Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

This Way to Heaven  

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the
end it leads to death."1

On one occasion when Joy and I were visiting in New
York City, we wanted to visit Ellis Island where many
of the early immigrants were processed before being
allowed to enter and welcomed into the U.S. From
downtown we were told to go on the red line subway
train. Not knowing anything about the subway system, we
sure felt relieved when we found the right train and
boarded it.

Oops ... after quite a while we discovered that while
we were on the right train, we were headed in the wrong
direction. While we were sincere, we happened to be
sincerely wrong. 

We've all heard about football players who have done
the same type of thing; that is, they were on the right
team, but were running with the ball towards the wrong
goal. They were sincere too, but sincerely wrong.

Many a person too, may be in the right church but,
without knowing it, may be heading in the wrong
direction. They, too, may be very sincere but sincerely
wrong.

In younger years I figured that if I did more good
things to outweigh the bad things that I had done, that
would get me into God's heaven. That is, by my good
works I could earn my way into heaven. Wrong. God's
Word makes it very clear that there is no way we can
earn our way into God's heaven. Forgiveness of sins and
the way to heaven are totally a gift from God. This is
because Jesus Christ, God's Son, died on the cross to
pay the penalty for all our sins making God's gift of
forgiveness and a home in heaven possible. All we need
to do is confess our sinfulness to God, repent from our
sinful ways, and ask God for his forgiveness and gift
of eternal life in heaven--and accept these by faith.

The word "repent" literally means to do a u-turn and go
in the opposite direction. That is, to turn from our
sins and from going our own way to go God's way.

When it comes to your eternal destiny, whatever you do
make sure you are on the right road heading in the
right direction. As Jesus said, "I am the way and the
truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me."2 Being sincere won't make it.

Note: to be absolutely sure you are on the right road
to heaven read "How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian"
online at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to know and
understand Your instructions regarding the only way
into Your heaven as explained in Your Word, the Bible.
And help me to be absolutely certain that I am on the
correct path, that my sins forgiven by You, and that I
have received Your gift of eternal life to be with You
in heaven forever. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. The Bible (Proverbs 14:12, NIV).
2. Jesus (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) 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

Faith Versus Presumption  

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears
us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we
ask--we know that we have what we asked of him."1

Some time ago I read how, when Norman and Melissa "C"
stopped making payments on their Hartford, Connecticut
house, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
began foreclosure proceedings.

The Camerons contacted FNMA officials to explain why
they had stopped making payments on their $54,000
mortgage: God told them they could. "It was our desire
to be free from this mortgage debt," the Camerons told
the court overseeing the foreclosure. "Therefore we
asked God our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus
Christ. He heard us and He freed us from this mortgage
bondage."

According to this report, the FNMA officials made it
clear that they would continue with foreclosure
proceedings until they, too, are contacted by God. 

This illustration is certainly extreme but I have heard
others claim "God" had told them to do such and such,
and before long "God" was telling them the opposite.
Sometimes some people justify what they want to do by
claiming "God" told them this was the right thing to
do. This is not faith. It is presumption. Faith only
applies to prayer that is in harmony with God’s will.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me sense
enough to know the difference between faith and
presumption, and to always ensure that my prayers are
in harmony with Your will. Thank You that when I pray
this way, You always hear and answer my prayers.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 John 5:14-15 (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

The What and Why of Materialism  

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of
greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance
of his possessions."1

Many years ago Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889-1929) said:
"While sitting on the bank of a river one day, I picked
up a solid round stone from the water and broke it
open. It was perfectly dry in spite of the fact that it
had been immersed in water for centuries. The same is
true of many people in the Western world. For centuries
they have been surrounded by Christianity; they live
immersed in the waters of its benefits. And yet it has
not penetrated their hearts; they do not love it. The
fault is not in Christianity, but in men's hearts,
which have been hardened by materialism and
intellectualism."

Intellectualism (this does not mean being intellectual)
can be and often is a defense against facing one's
reality, and used as a means to rationalize the belief
system we want and choose to believe. If we
intellectualize or rationalize away God, then we can
deceive ourselves into believing that we are ultimately
only responsible to ourselves. In so doing we harden
our hearts against truth and reality.

Materialism is often a symptom of buried emotions,
especially the emotion of wonder. Instead of finding
fulfillment in the wonder and beauty of creation and
nature, we get wrapped up in "things". As the saying
goes, instead of loving people and using things, we end
up unhappily loving things and using people. This is
another way to harden our hearts and a very unhealthy
and self-defeating way to live.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be
totally honest with myself and with You, and learn how
to enjoy the beauty of Your creation and the simple
things of life, and therein protect my heart from
becoming hardened. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Jesus (Luke 12:15, 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

Let Your Light Shine  

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven."1

According to an article in the Sermon Fodder List,
Edward Kimball, a layman, gathered the nerve to share
his Christian faith to Dwight L. Moody, a shoe
salesman, who accepted Jesus Christ as his personal
Lord and Savior. Dwight Moody became one of the
greatest evangelists of his day. The world renowned
Moody Bible Institute in Chicago was founded by D. L.
Moody. By way of interest, I studied at and graduated
from the Moody Bible Institute quite a few years ago
now!

"But, do you know ‘the rest of the story?’ Dwight Moody
went to England and worked a profound change in the
ministry of F.B. Meyer. F.B. Meyer, with his new
evangelistic fervor, influenced J. Wilbur Chapman.
Chapman helped in the ministry of converted baseball
player Billy Sunday, who had a profound impact upon
Mordecai Ham. And Mordecai Ham, holding a revival in
North Carolina, led Billy Graham to Christ. And the man
who started it all was a layman, Edward Kimball, who
took seriously Christ's commission to be a witness in
his world."

