Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

The Direction You Lean

"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help
come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of
heaven and earth."1

As I've mentioned before, for many years I have ridden
a mountain bike, and riding down the steep hill where
we live is quite exhilarating--sure is a lot more fun
than riding back up again--obviously, though, the
benefit is only from the ride up. Unlike a car,
however, on a bicycle you don't steer to turn. You lean
to turn in the direction you want to go. If you lean
towards the left, you go left. If towards the right,
you go right. And if you lean too far either way,
you'll fall. I know because I've leaned too far
before--not on our steep hill fortunately.

Life's like that too. If you lean towards the left wing
of liberalism that's the direction you will go. If
towards the right wing of conservatism, that too is the
direction you will go. And if you are an
ultra-left-winger or an ultra-right-winger, chances
are--in time--you will ultimately fall too.

Both of these extremes are the opposite side of the
same coin. The culprits are not likely to admit it, but
both are equally neurotic. For example, an
ultra-right-winger is theologically rigid because he is
emotionally rigid, repressed, and in denial. It has
nothing to do with his self-perceived spirituality.
He's this way because he is insecure. His defense
against this is his rigidity. He always wants to be in
control as this is the only way he feels safe. It's
exactly the same for the ultra-left-winger. He's no
different and is just as rigid in his stance as is the
right-winger in his.

The healthiest and best direction to lean is towards
God, trusting in him and in his Word for the direction
of your life. It is also essential to face one's
emotional issues so we have our eyes open so we can see
clearly the direction in which we are leaning--and
heading, for where you look is where you will go.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me be
emotionally honest with myself and you so I can see
clearly and stay focused on the direction I need to go.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 121:1-2 (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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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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Overcoming Fear

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I
praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so
why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to
me?"1

Fear is unquestionably a problem common to all.
Somebody has said that there are 365 "fear nots" [or
the equivalent thereof]* in the Bible--one for every
day of the year!

Healthy fear is a God-given emotion. Without it we
would get into all sorts of dangerous situations. We
rightly fear, or should fear, driving through a red
light or walking alone at night (or in broad daylight)
in a dangerous area. If we don't, we're out of touch
with reality.

The fears that give us problems are those that cause
anxiety, sleepless nights, give us ulcers, cause us to
fail in our relationships and in our work, etc., etc.

On the surface these fears may seem to be irrational.
Usually they're not in the sense that they have their
roots in past frightening or traumatic experiences.
Even a dog, if it has been abused by a human in the
past, will be afraid of humans--so will people.

So how do we overcome our fears?

First, like David, we need to trust in the Lord and
seek his guidance to find the help we need to resolve
our fears.

Second, if our fear is caused by a traumatic experience
in childhood or in the past, very often skilled therapy
is needed so the root cause can be resolved and trust
restored.

Whether God heals us directly or through a counselor
doesn't matter. The important thing is that we choose
to trust God and ask him to give us the courage to face
our fears-and lead us to the help we need to overcome
them. As King David said, "When I am afraid, I will
trust in you."

When I am afraid, I keep quoting David who also said,
"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can
man do unto me?"2

May our trust be stronger than our doubts and our love
greater than our fears--for the God who brought us this
far will not desert us now.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the courage
to get in touch with and face all my fears so I don't
set myself up to fail. And please lead me to the help I
need to overcome them so I can honestly say with David,
'I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me
from all my fears.'2 Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT).
2. Psalm 118:6 (NIV).
3. Psalm 34:4.

See "Conquering Fear" at: http://tinyurl.com/rhlho

* * * * * * *

* How Many "Fear Nots" are there in the Bible?

It's been said that there are 365 "Fear nots" in the
Bible, one "Fear not" for every day of the
year--actually there are more than 365 "Fear nots" in
the Bible! Thank God because we need to be reminded to
"Fear not" and trust God every day.

Many people say, "It's a nice thought to say that there
are 365 'Fear nots' in the Bible, but it's not true."
Indeed, there is not a version of the Bible that 365
times says, quote unquote, "Fear not." For instance,
the King James Version says "Fear not" or "Be not
afraid" 103 times, but not 365 times.

So why do I say that there are more than 365 "Fear
nots" in the Bible?

"Fear" is spoken of over 500 times in the KJV.
Furthermore, in addition to the "Fear nots" many times
it's saying "Fear God," which really means reverence
God alone and do not fear anyone or anything else.
Expanding the search to look at verses encouraging us
not to worry or not to be anxious would add many,
many more "Fear not" Scriptures. This is why I say that
there are more than 365 "Fear nots" in the Bible.

From Soul Shepherding by Bill Gaultiere 2010
http://www.soulshepherding.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.

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Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
You Are Dialing the Wrong Number

"Let us then approach the throne of grace [God] with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need."1

Some time ago when I was badly in need of practical
guidance from God, half in jest--half in frustration--I
picked up my bedside telephone and dialed
1-800-4-HEAVEN.

And guess what? I received a recorded message. In one
of those typical monotone mechanical computer voices it
said, "You- - - are- - -dialing- - -the- - -wrong- -
-number!"

At a later time I tried calling 1-800-4-HEAVEN again. I
learned that it had now been registered by a company
that sells candies and cookies that they claim are a
"taste of heaven." I am "kicking" myself for not
registering this number when it was available so we
could give a true word about Heaven from God's
Word--the only reliable source about Heaven.

However, regarding prayer it isn't the number we call
or the words we say when we pray that matters. It's the
attitude of the heart that counts. As Jesus said to the
Samaritan woman, we need to seek/worship God "in spirit
and in truth."2 That is, when we come to God, we need
to be sincere and speak honestly from the heart.
Furthermore, as God's Word also reminds us: "The Lord
is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him
in truth."3

We also need to pray in faith and in harmony with God's
will. As the Bible says, "Without faith it is
impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to
him must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who earnestly seek him."4 God's Word also states
that "If we ask anything according to God's will, he
hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever
we ask, we know that we have the request which we have
asked from him."5

Of this we can be sure, when we come to God with a
sincere heart, have faith in him, and pray in harmony
with God's will in Jesus' name, we have the assurance
that God will hear and answer our prayers--according to
his will and not necessarily ours.

