World Wide Christians Partner with Jesus' Place/
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Who is online?
In total there are 27 users online :: 0 Registered, 0 Hidden and 27 Guests

None

[ View the whole list ]


Most users ever online was 386 on Sun 25 Apr 2021, 2:56 pm
Latest topics
» WORTHY NEWS
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyToday at 2:37 pm by Admin

» JIHAD WATCH
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 11:38 pm by Admin

» Gatestone Institute
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 11:18 pm by Admin

» AISH
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 10:24 pm by Admin

» BIBLE STUDY on VERSE
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 10:13 pm by Admin

» israelAM
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 10:09 pm by Admin

» ISRAEL BREAKING NEWS
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 9:54 pm by Admin

» Israel War UPDATE
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyYesterday at 9:51 pm by Admin

»  Chip Brogden CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 11:49 pm by Admin

» Pressure from UN Threats
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 11:45 pm by Admin

» Ship that obliterated Baltimore bridge
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 11:44 pm by Admin

» PROPHESY NEWS WATCH
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 11:08 pm by Admin

» Be Fervent in Spirit
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 10:54 pm by Admin

» Remain in God - iBelieve Truth
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 1:25 am by Admin

» Amir Tsarfati BEHOLD ISRAEL
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyTue 26 Mar 2024, 12:43 am by Admin

»  HONEST REPORTING Defending Israel from Media Bias plz read REGULAR UPDATES
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyMon 25 Mar 2024, 11:40 pm by Admin

» WORTHY NEWS
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyMon 25 Mar 2024, 11:00 pm by Admin

» Israel 365 News
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptyMon 25 Mar 2024, 8:54 pm by Admin

» Is Gaza Really Starving
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptySun 24 Mar 2024, 11:40 pm by Admin

» NUGGET Today's Devotional
Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International EmptySun 24 Mar 2024, 10:08 pm by Admin

Navigation
 Portal
 Index
 Memberlist
 Profile
 FAQ
 Search

Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Page 1 of 26 1, 2, 3 ... 13 ... 26  Next

Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 06 Apr 2023, 9:33 pm

Read this, pass it on, there is an amazing true story in here.

April 6, 2012
·
Shared with Public
Today's Daily Encounter
The God Who Hung on the Cross
Jesus said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth
[on the cross], will draw all men to myself."1
"In their cruel march through Cambodia to destroy much
of its infrastructure, the Khmer Rouge enslaved,
killed, or otherwise caused the deaths of millions of
Cambodians. When they reached one village, they forced
everyone out of their huts and lined them up to dig a
deep pit. The villagers realized they were digging
their own mass grave. Anyone who tried to run or hide
was shot on sight and dragged to the edge of the pit
that was being dug. When the pit was finally finished,
the soldiers ordered the people to turn and face the
pit. As the people stood, helplessly awaiting their
execution, they began to cry out in some desperate
plea for help. Some screamed to Buddha, some to
ancestors, to demon spirits, and some even for their
mothers.
"Then one woman, drawing on the distant memory of
something her mother told her, began to cry out to one
she called 'the God who hung on the cross.' Surely this
one who had suffered so himself might have compassion
on those about to die. Soon, the screams around her
became just one desperate wail--crying out to the God
who hung on the cross. And then there was silence. As
the people slowly turned, they realized the soldiers
were gone. And ever since that day, they were, as the
book says, 'waiting for someone to come and tell them
more. More about the God who hung on the cross.'"2
It was September of 1999 when a Cambodian pastor came
to tell these people about Jesus and learned this
story from an older woman who grabbed his hands and
said, "We've been waiting for you for twenty years."
It was Jesus Christ's death on the cross that paid the
ransom price for your sins and mine. Only through him
can we ever come to God and be freely forgiven and
given the gift of eternal life. If you have never done
this, be sure to click on the "God's Invitation" button
link below, or on http://tinyurl.com/gods-invitation,
to find out how to do this.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, how can I ever thank you
enough for the cross of Christ, and for Jesus Christ
who gave his life in my place so I could be freely
forgiven and receive your gift of eternal life. Grant
that my life and the way that I live it will be a
thanksgiving offering to you for all that you have
done for me. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: See the article,"Will the Dead Live Again?" at:
http://tinyurl.com/alive007
1. John 12:32 (NIV).
2. From the book, The God Who Hung on the Cross, by
Doris I. Rosser Jr. & Ellen Vaughn as told by Ron
Hutchcraft. http://www.hutchcraft.com/
<Smile)))><
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.
God's Invitation
ACTSWEB.ORG
God's Invitation
YES, I want to Know God and accept Jesus Christ's invitation to accept him into my heart and life as personal Lord and Savior and, in so doing, receive God's full and free pardon for all my your sins. The following prayer prayed sincerely will help you do this:
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 20 Feb 2020, 10:37 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Everything is Okay... or is it? 

King David wrote in the Psalms, “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of
sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord
has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete
honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body
wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night
your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength
evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I
confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide
my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my
rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my
guilt is gone."1

Many times I have seen how people are afraid of being
real. I was guilty of this at one point in my life. I
was struggling with personal issues, but was afraid of
what others would think of me, and instead of being
honest and seeking help, I put on a mask and acted like
everything was okay.

I learned that we need to get real and admit what we
truly are. This is not a put-down in any way, but only
as we see ourselves the same as God sees us are we free
to change and become all that God envisioned for us to
be. Actually, until we admit what we truly are and
accept ourselves as we are we are not free to change
and grow because we just hide behind a false mask
living in denial-a self-defeating and deadly way to
live.

As King David declared in today’s Scripture, how joyful
he became when he came out of denial, lived in complete
honesty, and confessed his sins and received God’s
forgiveness. All his guilt was gone! A great and joyous
way to live.

Remember that while God loves me as I am, he loves me
too much to leave me as I am. He wants me to grow up
into the fullness of my salvation and become all that
He envisioned for me to be.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please deliver me from the
sin of denial and give me the courage to see myself as
You see me--and accept myself as You accept  me--so I
am free, with Your help, to become all that You planned
for me to be. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Psalm 32:1-5 (NLT).


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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Wed 19 Feb 2020, 9:40 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Can a Good God Do Evil? 

"But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and
would not let the people [Israelite slaves] go."1 "But
the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not
listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to
Moses."2

A reader asked the question: "Please help me unravel
this question I was asked at our last Bible study. Can
a good God do evil? For example, the Bible says that an
evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and also that God
created Pharaoh for purpose of destroying him. I am yet
to find a good explanation myself and need your help to
share with my congregation."

"Dear Reader, regarding questions like these I go back
to Pharaoh in Moses day when he refused to let God's
people leave their slavery in Egypt. In spite of the
many plagues God sent on the Egyptian people, the Bible
says that Pharaoh kept hardening his heart. Time and
again Pharaoh hardened his heart against God, Moses and
the children of Israel. In other words it was Pharaoh
who hardened his own heart and then God gave up on him
and confirmed the hardening of his heart.

Also, when the Bible says that God will send unsaved
sinners to hell, it is really sinners who send
themselves to hell because they have chosen not to, or
failed to, confess their sins and ask God for his
forgiveness.

Where it says that an evil spirit from God came upon
Saul, because Saul rejected God's plan for him, God
didn't stop this evil spirit from coming on Saul. I'm
sure that an evil spirit would like to come upon every
Christian who is faithfully serving the Lord, but God
blocks it because we are trusting and serving him.

It's the same here in the U.S.A., the more we as a
people reject God, the Bible, and Christianity, the
more we will further accelerate the moral decay that is
happening throughout the land. In so doing, we remove
ourselves from God's blessing and protection, and as a
consequence we reap the natural consequences of going
against God's will.

The same principle applies to individuals--if we reject
God and go against his will--we will remove ourselves
from God's blessings and protection and will reap the
natural consequences of our sinful behaviors.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that all of your
laws, rules and principles are for my safety,
protection and well-being. Please help me always to
live in harmony with all of your ways and, in so doing,
reap the rewards of your blessing on my life. Thank you
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus name, amen."

1. Exodus 8:32 (NIV).
2. Exodus 9:12 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Tue 18 Feb 2020, 5:08 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Grieving Our Losses 

"Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be
comforted."1

When Jesus' friend, Lazarus, died, Jesus wept. When we
experience loss and are sad, we need to do the same.
When we bury and hide our grief, we hurt ourselves and
distort reality. As Cecil Osborne wisely said, "Every
unshed tear is a prism through which all of life's
hurts are distorted."