"Keep on sowing your seed," says the Word of God, "for
you never know which will grow--perhaps it all will."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live
that my life always will be a shining light that will
attract and draw others to You. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name,
amen."

1. Jesus (Matthew 5:16).
2. King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 11:6, TLB).

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God of the Ordinary  

"For many are called, but few are chosen."1

"There are many reasons why God wouldn't want to use
many of us, but don't worry. We're in good company! As
another has shared:

    "Moses stuttered.
    David's armor didn't fit.
    John Mark was rejected by Paul.
    Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
    Amos' only training was in the school of 
       fig-tree pruning.
    Jacob was a liar.
    David had an affair.
    Solomon was too rich.
    Abraham was too old.
    David was too young.
    Timothy had ulcers.
    Peter was afraid of death.
    Lazarus was dead.
    John was self-righteous.
    Jesus was too poor.
    Naomi was a widow.
    Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
    Jonah ran from God.
    Miriam was a gossip.
    Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
    Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
    Elijah was burned out.
    John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
    Martha was a worrywart.
    Samson had long hair.
    Noah got drunk.
    Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
    So did Peter, Paul--well, lots of folks did."

"Satan says, 'You're not worthy.' Jesus says, 'So what?
I AM.' Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God
looks back and sees the cross. He doesn't calculate
what you did last year. Sure. There are lots of reasons
why God shouldn't have called us. But if we are
magically in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more
than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we
are, where we've been, or what we look like."2

Perhaps today's Scripture could be interpreted as
follows: "For many are called, but few prove themselves
to be chosen." In fact, God calls every one of us to
follow and serve him. If he waited until we were fully
mature, whole and complete, he wouldn't get anything
done. He will use us exactly as we are as long as we
are available and willing to be used. In so doing we
will then prove ourselves to be chosen ones.

Suggested prayer: "Heavenly Father God, I'm
available--warts and all--please use me to be a part of
what You are doing in the world today. Help me to keep
growing so I can, with Your help, become more usable.
Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus (Matthew 22:14).
2. Author Unknown.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

What You Think--You Are  “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."1There's an
old fable that talks about a man who found an eagle's
egg and put it in a nest of a barnyard hen. The eagle
hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them.
All his life, the eagle did what the barnyard chicks
did, thinking he was a barnyard chicken.He scratched
the earth for worms and insects. He clucked and
cackled. And he would thrash his wings and fly a few
feet in the air.Years passed and the eagle grew very
old. One day he saw a magnificent bird above him in the
cloudless sky. It glided in graceful majesty among
powerful wind currents, with scarcely a beat of its
strong golden wings. The old eagle looked up in awe.
"Who's that?" he asked. "That's the eagle, the king of
the birds," said his neighbor. "He belongs to the sky.
We belong to the earth--we're chickens."So the eagle
lived and died a chicken, for that's what he thought he
was.2How sad when we who are children of the King live
as chickens when we could fly with the eagles.As the
old saying goes, “You are not what you think you are,
but what you think, you are." Suggested prayer: "Dear
God, please help me to wait upon and hope in you and
see realized in my life all that you have for me. Thank
you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus’ name, amen."1. Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV).
2. Anthony DeMello from A 4th Course of Chicken Soup
for the Soul. Copyright 1997 by Jack Canfield, Mark
Victor Hansen, Hanoch McCarty and Meladee
McCarty.<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