Suggested prayer: "Thank you God, that when I come to
you with a sincere and honest heart, you always hear
and answer my prayers. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."

Note: For further help read, "How to Pray Effectively"
online at:
http://www.actsweb.org/articles/article.php?i=26&d=1&c=2&p=1.


1. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV).
2. John 4:24.
3. Psalm 145:18 (NIV).
4. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV).
5. I John 5:14-15 (NIV).

<)))><
Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.
Today's Daily Encounter

Persistence Pays

"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

Author John Toland who received the Pulitzer Prize for
his book, The Rising Sun, is another person who knows
the power of persistence. Even though he now has an
imposing record of successes, he had an even more
impressive record of failures as a writer.

From the time he started writing he wrote six novels
and 25 plays--none of which were accepted by
publishers!

Undeterred, he kept diligently writing for 20-some
years before he tasted success. He went on to write
such best-sellers as Adolph Hitler, The Last 100 Days,
Battle: The Story of the Bulge, and But Not in Shame.

"If you wait for perfect conditions," advised King
Solomon, "you will never get anything done. Keep on
sowing your seed, for you never know which will
grow--perhaps it all will."2 Furthermore, as today's
Scripture verse puts it: "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

To be a true success in life--in God's view--it is
imperative that we know what God's purpose for our life
is, and that we never give up pursuing that goal. And
because we have all been commissioned by Christ to help
spread the gospel, it is also imperative that we never
give up pursuing this goal.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the insight
to know what part you want me to play in the work that
you are doing in the world today, the courage--with
your help--to do it, and the persistence to never give
up doing it--no matter what. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (TLB)(NLT).
2. Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6 (TLB)(NLT).

<)))><
Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
On Being a Positive Realist:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true … think
on these things."1

I am a great believer in positive thinking but, as it
has been said before, if you've been hit by a Mac
truck, all the positive thinking in the world won't
take away the pain. Yes, we still need to think
positively, but face the truth and think realistically.

I have taught for a number of years in a well-know
church where the founding pastor was notorious for his
teaching regarding positive thinking. Many of his
one-line sayings were highly motivational such as the
following: "If you can dream it, you can do it." "If
it's going to be, it's up to me." "The impossible
problem is solved when we see that the problem is only
a tough decision waiting to be made," and many more.

While this pastor was definitely considered to be
highly successful in his achievements, the sad fact is
that in a time of needed change, he didn't follow his
own advice, didn't make the tough decisions that were
needed--and his life dream ultimately collapsed. As
famous as he was, at a time of needed
transition--perhaps because of his age and/or because
of ill health--he simply was not being a positive
realist.

This is a tremendous challenge for me personally as the
day will come when--because of age and/or ill
health--it will also be necessary for me to let go of
my ministry and hand it over to someone else. I will
find this extremely difficult too. This is why
currently we are looking into such plans so hopefully
and prayerfully all will be in place when the day comes
for me to have to step down. Your prayers that God will
lead regarding the future of both our U.S. and
Australian offices will be greatly appreciated.
Furthermore, if you have any practical advice for the
future of ACTS, please share that with us. In the
meantime, I trust and pray I can keep running ACTS for
a good many years to come, but we want to be prepared
for the future.

Under normal circumstances the first step, when an
unexpected need or crisis arises, is to face and
acknowledge the reality of the situation and be very
practical. For instance, if I've been hit by a Mac
truck, it goes without saying that I need to seek
excellent medical help immediately, and then follow the
medical advice given, and accept full responsibility
for what I need to do to fully recover.

Speaking personally, in all challenging situations I
have learned to always pray, not only for God's
guidance, but also for his help so that I will see the
truth and reality of the overall situation, and to
confront me with the truth of what I may in any way be
contributing to the problem. Once I see the truth of
the total picture, I can then, and only then, see if
there is anything I can and need to do to help resolve
the problem.

Although in another context, the words of Jesus, "You
will know the truth and the truth will set you free,"
can equally apply to many of life's challenges,
circumstances, problems and situations. This is because
once we see the total truth and reality of the
situation at hand we, more often than not, know what we
can and need to do. This is very freeing.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every critical
situation and circumstance in which I find myself,
please give me the insight to see the truth and
reality, not only of the total situation, but also what
I may be contributing in any way to the problem at
hand. And please help me to see what I can and need to
do, and the courage to do it. So help me God. Thank you
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus' name, amen."

1. Philippians 4:8 (KJV).

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Delay, Not Denial

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms."1

The story is told about a lone shipwrecked survivor who
landed on a lonely, uninhabited island. He managed to
build a simple hut and stock it with items he was able
to save from his sinking ship.

He prayed that somehow God would send someone to save
him. Day by day he anxiously watched the horizon to
hail any passing ships.

He was devastated when his hut caught on fire and he
lost all that he had. He felt utterly forsaken by God.

The very next day a ship arrived to rescue him. "We saw
your smoke signal," said the captain.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to trust
you even in my darkest hour knowing that my times are
in your hands. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Deuteronomy 33:27 (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.

* * * * * * *

Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
When You Don't Feel Loving

"Let love be your highest goal."1

As none of us is perfect, most of us have an issue of
one kind or another. Probably my biggest issue was
being afraid to love, which came from childhood hurts.
A friend recently asked me if I ever still feel afraid
to love and I said not very often but sometimes I do.
"What do you do when you feel this way?" he asked to
which I replied, "I do the loving thing."

Nobody feels loving all the time, but we can always do
the loving thing if we so choose. People who choose
otherwise usually end up driving love away. I've seen
this happen and I'm sure you have too.

Jesus never told us how we should or shouldn't feel …
he just told us how to act. Sure, it is important to
recognize and acknowledge our feelings. Not to do so is
to be in denial. However, it is equally important not
to allow our feelings to control us. That can be
childish and immature. But rather, we need to be in
control of our feelings and regardless of what we feel,
always do the right thing, the loving thing. This is a
mark of maturity.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, no matter what situation I
am in nor how I feel, please help me to be like Jesus
and always do the loving thing--even if this includes
tough love where such is needed. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT).

