Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Today's Daily Encounter

Security Amidst Never Ending Change
"I the Lord do not change."1
While some things never change, we can't say that
about life in the last century. I read that if we were
to put the entire world's knowledge from the beginning
of time until 1845 on a graph it would measure only 1
inch tall. From 1845 to 1945--just 100 years--the
graph would measure 3 inches tall. But from 1945 until
today the graph would be as tall as or even taller than
the Washington monument.
Change, rapid change--some for good and some for
bad--has become the order of the day. They say that
today's average worker will need to be retrained at
least three times during his working career to keep up
with all the changes. Changes in technology, our manner
of living, relationships, beliefs, philosophy, morals,
and so on are happening so fast it is difficult to
keep up with it all. It can leave us reeling and
stressed to the max.
And while we have learned how to put a man on the moon
and talk to him while he is there, we hardly know how
to communicate to one another in a meaningful manner
when we are in the same room! Much of our modern
education (with access to almost unlimited knowledge)
has taught us how to make a living but has failed
miserably in teaching us how to live.
And without an anchor for the soul we can be left
floating on a restless changing sea of uncertainty and
insecurity. But for those who have faith in God, of
this one thing we can be absolutely sure: God changes
not! His love is from everlasting to everlasting and
he is still in control of the world and universe no
matter what.
In the U.S. we have engraved on our coins, "In God we
trust." But until that is engraved on our hearts and
we genuinely trust in the God who changes not, we will
have no lasting security.
T.O. Chisholm wrote:
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your
faithfulness and unchanging nature. Help me to trust
in you no matter what, knowing that you are in control
and hold the world in your hands. Please hold my life
in your hands, too, as I yield the control of it to
you. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."
1. Malachi 3:6 (NIV)
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Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Fear Not
"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can
man do to me?"1
"It is reported that the [former] newspaper counselor,
Ann Landers, received an average of 10,000 letters each
month, and nearly all of them from people burdened with
problems. She was asked if there was any one problem
that predominates throughout the letters she receives,
and her reply was the one problem above all others
seems to be fear."2
Fear, to one degree or another, is common to all
mankind. People are afraid of innumerable things:
grasshoppers, bugs of all kind, snakes, spiders, mice,
the dark, closeness, intimacy, losing their health,
wealth, happiness, friendships, the unknown, ad
infinitum. Some people are even afraid of success and
unconsciously set themselves up to fail. Others are so
afraid of failure, they won't step out or even attempt
to fulfill their life's ambition and goals.
The ancient king of Israel, King Saul was so jealous
of David that he set out to kill him. David had a
right to be afraid and undoubtedly was. But because of
his enduring trust in God, he was able to say with
confidence, "The LORD is with me; I will not be
afraid. What can man [King Saul] to do me?" When our
trust is in God, we can confidently say the same. I
like the words of the unknown poet who said:
I would rather stumble a thousand times
Attempting to reach a goal
Than to sit in a crowd
In my weather-proof shroud
A shriveled and self-satisfied soul.
I would rather be doing and daring
All of my error-filled days
Than watching, and waiting, and dying
Smug in my perfect ways.
I would rather wonder and blunder
Stumbling blindly ahead
Than for safety's sake
Lest I make a mistake
Be sure, be safe, be dead.
God has a specific goal and purpose for your life.
It's okay to be afraid, just don't allow fear to
control you. Commit and trust your life to God every
day and he will be with you. Step out in faith to do
what you know and/or believe God wants you to do with
your life. Don’t waste your life--make it an
investment in eternity.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I
commit and trust my life and way to you, your Spirit
is with me to guide and direct me in all that I am and
do. Help me to discover my God-given life purpose, and
give me the courage to step out in faith to become all
that you planned for me to be, and to do all that you
plan for me to do. And even when I am afraid, I choose
to put my trust in you. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
1. Psalm 118:6 (NIV).
2. The Bible Friend. Cited in Encyclopedia of 7700
Illustrations by Paul Lee Tan., Rockland, Maryland.
1979.
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
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ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God's Methods
"I searched for a man among them who would build up
the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land,
so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one."1
Down through the ages since the beginning of time
whenever God has a job to do, he has always chosen and
started with a single individual. Think of Abraham,
Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Mary, John the Baptist,
Peter, and Paul for example.
Robert C. Stone shared how, "In 1872, Dwight L. Moody
attended an early morning meeting in a hay mow (the
place they store hay) in Ireland. At the meeting he
heard a man quietly say, 'The world has yet to see
what God can do with, and for, and through, and in,
the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to God's
will.'
"Years later, Moody was seated high up in Charles
Spurgeon's tabernacle in London, and Spurgeon used
those same words in his message. Moody bowed his head
and prayed, 'By the power of the Holy Spirit, I will
be that man.'"
Moody was greatly used of God to win multiplied
thousands to Christ and founded the world-famous Moody
Bible Institute (MBI) in Chicago, a school that has
trained many thousands for Christian service around
the world. (By way of interest, I am a graduate of
MBI.)
E M. Bounds said, "Men are looking for better methods.
God is looking for better men [and women]." God will
use every single person who makes him/herself
available for Him to use, and he is still looking for
dedicated people to stand in the gap today. Will you,
too, in the words of D. L. Moody, say, "By the power
of the Holy Spirit, I will be that man/woman?"
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that your
methods are people. By and through your power I want
you to use me to stand in the gap to be what you want
me to be and to do what you want me to do. Please use
me to be a shining light in a dark world so that
people, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for
themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Note: For God to use you to help reach others with the
gospel please consider becoming an ACTS People Power
for Jesus partner and help in an attractive,
non-threatening way to share the love of Jesus and the
message of God’s salvation with friends, family and
contacts. For more information go to:
http://www.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.
1. Ezekiel 22:30 (ASV).
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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