A Very Thankful Man  "I thank my God every time I remember you."1I have read
that "Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a
jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his
plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb
ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was
captured and spent six years in a Vietnamese prison. He
survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned
from that experience."One day after Plumb gave a
presentation, a fellow came up to him and said, 'You
don't know me, but I am the person who packed your
parachute the day you were shot down.'"Plumb gasped in
surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and
said, 'I guess it worked!'"Plumb assured him, 'It sure
did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here
today.'"If it weren't for somebody else--perhaps many
"somebody elses"--most of us wouldn't be where we are
today either. And if it weren't for somebody else
telling us about Jesus and God’s gift of salvation,
forgiveness and eternal life, most of us wouldn't know
God and wouldn't be bound for Heaven.May we ever be
mindful and thankful to all who have "folded our
parachute," as it were, and may we do the same for
others.Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all
who have helped me be where I am today and especially
for those who shared your love and message of eternal
salvation with me. Help me to have a thankful heart and
help others to find Jesus and know God--as others have
helped me. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen."1. Paul the
Apostle (Philippians 1:3, 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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Leonardo De Vinci's Cup  “Sir, we would see Jesus."1I have read that when
Leonardo de Vinci was forty-three years old, the Duke
Ludovinco of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic
scene of Jesus' last supper with his disciples.Working
slowly and giving meticulous care to details, he spent
three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples
into threes, two groups on either side of the central
figure of Christ.Christ's arms are outstretched. In his
right hand, he holds a cup that was painted beautifully
with marvelous realism.When the masterpiece was
finished, the artist said to a friend, "Observe it and
give me your opinion of it.""It's wonderful!" exclaimed
the friend, “the cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes
from it."Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it
across the sparkling cup! As he did he exclaimed,
"Nothing shall detract from the figure of
Christ!"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please grant that
nothing I ever do or say will ever detract from the
beauty of Christ being seen in me. This I can only ever
do with your help. Thank you for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen."1. John
12:21.<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Overcoming Long-Term Loneliness  "The LORD confides in those who fear [reverence] him;
he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever
on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the
snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am
lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have
multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my
affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they
hate me!"1"Loneliness, it's such a sad affair" sang
Karen and Richard Carpenter some years ago. Sad to say
for Karen she was apparently singing exactly how she
felt for, feeling unloved and lonely, she starved
herself to death.Probably most of us at one time or
another know the painful pangs of loneliness. We were
created for relationships and without sufficient love
and human companionship we "limp along in the shadows
of life" starving for human love, warmth and
connection.King David also knew what it was like to be
lonely especially when he was on the run from King Saul
who was desperately jealous of him and was seeking to
kill him.I know what it's like to be lonely, too--even
when among friends--with that deep down feeling that
leaves one feeling empty inside. Because of past hurts
I was afraid to get too close to people for fear of
being hurt again.But I, too, sought the Lord in my
loneliness and shared my fears, failures and
insecurities with Him, and asked Him to give me the
courage to face the cause/s of my fear and to lead me
to the counseling help I needed to overcome them. I had
personal issues to work on and resolve, and while it
took time, I’ve come a long way since then and am more
open to love than ever before.Suggested prayer:
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You so much that You
hear the cry of my heart when I reach out to You in my
loneliness and pain. Help me always to be honest with
myself and You, and please give me the courage to face
the cause/s of my loneliness, accept responsibility for
what I need to do, and lead me to the help I need to
overcome. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."For
additional help in overcoming loneliness, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/3bg5xy1. King David (Psalm 25:14-19
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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Healing Life's Hurts  Jesus asked, "Do you want to be made whole/well?"1I
have read that if flies are placed in a jar with air
holes in the lid, they will fly around frantically,
banging into the lid, desperately trying to escape from
their prison. If left there long enough, eventually
they will stop hitting the lid. Later, if the lid is
removed, they won't even try to escape. Somehow they
have been conditioned "to feel and believe" that there
is no escape. They just keep circling in the cramped
jar.Many people are like this. Somewhere in their past,
through a frightening and/or traumatic experience, such
as being raped, sexually, physically, or emotionally
abused or rejected as a child, they have been
conditioned to believe at an unconscious level that
they, too, are trapped and that there is no way out of
their dilemma. And they end up going in circles with
their life and/or relationships.To be freed from this
endless cycle of defeat, those of us who have been
abused need the healing touch of God--and want it with
all of our heart. As a general rule God uses other
people to bring this healing. It begins with
acknowledging our problem (often best detected by the
symptoms we experience), genuinely wanting to be
healed, being willing to face the agony of confronting
these painful memories and damaged emotions, and
getting the help we need (qualified counseling is often
needed). Most important of all, start with praying the
right prayer such as the following: Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, thank you that you care about my pain and
where I have been hurt in my past. In many ways my life
is in chaos and I have failed miserably in my closest
relationships. Please give me the courage to face any
and all painful memories, connect to them and bring
them to the light for your healing. Please lead me to
the help I need whatever that may be. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus'
name, amen." 1. John 5:6. <)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Getting God's Guidance  "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge
him, and he will direct your paths."1A Daily Encounter
reader writes, "My husband and I started a business a
year ago and it has been a constant struggle. How can
we know if what we are doing is God's goal/purpose for
us?"First, as indicated you are doing the right thing
by seeking God's direction in prayer.Second, are you
gifted for the work that you are doing? I don't believe
God ever calls us to do things that he hasn't already
gifted us for.Third, are you adequately trained for
what you are doing? This is a constant challenge in
today's competitive world because if we don't keep
upgrading our training, we can easily get left
behind.Fourth, is what you are doing in harmony with
the will of God based on principles as found in his
Word, the Bible? This is very important if we are to
get God's blessing.Fifth, is what you are doing a
business or service that people want? It doesn't matter
how good a product or service is, if people don't want
it, it won't succeed.Sixth, keep in mind, too, that a
big percentage of new businesses never survive. It
takes all of the above plus hard work, determination,
and stick-ability. Very few successful projects happen
without these qualities.Seventh, above all we need to
keep seeking God's direction by every day committing
and trusting our life, our loved ones, our work, and
all that we are doing to the Lord in prayer. By way of
interest, whenever I have a problem, challenge,
question or struggle, I always ask God to face me with
the truth and reality of the situation I am in. Once I
see the truth and reality I pretty much know what I
need to do.I trust these few thoughts will be helpful.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that you are
interested in every detail of my life. Again this day I
commit and trust every aspect of my life to You. Please
give me the insight to see the reality in every
situation I am in. And then, help me to know what I
need to do and give me the courage to do it no matter
what it is. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen." 1. Solomon
(Proverbs 3:5-6). <)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Determination  

"It is God himself, in his mercy, who has given us this
wonderful work [of telling his good news to others],
and so we never give up."1

When the United Kingdom's back was against the wall
during World War II, Winston Churchill declared: "We
shall go to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall
fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with
growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we
shall defend our Island whatever the cost may be. We
shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the
hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I
do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large
part of it were subjugated and starving, then our
Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the
British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in
God's good time, the New World, with all its power and
might steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of
the old."

May we who call ourselves Christian have the same
determination when coming against our arch enemy who
himself, with his horde of evil spirits, is totally
committed to destroying everything that is Christian
and doing everything in his power to stop people coming
to Jesus and receiving God’s gift of sins forgiven and
eternal life.