In his book, Daily Affirmations for Forgiving and
Moving On, Tim Dayton wrote, "If my unconscious [mind]
carries a silent wound, I will always be black and blue
inside. I will not be able to approach situations with
open eyes for fear they will trigger that unfelt pain.
The grief that I carry hidden in silence has great
power over my life and my relationships…. Until I
understand my grief and allow myself to know it, I will
not be free of its grip."

Loss is a part of life. Grieving these is a process,
not an event. There is no quick fix. Whatever emotions
are involved--which can include confusion, anxiety and
even anger--need to be felt, experienced and expressed
in healthy ways, as well as the deep sorrow which needs
to be wept or even sobbed out. Tears are God's gift to
help drain the pain of deep grief and sorrow.

Furthermore, until I know how to weep with all my
heart, I will never know how to love with all my heart
either.

Jesus gives us a model to follow. And His words are
true: "Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be
comforted."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be connected to
and honest with all my emotions and learn how to
express them in healthy, constructive ways. And help me
to learn to grieve and mourn my losses and not be
afraid to cry when I am truly sad. Thank You for the
gift of tears as well as the gift of laughter. Help me
to realize that both are equally important and healthy.
Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

1. Jesus (Matthew 5:4).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 17 Feb 2020, 10:53 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Do You Know How Much I Love You? 

“See how very much our Father lovesus, for he calls us
his children, and that is what we are! But the people
whobelong to this world don’t recognize that we are
God’s children because theydon’t know him."1

My four-year-old son constantlywants to prove that he
loves me more than I love him. He tries to measure
hislove by using various numbers to describe it. A few
months ago, it started offwith him loving me “thirty
seventy hundred". It has now grown to him loving me“one
million seventy!" It would seem to be a game the way we
go back and forth,but I realize he is very intentional
about choosing what he considers to be thebiggest
number. He really wants me to know just how much he
loves me. It is asimple example but got me thinking of
a very profound truth. Do you know howmuch God loves
you?

God’s love is unconditional. InJeremiah 31:3 we read,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have
drawnyou with unfailing kindness." His love for us is
so great that He gave us His onlySon, Jesus, to die on
the cross in our place. Jesus paid the price for our
sin.A price that we would never be able to pay on our
own. In Him we have the giftof eternal life! We have
been adopted into God’s family and are now Hischildren.
When we receive God’s love, His command is that we
share that lovewith others.2

Today, in the United States, Valentine’sday is
celebrated. A day when people show their love and
friendship to one anotherthrough cards, messages,
flowers and gifts. However, Valentine’s Day should
notbe the only day we show love to one another. God
wants us to love others daily!In Matthew 22:37-40,
Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your
heartand with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatestcommandment. And the
second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." It
isnot an option to love. As Christians, it is a
commandment that God has givenus! God has shown us what
true love is and we never have to doubt nor questionhow
much he loves us.

I encourage you today to beintentional in how you show
love for others. Not only towards your family
andfriends, but to all those we encounter. We may be
the glimpse of Jesus they sodesperately need.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, yourlove is incomparable
and so great that my mind struggles to fathom it.
Thankyou for loving me with an everlasting love. I pray
that you would use me toshare this love with my
neighbors. Please put people in my path today who
needto hear of your love, kindness and forgiveness.
Thank you for calling me to beyour child. I love you,
Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen."

 1.      1 John 3:1 (NLT).2.      John 15:12.

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 17 Feb 2020, 9:20 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Resting on One's Laurels 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge
crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip
off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin
that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run
with endurance the race that God has set before us. We
do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith
depends from start to finish."1

In an article in Leadership magazine, J. David Bianchin
used the analogy of a basketball game. In "the 1987
NCAA Regional Finals, Louisiana State University was
leading Indiana by eight points with only a few minutes
left in the game. As is often the case with a team in
the lead, LSU began playing a different ball game. The
television announcer pointed out that the LSU players
were beginning to watch the clock rather than
wholeheartedly play the game. As a result of this shift
in focus, Indiana closed the gap, won the game by one
point, and eventually went on to become NCAA
champions."

As Christian's, we know that we are constantly under
attack. As God's Word says, "Be careful! Watch out for
attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls
around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to
devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in
your faith."2 "For we are not fighting against people
made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers
and authorities of the unseen world, against those
mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and
against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."3

May we, Like the Apostle Paul, say, "I do not consider
myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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."4

This, by the grace of God, we can do because, as David
the Psalmist wrote, "The LORD is my light and my
salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?"5

Suggested prayer, "Gracious God, thank You for Your
great salvation in the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for
all the unfathomable blessings You have in store for
Your children, both in the here-and-now and in the
hereafter. However, help me not to rest on my laurels,
but to keep my eye on the goal and serve You faithfully
all the days of my life. So help me God. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name, amen."

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT).
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT).
3. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT).
4. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
5. Psalm 27:1 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 17 Feb 2020, 9:09 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Controlling Our Tongue 

“With the tongue wepraise our Lord and Father, and with
it we curse human beings, who have beenmade in God’s
likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise andcursing.
My brothers and sisters, this should not be."1

“General Robert E. Lee was onceasked what he thought of
a fellow officer in the Confederate Army, an officerwho
had made some mean-spirited remarks about him. Lee
thought for a moment, thenrated him as being very
satisfactory. The person who asked the question
seemedtroubled. ‘But General, I guess you don’t know
what he has been saying aboutyou.’ ‘Oh yes, answered
Lee. I know. But I was asked my opinion of him, not
hisopinion of me.’"2

Controlling our tongue is one ofthe greatest challenges
in life and one that we face daily. We are always
goingto be encountered with difficult conversations
throughout our day, but it isimportant that we
constantly remind ourselves that we are a continuous
witnessfor Christ. The way we respond to these
conversations will either praise Godand lead others to
Christ or discourage them and leave them with a
negativeview of who we are. As easy as it may seem to
respond negatively or defensivelywhen we are
criticized, it is an opportunity to respond with grace
and self-control.

Words are powerful. We can use ourwords to tear others
down or build them up. Proverbs 10:21 says, “The words
ofthe godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by
their lack of commonsense." Let’s be wise and seek to
please God in all our conversations. May ourwords show
that we serve the Almighty God, and may others come to
know Himthrough us.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, useme to be an instrument
of your grace and compassion towards others. I pray
thatyou would give me the wisdom to respond as you
would to every conversation Iencounter. May you guard
my mouth from speaking foolishly, and instead may
Iconstantly be a living testimony for you. Thank you
for hearing and answering myprayer. In Jesus’ name,
amen."

  1.      James 3:9-10 (NIV).
2.      www.sermoncentral.com   
 
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
 
  * * * * * * *
 
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
  and made possible through the donations of
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
  http://www.actscom.com
 
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
 
  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 13 Feb 2020, 11:28 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Surrendering to God’s Timeline 

“Asfor God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word
isflawless; heshields all who take refuge in him."1

Icame across a quote by the Christian singer and
songwriter, TobyMac. He wrote,“God is not in a hurry.
You are. It is why you are tired. It is why you
areanxious, stressed, and disappointed. Surrender your
timeline in favor of Hispeace."

I read this and immediately saved itbecause I felt God
was talking directly to me! Recently, I had made
thedecision to become a trained volunteer for a
non-profit ministry in our area. Iwent through the
necessary steps and was determined to do this. And
while thiswas a great ministry to get involved with and
my intentions were good, therewas one problem… I didn’t
really consult with God before taking this step.After
one of the volunteer meetings I attended, God
confronted me about it.Suddenly, he reminded me of the
other responsibilities he has given me at thistime, and
how this new volunteer position would interfere with
them. Now don’tget me wrong, God didn’t say that I
couldn’t be a volunteer, but he simply madeit clear
that now is not HIS time for this. He reminded me that
I need tosurrender to His timing, and not be in a rush
to do all things at once.

Surrendering to God’s timing may lookdifferent for
every one of us. The example above is just one of the
many timesI have jumped ahead of God’s will. For some
of us it may be a new job position,moving to a new city
or state, making a purchase, etc. For others it may
besalvation of a loved one, the mending of broken
relationships, finding yourfuture husband/wife, amongst
many other possibilities. Whatever it may be thatwe are
facing, let’s remember to pause and bring it to God in
prayer. As muchas we would like to see immediate
results, it is not worth stepping out ofGod’s will,
protection, and blessing to do things our way. God is
workingduring the waiting process and many times uses
this time to continue moldingus.

God is perfect and flawless, and hehas our best
interest at heart. Always. “’For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares
the Lord."2 Thankfully, wehave a God who knows what is
best and when it should happen. Even when we
don’tunderstand or we get anxious, His plans and timing
are perfect.