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

Will God Take Me Back?
"When he [the Prodigal Son] came to his senses, he
said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to
spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out
and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have
sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer
worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your
hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. But
while he was still a long way off, his father saw him
and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his
son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."1
A Daily Encounter reader writes: "I was once a
Christian with a great love for the knowledge of the
Bible. I have, unfortunately, turned away from God in
the last several years. Will God take me back? Will he
return His Spirit to me? Please respond."
Dear Frieda (name changed), Will God take you back?
Will the sun stop shining? Will the world stop
turning? Will God reject you? Never, never, never will
God reject you.2 He loves you with an everlasting love
… not because of what you have ever done or have
failed to do, but just because you are you, and
because you are one of God's children. Not one of us
is worthy to come to God in our own right, but because
Jesus, God's Son, died to save us from our sins;
through him even the worst of sinners can come to God.
All we need to do is come to him, confess our sins and
failures, and ask for his forgiveness ... and THANK
him for it. Don't depend on your feelings. Depend on
God’s Word which says, "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness."3
Confess your sins and failures to God today ... and
accept his forgiveness. And be sure to forgive
yourself. Remember, if there is one prayer God loves
to hear it is, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." Pour
out your heart to God today. Tell him exactly how you
feel. Ask for his help in every area of your life.
Every day commit and trust your life and way to God. I
have done this daily for many years because I know that
God can make a much better job of my life than I ever
could.
Also, read again "How to Be Sure You're a Real
Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian and
be sure to read the last part about having assurance
of your salvation and eternal destiny.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you are a
friend of sinners--including me. Thank you for your
everlasting love and for giving your Son, Jesus, to
die on the cross in my place to save me from my sins.
Thank you that when I confess my sins to you, you
forgive me fully and freely. Thank you for your
forgiveness and for the gift of eternal life, and for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."
1. Luke 15:17-20 (NIV).
2. see Hebrews 13:5.
3. 1 John 1:9 (NIV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Walking on Water
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he
would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and
went, even though he did not know where he was
going."1
Don't you just love the title of the book by John
Ortberg: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to
Get Out of the Boat. It's one of those titles that I
wish I had thought of myself.
I suppose most of us like to stay close to the shore
in shallow waters, safely within our comfort zone.
However, if we are going to invest our life and our
God-given talents in a worthy and noble cause, and
grow to reach our full potential, at some point we are
going to need to launch out into the deep of the
unknown--out of our comfort zone--or as John Ortberg
put it, get out of the boat and walk on the water.
He's talking about exercising faith, of course, and
stretching beyond our comfort zone and known limits.
Sure it's scary, but unless we are willing to risk
failure, we will never learn how to walk on water.
New Horizons
Unless you are willing
to launch out far from
sight of the shore
into the deep beyond
your present comfort zone,
you will never know
what you are capable
of doing or becoming,
nor will you ever discover
the new horizons
and greater dreams
your heart
is yearning for.
- Dick Innes
Copyright 2000
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the vision
to see what my God-given life purpose is, and the faith
and courage to launch out into the deep to become all
that you have envisioned for me to be, and to do what
you plan for me to do. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
1. Hebrews 11:8 (NIV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.
Today's Daily Encounter

Effective Leadership
The Apostle Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow
the example of Christ."1
I have read how "H. Gordon Selfridge built up one of
the world's largest department stores in London. He
achieved success by being a leader, not a boss. Here
is his comparison of the two types of executives:
The boss drives his men; the leader coaches them.
The boss depends on authority; the leader on good
will.
The boss inspires fear; the leader enthusiasm.
The boss says 'I'; the leader says 'we.'
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader
fixes the breakdown.
The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.
The boss says 'Go'; the leader says 'Let's go!'"2
The greatest way to lead is by example. This principle
also applies to parenting, for unless we model what we
say and teach, our words may do more to drive our
children away from, rather than draw them to the good
we desire for them to learn and put into practice.
Children catch on pretty quickly when we are being
hypocritical.
And above all, when it comes to modeling authentic
Christianity, it is imperative that we lead and teach
by example. While the right words at the right time
are very important, it's what we do much more than
what we say that counts. As the old saying goes, "To
win some we need to be winsome."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be genuine and
authentic in all that I am, do and say so that my life
will model what it means to be a true Christian and
follower of Jesus Christ, first for my family, and
then for every life I touch. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV).
2. Gordon Selfridge. Cited in Encyclopedia of 7700
Illustrations, by Paul Lee Tan, Page 719. Assurance
Publishers, Rockville, Maryland. 1979.
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Many Are Cold and a Few Are Frozen
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the
last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers
of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to
their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love,
unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal,
not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a
form of godliness but denying its power...."1
I read about a vessel discovered over a century ago
among the icebergs of the Arctic ocean. In it was the
captain, frozen as he was making his last entry in the
log-book. The crew were also discovered--some in their
hammocks and some in the cabin--all frozen to death.
The last date in the log-book showed that for thirteen
years that vessel had been moving among the icebergs,
"a drifting sepulcher manned by a frozen crew."
Someone suggested that there are some churches in a
similar condition. Today's scripture talks about
people who have a form of godliness but without its
power. Certainly there are some churches and religions
like that too. They have an outward form of godliness
but are frozen in that, while they have the outward
trappings of religion, they are out of touch with God
and reality.
Jesus said: "For many are called, but few are
chosen."2 That is, many are called by God but few
prove themselves to be chosen ones, That is, only a
small percentage of confessing Christians do anything
tangible about God's call to follow and serve him.
Someone jokingly "translated" this verse to say, "Many
are cold and a few are frozen."
While millions of people around the world desperately
need the gospel, most of us who call ourselves
Christian give little for or do anything much about
it. Nor do we give much to help in that less than
three percent of Christians tithe of their income for
God's work. And even then the average church spends 95
percent of its income on itself. As the late Vance
Havner said, "Our doctrine is sound--sound asleep."
In the last few years we have seen a great increase in
some of the worst kind of violence and terrorism
worldwide committed by radical Muslims, all in the
name of Allah. Let us not kid ourselves, their
relentless goal is to kill infidels, namely:
Christians, Jews, Americans and other Westerners, and
also to rule the world with their religious-political
ideology.
At the same time, at least in North America, we are
seeing an ever-increasing amount of "Christian
bashing." Would-be opponents of the Christian faith
are doing all in their power to destroy the very
principles upon which western civilization has been
built.
The only answer to combat evil is the gospel of Jesus
Christ, the Prince of Peace, and unless we the church,
and we Christians (and even our governments) wake up
and "smell the gunpowder," I am afraid we will be
witnessing an ever-increasing amount of violence and
terrorism around the world.
Let us remember the words of Edmund Burke spoken over
two centuries ago: "The only thing necessary for the
triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
More importantly, let us heed God's Word that says,
"'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ
will shine on you.' Be very careful, then, how you
live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of
every opportunity, because the days are evil."3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please use me to be a
shining light in the world's darkness and do what I
can to help spread your gospel message around the
world. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Note: Please consider becoming an ACTS People Power
for Jesus partner and help in an attractive,
non-threatening way to share the love of Jesus and the
message of God’s salvation with friends, family and
contacts. For more information go to:
http://www.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.
1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV).
2. Matthew 22:14 (KJV).
3. Ephesians 5:14-16 (NIV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Living With an Alcoholic
"For each one shall bear his own load."1
A Daily Encounter reader wrote, "I read your Daily
Encounter on 'Overcoming Addictions,' and it hit home.
I too am desperate and have prayed for years and looked
for help but nothing has happened. I am the wife of an
alcoholic. We are now separated…. After years of
promises and disappointments, it is hard to believe
that he can change, but I do keep praying for him and
working on strengthening my faith…. I hope you can
help me."
Dear Shirley (name changed), I'm sorry to hear of your
struggle. Unfortunately, there are far too many people
living with an alcoholic and their pain is
excruciating. I believe you did the right thing in
physically separating from your alcoholic husband for
as long as he refuses to get help to overcome his
addiction. Tough love is the most loving thing to do
in your situation. As stated in today's scripture
there are some problems that we each need to accept
responsibility for.
Not to be unkind, but it is very likely that you may
be codependent, and while physically distancing
yourself from your alcoholic husband is a step of
growth for you, you will need help to overcome your
"addiction." That is, codependents, more often than
not, are addicted to the addict. In other words, their
need is to feel needed in order to feel loved. However,
this is isn't love at all. It's need. That's why it is
never fulfilling nor can it be. It ends up leaving one
lonely, frustrated, hurt and angry.
It is good that you recognize your need for help. You
will need counseling for yourself because rarely can
we resolve these problems alone. Ask your minister or
doctor if he/she can recommend a qualified Christian
counselor in your area.
Getting help for yourself is the most loving thing you
can do for you, for your husband, and for your
children. Unless you get the help you need for you,
you won't be able to help the rest of your family.
Also, be sure to pray for truth. Ask God to reveal to
you the truth about you and to show you how you may
have contributed in any way to the situation you are
in. There are always reasons within ourselves why we
are attracted to the person we marry. Once we know the
truth about our self, we know what the right thing is
for us to do. Remember, too, we can't change anybody
but our self. And the healthier and stronger we
become, the better able we are to deal with our
situation.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, no matter what problem I
find myself facing, help me always to see what I am
contributing to the situation, and please help me make
the changes I need to make before ever expecting anyone
else to change. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Galatians 6:5 (NKJV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Almost Persuaded
"'King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know
that you do believe' Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You
almost persuade me to become a Christian.'"1
Brett Blair writes how "on January 23, 1909, a small
invention played a crucial role in the lives of 1500
people. The New York-bound ocean liner the Florida
rammed into the Republic. Jack Binns, the Republic's
new wireless radio man, reassembled his contraption
which had been destroyed in the collision. He sent out
distress calls for the next 12 hours until the crew and
passengers were rescued in the dawn light of Sunday
morning. Only a few died.
"Jack Binns became a national hero. He was given a
ticker tape parade. Songs were written about him. He
even testified before congress on the importance of
regulating wireless technology on all ships. Congress
listened politely but ignored his message. Binn gave
up his quest, accepted no profit from his celebrity,
and went back home to England to await reassignment.
Three years later he received an assignment aboard a
ship that he turned down. He had fallen in love and
was soon to marry. The turned down assignment? The
Titanic.
"It is now felt that Binn's message was ignored
because so few lives were lost on the Republic. It
took tragedy on the scale of the Titanic for the
importance of wireless to be understood."2
King Agrippa was an almost-persuaded too--but lost. Be
certain not to wait until it is too late to take heed
of God's warnings in the Bible. Be sure you have
accepted God's plan of salvation from a lost eternity.
Whatever you do, don't be an almost-persuaded.
For help be sure to read, "How to Be Sure You're a
Real Christian--without having to be religious" at:
http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the many
warnings in your Word, the Bible, telling me that I
need to prepare for eternity and how to be saved from
a lost eternity. Help me to be certain that I am
prepared for life after death. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
1. Acts 26:27-28 (NKJV).
2. Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com, December, 2000
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