In the words of the classic hymn:

    Onward Christian soldiers
    Marching as to war
    With the cross of Jesus
    Going on before. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a
true soldier of the cross with a determination to never
give up in doing my part to help ‘the cause of Christ,’
to make a stand for right, and to help spread the
gospel around the world. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (TLB).

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Avoiding Mayhem at Home  

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the
church and gave himself up for her."1

One day a man came home from work to find total mayhem
at home. The kids were outside still in their pajamas
playing in the mud and muck. There were empty food
boxes and wrappers all around. As he proceeded into the
house, he found an even bigger mess. Dishes on the
counter, dog food spilled on the floor, a broken glass
under the table, and a small pile of sand by the back
door. The family room was strewn with toys and various
items of clothing, and a lamp had been knocked over.

He headed up the stairs, stepping over toys, to look
for his wife. He was becoming worried that she may be
ill, or that something had happened to her. He found
her in the bedroom, still in bed with her pajamas on,
reading a book.

She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day
went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What
happened here today?" She again smiled and answered,
"You know everyday when you come home from work and ask
me what I did today?"

"Yes," was his reply.

She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it!"

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to
appreciate what my
wife/husband/mother/father/friends/others do for me.
May I never take them for granted and may I be as
committed to helping them as they are to me. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus’s name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:25).

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Seize the Day  

"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross
over the Jordan River, you, and all these people, to
the land which I am giving to you.… Every place where
you set your foot, that I have given to you."1

When God told Joshua and the ancient Israelites that He
had given them the Promised Land, He didn't hand it to
them on a silver platter. To claim God's promise, they
had to battle every inch of the way. They still had to
go, conquer, and possess it.

The reality is, however, that had God not given the
Promised Land to them, they never would have been able
to conquer and possess it.

God also has a work for you and me to do. He will give
us opportunities every day to serve him but it's up to
us to take advantage of every one of these as they will
come to pass--not to pause!

With God's help, let us "seize the day" and take
advantage of every one of these opportunities, and
claim every promise he has for us.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be ready
to ‘seize’ every opportunity You give me to serve You,
and claim every promise You have made to me. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus’s name, amen."

1. God to Joshua in the Bible (Joshua 1:2-3).

<)))><    
  
  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.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God Moves In Mysterious Ways  

"For in the day of trouble he [God] will keep me safe
in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his
tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."1

I have read that William Cowper, like many people
today, suffered from times of deep melancholy and
depression. One night when he was in a particularly
dark mood of despair, he decided to take his life by
jumping into the Thames  River.

That night the city of London was blanketed with an
extremely heavy fog and Mr. Cowper, searching to find
the river, lost his way. Stumbling blindly through the
fog he was dumbfounded when he found himself on the
doorstep of his own home. Going to his room he penned
the words of the beautiful hymn:

    God moves in a mysterious way
    His wonders to perform;
    He plants his footsteps in the sea,
    And rides upon the storm.

    His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding every hour;
    The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flower."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me in my times
of despair and depression to trust in You. Hide me in
the shelter of Your love and lead me to the place of
help that I need. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. King David (Psalm 27:5, 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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Show Me - Don't Tell Me  

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

I have often felt that much of my education taught me
how to make a living and do a lot of good things, but
it didn’t teach me how to live or make a life. That I
have had to learn the hard way--and am still learning
how to do that.

Nevertheless, my education did teach me many valuable
lessons. One that I have never forgotten was from my
journalism professor. Time and again in bright red he
would write on my papers, "Show me. Don't tell me!"

I took it to mean that in my writing I needed to
illustrate important points with stories, which was the
way that Jesus taught in his many parables.2

I like to apply the "showme--don't tell me" principle
not only in my writing, but also in myteaching and
especially in my witness for Christ. In other words,
one of thegreatest ways we can teach others and witness
for Christ is to model true Christianityand effective
witnessing. While the words we use ARE important, until
we do theabove, our words won't carry much weight.

Like St. Francis of Assisi wisely said: “Preach the
gospel at all times. Where necessary, use words." And
as another wisely said, "The living truth I long to
see, I cannot live on what used to be, so close your
Bible and show me how the Christ you talk about is
living now." 

In other words, "To win some we need to be winsome."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live
the Christian life that others, seeing what You have
done in my life, will want You in their lives as well.
Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Jesus (Mark 16:15, TLB).
2. See Matthew 13:35.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Communicating Christ  

"He [Jesus] looked around at them in anger and, deeply
distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man
[with the withered hand], 'Stretch out your hand.' He
stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the
Herodians how they might kill Jesus."1

Because Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath (the
formal religious day of the religious leaders), they
were furious with him and planned to kill him.

A major fault of these religious leaders was that they
loved their man-made rules and doctrines more than they
loved people! Furthermore, they used these rules to
control people. Instead of communicating God's love and
mercy, they communicated their rigid religiosity and
drove people from God rather than draw them to Him.

While correct teaching is important, "Christianity is
much more than a creed. It is experiencing divine love,
divine acceptance, and divine forgiveness and
communicating these to every life we touch."

St. Francis had it right in his prayer:

    Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
    Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
    Where there is injury, pardon;
    Where there is doubt, faith;
    Where there is despair, hope;
    Where there is darkness, light, and
    Where there is sadness, joy.

