Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

Be Responsible--Do Right  

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it
all for the glory of God."1

Today's Daily Encounter was written by Commander Eric
J. Berryman.

The USS Astoria (C-34) was the first U.S. cruiser to
engage the Japanese during the Battle of Savo Island, a
night action fought 8-9 August 1942. Although she
scored two hits on the Imperial flagship Chokai, the
Astoria was badly damaged and sank shortly after noon,
9 August.

About 0200 hours a young midwesterner, Signalman 3rd
Class Elgin Staples, was swept overboard by the blast
when the Astoria's number one eight-inch gun turret
exploded. Wounded in both legs by shrapnel and in
semi-shock, he was kept afloat by a narrow life belt
that he managed to activate with a simple trigger
mechanism.

At around 0600 hours, Staples was rescued by a passing
destroyer and returned to the Astoria, whose captain
was attempting to save the cruiser by beaching her. The
effort failed, and Staples, still wearing the same life
belt, found himself back in the water. He was picked up
again, this time by the USS President Jackson (AP-37),
he was one of 500 survivors of the battle who were
evacuated to Noumea.

On board the transport, Staples, for the first time,
closely examined the life belt that had served him so
well. It had been manufactured by Firestone Tire and
Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, and bore a registration
number.

Given home leave Staples told his story and asked his
mother, who worked for Firestone, about the purpose of
the number on the belt. She replied that the company
insisted on personal responsibility for the war effort,
and that the number was unique and assigned to only one
inspector. Staples remembered everything about the
lifebelt, and quoted the number. It was his mother's
personal code and affixed to every item she was
responsible for approving.2

When we always do what is right, the person we help the
most in many ways is most likely to be our own self and
that of our loved ones.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me always to
do what is right--no matter what--so that my life will
not be lived in vain, and so that when I get to the end
of life's journey, I will hear Your welcome words,
'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the
joy of your Lord.' Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 

1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV).
2. Commander Eric J. Berryman, U.S. Naval Reserve,
Proceedings, U.S. Naval Institute, vol. 15/6/1036 (June
1989), P. 48; via www.SermonCentral.com. Cited on
PreachingNow, March 28, 2006. http://www.preaching.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.
  
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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
  
 
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

The Search That Cannot Wait  

Behold, now is 'the acceptable time,' behold, now is
‘the day of salvation.'"1

Following the news of ex-Beatle George Harrison's death
back on December 1, 2001, anchor Anne Curry of
television's TODAY show interviewed Anthony DeCurtis, a
writer for Rolling Stone magazine. DeCurtis talked at
length about Harrison's search for a meaningful
spiritual life. Speaking of the Beatles, Curry said,
"Apparently Harrison was the most spiritual of the
group; in a recent interview, he said, 'Everything else
in life can wait, but the search for God cannot
wait.'"2

I don't know whether Harrison ever found God or not. I
surely hope he did. I suspect, however, like too many,
he may have made the search for God a complicated issue
when the easiest way to find God is a simple belief in
God’s Word which says, "For God so loved the world that
He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish but have eternal life"3 -- and a
simple prayer such as, "God, I believe in Jesus. Please
be merciful to me a sinner."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that I don't
have to search to find You because You have already
found me, and have revealed Yourself in Your Son, Jesus
Christ, and that all I have to do is to confess that I
am a sinner, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that
He died on the cross to save me from the penalty of all
my sins, and ask for Your forgiveness. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen.""

For help to find and know God read: "How to Be Sure
You're a Real Christian" by clicking on the "Know God"
link below or going to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. 2. Corinthians 6:2 (NASV).
2. Dave Slagle, Lawrenceville, GA.,
   www.PreachingToday.com.
3. John 3:16 (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
 
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Appreciating Life  

"Prepare to meet your God."1

The former very popular TV star, Mary Tyler Moore, was
"admired not only for her professional accomplishments,
but also for the way she coped with a series of
personal tragedies. Her sister died in 1978. A year
later she lost her only son, Richard, at age
twenty-four. Then her brother succumbed to kidney
cancer. This was followed by the death of her mother.

"As if these traumatic experiences were not enough to
defeat anyone, Mary Tyler Moore battled diabetes since
she was in her twenties. This courageous survivor said,
'The pain is just as intense as it is for someone who
gives up and gives in.'

"Her suffering had made her more sensitive and
responsive; more grateful for life. 'I appreciate,' she
continued, 'much more now. I don't take tomorrow for
granted, because it simply may not be there.'"2

Gutsy lady. Wise woman. It is well known that most
people who develop a depth of character and inner
strength have gone through intense suffering, but I
can't help but wonder how many of us (especially in the
Western world) do take life for granted?

The reality is that none of us has any guarantee of
tomorrow. Some time ago on the I-5 freeway close to our
home the traffic was slowed to a standstill. All the
vehicles ahead had stopped when a semi-trailer slammed
into the car in front of it instantly killing all four
young children who were in the car! A similar thing
happened to me--although nowhere nearly as drastic. I,
along with several other cars, had stopped at a red
light when suddenly we were rammed into from behind by
a heavy pickup truck causing a five-car pile up. I
thanked God that I wasn't killed or seriously hurt. My
vehicle was badly damaged. 

Life is fragile. It is not only important that we don't
take it for granted, but also that we prepare today for
tomorrow's life after life. Eternity is forever.
Whatever you do make absolute sure you have your
"passport for heaven" without which you will not be
able to gain entry into God's heaven any more than you
could gain entry into Australia, England, Germany, the
U.S.A or numerous other countries without a valid
passport. To obtain your passport for Heaven go to:
"Passport for Heaven" at: http://tinyurl.com/dm472. It
comes without charge!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to realize that
this life is fragile; that there are no guarantees for
tomorrow; and that I need to be prepared for life after
life. Please help me to obtain my 'Passport' for entry
into Your heaven.  Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Amos 4:12 (NIV).
2. G. Curtis Jones and Paul H. Hones, 500 Illustrations
Stories from Life for Preaching and Teaching, Abingdon
Press. Cited in Encounter magazine (ACTS Int.
Australia, April-May, 2007.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

The Baffling Call of God  

Isaiah the ancient prophet wrote, "Then I heard the
voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who
will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"1

Another thing I struggled with when I was a young man
was how would I know if God was calling me to serve Him
in a full-time capacity?

