

According to Morris Chalfant, "When polls are taken to
discover what unhappily married men and women object to
in each other, the 'silent husband' heads the wife's
list, and the 'nagging wife' almost always heads the
list of most husbands." 

So, if my marriage and/or close relationships are less
than desirable, what can I do about it? Lots actually. 

First, quit the blame game. Remember, as long as we
play the blame game we will b-lame. 

Second, work on yourself and your own growth and
maturity. The fact is that the only person we can ever
change is our self, and as we change, those around us
tend to change also--not always for the best, however,
as some people don’t like it when we change. 

Third, for men, three lessons: Learn to communicate,
communicate, communicate. Your marriage and family
depend on effective communications. And communication
goes far beyond sharing your thoughts and saying what
you think. It's learning to be honest with your
feelings and not being afraid to say how you feel,
whether it be happy, joyful, sad, afraid, hurt, angry
or whatever. Admittedly, if you haven't learned to do
this, it can be like learning a whole new language. I
know--been there--done that! And when we do share, we
need to remember to always “share the truth in love."

Third, for women. Quit nagging. Let's face it, it
doesn't work and unfortunately the less something
works, all too often, the more we do it. As the saying
goes, “if you keep doing what you've always done,
you'll keep getting what you've always got and you'll
keep feeling as you always felt." 

Fourth, for both men and women a strong reminder to use
"I" messages when you are sharing your feelings. Never
say, "You made me feel such and such," because nobody
can make us feel anything without our permission. But
rather say, "I feel hurt, afraid (or whatever) and I
need to talk to you about such-and-such." 

Fifth, attend an effective communications class and
read a good book together on this topic. An old book
that I found very helpful is John Powell's, Why Am I
Afraid to Tell You Who I Am. You may be able to buy a
copy at your bookstore or on amazon.com. If not, borrow
a copy from your library. Your librarian can also tell
you about other good books on effective communications
and interpersonal relationships. 

Sixth, pray together--every day or night. It's still
true that the family who prays together is more likely
to stay together. But when you pray, learn to pray
openly and honestly. God knows exactly how you feel
anyhow so you may as well tell Him and then you are in
a position to receive His help. Remember, "The Lord is
near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in
truth." Praying empty words and meaningless clichés is
like talking to the wind. 

We stay close to God by being open and truthful with
Him. We stay close to one another in exactly the same
way. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You know
all about me--my deepest joys, sorrows, hurts, fears,
sins and failures--and love me still. Please help me to
be real with myself, with You and with my partner,
other loved ones, and my closest friends. Help me to be
real and authentic so that my life will be a free
channel for Your love to flow through to others. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. Psalm 145:18 (NIV). 

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

O God, Kill the Spider  

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great
a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run
with endurance the race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who
for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand
of the throne of God."1

One Sunday our pastor told an interesting story and,
had it not been serious, it would have been funny. He
told about a fellow in a support group who for months
on end kept praying about a personal problem but never
did anything about it. Week after week he would pray
with seemingly great conviction, "Oh God, clean the
cobwebs out of my life … clean the cobwebs out of my
life!" 

Finally, in utter frustration the leader of the group
broke into the man's prayer and prayed rather
boisterously, "Oh God, KILL THE SPIDER!" 

I can identify with this leader in that I, too, know of
people who have been confessing the same sin and/or
problem for years, asking God for deliverance but never
doing anything about it. True, God feeds the sparrows
but as the old saying goes, he doesn't throw the food
into their nests. 

If we are struggling with a besetting sin or bad habit,
what can we do about it? Certainly pray and ask God for
deliverance but also pray that He will show us the root
cause of our problem because, more often than not, our
repetitive failures are the fruit of a deeper root. God
not only wants to deliver us from habitual sins but
also free us from the deeper root cause. Also, we need
to ask God to lead us to the help we need to overcome
whether it be an AA Group, some other kind of recovery
group, a counselor, a pastor or whatever help we need.
And then we need to do something about finding that
help. As we do our part, God will do His, but He won't
do for us what we can and are able to do for ourselves.
For us to do less is an avoidance of personal
responsibility. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You have
already done for me what I couldn't do for myself in
that You gave your Son, Jesus, to die for and free me
from a life of sin and failure. Please help me to see
the root cause of my besetting sin or problem [name it]
and help me to find the help I need to overcome. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV). 