    O Divine Master,
    Grant that I may not so much
    Seek to be consoled as to console;
    To be understood as to understand;
    To be loved as to love;
    For it is in giving that we receive;
    It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
    And it is in dying that we are born to eternal
life.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please make me an
instrument to share Your love, joy and peace wherever I
go and to every life I touch. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Mark 3:5-6 (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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

People Pleasers  

SPECIAL NOTE OF APOLOGY: We have been in the process of
moving homes and have been without Internet and e-Mail
connection for the past ten days. We have also moved to
a new server for sending out Daily Encounter and have
had several issues to take care of. Re all the missing
issues of Daily Encounter ... they can be seen online
at:
http://www.actsweb.org/de_calendar.php?a=&ap=&cm=11&cy=2014

Thank you for your patience and understanding.* * * * *
* * 


"In the temple courts he [Jesus] found men selling
cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables
exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and
drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle;
he scattered the coins of the money changers and
overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he
said, ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my
Father's house into a market!’"1

Of one thing we can be certain: Jesus was not a “people
pleaser." The reality is that “people pleasers"
inevitably end up getting frustrated and angry because
they are not getting the response they want from trying
to please everybody, and ultimately end up pleasing
nobody.

It isn't possible to please everybody. When we try to,
we do it out of our own need for approval--an empty
substitute for love. As one person said, "If you have
to stand on your head to make others happy, all you can
expect to get is a big headache."

Or as another put it, "If you stand for something you
will have some people for you and some against you. But
if you stand for nothing, you will have nobody against
you--and nobody for you."

As already noted, Jesus was not a "people pleaser." He
stood for truth and right regardless of what anybody
thought of Him. May God help you and me to do the same.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to find inner
security both in Your love and that of others so I will
not be searching for love and approval by trying to
please everybody. Deliver me from this bondage. Thank
You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Jesus (John 2:14-16, 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
  
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
  
  Phone: 949-940-9050  
  http://www.actsweb.org 
  
  Copyright (c) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.


Today's Daily Encounter

Laughter, the Best Medicine  

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed
spirit dries up the bones."1

I read about one lady who, when she turned fifty, wore
a button at her work place that said, "Fifty is nifty."
All day she got lots of compliments with people saying
things like, "Anita, you don't look 50," "Why, Anita,
you can't be 50," and "We all know you're not 50."

She knew they were kidding but she loved it. However,
the more she heard the lies, the more she believed
them. On her way home she got to thinking, I think I
need a new husband. At 51 he's much too old for a young
looking gal like me.

As she arrived home from work, a young girl from the
florist shop was delivering a beautiful floral
arrangement with a note that said, "Birthday flowers
from a friend."

Seeing the "Fifty is Nifty" button on Anita's dress,
the girl said, "Oh, 50, eh?"

"Yes," Anita said as she waited for one more compliment
about looking so young when the delivery girl said,
"Fifty. That's great! Birthday or anniversary?"

I heard about another lady who, when she was 50, liked
to tell people she was 60. "Why do you do this? Someone
who knew her real age asked. "Well for 50 I look
terrible, but for 60 I look fantastic," she replied.

Kidding and joking in the right spirit when you make
yourself the target of the laughter (and not others) is
fun and healthy. We probably all remember the axiom
that says, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This
would probably be better said: "A laugh a day keeps the
doctor and the blues away."

Laughter is indeed one of the best medicines. As the
Bible taught 3,000 years ago, "A cheerful heart is good
medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."1

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the gift of
laughter, humor and fun. Help me to take life
seriously, serving you seriously, but not myself too
seriously. Help me to learn to laugh at myself even
when I make mistakes, and to laugh a little with my
friends--every day. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Solomon (Proverbs 17:22, 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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Forgotten Provisions  

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus."1

"A story is told about William Randolph Hearst, the
late newspaper publisher. Hearst invested a fortune in
collecting great works of art. One day he read about
some valuable pieces of art and decided that he must
add them to his collection. He sent his agent abroad to
locate and purchase them. Months went by before the
agent returned and reported to Hearst that the items
had at last been found--they were stored in his own
warehouse. Hearst had purchased them years before."2

Sometimes we get so bogged down with the busyness and
pressures of life, with the abundance of things we
possess, and/or with unresolved baggage from the past
that we are either unwilling to claim, unable to
appropriate, or simply unaware of the riches in Christ
Jesus that God has for us.

We're not talking about material riches that clutter
many of the lives of those of us who live in the West,
but about riches of a far greater kind, such as peace
with God, forgiveness of our sins and wrongs, freedom
from guilt, the assurance of eternal life and a home in
Heaven, and the journey in the “here-and-now" to
growth, inner healing and wholeness.

God has all these riches [blessings] and many more for
all of us. But it's up to each of us to claim them. To
discover what they are, it helps to read and study
God's Word the Bible.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, deliver me from the
barrenness of a life that is too busy, a life that
carries too much baggage from the past, and from the
curse of being controlled by materialism. Help me to
make my peace with You through Jesus Christ, to resolve
every impaired relationship, and to find inner peace,
healing and wholeness as You promised to all who truly
want it and put their trust in You. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s
name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
2. From Our Sufficiency in Christ by John MacArthur,
Jr.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Being an Indian-Type Friend  

"Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey
our Lord's command."1

The North American Indians had no written language
before they met the white man. Their language, however,
was far from primitive. Many of the Indians had as many
words in their vocabulary as their English and French
exploiters. Some of their words were much more
picturesque, too. For example, "friend" to the Indians
was "one-who-carries-my-sorrows-on-his-back."

Everybody needs at least one trusted "Indian-type"
friend with whom he or she can share his or her deepest
sorrows and painful feelings. We all need a helping
hand and a listening ear when we're going through
difficult times.