One of the most helpful pieces of advice I received
came from Oswald Chambers who described God's call as
being like "the call of the sea to the sailor. Only he
who has the nature of the sea within can hear that
call."

In other words, a man who is "called" to be a sailor
cannot rest until he launches out to sea--the call is
in his heart. And so it is with the call of God. One
cannot rest until he/she steps out from the safety of
the shore and launches out into what he/she believes
God is calling him or her to do.

A good test is: "Are you gifted for what you believe
you are being called to do?" As a general rule,
although not always, friends who know you well can help
you answer this question more realistically.  

Another test of God's call is to try doing in a small
way what you feel you are being called to do. For
instance, if you feel called to be a teacher, learn a
subject well and offer to teach a small class in your
church. After practice you will see if you are gifted
to teach or not. When I feel I'm being led to do
something, I always start in a small way to put it to
the test. If it fails, I know it wasn't from God.
However, we may need to test our call several times
because nothing that is worthwhile ever comes easily.

Be assured, however, if God has called or led you to do
it, He will help you. But we need to do our part too.
Once we feel assured that God is calling us, we need to
be adequately trained for the work we are called to do.
True, we are instruments in God's hand but it is our
responsibility to make and keep the instrument sharp
... and in tune! 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, give me the courage to put
to the test what I sense You are leading me to do. I'm
willing to do what You want me to do ... just make it
plain to me. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Isaiah 6:8 (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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Fall In ... Live In ... Fall Out  

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage
bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all
the sexually immoral."1

Guess we've all heard and maybe experienced
falling-in-love at first sight. Sure, it can be
exhilarating, but let's be realistic. It's really
attraction, infatuation, or lust at first sight. How
can you possibly love someone without knowing them or
anything about them? You can't. True, attraction can
grow into love but more often than not those who
fall-in-love too soon, all too soon fall-out-of-love.

And then there are those who, totally neglecting God's
instructions, argue that you should live together
before getting married to make sure you are compatible.
However, according to James Kennedy, "A study
challenges the practice of living together 'before
marriage.' The journal, Demography, reveals that
cohabitation ends in separation 90 percent of the time.
More than half end in less than one year."

And "according to lead researcher Daniel Lichter of
Cornell  University 'Serial cohabitation may be an
emerging norm as cohabiting unions form and break up.
The common view of cohabitation as a steppingstone to
marriage needs to be seriously questioned.'"2

For more than a decade-and-a-half I have taught in
divorce recovery programs and repeatedly have seen
divorcees "fall-in-love" again before ever resolving
the part they played in the breakup of their marriage.
Over and over we recommend that divorcees resolve their
issues before ever committing to another permanent
relationship, for only healthy, mature people are
attracted to and find healthy, mature partners--and
develop healthy relationships and marriages. 

Also, it is imperative that one gets to know
him/herself and their potential partner before ever
saying, "I do." The fact is that if I don’t fully know
and understand myself, it is not possible to fully know
and understand anybody else.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to grow and
mature in every area of life, and to know and
understand myself so that I will be able to know and
understand others, and therein be able to develop
healthy and mature relationships. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Hebrews 13:4 (NIV).
2. James Kennedy, Center for Reclaiming America,
cfra@coralridge.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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

In the Shadow of His Wings  

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His
wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be
your shield and rampart."1

A parable I read some time ago provides a penetrating
picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in a
national park, as the parable states, forest rangers
began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's
damage.

One ranger found a dead bird in the ashes, perched
statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.
Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over
the bird with a stick.

When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from
under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother,
keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her
offspring to the base of the tree and gathered them
under her wings. She could have flown to safety but
refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze arrived
and the heat singed her small body, the mother remained
steadfast.

Even though this story isn't real, one could imagine a
mother hen seeking to protect her chicks by covering
them with her wings. Because Jesus was willing to die
for us--a true event--all who dwell "under the shadow
of His [God/Jesus'] wings" will live--forever.

Suggested prayer: "Dear Jesus/God, thank You that You
were willing to die for me so I could live with You for
all eternity. Help me to be willing to live for You so
that I can be used of You to help win others to You so
that they, too, will find refuge under the shadow of
Your wings and receive Your gift of forgiveness and
eternal life. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Psalm 91:4.

<)))><    
  
  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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Legalism Versus "Good Samaritanism"  

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and
faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in
their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted
by the world."1

The point I want to make today is that we need to be
aware of the curse and devastating effects of legalism
which is still very much alive and well in various
circles today in both secular and religious
institutions. Legalists are basically insecure people
who use rules and regulations to control others and to
keep themselves feeling safe. It is of course a false
security.   

Jesus ripped apart the legalistic religious Pharisees
of his day who loved their legalistic  man-made rules
more than they loved people. No wonder Jesus condemned
them. And how like Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan
where a Jewish man had been robbed and beaten and left
by the side of the road in great pain and distress.
When a religious priest came by and saw him, he passed
by on the other side of the street. Another religious
leader did exactly the same thing. But a man the Jews
despised, a Samaritan, "took pity on him. He went to
him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an
inn and took care of him."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the
curse of legalism and help me to be like the Good
Samaritan. Because of all that You have done for me,
give me a compassionate heart for others who, like me,
are also in need. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 

1. James 1:27.
2.  See Luke 10:30-37.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Overcoming Depression Part III  

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever
is admirable--if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy--think about such things."1

Yesterday we talked about depression that has a
physical cause. The cause can also be emotional. If so,
complete honesty with yourself, a trusted friend
(and/or a qualified counselor where needed), and God
about your true feelings is the first and all-important
step in overcoming this type of depression.

Questions such as the following can be helpful: Am I
hurt or angry? Am I not forgiving someone? Are my needs
for love and acceptance being met? Have I learned to
recognize and express my feelings creatively? Have I
resolved any impaired relationship or feelings of
guilt? Am I using my abilities? Do I have a purpose for
living with worthwhile work and meaningful goals? Have
I accepted full responsibility for my life and my
feelings?

Merely talking about problems or feelings is not
helpful. We need to see, confess and resolve the
feelings that are the root cause of the depression.

