Quote from Forum Archives on June 3, 2003, 10:20 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

The 1 Corinthians 7 mailing list, which now exceeds the size of
the original Word for Today mailing list, has been off line since
last Friday. Because of that. I've refrained from sending any
messages, but I'd like to send this one out anyway.

Glen Stewart, the owner of Associate.com, a completely free
service devoted to Christian ministries, has been on vacation,
but he had asked me and another person to manage his service
while he was gone. Before Glen and his family ever left for
vacation, we lost services to Associate.com and we were also
unable to reach Glen by either pager or cell phone.

After a few days of wondering, praying, and trying to get
through, Ruth Anne Wheeler, the other person helping out, was
successful in getting a hold of Glen. They're OK and the mailing
list services will be back online by tomorrow.

Larry Davies is a full time pastor, but he has a growing
International ministry to pray for the needs of others. We've
had cases where despondent people have reached out and received
the prayers of many who care about them. In st least one case,
possibly more, Larry and his local ministry team was able to
directly help out someone who was ready to take their own life.

Showing we care really CAN make a difference, but it really isn't
about us, it's about unselfishly sharing the love of God through
Christ Jesus to everyone we meet.

Today's message is a continuation of Larry's series, and this
message is about that very subject: getting our motives and
perspective right. Larry has searched his heart and bared his
soul on this, and realized that some questionable motives had
managed to creep into his life.

Do you ever have questionable motives creep into YOUR life? Be
honest now! Larry is being honest. I've definitely had
questionable motives (made painfully obvious by bad choices that
I've made). Is there hope for me, for you? Most certainly, yes.

This story is not over, not for Sowing Seeds, not for Larry, not
for you, not for me. Will you join me in continually thinking
about the things that are appropriate? Read this:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever
you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in
me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with
you.

That's probably my favorite scripture passage of all. I read it
often, along with Matthew 22:34-40, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians
2:1-11, Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 John 4:7-11, and James 1:2-4. You
might want to look them all up and get to know them, then pray
about them. In case you're not familiar with the passage above,
it comes from Philippians 4:4-9 according to the New
International Version (NIV) of the Holy Bible, as copied online
from bible.gospelcom.net/.

When I read these words, which I know well, then examine myself,
when God takes that moment, and I give it freely to Him, He
changes my heart, what's deep inside, my motives, my intentions,
which ultimately lead to my actions. He's done that for me, He
can do that for each one of us, if we're willing to enter the
examining room of our lives.

Dear Lord,

Please help us to read Your Word, think about it, pray about it,
apply it and act on it in our daily lives - throughout the day,
each and every day. I ask these things with great humility,
helpless on my own. In Jesus' Name and for His sake, I come.
Please hear my prayers and work out Your way in all of our lives
in a way we can clearly see, so that we may know Your ways among
us and continue to praise You every day. Amen.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

____________________________________________________________
Thank you for praying for little Jacob Bruce... The surgery to
remove a tumor inside his brain was very successful. He is
already alert and talking which is a miracle. He was not given
much chance to make it yet against all odds he is doing better.
There are still rough days ahead however. You can see a picture
of Jacob on our website by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/jacob_bruce.htm You may also
email them a letter of prayer and support at...
mailto:jreger89@hotmail.com

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

Larry, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I went to church
as a child but never fully understood God and what he could do
for us. Since I have contacted you, I have come out of a deep
depression that can only be the power of prayer. I want to do
what God wants now. I need Him so very much. Larry, this has
changed my life and you had a big hand in it. If not for your
ministry I think I too would have given in to the devil and
taken my own life as well. Thank you, Denise

Sowing Seeds Ministry is reaching around the world. To continue
offering quality ministry we need your help. Be a prayer partner
by clicking here: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm
We also have financial partners. Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm or email
me personally at mailto:sowseeds@nesbeonline.com All funds are
strictly used for ministry.