Suggestedprayer: “Dear God, today I choose to surrender
my will and timeline to you.Whatever the situation or
the answers I am seeking, allow me to trust that
yourplan is perfect. Please allow me to abide in your
will, so that I mayexperience your peace, protection
and blessings upon my life. Thank you foryour love and
care for me. I choose to rest in you. Gratefully, in
Jesus’ name,amen." 1.      Psalm 18:30 (NIV).2.     
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV).   
 
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
 
  * * * * * * *
 
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
  and made possible through the donations of
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
  http://www.actscom.com
 
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
 
  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 27 Jan 2020, 9:22 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Who Created Sin? 

"God is a consuming fire."1

Another asked, "So what is sin? Everything God has made
is perfect. And only God can create. So how can sin
exist? Let's illustrate: A hand can be perfectly made,
and that perfect hand can be rolled up into a perfect
fist and pushed at a perfect speed into someone's
perfect nose. And somehow now it doesn't seem quite so
perfect. Sin is: the improper application or use of
things that God has perfectly made. So sin is not a
created thing; it is the word used to identify when
things are used improperly."2

One of the reasons God is so opposed to mankind's sin
is because it is so totally destructive of those whom
he loves--us!

Sin is totally destructive of sinful man because sin is
an offence to God who is a God of absolute holiness. In
His Word God has been described as a "consuming fire."
Spiritually speaking, that means unforgiven sinners can
no more survive in God's presence any more than a moth
can survive in a flame.

To put it another way, sin is a deadly spiritual cancer
and either we get the cancer or the cancer gets us.
That is, the cancer of sin causes spiritual death.
Realize that spiritual death is not the cessation of
life--for beyond the grave the soul lives forever.
While forgiven sinners will live in the presence of God
forever, unforgiven sinners will live forever in the
place the Bible calls hell (whatever and wherever that
may be). Of one thing we can be sure, spiritual death
means eternal separation from God--the author of all
love and life.

Fortunately, God is not only a God of absolute
holiness; he is also a God of absolute love. Because
God loved us so much, he gave his only Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ, to die an excruciating painful death in
your place and mine on a Roman Cross at Calvary over
2000 years ago. Jesus died to pay the penalty (death)
for all our sins so that all who believe in him "should
not perish but have eternal life."3

Do you believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty for
all your sins? And have you asked for and accepted
God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life? If not,
I urge you to do that today. For further help read and
accept God's Invitation at http://tinyurl.com/6k49w or
at http://tinyurl.com/8glq9 read the article, "How to
Be Sure You're a Real Christian--without having to be
religious."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to grasp
the severity of sin's consequences and to understand
that the only way to be forgiven is by believing that
Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for all my
sins, accepting Him into my life as my personal Lord
and Savior, and therein receive your gift of
forgiveness and eternal life to be with you forever in
Heaven. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name. Amen."

1. Hebrews 12:29 (NIV).
2. www.musingsaboutgod.com/Words.htm
3. John 3:16.

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 27 Jan 2020, 12:40 am

Today's Daily Encounter

Trust, Part I 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge
him, and he will make your paths straight [or direct
your paths]."1

Lack of trust is caused by fear. And fear comes in many
shapes and sizes. Some fears are healthy. Others are
crippling. We rightly fear driving through a red
traffic light or driving down the freeway--the wrong
way. Major fears and seemingly unfounded ones almost
always have their roots in a past fearful experience.

I used to be terrified of public speaking and this,
according to what I have read, is a common fear. I was
scared to death that when I got up to speak, I'd run
out of things to say and make a fool of myself. This
was heightened because of my insecurity. In younger
days it took me several years to get up enough courage
to ask for a date because I was afraid of
rejection--another common fear.

An even bigger fear for me was being afraid to love.
"How could this be?" you ask. "How could anyone be
afraid of the very thing we all need the most?"

The love I was afraid of was not that of friends, but
the love between a man and a woman. I was usually
attracted to gals who weren't interested in me
(romantically that is). This kept me safe. And as long
as I was just a good friend with the woman who is now
my wife, I was fine and felt safe. But once she started
loving me, I freaked out--big time! 

My fear of love and inability to trust had deep roots
in early childhood. I grew up in a very dysfunctional
home. I had an absentee father (emotionally speaking)
and never felt that he loved me. My mother set me up to
be the "little husband" in the family and I felt
over-leaned on and smothered. And I also had an aunt
that killed her own baby and apparently attempted to
kill, or at least hurt, me when I was a baby. (She
committed suicide.) I also lost a little sister to whom
I was very much attached. She died when I was only
five. So in my childish mind I had come to believe that
if you love me, you will leave me, reject me, smother
me, or you may even try to kill me.

This deeply buried fear I brought unconsciously into my
adult life and spent most of my life running from love.
It was this fear that got triggered when my wife
started loving me. (By way of interest, some years ago
a psychological test showed that I had a buried terror.
At the time, I had no idea what it was.)

Many adults who were abused, abandoned, neglected, or
felt rejected in childhood also struggle with similar
or related debilitating fears.

So you ask, "How did I overcome? How did I learn to
trust?"

To be continued...

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, 'I will praise You; for I
am fearfully and wonderfully made,' and I thank You
that no one understands me as You do. Please help me to
understand myself and the causes behind some of the
irrational things I sometimes do. Help me to admit and
face all of my fears and bring them to You for Your
healing, and guide me to the help I need to overcome
them. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

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

Today's Daily Encounter

Hiding in the Shadows 

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

"In the movie, 'The Bear,' a bear cub whose mother died
took up with a male bear. They traveled together. One
of my favorite parts happened when they got separated
and the little bear came upon a mountain lion. When the
mountain lion came at the cub he stood up trying to
scare it away. The mountain lion all of a sudden
started backing away. The little bear cub thought he
had scared him away but what had really happened was
that the big bear came up behind the little bear. It
wasn't the cub but the big bear that frightened the
lion away. We may not look very frightening [to our
enemy, the devil] but we have a Father that is all
powerful [standing behind us]"2

For example: in the following poem, "Hide-and-Seek," I
have written:

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

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that when I
commit and trust my life and way to You on a daily
basis, You are always present to be my guide and
help--regardless of whether I feel Your presence or
not. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."


1. Psalm 27:5 (NIV).
2. Sharon Stonestreet on www.SermonCentral.com.
3. Dick Innes © Copyright.

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


Today's Daily Encounter

Stepping out of One's Comfort Zone 

"'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come
to you on the water.' 'Come,' he [Jesus] said. Then
Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and
came toward Jesus."1

One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was
also one of the scariest. I struggled with it for about
three years. As a young man I felt a deep sense of
God's call to full-time Christian ministry but knew
that to be effective I would need to be adequately
trained. For ministry I had no training whatsoever. I
hadn't even been to high school. I was only 13 when my
father made me quit school and go to work. As a
teenager I attended technical college part time and
became well trained as a carpenter and joiner (joiners
make windows and doors and those kinds of things). I
could build houses, but to get up in front of people
and speak--forget it!

But the "Hound of Heaven" kept bugging me.

"You've got to be kidding, God," I argued. "You mean
you want me to leave my home, my family, my friends,
and my security to go overseas for training! Don't you
know how insecure I am? I'm only a carpenter and you
want me to do what--to step out of my security boat and
walk on water!"

"Yes, that's correct," God said in His not too still
small voice. "Did you forget that Peter was only a
fisherman? And by the way, my Son, Jesus, was a
carpenter."

"Okay, God," I finally said, "You win. I know what I
have to do." I said this when I was flat on my back on
a hospital bed following an accident I had on a
construction site. For some of us we have to be hit
over the head, as it were, by a four-by-four in order
for God to get us to listen--I mean, really listen!

As quickly as I could I worked to save enough money for
my one-way airfare to the U.S. and to get started in my
first semester in college (providing I could find
part-time work). I also had to be put on probation
because I had never been to high school. All through
Bible school, college and graduate school I worked part
time to finance my education. This included working
three jobs in the summer months when I drove a CTA
passenger bus in Chicago during the morning and evening
rush hours shifts, painted houses in the middle of the
day, and worked as a janitor in a large church in the
evenings and weekends.

Was it easy? Not really. But with a burning conviction
that this is what I was meant to do, I was never
without motivation to keep on keeping on. Plus, I was
never without needed work, was able to pay all my
bills--and passed every course.

And now, by the grace of God, here I am today--50+
years later--with the wonderful privilege of being able
to reach around the world every day of the year with
the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ. My life has
never been more blessed or fulfilling.

How I thank God that he kept urging me to answer his
call and say yes to him. After accepting Jesus Christ
as my Lord and Savior, stepping out of my comfort zone
and going back to college to train for what I am doing
today was the greatest (and about the scariest)
decision of my life.