<)))><


Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.
Date: January 24, 2013 8:54 PM

Today's Daily Encounter
Failure Is an Event--Not a Person

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing
love; according to your great compassion blot out my
transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse
me from my sin."1

Richard Halverson in Pulpit Helps asked the question:
"Who hasn't failed? The Apostle Paul failed, Peter
failed, every one of the twelve apostles failed. David,
Israel's greatest king, 'a man after God's own heart,'
failed. Moses, giant among the Israelites, giver of the
law, deliverer of his people, failed. Jacob, father of
Israel, failed. Isaac, son of promise, failed. Abraham,
progenitor of Israel, father of the faithful, prototype
of those who are righteous through faith, failed. Even
our first parents, in their human perfection, failed.
Who hasn't failed?

"It is not failing that is the problem; it is what one
does after he has failed. To take failure as final is
to be a failure. To see in failure the school of
[God's] Spirit is to let failure contribute to one's
growth in Christ."

When we fail, the important thing is to get up, confess
it to God and, where necessary, to the person whom we
have hurt if we have hurt someone, and ask for their
forgiveness. Then we need to forgive ourselves as God
forgives us, and learn from the experience.

Remember, too, it's not God's goal to make us good but
to make us whole, and the more whole and mature we
become, the less we will act out in destructive
ways--and the less we will fail. The only real failure,
after we either fall or get knocked down, is to not get
up one more time.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please forgive me for
where I have failed (be specific) and help me learn and
grow through this experience so I won't make the same
mistake again. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name."

1. Psalm 51:1-2 (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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Believing One's Own Lies

"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this,
be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by
the error of lawless men and fall from your secure
position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and forever! Amen."1

Politicians, promoters, and radicals all know that if
you keep repeating the "product or line" you are
wanting to promote--even when it is blatantly false--if
you say it often enough, loud enough, intense enough,
and for long enough, not only do you end up believing
your own lies, but lots of gullible people believe them
too. It becomes a case of: "Don't confuse me with the
facts. My mind is made up!"

The bottom line is that many people see what they want
to see, hear what they want to hear, and believe what
they want to believe--what is the most convenient for
them--and with some fancy "footwork" manufacture a
story in a vain attempt to justify their stance. And
the more defensive they become when challenged, the
more evident it becomes that they are promoting or
believing a lie. Shakespeare said it well: "Me thinks
he doth protest too much."

Just think how we've been sold a bill of goods on free
sex (which is never free), accepting homosexuality as a
norm (which is opposed to the norm), gay marriage (an
oxymoron if ever there were one), abortion on demand …
line upon line, little by little, all of these issues
have been accepted by vast numbers because they have
been promoted over and over and over ad infinitum.

Let us remember that repetition does not guarantee
reality. And the greatest defense we have against lies
is to know what the Bible teaches and be grounded
therein--and to always be honest with ourselves and
with others.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a genuine
love for and appreciation of your Word so that it
becomes a solid foundation for my life to guard against
all the lies that we are being bombarded with daily
from advertisers, high-pressure salesmen, politicians,
Hollywood, radicals from both the extreme left and
extreme right, and all who promote anything that is
opposed to your Word. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."


1. 1 Peter 3:17-18 (NIV).

<)))><

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

* * * * * * *
Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
and made possible through the donations of
interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
http://www.actscom.com


Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Soldier of the Cross
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we
see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you
something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and
invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When
did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did for me.'"1

Dan Vellinga talks about a true soldier of the cross,
Martin of Tours. "He was a Roman soldier and a
Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a
city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin
had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering
with cold and Martin gave what he had. He took off his
soldier's coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in
two and gave half of it to the beggar man. That night
he had a dream. In it he saw the heavenly places and
all the angels and Jesus in the midst of them; and
Jesus was wearing half of a Roman soldier's cloak. One
of the angels said to him, 'Master, why are you wearing
that battered old cloak? Who gave it to you?' And Jesus
answered softly, 'My servant Martin gave it to me.'"2

Reminder: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only
what's done for Christ will last."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to remember
that whenever I give even a cup of cold water in your
name, I am giving it as unto you. Please help me to
always be a true giver and never a half-giver. Thank
you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV).
2. Dan Vellinga, "What Would You Do?"

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
The Opposite of Love

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,
God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."1

I once asked a class I was teaching, "What would you
say was the Christian's number one sin?" to which a
jokester replied, "Apathy, but who cares?" And as the
old saying goes, "Many a true word spoken in jest."

"In the book The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, a
devil briefs his demon nephew, Wormwood, in a series of
letters on the subtleties and techniques of tempting
people. In his writings, the devil says that the
objective is not to make people wicked but to make them
indifferent. This higher devil cautions Wormwood that
he must keep the patient comfortable at all costs. If
he should start thinking about anything of importance,
encourage him to think about his luncheon plans and not
to worry so much because it could cause indigestion.
And then the devil gives this instruction to his
nephew: 'I, the devil, will always see to it that there
are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to
provide me with people who do not care.'"2

The opposite of love is not hate. It's apathy or
indifference that is practiced by people who don't care
enough to care. The fact is that "people don't care
what we know until they know how much we care."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a loving
heart so that I will truly care about others and care
enough to share the love of Jesus in some way with all
those you bring into my life. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."


1. John 4:12 (NIV).
2. From http://www.sermonillustrations.com quoted by
Dan Vellinga, "What Would You Do?" (sermon).

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Overcoming the Curse of Perfectionism

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect."1

When the Bible tells us to be perfect, it has nothing
to do with being a "perfectionist." In fact, the word
for perfect in today's scripture verse means to be
complete, whole and/or mature.

Sadly, perfectionists or those who have perfectionistic
tendencies find it difficult, if not impossible, to
forgive themselves when they have done wrong even
though God and others have forgiven them. And no matter
what they do, regardless of how good it is, they can
still be left unsatisfied because, to them, it isn't
absolutely perfect. They can be difficult to live with
because what you do may not be good or perfect enough
either.

