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Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:12:58 -0700

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You can also visit my website at: http://compassionheart.com Feel free to comment or write, and stumble any pages that you like.

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Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:14:01 -0700

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them....

And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds." (Revelation 20:11-12 nasb)

"I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared....

I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: "God's home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people."

He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.

Then the one sitting on the throne said: I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted.

Everything is finished! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give water from the life-giving fountain to everyone who is thirsty. All who win the victory will be given these blessings. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

(Revelation 21:1,3-7, cev).

Rev 21:8 "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (cev)

"Now I, the Sovereign LORD, am telling you ...... that I will judge each of you by what you have done. Turn away from all the evil you are doing, and don't let your sin destroy you.

Give up all the evil you have been doing, and get yourselves new minds and hearts. Why do you Israelites want to die? I do not want anyone to die," says the Sovereign LORD. "Turn away from your sins and live." (Ezekiel 18:30-32, gnb)

"God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways. For he has fixed a day in which he will judge the whole world with justice by means of a man he has chosen. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising that man from death!" (Acts 17:30-31, gnb)

"So change the way you think and act, and turn to God to have your sins removed! Then times will come when the Lord will refresh you. He will send you Jesus, whom he has appointed to be the Christ." (Acts 3:19-20. gw)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

"If we have faith in God's Son, we have believed what God has said. But if we don't believe what God has said about his Son, it is the same as calling God a liar." (1 John 5:10, cev)

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:11-13, hcsb).

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/30957251/

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:12:59 -0700

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.
Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son.

This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.
Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up.
But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God." (John 3:16-21, gnb)

"If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved (put right with God). For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved. The scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed." (Romans 10:9-11, gnb)

"We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death.
He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake." ( 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, gnb).

Jesus said, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."

Thomas *said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:3-6, nasb)

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/30957037/

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:04:00 -0700

"...............Jesus went to Galilee and told the good news that comes from God. He said, "The time has come! God's kingdom will soon be here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14, cev)

Jesus said, "The Lord's Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say, 'This is the year the Lord has chosen.' " (Luke 4:18-19, cev)

"This good news is about (God's) Son, our Lord Jesus Christ! As a human, he was from the family of David. But the Holy Spirit proved that Jesus is the powerful Son of God, because he was raised from death." (Romans 1:3, cev)

"I'm not ashamed of the Good News. It is God's power to save (put right with God) everyone who believes, Jews first and Greeks as well. God's approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17, gw)

God can strengthen you by the Good News and the message I tell about Jesus Christ. He can strengthen you by revealing the mystery that was kept in silence for a very long time but now is publicly known. The everlasting God ordered that what the prophets wrote must be shown to the people of every nation to bring them to the obedience that is associated with faith." (Romans 16:25-26, gw)

"By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God's undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2, cev)

Romans 3:22 (gnb) "God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all:
For "all of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory." But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. God sent Christ to be our sacrifice.

Christ offered his life's blood, so that by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-25, cev)

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8, esv)

"By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! We were God's enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God's friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ's life!

But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends." (Romans 5:9-11, gnb)

"Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends." (2 Timothy 1:10, cev)

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/21947819/

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:43:52 -0800

Words of Encouragement

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the laughter."37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea..

Psalms 46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Matthew 10:30 "The very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

And Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
John 12:44-46 (ESV)

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 (ESV)

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/26602458/

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:19:42 -0700

PSALM 67 / A Psalm. A Song.>> God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us.
2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.
4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.
6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/26121862/

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:16:35 -0700

You can download a free New Testament by clicking on the link below. Click on the PDF icon, Then click on the "Download" button on the webpage:

http://cid-26e356584d65e923.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/World%20English%20New%20Testament

Once you've downloaded it, then you can save a copy to your hard drive, as a PDF file.