If you sense that God is calling you to step out of
your comfort zone to accept Jesus as your Lord and
Savior and/or to an area of service for him--be it in a
voluntary or full-time capacity--I urge and encourage
you to say yes to God today. It is a decision you will
never regret and be thankful for all eternity.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You call
each one of us to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Savior and therein receive your forgiveness for all our
sins and Your gift of eternal life--and to serve You
according to the gifts and talents You have given to
each one of us. Please help me to hear Your call to me
and give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone
and say yes to You today. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV).

<Smile)))>actively involved in Christian outreach ministry for
several years as a volunteer before I answered the
callto train for full-time Christian ministry.

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Fri 24 Jan 2020, 10:31 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Trust, Part II 

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can
man do to me?"1

Yesterday we talked about fears that cause us to lack
trust. Today I want to share how I faced and overcame
my deeply buried fear (terror) and learned to trust and
love again. 

First, I acknowledged the fact that my fear was my
problem. Had I blamed anyone else for it, I would have
lost the greatest human love I've ever known.

Second, I was determined that, with God's help, I
wouldn't allow my fear to control me. And, by the way,
if we don't acknowledge our fear and "own" it, it will
control us one way or another--usually unconsciously,
such as being very angry and defensive when we are
afraid, setting ourselves up to fail, looking for love
in the wrong places, and avoiding many good
opportunities, etc., etc.

Third, I asked God to help me get to the root cause/s
of my fear and lead me to the help I needed to overcome
it. Every day I committed and trusted my life and way
to God, and I often quoted the psalm of David who, when
King Saul was hunting him down to kill him, said, "The
Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do
to me?"

Fourth, I shared my struggles with my closest friends
whom I knew wouldn't tell me to just "get over it" or
tell me that I wasn't trusting God or offer various
other bits of over-simplistic, insensitive and useless,
unsolicited advice.

Fifth, I got into two years of very intensive
counseling with in-depth therapy. It wasn't easy (in
fact it was very challenging), but with God's help, the
professional counseling, and the loving support of
understanding friends, I made it just fine.

Because I never learned to trust as a child, I had to
learn it as an adult. As I stepped out of my comfort
zone, admitted my problem to God, to supporting
friends, and a helpful counselor, and found that they
loved and accepted me anyhow, little by little I
learned to trust and love.

Fears are real. I know. The Apostle Paul did too,
otherwise why would God have sent an angel to him when
he was in prison to tell him to "fear not?" He knew he
wasn't going to get out alive and was undoubtedly
scared to death even though he was also trusting God.

According to one Bible scholar, there are 350 "fear
nots" in the Bible--one for every day of the year.
Obviously God understands our struggle with fear and
lack of trust.

Acknowledge and own your fears. Trust God and accept
responsibility and seek the help you need to overcome
them. The only people that God or anyone else can help
are those who admit and say, "I have a problem. I need
help."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You
understand me and my fears (and all my weaknesses).
Please give me the courage to see and admit my fears,
and lead me to the help I need to overcome them so that
I can learn to trust and love again. And in the words
of another, 'Oh God, don't let me die without having
fully lived and fully loved.' Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Psalm 118:6 (NIV).

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

Forgiveness 

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not
condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and
you will be forgiven."1

A friend sent me the following illustration: One of my
teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag
and a sack of potatoes. For every person we refused to
forgive for whatever they did, we were told to choose a
potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in
the plastic bag.

We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere
for two weeks, putting it beside our bed at night, on
the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work,
etc.

The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear
what a weight we were carrying spiritually and
emotionally, and how we had to pay attention to it all
the time to not forget it and leave it in embarrassing
places.

Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated.
This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for
nursing our grudges. Too often we think of forgiveness
as a gift to the other person while it clearly is for
ourselves!

So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone,
ask yourself, Isn't your bag heavy enough?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to forgive
all who have ever hurt me, and never nurse any
grudges--no matter what others may do to me--just as
You always forgive me. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus (Luke 6:37, NIV).

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

  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Fri 17 Jan 2020, 12:26 am

Today's Daily Encounter

How Does Your Garden Grow? 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing
of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything."1

Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Stars may be seen from the
bottom of a deep well when they cannot be seen from the
top of the mountain. So many things are learned in
adversity which the prosperous man dreams not of."

Ovid wrote, "The road to triumph is built by
adversity."

Walt Disney stated: "All the adversity I've had in my
life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened
me.... You may not realize it when it happens, but a
kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world
for you."

John Adams agreed. He said, "People and nations are
forged in the fires of adversity."

Patrick Henry believed that "adversity toughens
manhood, and the characteristic of the good or the
great man, is not that he has been exempted from the
evils of life, but that he has surmounted them."2

I have to personally admit that if there is any depth
of quality in the Daily Encounters I write, it has come
out of many years of trials and disappointments. It is
true, as God's Word teaches: adversity is one of our
greatest teachers.

And as Stan Mitchell said, "The child of God cannot
attain spiritual completeness without facing trials.
The Africans have a saying: 'After the rain, come the
flowers.'" And then Mitchell asks, "So how does your
garden grow?"

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the trials
and adversity You have allowed me to experience in
order to help me become the person You want me to be.
May my trials always help me to become better and never
bitter. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. James 1:2-4 (NIV).
2. The above quotes were from www.SermonCentral.com

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Wed 15 Jan 2020, 7:54 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall 

"Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens
and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face
in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see
himself anymore or remember what he looks like."1

"Mirror, mirror on the wall ... lie to me!" Don't we
sometimes wish?

Either fortunately or unfortunately, mirrors don't lie,
unless, of course, the mirror is distorted. If so, its
reflection will also be distorted. And if I am not true
to my word and do what I say I am going to do, there is
something distorted within me. As the old saying goes,
"Talk is cheap." Keeping one's word and promises is a
character trait to be highly valued. It is being
authentic and maintaining integrity.

Unfortunately, it seems that keeping one's word for
many doesn't amount to too much anymore. Sadly, a
person who doesn't keep his word or his promises can't
be relied upon. Neither can he be trusted. And a person
who claims to be a Christian and doesn't genuinely and
consistently seek to keep and obey God's Word can't be
relied on either. Perhaps not trusted either?

As James said, "Don't fool yourselves. For if a person
just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking
at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he
can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks
like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's
law for free men, he will not only remember it but he
will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in
everything he does."2

If we are mature, we will act in a mature fashion. If
we are responsible, we will act in a responsible
manner. And if we are sincere and genuine, we will act
accordingly and be known as men and women whose word is
their bond.

     For after all -
     It's what we do
     Not what we say -
     That says the most of all.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a
man/woman of my word and, with Your help, one who seeks
to obey Your word. Always. Thank You for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's Name.
Amen."

1. James 1:22-24 (TLB).
2. James 1:22-25 (TLB).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Tue 14 Jan 2020, 10:26 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Achieving Good Success 

"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

When Moses died, God appointed Joshua to be the new
leader of Israel. One of the very first things God did
was to give Joshua a goal--a goal to claim and conquer
the Promised Land. God spelled out the northern,
southern, eastern and western borders so the goal was
very specific. Joshua knew exactly what he needed to
do.

God also told Joshua that he had given him, and the
ancient Israelites this land--but they still had to go
and conquer it. It wasn't handed to them on a silver
platter. They had to battle every inch of the way to
conquer it. However, had God not given the land to
them, they wouldn't have been able to conquer it.

Furthermore, God promised Joshua good success providing
he and the people fully obeyed all the directions and
laws God had given to them through Moses.

It has been noted that "success is the ability to
embrace a worthwhile goal and then employ all of your
powers for the achievement of that goal." I'm sure
Joshua would have agreed with this definition of
success.

As we shared yesterday, God has a specific plan and
goal for you and me too. It's up to us to seek God to
discover what that plan and goal is. And then it's up
to us, with God's help, to "take action and go get it!"

Any worthwhile goal will also be a challenge for us to
fulfill. God isn't going to hand it to us on a silver
platter. However, as God promised to be with Joshua and
help him, he will also be with us and help us; that is,
providing we "employ all of our powers to achieve that
goal" and live and work in harmony with God's will and
obey his Word, the Bible. Only then will we, too, have
good success. Of that we can be confident.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that as You
promised to be with Joshua You will also be with me as
long as I live in harmony with Your Word and Your will.
Show me specifically what You want me to be and do, and
give me the wisdom, faith, courage, and determination
to work to fulfill that goal, so that I, too, will
experience Your blessing and good success. Thank You
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in
Jesus's name, amen."