Being made whole and complete are not characteristics
of perfectionism, but of maturity--both spiritual and
emotional--and are essential for wholesome
relationships. Being perfectionistic is a sign of
immaturity where an individual has a poor self-concept.
Perfectionists have totally unrealistic expectations in
that they feel they have to be perfect in everything
they do in order to feel acceptable to themselves--a
hopeless situation in which to be. When they have done
wrong, the reason they can't forgive themselves is
because in their mind they weren't being perfect. The
fact is that we are all a part of this broken world in
which we live and will never find perfection until we
get to heaven. Overcoming perfectionism is learning to
accept one's self as God accepts us--warts and all--and
learning to be satisfied when we know that we have done
the best we can while accepting the fact that we are
imperfect beings.

For further help I suggest that you read the article,
"Developing a Healthy Self-Concept" at:
http://tinyurl.com/self-concept007. And for those who
have a severely poor self-concept, I would encourage
you to see a fine professional Christian counselor who
can help you to overcome this problem.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love
and accept me as I am. Please help me to do the same
and become whole so I can love and accept myself and
others in a healthy sense. When and if needed, please
lead me to the help I need to develop a healthy
self-concept and therein bring glory to your name.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:48 (NIV).

<)))><

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Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
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Today's Daily Encounter
Good News: I'm Fired

"And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according
to his purpose."1

In light of the passing of Steve Jobs last year, we are
reminded how, in his commencement address to Stanford's
2005 graduating class Steven Jobs, founder of Apple
Computer, shared how he and his friend, Woz, started
Apple in his garage and within ten years it grew to a
$2 billion company. He also shared how he was fired
from his own organization and in his words, "I didn't
see it then, but getting fired from Apple was the best
thing that could have ever happened to me. The
heaviness of being successful was replaced by the
lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about
everything. It freed me to enter one of the most
creative periods of my life.

"During the next five years, I started a company named
NeXT, and another company named Pixar. Pixar went on to
create the world's first computer animated feature
film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful
animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of
events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the
technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of
Apple's current renaissance."2

Not to the same degree by any means, but in a similar
way this is how ACTS was started. At the time I was the
South Australian director of a well-known youth
organization. I changed our approach to ministry by
commencing direct mail evangelism and included reaching
adults as well as teenagers. I was told by the powers
that be that my ministry didn't fit the required role
and was asked to either give up my ministry, stay with
the current methods (which weren't working that great
anyhow), or get out of the organization. I chose the
latter. It, too, was the best thing that happened to me
at the time--as frightening as it was. Like you, I've
been through other seeming crises, too, which have all
turned out far better than I could have ever dreamed or
hoped for.

So, if it seems like your world is crumbling around you
and your life is truly committed to God and his will
for your life, choose to trust your life to him, and,
in time, you too will discover that all things do work
together for good for "those who love him, who have
been called according to his purpose."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for every crisis
in my life that you have made to work for good, and
turned into a blessing beyond my wildest dreams. Thank
you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 8:28 (NIV).
2. www.snopes.com/glurge/stevejobs.asp

<)))><

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
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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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Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
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Today's Daily Encounter

The Shepherd's Voice

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me."1

I read about a shepherd from the Scottish highlands
who, whenever he went out to take care of his sheep,
would take his young daughter with him. The thing she
enjoyed most of all was hearing her father call the
sheep who always came to him. As the years passed she
became a beautiful young woman and went to live in one
of Scotland's great cities--Edinburg or Glasgow--to
make a life of her own. At first she wrote home to her
parents ever week, but in time her letters dropped off
and soon she stopped writing.

Rumors filtered back that somehow she became involved
with some unsavory characters. On one occasion when one
of the boys from her hometown ran into her by accident,
she totally ignored him. When her father heard this, he
went to the city to look for her.

For days on end he looked for her. He looked in the
slums, rows of houses, markets, taverns, and everywhere
in between to no avail. After all of this searching he
became very discouraged with the thought that he had
lost his daughter to the evil city.

When leaving to return home, he remembered how his
daughter always loved to hear the voice of the shepherd
calling out to the sheep. "So he turned around and on
this quest motivated by his sorrow and his love, he
began to stalk the streets. His voice rang out the
shepherds call. The citizens of the city all looked at
him as if he had lost his wits. It wasn't too long as
he walked the streets of one of the degraded
neighborhoods that inside one of those houses, his
daughter sitting among the vermin who had led her
astray heard his voice. With great astonishment on her
face, she heard that call of the voice of the shepherd,
the voice of her father calling out to her. She leaped
up and rushed out to the street and ran into the arms
of that old shepherd, her father. It was then that he
took her back home to the highlands of Scotland and
brought her back to God and to decency and modesty."2

I wonder if any of our readers today can identify with
this farm girl in that you have wandered away from God.
If so, I urge you to stand still long enough to examine
your life and listen with your heart to the call of
Jesus, God's Shepherd Son, who is lovingly calling you
to return home to him and again follow in his way.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to slow
down, stop, and listen so that I will hear your
shepherd call to me whatever that may be. If I have
wandered away from you, I choose to come back to you
today. If there is sin in my life, I confess it and ask
for your forgiveness and for strength to overcome. No
matter what, I choose to always follow you, the Good
Shepherd, and rededicate my life afresh to you. I also
ask that you will help me always to be 'as Jesus' in
some way to every life with whom I have contact. So
help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: If you are renewing your commitment to Jesus
Christ today, please let us know by filling in the
brief form at: http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php, and
we will send you the web address for additional helpful
articles--all without charge. Be assured that we have a
strict privacy policy and will never share any of your
information with anyone ever.

FURTHERMORE: If you have never received Jesus, the Good
Shepherd, as your Lord and Savior and asked God for his
forgiveness for all your sins, please read "How to Be
Sure You're a Real Christian" at:
www.actsweb.org/christian.

1. John 10:27 (NKJV).
2. Adapted from a sermon by Philip Harrelson, "The
Voice of the Shepherd." Cited on SermonCentral.

<)))><

Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
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Today's Daily Encounter

Creative Questioning

"But the people of Berea were more open minded than
those in Thessalonica, and gladly listened to the
message. They searched the Scriptures day by day to
check up on Paul and Silas' statements to see if they
were really so."1

Albert Einstein, who discovered the theory of
relativity, asked, "What would a light wave look like
to someone keeping pace with it?"