No Pain, No Gain
"But I discipline my body and bring it into
subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I
myself should become disqualified."1
I live at the top of a mile-long very steep hill and
for exercise I like to ride my mountain bike down and
up our hill at least three times a week. It's great
fun riding down but riding up is another story … and
it never seems to get easier. "Do you enjoy riding?"
someone asks. My answer? "I love having ridden."
True, I don't enjoy riding up our hill. It's hard
work, but I love having ridden because of the benefits
gained. There is an immediate benefit in that it's a
great stress reliever, offsetting some of the adverse
affects of stress. It also produces endorphins in the
brain that helps me feel much better emotionally than
when I don't exercise regularly. Plus it helps keep my
body in shape; is great for the circulatory system, and
helps to keep fit physically. Furthermore, as Paul
suggests, discipline of the body helps to maintain
discipline in other areas of life.
Self-discipline in every area of life is a
never-ending challenge but the dividends of living a
disciplined life are well worth every effort put
forth. Discipline never happens by chance. It is a
choice--a fresh choice every day!
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to realize the
importance, not only of physical discipline, but
discipline in every area of life. And give me the
courage to face and confront every barrier in my life
that fights against self-discipline. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."
1. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Never, Never, Never ... Give Up
"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
It was during World War II when Great Britain's back
was against the wall defending herself against
seemingly overwhelming odds with the unrelenting
onslaught of Hitler's military might, and the
unyielding bombing by the German Luftwaffe.
Winston Churchill was asked to address the students at
Harrow School, the school I believe that Churchill
himself had attended as a student. The following is
the speech that he gave that day:
"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing
great or small, large or petty, never give in except to
convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to
force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming
might of the enemy."2
When it came to never giving up Churchill certainly
practiced what he preached. His determined leadership
helped win the war against Germany. And when it comes
to God's work, let us all be like the Apostle Paul who
said about his work for God: "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."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the
wonderful calling and privilege to be one of your
witnesses during my lifetime. Help me to be an
effective witness and never give up praying for lost
loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and never give up
letting my light shine for you. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
Note: Please consider becoming an ACTS People Power
for Jesus partner and help in an attractive,
non-threatening way to share the love of Jesus and the
message of God’s salvation with friends, family and
contacts. For more information go to:
http://www.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.
1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (TLB)(NLT).
2. Sir Winston Churchill, Speech, 1941, Harrow School.