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

True Greatness  

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven."1

"Shortly after Booker T. Washington, the renowned black
educator, took over the presidency of Tuskegee
Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive
section of town, when he was stopped by a wealthy white
woman.

"Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she
asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by
chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing
business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled,
rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble
chore she had requested. 

"When he was finished, he carried the logs into the
house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl
recognized him and later revealed his identity to the
lady. The next morning the embarrassed woman went to
see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and
apologized profusely. "It's perfectly all right,
Madam," he replied. "Occasionally I enjoy a little
manual labor. Besides, it's always a delight to do
something for a friend."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to remember
that I, too, am a fellow struggler and always to be
ready to lend a helping hand to that person in need
whom You bring across my path. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Matthew 5:3 (NKJV). 
2. KneEmail, www.oakhillcoc.org

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

An Irreversible Spin  

"Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to
sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth
death."1

Following the crash of an Aeroflot jet in Siberia,
which killed all 75 people aboard in March of 1994, the
voices heard on the recording were ones of terror! They
came from a chilling scene. Apparently the pilot was
giving his children a flying lesson at the time of the
crash. 

The transcript from the cockpit tapes reveals the
desperate situation. "Daddy, can I turn this?" cried
the child who was sitting in the captain's seat. 

Then came the voice of the captain shouting, "Get out!
Get out! More than a dozen times he yelled out to his
son who had "accidentally pushed the right pedal,
sending the aircraft into an irreversible spin." 

Sometimes the choices we make seem insignificant at the
time, but when we stop living the life we believe, we
end up unhappily believing the life we live. In so
doing we can put our life into "an irreversible spin"
and unless we face the reality of our actions and call
to God for help, in the long run there's no way out. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to so live that I
will never ignore your Word with its moral principles
for daily living or forget You and thereby place my
life in an irreversible spin. And thank You that when I
am in trouble and call out to You for help, You always
hear and answer my prayers. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. James 1:15 (NKJV). 

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Cheap Advice  

Jesus said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in
your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in
your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me
take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time
there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first
take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will
see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's
eye."1

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy is playing her role as
psychiatrist. She sits in her booth with the sign that
reads: "Psychiatric Help--5 cents." The sign below
says, "The Doctor Is In." Lucy says to Charlie Brown,
"Your life is like a house." 

In the next frame, she says reflectively, "You want
your house to have a solid foundation, don't you?"
Charlie Brown has a kind of blank look on his face.
Lucy says, "Of course you do." 

Charlie Brown is still silent--saying nothing. Then in
the fourth frame, psychiatrist Lucy says, "So don't
build your house on the sand, Charlie Brown." About
that time, a huge wind comes up and blows the booth
down. Lucy, sitting in the rubble says, "Or use cheap
nails."2

Sad to say, too many of us are too quick to give cheap
advice to others and forget, as the old saying goes,
that when we point a finger at others, there are four
fingers pointing back at us. People who are quick to
give unsolicited advice are, generally speaking, very
insecure and gain a sense of false security by having a
ready answer for everyone else's problems--except their
own. 

So "my advice" is: "Don't be an unsolicited advice
giver!" 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me not to be a
judgmental person, nor be quick to find fault with
others, or be an unsolicited advice giver, but rather,
help me to see my own character flaws and lead me to
the help I need to overcome these. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."

1. Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
2. Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com 

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Destruction Invited  

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."1

Vernon Eaton, commenting on the book, Ways of the Ant,
by John Crompton, writes: "A pleasure-mad society needs
to take a lesson from the Sanguine ants and their
affair with the Golden-Haired beetle.

"The ants' normal diet is plain, often to the point of
austerity, but they love unusual and exotic tidbits and
will go to any lengths to satisfy this craving. For
example, the Golden-Haired beetle exudes from the base
of its golden hairs some secretion which ants find
irresistible. So it is allowed to do anything it likes,
even lay its own eggs, which soon turn to grubs. So
besotted and obsessed do the worker ants become that
they feed the beetle with food intended for their own
infants, and even with food reserved for the queen.