Bill Bowerman, inventor of Nike shoes, questioned,
"What happens if I pour rubber into my waffle iron?"

Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express, reasoned, "Why
can't there be reliable overnight mail service?"

Godfrey Hounsfield, inventor of the CAT scanner, asked,
"Why can't we see in three dimensions what is inside a
human body without cutting it open?"

And Masaru Ibuka, honorary chairman of the Sony
Corporation who came up with the idea for the Sony
Walkman, queried, "Why don't we remove the recording
function and speaker and put headphones in the
recorder?"

Asking the right questions is one of the fundamental
keys for opening the mind to new ideas, some of which
have made profound changes for mankind. However,
whenever people come up with new ideas, they need
courage to overcome the criticisms of negative people
who seem to feel that their calling in life is to
discourage creative thinkers and productive change.

For instance, shoe makers called Nike's idea for waffle
shoes stupid. Godfrey Hounsfield's CAT scan idea was
seen as "impractical." Masaru Ibuka was asked if he was
crazy when he proposed the idea for the Sony walkman
and Fred Smith wrote a paper at Yale suggesting the
idea for Federal Express--and got a "C" grade!

We, too, like the Christians in Berea, need to question
doctrines we are taught to make sure they are biblical
and not just outmoded traditions of man that can "kill"
the church, and be constantly open to and actively
seeking better ways of doing things for improving the
quality of life for ourselves and others. And, most of
all, we need to be open to what God is doing, or
wanting to do, in our own life, in our church, in our
community, and in our nation--and get in on his plans.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me not to accept
everything I hear, but to test it to see if it is true.
And help me to be open to change where change is needed
and where I need to change, and help me to be a change
agent for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Acts 17:11 (TLB)(NLT).

<)))><

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
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Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
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Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
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Today's Daily Encounter
The Tyranny of the Urgent

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every
activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to
die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to
kill and a time to heal … to tear down … to build … to
weep … to laugh … to mourn … to dance … to scatter ….
to gather … to embrace … to refrain … to search … to
give up … to keep … to throw away … to tear … to mend …
to be silent … to speak … to love … to hate [and] a
time for war and a time for peace."1

At least in our Western culture many, if not most of
us, seem to feel that there is never enough time to do
all that we want to do. I can certainly identify with
that.

In a research project, Ipsos, a global marketing
research firm, announced that 64 percent of Americans
were most likely to agree with the statement, "There is
never enough time in the day to get done what I want to
get done." And it's not only Americans who feel this
way. It's just the same in my homeland of Australia.

Gordon Govier, a journalist working with Intervarsity
Christian Fellowship wrote, "When Charles Hummel wrote
his classic essay 'Tyranny of the Urgent,' in 1967, he
identified the telephone as among the worst offenders
against our peace and complacency. And that was before
we carried the offending instrument with us everywhere
and embellished it with email, computers, cameras,
downloadable ring tones and music files.

"The issue," Hummel said, "is not so much a shortage of
time as a problem of priorities." Or, as a cotton mill
manager once told him, "Your greatest danger is letting
the urgent things crowd out the important."2

How true this is.

Like Jesus we, too, in the midst of our busy schedules,
also need to come apart and rest awhile--before we come
apart.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to realize that
there is a time to do the things I need to do today.
Help me to keep my priorities straight, put first
things first, and do what I need to do and let the rest
go. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV).
2. Gordon Govier, "Handling the Tyranny of the Urgent,"
Assist News Service, http://tinyurl.com/b3usy.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Overcoming Temptation

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you."1

In one class I was teaching I asked the question, "What
is the best way to handle temptation?" One jokester
suggested, "Give in to it." Bad answer!

In her poem, "There's a Hole in My Sidewalk--an
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters," Portia Nelson
has an excellent answer:

Chapter 1:
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in. …
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter 2:
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again. …
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 3:
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in; it's a habit. …
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter 4:
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter 5:
I walk down another street.2

That's an excellent way to resist the devil and avoid
falling into temptation's pit. An equally effect way
when feeling tempted is to repeatedly pray: “Help Jesus
help!" And repeatedly say either out loud or in your
mind, “Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ is Son of the
living God and is Lord of my life." The evil tempter,
Satan, hates these words and this prayer.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me always to stay
focused on you so I can, with your help, resist the
devil and not walk in the ways he would tempt me to
take. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. James 4:7 (NIV).
2. http://www.lessons4living.com/sidewalk_of_life.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,
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Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
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Today's Daily Encounter
Forgiving Yourself

"If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness."1

In response to an article on abortion some time back in
Weekend Encounter a reader wrote, "What I am concerned
about is that those who read your article who have had
an abortion might be put into a deeper depression
because of what that article said. I agree with it, but
you didn't mention that there is forgiveness of this
sin. I agree with what you said, but I am concerned
that some might read it and not know that they can be
forgiven. I know women that have had abortions who live
in a great depression over their sin. I just want them
to know that they can find forgiveness."

Dear W.E. reader, you have raised an excellent point. I
recall being in a weekend secular growth group where a
very non-religious lady was sobbing her heart out
because of her guilt over having had two abortions. As
far as I know she never sought God’s forgiveness. This
is sad because any woman who has had an abortion can be
forgiven if she confesses her sin and asks God for his
forgiveness--just as he forgives any and all other sins
which have been confessed.

However, after asking for God’s forgiveness, every one
of us needs to accept his forgiveness by faith, and
then it is essential that we forgive ourselves just as
God has forgiven us. Unfortunately, people who have
perfectionistic tendencies can find this very difficult
to do. If this is so, their problem has more to do with
being a perfectionist rather than finding
forgiveness--and this is another issue totally. For
help, see the link below to a Daily Encounter article
on “Perfectionism."

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your promise
that if I confess my sins to you, you will forgive me
fully and freely. And please help me to forgive myself
for all the wrongs I have done and wherever possible,
make restitution to anyone I may have hurt. Thank you
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus’ name, amen."