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Today's Daily Encounter

Walking Witnesses
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth."1
I have read how, "while attending a university in
London, Mahatma Gandhi became almost convinced that
the Christian religion was the one true, supernatural
religion in the world. Upon graduation, and still
seeking evidence that would make him a committed
Christian, young Gandhi accepted employment in East
Africa and for seven months lived in the home of a
family who were members of an evangelical Christian
church. As soon as he discovered that fact, he decided
that here would be the place to find the evidence he
sought.
"But as the months passed and he saw the casualness of
their attitude toward the cause of God, heard them
complain when they were called upon to make a
sacrifice for the kingdom of God, and sensed their
general religious apathy, Gandhi's interest turned to
disappointment. He said in his heart, 'No, it is not
the one true, supernatural religion I had hoped to
find. A good religion, but just one more of the many
religions in the world.'"2
Let us remember that as children of God we are not
called to do witnessing but to be Christ's witnesses.
Wherever we are, wherever we go, whatever we do--in
all circumstances at all times we are being witnesses
of Christ. I recall reading years ago the following
words on a poster in the office at a college I
attended.
The living truth is what 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.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to
remember that as a child of yours, I am being a
witness for you in all circumstances at all times.
Help me to so live that my life will always be a good
witness and be used to help win others to you. May
people, seeing Jesus in me, want Jesus for themselves.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Acts 1:8 (NIV).
2. Evangelical Illustration
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Where Are the Nine?
"He [the leper that Jesus healed] threw himself at
Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the
other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise
to God except this foreigner?'"1
"It seems to be human nature to forget to say, 'Thank
you.' Samuel Leibowitz, a brilliant criminal lawyer,
saved 78 people from the electric chair; not one
thanked him. Art King had the radio program, 'Job
Center of the Air.' He supposedly found jobs for 2500
people, of whom, only ten ever thanked him. An
official of the post office, in charge of the Dead
Letter Box in Washington, D.C., reported, one year,
that he had received hundreds of thousands of letters
addressed to 'Santa Claus' asking him to bring many
things, but after Christmas, only one letter came to
the box thanking Santa Claus for bringing the toys
asked for."2
How do I appreciate thee? Let me count the ways!
Whoever the "thees" are in your life and mine, let us
take stock and name the ways we have been blessed
through their love, their friendship, their support,
their encouragement, their help and so on.
And let us not fail to express gratitude when such is
due. As William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude
and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and
not giving it." Furthermore, let us be givers, just
not takers.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a grateful
heart and may I never ever fail to thank you for the
innumerable blessings I continually receive from your
hand. Most of all I am and will be forever grateful
for your 'so great salvation' with the gift of sins
forgiven and eternal life through the sacrifice of
your Son, Jesus. Thank you for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Luke 17:16-18 (NIV).
2. Tony Bland. Cited on www.sermons.com.
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter

Personal Honesty: Key to Effective Relationships Part III
"So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit.
Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy
[dishonesty] and jealousy and backstabbing. You must
crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into
the fullness of your salvation."1
To help become personally honest, authentic and real,
and thereby greatly enhance our relationships, the
following steps will help:
First, realize that a normal human being has a whole
spectrum of emotions ranging from love, joy, peace,
wonder, through to fear, hurt, anger and so on. These
are all God-given emotions. Without them, life would
be characteristically dull and boring. To be
emotionally whole means to be in touch with every
God-given human emotion.
Second, we need to see our need and strongly desire to
be honest.
Third, we need to admit and accept responsibility for
any problems we have, and consider the possibility
that our impaired relationships, dull marriage,
unsatisfactory sex life in our marriage, anxiety,
depression, destructive habits and any physical
symptoms we have might be caused by unresolved
super-charged repressed negative emotions.
Fourth, and most important of all, we need to learn to
pray the right prayer. If necessary, tell God that you
don't know how, or are too afraid, to be honest with
yourself and need his help. Ask him to give you the
courage to see yourself as you are and to face the
truth about yourself. His answer will probably come in
an unexpected way--perhaps through a book, a personal
setback, a friend, a difficult or broken relationship,
or some other painful situation. Unfortunately, most of
us only look at our inner-self if we are hurting
sufficiently.
Fifth, learn through practice to express your feelings
openly and honestly, especially to the people who are
important to you. If you're feeling hurt, afraid,
confused, or angry, admit it and say, "I feel confused
or angry." Never say, "You make me angry," or "You hurt
me." This blames the other person for our response,
which is always our problem and responsibility.
Identify why you are feeling the way you are. For
example, say, "I know my feelings are my problem, and
I may be overreacting, but when you speak sharply to
me as you just did, I feel hurt and/or angry." Or
simply, “When you say (or do) things like that, I feel
very hurt and/or angry."
If the person won't accept your feelings, write them
out in a letter. If you feel you should give it to the
person, sleep on it and re-write it before doing so. If
they still won't accept them, try what Gary Smalley and
John Trent suggest in their book, The Language of Love.
Share how you are feeling by using word pictures; that
is, make up a story or parable that will clearly show
how you are feeling.
Finally, if I love you, I will always be open and
honest with you and as the Bible suggests, I will
always strive to "speak the truth in love." Therefore,
I will never blame you for my feelings, but will take
full responsibility for them and for handling them in
a loving, non-judgmental manner.
Denying our faults and feelings, acting them out
blindly, or lashing out and hurting others with them,
is weak and immature. Acknowledging and talking them
out in a responsible manner is a hallmark of the
mature adult. It may not be easy, but it is true
strength, and is the only way to develop
growth-producing and intimate relationships.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be
honest with myself, and open and honest in all my
relationships and with you--and thereby be a clear
channel for your love to flow through to every life I
touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Peter 2:1-2 (NLT).
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Today's Daily Encounter

Personal Honesty: Key to Effective Relationships Part II
"But you [God] desire honesty from the heart, so you
can teach me to be wise in my inmost being."1
In speaking about personal honesty in regard to
interpersonal relationships, best-selling author, Dr.
John Powell, believes that "most of us feel that
others will not tolerate emotional honesty in
communication. We would rather defend our dishonesty
on the grounds that it might hurt others, and, having
rationalized our phoniness into nobility, we settle
for superficial relationships. Consequently, we
ourselves do not grow, nor do we help anyone else to
grow. Meanwhile, we have to live with repressed
emotions--a dangerous and self-destructive path to
follow. Any relationship which is to have the nature
of true personal encounter must be based on honest,
open, gut-level communication. The alternative is to
remain in my prison, to endure inch-by-inch death as a
person."2
Denial of emotions (and motives) also causes the
exaggeration of opposite characteristics.
Saccharine-sweet people often seethe inwardly with
hostility. People who withdraw take their anger out on
others in underhanded passive-aggressive ways.
Withdrawal is a "dirty way to fight." The dogmatic are
riddled with self-doubts. The overconfident are
insecure. The extremely prudish are overcompensating
for sexual inadequacies. Others silence painful
feelings in over-busyness or go-go-go activity,
substance dependency, destructive behavior,
overeating, constant talking, unbalanced religious
fervor, theological rigidity, a controlling attitude,
and so on.
Others project their faults onto others, seeing in
them the very faults that lie hidden within
themselves. They simply cannot accept in others what
they refuse to accept in themselves. Or they might
displace their bad feelings by taking them out on
somebody else. For example, Fred may be angry at his
boss, but fearing he may lose his job if he says
anything, takes his feelings out on his wife and
children.
We can also become experts at rationalization. For
example, when we deny our fears, we can unconsciously
sabotage our relationships, or set ourselves up to
fail in certain situations. We then brush off our
failures by making excuses, blaming others, or even by
saying what happened must have been God's will!
The challenge is, how do we learn to be honest with
ourselves? It isn't easy. For many, it's like learning
a new language. And as long as we are not honest with
ourselves, there is no way we can be honest with God
or anyone else. And without personal honesty, it is
impossible to have closeness and true intimacy with
anybody. However, there are some positive steps we can
take. We will discuss these in tomorrow's Daily
Encounter.
To be continued ...
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to get in
touch with all my emotions and my motives, and be
honest in my heart about these so that I will know
wisdom in my innermost being. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
1. Psalm 51:6 (NLT).
2. John Powell, Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?,
p. 61. Argus Communications, San Mateo, Illinois.
Copyright 1969. Used by permission.
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter


Personal Honesty: Key to Effective Relationships Part I

"So he said, 'I heard Your voice in the garden, and I
was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.'"1

There was a time in my life when I thought that to be
liked, I had to be strong--strong like the Rock of
Gibraltar. Let the storms rage, the lightning strike,
the winds blast, and the seas beat violently against
it, and there it stands, solid as a rock and secure.

To me, fear was weak and anger bad, so you never
showed these emotions, And as a man you certainly
never showed your hurt feelings or cried. Through
years of practice, I learned to hide many of my
emotions, put on a brave front, and pretend to be
something outwardly that I wasn't feeling inwardly.

The trouble with being a rock, however, is that rocks
don't feel. They aren't real either, and they can't
relate intimately to anyone. Neither could I. Like the
first man, Adam, who feared rejection, "I, too, was
afraid, so I hid myself."

One of the serious side effects of denying and hiding
our emotions is that we deposit them in our
unconscious memory bank where they build up unhealthy
interest. The payoff is that we either withdraw or
become defensive, touchy, hostile, non-feeling, cold
and distant, and/or depressed.

Or we act out these buried emotions through
destructive behavior or physical illnesses. Medical
science reminds us that unresolved emotions such as
fear, sorrow, envy, resentment and hatred are
responsible for many of our sicknesses. Estimates vary
from 60 percent to nearly 100 percent.2

The point is, whenever we fail to admit our faults and
talk or write out our negative feelings in creative
ways, we inevitably act them out in self-destructive
ways.

Dr. Cecil Osborne, author and counselor wrote, "Many
persons bury feelings which they find unacceptable.
For instance, one learned as a child that hate, greed,
jealousy, fear and lust were 'bad.' 'You shouldn't feel
that way,' is the message which the child received,
verbally or otherwise. Furthermore, by a clever bit of
unconscious dishonesty, one may have said to himself,
'A Christian never hates. I am a Christian, therefore
I never feel hatred.' And the aggression which is part
of the normal equipment of an average human being is
then buried in the unconscious, only to come out in
some unacceptable form, often as a physical symptom."3

Denial of emotions also acts as poison to
relationships. It erects "brick walls" around the
heart and suffocates love, intimacy and closeness.

To be continued ...

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from
the sin of dishonesty (denial) and help me to be
honest and real with myself, others, and with you.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Genesis 3:10 (NKJV).
2. S. I. McMillan, None of These Diseases, Marshall,
Morgan and Scott, 1966, p. 7.
3. Leader's Handbook, p. 32. Yokefellows Inc.,
Millbrae, California.

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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter

Dare to Be Honest
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all
the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it
to the right or to the left, that you may be
successful wherever you go."1
In Moody Monthly George Sweeting writes about the
desperate need for honesty in our culture. He refers
to Dr. Madison Sarratt, who taught mathematics at
Vanderbilt University for many years, who, before
giving a test, would caution his class something like
this:
"Today I am giving two examinations: one in
trigonometry and the other in honesty. I hope you will
pass them both. If you must fail one, fail
trigonometry. There are many good people in the world
who can't pass trig, but there are no good people in
the world who cannot pass the examination of honesty."
In the news in recent times we are hearing more and
more about cheaters in high school, cheaters in
college, cheaters in politics, cheaters in business….
Cheaters may appear to win in the short run but the
fact remains, in the long run cheaters never win.
Sooner or later their cheating will catch up with
them. The broker who cheated on me and stole my
retirement fund spent six years in jail, and that's
small punishment in terms of his self-punishment in
what he has done to his self-concept and character.
Will anyone ever trust him again?
The tragedy is that the more our society accepts
cheating and personal dishonesty as a way of life, the
more we hurt ourselves and ultimately our society.
Self-governing to survive for the long haul is
dependent on the honesty, good will and character of
those being governed. When we can no longer be trusted
to abide by the laws--especially the laws as found in
the Ten Commandments, which were given for the benefit
and freedom of every society, the law will end up
governing us not as a democracy but as a dictatorship
or some other form of legalistic bondage. In fact,
without honesty, character and sound ethics, a free
society cannot survive as a free society for the long
term.
God's laws are for the good of all. We defy them to
our peril.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your laws
that are given for the good of all. Please give me a
great respect and appreciation of all of your laws and
the courage to abide by them. And please help me to be
honest with myself, with you, and with others in all
of my dealings. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Joshua 1:7 (NIV).
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
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Today's Daily Encounter