To read parts one through three... click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/computer_crash.htm

"Computer Crashes, Silence & Renewal" Part 4 Larry Davies

The computer was in the shop for five days but I was the one in
need of help. While searching for answers, I ran across a story
by Arthur Gordon about a doctor's advice for overcoming a touch
of depression. "Find an isolated spot and follow the
instructions on four separate slips of paper." While reading
each prescription I also studied the book of Proverbs. The
combination proved invaluable.

1. Listen Carefully was a poignant reminder that in this fast
paced world, God is still very much in control. I was the one
who needed to pause. "Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out
the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise." (Proverbs
1:23)

2. Try Reaching Back. A photo album represented precious
memories and golden moments to savor and appreciate. Each moment
became a treasure trove of memories offering reassurance that I
am loved and shaped by family and friends. More than that...
"Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep,
they will protect you." (Proverbs 6:22)

So far, so good! By now, I was eagerly anticipating opening the
third prescription. Carefully unfolding the third piece of
paper, I read: Reexamine Your Motives.

"Reexamine your motives! Why? There's nothing wrong with my
motives. I work hard to be successful and provide for my family.
I enjoy being good at what I do. Is there anything wrong with
that?"

A quiet authoritative voice seemed to whisper in my ear...
"Maybe? It all depends on whom you're working so hard for? What
are the real motives behind your overwhelming drive for
success?"

Truthfully, my motives had subtly changed over the years. I
enjoyed the adulation and compliments success brings. I yearned
to be recognized as an authority among my colleagues. I liked
having extra money in the checkbook. Is it really wrong to
desire the fruit of my hard work and creative labors?

Did you notice the repetition and emphasis on, "I" and "my" in
the last paragraph? In other words... "I" was the problem and
the solution would only come from a willingness to change "my"
attitude.

Reexamine your motives. Are you still working for something
bigger than yourself?

Choose my instruction rather than silver and knowledge over pure
gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you
desire can be compared with it. (Proverbs 8:10-11)

Until now, I thought this passage was simply a reminder to spend
more time in Bible study. Not really! God wants to radically
change our attitude. Silver and gold represent the motives of
personal status and financial security. Instruction and wisdom
represent striving for something beyond personal
accomplishments. In the end, God promises: "Nothing you desire
can be compared with it."

* Reexamine your motives... is a call to discover God's purpose
for your life and carry it out.
* Reexamine your motives... provides the comfort of knowing you
are valued for who you are.
* Reexamine your motives... requires courage to reach beyond
what is comfortable.
* Reexamine your motives... demands humility because ultimate
success belongs to God.
* Reexamine your motives... promises gifts far greater than
anything you've ever imagined.

"All who fear the Lord will hate evil. That is why I hate pride,
arrogance, corruption and perverted speech. Good advice and
success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine... I love
all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me...
My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than
sterling silver! Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill
their treasuries. (Parts of 8:13-21)

"Reexamine your motives," for me... was a much-needed reminder
from God that I desperately needed to repent of my own selfish
motives. All I could do is bow my head and pray: "Forgive me
Lord. Purify my heart and help me change." In the quiet of the
early morning hours, alone in my study, I began to cry.
Embarrassed, I tried to wipe away the tears but they simply
would not stop. For several minutes, I was trapped by an
overwhelming sense of guilt. Yet, this is exactly where God
wanted me. Because without discovering a need to change, I would
never understand what happened next.

Do you have a passion for good coffee? Now you can order some of
the finest coffee in the world and support your favorite charity
at the same time. "Grounds for Giving" sends 25% of all orders
to the charity of your choice. We hope you'll choose "Sowing
Seeds Ministry" but that's your choice. Check it out for
yourself by clicking here: www.GroundsForGiving.com What
a great idea!

Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join
our prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it
shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

Did you know? All money received from the sale of our books go
directly back into the Sowing Seeds Website or the printing
bill? When we say "Non-Profit" we mean... "Non-Profit!" Support
us today. Buy "Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's
Recipe for a Better Life" now on sale only through this website.
Click here: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

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--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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