1. 1 John 1:9 (NIV).

NOTE: For the article on “Perfectionism" go to:
http://tinyurl.com/perfectionism007.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God of the Minority

"Come, follow me," Jesus said [to fishermen Peter and
Andrew] and I will make you fishers of men."1

Some of us have the idea that our life can't make much
of a difference. Sometimes we think, "What can one
person do?" This reminds me of the man who, when
walking along the beach, kept picking up starfish that
had been washed ashore. There must have been hundreds
of them. One by one he picked them up and threw each
back into the ocean.

A stranger watching said to the man, "Why are you doing
that? There are so many starfish on the beach. What you
are doing makes no difference."

"Makes a difference to that one," the man replied as he
threw another starfish back into the ocean.

Robert Kennedy once said, "Many of the world's great
movements, of thought and action, have flowed from the
work of a single person. A young monk began the
Protestant Reformation … It was a young Italian
explorer who discovered the New World, and it was the
32-year-old Thomas Jefferson who proclaimed that all
men are created equal."

When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in a bus to
a white man on December 1, 1955, she triggered the
civil rights movement in the U.S.A. In so doing she
played a key role that changed a nation.

And it was a motley band of twelve very ordinary
men--unsophisticated and uneducated--whom Jesus chose
for his disciples to introduce the Christian message to
pretty much a hostile world.

You and I may not achieve such greatness but we can
make a difference. We do so every time we stand up for
what is right, lend a helping hand to a friend or
stranger in need, and help communicate the love of God
and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Added up, our
small ripples blend together to reach ever-widening
circles. In so doing, one life does make a difference
and can make an impact for Christ in our corner of the
world.

As Edward Everett Hale said, "I am only one, but I am
one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The
something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of
God, I will."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I'm available. Please help
and use me to make a difference in somebody's life
today. Help me to be as Jesus in some way to every life
I touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: For a simple and attractive way to help reach
friends, family and contacts with the saving gospel of
the Lord Jesus Christ, please consider joining with us
as a “People Power for Jesus Partner." For more
information go to: www.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.

1. Matthew 4:19 (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


Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

* * * * * * *

Today's Daily Encounter
Belief Versus Profession

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not
sin against you."1

It is a truism that we don't always act consistently
with what we profess, but we always act consistently
with what we believe.

If, for example, deep down I believe (feel) that I am
unlovable, I will act in such a way that I will drive
love away from me--regardless of what I profess. Also,
if I believe (feel) I am a bad person, I will act
badly. If, on the other hand, I believe I am lovable, I
will act in a loving manner, and if I believe I am
fully responsible for every area of my life, I will act
responsibly. In almost every way our beliefs shape our
destiny--for this life and the life to come.

Also, if I say I believe that people without Christ are
lost eternally and don't do anything to help
communicate the gospel to them, chances are I may not
really believe this in my heart at all. I just profess
it. I believe it was Dallas Willard who said,
"Believers are those who act as if the gospel is true."

One way to "program" beliefs into our heart (the
subconscious mind) is through repetition and memorizing
them, meditating on them, and then acting on them to
reinforce them. As we have emphasized before, "What the
mind dwells on the body acts on." If you don't believe
this, think how temptation works. David certainly
confirmed this principle when he said, "I have hidden
your word [God’s Word] in my heart that I might not sin
against you."

In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul wrote, "If you
confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you
will be saved"2 In other words, beliefs need to be in
the heart--not just in the head!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to hide
your Word in my heart and choose my beliefs
carefully--so that I will not sin against you--and so I
will live in harmony with your will always in all ways.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 119:11 (NIV).
2. Romans 10:9 (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.

* * * * * * *
Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
The Power of Applause

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other
up, just as in fact you are doing."1

Besides wishing each other a very Happy New Year, may
we all make a New Year resolution to be more effective
encouragers of each other--and especially so of our
loved ones.

Dr. Ernest Mellor wrote how he and his wife, "Sat
charmed at an outdoor performance by young Suzuki
violin students. After the concert, an instructor spoke
briefly on how children as young as two, three and four
years old are taught to play violin. The first thing
the children learn, he said, is a proper stance. And
the second thing the children learn--even before they
pick up the violin--is how to take a bow. 'If the
children just play the violin and stop, people may
forget to show their appreciation,' the instructor
said. 'But when the children bow, the audience
invariably applauds. And applause is the best motivator
we've found to make children feel good about performing
and want to do it well.'

"Adults love applause too. Being affirmed makes us feel
wonderful. If you want to rekindle or keep the flame of
love glowing in your marriage through the years, try
showing and expressing your appreciation for your mate.
Put some applause in your marriage and watch love
grow."2

Meaningful applause--whether by hand clapping or with
our words--is one the most effective and easiest ways
to encourage one another. The word "encourage" comes
from "en" meaning in, and "courage." It means to put
courage into another--and that's something every one of
us can do--so let's do it often from a sincere heart.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me always to
applaud and encourage my loved ones and friends when
such is well earned, not just as a means of ‘being
outwardly nice’ or to flatter, but out of a genuine
heart of appreciation. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."


1. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).
2. Dr. Ernest Mellor, in Homemade, November, 1984.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Divine Healing, Part II. Are Faith Healers for Real?

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for
each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16,
NIV).

The Daily Encounter reader who asked yesterday's
question also asked, "Are the faith/spiritual healers,
who go around nowadays holding healing crusades, really
healing the sick? Is there true healing taking place or
is it some magical act or illusion?

First, one thing is certain, some of these preachers,
whether in crusades or on TV, certainly don't have any
problems drawing great crowds and gaining great numbers
of followers--and raising enormous amounts of
money--which shows that vast numbers of people are
seeking healing. But how many of these preachers are
faith healers and how many are fake-healers?

Second, is it God's will to pray for the sick? Yes,
besides praying privately for those who are sick, keep
in mind when it comes to public praying that James
wrote, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the
elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him
with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer
offered in faith will make the sick person well."1

Third, in my own limited experience I've listened to
and witnessed a few of these "public" faith healers but
have seen very little healing happen. Most important,
however, in all my years I have never heard one "faith
healer" ever quote an essential requirement for healing
included with James' instructions for healing. That is,
if we desire to be healed, we need to confess our sins
and faults--not only to God--but also to at least one
or two others whom we can trust.