Strike Three and You're IN!
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the
goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus."1
Motivational speakers ask the question, "What would
you like to do if you knew for certain that you
couldn't fail?" Good question. I'm sure that many a
life's dream, hope, and/or ambition is lost because of
the fear of failure.
Perhaps a better question to ask is: "So what if you
do fail?" What is the worst thing that could happen?
Ninety-nine percent of the time you could learn from
the experience and be better qualified to try again. I
doubt if there is anyone who has succeeded in
fulfilling their life's dream and goals who hasn't
experienced failure--or even many failures before they
succeeded.
What we need to realize is that there is no shame in
failure. As another has said, "Low aim, not failure,
is a 'crime.'" In fact, failure can be our greatest
teacher. It's only as we are willing to risk failure
that we can ever succeed and become a true winner.
Remember, too, that failure is an event not a person.
The only real failure is not to get up and keep trying
one more time than we fall or get knocked down. In
baseball it may be strike three and you're out. Not so
for a successful life where it is:
Strike Three and You're In!
We only succeed when
we're willing to fail;
We only score goals when
we're willing to be tackled;
We only hit home runs when
we're willing to strike out;
And we only win when
we're willing to risk failing.
Consider the high jumper who
only discovers how high he can jump
when he reaches his failure point.
Consider Babe Ruth, too,
the year he broke the world record
for hitting the most home runs,
he also broke the record
for scoring the most strike-outs!
Success, however exhilarating,
doesn't teach one how to be a winner.
In fact, failure is the greatest teacher
to help one win in the game of life.
So, if you want to hit home runs,
stand at the plate, start swinging,
be willing to strike out -
and begin winning!
- Dick Innes
Copyright 2000 Dick Innes
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to discover my
God-given life purpose and goal and pursue it with all
my heart and strength--and never give up--knowing that
failures are a part of the learning experience. Help
me to remember, too, regarding any goal/purpose that
is your will, with your help there is always a way to
achieve it. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
Note: For more poems by Dick go to
http://tinyurl.com/poems-rwi.
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
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Is There Life After Death? Part III
"I am telling you this strange and wonderful secret:
we shall not all die, but we shall all be given new
bodies...For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now
that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies
that cannot perish but will live forever."1
Yesterday we gave references of those who saw Jesus
following his resurrection from the grave. Following
are more witnesses: Eight days after his resurrection,
Jesus is seen again by the disciples2 and at the Lake
of Tiberias by seven of the disciples--including
Peter, James, and John.3
On a Galilean mountain Jesus appeared to more than 500
of his followers at one time.4 He also appeared to his
brother, James, who prior to Christ's resurrection
totally rejected him as the Messiah.5 Perhaps one of
the strongest evidences of the resurrection is this
dramatic change in James, who became one of the chief
leaders in the early Christian church.
At the Mount of Olives, on the day of his return to
heaven, Christ was again seen by the eleven disciples,
the brothers of Jesus and several women, including his
mother.6 Later the ascended Christ appeared in a
blinding light to Paul on the road to Damascus,7 to
Stephen when he was being stoned to death,8 to Paul
again at the Temple,9 and finally to John on the Isle
of Patmos.10
In about A.D. 100 Josephus, the Jewish historian,
wrote in his Antiquities that Jesus "appeared to them
alive on the third day, as the divine prophets had
foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things
concerning him."11 Since Josephus was a Jew writing to
please the Romans, this story would not have pleased
them in the slightest. He would hardly have included
it if it were false.12 Ancient men believed that there
was life after death. Jesus Christ himself taught this
and proved it by his own resurrection. Josephus, the
Jewish historian, reported Christ's resurrection. And
now modern science seems to confirm what the Bible has
been teaching for several thousand years--that there is
life after death.
The crucial point, however, is to be sure that we are
personally ready for life beyond the grave. We can be
by confessing our sinfulness to God, by acknowledging
our need of God, and by responding to Jesus Christ's
call to receive him as personal Lord and Savior. To
assist you in doing this and to be sure that you are
prepared for life after death, read: "How to Be Sure
You're a Real Christian--without having to be
religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.
God's Word says, "For God so loved the world that he
gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life."13
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you again for the
assurance from your Word of life after death for all
your true followers. Please help me to know for
certain that I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and am
prepared for the life to come. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name,
amen."
1. I Corinthians 15:51,53 (TLB)(NLT).
2. John 20:26-28.
3. John 21:1-23.
4. I Corinthians 15:6
5. I Corinthians 15:7.
6. Acts 1:9-14.
7. Acts 9:3-6.
8. Acts 7:55.
9. Acts 22:11; 17-21.
10. Revelation 1:10-19.
11. Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18, chapter 3, v. 3.
12. Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict,
p.194. Campus Crusade for Christ International. Inc.,
Copyright 1972. Used by permission.
13. John 3:16.
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and made possible through the donations of
interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter

Is There Life After Death? Part II
"'Men of Galilee,' they [the two angels] said, 'why do
you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus,
who has been taken from you into heaven, will come
back in the same way you have seen him go into
heaven.'"1
Yesterday we shared the words of one person who had
had a near-death experience. Another person explained,
"The first thing he (the being of light) said to me
was, that he kind of asked me if I was ready to die,
or what I had done with my life that I wanted to show
him?"2
Others experienced a deep sense of loneliness
immediately after death. One person said, "I was aware
the whole time of being alone--very alone--almost like
I was a visitor from someplace else. It was like all
relations were cut. I know--it was like there was no
love or anything."3
While these experiences are interesting, the most
reliable textbook we have on life after death is God's
Word, the Bible, which says, "Yet we have this
assurance: those who belong to God shall live again!
Those who dwell in the dust shall awake and sing for
joy! For God's light of life will fall like dew upon
them!"4
In the New Testament Paul wrote, "I am telling you
this strange and wonderful secret: we shall not all
die, but we shall all be given new bodies.... For our
earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die,
must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot
perish but will live forever."5
While the most reliable textbook of life after death
is the Bible, the greatest proof is Jesus Christ's own
resurrection from death. He wasn't classified as merely
"clinically dead" for a brief time. After dying on a
Roman cross, he had been dead and in the grave for
three days when he came back to life again.
Both the Jewish and Roman leaders hated Christianity.
So all they had to do to destroy it forever was to
find the body of Christ--which nobody ever did, for
the Christian faith was established on the fact of his
resurrection.
Christ's disciples were so convinced of his
resurrection that each one gave his life for preaching
that Christ had risen from the dead. They believed this
because they had seen him killed, buried and
resurrected for themselves.
The morning of his resurrection, Christ was seen by
Mary Magdalene6 and women returning from the empty
tomb.7 That same day he was seen by Peter,8 later by
two of his followers on the road to Emmaus,9 and at
night by the disciples.10
To be continued . . .
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the record
in your Word regarding the witnesses who saw the
'Living Christ' following his death, burial and
resurrection. And thank you again for your promise of
life after life for all your true followers. Thank you
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in
Jesus' name, amen."
Note: To be sure that you are prepared for life after
death, read: "How to Be Sure You're a Real
Christian--without having to be religious" at:
http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.
1. Acts 1:11 (NIV).
2. Raymond A. Moody, Jr., Life After Life, pp. 47.
Mockingbird Books, Inc., Covington, GA 30209 Copyright
1975. Used by permission.
3. Ibid, P. 43.
4. Isaiah 26:19 (Living Bible)(NLT).
5. I Corinthians 15:51,53 (Living Bible)(NLT).
6. John 20:14.
7. Matthew 28:9,10.
8. Luke 24:34.
9. Luke 24:13-33.
10. Luke 24:36-43.
<)))><

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Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
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and made possible through the donations of
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter


Is There Life After Death? Part I

"Yet we have this assurance: those who belong to God
shall live again! Those who dwell in the dust shall
awake and sing for joy! For God's light of life will
fall like dew upon them."1

Dr. Billy Graham, world-renowned speaker who is
well-known for his radio and television programs, says
that the question most often asked him was, "Is there
life after death?"

This is an age-old question. From earliest times
people have believed that life does not end with the
grave. "Indeed," writes Dr. Raymond A. Moody, Jr., in
his book, Life After Life. "graves from very early
sites all over the earth give evidence of the belief
in human survival of bodily death."2

Is man's desire for life beyond death just wishful
thinking? Or is there evidence to support this belief?