"Worse, much worse, they allow the beetle to kill their
infants and eat them. They even kill their own infants
themselves and feed them to this stranger. The beetle
repays them with a generous allowance of the secretion
they crave…. The end is not immediate. The colony may
last two years more, but the end is certain.

"How like Satan is this picture. Promising the
'pleasures of sin' and then enslaving us with our own
cravings. The 'dead-end' may not be obvious at first,
but it is inevitable." 

The good news is that while the end result of sin is
eternal death, which is eternal separation from God the
author of all love and life, the gift of God is both
forgiveness and eternal life. Both are available for
all who believe and ask. For help be sure to read “How
to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian" at:
http://www.actsweb.org/christian/know_god01.php

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me always to remember
that sin always has its consequences and that I will
always reap what I sow--even if it is eventually! And I
thank You that You have provided an escape from sin's
ultimate consequences--eternal death and separation
from You--by giving Jesus to die in my place on the
cross. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Romans 6:23 (NIV).

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Passports  

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"1

Not so long ago I had an urgent phone call from a good
friend in Australia--one of my closest friends when I
was growing up. Two of his granddaughters on their way
to a Bible College in Florida were stranded at the Los
Angeles International Airport. My friend wanted to know
if there was any way I could help them as their
passport and entry papers were not in order. We offered
to have them stay over with us until this got sorted
out. No chance. They were not allowed out of the
airport and we were not allowed to see them--not that
we could have done anything, but it would have been
nice to at least give them a sympathetic ear.

They were put on the next plane and sent back to
Australia.

How terribly disappointing it was for them. They were
just kids and didn't know any betteras their travel
agent hadn't given them the correct instructions. The
good newsis that all was corrected and they were able
to return to the U.S. and attend collegein Florida.

This is a good reminder about making sure that we have
our passport for heaven. All religions, as many would
have us believe, do not lead to heaven. Good works, as
many others claim, will not get us into God's heaven
either. There's only one way and that is through the
Lord Jesus Christ who has paid the ransom price for all
our sins and wrongdoings through His death on the
cross. There is no other way.

Accepting Jesus as your Savior provides your passport
for entry into heaven. Whatever you do, don't leave
earth without it. Unlike our friends from Australia,
there will not be a second chance to come back to get
it right. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You gave
Your Son, Jesus, to pay the ultimate sacrifice in
giving His life as a ransom price to pay for the
penalty of all my sins, and that in accepting Him as my
Savior gives me my 'passport' to heaven. Please help me
to be sure that I have my passport to heaven. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus's name, amen."

For your passport to heaven be sure to read the
article, “Passport for Heaven" at:
http://www.actsweb.org/passport.php

1. John 14: 6 (NIV).

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Choices  

"'King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you
do.' Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in
such a short time you can persuade me to be a
Christian?' Paul replied, 'Short time or long--I pray
God that not only you but all who are listening to me
today may become what I am, except for these chains.'"1

Phil Parrino, a Daily Encounter reader, tells the story
how in "World War I there was a young American
ambulance driver who personally witnessed all kinds of
death and suffering. After the war he wrote dark
brooding novels and finally committed suicide. His name
was Earnest Hemmingway. 

"But there was another American Ambulance driver even
younger than the first. The dead and dying he witnessed
were mostly from the great influenza epidemic that
swept Europe at the end of World War I. After the war
he drew cartoons and made people laugh. When he died,
he was loved by millions. His name was Walt Disney. 

"As you have said, it's not only what happens to us,
but how we react to it. Our personality predisposes us
to a certain extent, but in the end we make the
choice." 

Life is a series of choices. I am today where I am
because of choices I made years ago. I will be where I
am tomorrow based on choices I make today. And I will
spend eternity based on the choice I make about
accepting or rejecting God's great gift of salvation in
the here and now! 

As Paul challenged King Agrippa to become a Christian,
he challenges you and me today to make that choice and
not to be an almost-persuaded. For help be sure to
read, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian" at:
http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to see that my
life has been shaped in so many ways because of choices
I made in the past. Help me to make choices today for
where I want to be tomorrow. And above all, help me to
make the right choice today about eternity by making
sure I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and am a true
follower of Him. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Acts 26:27-29 (NIV).

<:((((><    
  
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, 
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by 
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.