1. Joshua 1:7 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 13 Jan 2020, 6:14 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

How to Get God's Leading 

"I being in the way, the LORD led me."1

I have read that on one occasion talk show host, Larry
King, asked Bill Gates of Microsoft fame what his
secret of success was. Gates answered, "I was in the
right place at the right time. I caught the vision of
where the computer industry was going. And I took
action."

This was also true of Abraham's servant when Abraham
sent him on a mission to find a wife for his
(Abraham's) son, Isaac. The servant committed his task
to the Lord, sought His guidance, took action and "got
going." As he did his part, God did His and led him to
the perfect bride. As the servant put it, "I being in
the way, the Lord led me."

Somebody with tongue-in-cheek said, "There are two ways
to get to the top of an oak tree. You can sit on an
acorn and wait or you can climb to the top of the
tree."

God has a plan and purpose for the life of every one of
us. It's our responsibility to seek God and discover
what that plan is. And then, we can sit on "the acorn"
and wait for that purpose to be fulfilled or we can
take action and get going. True, there are times when
we need to wait on the Lord to discover His purpose,
but once we know what it is, it's up to us to take
action. As we are in the way, God will lead us
too--just as He led Abraham's servant so long ago.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for having a
plan and purpose for my life. Help me to discover what
it is, and take action. May I also be able to say, 'I
being in the way, the LORD led me!' Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus'
name, amen."

1. Abraham's servant (Genesis 24:27).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Sat 11 Jan 2020, 11:32 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Be Still 

“TheLord will fight for you; you need onlyto be still."

Idon’t know about you, but I like to have a plan. I
write things down, maintainmy calendar, set reminders,
etc. so that I can know what is going to happennext. I
don’t typically like surprises. When I don’t have a
plan, I feel a bitinsecure.

Ina way, this is a good trait to have as it keeps me
organized and on track withour busy schedules. However,
this has often been a challenge as I choose totrust God
and allow him to lead and guide me. Perhaps that is why
I love readingthe Israelites journey. They remind me of
me at times!

Ifyou take a moment to read the entirety of Exodus 14,
we see the context of whatis happening in this
Scripture. God has just delivered the Israelites
fromslavery in Egypt and has restored their future. God
had a plan and all they hadto do was follow. Let’s also
remember all the wonders that God had just shown themin
Egypt by keeping them safe from each plague that
affected the Egyptians.They experienced God’s power
firsthand. But what happens as soon as they seethe
Egyptians coming after them? Terrified they start
crying out to God andquestioning Moses about why he
took them out of Egypt!

Despitetheir unbelief, God takes them across the sea on
dry land, once again provingthat He is still in
control. Then God fights against the Egyptians for
themjust because He can. The Bible says, “And the
Egyptians said, ‘Let’s get away from theIsraelites! The
Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’"2I can just
imagine how amazing this must have been to witness in
person! Thisis certainly not the last time the
Israelites question God and try to takecontrol
themselves, but I love how each time God shows them
that He is stillthere and worthy of all glory and their
trust.

This istrue for you and me as well. There will
undoubtedly be times in our lives wherewe don’t
understand what God is doing or why He is allowing
certain things tobe happening. At those moments, we may
find it easy to try and take control ofthe situation.
However, let me encourage you, friends, to instead take
a momentto be still. The Lord is fighting for us and
will complete His perfect plan forHis glory. We can
rest knowing that our lives are in the hands of our
AlmightyFather who loves and cares for us.

Suggestedprayer: “Dear God, you are so amazing! Thank
you for your infinite love andmercy towards us.
Whatever happens, thank you that we can be still
knowing thatyou are in control of our lives and working
everything for the good. Pleasehelp my unbelief. I
choose to trust you and follow your plan. Thank you
forhearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully. In
Jesus’ name, amen." 1.      Exodus 14:14 (NIV). 2.     
Exodus 14:25 (NIV).   
 
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
 
  * * * * * * *
 
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
  and made possible through the donations of
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
  http://www.actscom.com
 
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
 
  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.

Today's Daily Encounter

Paralyzed by Pleasure 

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be
called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather
to suffer affliction with the people of God than to
enjoy the passing pleasures of sin."1

Some time ago I read the following story taken from The
Prairie Overcomer magazine.

The man huddled on the cabin floor was slowly freezing
to death. It was high in the Rockies in southwestern
Alberta, and outside a blizzard raged. John Elliott had
logged miles that day through the deep snows of the
mountain passes. As he checked for avalanches and as
dusk and exhaustion overcame him he had decided to
“hole-up."

He made it wearily to his cabin but somewhat dazed with
fatigue, he did not light a fire or remove his wet
clothing. As the blizzard blasted through the cracks in
the old cabin walls, the sleeping forest ranger sank
into oblivion, paralyzed by the pleasure of the storm's
icy caress.

Suddenly, however, his dog sprang into action, and with
unrelenting whines, finally managed to rouse his
near-comatose friend. The dog was John's constant
companion, a St. Bernard, one of a long line of dogs
famous for their heroics in times of crisis.

“If that dog hadn't been with me, I'd be dead today,"
John Elliott says. “When you're freezing to death you
actually feel warm all over, and don't wake up because
it feels too good."2

How easy it is for those of us, especially in the West,
to get lulled into sleep by the pleasures of this
world’s riches and what money can do for us … or for
others who get lulled into sleep by the pleasures of
sin, which as today’s Scripture says, all pass away.

Sometimes God sends or at least allows and uses
setbacks or problems that come into our life to awaken
us out of our sleep to the reality of the situation we
are in--to save us from spiritual bankruptcy and for
some, to save from eternal death.

Whenever I am going through difficult times I ask God,
“What lesson is there in this experience that you are
seeking to teach me. What is it that I need to learn?"
I encourage you to do the same.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, if I am asleep in my
complacency to the reality of my spiritual condition,
please send into my life whatever it takes to awaken me
to reality, help me to see exactly what I need to do,
and give me the good sense and courage to act
accordingly. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’s name, amen."

Note: If you have never accepted God’s forgiveness be
sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real
Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV).
2. The Prairie Overcomer, published by the Prairie
Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alberta Canada.

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Fri 10 Jan 2020, 7:24 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

What If There Is a Heaven? Part II 

"Now we know that if the earthly tent [our human body]
we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God,
an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."1

In continuing our series on heaven we have the evidence
from the testimonials of famous people who shared their
last words. For example, it is reported that Professor
J.H. Huxley, the famous agnostic, as he lay dying
suddenly looked up at some sight invisible to mortal
eyes, and staring awhile, whispered at last, "So it is
true."

Sir Francis Newport, head of the English Infidel Club,
said to those gathered around his death bed, "Do not
tell me there is no God for I know there is one, and
that I am in his angry presence! You need not tell me
there is no hell, for I already feel my soul slipping
into its fires! Wretches, cease your idle talk about
there being hope for me! I know that I am lost
forever."

Dwight L. Moody, the famous Christian preacher,
awakening from sleep shortly before he died had just
the opposite to say: "Earth recedes. Heaven opens
before me. If this is death, it is sweet! There is no
valley here. God is calling me, and I must go."

"No, no, Father," said Moody's son, "you are dreaming."
"I am not dreaming," replied Moody. "I have been within
the gates. I have seen the children's faces." His last
words were, "This is my triumph; this is my coronation
day! It is glorious!"

Thomas Edison, the great scientific genius who was not
given to idle words, in his dying moments, said to his
wife and doctor, "It is beautiful over there."

Third, we have evidence from the experience of someone
close to us. One of my best friends had cancer and
passed away at age forty-four. As his end neared, with
arms outstretched and lifted heavenward, he graphically
described to me how he longed to meet God.

The day before my friend died, he went into a coma. His
wife was with him. She reported to me that while still
in the coma, though gravely weakened in body, without
any warning her husband seemed strangely energized as
he suddenly sat bolt upright in bed and, turning
his face heavenward, reached up with open arms as if
being greeted by someone only he could see. A moment
later his body slumped back lifeless. He was gone. She
also said, "Immediately following, a great sense of
peace and divine presence filled the entire house."

My friend was a committed Christian. He had accepted
Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He knew
where he was going after this life, and died
triumphantly.

How different compared to the experience I had with a
woman who also died of cancer. I was asked to visit her
in the hospital. As far as I know she was not a
Christian and was terrified of dying. She sat in a
chair night and day, refusing to lie down for fear she
would go to sleep and never wake up again.

It was difficult to communicate with her because she
kept going in and out of consciousness. We just held
her hand and repeated, "God loves you, God loves you."

"When she brightens a little," I said to her friend,
"send for me and I'll come right back."