Is the cause mental; that is, in one's negative
thinking? Remember, when we feel down, we tend to dwell
on self-defeating, negative thoughts. Practice
exchanging these for positive affirmations such as,
"Thank you God that you love and accept me as I am, and
because you do, I love and accept myself too."
Concentrating on positive thoughts--even though you
don't feel like it--and doing something worthwhile to
help get your thoughts off yourself is also helpful for
overcoming depression.

Is the cause spiritual? Dr. Paul Tournier,
world-renowned Swiss medical doctor and psychiatrist,
states, "All my experience has taught me the
limitations of medicine and psychology, because the
supreme and universal need of man is to find God."

Augustine (AD 354-430) aptly described man's need for
God this way: "You have made us for yourself, O God,
and our hearts are restless until they find their rest
in You."

Man finds total inner peace and wholeness only as he is
in harmony with himself, others and God.

If you are depressed, talk to your doctor, a close
friend, your pastor, or a competent counselor. Live a
balanced life and remember, with competent help, faith,
and persistence you can overcome depression. Above all,
talk to God. He loves you and cares for you. Ask Him to
direct you to the help you need, to give you the
courage to face the cause/s of your depression, and to
help you grow through your pain.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whatever unresolved issues
I have in my life, please give me the courage to admit
that I have a problem and need help. Deliver me from
the sin of denial and lead me to the help I need--be it
physical, emotional, mental or spiritual--to understand
and overcome my problems. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Philippians 4:8 (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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Overcoming Depression Part I  

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed
within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise
him, my Savior and my God."1

When his father had a sudden heart attack and died,
Jack Lawson was devastated. He withdrew from friends
and family, was unable to sleep at night, and just
couldn't stop crying. It took him a good six months to
resolve the resulting depression, but afterwards he
said he felt "better put-together than before."

Depression is something many of us grapple with at some
time or another. As Dr. Frederick Flach, professor of
psychiatry at Cornell University, explained, depression
is a normal reaction to many of life's situations, such
as the loss of a loved one, a valued object, or job, or
experiencing divorce.

Depression is only destructive if we fail to deal with
and resolve it. When we work through it, our life, like
Jack Lawson's, can be enriched. Until resolved,
however, its symptoms can be very painful and include a
loss of self-esteem, appetite or libido. It can induce
indecisiveness, alcoholism, sleeplessness,
irritability, bad temper, tearfulness, dejection,
procrastination, apathy, headaches, backaches, chronic
fatigue, nausea, digestive upsets, and many other ills.

Its causes can be many and complex. They can be
physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. There are no
simple answers, but once we understand and receive help
to treat the cause or causes, we can resolve and get on
top of our depression.

Physical Causes. For several years Joan was plagued by
fatigue and depression. A thorough medical examination
showed that she had low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
After a short time on a suitable diet she was back to
her old, bright self.

Physical exhaustion, burnout, an unbalanced diet, too
much refined sugar, lack of exercise, a chemical
deficiency in the brain, or hormonal changes can make
people vulnerable to depression too. The latter is
especially true for women during their menstrual cycle
or pregnancy, immediately following the birth of a
child, or during menopause.

Emotional Causes. Some depression is the result of
normal mood swings that most healthy people experience
at some time. Other depression can have its roots in
painful childhood experiences such as physical or
sexual abuse, neglect, or from a feeling of not being
fully loved. Lack of purpose without meaningful work
and worthwhile goals, not using one's abilities, too
few friends and loneliness, unmet needs, and
unfulfilled dreams, can all cause or increase
depression as well.

To be continued ....

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whenever I am feeling down
too much for too long, please help me to admit and face
my problem realistically, and seek Your help and that
of a trusted friend, pastor or counselor wherever
needed, and to find the help needed to treat the
causes. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Psalm 43:5 (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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

A Chance to Change the World  

"And then he [Jesus] told them, 'Go into all the world
and preach [communicate] the Good News to everyone,
everywhere.'"1 

Donald William Dotterer wrote, "Steven Jobs is the man
who founded the enormously successful company called
Apple Computer. Jobs decided that Mr. John Sculley was
the man he needed to help him fulfill his dream of
building a completely different kind of computer
company, one which [Jobs dreamed] would make computers
available to every person in the world. However, Mr.
Sculley was comfortably and safely entrenched as
president of the Pepsico Corporation, the makers of the
soft drink Pepsi. 

"In this position, John Sculley had achieved everything
that a man could want: power, prestige, public
recognition, an enormous salary and a secure future.
The thought of a career change requiring a move to the
West Coast frightened him. He was concerned about
losing pensions and deferred compensation and the
adjustment to living in California, in other words,
'the pragmatic stuff that preoccupies the middle-aged.'

"John Sculley knew that he was safe at Pepsico. But he
also knew that he had grown to dislike the competitive
nature of the business. He also knew how bored he was.
Steven Jobs at Apple Computer sensed this. And so he
finally confronted his new friend with this pointed
question. He said to John, 'Do you want to spend the
rest of your life selling sugared water or do you want
a chance to change the world?' That question penetrated
deep into the heart and mind of John Sculley. It
changed the course of his life. He therefore went to
Apple Computer and helped it to grow into one of the
most successful corporations in the world. Mr.
Sculley's life was changed because he took the risk and
decided to invest. Was it a risk? Yes. But without it,
there would be no reward."2

I'm not suggesting that you should change your job
(though some of you may need to), but I am asking, "Do
you want to spend the rest of your life doing only what
you are doing now, or do you want to help to truly
change the world--one person at a time?" 

You can. Here are a few of many simple ways you can do
this: 

First, make yourself available to God every day and ask
Him to use you to be as Jesus to every life you touch
and that people seeing Jesus in you will want Him for
themselves. 

Second, become involved in serving others through your
local church or a fine voluntary organization and help
make a difference in your local community. 

Third, you can send copies of suitable Daily Encounters
to friends and loved ones and share with them these
non-preachy Christian messages that speak directly to
their personal needs. Hundreds of people are being
reached with the gospel and Christian message in this
way and it, too, is helping to change the world--one
person at a time. 