How do we find such a friend? First, by praying and
asking God to help us to be an "Indian-type" friend to
others. And then by asking God to help us find such a
friend for ourself.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to become a true
‘Indian-type-safe-burden-bearing friend’ myself and be
supportive of others in need. And please help me to
find a friend with whom I feel safe to share all my
sorrows, failures, struggles, and problems--as well as
all my successes and joys. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul, (Galatians 6:2, TLB).

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Winning Over Worry  

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes? Look at the
birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away
in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by
worrying can add a single hour to his life?"1

A Daily Encounter reader writes: "I need help
strengthening my faith to realize God will keep His
promises as found in His Word in Matthew 6:25-27. 'Too
little too late' has always been my experience so far."

I can appreciate this person's struggle and doubts as
I’ve struggled with some of these things myself at
times.

I've been a Christian for many years and the greatest
evidence I have of God meeting my needs and leading me
is as I look back over the course of my life. In doing
so I stand amazed at the course my life has taken, the
way God has provided through the good times and the
bad, the mean times and the lean. I can truly say with
the hymn writer, "Jesus led me all the way."

Whenever I worry or am afraid, I keep praying, "God,
I'm worried/afraid but I choose to trust in you." When
I do this, in time my feelings catch up with my choice
to trust God.

What I believe Jesus is saying in today's Scripture is
not to be over-consumed with these issues he talks
about.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to learn to trust
You in every circumstance knowing that my life is in
Your hands. Help me always to be responsible, but not
to worry and doubt. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

For the article, "Winning Over Worry" go to:
http://tinyurl.com/2mkeph

1. Jesus (Matthew 6:25-27, 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.
  
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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Choosing to Trust  

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose
word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me? In God I trust; I will
not be afraid. What can man do to me?"1

"When she looked ahead, Florence Chadwick saw nothing
but a solid wall of fog. Her body was numb. She had
been swimming for nearly sixteen hours.

"Already she was the first woman to swim the English
Channel in both directions. Now, at age 34, her goal
was to become the first woman to swim from Catalina
Island to the California coast.

"On that Fourth of July morning in 1952, the sea was
like an ice bath and the fog was so dense she could
hardly see her support boats. Sharks cruised toward her
lone figure, only to be driven away by rifle shots.
Against the frigid grip of the sea, she struggled
on--hour after hour--while millions watched on national
television.

"Alongside Florence in one of the boats, her mother and
her trainer offered encouragement. They told her it
wasn't much farther. But all she could see was fog.
They urged her not to quit. She never had … until then.
With only a half mile to go, she asked to be pulled
out.

"Still thawing her chilled body several hours later,
she told a reporter, "Look, I'm not excusing myself,
but if I could have seen land I might have made it." It
was not fatigue or even the cold water that defeated
her. It was the fog. She was unable to see her goal.

"Two months later, she tried again. This time, despite
the same dense fog, she swam with her faith intact and
her goal clearly pictured in her mind. She knew that
somewhere behind that fog was land and this time she
made it! Florence Chadwick became the first woman to
swim the Catalina Channel, eclipsing the men's record
by two hours!"2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me when I am
in a fog and cannot see my way, and am afraid, to trust
in You no matter what--for I know that You will never
leave me or forsake me. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. King David (Psalm 56:3-4,11).
2. By Author Unknown. Taken from A 2nd Helping of
Chicken Soup for the Soul. 1995 by Jack Canfield and
Mark Victor Hansen.

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Now--The Only Time We Ever Have  

God’s Word says, “Behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation."1

Several years ago I invited Jennifer, a cousin of mine,
and her husband to come to a special week of gospel
meetings at our church. During the invitation to accept
Jesus as one’s Savior, I could see that my cousin was
really struggling with the call to accept Jesus as her
Savior. Tragically she resisted and said no to Him. She
passed away recently and I don’t know if she ever did
accept Jesus as her Savior. All I know is that she had
the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness and his
gift of eternal life but at that time she said no to
God’s offer.

Motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, said, "I find it
fascinating that most people plan their vacations with
better care than they plan their lives." To this I
would add--how unbelievably tragic it is when, even if
we do plan for this life carefully, we fail to make
plans for the afterlife--which is forever--forever.

I know that when I get to Heaven I will see my mother,
my father, and my sisters and friends who have gone
ahead of me because they had made their peace with God
by asking for God’s forgiveness and accepting Jesus as
their Savior, but I don’t know if I will ever see my
cousin again. That makes me very sad.

Remember that for all of us, “Opportunity comes to
pass--not to pause." So whatever you do, Dear Friend,
make plans for life after death by making peace with
God today! We have absolutely no guarantee of tomorrow
so be sure to do that--today--for as God’s Word reminds
us: “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day
of salvation."1

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank You that today You
are giving me the invitation and opportunity to receive
Your forgiveness for all my sins, and for giving me the
gift of eternal life with the assurance of a home in
heaven to be with You forever. Thank You for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name,
amen."

If you have never made your peace with God or accepted
His gift of forgiveness, you can do that today. For
help read “God's Invitation" at:
http://tinyurl.com/6k49w

For additional help be sure to read the article, “Life
After Death" at: http://tinyurl.com/8brzh

1. The Bible (2 Corinthians 6:2, 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.
  
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  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Words Without Meaning  

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like
pagans, for they think they will be heard because of
their many words. Do not be like them for your Father
knows what you need before you ask him."1

After Jesus said these words He went on to say, "This,
then, is how you should pray..." and He taught them the
Lord's prayer--a prayer that has only 66 words!

I have read that the Gettysburg Address has only 286
words. The Declaration of Independence has 1,322 and
the government regulations on the sale of cabbage has
26,911 words!