Modern science seems to support it. For example, many
people who have been pronounced "clinically dead" have
come back to life and have given vivid accounts of
being fully conscious after they had been pronounced
dead by medical personnel.

For over a half-decade, Dr. Moody, who is (or was)
also a psychiatrist from the University of Virginia
Hospital, made a study of more than a hundred of these
cases.

One of these persons described his experience this
way: "I heard the doctors say that I was dead and
that's when I began to feel as though I were tumbling
through this blackness, which was some sort of
enclosure. Everything was very black, except that, way
off from me, I could see this light, but not too large
at first. It grew larger as I came nearer and nearer
to it.

"I was trying to get to that light at the end, because
I felt that it was Christ, and I was trying to reach
that point. It was not a frightening experience. For
immediately, being a Christian, I had connected the
light with Christ who said, 'I am the light of the
world.' I said to myself, 'If this is it, if I am to
die, then I know who waits for me at the end, there in
the light.'"3

To be continued . . .

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the promise
from your Word that 'those who belong to God shall live
again.' This is a wonderful hope. Please help me to
live with this assurance of eternity and with eternal
values in view. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

Note: To be sure that you are prepared for life after
death, read: "How to Be Sure You're a Real
Christian--without having to be religious" at:
http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.

1. Isaiah 26:19 (Living Bible)(NLT).
2. Raymond A. Moody, Jr., Life After Life, pp. 17.
Mockingbird Books, Inc. Covington, GA 30209. Copyright
1975. Used by permission.
3. Ibid, P. 48.

<)))><

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interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter

Successful Failure
"According to your faith will it be done to you."1
In the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Chuck Webster
tells a story about Monty Roberts, the son of an
itinerant horse trainer. Growing up Monty went with
his father from stable to stable, farm to farm, and
ranch to ranch training horses. Consequently he missed
much of his high school education. As a senior he was
asked to write a paper on what career he wanted to
pursue. That night he wrote a seven-page paper
describing in great detail his goal to build and own a
dream horse ranch.
The next day he turned his paper in. Two days later he
received it back. On the front page was a large red "F"
with a note that read, "See me after class." When he
saw the teacher, he asked why he was given an "F".
"The teacher said, 'This is an unrealistic dream for a
young boy like you. You have no money. You come from an
itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse
ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the
land. You have to pay for the original breeding stock
and later you'll have to pay large stud fees. There's
no way you could ever do it.' Then the teacher added,
'If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic
goal, I will reconsider your grade.'"
After thinking about it for a week, he turned the
paper back in exactly as he had first written it
saying to the teacher, "You can keep the F and I'll
keep my dream."
Today, "Monty Roberts owns a 4,000-square-foot house
in the middle of a 200-acre horse ranch in San Ysidro
[California]. Oh, and he still has that school paper
framed over the fireplace. He didn't allow his teacher
to crush his dream.2 I believe that he also owns a
ranch in Santa Ynez Valley in Southern California.
Do you have a dream--especially if it is a God-given
dream--don't let Satan or anyone else "pouf" it out.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to know what your
God-given purpose and dream for my life is, and give me
the faith and persistence to never give up until it is
fulfilled. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Matthew 9:29 (NIV).
2. Chicken Soup For the Soul, as quoted by Chuck
Webster, "Dream Big," The Words of Truth, Sept. 2003,
p. 3. Cited on KneEmail. http://www.oakhillcoc.org/
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
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your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
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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:
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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

The Bishop Who Lost His Way
Jesus said, "Heaven can be entered only through the
narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and its
gate is wide for all . . . who choose its easy way.
But the Gate-way to Life is small, and the road is
narrow, and only a few ever find it."1
Some years ago Bishop Fulton J. Sheen was scheduled to
speak at the town hall in an unfamiliar city. He
decided to walk and on the way got lost. He saw some
boys so asked them the way to City Hall.
"What are you going to do there?" asked one of the
boys.
"I'm going to give a lecture," replied the bishop.
"About what?"
"On how to get to heaven. Would you care to come
along?"
"Are you kidding?" said the boy, "You don't even know
how to get to City Hall!"
How tragic that so many people are lost, not on their
way to any human address but on the way to their
eternal destination. So many believe, as I once did,
that if I did enough good things to outweigh the bad
things I had done, that would get me into God's
heaven.
Not so, I'm afraid. Jesus said, "I am the way and the
truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God]
except through me."2 This is because, no matter how
good we may be by human standards, every one of us is
born with the "dis-ease of sin." And if God allowed
sin's disease into heaven, it would destroy heaven as
it has earth.
The only way to God and heaven is not through our good
works but by accepting God's Son, Jesus Christ, as our
personal Lord and Savior. Jesus died to pay the
penalty of our sin so he could deliver us from the
effects of sin's disease which is eternal death and
separation from God--the source of all love and life.
Because of what Jesus did, God now offers you and me a
free pardon for all our sins. All we need to do is
admit we are sinners, thank Jesus for dying on the
cross in our place for our sin, invite him into our
life as personal Lord and Savior, and accept his
forgiveness, his gift of eternal life, and a home in
heaven forever. This is God's special Christmas to all
who believe.
Had there been any other way to be in a right
relationship with God and heaven, then God never would
have had to send his Son to die on the cross for us.
So, if you have never accepted God's gift of
forgiveness and eternal life, and would like help to
do that right now, be sure to read: How to Be Sure
You’re a Real Christian without having to be religious
at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your great
Christmas love gift to the world and for giving your
Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I believe
and ask you to forgive all my sins. And Jesus, thank
you for dying on the cross in my place and I invite
you into my heart and life as Lord and Savior. Help me
to live for you always in all ways. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."
1. Matthew 7:13-14 (TLB)(NLT).
2. John 14:6 (NIV).
<)))><<