But she never brightened. Two days later she died
terrified. I can't think of anything more tragic than
to leave earth to go into a lost eternity when there is
absolutely no need to. To make sure you don't do this,
be sure to read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a
Real Christian (without having to be religious)" at:
www.actsweb.org/christian.

To be concluded …

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have
made it possible through the death and resurrection of
your Son, Jesus, for all my sins to be forgiven so I
can spend eternity with you in heaven. Help me to make
sure that I am prepared to meet you face to face when I
die. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NIV).
 

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 26 Dec 2019, 11:44 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Will Jesus Come to Earth Again? 

Jesus said, “In my Father's home [heaven] there are
many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I
am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go
and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take
you to be with me."1

Year after year with “tireless regularity and eternal
patience," God reminds the world every Christmas that
he sent his Son, Jesus, to save lost mankind. Christmas
is also God's reminder that Jesus is coming back to
earth for all who have accepted him as their personal
Lord and Savior.

His first coming is an indisputable fact of history.
His second coming to end this world age is just as
certain. According to Bible scholars, there are 1,845
references in the Old Testament and 318 in the New
Testament about Christ's second coming to earth. This
means for every prophecy in the Bible about Christ's
first coming--every one of which was fulfilled in
minute detail--there are eight about his second coming!

Jesus is coming again. God has promised this in his
Word, the Bible. Jesus himself promised it as well. And
all the signs that Jesus and the Bible said would
immediately precede his return are evident today, also
reminding us that Christ's return could be very soon.
If it were today, would you be ready?

Christmas is also a reminder to all Christians that
Jesus has commissioned all of us to spread his message
of salvation to everyone everywhere.2 Jesus said that,
“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the
whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the
end will come."3 Never has this been more possible than
it is today because our generation has the greatest
means of worldwide communications the world has ever
seen.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how can I ever thank You
enough for Your great CHRISTmas love gift to me and to
the world. In appreciation for all You have done for
me, I surrender my heart and life afresh to You. Please
make me usable and use me in whatever way You will to
be a part of Your plan to spread the gospel to the
world in which I live ... and in some way to people
around the world. Thank You for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name. Amen."

Note: If you have never received Jesus as your Savior I
encourage you to read God’s Invitation at:
http://tinyurl.com/6k49w or if you would like to make a
recommitment of your life to Jesus Christ, do let us
know by filling in and checking the appropriate box at:
http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php

1. John 14:2-3 (NIV).
2. Mark 16:15.
3. Matthew 24:14 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 26 Dec 2019, 1:39 am

Today's Daily Encounter

Christmas: The Greatest Gift of Love 

“For God so loved the world that he gavehis one and
only Son, that whoever believesin him shall not perish
but have eternal life."1

The Meaning of Christmas

“Far away in Bethlehem, a baby boy was born,
Born with neither riches, nor with fame,
Yet wise men came from all around to bring Him their
gifts,
And peace was felt by all who heard His name.

Angels watched him as he slept, and gently rocked His
bed,
Their voices singing softly in His ear;
His mother and his father both gave thanks to God above
For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear.

They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled
withwealth,
They also knew He would encounter strife;
But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving
Child,
And teach the love of God throughout His life.

At Christmas we celebrate this birth of Jesus Christ,
Let’s keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day;
For it’s not the Christmas wrappings, nor not the gifts
that lie within,
But our gift of love to others in every way…" - Author
Unknown

 

As we give and receive gifts with family and friends, I
pray wewould take a moment to praise God for the
greatest gift of love in His SonJesus Christ. Our
Savior in whom we have forgiveness and eternal life.
Let usjoin the angels in singing, “Gloryto God in the
highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom
hisfavor rests."2

Suggested Prayer: “Dear God, wepraise you for your
infinite love and endless mercy towards us in giving
usyour only Son Jesus on Christmas so long ago. Allow
your love to abound in ourhearts and homes, and may we
freely share that love with others. Thank you
forhearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus’ precious
name we pray. Amen."

Merry Christmas from our family toyours. May the peace
and joy of Christmas fill your hearts today and always!

 1.      John 3:16 (NIV).2.      Luke 2:14 (NIV).   
 
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
 
  * * * * * * *
 
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
  and made possible through the donations of
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
  http://www.actscom.com
 
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
 
  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Tue 24 Dec 2019, 7:55 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Down From His Glory Part II 

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and
shall call His name Immanuel [literally God-With-Us]."1

In following through on our story of yesterday about
Tommy, the child who felt unloved and abandoned, we are
graphically reminded of what God did for us at
Christmas over 2000 years ago.

While not abandoned by God, our sinfulness cut us off
from him and we were left lost in a world of sin and
darkness, doomed for an eternal hell--whatever and
wherever that may be--to be forever separated, not only
from God, but also from all that is good and all that
is loving.

However, in his loving mercy, Jesus Christ the eternal
Son of God, laid aside his external robes of deity and,
clothing himself in a garment of human flesh, stepped
out of the Ivory Palaces of Heaven, and came to earth
so he could identify with mankind and save us from our
despair and eternal lost-ness.

Unfortunately so many don't realize the terrible plight
we are in without God. Many reason that if God is a God
of love, how could he ever send anyone to hell? It's
imperative for us to understand that because God is a
God of absolute holiness no sin or sinner can ever
exist in his presence. It's also important to remember
that it isn't God who sends us to hell. If we reject
his mercy and his pardon, we send ourselves there.

Furthermore, because God is absolutely just, all sin
must be judged--and that judgment is eternal death,
which is eternal separation from a holy and just God.
Fortunately, however, God is also a God of absolute
love and because he loved us, he sent his Son, Jesus,
to pay the penalty for our sin, the penalty that God's
own justice demanded.

You may not be aware of it but Jesus is calling you to
respond to his love and mercy. He has the gift of
forgiveness for all your wrongdoing and sinful acts
and, with his forgiveness, the gift of eternal life.
And like the boy in Part I, God has been hiding in the
shadows with you, patiently waiting for you to reach
out and put your hand in his so he can lead you out of
your lost-ness into his eternal life.

Why not answer God's call today? You can do so by
praying a simple prayer such as the following:

"Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for loving
me so much that you sent your Son, Jesus, to come to
earth on that first Christmas. I admit and confess that
I am a sinner and am sorry for all the wrongs that I
have done. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for
my sins. Please forgive me. And I invite you, Jesus, to
come into my heart and life as Lord and Savior. I
commit and trust my life to you. Please give me the
desire to be what you want me to be and to do what you
want me to do. Thank you for dying for my sins, for
your free pardon, for your gift of eternal life, and
for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen."

If you prayed this prayer, please click on (or copy and
paste into your browser): www.actsweb.org/decision.php,
and fill in the response form.

In the words of the songwriter, William E.
Booth-Clibborn:

    Down from His glory, ever living story,
    My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name;
    Born in a manger to His own a stranger,
    A man of sorrows, tears and agony!
    Oh how I love Him! How I adore Him!
    My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!
    The great Creator became my Savior,
    And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him!

1. Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 23 Dec 2019, 6:29 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Down From His Glory Part I 

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields
nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An
angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of
the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'"1

Henry Carter was working feverishly trying to prepare
something fresh for his Christmas sermon when he was
disturbed by a knock on his study door. It was the dorm
mother of the church's home for disturbed children.
There was a crisis upstairs with one of the boys. Most
of the boys go home for Christmas and only a few were
left behind and were feeling very much abandoned and
unloved.

Henry reluctantly followed the dorm mother up the
stairs to the small dormitory chafing inwardly at yet
another interruption. This time it was Tommy. He had
crawled under his bed and refused to come out. The
woman pointed to one of the beds. Not even a toe showed
so Henry addressed the cowboys and bucking broncos on
the bedspread. He told them of the beautifully
decorated Christmas tree with all the presents in the
church next door … and how there was a special present
for Tommy.

Tommy was not impressed and continued to "play dead."

Henry's frustration increased as he knelt down on all
fours and lifted the bedspread. As he peered under the
bed his eyes met two enormous blue eyes expressing the
fear and pain Tommy was experiencing. Henry could have
easily pulled the little
eight-year-old-looking-like-a-five-year-old child from
under the bed, but he knew that this wouldn't help. It
was trust, not coercion, that Tommy needed--plus he
needed to make the decision to come out by himself. So
Henry tried as best he could to get Tommy excited about
the special Christmas supper to be offered after the
service, the wonderful presents, and the stocking
filled with magnificent Christmas gifts with Tommy's
name on it.

All to no avail.