Not all physical ills, by any means, are caused by
unconfessed sins, but many sicknesses and problems are,
or are greatly aggravated by them. Things such as
guilt, resentment, envy, jealousy, hatred, and
especially super-charged repressed negative emotions
create havoc within us--physically, emotionally,
relationally, and spiritually. These need to be
resolved to clear the way for healing.

If we applied these principles as stated by James, I am
convinced that we would witness a whole lot more
physical, emotional, relational and spiritual healing.
Speaking personally, to the best of my ability I have
applied these principles to my life, and am a whole lot
healthier today than when I was half my present age.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a spirit of
discernment to help me recognize those healers who are
real and those who are false. And if there are any
unresolved issues in my life that are blocking any
healing I need, please help me to see what these are
and get the help I need to resolve them. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

1. James 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

Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Divine Healing Part I. Should Christians Seek Medical Help?

"Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine
because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "Is it biblically
correct for some 'religious' groups to refuse their
'followers' to be taken for medical attention at
clinics/hospitals for help when they are sick? And is
it right not to allow immunization of children against
diseases like polio, measles, etc.? They claim that
God's Word in the Bible is against such? I think God's
word is being misused here."

Dear Cheryl (name changed), you are correct in saying
that God's Word is being misused here. Unfortunately,
there will always be some people who mean well but are
sadly misguided. And there will always be religious
fanatics who misinterpret God's Word to twist it to say
what they want it to say … and do so to control their
followers. The Bible calls this legalism and being
bewitched.2

Personally speaking, I believe it is very misleading
and even cruel to deny anyone the medical attention
they need. Even Paul said to Timothy to take a little
wine for his stomach sake. And Paul himself had some
affliction from which God never delivered him or never
healed him; rather, God said, "My grace is sufficient
for you."3

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but my father went through
a stage of religious fanaticism and refused to have my
younger sister immunized. She died of diphtheria when
she was only two-and-a-half years old.

In much younger days I taught a Sunday school class of
ten-year-old boys. I loved these kids. We had some
great times together. However, one of these boys was
slowly going blind, but his parents believed God would
heal him so never sought any kind of medical help. It
was very sad to see this cruelty.

In later years a close friend of mine, when in his
mid-40s, had cancer and went to a healing group who
prayed for him after which they told him he was healed
… so he never got the medical attention he desperately
needed. Some months later he excitedly told me about
his healing experience. In no time he was back in
hospital. His body was riddled with cancer and it was
too late then for medical help. He died within a few
months.

True, sometimes God does heal people and sometimes he
doesn't. But thank God for medical help, for without
it, many more of us would not be healed.

And by the way, Luke, an early follower of Jesus,
writer of one of the four Gospels, and a missionary
companion of Paul, was a physician.

To be continued ….

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from
religious legalism and fanaticism, help me to be
realistic, and give me the wisdom needed to have a
balanced view and understanding of your Word--and the
good sense to apply it to my life. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

1. 1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV).
2. See Galatians 3:1-5.
3. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.
Today's Daily Encounter

Who Will Answer?

"And I [God] sought for a man among them, that should
build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for
the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found
none."1

Today's Scripture was written by the prophet Ezekiel at
a time when ancient Israel was in captivity because
they had turned from God to worship idols. God was
looking for someone who would stand in the gap to lead
the people back to him--but he found no one to do this.
How tragically sad this was.

This Scripture reminds me of the lyrics of "Who Will
Answer?" by Ed Ames written in 1968 during the Vietnam
War. This chanting song had a tremendous impact on me
the first time I heard it. I can still remember exactly
where I was when I heard it and who sang it!

Back then it was a time of turmoil with many unanswered
questions. Ed's lyrics were a cry from the human heart
wanting answers. They spoke about people searching from
the canyons of their mind, stumbling blindly while
searching for the truth. They spoke about the emptiness
of faded dreams from a failed marriage; of a youthful
soldier whose arms would never hold his child because
he was dying on a distant battlefield; of desperate
souls committing suicide; and the ongoing threat of
nuclear war with a desperate plea: "Dear God, Oh, why,
oh, why? The final question being, "Who will answer?"2

World conditions have not improved since Ed Ames wrote
these lyrics. In fact they have deteriorated
considerably--especially so since the suicide attacks
by al-Qaeda on the World Trade Towers in New York on
September 11, 2001. And they continue to deteriorate
incrementally with the never ending threat of
terrorism--not knowing where radical Muslim fanatics
will strike next as they hate and want to kill Jews,
Christians, and Americans. And according to ACT for
America,3 "British intelligence has uncovered the
newest threat from Islamic terrorism--bombs surgically
implanted inside the bodies of jihadists."

Tragically, more and more, at least here in the U.S.A.,
like ancient Israel, we too are increasingly turning
away from God which can readily lead to the path of
self-destruction. Consequently, God is looking for
committed people "who will answer" life's questions,
and who will stand in the gap to point the way back to
God. There are also millions of people worldwide for
whom God is also looking for people to stand in the gap
to point them to God.

The person/s God is looking for are simply those who
make themselves available for him to use. So, will you,
today, be one for whom God is looking and pray from the
heart: "I am available God, please use me?"

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I hear your call for
people to stand in the gap to bring lost souls to you.
I am available. Please make me usable and use me to
help bring others to you. I am willing to be made
willing to go where you want me to go and to do what
you want me to do. So help me God. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

Please Note: If you prayed this prayer and truly meant
it, will you please join with us as a People Power for
Jesus Partner and we will share with you many simple
tips on how you can stand in the gap to help introduce
others to God. To do so go to
www.actsweb.org/people_power/subscribe.php and fill in
the simple form. And may God greatly bless and use you
to help bring others to God. Please be sure to tell
friends, too, of your decision to stand in the gap for
God and encourage them to do likewise. "When many
people each do a little, great feats for God can be
achieved."