The point that Jesus is making (when we pray) is that
we need to get to the point--and not use empty, vain
repetitious words that come only from the top of our
head and not from the heart.

It's the meaning of the heart that God wants to
hear--which, of course, is the heart of all meaningful,
intimate communications--with God or man. As the simple
ditty expresses it:

     I often say my prayers,
     But do I really pray, 
     And does the meaning of my heart 
     Go with the words I say.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me when I pray to
share with You what my heart is saying and what I am
truly feeling--good or bad--and in so doing be
ruthlessly honest with myself and with You. Always.
Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Jesus (Matthew 6:7-8, 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.
  
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  Copyright (c) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Failure Is Never Final  

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."1

Back in 1929 Georgia Tech played the University  of
California in the annual Rose Bowl football game. In
that game a man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble
for California. Unfortunately he became confused and
began running the wrong way. One of his teammates,
Benny Lom, overtook and tackled him just before he
scored for the opposing team.

This was during the first half. Everyone was wondering
what Coach Nibbs Price would do with Roy Riegels in the
second half. During the half-time break Riegels sat
alone in a corner, wrapped a blanket around his
shoulders, put his hands in his face and cried like a
baby.

Three minutes before the start of the second half Coach
Price looked at the team and said, "Men, the same team
that played the first half will start the second."

Riegels never moved. The coach called him and again he
never moved. Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat
and said, "Roy, didn't you hear me? The same team that
played the first half will start the second."

Reigels said, "Coach, I can't do it to save my life.
I've ruined you. I've ruined the University of
California. I've ruined myself. I couldn't face that
crowd in the stadium to save my life."

Then Coach Price reached out and put his hand on
Riegels' shoulder and said, "Roy, get up and go on
back, the game is only half over."

Roy Reigels went back. Those Tech men will tell you
they have never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels
played that second half.

And isn't that what God does for you and me? Time and
again we blow it. We fail. We mess things up. We feel
like such a failure. But Jesus is always there. He
places a hand on our shoulder and says, "Get up. Don't
quit. I am with you. You are forgiven. I love you and I
will never leave you or forsake you no matter what!"

Actually, if we were to translate Jesus' words
literally, they would read, Jesus said, "I will never,
never, never, never, never (five times over) leave you
or forsake you," or "I will never, not ever, no never
leave you or forsake you."

As the saying goes, the only real failure is not to get
up one more time than we fall or get knocked down.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You love me
and accept me just as I am--warts and, failures and
all--and have forgiven me for all my sins and failures.
I thank You that You will never leave me or forsake me.
Please help me to learn and grow through all my
mistakes and failures, and little by little become the
man/woman You planned for me to be. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s
name, amen."

1. Jesus (Hebrews 13:5).

<)))><    
  
  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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

On Being a Positive Realist  

"Finally, brothers [and sisters], 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

About mental illness: Fortunately, it is accepted today
as an illness perhaps more than ever before. In the
past, mentally ill people were criticized, condemned,
rejected, and even accused by some uninformed people of
having demons. I don't know any easy or simple answers
to help such sufferers, except to assure them of our
love and acceptance. Medication helps many, but not
all. It's the same with psychological counseling. It,
too, helps many, but not all. I have two family members
who are bipolar, but as long as they stay on their
medication, they do very well.

With my grown son who is bipolar, I'm thankful that the
medication he is on has helped him cope very well.
Regardless as to whether he is up or down, I constantly
assure him that I love him devotedly. But what I've
also done to help is to encourage him to try to change
his thinking so he will see that he is living with a
challenge--rather than as a problem.

If you have a toothache, positive thinking is pretty
much impossible. This is why I like to think I am a
positive realist. If you are a positive realist and
have a toothache, you will get to the dentist as
quickly as you can. A positive realist sees his
setbacks and problems as challenges that, with hard
work and commitment, can be risen above and overcome.
It has been well said that every one of us either has a
problem, lives with a problem, or is a problem.

If you are living with a discouraging situation, try to
think in terms that you are living with a
challenge--not a problem, and with God's help and that
of others where needed, you will do your best to rise
above your challenges and become a better, healthier
and more fulfilled person. And for those who suffer
from mental illness, let those of us who are not so
afflicted remember God's Word which says, "Encourage
those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are
weak. Be patient with everyone."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to learn
how to harmonize my thinking with Your Word, and in so
doing turn all my problems into challenges and with
Your help rise above and overcome them. And help me
always to understand and 'encourage the timid, take
tender care of the weak, and be patient with everyone.'
Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Philippians 4:8 (NIV).  
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT).

<)))><    
  
  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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   When copying or forwarding include the following: 
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  ACTS International.


Today's Daily Encounter

Are We at the Finish Line Yet?  

“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

A friend of Joy’s was running in a marathon who, when
about half-way through the race, was asked by an
exhausted fellow marathoner, who was gasping for
breath, “Are we there yet? I’m done!"

I’ve never run in a marathon, but in younger days I
used to enjoy hiking on foot on mountain trails. The
longest hike was a day-long 32 mile round trip. My legs
ached; my feet hurt, and I kept asking myself, “How
much further do I have to go?" 

I also rode a mountain bike for many years and know
what it is like to be exhausted long before the
finishing point. Yes, I’d stop and rest, but found
that, like many a runner, if I just kept hanging in and
plugging away, eventually I got what the runners call
“a second breath," and was able to make it to the end,
that, on my mountain bike was usually home. 