So … what else could Henry do? He got down on his
stomach and wriggled himself under the bed to lay with
his cheek pressed into the floor beside Tommy. Not a
word he said seemed to have any effect. Not being able
to think of anything else to say, Henry just laid there
in silence beside Tommy. It seemed like such a long
time but as Henry patiently waited, in time a small,
cold hand crept into his.

After a while Henry said, "You know, Tommy, it's pretty
uncomfortable under here. Let's you and me go where we
can stand up."

Ever so slowly they did.

Henry had no more worries about finding a Christmas
message.2

To be concluded in tomorrow's edition of Daily
Encounter.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the marvel
of the Christmas story. Please help me to fully
understand why Jesus came to earth as a baby and then
some 33 years later died on a Roman cross to save
mankind from our sin. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."


1. Luke 2:8-11 (NIV).
2. Adapted from "Take Hold of Love," by Henry Carter,
pp 29-30, The New Guideposts Christmas Treasury.
Copyright © 1998, Guideposts, Carmel,  New York, 10512.


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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Sat 21 Dec 2019, 10:45 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

The Remarkable Power of Christmas Part I 

At the birth of Jesus: "Suddenly a great company of the
heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"1

Lt. Gitz Rice belonged to a famous Canadian regiment
that was sent to France in World War I. His regiment
fought across the bleak no-man's-land under fierce fire
from the enemy.

One unusual instrument Rice's company took with them
was a piano on which rice composed the famous war-time
song, "Mademoiselle from Armentieres."

On Christmas Eve the piano was brought to the
front-line trenches. That night, an eerie quiet settled
over no-man's-land that felt like a lull before deadly
attacks at daylight. Enemy troops were so close they
could be heard talking.

Shortly before midnight, Rice began playing Christmas
carols in a British trench. The melody, "Silent Night,
Holy Night," rang out and pierced the cold, frightening
night. Then he played "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing."

The Canadian soldiers joined in and sang with great
gusto. Suddenly they were startled to hear the German
soldiers joining them in song: "Stille Nacht, Heilige
Nacht." Then followed other carols familiar to
Christians everywhere.

Rice then played a German aria from Wagner's
"Tannhaeuser." As he did a Canadian soldier climbed out
of his trench, stood in the open and sang the words.

"Mehr! Mehr!" (More! More!) shouted the Germans. Then
one of their own men climbed out of his trench,
standing as a possible target for the British rifles,
and blended his rich baritone voice with that of the
Canadian.

At least for one night the message of Christmas broke
through to those battle-weary soldiers as they laid
their guns aside and sang together the story about the
greatest event the world had ever seen--the story of
God coming to earth as a baby to save lost mankind and,
ultimately, to end all wars forever.

The Christmas story is truly amazing. Its celebration
every year for the last 2,000 years is a constant
reminder of its central place in mankind's history.
Even our calendar is dated according to the birth of
Christ.

It is such an amazing story, as Harry Reasoner,
well-know television commentator shared on 60 Minutes,
that "it leaves you only three ways of accepting it."

To be continued …

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the
remarkable story of Christmas in the birth of your
Son--Jesus the Christ and Savior of the world. Thank
you that through Jesus I can make my peace with you,
have all my sins forgiven, and be assured of a home in
heaven to be with you for all eternity. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

1. Luke 2:13-15 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Fri 20 Dec 2019, 4:26 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Who is My Neighbor? 

“One day an expert in religious lawstood up to test
Jesus by asking him this question: ‘Teacher, what
should I doto inherit eternal life?’  Jesus replied,
‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’
The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, all your soul, all your strength,and
all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live!’
Theman wanted to justify his actions, so he asked
Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’"1

After these verses, Jesus goes into the parable of the
goodSamaritan, which I am sure we are all familiar
with. What I find interesting inthis parable is that
the two men who pass the wounded traveler first, were
bothreligious leaders. That just goes to show that
having knowledge OF Christ isvery different from having
a relationship WITH Christ. When Jesus is Lord ofour
lives, our actions will reflect His heart.

There is a quote I have often seen on the internet
which says: “Bekind. For everyone you meet is fighting
a battle you know nothing about." It isthought that Ian
Maclaren was the original source of this quote. The
oldestknown instance of this quotation was in the 1897
Christmas edition of TheBritish Weekly, in which
Maclaren wrote: “Be pitiful, for every man isfighting a
hard battle." Regardless of when this quote was
written, or thedifferent variations of it, it is wise
for us to follow this advice.

The Christmas season tends to bring about a sense of
busyness aswe try to plan family gatherings and buy
gifts for everyone on our list. However,one thing we
should always remember is to be kind and take a moment
to be asJesus to those we encounter. Whether it be to
the cashier who is trying tohurry through a long line
of customers, the person who cuts in front of you onthe
freeway, or even your own children as they ask the
100thquestion of the day! BE KIND.

As the quote above says, everyone is facing a battle.
For some,Christmas brings sadness and grief as they
remember their loved ones who havepassed away. Others
may struggle with loneliness or depression. Some may
feel additionalstress during the holidays as they may
be struggling financially. The truth iswe don’t know
what every person is experiencing. But just as the good
Samaritantook a moment to stop and show compassion on
the wounded traveler, so should webe ready to show
compassion to those around us… our neighbors.

I encourage you to stop during the busyness and be
intentional aboutshowing kindness to others. Let us not
get so caught up in the rush of theseason, that we
forget the Reason for the Season. Jesus was given to us
atChristmastime, giving us a hope and a future. Truly
the greatest gift of all.Therefore, let us share this
same gift with those we encounter through our
kindnessand compassion.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the gift of
Jesus over2,000 years ago. Thank you for loving us so
much that you chose to send yourSon to be our hope, and
through Him, receive eternal life. I pray that this
seasonyou would give me your eyes to see those around
me who need to receive kindnessand compassion. Use me
to be as Jesus to my neighbors. Thank you for
hearingand answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

 1.      Luke 10:25-29 (NLT).   
 
  NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness
  for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon
  Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or
  if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,
  please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.
 
  * * * * * * *
 
  Daily Encounter is published at no charge by
  ACTS International, a non-profit organization,
  and made possible through the donations of
  interested friends. Donations can be sent at:
  http://www.actscom.com
 
  ACTS International
  P.O. Box 73545
  San Clemente, California 92673-0119
  U.S.A.
 
  Phone: 949-940-9050 
  http://www.actsweb.org
 
  Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.
 
  When copying or forwarding include the following:
  "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016
  ACTS International.
 

 
Today's Daily Encounter

The Remarkable Power of Christmas Part II 

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His
name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."1

Christmas is such an amazing story, as Harry Reasoner,
well-know television commentator shared on 60 Minutes,
that "it leaves you only three ways of accepting it:

"One is cynically--as a time to make money or endorse
the making of it.

"Another is graciously--the appropriate attitude for
non-Christians who wish their fellow citizens all the
joys to which their beliefs entitle them.

"The third is reverently. If this is the anniversary of
the appearance of the Lord of the universe in the form
of a helpless babe, it is a very important day. It's a
startling idea of course. My guess is that the whole
story--that a virgin was selected by God to bear his
Son as a way of showing his love and concern for
man--in spite of all the lip service given to it, is
not an idea that has been popular with theologians.

"It's a somewhat illogical idea, and theologians like
logic almost as much as they like God. It's so
revolutionary a thought that it probably could only
come from a God that is beyond logic and beyond
theology.

"It has a magnificent appeal. Almost nobody has seen
God, and almost nobody has any real idea of what he is
like. The truth is that among men the idea of seeing
God suddenly and standing in a very bright light is not
necessarily a completely comforting and appealing idea.
But everyone has seen babies and most people like them.
If God wanted to be loved as well as feared, he moved
correctly. If he wanted to know his people as well as
rule them, he moved correctly, for a baby growing up
learns all about people. And if God wanted to be
intimately a part of man he moved correctly here, too,
for the experience of birth and family-hood is our most
intimate and precious experience.

"So it comes beyond logic. It is either all falsehood
or it is the truest thing in the world. It is the story
of the great innocence of God, the baby. God in the
person of man has such a dramatic shock toward the
heart, that if it is not true, for Christians nothing
is true."2

But how can we know if the Christmas story is true or
not? The person of Christ is not in doubt. He was as
much a fact of history as were Julius Caesar and
William Shakespeare. But was his birth on that first
Christmas that of the Son of God who came to earth as a
babe born in Bethlehem?

That, of course, is a question each person needs to
answer for him/herself. However, for those who
sincerely want an answer there is great evidence to
verify that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God.