Fourth, besides financially supporting your local
church, help support faith organizations that are
making a difference and those that are spreading the
gospel. There are many such organizations that are
dependent on the support of concerned Christians for
their operation. And in your giving, please consider
becoming a partner with ACTS International (publisher
of Daily and Weekend Encounter) through your prayer and
financial support and therein be a part of a work that
is sending the gospel around the world via E-mail and
the Internet every day of the year. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for Jesus, the
Savior, the hope of lost mankind, and the only one who
has the power to truly change the world. I am
available--please guide me in how I can best invest my
time, talents, and money in Your work, and use me today
and every day to be as Christ to every life I touch,
and therein help change the world in which I live--one
person at a time. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Mark 16:15 (TLB-NLT).
2. Donald William Dotterer, "Living the Easter Faith,"
CSS Publishing Company, 1994. Cited on
www.eSermons.com, 2002.

<)))>< 
    
  
  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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Strengthen Your Self-Confidence  

God said to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go."1

According to Samuel Johnson, "Self-confidence is the
first requisite to great undertakings." This is true
for both the non-Christian and the Christian alike but
what the Christian needs perhaps even more is
God-confidence.

As another has pointed out, "Moses lacked
self-confidence when God called him. Had Joshua had
lots of self-confidence, why would God have told him to
not be afraid? Gideon certainly lacked self-confidence.
And until the disciples of Jesus were filled with the
Holy Spirit, understandably, they had little
self-confidence. When Jesus was taken captive, they
fled. Undoubtedly, just as I would have done had I been
in their shoes. Had Paul had lots of self-confidence in
all situations, why would God have sent an angel to him
when he was in prison to tell him to fear not? And over
and over God had to tell David not to fear."

Lacking self-confidence is par for the course for most
of us because we all struggle with this to some degree.
So how do we overcome?

First, we need to build on our successes and not our
failures ... and on what we can do, not on what we
can't do! For instance, I may be a terrible bricklayer
but that doesn't make me a terrible or bad person.

Second, more importantly, building up our
self-confidence needs to come from within ... that is,
building up my belief in myself. This comes mostly from
being open, honest and transparent with at least one or
two trusted friends to whom I reveal my total
self--warts and all. As they love and accept me as I
am, little by little I learn to love and accept myself
as I am. And as we grow in a healthy self-love, it is
amazing how our self-confidence increases.

Third, how do I build up my God-confidence? I do this
by choosing to trust Him no matter how I feel. When I
am lacking in self-confidence, I just keep saying to
God, "I'm afraid but I choose to trust You in this
situation." Eventually my feelings catch up with my
choice to trust God.

We also build up God-confidence through experience ...
by stepping out and practicing faith in God and doing
what we believe he wants us to do. As we see God using
us, our God-confidence grows. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that you love
and accept me as I am ... please help me to do the same
... and help me to grow to become the person You want
me to be so that my God-confidence and self-confidence
will increase greatly--all for the glory of Your name
and not mine. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Joshua 1:9 (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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Six Powerful Words  

"But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared
not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead,
he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be
merciful to me, for I am a sinner.'"1

I have read how a parts manager for a small electronics
shop had occasion to order part No. 669 from the
factory. But when he received it he noticed that
someone had sent part No. 699 instead.

Furious at the factory's incompetence, he promptly sent
the part back along with a letter giving them a piece
of his mind. Less than a week later, he received the
same part back with a letter containing just four
words: "TURN THE PART OVER."2

You'd be amazed at how many people get mad at me
because they can't receive their Daily Encounter. I
need to remind them that our server only has the
control of the sending. The receiving is totally out of
our control. Others get mad at me because they can't
unsubscribe. Very often it is because they are trying
to unsubscribe an address they aren't subscribed as.
After I have checked everything at our end and
explained the above situations, not one subscriber has
ever apologized to me for blaming me for their error.

Sadly, too many of us are too quick to blame others for
our "mistrakes" and too slow to apologize for them.

When it comes to relationships, blaming others for our
problems can be disastrous. Tell me ... I've taught in
divorce recovery classes for years and I'd say about 90
percent of the divorcees I've worked with primarily
blame their former spouse for the breakup of their
marriage--without even considering that every one of us
contributes something to a failed relationship.

True, we all make mistakes, but the one who wins in the
long run is not the one who plays the blame-game but
the one who can say and genuinely mean the following
six words: "I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Furthermore, the only person God can help is the one
who can say from the heart, "O God, be merciful to me,
for I am a sinner."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for Your loving
mercy for always forgiving me when I genuinely confess
my sins and failures to You--and ask for Your
forgiveness. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

Note: For additional help read, "Forgiveness: The Power
That Heals," at http://tinyurl.com/3bw3q3

1. Luke 18:13 (NLT).
2. Sunday Funnies Humor, http://www.net153.com/best.htm

<)))><    
  
  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) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Ignoring the Warnings  

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to
face judgment."1

I read about a West Virginia State Trooper who stopped
a woman driver for going 15 miles over the speed limit.
After handing her a ticket, the driver asked him,
"Don't you give out warnings?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down the
road. They say, 'Speed Limit 55.'"2

I can imagine that many people--who have rejected God
all their life and failed to accept His forgiveness for
their sins--when they stand before God at the end of
life's journey and are required to give an account of
their life and receive God's judgment are going to want
to say the same as the lady above: "Don't you give out
warnings?"

I can imagine God saying, "Yes, sir/madam, my Word, the
Bible, is filled with warnings from cover to cover to
prepare for life after death. And every year of your
life you were reminded of my offer of forgiveness and
eternal life at both Christmas and Easter." 

And this is what they will hear God say to them: "I
never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice
lawlessness!"3

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You have
warned me over and over to prepare to meet You face to
face after I die. Please help me to make my life right
with You.  Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 

And, Dear friend, if you have never put your life right
with God, He is giving you that opportunity today. For
God's Invitation go to: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w, or
for further help to know God go to:
http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).
2. from Reader's Digest, "All in a Day's Work," by
Patricia Greenlee.
3. Matthew 7:23 (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

  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

No One to Speak for Me  

"And He [Jesus] said to them, Go into all the world and
preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to
every creature [of the whole human race]."1

I vividly recall how, when visiting the Holocaust
Museum in Washington, DC--a profoundly sobering
experience--how deeply I was moved when reading the
words credited by some (but disputed by others) to
Martin Niemöller:

    First they came for the Jews
    and I did not speak out    
    because I was not a Jew.
    Then they came for the Communists
    and I did not speak out
    because I was not a Communist.
    Then they came for the trade unionists
    and I did not speak out
    because I was not a trade unionist.
    Then they came for me
    and there was no one left
    to speak out for me.