Sometimes life can be like that. I’ve been there. You
are so emotionally exhausted and physically weary, you
feel like giving up. If you are there now, or should
the time ever come, remember the words of John
Greenleaf Whittier:
Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, 
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, 
When care is pressing you down a bit, 
Rest, if you must, but don't quit. 
Life is queer with its twists and turns, 
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out, 
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out, 
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far, 
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
For all the sad words of tongue or pen
The saddest are these: "It might have been!"Most
important of all, when it comes to winning over life’s
tough trials, the key to triumph is to trust your
circumstances and your life implicitly to God.
Suggested by a minister friend, I started making this
commitment in my youth and have renewed it in prayer
every morning. Some six decades later as I look back
over the ups and downs of life--the good times and the
bad, the successes and failures--I can confidently say
that by the grace of God, I have triumphed only because
God has led me every step of the way, and for this I
will be eternally grateful.

I strongly encourage you, Dear Reader, to also make the
following prayer commitment every morning for the rest
of your life: 

“Dear God, afresh today I commit and trust my life and
way to You. Please help me to become the man/woman of
God that You envision for me to become. Please be with
me in everything I do. Greatly expand my Christian
borders, and keep me from all evil, harm and disaster.
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.
  
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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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
  When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Do All Roads Lead to God?  

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through
me.’"1  

A Daily Encounter subscriber wanted to know how to
respond to the person who made the following statement:

“Some people today claim that all religions get you to
Heaven. They claim that God is just called by different
names, but he's the same God to all religions. My
daughter is going to a Christian counselor who asked
her if she believed all roads lead to God. She, of
course, replied no. It's only through believing in
Jesus and what He did for us. Her counselor told her
she was wrong. All roads DO lead to God. We will all
end up on the same road to God, because everyone will
stand before Him. After that, the choice will only be
two--heaven or hell."

First, Christianity is the only religion in the world
who believes in the God of the Bible who is a Holy
Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ),
and God the Holy Spirit. One occasion where the Holy
Trinity is clearly seen is at the baptism of Jesus. As
God’s Word, the Bible, reports: “When all the people
were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he
was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit
descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a
voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love;
with You I am well pleased.’"2 The voice from heaven
was from God, the Father. 

Second, Jesus Christ is God’s ONLY provision for saving
mankind from the just penalty of our sins which is
spiritual and eternal death. Spiritual death is not the
cessation of life, but eternal separation from the God
of all love and life in the place the Bible calls Hell.
As the Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord."3  

Third, even though Muslims believe that Allah is the
God of Abraham, Allah is NOT the God of the Bible. The
Bible clearly states that Jesus Christ is not only the
Son of God, but also the “Second person of the Trinity.
He is the Word [the expression of God] who became
flesh.4 He is both God and man.5 Islam states that
Jesus is “a very great prophet, second only to
Muhammad. Jesus is not the son of God and certainly is
not divine, and he was not crucified."6 

Fourth, for evidence regarding the validity of the
Bible, see the article, “Is the Bible God’s Word"
online at: http://tinyurl.com/yulazq.

Fifth, regarding the statement, “All roads DO lead to
God," by the counselor in the Daily Encounter
subscriber’s statement above; it is true that at the
end of life’s journey every person will appear before
God to give an account of his or her life. As the Bible
says, “For we will all stand before God’s judgment
seat."7 

But let me make it very clear that according to the
Word of God, the Bible, ALL ROADS DO NOT lead to God
for His gift of forgiveness and that of eternal life to
live with HIM forever in Heaven. When Jesus was here on
earth, He said to Nicodemus (a very religious Pharisee
and member of the Jewish ruling council), “Very truly I
tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they
are born again."8 

For emphasis Jesus repeated the same injunction saying,
“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of
God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh
gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to
spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You
must be born again.’"9 

To put it simply, what Jesus was saying to
Nicodemus--who was not only a very religious man, but
also a very good man by human standards--was that:
“Except a man be born again, he will not even see the
Kingdom of God let alone enter it."

What, then, does Jesus mean when He says to every one
of us that to enter God’s Kingdom we must be born
again? It simply means that when we entered this life
we were born physically, but to enter God’s Kingdom of
Heaven we need to be born spiritually. So how are we
born spiritually? Simply by confessing to God that we
are a sinner, that we believe Jesus is the Son of God,
and that He died in our place to pay the penalty for
all our sins, and accepting Him as our personal Lord
and Savior.

If you have never received Jesus as your Lord and
Savior and are not sure that you have been born again,
the following prayer prayed genuinely will help you:
“Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and am sorry
for all the wrongs that I have done. I believe that
Your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to pay the
just penalty for all my sins. Please forgive me. I
invite You, Jesus, to come into my heart and life as
Lord and Savior. I commit and trust my life to You.
Please give me the desire to become what You want me to
be and to do what You want me to do. Thank You for
dying for my sins, for Your forgiveness of all my sins,
and a free pardon, for Your gift of eternal life, and
for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen."

If you prayed this prayer sincerely, be sure to let us
know by clicking on:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php and we will send
you further information to help you in your newfound
Christian life. For further help if needed, read the
article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian," at:
http://www.actsweb.org/christian.

1. John 14:6 (NIV).
2. Luke 3:21-22 (NIV).
3. Romans 6:23 (NIV).
4. John 1:1, 14.
5. Colossians 2:9.
6. See the “Comparison Grid" between Christianity and
Islam at: http://tinyurl.com/9khb4vd.
7. Romans 5:10 (NIV).
8. John 3:3 (NIV).
9. John 3:5-7 (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) 2014 by ACTS International. 
   When copying or forwarding include the following: 
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2014
  ACTS International.