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/25771869/

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:03:12 -0700

STRESS AND SURRENDER by M. A. Erickson

Many people are under stress and pressure in our culture today. Financial stresses, relationship stresses, job related stress, health issues, emotional stress - the list goes on and on. The tensions of life have been tough on many people. The tensions of life have led to breakdown, strain, a lack of peace, and health problems.

But there is a way to come out from under stress: stress and the pressures of life can be released through surrender. "Letting go" is one of the most healthy things you can do. It leads to an inner peace, a release of pressure, a new freedom. "Letting go" ultimately leads to a peace and freedom beyond anything that you or I have yet experienced.

There is a great release in realizing that you do not have to "hold your life together." There is a great release in realizing that you do not have to scheme and strive and pull strings to keep your life manageable. There is a great release in realizing that the universe does not revolve around you or I. You do not have to hold the universe (or even your own life) together. The universe does not revolve around you or I, and so it would be unnatural, unhealthy, for you to try to run the universe or even your own life.

The problem is that many people live as if life revolved around them - their ideas, plans, or needs. Unknowingly, they fall into a trap, because if a person lives as if life and the universe revolves around himself or herself, then "self" will be at the center. When "self" is ruling a person's life, that person will find that happiness and peace escapes him.

This explains why so many rich and famous people cannot find happiness through money, power, fame or fortune. Because "self" is at the center of their life, they cannot find true happiness or peace - only temporary pleasures that lead to dead-ends, dissatisfaction or addiction.

Average people face the same issue of "self," but often it is the problems and difficulties of life that keep a person struggling to stay in control, to stay "in charge," and live life by one's own strength.

But there is a much greater strength, the Strength of Another - the one who truly does run the universe. The loving God who holds the universe together has a personal concern for you, and He alone has the power and love to manage and guide your life. The loving God alone has the power and wisdom to guide your life and bring you into peace.

This God of love comes to you in the person of Jesus Christ. So the only safe and right surrender is to surrender your problems to the One who gave His life for you: the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only true image of God, who has come to us in the flesh. He gave His life for you on the cross to cleanse you, and to lead you to the true center: the heavenly Father who truly does love you and rule over all things. Jesus said it clearly: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me." (John 14:6).

There are two great pulls in the universe: one is the pulling force of self: this is a life that revolves around self in it's various forms. A life that revolves around self includes a life that is centered on selfish pleasures; but it can also include someone who is struggling to stay "on top of things," trying to stay in control, in this difficult and unpredictable world. We just weren't meant to be "in charge" of things here.

The other great pull is the God of love who created the universe, the living God who also became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. God came to us to reveal Himself to us. He revealed Himself as a loving and compassionate Savior. Only He is qualified to guide our lives. Only He is qualified to reign in our hearts. He leads us away from the reign of "self," and into the rule of love.

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/25772694/

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:02:55 -0700

If you look to religious people for clues about a God-centered life, you will find many disappointments. Just because a person is "religious" doesn't mean that their life is truly centered on the God of love. Some people remain at the center of their own life, while they talk of God or religion. If a person has obvious moral flaws or wrong behavior, or distorted concepts of God, that person has not come to a true surrender to the God of love. Religious people who still have "self" at the center of their life actually turn many people away from the loving God of heaven.

Therefore, rather than looking to people and their failures, look to Jesus Christ. He died for us, not when we were good and noble, but while we were still trapped under the rule of "self." He died for us to cleanse us and forgive us and heal us. He did this while we were still preoccupied with "self," and sin. (All types of sin are just the expression of selfishness, in one form or another- so Jesus died to cleanse us from all forms of selfishness, and to restore our focus on the love of the Father). Believe in Jesus and allow Him to restore you to a life centered on love for God, and a genuine love for people.

"Letting go" is healthy, because it is based on the truth: God is the one running the universe, not you or I. "Letting go" is when you allow God to be at the center of your life, rather than yourself. Letting go is also when you allow Him to be in control, in all the specific areas of your life. This takes your focus off of yourself, and places it on the God of love and compassion.