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
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your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
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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) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Be Prepared
"Prepare to meet your God, O Israel."1
Some "years ago as several million watched on TV the
beginning game of the World Series baseball in San
Francisco, there was a sudden interruption of the
opening interview. The screen blinked and went blank.
When the program resumed, a special news bulletin
appeared. The San Francisco metropolitan area had
experienced a serious earthquake. We all watched the
live pictures as the huge fire in the Marina area
burned. A remote camera crew was there and we saw the
firemen fighting the fires.
"The scene I remember the most, however," said the
writer of this article, "was a group of people
standing around just looking at the destruction and
looking at the fire. All of a sudden a policeman came
up to the crowd and yelled out to them: What are you
people doing just standing there? You must get
prepared immediately. Go home and fill your bathtubs
with water. Be prepared to live without city services
for 72 hours. The sun will set in another hour and
your time is running out. Go and get prepared."2
I can, at least to some degree, identify with these
people. Living in Southern California I've experienced
several earthquakes of varying degrees. In two of the
worst--one a 4-point something and the other a 5-point
something--I woke up and said to myself, just another
earthquake, rolled over and went right back to sleep.
That was a very dangerous and foolish attitude and I
realized that I need to "wake up and get with it" the
next time an earthquake hits, and at least dive under
a table for protection, otherwise I could be badly
hurt or even killed if/when a really big one hits.
Even as a kid I learned in the Boy Scouts the motto:
"Be Prepared." We all need to be prepared for
unexpected crises as much as is possible. And
absolutely nowhere is it more important to be prepared
than it is to be prepared for eternity--to meet God
face to face, "for man is destined to die once, and
after that to face judgment [God's judgment]."3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that in your
Word, the Bible, you repeatedly warn us of the danger
of not being prepared for eternity. Help me to know
that I am ready to meet you face to face, and help me
to so live that I won't be embarrassed on that day but
will hear your welcoming words, 'Well done, good and
faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few
things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter
into the joy of your lord.'4 Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: To be absolutely sure that you are prepared to
meet God face-to-face and ready for eternity read the
article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at:
http://www.actsweb.org/christian
1. Amos 4:12 (NIV).
2. The Staff, www.eSermons.com.
3. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).
4. Matthew 25:23 (NKJV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
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your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
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Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
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and made possible through the donations of
interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
http://www.actscom.com
Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Feeling Loved and Accepted
Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another."1
Most of my generation (at least), "know how much the
world fawned over actress, Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps
fewer know how rejected she felt throughout her life.
A reporter from the New York Times was interviewing
her and, being aware of her troubled background, posed
the following question: 'Did you ever feel loved by any
of the foster families with whom you lived?'
"'Once,' Marilyn replied, 'when I was about seven or
eight. The woman I was living with was putting on
makeup, and I was watching her. She was in a happy
mood, so she reached over and patted my cheeks with
her rouge puff. . . . For that moment, I felt loved by
her.'"2
How incredibly sad. One can understand why Marilyn
ended her life at the height of her popularity. All
the fame, attention, popularity and money together can
never fill the empty void of an aching, lonely heart--a
heart that deep down doesn't feel loved.
Some time ago I watched Larry King interviewing Winona
Judd on his TV program, Larry King Live. Winona has
sold millions of copies of her recordings, and has
achieved fame as one of the all time greats in female
Country music. It was fascinating to hear her
background. If I remember correctly, her father
deserted her mother before she was born. Winona never
got to see him before he died. She was crushed when
she learned of his passing. She, too, struggled much
of her personal life and shared how desperately lonely
she felt when, after being on stage and adored by
thousands of fans, had to go back to a hotel room
alone. Winona may have had a loving mother, but she
felt the terrible pains of not having a loving father.
Winona also spoke of her faith and said she is doing
much better these days in her personal life. After
hearing her story, one can understand why the title of
one of her albums is, "What the World Needs Now Is
Love."
How true this is. Without knowing a mother and a
father's love, which millions of people growing up in
today's society don't know, we limp along in the
shadows of life trying to eke out a meager existence
which no amount of fame, popularity or riches can
meet. Loneliness, as it has been medically shown, can
break your heart and take years off your life. Karen
Carpenter, another famous singer--one who
inadvertently starved herself to death--hauntingly
sang, "Loneliness . . . it's such a sad affair."
People desperately need, not only God's love, but the
love of God's people through whom, for many, is the
only way they will ever find and experience God's
love.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in the midst of a lonely
world where so many are looking for love in all the
wrong ways and places, please help me to share your
love with a lonely person today and, in so doing, may
they sense that they have been touched by you. Thank
you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully,
in Jesus' name, amen."
1. John 13:34 (NIV).
2. Helen Colton, The Gift of Touch (NY:
Seaview/Putnam, 1983), p. 102. Adapted. Cited on
www.eSermons.com.
<)))><

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Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
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and made possible through the donations of
interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
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Copyright (c) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

God Ist Gut
"Each of you should look not only to your own
interests, but also to the interests of others. Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."1

In the book, Finding Hope Again, Roy Fairchild told
how he had come to Vienna after a two-week illness in
a small Austrian village. He had spent most of his
money on medical costs and his last cent to take a
train to Vienna to try and find his friends with whom
he had been traveling.
As he was standing in one of the street car stations
in the center of the city, tired, hungry and
discouraged, a little old wrinkled lady, one of the
ladies whose job was to sweep out the station, came to
him and asked him if he were hungry.
Before he could answer she took her own lunch from a
brown paper bag and offered him half of it. He said he
was so moved by her action that he has never forgotten
her face or her kindness and the sparkle in her eye.
They talked for more than an hour about her life. She
was raised in the country on a farm knowing only hard
work. Since then she had lost her husband and two sons
in the Resistance. Only her daughter had survived but
she said that she was very thankful for many things.
When asking her why she offered him half her lunch the
lady simply said, "Jesu ist mein Herr. Gott ist gut
(Jesus is my Lord. God is good)."
This story reminds me of one of my favorite hymns
written by Kate B. Wilkinson. Let's make it our prayer
for today and every day:
"Dear God,
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow'r controlling,
All I do and say.
May his beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only him.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Philippians 2:4-5 (NIV).
<)))><

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When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
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Today's Daily Encounter

Going out on a Limb
"Choose you this day whom you will serve . . . But as
for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."1
"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the
fruit is," said one insightful person.
To achieve anything worthwhile in life that has
eternal value and dividends, we need to genuinely
serve God. To do this we may need to go out on a limb
and be willing to swim against the tide of popular
thought, to be different but not odd, assertive but
not aggressive, strong but not pushy, meek but not
weak, honest and truthful but not unkind.
We may, at times, even be considered a little bit
crazy, but as another has said, "You've got to be a
little bit crazy because if you always keep both feet
on the ground, you can never get your pants on!"
Seriously, to serve God, also means knowing what your
God-given life purpose is; that is, knowing what God
wants you to be and what he wants you to do with your
life. It will include having a worthwhile goal and
work into which you can put your heart and best
efforts. But doing this can be scary because like
Noah, Abraham and other men and women of faith we,
too, (even if it isn't to the same extent) may need to
step out in faith and go out on a limb! But remember,
that's where the fruit is.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the
courage and help me to so live in harmony with your
will that, when necessary, I will not be afraid to go
out on a limb, so that whatever I do--with your
help--will be fruitful, productive and bring glory to
your name. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).
<)))><

Note: If you would like to receive Jesus Christ
as your Savior or if you would like to re-commit
your life to Jesus Christ, please note this at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php.

* * * * * * *

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) 2010 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following:
"Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009
ACTS International.