The plan to kill Jews today may be even more
destructive than in the Holocaust. I say this because
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has expressed
doubt that the Holocaust ever happened.2 He has also
declared openly that he wants Israel wiped off the map,
and it appears that in the not too distant future his
country may very likely have nuclear weapons--a
frightening thought as an ever increasing number of
extremist Muslims are determined to kill not only Jews,
but Christians, Americans and other Westerners, and
pretty much all who refuse to convert to their evil
form of radical religion. Their barbaric philosophy is
"convert or have your head cut off."

We Christians know that the only hope of the world is
the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, but what will we
Christians do about it? Will we again remain silent as
so many did for so long during Hitler's reign of
terror? I was also horrified to learn that we Western
countries refused to allow Jews to immigrate to our
countries even when we knew what Hitler was doing.
Consequently, six million Jews were sent to the death
chambers. 

According to a survey of Christians in America by the
highly respected Barna Group, only 29% of Christians
see the need to explain their faith with
non-believers--which is down from 39% [more than] a
year ago.3

Perhaps more than ever we need to take seriously Jesus
Christ's last commission to His disciples to "go into
all the world and preach the gospel to everyone
everywhere." Never before has this been as possible as
it is today.  

May every one of us ask God daily to use us to be an
effective witness for Jesus. 

Also, please go to www.actsweb.org/announce.php for a
very simple and non-threatening way to share God's love
and message of salvation with family, friends, and
contacts. And please support in prayer and finances
organizations that are actively involved in reaching
people with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I'm available. Please use
me to be an effective witness for You and do all that I
can to help spread the gospel around the world. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus (Mark 16:15, AMP).
2. Reuters, Friday, December 9, 2005; Page A18.
http://tinyurl.com/3x72lb
3. The Barna Update, http://tinyurl.com/27csc5

<)))><    
  
  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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

The Supreme Sacrifice  

Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, that a
man lay down his life for his friends."1

On November 11, 1918, "World War I ended when Germany,
bereft of manpower, supplies and food, signed an
armistice agreement. The war's tolls were at least ten
million dead, six million of them civilians, and 21
million wounded."

How tragic and insane war is. The carnage, the killing,
the maiming for life, the emotional trauma and scars,
the grief of loved ones all because one man or a few
men have an insatiable thirst for power with the
grandiose dream of conquering and ruling the world or a
significant part of it.

But thank God that when such men rise to power, that
our young men and women rise up to defend the rest of
us and are willing to sacrifice their life in order to
save ours.

Today in the U.S.A. is Memorial Day, when all grateful
citizens and residents especially remember all service
men and women with much thanksgiving and grateful
hearts. Where would so many of us be today had it not
been for these dedicated young men and women?

As another has said so well:

    "It is the soldier, not the reporter,
    Who has given us freedom of the press.
    It is the soldier, not the poet,
    Who has given us freedom of speech.
    It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
    Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
    It is the soldier,
    Who salutes the flag,
    Who serves beneath the flag,
    And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
    Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, for those of us who have
the wonderful privilege of living in a free country, we
thank You for the multiplied thousands of service men
and woman who put their lives on the line, and for
those who gave their lives in order to save ours. And
we thank You for the wonderful freedom that we have as
a result. May we never take these blessings and
privileges for granted. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. John 15:13.

<)))><    
  
  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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Dreams: God's Forgotten Language? Part II  

"Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall
see visions."1

Dreams not only give valuable personal insights but
also have given many creative insights. Some inventors,
for example, have received profound ideas from dreams.
I recall reading how the inventor, Elias Howe, designed
the first sewing machine. He was having great
difficulty in conceiving a workable needle. When he was
close to running out of money, he had an unusual dream.
He dreamt that he was about to be executed because he
failed to design a sewing machine for the king of a
strange country. 

In his dream he was surrounded by guards, all of whom
held spears that had been pierced with holes near the
tip. Howe woke up and immediately rushed to his
workshop. The perfect concept for the sewing machine
needle came to him in this dream. Within a few hours
the first sewing machine design was well on the way to
being completed. 

I have heard it said that the theory of relativity came
to Einstein in either a dream or a vision. Apparently
he saw it on a beam of light. I have also read that the
design for the first radio tube came to the inventor in
a dream. 

Was it time for these discoveries to come into the
world and did God give them to the persons who were
trained to understand them and put them to use? Or did
they just happen by chance? I prefer to think the
former. 

So whatever we think about dreams, as we said
yesterday, they are a God-given gift in that He gave us
the ability to dream. Whether we repress them as many
do, ignore them as most do, or use them for creative
purposes as some do is entirely up to each individual. 

If you want to remember your dreams, keep a pen and pad
at your bedside and record any dream that makes a
strong impression on your mind. Speaking personally,
dreams have given me some valuable insights for growth
and recovery. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the
God-given ability to dream. Whenever I have a dream
that is meant to help me grow, resolve an issue, do a
good deed, help someone in need, or gain a valuable
insight, please help me to interpret it correctly and
use it for the purpose for which it was given. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus's name, amen." 

1. Joel 2:28 (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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Dreams: God's Forgotten Language? Part I  

"I have received full payment and even more; I am amply
supplied."1

Dreams. Do they have meaning and purpose? Does God
still speak to people through them? 

Technically speaking, dreams are the right or creative
side of the brain communicating to the left or logical
side of the brain. They are often visual symbols of
what we are feeling deep inside. Clinical tests have
shown that we all dream every night even if we don't
remember what we have dreamed. 

Dreaming is one of nature's ways to relieve tension. In
one test, sleepers were monitored with electronic
equipment to show when they were dreaming. As soon as
they started to dream, they were awakened and the dream
stopped. The test had to be discontinued after several
nights as the people in the test were becoming too
emotionally distressed. 

Some dreams can be caused by an emotional upset; others
by stress or physical pain. For several days following
an operation on my Achilles tendon, which I snapped
twice in three months, I kept dreaming over and over
that I was falling and snapping my tendon. These were
more like nightmares! 

At other times dreams can be very insightful. For
instance, some dreams have clearly shown me conflicts
from childhood that I needed to resolve. 