You and I were not meant to be at the center of the universe, or even to be at the center of our own lives. We were meant to have the loving God at the center of our lives. When He is truly at the center, everything else takes it's rightful place in our lives. Then we love God, and we love people, each in their rightful place and way.

ULTIMATE SURRENDER AND DAILY SURRENDER

The ultimate surrender is when you surrender your life fully to God. He becomes the center of your life, and you love people and use your talents and abilities for the glory of God. This is a once - and - for - all decision. Even after you make that decision, however, there are the many daily surrenders, where you turn your problems and burdens and concerns over to God, to let Him handle them. There are many daily reminders that God should be the one running the universe, not you or I. Surrendering, "letting go," allows the peace of God to rule in your heart during the daily challenges.

A comparison can be made with marriage: at the altar a man and woman exchange vows, and give their lives to one another. That is a decision, a commitment, a surrender of two people's lives to one another. But in marriage there are also many daily surrenders, when a man and woman seek to please each other, and set aside any selfishness.

So it is with our relationship with the God of love. There is the initial surrender of your life to Him. Then there is the daily surrender, where you learn to walk with God and allow Him to guide your life. In this relationship of love God works with you and through you, to manifest His love to people around you.

Talking with the God of Love

In your relationship with the God of love, it is crucial that you allow Him to be at the center of your life, guiding and directing you. This happens as you allow Him to rule and reign in specific situations. Praying includes asking Him into each situation, to guide and direct you. It also includes asking for wisdom, and believing that God will impart wisdom to you.

Growth as a Person

As you grow in your relationship with the Lord, He will call you away from the path of self-centeredness, and He will call you into the path of genuine love: using your gifts and giving your life to serve others.

Releasing stress to God is one of the great privileges of the God-centered life. "Letting go" and letting God have control is simply the recognition of the truth - the truth that God is ultimately in control. And He has promised to guide and direct those who let Him have control of their lives. Not only that, but He has promised to take the burdens and cares of His people upon His own shoulders. Scripture says, "Cast your burdens upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

God comes to fill you with His presence, His precious Holy Spirit. This leads you away from self, and to the outflow of genuine love. The selfishness that is prevalent in the human race is obvious, and is the source of our problems. God changes this by giving you a new nature when you surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

http://maerickson.stumbleupon.com/review/25772719/

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:02:27 -0700

He then comes and fills you with His Holy Spirit, to lead you away from the trap of "self," into an outflowing of love from your heart.� This outflow of love and compassion is one of the sure signs of a child of God, who has been filled with God's love. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because He first loved us." And in 1 John 4:7 it says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." You must follow Christ, down the path of genuine love.

The Apostle John goes on to say, "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested to us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the payment for our sins."

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."

"And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." (1st John 4:8-16).

A Prayer of Surrender:

Dear Lord Jesus, please fill me with your love, and wash away all my sins. I surrender my heart and life to you.
I ask you to receive me and make me whole.

Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, to cleanse me and forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me, to make me a child of God. I turn away from all my sins, with all my heart.

I receive you, Lord Jesus, as the Lord and Savior of my life. I ask you to rule in my heart and life from now on.

I ask you to fill me with your loving presence, and guard me with your divine protection.

I ask you to strengthen me, and help me to live for you from now on. I ask you to fill me with love so that I can love other people with a pure love. Fill me with love so that I can love you with all of my heart.

I surrender my worries and my fears, and my problems to you. Help me and guide me in your way. Amen.

//////////////////////////////

(1) You can deepen your relationship with the God of love by talking with Him every day in prayer. You will experience more and more of the love and compassion of God.
(2) Learn more about God's love, and His plan for your life by reading His Word (You can download a free New Testament as a PDF file, at: http://www.mediafire.com/?bfagb75cyf0

(Download the file, and then save a copy on your computer).

For more information you can go to: http://www.compassionheart.com