1. Ezekiel 22:30(ASV).
2. The lyrics of Ed Ames, "Who Will Answer?" can be
seen at:
www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/e/ed_ames/who_will_answer.html.
3. ACT for America, http://www.actforamerica.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.

* * * * * * *
Copyright (c) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

When I Am a Rich Man

Wishing all Daily Encounter readers a very Happy and
God-blessed New Year!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The
Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."1

"A legend tells the story of a fisherman called Aaron.
Aaron lived on the banks of a river. Walking home with
his eyes half-closed one evening after a hard day's
work, he was dreaming of what he could do if he were
rich. As he walked his foot struck against a leather
pouch filled with what seemed to him to be small
stones.

"Absentmindedly he picked up the pouch and began
throwing the pebbles into the water.'When I am a rich
man,' he said to himself, 'I'll have a large house.'
And he threw another pebble into the river. He threw
another one and thought, 'My wife and I will have
servants and rich food, and many fine things.' And this
went on until just one stone was left. As Aaron held it
in his hand, a ray of light caught it and made it
sparkle. He then realized that it was a valuable gem.
He had been throwing away the real riches in his hand,
while he dreamed of unreal riches in the future."2

As we start a fresh New Year, let us remember all the
riches we have in Christ Jesus, and all the blessings
from God that we do have, and not overlook these
because of all the things we don't have--many of which
for many of us we don't even need in order to live a
contented and happy life.

As Charles Dickens once said, "Reflect upon your
present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not
on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."

Contentment and happiness come from within and not from
circumstances without. They come from changing the
things we can and need to change, from accepting and
learning to live with the things we cannot change--and
having the wisdom to know the difference. They come
from the attitude of one's heart and mind, and learning
to trust God in every situation.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all the
blessings that I have in Christ Jesus, and for all the
blessings I receive from you every day. Open the eyes
of my understanding so that I can see these, thank you
for them, and rejoice always in them. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

Special NOTE: If you receive this and reply before
midnight of Dec 31 ... this is a last chance for a tax
deductible receipt for 2012 for US donors. Click on the
DONATE link in the right hand sidebar to donate on the
ACTS secure donor site. Know that your support will be
greatly appreciated.

1. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV).
2. Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, "The Man Without Wedding
Clothes." http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermon.html.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter
Goodbye 2012 ... Hello 2013

"Jesus said, 'By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another.'"1

Today, as we pass from the Old Year into the new, may
we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year
resolution and remember to apply these principles every
day of the year:

Smile at a stranger; listen to someone's heart;
hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them. Drop a
coin where a child can find it. Learn something
new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great
they are.
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their
heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to
just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for
what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to
the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest. Cherish
all your todays."2
And send an email or two of love and appreciation
to a friend and to a loved one.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your
blessings of this past year, and please help me
throughout the New Year to always be 'as Jesus' and a
channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant
that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for
themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 13:35 (NIV).
2. Marcella's Inspiring Collection,
http://tinyurl.com/w9nb9.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Amen: What Does It Mean?

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you
all. Amen."1

A Daily Encounter subscriber asks a simple but
interesting question: "Can you tell me what does the
word, 'amen,' mean? Nobody has ever explained it
meaningfully to me."

Tony Warren of The Mountain Retreat writes, "Amen is a
word used so frequently in the Church that you would
think that most Christians would know its meaning.
However, many do not. Others tend to use the word
frivolously, some even thinking that it simply means,
'the end.' But this word is much more than just the
standard thing to say, or the appropriate ending of a
prayer.

"Amen is one of the few words of scripture which is
written in its original Hebrew form. In fact, it is
practically a universal word, having been adopted
directly from the Hebrew into Greek, Latin, English,
Spanish, and many other languages. Found both in the
Old and the New Testaments, it is also translated in
different ways, depending upon the context of the
passage in which it is found. This Hebrew amen is
derived from the root [aman], which means to be firm or
solid in the sense of permanency or faithfulness. Thus
by implication, it means to be sure or true. So
whenever we see this word Amen used in scripture, it is
affirming what is truth, or illustrating something said
that is of absolute certainty."2

In John 8:51 where Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say
unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see
death," "the word translated 'verily' is that very same
Hebrew word [amen], and it means that what is now being
said is most assuredly, truth. Christ is saying,
'Truly, truthfully, I say unto you.' He is making a
statement of 'absolute' certainty. Christ used the word
'amen' to introduce statements as being sure on a
number of occasions."3

Speaking personally, if I use the word "amen" when a
preacher or a friend makes a statement that I believe
is true, I mean "I agree with you … good point … so let
it be."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank for your Word, the
final word of which says: 'He [Jesus] who testifies to
these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all. Amen.' Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV).
2. Tony Warren,
http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/amen.html.
3. Revelation 22:20-21 (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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Will God Take Me Back?

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "I was once close to
God, at least I thought I was. I want to get back if
God will take me back. I'm 64 years old and what have I
really done for God? Unfortunately, it's not much of
anything. I've lived in sin so long now, can God take
me back? I want to, I really do want to. Please pray
for me that God will give back the joy that I once
knew. I want to go to be with the Lord when it's my
time to go. Please help … I don't like living the way
that I am."

Dear Joe (not his real name), it is a very wise action
you have decided to take; that is, to turn back to God.
Remember that God's Word says, "If we confess our sins,
he [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."1 Be sure
to take God at his Word, believe what he says, and
don't go by your feelings. The promise of God is that
if you confess your sins and failures, God WILL FORGIVE
YOU. Again, take this by faith and not your feelings.

To help you (and all who would like to turn to, or back
to, God) to do this, you could pray the prayer at:
http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php.

If you need further assurance, be sure to read the
article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at:
www.actsweb.org/christian.

At the beginning of every day for the rest of your life
I suggest that you also pray this prayer: "Dear God,
again today I commit and trust my life and way to you.
Please help me to become the person you want me to be.
I am available again today, please make me usable and
use me to be 'as Jesus' in some way to every life I
touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 John 1:9.

<)))><

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) 2012 by ACTS International.
When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2012
ACTS International.