Repeated dreams that follow a theme--such as when we
are trying to run from something but can't move, or
when we are being chased but can't get away, or falling
and can't catch ourselves--may indicate an unresolved
fear or conflict from the past. It's nature's way of
notifying us that we need to resolve some long
forgotten memory. 

But does God ever speak to us today through dreams as
he did in Bible times?

I think so. On one occasion when my organization (ACTS
International) was facing a severe financial crisis, I
was feeling very afraid and discouraged, and fell
asleep during my morning devotional time when I had a
fascinating dream. In the dream I heard a voice that
said very clearly, "Philippians 4:18 makes sense to
me." 

Immediately I woke up, opened my Bible to that passage
and read the following: "I have received full payment
and even more; I am amply supplied!" I had never
memorized that Scripture verse so it didn't come from
my memory bank! That certainly encouraged me and, by
way of interest, we did survive that crisis. 

Some dreams may be from God. Most aren't. However, the
ability to dream is. And we have been given them for a
purpose--at least to relieve stress and to gain
insights for personal and spiritual growth. The
difficulty can be in interpreting them correctly.
However, through prayer and practice we can learn to do
this and use them creatively.

To be continued ....

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the ability
to dream. Help me to recognize when my dreams are
telling me that I have an issue that needs to be
resolved, or a responsibility I need to take care of,
and then lead me to the help I need to do this. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus's name, amen." 

1. Philippians 4:18. 

<)))><    
  
  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.
 
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Compassion and Kindness  

"Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you."1

Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he
"once read of a man on a subway with two young children
who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to
ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted
him: 'Sir, don't you see how your children are
disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?'

"The man sobbed, 'I'm so sorry. Their mom just died and
I've been thinking of how we'll live without her.' In
an instant the critic's self-righteousness turned to
self-condemnation.

"Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the
head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?

"The next time you have the choice between being right
and being kind, choose kindness."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an
understanding and compassionate heart so that I will
always be kind when what is needed is understanding and
kindness so that I will be 'more and more like Jesus in
every way.' Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 

1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, "Being Right or
Being Kind." (533.5) www.charactercounts.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, 
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  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
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  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
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  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
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Today's Daily Encounter

The Law of the Garbage Truck  

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love
your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you:
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven …. If you
love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are
not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you
greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than
others? Do not even pagans do that?"1

Mike Benson asks, "How often do you let other people's
nonsense change your mood? 

"Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an
insensitive employee ruin your day? The mark of a
successful [mature] person is how quickly he/she can
get back his/her focus on what's important. 

"I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central
Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of
a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space
right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by
just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who
almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around
and started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver
just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was
friendly. 

"So, I said, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost
ruined your car and sent us to the hospital.' And this
is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, 'The
Law of the Garbage Truck.' He said, 'Many people are
like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage,
full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a
place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it
on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take
it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well,
and move on.' 

"I started thinking, how often do I let garbage trucks
run right over me? And how often do I take their
garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at
home, on the streets? It was that day I said, 'I'm not
going to do it anymore.'"2

However, as many of us know, that's easier said than
done. When we overreact to people who "dump their
garbage" on us, we need to realize that what the other
person does is his or her problem--but to the degree
that we overreact that is our problem. To react in a
Christ-like manner, it is imperative that we resolve
our "garbage." If we don't, we will be forever allowing
others to control our moods and trigger our unresolved
problems. For help in "Taming Your Anger [garbage]" go
to: http://tinyurl.com/b439f 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to
recognize whenever I overreact to what others do to me
and to resolve my problem so that I will, with Your
help, always respond to others (no matter what they do)
in a loving and Christ-like manner. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:43-44; 46-47 (NIV).
2. Mike Benson, KneEmail. To subscribe, send a blank
email to: kneemail-subscribe@welovegod.org

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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Remember Mt. St Helens  

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

In their book, The Truth Behind Left Behind, Mark
Hitchcock and Thomas Ice wrote about the morning of May
18, 1980, when Mount Saint Helens in S.W. Washington,
"exploded with the force of thirty thousand atomic
bombs, sending super-sonic concussive waves that
flattened everything within 150 square miles. On the
heels of that wave, a fifty-foot wall of mud and ash
screamed down the mountain and into the surrounding
forest land, burying everything in its path and
changing the landscape forever."2

Harry Truman, the eighty-three-year-old caretaker of a
lodge on Spirit Lake at the foot of Mount Saint 
Helens, knew all about the multiple seismographic
evidence that warned of a pending massive explosion.
Harry claimed that he knew more about this mountain
than anybody else. He ignored the endless earthquakes
in the preceding two months, the hundreds of steam
blast explosions, and the massive eighty-meter bulge on
the mountain side.

He claimed it wouldn't dare blow up on him. But it did.
Harry, along with all others who ignored the warning
signs, was buried under 600 feet of volcanic ash and
material. 

When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was here on earth He
repeatedly warned His hearers that unless they put
their life right with God, they would be lost without
hope forever in the place Jesus called hell.
Furthermore, over and over again He promised that He
would return to earth to take His true followers to be
with Him forever in heaven and all who were not ready
would be left behind. 

As Jesus first coming to earth was predicted in God's
Word, the Bible, hundreds of years before He came and
fulfilled in minute detail, we can be just as certain
that His second coming will happen just as predicted in
God’s Word and as Jesus Himself promised. 

Make absolute sure that you are not like Harry Truman
who disregarded all of nature's warnings about the
pending doom, and ignore God's repeated warnings. Jesus
warned us to be ready because He will come when we
least expect it.

If Jesus were to come today, would you be ready? If
not, I urge you to make your life right with God today.
For help be sure to read, "How to Be Sure You’re a Real
Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that you have
warned me time and again to be ready for when Jesus
returns to earth to take His true followers to be with
Him forever in heaven. I believe that Jesus died on the
cross to pay the penalty for all my sins and I ask for
Your forgiveness for all my sins. Please help me to be
sure that I am ready for when Jesus returns. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus (Matthew 24:44, NIV).
2. Mark Hitchcock and Thomas Ice, The Truth Behind Left
Behind, p. 157-158. Multnomah Publishers, Sisters,
Oregon.

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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

The "Angel" Within  

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see
and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is
the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are
changed into his glorious image."1

I have read that "one of the most distinguished
sculptors in American history was a man named Gutzon
Borglum. He was a sculptor on a grand scale who is
perhaps best known for his bust of Abraham Lincoln at
the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. On that project he
carved the head of Lincoln from a large block of marble
that had long been in his studio.

"The woman who cleaned his work area had swept around
the formless mass of marble day after day for a long
time. Then one day, as Borglum's work progressed, she
began to see the face of Lincoln emerging from the
stone. She quickly turned and, looking at Borglum,
asked, "Is that master Lincoln?"

"Yes," he replied.

"How did you know he was in there?" she asked.

"The great sculptor knew, for he had double vision. All
great artists have such a gift. They see what is and
what can be."2

Years before Michelangelo said the same thing: "I saw
the angel in the marble and I chiseled until I set it
free." 

And that's how God sees you and me. He sees the "angel"
within us (our God-given potential) and when we are
truly committed to Him, through His Spirit He will keep
"chipping away" until we become all that He envisions
us to be. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that when I
surrender my life to You, through your Spirit You are
making and molding me into the person You have
envisioned me to be. And when some of that
chipping/molding is painful, help me to realize that is
all a part of Your refining work in my life. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB).
2. Leader Links, http://www.leaderlinks.com

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Today's Daily Encounter

Deadly Disease of Denial  

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

I've worked with hurting people and taught in divorce
recovery groups for a number of years. If you asked me
what I thought might be the number one problem in so
many of these situations, I would say, "Denial. And the
second is like it--playing the blame game."

Over and over I hear people say with variation on the
theme: "My husband did this. My wife did that." "And
what did you contribute to the breakup of your
marriage?" I ask. "Nothing … my spouse did
such-and-such. He was such a jerk." "And why were you
attracted to such a jerk?" I ask! "Have you ever been
attracted to other jerks?" Silence ...!

No matter what struggle we are in, we are always
contributing something. I've seen husbands berating and
blaming their wives for their marriage problems when in
reality they were very angry at their mother and were
taking it out on their wife. I've seen wives do the
same thing when they are really mad at either their
father or some other significant male who hurt them
deeply in the past. 

Many spouses are angry about something in their past.
Others are too "nice, weak and/or passive"
(codependent). Others are over-dependent and smother
their partner. But do they see their problem and their
contribution to the situation they are in? Many, if
most, don't. Far too many of us are in denial about our
own deficiencies. The reason denial is so deadly is
because, as a Daily Encounter subscriber exactly
described it: "'D'on't 'E'ven k'N'ow 'I' 'A'm 'L'ying."


Deniers are avoiders of personal responsibility. They
tend also to be blamers. And as I have said many times,
if I play the blame game, I will "b-lame"--and will
never get well. Only as we acknowledge the truth and
reality of what we are contributing to our problems,
will we ever have any hope of recovery and becoming
well. The reality is that the only person I can ever
change is me, and as I change, others are almost forced
to change in relationship to me in one way or another.
This is not always for the best, however, as some
people simply cannot stand or handle our change. To get
well this is the risk we need to take. 

The only people counselors--and even God--can help are
those who willingly admit: "I have a problem. I need
help."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every conflict or
difficult situation I am in, please give me the courage
to see and acknowledge anything that I might be
contributing to the situation I am in and lead me to
the help I need to overcome. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name,
amen." 

1. Psalm 145:18 (NIV). 

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  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
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  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Does God Care?  

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares
about you."1

Some time ago when my then twenty-something son came to
see me one evening, he was terribly distraught over a
broken relationship that triggered a lot of pain from
the past. As I hugged him, he sobbed his heart out on
my shoulder. I am so thankful that he felt safe enough
to do this knowing that it is always okay to share his
feelings with me no matter what those feelings are ...
and no matter what age he is.

At times like these I have little to say--I feel my
silence and giving him my presence speaks the loudest.
I do, however, assure him of my love and acceptance no
matter what. Unfortunately--usually more by men than
women--when our kids or anyone else is hurting, we want
to fix them and wax eloquent with unsolicited
advice--advice that is totally divorced from the need
of the moment and totally misses the opportunity to be
as Jesus to one who is hurting. What people need when
they are troubled is a listening ear, an understanding
heart, and a shoulder to cry on.

At a time like this the question is often asked, "Where
is God when our heart is breaking ... does He care?
Strange enough, right while my son was sobbing his
heart out, the following gospel song was being sung on
my computer. It brought tears to my eyes.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long? 

    Refrain:
    Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
    His heart is touched with my grief;
    When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
    I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks -
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You do care
when my heart is breaking. Help me to always remember
this and sense Your comforting presence, knowing that
when I commit and trust my life to You, You will, in
time, turn my mourning into rejoicing and I will become
a richer, healthier, more caring person. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen." 

1. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT).
2. Frank E. Graeff, 1901.

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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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Today's Daily Encounter

Overcoming Jealousy  

"So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all
deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech."1
"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t
let the sun go down while you are still angry, for
anger gives a foothold to the devil."2

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "For some unknown reason
I have many times felt jealous over other people
receiving things. I always ask Satan to get behind me
when this happens but he always returns. I have prayed
numerous times for deliverance and forgiveness. How can
I overcome this sense of being jealous?"

Hello June (name changed), jealousy is almost always
the symptom of a deeper problem; that is, "the fruit of
a deeper root." It is almost always the result of our
own sense of insecurity and/or feelings of inferiority.
As a general rule, the more secure we feel within
ourselves, the less likely we are to have a problem
with jealousy.

In other words, to overcome jealousy we need to
overcome our feelings of insecurity. To help you do
this I suggest your read the article, "Developing a
Healthy Self-Image" at: http://tinyurl.com/af5hf.

Second, as I often say, it is important to learn how to
pray the right prayer. That is, admit to God that you
have a problem with jealousy and instead of asking Him
to simply deliver you from your jealousy, ask Him to
help you see the real cause of your jealousy and help
you to find the help you need to overcome this problem.
For further help read, "How to Pray Effectively" at:
http://tinyurl.com/kb62w.

Third, realize that while Satan always wants to defeat
us, he doesn't cause our jealousy. That's our problem
and responsibility. However, keep in mind as the
Apostle pointed out in Ephesians, when we fail to
resolve our anger, we give Satan a foothold. The same
is true with jealousy (and other problems). When you
resolve the cause of your jealousy, Satan loses his
foothold and as such you take away his power to tempt
and defeat you in this area.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, with all my problems help
me to see the real cause/s behind these, and find the
help I need to overcome them so I will take away any
and all footholds in my life that leave me open for
Satan to tempt me in these areas. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. 1 Peter 2:1 (NLT).
2. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT).

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  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
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  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Modern Day Miracle  

I [God] will instruct you and teach you in the way you
should go; I will guide you with My eye."1

According to an article some time ago in 'The
Recorder,' "A 19-year-old girl by the name of Khun
Paot, escaped the Khmer Rouge rule in Cambodia after an
arduous journey with 100 others through miles of
jungle, canals, mountains, and rivers. Standing between
them and freedom were communist soldiers, the elements,
and a stretch of jungle ground covered with thorns.
Most of the escapees were barefoot or wore flimsy
thongs.

"A midnight-like darkness hampered the struggling group
as it crossed a valley between two high mountain
ranges. 'We could see absolutely nothing,' Paot later
told a missionary, Maxine Stewart. 'We didn't even know
where to step.' Suddenly hundreds of fireflies swarmed
into view. Their glow made enough light for the people
to see the path. The refugees reached the next mountain
by firefly light, said Mrs. Stewart.

"After Paot was transferred to Kham Put refugee camp,
she was invited to a Christian meeting. 'I know that
old man,' she exclaimed at a picture on the wall of the
chapel. 'He is the one who led us and showed us the way
to Thailand and freedom.' She was pointing to a picture
of Jesus."2

Ever since my youth, every morning I have committed and
trusted my life and way to God, trusting Him to guide
me all through my life knowing that He could make a
much better job of my life than I ever could. Now, as I
look back over the years, I can genuinely say in the
words of the hymn writer, "Jesus led me all the way."

God will do the same for you, too, should you genuinely
commit and trust your life to Him every day for the
rest of your life.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that when I
commit and trust my life to You, You will teach me in
the way that I should go and will guide me with Your
eye. And that's what I do today. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Psalm 32:8, NKJV).
2. The Recorder, September 1979, p. 25. Source:
www.esermons.com.

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  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
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  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
  
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  ACTS International, a non-profit organization, 
  and made possible through the donations of 
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at: 
  http://www.actscom.com
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
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Today's Daily Encounter

He Fooled Himself  

"Be sure your sins will find you out."1

The story is told of a young actor who was trying to
impress an important movie director. The actor wanted
to send an expensive gift, but he didn't have the
money, but he had an idea. If he could find a valuable
vase which was already broken and get it at a very
small cost, then he could mail it to the director. He
would think it had gotten broken in the mail and would
be impressed anyway.

So this actor went to an exclusive store and found a
vase that had been broken into many pieces. It was just
going to be thrown out, so he was able to get it at a
very small cost. He told them to wrap it up and send it
and gave them the address. He waited to hear from the
director, but heard nothing for several days. Finally
he sent a telegram: "Did vase arrive?" Shortly he
received this response: "Vase arrived. But why was each
piece wrapped separately?"2

As Abraham Lincoln said, "You may fool all the people
some of the time, you can even fool some of the people
all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people
all of the time."

But with God we can never fool Him any of the time. "Be
sure your sins will find you out"--mine too! 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, deliver me from the sin of
denial and trying to fool myself into justifying
whatever wrong I want and choose to do--let alone
trying to deceive You. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Numbers 32:23 (KJV).
2. From Alan Smith's Thought for the Day,
http://www.tftd-online.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.
  
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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
  
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

How to Be Sure You Are Going to Heaven  

"As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this
the judgment."1

The question has often been asked, "If you knew today
was the last day of your life, what would you do?"

Do you have any impaired relationships you would want
to resolve before you pass on? Have you left a will so
your loved ones will benefit from your life’s work?
Most important of all, when you come to the end of
life's journey and you stand before a holy God at the
entrance to Heaven, if God asked you, "Why should I
allow you to enter Heaven," what would you say? In
other words, if you died today, are you absolutely
certain that you would spend eternity in Heaven with
God?

If not, I urge you to make that preparation today.
Eternity is forever. As I did in younger days, many
people think that if they do enough good deeds to
outnumber or outweigh the wrongs (sins) they have
committed, this will qualify them to enter God’s
heaven. Wrong. 

God's Word makes it very clear that nobody enters
heaven because of their good works. It is only by God's
grace (unmerited favor) that we are given God's gift of
forgiveness and saved for all eternity. His Word says,
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God--not by works, so that no one can boast."2

God's Word also says, "For the wages [consequences] of
sin is death [spiritual death which is eternal
separation from God], but the gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord."3

Because God is a God of infinite holiness no sinner can
ever survive in His presence any more than a moth can
survive in a flame. Furthermore, because God is also a
God of infinite justice, all sin must be judged
according to God's standard of holiness and perfection,
and His justice calls for death; that is, spiritual
death which is eternal separation from God in the place
the Bible calls hell. 

Fortunately however, God is also a God of infinite
love. This is why He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die
on the cruel Roman cross 2,000 years ago in your place
and mine to meet the demands of God’s justice so we can
be forgiven of all our sins and receive God’s gift of
eternal life. This is the expression of His perfect
love. 

All you need to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of
God and that He died in your place to pay the penalty
for all your sins, and to ask God for His forgiveness
and accept His gift of eternal life. The following
prayer will help you to do this.

Prayer: "Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and am
sorry for all the wrongs/sins I have committed. I
believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross
in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins. Please
forgive me. I invite You, Jesus, to come into my heart
and life to be my Lord and Savior. I commit and trust
my life to You. Please give me the desire to be what
You want me to be and to do what You want me to do.
Thank You for dying for my sins, for Your free pardon,
for Your gift of eternal life, and for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name.
Amen."

NOTE: If you prayed this prayer and truly meant it,
please be sure to Click HERE
(http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php) to let us know
you prayed this prayer, and we will send you the URL
(web site address) of the free "Ten Steps to Christian
Growth" which will help you to grow in your new
spiritual life. 

1. Hebrews 9:27, (NKJV).
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV).
3. 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.
  
  * * * * * * * 
  Copyright (c) 2015 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2015
  ACTS International.