To be concluded…

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, once again I thank you for
the remarkable story of Christmas and how you gave your
Son, Jesus, to come to earth as a babe so he could
identify with all mankind, and then give his life on
the cross to pay the penalty for all my sins so I could
be freely forgiven and receive your gift of eternal
life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV).
2. Harry Reasoner's Christmas Address, cited on: 
 http://www.examiner.com/article/harry-reasoner-s-christmas-address.

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Thu 19 Dec 2019, 11:00 pm

Today's Daily Encounter

Try as You Might 

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

I'm sure you've seen an insect such as a fly struggling
desperately to escape to the outside world through a
closed window. He never gives up. His frenzied effort
would be almost funny if it weren't a life and death
struggle. He backs off. Flies into the glass head on.
Crashes. Backs off. Flies into the glass head on again,
and again, and again. Until he totally exhausts himself
and drops dead on the windowsill. Little did it know it
was doomed from the start.

The problem was that it didn't see things the way they
were, but the way it was.

And when it comes to eternal salvation or life after
death, the instinctive knowledge of which is ingrained
into the human soul from birth, neither do we see
things the way they are (from Gods' perspective), but
the way we are.

And herein lies the tragedy. Man-made religions depend
on an individual's good works, best efforts, doing
penance, trying harder, or even self-inflicted pain in
a futile attempt to save himself. I don't know where I
learned it, but as a child I believed that if I did
enough good things to outnumber or outweigh the bad
things I did, that would find favor with God and I
would be assured of a home in Heaven. Wrong.

Going back to the fly bashing its head against the
window pane in a futile effort to save itself, had it
only realized that across the room a few feet away was
an open door, he could have escaped effortlessly to
freedom.

And so it is with finding God and the gift of eternal
life. Our good works will never get us into Heaven.
Neither will trying harder or anything else we do. We
simply cannot save ourselves. If we could, why would
Jesus have died for us on the cross? The reason we
can't save ourselves is because we are sinners and are
already spiritually dead; that is, eternally separated
from a holy and just God. And dead people cannot save
themselves!

All we need to do is to stop our own futile efforts to
save ourselves and look to Jesus. As He said, "I am the
gate [door]; whoever enters through me will be saved.
He will come in and go out, and find pasture."2 And
again, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that You have
provided the way of salvation for lost mankind. Help me
to see that there is nothing I can do to save myself,
and that all I need to do to receive Your gift of
forgiveness and eternal life is to confess my sins to
You and ask Jesus to be my Savior. Thank You for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's
name. Amen."

1. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV).
2. John 10:9 (NIV).
3. John 14:6 (NIV).

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

Today's Daily Encounter

The Measure of a Man 

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord
looks at the heart."1

It is reported that former British Prime Minister David
Lloyd George was once introduced by a chairman who
jokingly said, "I had expected to find Mr. Lloyd George
a big man in every sense, but you see for yourselves he
is quite small in stature."

Not amused Lloyd George rebutted, "In North Wales we
measure a man from his chin up. You evidently measure
him from his chin down."

An even greater measure is the "size" of a man's heart.
As The Living Bible puts today's text, God said, "Don't
judge by a man's face or height … I don't make
decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward
appearance, but I look at a man's thoughts and
intentions."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a big heart
to love people regardless of outward appearances, and
seek to win those who are lost to you. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

1. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV).

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

Today's Daily Encounter

The Remarkable Power of Christmas Part III 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God;
trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, I [Jesus] would have told you. I am
going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you
to be with me that you also may be where I am."1

How can we know if the Christmas story is true or not?
The person of Christ is not in doubt. He was as much a
fact of history as were Julius Caesar and William
Shakespeare. But was his birth on that first Christmas
that of God on earth?

That, of course, is a question each person needs to
answer for him or herself. However, for those who
sincerely want an answer there is great evidence to
verify that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God.

Among the best evidence is the fulfillment of more than
300 biblical prophecies concerning his birth, life, and
death that accurately predicted his birth in Bethlehem,
his being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, and his
death by crucifixion.

In his book, Science Speaks, Peter Stoner applies the
science of probability to just eight of these many
prophecies. He states that the chance that any one man
might have fulfilled just these eight prophecies would
be one in 1016; that is one in 10,000,000,000,000,000,
not to mention the chances of fulfilling all 300
prophecies.

Stoner says that if we took this many silver dollars
(10 to the 16) and laid them on the face of the state
of Texas, they would cover the entire state two feet
thick. If one of the coins had a special marking on it
and a blindfolded man had to find it, what would his
chances be?
Stoner claims that he would have as much chance as the
biblical prophets, without God, "would have had of
writing those eight prophecies and having them all come
true in any one man."

Christ also confirmed his deity through his many
miracles and especially through his resurrection from
death. He came to earth specifically to pay the penalty
and die for the sins of mankind. In rising from the
dead, he not only showed that he was the Son of God,
but also conquered sin and death so that all who
believe in him would receive the gift of eternal life.

The exciting news about Christmas is that it is not
only a reminder of Christ's first coming and all he did
for us, but also a reminder that he is coming again to
take to heaven all who put their trust in him and to do
away with all wars, sorrow, and tears forever. Only
then will his promise of "peace on earth" be fulfilled.
Based on his other promises and biblical prophecies
already fulfilled, we can be just as certain of
Christ's second coming as we are of his first.

Exactly when that will be nobody knows for sure. 
   However, the signs of the time indicate that
Christ's return could be very near--perhaps just around
the corner.

The critical issue is to be ready for his coming. You
can be by believing that Christ died on the cross for
your sins and by responding to his invitation to
receive him into your heart and life as personal Lord
and Savior. To see how to do this see the article, "How
to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at:
www.actsweb.org/christian.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the promise
that Jesus will return to earth again for all those who
have put their faith and trust in him. Please help me
to know for sure that I will be ready when that time
comes. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 14:1-3 (NIV).

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

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Admin Mon 09 Dec 2019, 11:22 pm

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International 6341_10151531838279989_292100487_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_eui2=AeHyIkDcf47vSFxCmSPV7RNoPMCb4woMEI3Ao4BH289Ye3CUEcH9X8BbV2wGdStLMHNg-W7LCLNTGSHvClcOOa52C-2mHzdgVo8IwhPXT54kng&_nc_ohc=px9oV8i7eb8AQm4aU2NVu6kKErsilsPqY8itM6_vLxeWcta-gTrvEUNeg&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1
 
Heaven: What Will It Be Like and Who Will Be There?
Today's Daily Encounter Part I
Heaven: What Will It Be Like and Who Will Be There?
As William Shakespeare said so eloquently, "There is a
tide in the affairs of men, / Which taken at the flood,
leads on to fortune; / Omitted, all the voyage of their
life / Is bound in shallows and in miseries." If Heaven
is real and the opportunity to gain entrance therein is
omitted, the consequences for all eternity are
unthinkable. It will be far more than "bound in
shallows and in miseries."
 
But is Heaven Real? In God's Word, the Bible--in the
New Testament alone--there are 276 references to
"Heaven" and "heavenly" such as in heavenly places,
assuring us that Heaven is as real a place as is earth.
Furthermore, the greatest evidence we have regarding
the validity of the Bible can be found in the
fulfillment of prophecies written hundreds of years in
advance. For instance, a thousand years B.C. the Bible
said that Christ would come through the family of
David.1 Seven hundred years B.C., Bethlehem was named
by the prophet Micah as the birthplace of Christ.2 Six
hundred years B.C., the prophet Daniel predicted the
time of Christ's coming.3
 
All of these predictions were fulfilled exactly as
stated in the Bible. And hundreds of years before
Christ came to earth both David and Isaiah predicted in
specific detail the sufferings of Christ and the manner
of his death. David, referring to and "speaking for"
Jesus Christ, wrote in the Psalms, "They pierced my
hands and my feet."4 This is precisely what happened
when Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross. We can be
equally certain that all the promises and prophecies in
God's Word about Heaven will also be fulfilled in
minutest detail.
 
The next question we ask is, "Where Is Heaven?" which
we will answer in tomorrow's Daily Encounter.
 
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the
certainty that we have knowing that you always keep
your Word and that every one of your promises regarding
Heaven will be fulfilled exactly as you have promised.
Please help me to be absolutely sure that I am prepared
to go to your Heaven when my life on earth is complete.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
 
1. 2 Samuel 7:12-16.
2. Micah 5:2.
3. Daniel 9:25, 26.
4. Psalm 22:16 and Isaiah 53.
 
<Smile)))><
 
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.
Admin
Admin
Admin

Posts : 81233
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK

https://worldwidechristians.forumotion.com

Back to top Go down

Daily Encounter with:  ACTS International Empty Re: Daily Encounter with: ACTS International

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 26 1, 2, 3 ... 13 ... 26  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum